Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The voice of experience: results from Cancer Control New Zealand's first national cancer care survey.

AIMS The 2009 Cancer Care Survey aimed to gather information from patients about their experiences receiving outpatient cancer care. METHODS In mid-2009, Cancer Control New Zealand sent an NRC+Picker postal survey to a stratified sample of 3251 eligible adults, who had received outpatient cancer care between October 2008 and March 2009. Eight cancer treatment facilities across New Zealand provided patient lists from which potential respondents were selected. RESULTS The final response rate to the survey was 68%. Most of the patients surveyed responded very positively to questions related to specialist care coordination (91% positive response; 95%CI: 90-93), the level of privacy (87% positive response; 95%CI: 85-89), and the dignity and respect provided by healthcare professionals (86% positive response; 95%CI: 85-88). However, patients tended to be much less positive about the level of information they received on the effects of cancer treatment on their day-to-day life (responses ranging between 30% and 40% positive) and the level of emotional support provided (36% positive response; 95%CI: 33-39). Responses from different cancer services tended to follow similar patterns, although for twelve questions there was at least a 20% difference in response between services. CONCLUSIONS Overall, patients rated their outpatient cancer care experiences as positive, but important gaps exist in the provision of information, emotional support, and treating patients within the context of their living situation. Cancer patient experience surveys can achieve high response rates and generate useful information on patient perceptions of their care. This data can be used to inform quality improvement efforts at both national and cancer treatment service levels.
Lack of (cid:3) 1 integrins in enteric neural crest cells leads to a Hirschsprung-like phenotype

by Pietri et al. (Pietri et al., 2004) for whole tissues and paraffin sections, and by Delannet et al. (Delannet et al., 1994) for frozen sections. The primary antibodies we used are listed in Table S1 in the supplementary material. The (cid:3) -galactosidase ( (cid:3) -gal) activity was detected by X-Gal staining on whole tissues as described in Dufour et al. (Dufour et al., 1994). The (cid:3) -gal activity of the protein extracts was measured using the (cid:3) -galactosidase Enzyme Assay System (Promega). The enteric nervous system arises mainly from vagal and sacral neural crest cells that colonise the gut between 9.5 and 14 days of development in mice. Using the Cre-LoxP system, we removed (cid:3) 1 integrins in the neural crest cells when they emerge from the neural tube. (cid:3) 1-null enteric neural crest cells fail to colonise the gut completely, leading to an aganglionosis of the descending colon, which resembles the human Hirschsprung’s disease. Moreover, (cid:3) 1-null enteric neural crest cells form abnormal aggregates in the gut wall, leading to a severe alteration of the ganglia network organisation. Organotypic cultures of gut explants reveal that (cid:3) 1-null enteric neural crest cells show impaired adhesion on extracellular matrix and enhanced intercellular adhesion properties. They display migration defects in collagen gels and gut tissue environments. We also provide evidence that (cid:3) 1 integrins are required for the villi innervation in the small intestine. Our findings highlight the crucial roles played by (cid:3) 1 integrins at various steps of enteric nervous system development.
Democracy in Chains: The Deep History of the Radical Right's Stealth Plan for America

important cultural shifts. But perhaps more power could have been built had organizing been conceived of in a different way. Certainly now, it is time to reflect on the shortcomings of these modes of organizing, and to move toward processes and forms that stand a better chance at winning us the world we want to see. Easier said than done. But with the perspectives supplied by Kauffman’s journalistic history, and Smucker’s critiques and reflections, the readers of these books will be better prepared to face the formidable tasks ahead.
Repeatability of Retrobulbar Blood Flow Velocity Measured Using Color Doppler Imaging in the Indianapolis Glaucoma Progression Study

PurposeDetermine the repeatability of color Doppler imaging (CDI) measurements in patients with open-angle glaucoma (OAG). Patients and MethodsWe performed a cross-sectional, observational study of OAG patients participating in the Indianapolis Glaucoma Progression Study. Retrobulbar blood flow velocities and Pourcelot's vascular resistance index (RI) measured with CDI were examined. Two baseline measurements were obtained 1 to 2 weeks apart at the same time of day for all participants. Peak systolic and end diastolic blood flow velocities (PSV/EDV) were measured in the ophthalmic (OA), central retinal (CRA), and nasal and temporal short posterior ciliary arteries (N/TPCA) and RI was calculated. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) between the 2 baselines was calculated. ResultsOne hundred and sixteen patients with OAG [mean age 65.9 y (SD 10.9 y), 60% female] were examined in both baseline visits. In the OA, the intraobserver ICC for the PSV, EDV, and RI were all above 0.82. In the CRA, the intraobserver ICC for the PSV and RI were both above 0.8, whereas the EDV was 0.64. The intraobserver ICC in the N/TPCA for the PSV, EDV, and RI ranged from 0.71 to 0.88. The interobserver ICC was similar to the intraobserver ICC for the OA and the CRA but was lower than 0.7 in the EDV and RI of the T/NPCA. ConclusionsBlood flow velocities and calculated vascular resistance of the OA, CRA, and PCAs conducted within 2 weeks in patients with OAG are repeatable. Intraobserver CDI measurements were found more reproducible than interobserver CDI analysis.
India’s water policy response to climate change

ABSTRACT This article examines the formation process and strategic direction of the National Water Mission, the government of India’s water policy response to climate change launched in 2008. The policy development process is found to be largely an internal government affair. Numerous water supply and demand management strategies as well as institutional reform measures are advocated, constituting key elements of adaptive water management. However, it reconfirms the government’s commitment to a primary focus on large-scale supply-side infrastructure approaches, with the plasticity of climate change being mobilized as additional justification. Non-government actors instead advocate decentralized, smaller-scale supply and demand management strategies.
Safety and efficacy of olmesartan: an observational pooled-analysis of 156,682 hypertensive patients

Background: Angiotensin type 1 receptor blockers are recommended for first-line antihypertensive treatment. Methods: We performed a pooled-analysis of 20 post-authorization surveys of olmesartan involving 156,682 hypertensive patients. Olmesartan was used as monotherapy or in combination with other antihypertensive drugs, for example, hydrochlorothiazide. Objectives: We assessed the safety of olmesartan by monitoring adverse drug reactions (ADRs). The number of patients achieving systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP) targets (< 140/90 mmHg in the overall population, < 130/80 mmHg in high-risk patients) or responding to treatment (BP decrease of ≥ 20/10 mmHg) was also determined. Results: In all, 43.8% of patients received olmesartan monotherapy, 29% olmesartan with hydrochlorothiazide and 27.2% olmesartan in combination with other antihypertensives. The frequency of ADRs was 0.4% and not altered by dose, age ≥ 65 years or presence of co-morbidities. About 90% of patients were responders. Blood pressure targets were achieved in 52.8 and 35.7% of patients without risk factors and in the overall cohort, but only in 8.1 and 27.5% of patients with renal dysfunction or taking NSAIDs. Conclusion: Olmesartan was very well tolerated. Responder rates to olmesartan were high, although BP targets were only achieved in a minority of patients at high risk, with renal dysfunction or taking NSAIDs.
Assertive community treatment as part of integrated care versus standard care: a 12-month trial in patients with first- and multiple-episode schizophrenia spectrum disorders treated with quetiapine immediate release (ACCESS trial).

OBJECTIVE The ACCESS trial examined the 12-month effectiveness of continuous therapeutic assertive community treatment (ACT) as part of integrated care compared to standard care in a catchment area comparison design in patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders treated with quetiapine immediate release. METHOD Two catchment areas in Hamburg, Germany, with similar population size and health care structures were assigned to offer 12-month ACT as part of integrated care (n = 64) or standard care (n = 56) to 120 patients with first- or multiple-episode schizophrenia spectrum disorders (Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis I Disorders criteria); multiple-episode patients were restricted to those with a history of relapse due to medication nonadherence. The primary outcome was time to service disengagement. Secondary outcomes comprised medication nonadherence, improvements of symptoms, functioning, quality of life, satisfaction with care from patients' and relatives' perspectives, and service use data. The study was conducted from April 2005 to December 2008. RESULTS 17 of 120 patients (14.2%) disengaged with service, 4 patients (6.3%) in the ACT and 13 patients (23.2%) in the standard care group. The mean Kaplan-Meier estimated time in service was 50.7 weeks in the ACT group (95% CI, 49.1-52.0) and 44.1 weeks in the standard care group (95% CI, 40.1-48.1). This difference was statistically significant (P = .0035). Mixed models repeated measures indicated larger improvements for ACT compared to standard care regarding symptoms (P < . 01), illness severity (P < . 001), global functioning (P < . 05), quality of life (P < . 05), and client satisfaction as perceived by patients and family (both P < . 05). Logistic regression analyses revealed that ACT was associated with a higher likelihood of being employed/occupied (P = .001), of living independently (P = .007), and of being adherent with medication (P < . 001) and a lower likelihood of persistent substance misuse (P = .027). CONCLUSIONS Compared to standard care, intensive therapeutic ACT as part of integrated care could improve 1-year outcome. Future studies need to address in which settings these improvements can be sustained. TRIAL REGISTRATION clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT01081418.
The heterogenic final cell cycle of chicken retinal Lim1 horizontal cells is not regulated by the DNA damage response pathway

Cells with aberrations in chromosomal ploidy are normally removed by apoptosis. However, aneuploid neurons have been shown to remain functional and active both in the cortex and in the retina. Lim1 horizontal progenitor cells in the chicken retina have a heterogenic final cell cycle, producing some cells that enter S-phase without proceeding into M-phase. The cells become heteroploid but do not undergo developmental cell death. This prompted us to investigate if the final cell cycle of these cells is under the regulation of an active DNA damage response. Our results show that the DNA damage response pathway, including γ-H2AX and Rad51 foci, is not triggered during any phase of the different final cell cycles of horizontal progenitor cells. However, chemically inducing DNA adducts or double-strand breaks in Lim1 horizontal progenitor cells activated the DNA damage response pathway, showing that the cells are capable of a functional response to DNA damage. Moreover, manipulation of the DNA damage response pathway during the final cell cycle using inhibitors of ATM/ATR, Chk1/2, and p38MAPK, neither induced apoptosis nor mitosis in the Lim1 horizontal progenitor cells. We conclude that the DNA damage response pathway is functional in the Lim1 horizontal progenitor cells, but that it is not directly involved in the regulation of the final cell cycle that gives rise to the heteroploid horizontal cell population.
Experimental Investigation of the Directional Outdoor-to-In-Car Propagation Channel

The demand for wireless channel models, including realistic user environments, is increasing. This motivates the work on more detailed models that are reasonably simple and tractable but with adequate statistical performance. In this paper, we present an investigation of the spatial outdoor-to-in-car radio channel at 2.6 GHz. Specifically, we investigate the performance of a multiple-antenna smartphone mock-up in the hand of a user. We evaluate and utilize a composite channel approach to combine measured antenna radiation patterns with an estimated spectral representation of the multipath channel outside and inside the car in two different scenarios. The performance of the method is investigated, and comparisons with direct channel measurements are performed. Statistical and directional properties of the outdoor-to-in-car channel are presented and analyzed. It is found that the composite method, despite near-field problems when estimating plane-wave channel parameters in a very narrow environment, constitutes a tool that provides reasonably viable statistical results. In addition, we have found that the introduction of the car in the propagation environment increases scattering and eigenvalue dispersion, whereas it decreases pairwise antenna signal correlation. These statistical properties are found to increase slightly the possible diversity and the spatial multiplexing gains of multiple-antenna terminals when located inside cars. This positive effect, however, is small compared with the negative effect of car penetration loss.
Regulatory Proteins of R-Ras, TC21/R-Ras2, and M-Ras/R-Ras3*

We studied the regulation of three closely related members of Ras family G proteins, R-Ras, TC21 (also known as R-Ras2), and M-Ras (R-Ras3). Guanine nucleotide exchange of R-Ras and TC21 was promoted by RasGRF, C3G, CalDAG-GEFI, CalDAG-GEFII (RasGRP), and CalDAG-GEFIII both in 293T cells and in vitro. By contrast, guanine nucleotide exchange of M-Ras was promoted by the guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs) for the classical Ras (Ha-, K-, and N-), including mSos, RasGRF, CalDAG-GEFII, and CalDAG-GEFIII. GTPase-activating proteins (GAPs) for Ras, Gap1m, p120 GAP, and NF-1 stimulated all of the R-Ras, TC21, and M-Ras proteins, whereas R-Ras GAP stimulated R-Ras and TC21 but not M-Ras. We did not find any remarkable difference in the subcellular localization of R-Ras, TC21, or M-Ras when these were expressed with a green fluorescent protein tag in 293T cells and MDCK cells. In conclusion, TC21 and R-Ras were regulated by the same GEFs and GAPs, whereas M-Ras was regulated as the classical Ras.
Cognitive impairment in hemodialysis patients is common

Background: Hemodialysis patients are at high risk for cognitive impairment due to their older age and high prevalence of stroke and cardiovascular risk factors. Methods: Using a cross-sectional design, the authors measured cognitive function in 374 hemodialysis patients aged 55 years and older and an age-matched comparison group in Minneapolis and St. Paul, MN. Cognitive performance was measured in three domains: memory, executive function, and language. Subjects were classified as having no, mild, moderate, or severe cognitive impairment. Results: Of 338 subjects who completed testing in at least two of the three cognitive domains, 13.9% (95% CI 10.4, 18.1) were classified with mild impairment, 36.1% (31.0, 41.5) with moderate impairment, 37.3% (32.1, 42.7) with severe impairment, and 12.7% (9.4, 16.8) with normal cognition. Only 2.9% had a documented history of cognitive impairment. Factors associated with severe cognitive impairment on adjusted logistic regression were stroke (adjusted OR [AOR] 1.95; 95% CI 1.08, 3.49; p < 0.03), equilibrated Kt/V > 1.2 (1.67; 1.01, 2.75; p < 0.05), and education >12 years (0.32; 0.14, 0.72; p < 0.01). The AOR for severe cognitive impairment in a random sample of 101 hemodialysis patients vs an age-matched comparison group was 3.54 (1.28, 9.78; p < 0.02). Conclusions: Moderate to severe cognitive impairment is common and undiagnosed in hemodialysis patients. Further studies are needed to determine whether dialysis exacerbates the cognitive impairment attributable to underlying disease. Cognitive testing in hemodialysis patients before dialysis initiation and periodically may be warranted.
A nationally representative study of the association between communication impairment at 4-5 years and children's life activities at 7-9 years.

PURPOSE To examine the longitudinal association between communication impairment (primary or secondary diagnosis) and children's Activities and Participation (International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health--Children and Youth [ICF-CY]; World Health Organization [WHO], 2007). METHOD Participants were 4,329 children in the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children (LSAC; Australian Institute of Family Studies [AIFS], 2009): 1,041 (24.0%) of these children were identified with communication impairment at 4-5 years of age, and 3,288 (76.0%) of these children were not identified with a communication impairment. At age 7-9 years, Activities and Participation (WHO, 2007) outcomes across 5 ICF-CY domains were provided by (a) teachers (Academic Rating Scales [National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), 2002], Approach to Learning Scale [Gresham & Elliott, 1990], School Progress Scale (AIFS, 2009), Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire [SDQ; Goodman, 1997], and Student-Teacher Relationship Scale [Pianta, 2001]); (b) parents (School-Age Inventory of Temperament [McClowry, 1995] and SDQ); (c) children (Marsh Self-Description Questionnaire-III [Marsh, 1992], School Liking [Ladd & Price, 1987], and Bullying [Kochenderfer & Ladd, 1997]); and (d) child assessment (Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test--III: Adapted; Rothman, 2003). RESULTS Children identified with communication impairment at age 4-5 years performed significantly poorer at age 7-9 years on all outcomes. Parents and teachers reported slower progression in reading, writing, and overall school achievement than peers. Children reported more bullying, poorer peer relationships, and less enjoyment of school than did their peers. Analyses of covariance tests confirmed significant associations between communication impairment and outcomes, over and above the effects of sex, age, Indigenous status, and socioeconomic status. CONCLUSION Consideration of the breadth and longevity of Activities and Participation outcomes reveals the potential extent and severity of communication impairment and directs future research and practice.
Evaluation of Superoxide Dismutase Enzyme Activity of Polymorphonuclear Leucocytes, Erythrocytes and Thrombocytes in Patients with Chronic Myeloproliferative Disorders

This study aimed to investigate the activity of the antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the three main cell types in chronic myeloproliferative disorders (CMPD) patients, i.e. polymorphonuclear leucocytes (PMNLs), erythrocytes and thrombocytes, prior to therapy. Patients with reactive neutrophilia (RN) and healthy volunteers were included as controls. The SOD activity of PMNLs was significantly decreased in CMPD and RN patients compared with healthy volunteers, whereas the SOD activity of erythrocytes was found to be significantly increased in patients with CMPD and RN compared with healthy volunteers. There were no significant differences in the SOD activity of thrombocytes between CMPD patients, RN patients or healthy volunteers. This study indicates that the activity of the SOD enzyme in two cell types is different in CMPD patients compared with healthy subjects. Thus, SOD activity may be altered dependent on cell type and due to specific cell function.
Phospholipases of Mineralization Competent Cells and Matrix Vesicles: Roles in Physiological and Pathological Mineralizations

The present review aims to systematically and critically analyze the current knowledge on phospholipases and their role in physiological and pathological mineralization undertaken by mineralization competent cells. Cellular lipid metabolism plays an important role in biological mineralization. The physiological mechanisms of mineralization are likely to take place in tissues other than in bones and teeth under specific pathological conditions. For instance, vascular calcification in arteries of patients with renal failure, diabetes mellitus or atherosclerosis recapitulates the mechanisms of bone formation. Osteoporosis—a bone resorbing disease—and rheumatoid arthritis originating from the inflammation in the synovium are also affected by cellular lipid metabolism. The focus is on the lipid metabolism due to the effects of dietary lipids on bone health. These and other phenomena indicate that phospholipases may participate in bone remodelling as evidenced by their expression in smooth muscle cells, in bone forming osteoblasts, chondrocytes and in bone resorbing osteoclasts. Among various enzymes involved, phospholipases A1 or A2, phospholipase C, phospholipase D, autotaxin and sphingomyelinase are engaged in membrane lipid remodelling during early stages of mineralization and cell maturation in mineralization-competent cells. Numerous experimental evidences suggested that phospholipases exert their action at various stages of mineralization by affecting intracellular signaling and cell differentiation. The lipid metabolites—such as arachidonic acid, lysophospholipids, and sphingosine-1-phosphate are involved in cell signaling and inflammation reactions. Phospholipases are also important members of the cellular machinery engaged in matrix vesicle (MV) biogenesis and exocytosis. They may favour mineral formation inside MVs, may catalyse MV membrane breakdown necessary for the release of mineral deposits into extracellular matrix (ECM), or participate in hydrolysis of ECM. The biological functions of phospholipases are discussed from the perspective of animal and cellular knockout models, as well as disease implications, development of potent inhibitors and therapeutic interventions.
Heterogeneity in Risk Preferences Leads to Stochastic Volatility

This paper studies the price processes of a claim on terminal endowment and of a claim on firm book value when the underlying variables follow a bivariate geometric Brownian motion. If the state-price process is multiplicatively separable into time and endowment functions, our main result shows that firm (endowment) price volatility is stochastic (state-dependent) if, and only if, the endowment function is not a power function. In a pure exchange economy populated by two agents with constant relative risk aversion (CRRA) preferences we confirm the separability, and we show furthermore that firm (endowment) price volatility is stochastic (state-dependent) if, and only if, both agents are heterogeneous in risk-preferences.
The Effect of Advertising Information on Materialism and Buying Behavior – An Empirical Study

The objective of this study is to determine the effect of exposure to information in television advertisements on the consumer buying behavior in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). The study also explores the influence of television advertisements on materialism as a personality trait of consumers. The data was collected in Riyadh, KSA, through self-administered questionnaires using a convenience sampling technique. Out of 180 responses, 164 were chosen for the purpose of the study and analyzed for descriptive statistics as well as the relationship between information, materialism and buying behavior. A significant positive relationship was found between all dimensions. Information had the maximum effect on buyer behavior, which relates to the need for cognition in consumers. The advertisers need to develop campaigns with the objective of generating awareness about the offerings and also providing information.