Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Social Work Interventions with Living Related Liver Donors: The Implications for Practice

in the standard social work intervention with living related liver donors (LRLDs) at Mount Sinai Medical Center. Psychosocial issues with LRLDs will be explored, because there are currently few related studies. Living related liver donations are medical procedures that are increasingly being used to address the lack of organs available to patients faced with endstage liver disease. Until recently, there has not been a standard social work intervention protocol with donors following their donation. After a tragic and unfortunate donor death at Mount Sinai Medical Center, the New York State Department of Health and the New York State Transplant Council implemented regulations for the donor advocate team. The team consists of a physician, surgeon, nurse coordinator, clinical social worker, psychiatrist, and an ethicist who represents the interests of the potential LRLD that is independent from the recipient’s transplant team. Although this regulation is currently applicable only in New York State, it is speculated that the United Network for Organ Sharing plans to implement this nationwide. The donor death at Mount Sinai Medical Center prompted New York State to modify its regulations; in addition, it also prompted the transplant social work team to further explore the psychosocial needs of the donors after donation. Surgery can be a traumatic event, both physically and emotionally, and the donor’s commitment to undergo this trauma for someone else must be commended. Donors are remarkable people who are putting themselves at risk for the greater good of another human being. The authors have developed and implemented a tool to assess psychosocial challenges for donors after donation. With this information, the intent is that social work interventions in transplant can be enhanced to meet these challenges. It is anticipated that with increased intervention, the overall outcome of LRLDs would improve. The findings will be presented to the Social Work and Liver Transplant Departments’ Performance Improvement Committees to gain support for the recommended enrichments to the program at Mount Sinai Medical Center. In this article, we will discuss the role of social work as part of the donor advocate team. Our primary focus is on the well-being of the donor. It is now the practice of the liver transplant service that the donor’s social worker provides continuity of care throughout the donation process, beginning with the evaluation and throughout any postdonation needs. The donor should be viewed with as much primacy as the recipient. Social work interventions with living related liver donors: the implications for practice
The impact of post acute myocardial infarction (AMI) depression on patient compliance and risk factor modification

Abstract Numerous studies have examined depression as both a predictor and an indicator of recovery from acute myocardial infarction (AMI). The precise mechanism which links depression and morbidity/mortality remains unclear, but it has been suggested that compliance with physician instructions and related risk factor modification may play a key role. The intent of this prospective study was to assess the relationship between post-AMI depression and patient observation of physician discharge instructions and healthy lifestyle choices. Data was collected for 245 AMI hospital inpatients and three-months following discharge. There were no significant differences in the initiation and/or completion of cardiac rehabilitation programmes, diet modifications or exercise maintenance according to depressed status; however, the current use of tobacco was strongly related to level of depression. Secondary analyses revealed differences regarding quality of life (presence of angina, dyspnea and fatigue), morbidity (num.
Learning Domain Specific Models for Toponym Interlinking

Interlinking spatio-textual data comprises a core problem within the research literature, as well as a task of high practical importance in a plethora of industrial applications involving GIS systems. In its general form, it consists in identifying, between two sources of spatio-texual entities, pairs of entities that match, i.e. correspond to the same real-world entities. In this paper, we focus on interlinking spatio-textual entities based solely on their name, that is we handle the problem of toponym interlinking. To solve the problem, works in the literature exploit generic string similarity measures and either apply them as is, or integrate them as training features in classification models, without adapting/extending them based on the specific characteristics of toponyms. In this work, we showcase that domain knowledge can significantly improve the accuracy of toponym interlinking, by proposing domain specific similarity measures that take into account specificities of toponyms. We assess the implemented measures on Geonames and demonstrate significant increases in interlinking accuracy compared to baseline methods.
Mechanical Loading Modulates Intracellular Calcium Signaling in Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are a promising cell source for tissue-engineered connective tissue repair strategies. Additionally, increasing evidence confirms the role of the mechanical environment in maintaining tissue homeostasis, with calcium signaling implicated as a mediator in mechanotransduction pathways. Spontaneous intracellular calcium signaling was observed in a subset of MSCs embedded within 4% alginate hydrogel constructs, measured by a Ca2+ indicator fluo-4 in conjunction with confocal laser-scanning microscopy. By the use of pair-wise analysis, it was shown that distinct populations of MSCs up-regulated and down-regulated the frequency of calcium transients with the application of a 20% static uniaxial compressive strain of 20 min duration, delivered after a 20 min unstrained period. Calcium transients in control specimens were monitored throughout two unstrained 20 min periods. These values were statistically significant (p<0.05) by χ2 test of independence. This dual-response indicator highlights the heterogeneous nature of MSC populations, which may have important implications for their successful use in cell therapies. (Journal of Applied Biomaterials &Biomechanics 2008; 6: 9-15)
"Hello, is There Anybody Who Reads Me?" Radio Programs and Popular Facebook Posts

Radio stations are increasingly active on social networks, as radio continues to adjust and adapt to online spaces. This research is intended to conceptualize and characterize the success of radio programs beyond their native FM environment, focusing on their attempts at achieving popularity on social networks. Success on social networks is measured by user involvement and interaction with posted content and comments. This study looked at the activity of leading Israeli radio programs on Facebook pages and user engagement, evaluating highly involved posts by coding. It was found that radio program activity on social networks expands the reach of radio stations and promotes higher levels of interaction with listeners beyond broadcast schedule. In addition, integration of various media forms such as videos or images increases the likelihood of a post becoming popular. This research presents the convergence of radio programs in accordance with the theoretical framework of technological determinism.
Effects of Administration of Intravenous Naloxone on Gas Exchange in Brain-Dead Lung Donors

Objective To observe the effect of naloxone on the lung function of potential lung transplant donors with neurogenic pulmonary edema. Design and Interventions Donors aged 16 to 55 years without any factors to contraindicate lung donation (pneumonia, pulmonary contusion, etc) were included. Ventilator settings were standardized to a tidal volume of 10 to 12 mL/kg, an FiO2 of 0.40, and a respiratory rate that kept PCO2 between 35 and 45 mm Hg. Chest physiotherapy, nebulizer treatments, and frequent suctioning were undertaken. Baseline arterial blood gas analysis and an oxygen challenge were performed. The patients were then given 8 to 10 mg of naloxone. Oxygen challenges and arterial blood gas analyses were repeated every 4 to 6 hours. The data were analyzed by using a paired t test, and each patient served as his or her own control. Setting These interventions were performed on the 19 LifeQuest donors who met the set criteria from July 2002 to July 2004. Results The PaO2 on the oxygen challenge immediately after administration of naloxone increased from 329 (SD 177) to 363 (SD 191) mm Hg, although the increase from baseline was not significant. The PaO2 from the second oxygen challenge (median time, 7 hours after administration of naloxone) increased to 413 (SD 177) mm Hg (P < .01).
Blood serum metabolites and meat quality in crossbred pigs experiencing different lairage time

Abstract Pigs of two crosses: A (♀ Duroc × ♂Swedish Landrace) × ♂Pietrain (n=24) and B (♀ Swedish Landrace × ♂Large White) × ♂Pietrain (n=26) were used to investigate the effects of different lairage time (2 and 24 hours) on levels of stress and meat quality traits. No direct effect of lairage time on cortisol, lactate, electrolytes and meat quality parameters was observed. However, after long lairage time, pigs showed lower level of glucose and higher CK, AST and ALT activity. Crossbred B pigs exposed to short lairage time, showed higher blood lactate, sodium, and potassium level, higher drip loss and lower pHi, whereas there were no significant differences between the crossbreeds in the long lairage group. The results indicate that long lairage time decreases blood glucose level and produces signs of muscle damage. In the short lairage period, the crossbreed B showed a higher response to pre-slaughter handling affecting the meat quality.
Considerations in Presenting, Interpreting, and Reviewing Research Findings

insights about the strengths and weaknesses of existing programs, information regarding populations at risk for an undesirable outcome, and updates on the efficacy of interventions, but only when the results of the research are communicated to the intended audience. When research results—which may stem from a study that assesses only a local area or examines only a program-specific issue—are published in a peer-reviewed journal, they can nonetheless benefit the entire community of scholars and professionals. For research to be of such benefit, however, effective communication must occur. The Table, based on Sechrest and Hannah,1 lists factors that should be considered when research findings are put into a manuscript for submission to a peer-reviewed journal. Reviewers often use just such a list to evaluate the manuscript. Presenting information about a well-designed study is relatively easy regardless of the study’s outcome. The literature review helped develop or refine the hypothesis; the hypothesis was relatively unambiguous and by its nature suggested manageable and operational research tasks; the study design (including the techniques for sampling and data analysis) was appropriate for the questions to be addressed; and the data did (or did not) support the hypothesis. The paper that effectively reports the study’s results will successfully address (1) the hypothesis and literature, (2) the results and interpretation of the findings, (3) the limitations of the study, and (4) the importance and significance of the study. Considerations in presenting, interpreting, and reviewing research findings
Development of a Survey to Identify Barriers to Living Donation in Kidney Transplant Candidates

care outcomes for patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and reduces health care costs. However, only 35% of kidney transplants in Canada and about 40% in the United States are from a living donor. Although the rates of living kidney donation have grown since the late 1990s, waiting lists for kidney transplantation have also grown as the incidence of ESRD has increased. In Canada, approximately 3000 patients are waiting for a kidney and more than 30 000 patients are living with ESRD; in the United States, almost 80 000 patients are waiting for a kidney and more than half a million live with ESRD. Thus a huge potential exists to improve the rates of kidney transplantation by increasing the rates of living donor kidney transplantation. The advantages of living donor kidney transplantation are numerous and include superior clinical outcomes for recipients such as lower risk of acute rejection, a greater likelihood of long-term survival, and optimal timing of the transplant. Despite these advantages, the low rate of living kidney donation suggests that potential recipients may be experiencing “barriers” to seeking a transplant from a live donor. A limited number of studies have been conducted in this area, and available evidence indicates that recipients’ knowledge about transplantation and living donation in particular, is important. Specifically, recipients who support living kidney transplantation are more likely to understand the risks and benefits to recipients and donors, although many recipients are not aware of the potential benefits to the donor and the reasons that donors Development of a survey to identify barriers to living donation in kidney transplant candidates
Family, Friends, and Faith: How Organ Donor Families Heal

Context Understanding how organ donors' families recover from their grief can help organ procurement organizations improve consent rates and increase the number of deceased donor organs available for transplant. Objective To determine what helps the loved ones of deceased organ donors heal from their grief and loss, and to better understand families' needs during the consent process as a way of improving overall consent rates for organ donation. Design, Setting, and Participants Written survey of all organ and tissue donors' families in the San Diego and Imperial County (California) service area during 2006 and 2007. Main Outcome Measures Responses to the 20-question survey addressing factors that help healing from grief, as well as contextual information about the families' experience at the hospital and the consent process. Results Most respondents (84%) indicated that family support was the most helpful thing in dealing with their grief, followed by the support of friends (74%) and religious and cultural beliefs (37%). Most (75%) indicated that they agreed to donation so that something positive could result from their loss. Most respondents (93%) felt that they were given enough information to make an informed decision about donation, and 6% indicated that the donation process interfered with funeral or memorial arrangements. More than 95% understood that their loved one had died before they were approached for consent. Consistent with previous studies, 12% said they still had unanswered questions about aspects of donation, and 15% of respondents indicated that the discussion about organ donation added more emotional stress to their overall experience.
Adversarial Attacks on Graph Neural Networks

Deep learning models for graphs have achieved strong performance for the task of node classification. Despite their proliferation, little is known about their robustness to adversarial attacks. Yet, in domains where they are likely to be used, e.g., the web, adversaries are common. Can deep learning models for graphs be easily fooled? In this work, we present a study of adversarial attacks on attributed graphs, specifically focusing on models exploiting ideas of graph convolutions. In addition to attacks at test time, we tackle the more challenging class of poisoning/causative attacks, which focus on the training phase of a machine learning model. We generate adversarial perturbations targeting the node’s features and the graph structure, thus, taking the dependencies between instances in account. Moreover, we ensure that the perturbations remain unnoticeable by preserving important data characteristics. To cope with the underlying discrete domain, we propose an efficient algorithm Nettack exploiting incremental computations. Our experimental study shows that accuracy of node classification significantly drops even when performing only few perturbations. Even more, our attacks are transferable: the learned attacks generalize to other state-of-the-art node classification models and unsupervised approaches, and likewise are successful even when only limited knowledge about the graph is given. For the first time, we successfully identify important patterns of adversarial attacks on graph neural networks (GNNs) — a first step towards being able to detect adversarial attacks on GNNs.
Validity of 2 Sleep Quality Items to Be Used in a Large Cohort Study of Kidney Transplant Recipients

poorer quality of life1,2 and as a predictor of adverse clinical outcomes.3 Thus, sleep quality, that is, the degree of excellence in sleep as subjectively evaluated by the individual, has received increasing attention in chronically ill populations. Poor sleep quality not only affects daytime functioning, that is, the performance or ability to carry out routine daily functions, it also affects health negatively (higher levels of inflammatory markers4) and hampers patients’ professional and social lives.5,6 Both poor sleep quality and poor daytime functioning affect many kidney transplant patients. In the Dialysis Outcomes and Practice Patterns Study,3 sleep quality was predictive of quality of life and mortality risk in hemodialysis patients. Results of 2 studies that used polysomnography to assess sleep parameters in kidney transplant patients highlight improvements in sleep quality from before to after transplantation. The first study showed that kidney transplantation improved respiratory events, nocturnal oxygen saturation, periodic limb movement, sleep efficiency, and restorative sleep.7 In the second study, patients with periodic limb movement experienced significantly improved sleep efficiency and sleep architecture.8 Three cross-sectional studies of kidney transplant patients, all using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), reported 30% to 62% prevalence rates of poor sleep quality,1,2,9 whereas 1 longitudinal study10 that Validity of 2 sleep quality items to be used in a large cohort study of kidney transplant recipients
Fabrication of Chemically Cross-Linked Porous Gelatin Matrices

Purpose: the aim of this study was to chemically cross-link gelatin, by reacting its free amino groups with an aliphatic diisocyanate. Methods: to produce hydrogels with controllable properties, the number of reacting amino groups was carefully determined. Porosity was introduced into the gelatin-based hydrogels through the lyophilization process. Porous and nonporous matrices were characterized with respect to their chemical structure, morphology, water uptake and mechanical properties. Results: the physical, chemical and mechanical properties of the porous matrices are related to the extent of their crosslinking, showing that they can be controlled by varying the reaction parameters. Water uptake values (24 hours) vary between 160% and 200% as the degree of cross-linking increases. the flexibility of the samples also decreases by changing the extent of cross-linking. Young’s modulus shows values between 0.188 KPa, for the highest degree, and 0.142 KPa for the lowest degree. Conclusions: the matrices are potential candidates for use as tissue-engineering scaffolds by modulating their physical chemical properties according to the specific application. (Journal of Biomaterials & Biomechanics 2009; 7: 194-9)
Association Analysis of Rare Variants in Sequencing Studies

ZHENGZHENG TANG: Association Analysis of Rare Variants in Sequencing Studies (Under the direction of Dr. Danyu Lin) Recent advances in sequencing technologies have made it possible to explore the influence of rare variants on complex diseases and traits. Large-scale sequencing studies provide the opportunity to examine the proportion of the missing heritability that is attributable to rare variants. They also pose a range of analytical and computational challenges that cannot be adequately addressed with existing methods. For the association analysis of the rare variants, it is customary to aggregate rare mutations within a gene to perform gene-level association analysis. In the first part of the dissertation, we develop asymptotic and resampling gene-level association tests for a variety of traits and study designs. We employ score statistics under appropriate statistical models to achieve numerical stability and computational efficiency. The resulting software SCORE-Seq features a large collection of utilities devoted to perform gene-level association analysis in different scenarios. Trait-dependent sampling has been adopted in many sequencing projects to reduce cost. In the second part, we provide a valid and efficient maximum likelihood framework for analyzing binary secondary traits under such sampling strategy. We produce the commonly used gene-level association tests and compare our methods with the naive methods ignoring the trait-dependent sampling. A single sequencing study is often underpowered to detect modest genetic effect of rare variants. Several methods are available to conduct meta-analysis for rare variants under fixed-effects models, which assume that the genetic effects are the same across all
Menopause Related Problems among Women in a Rural Community of Kerala

Menopause is a unique stage of female reproductive life cycle, a transition from reproductive to non-reproductive stage. Menopause may be smooth experience for some women with only symptom of cessation of menstrual flow while others face one or more of the menopausal symptoms. The presence and severity of symptoms vary tremendously from woman to woman and can last from months to years during this transitional period. This study was conducted to assess the sociopersonal and health related data and menopause related problems among women. The findings show that the women are affected by menopause related problems of varying degree. Appropriate health care measure with special emphasis to life style interventions need to be initiated to enable women to live healthy and productive life at midlife.
Human evaluation of virtual and real-world distance

How to make observers perceive spatial distance precisely and have a better sense of presence is an important and difficult technical problem for many applications such as 3D displays and virtual reality. The main objective of this paper is to evaluate the observers' ability of perceiving the spatial distance between objects in real three-dimensional space and the ability to reproduce the real spatial distance in images. Participants evaluated the spatial distance of the virtual scene and reproduced the scene in real world. We found that the perceived and estimated spatial distance was less and less precise with increasing distance in both virtual and real world. In addition, real-world distance was underestimated compared with virtual distance. Moreover, training could improve people's performance during distance perception and estimation.
Inter-Rater Agreement and Usability: A Comparative Evaluation of Annotation Tools for Sentiment Annotation

: We present the results of a comparative evaluation study of five annotation tools with 50 participants in the context of sentiment and emotion annotation of literary texts. Ten participants per tool annotated 50 speeches of the play Emilia Galotti by G. E. Lessing . We evaluate the tools via standard usability and user experience questionnaires, by measuring the time needed for the annotation, and via semi-structured interviews. Based on the results we formulate a recommendation. In addition, we discuss and compare the usability metrics and methods to develop best practices for tool selection in similar contexts. Furthermore, we also highlight the relationship between inter-rater agreement and usability metrics as well as the effect of the chosen tool on annotation behavior.