Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Progesterone Administration during Reperfusion, but not Preischemia Alone, Reduces Injury in Ovariectomized Rats

Although progesterone is neuroprotective in traumatic brain injury, its efficacy in stroke is unclear. The authors determined whether there are infarction differences after middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) in ovariectomized rats treated acutely with progesterone before MCAO or both pre- and postischemia. Rats received vehicle, 5 (P5), 10 (P10), or 20 (P20) mg/kg progesterone intraperitoneally 30 minutes before MCAO. In another cohort, animals received vehicle or 5 (P5R) mg/kg progesterone intraperitoneally 30 minutes before MCAO, at reperfusion initiation, and at 6-hour reperfusion. Animals underwent 2-hour MCAO by the intraluminal filament technique, followed by 22-hour reperfusion. Cortical (CTX) and caudate-putamen (CP) infarctions were determined by 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining and digital image analysis. End-ischemic and early reperfusion regional cerebral blood flow (CBF) was measured by [14C]-iodoantipyrine quantitative autoradiography in vehicle- or progesterone (5 mg/kg)-treated rats. Cortical infarction (% contralateral CTX) was 31 ± 30% (vehicle), 39 ± 23% (P5), 41 ± 14% (P10), and 28 ± 20% (P20). Caudate-putamen infarction (% contralateral CP) was 45 ± 37% (vehicle), 62 ± 34% (P5), 75 ± 17% (P10), and 52 ± 30% (P20). In vehicle and P5R groups, CTX infarction was 37 ± 20% and *20 ± 17%, respectively (*P < 0.05 from vehicle). In vehicle and P5R groups, CP infarction was 63 ± 26% and 43 ± 29%, respectively. End-ischemic regional CBF and CBF recovery during initial reperfusion was unaffected by progesterone treatment. These data suggest that progesterone administration both before MCAO and during reperfusion decreases ischemic brain injury.
Awe and Humility

Humility is a foundational virtue that counters selfish inclinations such as entitlement, arrogance, and narcissism (Tangney, 2000). We hypothesize that experiences of awe promote greater humility. Guided by an appraisal-tendency framework of emotion, we propose that when individuals encounter an entity that is vast and challenges their worldview, they feel awe, which leads to self-diminishment and subsequently humility. In support of these claims, awe-prone individuals were rated as more humble by friends (Study 1) and reported greater humility across a 2-week period (Study 2), controlling for other positive emotions. Inducing awe led participants to present a more balanced view of their strengths and weaknesses to others (Study 3) and acknowledge, to a greater degree, the contribution of outside forces in their own personal accomplishments (Study 4), compared with neutral and positive control conditions. Finally, an awe-inducing expansive view elicited greater reported humility than a neutral view (Study 5). We also elucidated the process by which awe leads to humility. Feelings of awe mediated the relationship between appraisals (perceptions of vastness and a challenge to one’s world view) and humility (Study 4), and self-diminishment mediated the relationship between awe and humility (Study 5). Taken together, these results reveal that awe offers one path to greater humility.
Fine-tuned convolutional neural nets for cardiac MRI acquisition plane recognition

In this paper, we propose a convolutional neural network-based method to automatically retrieve missing or noisy cardiac acquisition plane information from magnetic resonance imaging and predict the five most common cardiac views. We fine-tune a convolutional neural network (CNN) initially trained on a large natural image recognition data-set (Imagenet ILSVRC2012) and transfer the learnt feature representations to cardiac view recognition. We contrast this approach with a previously introduced method using classification forests and an augmented set of image miniatures, with prediction using off the shelf CNN features, and with CNNs learnt from scratch. We validate this algorithm on two different cardiac studies with 200 patients and 15 healthy volunteers, respectively. We show that there is value in fine-tuning a model trained for natural images to transfer it to medical images. Our approach achieves an average F1 score of 97.66% and significantly improves the state-of-the-art of image-based cardiac view recognition. This is an important building block to organise and filter large collections of cardiac data prior to further analysis. It allows us to merge studies from multiple centres, to perform smarter image filtering, to select the most appropriate image processing algorithm, and to enhance visualisation of cardiac data-sets in content-based image retrieval.
Financial Constraints and Lender Selection: An Empirical Analysis

In this paper, we evaluate the relative importance of the alternative sources of external finance (mainly debt) in the Indian context using probit regression analysis. Here we consider three different sources of external finance, namely the capital market, bank borrowings and borrowings from financial institutions and foreign institutional agencies and try to capture their relative contributions in alleviating financial constraints. We also examine whether their relative importance has changed in the post-liberalization period as compared to the pre-liberalization period. The results suggest that inspite of considerable developments in the Indian capital market since the initiation of the reforms, borrowing through intermediaries seems to dominate direct borrowing. The financial structure continues to be bank-based.
Using collective intelligence to detect pragmatic ambiguities

This paper presents a novel approach for pragmatic ambiguity detection in natural language (NL) requirements specifications defined for a specific application domain. Starting from a requirements specification, we use a Web-search engine to retrieve a set of documents focused on the same domain of the specification. From these domain-related documents, we extract different knowledge graphs, which are employed to analyse each requirement sentence looking for potential ambiguities. To this end, an algorithm has been developed that takes the concepts expressed in the sentence and searches for corresponding “concept paths” within each graph. The paths resulting from the traversal of each graph are compared and, if their overall similarity score is lower than a given threshold, the requirements specification sentence is considered ambiguous from the pragmatic point of view. A proof of concept is given throughout the paper to illustrate the soundness of the proposed strategy.
Neurotrophin‐3 Delivered Locally via Fibronectin Mats Enhances Peripheral Nerve Regeneration

A better understanding of the mechanisms of nerve regeneration could improve the outcome of surgical nerve repair. We have previously shown that axonal regeneration is increased by nerve growth factor. Neurotrophin‐3 (NT‐3) belongs to the same family as nerve growth factor but acts on a distinct neuron subpopulation. As little is known about its role following nerve injury, we have investigated the effect of NT‐3 delivered via fibronectin mats, previously shown to support nerve regeneration comparable to nerve grafts. NT‐3 stimulation (0.1–1000 ng/ml) of neurite extension from embryonic chick dorsal root ganglia in vitro has shown that fibronectin can bind and release bioactive NT‐3. Fibronectin mats impregnated with NT‐3 (500 ng/ml) were grafted into 1 cm sciatic nerve defects in adult Lewis rats. Plain mats were used as controls. Computerized quantification of penetration distance, volume of axonal regeneration and myelinated fibre counts was undertaken using immunostaining for axonal markers (growth‐associated protein 43, calcitonin gene‐related peptide, substance P, vasoactive intestinal peptide and neuropeptide tyrosine), or S100 orthionine blue staining up to 8 months postoperatively. The maximal effect of NT‐3 occurred at day 15, when for GAP43‐immunostained axons both penetration distance (NT‐3, 6.10 ± 0.42 mm; control, 4.11 ± 0.41 mm; P <0.01) and staining area (NT‐3, 0.137 ± 0.012 mm2; control, 0.077 ± 0.018 mm2; P < 0.05) were significantly increased. Similar results were found for each neuronal subpopulation investigated. By 8 months after repair, the NT‐3 group supported a significantly greater number of myelinated axons (NT‐3, 7003 ± 402; control, 4932 ± 725; P < 0.05) of similar diameter and g‐ratio to controls. These results demonstrate the contribution of NT‐3 to the increase of nerve regeneration promoted by growth factors.
Diet and Physical Activity Apps: Perceived Effectiveness by App Users

Background Diet and physical activity apps are two types of health apps that aim to promote healthy eating and energy expenditure through monitoring of dietary intake and physical activity. No clear evidence showing the effectiveness of using these apps to promote healthy eating and physical activity has been previously reported. Objective This study aimed to identify how diet and physical activity (PA) apps affected their users. It also investigated if using apps was associated with changes in diet and PA. Methods First, 3 semi-structured focus group discussions concerning app usability were conducted (15 app users and 8 nonusers; mean age 24.2 years, SD 6.4), including outcome measures such as motivations, experiences, opinions, and adherence. Results from the discussions were used to develop a questionnaire. The questionnaire, which contained questions about behavior changes, app usage, perceived effectiveness, and opinions of app usability, was answered by 500 Norwegians, with a mean age of 25.8 years (SD 5.1). Results App users found diet and PA apps effective in promoting healthy eating and exercising. These apps affected their actions, health consciousness, and self-education about nutrition and PA; and were also a part of their social lives. Over half of the users perceived that apps were effective in assisting them to eat healthily and to exercise more. Diet apps were more effective when they were frequently used and over a long period of time, compared to infrequent or short-term use (P=.01 and P=.02, respectively). Users who used diet and PA apps, perceived apps as more effective than users who only used one type of app (all P<.05). App users were better at maintaining diet and PA behaviors than nonusers (all P<.05). Young adults found apps fun to use, but sometimes time consuming. They wanted apps to be designed to meet their personal expectations. Conclusions App usage influenced action, consciousness, self-education about nutrition and PA, and social life. It facilitated maintaining a healthy diet and exercising more. Diet and PA apps of the future can be further strengthened by being tailored to meet personal needs.
Fatigue in Daily Life in Patients with Primary Sjögren's Syndrome and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Abstract: Fatigue is a well‐recognized complaint with major impact on daily life in primary Sjögren's syndrome (PSS) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Previous research has not taken into account several crucial aspects of fatigue. This study examined various aspects of fatigue in the daily life of patients with PSS and SLE and in healthy controls. We compared age‐adjusted, repeated measurements of fatigue across the day of female patients with SLE (n= 20, mean age 43.4 ± 11.3), with PSS (n= 28, mean age 53.7 ± 13.9) and healthy participants (n= 30, mean age 50.5 ± 13.4). General and physical fatigue was significantly higher in patients than in healthy participants. Groups did not differ with respect to average levels of reduced motivation or mental fatigue. Both general and physical fatigue and reduced activity varied significantly during the day. Adjusting for depressive symptoms, groups showed significantly different time courses during the day. In healthy participants and patients with SLE, fatigue first decreased and then increased, whereas a rather opposite course—at least for the first part of the day—was observed in patients with PSS. Using an ecologically valid assessment method, we demonstrated substantially higher levels of daily fatigue in SLE and PSS patients as compared to healthy participants, thereby jeopardizing these patients' quality of life. The effect of disease on variations in fatigue over the day should be the subject of further inquiry, especially as it might clarify underlying mechanisms.
Manage Your Life Online (MYLO): A Pilot Trial of a Conversational Computer-Based Intervention for Problem Solving in a Student Sample

Background: Computerized self-help that has an interactive, conversational format holds several advantages, such as flexibility across presenting problems and ease of use. We designed a new program called MYLO that utilizes the principles of Method of Levels (MOL) therapy - based upon Perceptual Control Theory (PCT). Aims: We tested the efficacy of MYLO, tested whether the psychological change mechanisms described by PCT mediated its efficacy, and evaluated effects of client expectancy. Method: Forty-eight student participants were randomly assigned to MYLO or a comparison program ELIZA. Participants discussed a problem they were currently experiencing with their assigned program and completed measures of distress, resolution and expectancy preintervention, postintervention and at 2-week follow-up. Results: MYLO and ELIZA were associated with reductions in distress, depression, anxiety and stress. MYLO was considered more helpful and led to greater problem resolution. The psychological change processes predicted higher ratings of MYLO's helpfulness and reductions in distress. Positive expectancies towards computer-based problem solving correlated with MYLO's perceived helpfulness and greater problem resolution, and this was partly mediated by the psychological change processes identified. Conclusions: The findings provide provisional support for the acceptability of the MYLO program in a non-clinical sample although its efficacy as an innovative computer-based aid to problem solving remains unclear. Nevertheless, the findings provide tentative early support for the mechanisms of psychological change identified within PCT and highlight the importance of client expectations on predicting engagement in computer-based self-help.
Estimating the dark figure of human trafficking and slavery victimisation in Australia

The true extent of crime victimisation is unlikely to ever be known, yet new statistical techniques offer a promising method of uncovering the ‘dark figure’ of hidden victimisation. One such technique is multiple systems estimation (MSE), which counts the overlap of victims appearing in different combinations across multiple data sources. Using this technique, it is estimated that the number of human trafficking and slavery victims in Australia in 2015–16 and 2016–17 was between 1,300 and 1,900. This means there are approximately four undetected victims for every victim detected. Quantifying the extent of human trafficking and slavery victimisation enhances our understanding of the problem and provides a sound evidence base for informing policy development, the provision of victim support and law enforcement activities.
An Integrated LVDS Transmitter in 0.18-$\mu$ m CMOS Technology With High Immunity to EMI

This paper presents an on-chip design topology that compensates the effects of electromagnetic interference (EMI) in a low-voltage differential signaling (LVDS) transmitter. The proposed structure enables the transmitter to maintain a wide differential opening by achieving a superior common-mode level independent driving current and common-mode feedback closed-loop gain. Direct power injection measurements illustrate that the proposed LVDS transmitter structure demonstrates a superior EMI immunity as it maintains an eye opening of at least 100 mVp-p in presence of a conductive EMI injection ranging from 150 to 2 GHz with an amplitude of up to 9 Vp-p. Additionally, transverse electromagnetic cell measurements validate the radiated immunity of the proposed integrated LVDS transmitter in presence of an EMI injection of 30 dBm (150 kHz-2 GHz). This EMI robust LVDS transmitter was designed using the UMC 0.18-μm CMOS process.
KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDES OF NURSES TOWARDS PAIN MANAGEMENT AMONG THE ELDERLY : A case study of registered nurses from the local healthcare centers, Kokkola

CENTRAL OSTROBOTHNIA UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES Date September 2011 Author Christopher Kipkorir Degree Programme Degree programme in Nursing Name of thesis KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDES OF NURSES TOWARDS PAIN MANAGEMENT AMONG THE ELDERLY: A case study of registered nurses from the local healthcare centers, Kokkola. Instructor Timo Kinnunen, Senior Lecturer Pages 32 + 3 appendices Supervisor Marja-Liisa Hiironen, PhD The purpose of the study was to describe the level of knowledge and attitudes of registered nurses working in health care centre wards in charge of the elderly patients. In order to achieve that, the registered nurses‟ level of knowledge and attitudes towards pain management was investigated and the factors that affects on their decision making process concerning pain management explored. The research was conducted via quantitative descriptive research; there were 56 (n) nurse respondents representing 70% of the total sample from the two nursing institutions involved in the research. A closed-ended questionnaire with 25 questions was used as a tool for data collection after piloting. Data was analyzed by descriptive statistics from SPPS version 19. Ethical considerations in research were taken into consideration in all phases of the research that its acknowledgement was needed. Three research questions were addressed in order to deal with the research purpose. The questions addressed the nurses‟ level of knowledge and attitudes, pain assessment and factors influencing the nurses‟ level of knowledge and attitudes in regards to pain management. It emerged that the nurses‟ level of knowledge and attitudes was satisfactory but more focus should be based on pain assessment as it is the core foundation of managing pain. Work experience, reading of articles or journals and its practical application, occupational status and having had previous experiences in pain management were attributed to the nurses‟ level of knowledge and attitudes towards pain management. Nursing institutions should be responsible for enhancement and development of their employees. They should develop institutional guidelines based on their patients needs. However, nurses should be on the forefront in ensuring that their knowledge needs are met. Reading evidence-based articles or journals and applying the knowledge gained can assist in achieving this.
Restless legs syndrome

Objective: To assess the prevalence and severity of restless legs syndrome (RLS) in the general community and to investigate its potential relationship with iron metabolism and other potential risk factors. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of a sex- and age-stratified random sample of the general population (50 to 89 years; n = 701). The diagnosis of RLS was established by face-to-face interviews; severity was graded on the RLS severity scale. Each subject underwent a thorough clinical examination and extensive laboratory testing. Results: The prevalence of RLS was 10.6% (14.2% in women, 6.6% in men); 33.8% of all patients with RLS had mild, 44.6% had moderate, and 21.6% had severe disease expression. None had been previously diagnosed or was on dopaminergic therapy. Free serum iron, transferrin, and ferritin concentrations were similar in subjects with and without RLS. However, soluble transferrin receptor (sTR) concentrations were different in subjects with and without RLS (1.48 vs 1.34 mg/L; p < 0.001). Female sex and high sTR independently predicted the risk of RLS. Conclusion: This large survey confirms the high prevalence, female preponderance, and underrecognition of restless legs syndrome in the general community. Although two-thirds of patients had moderate to severe disease, none was on current dopaminergic therapy.
Using ICT and distance education to increase access, equity and quality of rural teachers’ professional development

The goal of ‘teacher quality for all’ is proving difficult to achieve in many countries, especially in rural and remote areas, yet teacher quality is a key determinant of students’ participation rates and levels of achievement. Though teachers’ professional development may be recognised as essential for improving teacher quality, policy choices, resources and approaches sometimes restrict its availability and limit its value to teachers. This paper describes the use of distance education and Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) to increase rural teachers’ learning opportunities in rural China and as a means for policy-makers and planners to support teachers’ professional development in ways than empower teachers.
Risk factors associated with morbidity and mortality of pneumonia in Thai children under 5 years.

ARI is the most common cause of illness and death in children under 5 years of age. Pneumonia is the leading cause of death. This prospective study was part of an ARIC project conducted to identify risk factors associated with mortality and morbidity of community acquired pneumonia in Thai children younger than 5 years of age. Study subjects were 267 moderately severe pneumonia who were admitted to hospital. Fifteen percent required a ventilator and were categorized as severe cases. Nine patients (3.4%) died and were categorized in the fatal group. From univariate analysis only, risk factors of fatal pneumonia were lower body weight (p = 0.04), paternal age less than 35 year (OR = 6.1, p = 0.01), underlying heart disease (OR = 12.1, p = 0.0000) and protein energy malnutrition (OR = 7.9, p = 0.0087). Predictors on admission to predict fatal outcome were rapid respiratory rate > 50/minute (OR = 4.1, p = 0.03), gallop rhythm (OR = 11, p = 0.04), enlarged liver (OR = 13.2, p = 0.001), and cyanosis (OR = 12, p = 0.0006). Significant factors associated with severe pneumonia after multiple logistic regression were underlying heart disease (OR = 4.04, 95% CI 1-15.4), enlarged liver (OR = 4.31, 95% CI 1.2-15.2) and cyanosis (OR = 5, 95% CI 0.8-28.7). This information should create awareness in physicians who are responsible for young children with pneumonia. Early recognition and intervention may prevent deaths and complications. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)