Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A longitudinal analysis of disclosure and the psychosocial outcomes of adolescent information management

This study involving 463 adolescents examined the impact of parent, teen and parentteen interaction processes on spontaneous adolescent disclosure to mothers. High openness in communication and stronger disclosure self-efficacy beliefs were associated with more disclosure at follow-up. Although a positive relationship was also found for maternal warmth/responsiveness when it was considered together with other parenting attributes, its unique contribution to the disclosure process was attenuated once openness and self-efficacy beliefs were taken into account. Domain-specific predictors of disclosure were also explored. Open communication was important for the disclosure of all activities, while self-efficacy beliefs were beneficial for revealing difficult information. These findings underscore the importance of fostering an open environment in families that nurtures adolescents’ confidence to engage in disclosure with parents. 3 3 Manuscript submitted for publication. In subsequent chapters this study is referred to as “Kearney, J., & Bussey, K. (2013). The longitudinal influence of self-efficacy, communication and parenting on spontaneous adolescent disclosure. Manuscript submitted for publication.
Cholinesterase inhibitor and N-methyl-D-aspartic acid receptor antagonist use in older adults with end-stage dementia: a survey of hospice medical directors.

BACKGROUND Cholinesterase inhibitors and N-methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA) receptor antagonists are Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved for the treatment of moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease. As dementia progresses to the end stage and patients become hospice-eligible, clinicians consider whether or not to continue these therapies without the benefit of scientific evidence. We sought to describe hospice medical directors practice patterns and experiences in the use and discontinuation of cholinesterase inhibitors and NMDA receptor antagonists in hospice patients that meet the Medicare hospice criteria for dementia. STUDY DESIGN Mail survey of hospice medical directors from a random sample from the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization. RESULTS Of the 413 eligible participants, 152 completed surveys were returned, yielding a response rate of 37%. Of the respondents, 75% and 33% reported that at least 20% of their patients were taking a cholinesterase inhibitor or memantine, respectively, at the time of hospice admission. The majority of respondents do not consider these therapies effective in persons with end-stage dementia, however, a subset believe that these medications improved patient outcomes including stabilization of cognition (22%), decrease in challenging behaviors (28%), and maintenance of patient function (22%) as well as caregiver outcomes namely reduced caregiver burden (20%) and improved caregiver quality of life (20%). While 80% of respondents recommended discontinuing these therapies to families at the time of hospice enrollment, 72% of respondents reported that families experienced difficulty stopping these therapies. A subset of respondents observed accelerated cognitive (30%) and functional decline (26%) or emergence of challenging behaviors (32%) with medication discontinuation. CONCLUSIONS The findings from this survey indicate that cholinesterase inhibitors and/or NMDA receptor antagonists are prescribed for a subset of patients with advanced dementia and that a proportion of hospice medical directors report clinical benefit from the ongoing use of these agents. In addition, physician preferences for discontinuing these therapies are frequently at odds with the wishes of family members. Prospective studies are needed to evaluate the clinical impact of the discontinuation of these therapies on patient and caregiver outcomes.
Competitive Success in Responsible Regional Ecosystems: An Empirical Approach in Spain Focused on the Firms’ Relationship with Stakeholders

Nowadays, any business manager is concerned about sustainability issues and is wondering how to implement social and environmental practices creating economic and social value at the same time. The implementation of social responsibility programs is justified by the benefits that result from a good relationship of the firm with key stakeholders. The present research investigates the links among firms’ relationship with stakeholders, firms’ champion behavior, stakeholders’ satisfaction and firms’ competitive success in regional contexts where social responsibility is promoted. Using the resource-based theory and the concept of shared value, a conceptual model is proposed in which a strong firm relationship with stakeholders will cause the stakeholder’ satisfaction and will help the firm to become a champion in the market, contributing to improved competitiveness. This empirical analysis was based on survey data through partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) from 130 Spanish firms in the Region of Extremadura. Participants were firm managers in regional clusters involved in the social responsibility journey promoted by the local government. The results suggest that a good relationship of the frim with stakeholders directly and positively influences firm competitive success, and also, it is enhanced by improvements in stakeholders’ satisfaction and firm champion behavior.
CEO Characteristics and the Amount of Capital Raised in Malaysian IPOs

This study examines the impact of the characteristics of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) on the amount of capital raised in the Malaysian Initial Public Offering (IPO) market. To have a broader picture of the impact, the current study employs the Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) and quantile regression techniques, using a sample of 214 IPOs over the period of 2005-2015. The use of the quantile regression technique allows the study to estimate the impact of the CEO's characteristics at different quantiles of the conditional distribution of the capital raised. The results show that companies with a Malay CEO raise more capital than those companies with a non-Malay CEO. In addition, CEO age is significant and negatively associated with capital raised. However, the impact of CEO educational qualification is mixed, while CEO gender is insignificant. Other variables, such as company size and pre-IPO financial health, have significant and positive impact on capital raised. The practical implication of the study is that the characteristics of the CEO play a signalling role in IPO decisions. As such, investors can consider the characteristics of the CEO before making investment decisions.
Effect of Cyclosporin A on Human Neutrophil and Monocyte Function

The effect of various concentrations of cyclosporin A (CyA), ranging from below peak blood levels to 20 times higher than blood levels of human peripheral blood polymorphonuclear and mononuclcar leukocytes, was examined. CyA was found to bind to neutrophils with Kd values in the range of 20‐50 nM. CyA at clinically obtainable blood level concentrations had no effect on ncutrophil and monocyle chemotaxis, neutrophil oxidative burst, monocyte phagocytosis, or neutrophil bactericidal activity. The data on the release of lactoferrin. a secondary granule substance, from activated ncutrophils showed that the calcium ionophore A 23187‐induced lactoferrin release was inhibited by treatment of cells with 4 μm CyA, whereas release of lactoferrin from zymosan‐ or phorbol myristatc acetate‐activated nculropohils was not affected by the same concentration of CyA. This effect could either be due lo differences in the degree of cell membrane perturbation by the various activators or to calcium dependence of neutrophil activation. A third possibility may be that CyA acts at some subsequent steps in the release process of neutrophils. It is concluded that CyA does not interfere with important functions of human phagocytes, the cells that play a major role in the defence against invading microorganisms.
Cytomorphometric analysis and morphological assessment of oral exfoliated cells in type 2 diabetes mellitus and healthy individuals: A comparative study

Context: Oral exfoliative cytology is a simple, nonaggressive technique that is well accepted by patients. Therefore, it is an attractive option, which aids in the diagnosis and observation of epithelial atypias associated with oral mucosal diseases. Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the quantitative and qualitative alterations in exfoliative smears from type 2 diabetics and healthy individuals. Patients and Methods: The study includes 30 type 2 diabetics and 30 healthy persons of both sexes. PAP and hematoxylin and eosin (H and E) stained smears were prepared from buccal mucosa (BM), tongue (T), floor of the mouth (FOM), and palate (P). Under a light microscope, 50 clearly defined unfolded epithelial cells were quantitatively evaluated for cellular area (CA), nuclear area (NA), and cellular-to-nuclear area ratio (CA:NA) and assessed for morphological features. Statistical Analysis: Collected data was manually entered into the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 13.5 for analysis. Student's t-test was used at 95% confidence interval. Results: Quantitative assessment of the overall mean CA was less, mean NA was more, and mean CA:NA was less in diabetics than that in healthy persons at all the four sites. Diabetic oral cells showed qualiative cytoplasmic and nuclear alterations: cytoplasmic vacuoles, karyorrhexis, karyolysis, pyknosis, peri-nuclear halo, binucleation, nuclear vacuoles, inflammation, and microbial colonies. Conclusion: Oral cytology from type 2 diabetics is associated with detectable cytomorphological changes with alteration in size of the cell and nucleus, which is site specific, indicating epithelial cell degeneration in cytoplasm and nucleus.
Systemic sclerosis associated pulmonary hypertension: improved survival in the current era

Objectives: To measure survival, haemodynamic function and functional class in patients with systemic sclerosis associated pulmonary arterial hypertension (SSc-PAH) in two treatment eras. Methods: Six year longitudinal study of 92 consecutive patients with SSc-PAH diagnosed by cardiac catheterisation. Data were collected both prospectively and retrospectively. Patients were given basic treatment (diuretics, digoxin, oxygen and warfarin). Where clinically indicated, a prostanoid was used as advanced treatment (historical control group). From 2002, the range of treatments available expanded to include bosentan, which was generally the preferred treatment (current treatment era group). Survival was measured from the date of diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension by cardiac catheterisation. Six minute walking distance and haemodynamic function were measured at the time of diagnosis and at least one month after treatment was started. Results: The historical control group comprised 47 patients, all of whom received basic treatment; 27 of these were also treated with prostanoids. The current treatment era group comprised 45 patients, all of whom received bosentan as preferred treatment. Kaplan–Meier survival in the historical control group was 68% at one year and 47% at two years. Survival in the current treatment era group was 81% and 71% (p = 0.016) at one and two years, respectively. Pulmonary vascular resistance increased in the historical control group (by 147 dyn·s·cm−5), whereas in the current treatment era group, it remained stable over an average of nine months (decrease of 16 dyn·s·cm−5, p < 0.006). Conclusion: Survival of selected patients with SSc-PAH has improved in the current treatment era. In contrast to patients treated historically with basic drugs and prostanoids, patients treated in the current treatment era had improved survival associated with a lack of deterioration in cardiac haemodynamic function.
Evolutionary shifts in habitat aridity predict evaporative water loss across squamate reptiles

Aridity is an important determinant of species distributions, shaping both ecological and evolutionary diversity. Lizards and snakes are often abundant in deserts, suggesting a high potential for adaptation or acclimation to arid habitats. However, phylogenetic evidence indicates that squamate diversity in deserts may be more strongly tied to speciation within arid habitats than to convergent evolution following repeated colonization from mesic habitats. To assess the frequency of evolutionary transitions in habitat aridity while simultaneously testing for associated changes in water‐balance physiology, we analyzed estimates of total evaporative water loss (EWL) for 120 squamate species inhabiting arid, semiarid, or mesic habitats. Phylogenetic reconstructions revealed that evolutionary transitions to and from semiarid habitats were much more common than those between arid and mesic extremes. Species from mesic habitats exhibited significantly higher EWL than those from arid habitats, while species from semiarid habitats had intermediate EWL. Phylogenetic comparative methods confirmed this association between habitat aridity and EWL despite phylogenetic signal in each. Thus, the historical colonization of arid habitats by squamates is repeatedly associated with adaptive changes in EWL. This physiological convergence, which may reflect both phenotypic plasticity and genetic adaptation, has likely contributed to the success of squamates in arid environments.
Bacterial interactions in bovine respiratory and reproductive infections

The ability of the aerobic bacterial flora from the normal bovine respiratory and reproductive tracts to enhance or inhibit the growth of Pasteurella haemolytica, P. multocida, and Haemophilus somnus was tested in vitro. Six strains of each of these pathogens were cross streaked with each isolate of bovine normal flora. Flora which enhanced the growth of these pathogenic bacteria outnumbered inhibitors four to one. An intermediate number of isolates produced no effect on pathogen growth. Most enhancers were gram positive (Micrococcus, Staphylococcus, Corynebacterium, or Rhodococcus isolates), although several isolates of Moraxella and Actinobacter were also good enhancers. For H. somnus, there were proportionally more organisms which produced marked enhancement among the preputial flora than among the nasal flora, which may account for the greater number of genital carriers than nasal carriers. Bacillus isolates were the most significant inhibitors among the nasal flora, whereas no genus or species from the reproductive tract was noted to produce appreciable inhibition. It is proposed that changes in ratios of inhibitors to enhancers may determine, in part, whether a carrier state or disease occurs. Also, suggestions are made for in vitro use of this phenomenon for diagnostic tests.
Effective Treatment of Inflammatory Disease Models with Exosomes Derived from Dendritic Cells Genetically Modified to Express IL-41

In this study, we demonstrate that genetically modified bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (DC) and exosomes derived from the DC, expressing either secreted IL-4 or membrane-bound IL-4, can reduce the severity and the incidence of established collagen-induced arthritis and inhibit inflammation of delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) in mice. The ability of the DC and DC-derived exosomes to suppress the DTH response was MHC class II and, in part, Fas ligand/Fas dependent. The DC-derived exosomes were internalized by CD11c+ DC in the dermis at the site of injection and in the draining lymph node as well as by CD11c+ DC and F4/80+ macrophages in the spleen. Moreover, adoptive transfer of CD11c+ or CD3+ splenic cells from mice treated with exosomes showed significant reduction of footpad swelling in the DTH model. These results demonstrate that administration of DC/IL-4 or exosomes derived from DC/IL-4 are able to modulate the activity of APC and T cells in vivo through a MHC class II and partly Fas ligand/Fas-dependent mechanism, resulting in effective treatment of established collagen-induced arthritis and suppression of the DTH inflammatory response. Thus, APC-derived exosomes could be used therapeutically for the treatment of autoimmune disease and inflammatory disorders.
Transaction Costs and Islam: Explaining Conversion in Africa

The association between the expansion of trade and conversion to Islam has been noted all over the world. In this paper the author integrates the data from Africa with a transaction cost argument that helps explain the economic logic behind this oft-noted association. The author also considers the case of the recent conversion to Islam by the Orma of East Africa, which fits the general pattern for Africa.
Medication use among inflammatory bowel disease patients: excessive consumption of antidepressants and analgesics

Abstract Objective. Little is known about differences in the use of medications between inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients and the general population. The aims of this study were to observe those differences and to discuss reasons for them. The relation between medication use and HRQoL of IBD patients was examined. Material and methods. The use of prescribed medication of 2831 IBD patients and 5662 control subjects were scrutinized and compared by utilizing a national reimbursement register. Annual costs and number of defined daily doses (DDD) of medications were calculated. The relationship between medications and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of IBD patients was examined by using a postal questionnaire including a generic (15D) and a disease-specific (IBDQ) HRQoL tool. The questionnaire also included demographic questions and questions about IBD patients' use of biological medications. Results. Use of antidepressants (OR: 1.44, 95% CI: 1.28–1.61), anxiolytics (OR: 1.52, 95% CI: 1.31–1.78), oral bisphosphonates (OR: 6.08, 95% CI: 4.56–8.11), cardiovascular medications (OR: 1.38, 95% CI: 1.24–1.54), antibiotics (OR: 4.01, 95% CI: 3.57–4.51), proton pump inhibitors (OR: 3.90, 95% CI: 3.48–4.36), and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory analgesics (OR: 1.17, 95% CI: 1.07–1.28) was significantly more common in IBD than among the controls. Those who used antidepressants, anxiolytics, or analgesics had significantly impaired HRQoL (p < 0.001). Conclusions. IBD patients and general population differ in terms of their medicine use in many respects, and especially use of analgesics and antidepressants is more common among IBD patients. Use of antidepressants, anxiolytics, and analgesics was related to impaired HRQoL.
Teachers’ Knowledge and Views on the Use of Learners’ Socio-cultural Background in Teaching Natural Sciences in Grade 9 Township Classes

This article explores teachers’ knowledge and views on the role of learners’ socio-cultural background when teaching Natural Sciences to Grade 9 learners at three South African township schools. Within a socio-cultural framework, the research investigated how teachers accommodate learners’ cultural norms and values, religion and beliefs, socio-economic and political issues in their science lessons. In a qualitative case study, three teachers were interviewed five times using a semi-structured interview schedule. Through a constant comparative data analysis method, three themes emerged. Firstly, teachers were aware of the learners’ poor socio-economic background, and they made accommodation in their practice so that these learners would not be disadvantaged. Secondly, it emerged that teachers use their knowledge about learners’ socio-cultural practices and beliefs, to create learning opportunities to harmonise the conflict between learners’ worldviews and science. Lastly, the findings showed that teachers’ incorporation of learners’ socio-cultural background in lessons provides authentic learning situations that promoted the development of critical and analytical thinking skills in learners. This study affirms the call for teacher education institutions to review their science teacher education programmes with a view to incorporating and emphasising knowledge of learners’ socio-cultural background as an important teacher knowledge domain in teacher preparation.
Does Chronic Daily Headache Arise De Novo in Association With Regular Use of Analgesics?

Background. —The prevalence of chronic daily headache in association with regular use of analgesics is about 2%. Whether regular use of analgesics has a causal or consequential relationship to daily headache has not been established. A causal relationship has been suggested consequent to the observation of improvement or resolution of headache following analgesic withdrawal in patients attending headache clinics, but this observation has not been validated by controlled trials.
Sex difference in platelet aggregation detected by new aggregometry using light scattering.

Earlier studies in platelet aggregation have shown that females seemed to have greater aggregability than males as detected by conventional aggregometry which used light transmission (LT), but controversy still remains. This study was performed to determine whether sex difference exists in platelet aggregation by using the recently developed laser light scattering (LS) method, which can detect small aggregates (i.e., two or three platelets). Blood was drawn from healthy volunteers (10 male and 10 female in follicular phase after menstruation), and platelet aggregation was detected by either LT or LS method in platelet rich plasma. Platelet aggregation was stimulated by increasing concentration of adenosine 5'-diphosphate (ADP, 0, 0.5, 1 and 2 microM). To detect the effect of sex hormones, platelets were incubated with estradiol (10 nM) or testosterone (40 nM) for 30 min, then platelet aggregation studies were performed. LT method revealed that female had greater aggregability than male. With weak stimuli (< or = 1 microM ADP), LS method showed that females had more medium aggregates than males, and that testosterone decreased small aggregates, and that estradiol decreased all sizes of aggregates. These data suggest that the female is more conductive to platelet aggregation than the male at a physiologic concentration of ADP (< or = 1 microM), but that both estradiol (10 nM) and testosterone (40 nM) have countereffects on platelet aggregation at the same condition. Therefore, the reason why females have greater aggregability than males may partly be explained by their lack of testosterone, but the mechanism still remains to be elucidated.
35-$\mu{\rm m}$ Bragg Reflector Waveguide Modulator for High-Speed and Energy-Saving Operation

We fabricated a slow-light Bragg reflector waveguide modulator and carried out both static and dynamic characterizations on this compact device. Extinction ratios of over 8 dB were obtained with low voltage swing such as 0.5 V. We demonstrated a 3-dB modulation bandwidth over 13 GHz in small-signal response characterization on a 35- μm-long device, which has a parasitic capacitance of 0.4 pF. Through further reducing the device length and achieving impedance matching, the result reveals its potential in reaching ultra-high modulation bandwidth over 100 GHz. Ultra-low power consumption much ¡100 fJ/bit is prospective thanks to the device's low voltage swing.