Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Registered Nurses' perceptions of their work and professional development.

AIM This paper is a report of a study to elucidate Registered Nurses' perceptions of their work and professional development 6 years after graduation. BACKGROUND Nursing education and health care has rapidly changed in the last two decades. Education and experience are important components in Registered Nurses' ability to promote a high quality of care, but a great deal depends on their work circumstances. This study emphasizes Registered Nurses' view of their work in health care, at a time in their career when they have several years of experience. METHOD Data were collected in 2003 from in-depth interviews with 15 Registered Nurses 6 years after their graduation. The interviews were semi-structured and analysed with interpretive content analysis. FINDINGS The findings revealed two themes and five sub-themes. The first theme, An appropriate but demanding profession, consisted of two sub-themes: 'having found one's niche' and 'growing old in nursing may be difficult'. The second theme, A profession with opportunities and obstacles, consisted of three sub-themes: 'being aware of Registered Nurses' potential', 'having knowledge that is seldom made use of' and 'attaining professional growth is no matter of course'. CONCLUSION Keeping Registered Nurses' satisfied and avoiding their dissatisfaction is crucial for both educators and employers. It is essential that employers give priority to Registered Nurses' time with patients and to motivate and support them in professional development. Further intervention studies regarding a change of the balance between obstacles and opportunities are needed.
Thapsigargin-induced endoplasmic reticulum stress is not accompanied by mitochondrial membrane potential dissipation in murine pro-B cells.

UNLABELLED There are almost no data concerning the involvement of endoplasmic reticulum stress (Ca2+ fluxes) in the apoptosis of the pro-B cell type Ba/F3. Thus, we aimed the characterization of thapsigargin-induced effects on Ba/F3 cells in vitro. MATERIAL AND METHOD For some experiments Ba/F3 cells were treated with 1 microM thapsigargin for 24 hours. To compare, we used as positive control the effects of valinomycin 10 microM. The negative control Ba/F3 cells received no treatment for 24 hours. After that, all batches of Ba/F3 cells were incubated in the presence of 1 mimcroM JC-1 (Sigma-Aldrich) at 37 degrees C for 30 minutes. RESULTS From the normal Ba/F3 JC-1-control cells (20.000 events gated by flow cytometry) 77.61 +/- 2.90% are associating high and 22.39 = 2.90% lower mitochondrial membrane potential. In the case of thapsigargin, 75.49 +/- 1.78% of the Ba/F3 cells are associating high and 24.51 +/- 1.78% lower mitochondrial membrane potential. CONCLUSIONS While mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP) opening necessarily correlates with a loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (Psi(mt)), a decrease in Psi(mt) does not necessarily indicate MPTP opening. Also, endoplasmic reticulum stress regulation of high cytosolic calcium levels by thapsigargin may prompt the opening of the MPTP without necessarily triggering irreversible pore activation or subsequent apoptogenic factors in Ba/F3 cells.
Exploring the framing power of NGOs in global climate politics

ABSTRACT The Paris Agreement contains a separate article for loss and damage – an outcome that aligns with a central demand of many nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) at COP21. By shifting to a justice framing of loss and damage, NGOs were able to expand their mobilization and, in turn, enhance their influence. While it is not claimed that NGO advocacy was sufficient to produce the outcome, pathways by which issue framing can support increased NGO influence via persuasion and coercion are illustrated. First, the justice frame garnered additional media attention and raised the stakes should states fail to include the issue in the Paris Agreement. Second, the climate justice frame helped forge alliances with vulnerable countries and within civil society that enhanced bargaining. The findings contribute to theory building in NGO politics, connecting framing shifts to important outcomes in the global governance of climate change.
Cervilenz assessment of cervical length compared to fetal fibronectin in the prediction of preterm delivery in women with threatened preterm labor

Objective. To determine whether cervical length (CL) measured by the Cervilenz™ measuring device is an effective screening tool for the prediction of preterm delivery (PTD) compared to fetal fibronectin (fFN). Methods. We evaluated fFN and CL among women who enrolled into a randomized control trial (RCT) comparing management algorithms for threatened preterm labor between 24 and 34 weeks' gestation. In all subjects, fFN was collected, with CL determined in blinded fashion. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values (NPV) for fFN or Cervilenz in prediction of PTD within 7 days or prior to 37 weeks were determined. Results. Fifty-two subjects were evaluated. CL <30 mm correlated with PTD <7 days (r = 0.31, p = 0.04) and fFN positivity (r = 0.43, p = 0.006). CL <30 mm and fFN had excellent NPV for PTD <7 days (97.1 vs. 97.3%), and the area under the receiver operator characteristic curves were similar for prediction of PTD <7 days (76.6 vs. 75.2%, p = 0.71) or <37 weeks (56.7 vs. 55.2%, p = 0.71). Conclusions. Measurement of CL with Cervilenz appears to be equivalent to fFN in screening symptomatic women for PTD within 7 days or prior to 37 weeks. Given cost and turnaround time with fFN testing, Cervilenz represents a promising new tool for real time, clinically useful results in the management of women with threatened preterm labor.
Decision-making for acutely ill nursing home residents: nurses in the middle.

AIM This paper is a report of a study to generate a model of nursing behaviours and social processes inherent in decision-making for acutely ill nursing home residents. BACKGROUND Most research concerning clinical decision-making in nursing homes focuses on the perspectives of doctors. Much less is known about the perspectives and actions of nurses with regard to decision-making, despite the centrality of their roles in nursing homes. METHOD Grounded theory was used. Data were collected in 2004 in four nursing homes in the United States of America using in-depth, semi-structured interviews, 74 hours of non-participant observation and informal conversational interviews with key nursing staff involved in decision-making. FINDINGS Nurses strive to create a plan of care acceptable to family members and doctors, consistent with wishes of residents and most comfortable for residents. A unifying theme of satisfying all sides emerged as representative of the negotiation strategies used by nurses to address these competing points of view. Four phases in this negotiation occurred: weighing the significance; notifying the family; feeling it out; and playing the middleman. The outcome was either a decision for life-prolongation or for palliative care. CONCLUSION Decisions for nursing home residents are complex and involve weighing and balancing the interests and preferences of many concerned participants, including residents, families and doctors. This process requires skill in clinical judgment, communication and collaboration.
Acanthocephalan Cystacanths from Flatfish (Order Pleuronectiformes) in Tropical Australian Waters

Abstract: Cystacanths of 4 species of Acanthocephala are reported for the first time from various species of fish belonging to the Order Pleuronectiformes from waters of the western Gulf of Carpentaria and the central coast of Queensland, Australia: Corynosoma cetaceum Johnston and Best, 1942 (Family Polymorphidae), Serrasentis cf. sagittifer (Linton, 1889) and Rhadinorhynchus sp. (Family Rhadinorhynchidae), and Gorgorhynchoides sp. (Family Isthmosacanthidae). Approximately 32% of the 515 individual fish belonging to 24 species were infected with at least 1 cystacanth. Serrasentis cf. sagittifer was the most-commonly encountered, infecting a total of 18 species of fish across both regions. Gorgorhynchoides sp. infected 7 fish species in the Gulf of Carpentaria only while Rhadinorhynchus sp. (1 fish species) and C. cetaceum (7 fish species) were only found on the central coast of Queensland. Most fish were infected with a single cystacanth of any species. There was no relationship between total length of fish and intensity of infection for any species. This paper provides information on parasite infections in fish hosts commonly caught as by-catch and outlines the need for further studies on these fish to be able to determine sustainability of such fish stocks.
Hyperoxia-induced Apoptosis Does Not Require Mitochondrial Reactive Oxygen Species and Is Regulated by Bcl-2 Proteins*

Exposure of animals to hyperoxia results in lung injury that is characterized by apoptosis and necrosis of the alveolar epithelium and endothelium. The mechanism by which hyperoxia results in cell death, however, remains unclear. We sought to test the hypothesis that exposure to hyperoxia causes mitochondria-dependent apoptosis that requires the generation of reactive oxygen species from mitochondrial electron transport. Rat1a cells exposed to hyperoxia underwent apoptosis characterized by the release of cytochrome c, activation of caspase-9, and nuclear fragmentation that was prevented by the overexpression of Bcl-XL. Murine embryonic fibroblasts from bax −/− bak −/− mice were resistant to hyperoxia-induced cell death. The administration of the antioxidants manganese (III) tetrakis (4-benzoic acid) porphyrin, ebselen, andN-acetylcysteine failed to prevent cell death following exposure to hyperoxia. Human fibrosarcoma cells (HT1080) lacking mitochondrial DNA (ρ0 cells) that failed to generate reactive oxygen species during exposure to hyperoxia were not protected against cell death following exposure to hyperoxia. We conclude that exposure to hyperoxia results in apoptosis that requires Bax or Bak and can be prevented by the overexpression of Bcl-XL. The mitochondrial generation of reactive oxygen species is not required for cell death following exposure to hyperoxia.
Surface charge accumulation on cylindrical polymeric model insulators in air: simulation and measurement

The time characteristics of the surface charge accumulation process on cylindrical polymeric model insulators under dc stress were investigated in a partial discharge free, dry air environment. In order to simulate the influence of different dielectric and electric material properties on surface charge accumulation, a tool was developed which considers also the nonlinear behavior of the electric conduction mechanism within the gas volume. The results of simulation have been verified by measurements of the surface potential distribution along the samples at different ambient temperatures.
Comparable studies of the incidence of stroke and its pathological types: results from an international collaboration. International Stroke Incidence Collaboration.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Comparing stroke rates in different parts of the world may increase our understanding of both etiology and prevention. However, comparisons are meaningful only if studies use standard definitions and methods, with comparably presented data. We compared the incidence of stroke and its pathological types (cerebral infarction, primary intracerebral hemorrhage, and subarachnoid hemorrhage) in recent studies from around the world. METHODS Studies with a midyear of 1984 or later, fulfilling standard criteria for a comparable, community-based study, provided original data for comparative analyses. RESULTS By mid-1995, data were available from 11 studies in Europe, Russia, Australasia, and the United States, comprising approximately 3.5 million person-years and 5575 incident strokes. Age- and sex-standardized annual incidence rates for subjects aged 45 to 84 years were similar (between approximately 300/100,000) and 500/100,000) in most places but were significantly lower in Dijon, France (238/100,000), and higher in Novosibirsk, Russia (627/100,000). In subjects aged 75 to 84 years, however, Novosibirsk no longer ranked higher than the other studies. The distribution of pathological types, when these were reliably distinguished, did not differ significantly between studies. CONCLUSIONS The similarities in stroke incidence and pathological types are perhaps not surprising given that all the populations were westernized and mainly white. The higher rates in Novosibirsk, disappearing in the elderly, and the lower rates in Dijon have several potential explanations. These include methodological artifact and different patterns of population risk factors. Further work is needed to explore these possibilities and to extend our knowledge of stroke incidence to other parts of the world, especially developing countries.
Sortir du chômage en Île-de-France. Disparités territoriales, spatial mismatch et ségrégation résidentielle

The aim of our research is to explain spatial disparities of unemployment-to-work transitions in Paris region (Ile-de-France). We are using exhaustive administrative data sets concerning unemployed seeking a job within the French civil service (through Agence nationale pour l’emploi) in order to estimate duration models that allow to assess unemployment-to-work hazard rates for each Paris region’s municipalities. The region shows very strong local disparities between municipalities even if we control for differences in terms of age, sex, skills. This confirms the existence of a specific territorial effect. The region displays a concentric logical: in the center and in the far away periphery, unemployment-to-work transitions are rarer than in an intermediate area. The farthest municipalities from the center are generally characterized by high unemployment duration. In order to explain this geography, we are interesting to the effects of the urban structure on unemployment-to-work transitions. While some municipalities seem to suffer from poor physical connection to job opportunities, for others we can refer to residential segregation effects. Classification JEL : C41, J64, R1.
Modulation of apoptosis by berberine through inhibition of cyclooxygenase-2 and Mcl-1 expression in oral cancer cells.

BACKGROUND We have previously shown that berberine exerts its anti-inflammatory effects through inhibition of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression. In this study, we explored the biochemical influence of berberine-induced COX-2 reduction and apoptosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS KB cells were treated with berberine, and the apoptosis was measured by morphology and caspase-3 activity. The effects of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) on berberine-mediated cell growth were also determined. The expression of COX-2, Bcl-2, Mcl-1, Akt and phosphorylated Akt in berberine-treated KB cells, with or without PGE2, were assessed by Western blots. RESULTS Berberine induced apoptosis in KB cells, and was partially reversed by incorporation of PGE2. Berberine treatment inhibited COX-2 and Mcl-1 expression dose-dependently, but not Bcl-2. PGE2 induced COX-2 and Mcl-1 expression and reversed the repressive effect of berberine on Mcl-1. In addition, PGE2 had no effect on total Akt, but slightly reversed the phosphorylated Akt, which was decreased by berberine. CONCLUSION These results suggest that berberine-induced apoptosis might be COX-2-dependent and is related to decreased Akt phosphorylation and Mcl-1 expression.
Retirement as a Discrete Life‐Stage of Farming Men and Women's Biography?

Retirement generally marks the end of working life and the start of a new life‐stage, providing the potential for new contents and opportunities, while requiring adaptation of existing roles. Retired Swiss farming men and women usually continue working and living on the farm, but their roles change. Drawing on conceptual approaches from gerontology research, we first aim to comprehend how farming men and women experience and understand retirement by describing major aspects of adaptation during their transition to retirement. Second, we appraise the relevance of the retirement concept for the farming population. Qualitative‐empirical evidence shows that retired farming men and women continue to devote time and energy to the farm for the sake of farm continuity and to maintain the farmers' work ethic, while transferring financial and managerial responsibility. Poor health and the inability to contribute physically to the family farm appear as major threats for ‘ageing’ farmers.
Polyandry and paternity skew in natural and experimental populations of Drosophila serrata

Many species engage in polyandry, resulting in the potential for sexual selection to continue post‐copulation through sperm competition and/or cryptic female choice. The relative importance of pre‐ vs. post‐copulatory processes remains unknown for most species despite this information being fundamental for understanding the evolutionary consequences of sexual selection. The Australian fruit fly Drosophila serrata has become a prominent model system for studying precopulatory sexual selection, such as mating preferences and their influence on the evolution of sexually selected traits. Here, we investigated polyandry and the potential for post‐copulatory sexual selection in this species using indirect paternity analysis. We genotyped 21 wild‐caught and 19 laboratory‐reared mothers and their offspring (a total of 787 flies) at six microsatellite loci and found extensive polyandry, with all broods surveyed having at least two sires. Female remating rates were higher than in other Drosophila surveyed to date and no significant differences were found between laboratory and field populations. Additionally, we found evidence for biased sperm usage in several broods of D. serrata. Paternity skew occurred more frequently in broods from the field population than the laboratory one, suggesting differences between the two environments in the level of post‐copulatory sexual selection. Our data suggest that D. serrata represents a promising system for studying the interaction between pre‐ and post‐copulatory sexual selection in driving the evolution of sexually selected phenotypes.
Synaptic organization of tooth pulp afferent terminals in the rat trigeminal sensory nuclei

Previous studies provide evidence that a structure/function correlation exists in the distinct zones of the trigeminal sensory nuclei. To evaluate this relationship, we examined the ultrastructure of afferent terminals from the tooth pulp in the rat trigeminal sensory nuclei: the principalis (Vp), the dorsomedial part of oral nucleus (Vdm), and the superficial layers of caudalis (Vc), by using transganglionic transport of wheat germ agglutinin conjugated to horseradish peroxidase (WGA‐HRP). A total of 93 labeled boutons were serially sectioned, in which some sections were incubated with γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) antiserum. Almost all labeled boutons formed asymmetric contact with nonprimary dendrites, in which more than half of labeled boutons in the Vc made synapses with their spines. The labeled boutons could be divided into two types on the basis of numbers of dense‐cored vesicles (DCVs) in a boutons: S‐type and DCV‐type. Almost all labeled boutons in the Vp and Vdm were S‐type, whereas two types were distributed evenly in the Vc. In contrast to DCV‐type boutons, the S‐type was frequently postsynaptic to unlabeled axon terminals containing a mixture of round, oval, and flattened vesicles (p‐endings) and forming symmetrical synapses. Most p‐endings examined were immunoreactive to GABA. The frequency of axoaxonic contacts was higher for labeled boutons in the Vp than in the Vdm and Vc. These results suggest that the three structures of trigeminal sensory nuclei serve distinct functions in nociceptive processing. J. Comp. Neurol. 463:13–24, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Measuring the Performance Ranking Curve in Marketing Simulation Games

The present study looks at performance ranking curves to examine the issue of when performance ranking in a marketing simulation game flattens out. Past research of this phenomenon has been presented as â€œdominance studiesâ€ but this paper takes a different approach. The subjects for this study were 1726 undergraduate marketing simulation teams that competed in four different marketing simulation games which were used in multiple classes over a span of 15 years. The study examined â€œperformance rankingâ€ curves which were plotted using the correlations of ending rank order performance of teams with period by period rank order performance. These plots indicated that the strength of correlation increased over time and that final performance ranking was generally established by the fifth period. Based on these results, the authors concluded that marketing simulation competitions which focus on performance outcomes are unlikely to produce significant improvements in performance related benefits beyond the fifth decision period.
Left on Base: Minor League Baseball Stadiums and Gentrification:

Researchers have analyzed stadiums as an urban redevelopment tool for two decades but little work has studied what effect sports facilities have on gentrification. This article attempts to fill that void in the literature, using a multicity panel study to understand how minor league baseball stadiums affect the immediately surrounding areas on measures of redevelopment and gentrification. Regression results show that census tracts near a new minor league baseball stadium saw significant increases in the median income and slower growth in the share of minorities, but no change in the median rent or the overall rate of residential turnover. These findings indicate that minor league baseball stadiums create elements of both economic growth and demographic change, an outcome that deserves consideration when planning similar projects in the future.