Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A study of practising nurses' perceptions and experiences of intimacy within the nurse-patient relationship.

AIM This study investigated the perceptions and experiences of intimacy within the nurse-patient relationship. BACKGROUND Intimacy is an increasingly recognized nursing concept, which is intrinsically related to the therapeutic potential of nursing. However, the nature of intimacy as practised in nursing remains largely unexplored. A qualitative design was used and a purposive sample of 10 nurses was involved. Data were collected by means of semistructured interviews and diaries. FINDINGS Content analysis of the data yielded five categories relating to the nature of intimacy, involvement, resources, affinity for the patient and the rejection of intimacy. This paper focuses on the first of these categories. Intimacy emerged as a complex concept and included the subcategories of disclosure, levels of disclosure, sharing personal experiences, patient dependency and vulnerability, instrumental touch and intimacy and intimacy as an inappropriate term for the nurse-patient relationship. These findings are discussed in the light of existing theories and recommendations made for further research to expand and develop the issues highlighted. CONCLUSIONS The paper concludes by highlighting the complexity of the concept and identifies some of the constraints to intimacy in practice such as insufficient resources, the health care system and role changes.
Development and evaluation of an exercycle game using immersive technologies

Exercise video games have become increasing popular due to their promise to increase fitness and reduce obesity levels, and due to the emergence of cheap interface devices. Previous research reported mixed results about the effectiveness of such games. Common problems are the lack of long term motivation of users, games not taking into account specific patient requirements, repetitive gameplay, and vendor lockin. In this paper we design a novel exergame which addresses some of these shortcomings. The game employs an infinite randomly generated game environment, uses immersive technologies, and can be customized to take into account patient requirements. We present a prototype of this game design and evaluate its effectiveness using different levels of immersion. Our user study demonstrates a small but statistically significant increase in exercise performance and motivation when using the exergame. Employing the Oculus Rift resulted in a slightly higher motivation, but no noticeable change in performance. The head mounted display was most effective for sedentary users.
Therapeutic potential of curcumin in human prostate cancer. III. Curcumin inhibits proliferation, induces apoptosis, and inhibits angiogenesis of LNCaP prostate cancer cells in vivo

Earlier work from our laboratory highlighted the therapeutic potential of curcumin (turmeric), used as a dietary ingredient and as a natural anti‐inflammatory agent in India and other Southeast Asian countries. This agent was shown to decrease the proliferative potential and induce the apoptosis potential of both androgen‐dependent and androgen‐independent prostate cancer cells in vitro, largely by modulating the apoptosis suppressor proteins and by interfering with the growth factor receptor signaling pathways as exemplified by the EGF‐receptor. To extend these observations made in vitro and to study the efficacy of this potential anti‐cancer agent in vivo, the growth of LNCaP cells as heterotopically implanted tumors in nude mice was followed.
Living on a Flare: Relativistic Reflection in V404 Cyg Observed by NuSTAR during Its Summer 2015 Outburst

We present first results from a series of NuSTAR observations of the black hole X-ray binary V404 Cyg obtained during its summer 2015 outburst, primarily focusing on observations during the height of this outburst activity. The NuSTAR data show extreme variability in both the flux and spectral properties of the source. This is partly driven by strong and variable line-of-sight absorption, similar to previous outbursts. The latter stages of this observation are dominated by strong flares, reaching luminosities close to Eddington. During these flares, the central source appears to be relatively unobscured and the data show clear evidence for a strong contribution from relativistic reflection, providing a means to probe the geometry of the innermost accretion flow. Based on the flare properties, analogies with other Galactic black hole binaries, and also the simultaneous onset of radio activity, we argue that this intense X-ray flaring is related to transient jet activity during which the ejected plasma is the primary source of illumination for the accretion disk. If this is the case, then our reflection modeling implies that these jets are launched in close proximity to the black hole (as close as a few gravitational radii), consistent with expectations for jet launching models that tap either the spin of the central black hole, or the very innermost accretion disk. Our analysis also allows us to place the first constraints on the black hole spin for this source, which we find to be (99% statistical uncertainty, based on an idealized lamp-post geometry).
Analysis of a long‐duration inhibitory potential in mitral cells in the isolated turtle olfactory bulb.

1. An inhibitory potential of long duration has been analysed in intracellular recordings from mitral cells in the isolated turtle olfactory bulb preparation. 2. A single volley in the olfactory nerves or lateral olfactory tract elicited synaptic inhibition in mitral cells, followed by a long‐lasting hyperpolarization of the cell. This slow potential has been termed the Is component, to distinguish it from the earlier I1 and I2 components to the inhibitory post‐synaptic potentials (i.p.s.p.s). 3. The slow Is component was inhibitory, as shown by the interruption of spontaneous discharges, and the blockage of responses to injected current and incoming volleys. The duration of the hyperpolarization following a single volley usually lasted up to 5 sec, and occasionally longer. 4. The Is response decreased in amplitude with either depolarizing or hyperpolarizing current injection, without showing a reversal potential. This contrasted with the earlier I1 and I2 components, which showed reversal potentials characteristic of i.p.s.p.s. 5. Tests of membrane conductance showed that the conductance, which was increased during the preceding i.p.s.p., decayed to control values during the early part of the Is potential. 6. The Is response shares some characteristics with slow potentials reported in certain other vertebrate neurones. This type of response may be involved in longer‐term neuromodulatory control of the excitability of the mitral cell.
Risk of acquiring antibiotic-resistant bacteria from prior room occupants.

BACKGROUND Environmental contamination with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) occurs during the care of patients harboring these organisms and may increase the risk of transmission to subsequent room occupants. METHODS Twenty-month retrospective cohort study of patients admitted to 8 intensive care units performing routine admission and weekly screening for MRSA and VRE. We assessed the relative odds of acquisition among patients admitted to rooms in which the most recent occupants were MRSA positive or VRE positive, compared with patients admitted to other rooms. RESULTS Of 11 528 intensive care unit room stays, 10 151 occupants were eligible to acquire MRSA, and 10 349 were eligible to acquire VRE. Among patients whose prior room occupant was MRSA positive, 3.9% acquired MRSA, compared with 2.9% of patients whose prior room occupant was MRSA negative (adjusted odds ratio, 1.4; P = .04). VRE, Among patients whose prior room occupant was VRE positive, these values were 4.5% and 2.8% respectively (adjusted odds ratio, 1.4; P = .02). These excess risks accounted for 5.1% of all incident MRSA cases and 6.8% of all incident VRE cases, with a population attributable risk among exposed patients of less than 2% for either organism. Acquisition was significantly associated with longer post-intensive care unit length of stay. CONCLUSIONS Admission to a room previously occupied by an MRSA-positive patient or a VRE-positive patient significantly increased the odds of acquisition for MRSA and VRE. However, this route of transmission was a minor contributor to overall transmission. The effect of current cleaning practices in reducing the risk to the observed levels and the potential for further reduction are unknown.
Actin network architecture and elasticity in lamellipodia of melanoma cells

Cell migration is an essential element in the immune response on the one hand and in cancer metastasis on the other hand. The architecture of the actin network in lamellipodia determines the elasticity of the leading edge and contributes to the regulation of migration. We have implemented a new method for the analysis of actin network morphology in the lamellipodia of B16F1 mouse melanoma cells. This method is based on fitting multi-layer geometrical models to electron microscopy images of lamellipodial actin networks. The chosen model and F-actin concentrations are thereby deterministic parameters. Using this approach, we identified distinct structural features of actin networks in lamellipodia. The mesh size which defines the elasticity of the lamellipodium was determined as 34 and 78 nm for a two-layer network at a total actin concentration of 9.6 mg ml−1. These data lead to estimates of the low frequency elastic shear moduli which differ by more than a magnitude between the two layers. These findings indicate an anisotropic shear modulus of the lamellipodium with the stiffer layer being the dominant structure against deformations in the lamellipodial plane and the softer layer contributing significantly at lower indentations perpendicular to the lamellipodial plane. This combination creates a material that is optimal for pushing forward as well as squeezing through narrow spaces.
Dispositional self-control capacity and trait anxiety as relates to coping styles

In the present article, we analyzed the relationship between dispositional self-control capacity, trait anxiety, and coping styles. Since self-control is often crucial for adapting one’s behavior to be positive, we predicted that dispositional differences in the capacity to exert self-control play a role in determining individuals coping styles. To test this assumption, we assessed participants’ (N = 163) dispositional self-control capacity using the Self-Control Scale, and their dispositional coping styles by using the short version of the German Coping Questionnaire SVF78 (German: Stressverarbeitungsfragebogen). A path analysis supported our hypothesis; higher levels of dispositional self-control capacity were positively associated with positive coping style and negatively associated with negative coping style. Basing on attentional control theory, we further assumed that this relationship was mediated by trait anxiety. In a second study based on a sample of N = 98 participants, we additionally applied the trait version of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. The results of a path analysis revealed that trait anxiety mediated the relationship between dispositional self-control capacity and coping styles. The results suggest that it may be useful to take a closer look at the role of self-control in the anxiety-coping relationship.
Interchannel Crosstalk Analysis in Parallel Optical Receiver up to 10 GHz

This paper describes interchannel crosstalk in a parallel optical receiver at a data rate of 10 Gb/s and higher. Individual paths of interchannel crosstalk are categorized, and each path is investigated in detail with equivalent model measurements and simulations. At a frequency of 10 GHz, three individual package substrate crosstalk paths and supply and ground rails show a significant coupling level of higher than -22.9 dB. Regarding the quantity of coupled crosstalk, the supply and ground rails make the most significant crosstalk paths within the whole frequency range. In the last part of this paper, effective methods of isolating interchannel crosstalk at a single-channel speed of 10 Gb/s and higher are discussed.
Submodularity of Storage Placement Optimization in Power Networks

In this paper, we consider the problem of placing energy storage resources in a power network when all storage devices are optimally controlled to minimize system-wide costs. We propose a discrete optimization framework to accurately model heterogeneous storage capital and installation costs as these fixed costs account for the largest cost component in most grid-scale storage projects. Identifying an optimal placement strategy is challenging due to the combinatorial nature of such placement problems, and the spatial and temporal transfers of energy via transmission lines and distributed storage devices. To develop a scalable near-optimal placement strategy with a performance guarantee, we characterize a tight condition under which the placement value function is submodular by exploiting our duality-based analytical characterization of the optimal cost and prices. The proposed polyhedral analysis of a parametric economic dispatch problem with optimal storage control also leads to a simple but rigorous verification method for submodularity, and the novel insight that the spatiotemporal congestion pattern of a power network is critical to submodularity. A modified greedy algorithm provides a $(1-1/e)$-optimal placement solution and can be extended to obtain risk-aware placement strategies when submodularity is verified.
Risk Factors for Cage Retropulsion After Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion: Analysis of 1070 Cases

Study Design. Single-center retrospective study. Objective. We examined the risk factors for cage retropulsion after posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) performed for patients with degenerative lumbar spinal diseases. Summary of Background Data. Although PLIF is a widely accepted procedure, problems remain regarding perioperative and postoperative complications. There are few reported studies identifying specific risk factors for cage retropulsion, one of the implant-related complications after PLIF, although several case reports have been published. Methods. Between April 2006 and July 2010, 1070 patients with various degenerative lumbar spinal diseases underwent single- or multilevel PLIF combined with posterolateral fusion, using posterior pedicle screw fixation and box-type cages. Their medical records and preoperative radiographs were reviewed and the factors influencing the incidence of cage retropulsion were analyzed. Results. There were 9 cases of cage retropulsion (7 men and 2 women; mean age, 68.2 yr), and it developed within 2 months after surgery in all cases. Five patients had low back pain or leg pain, 3 of whom required revision surgery. The mean fusion level was 3.9 (range, 2–5); in 6 of the 9 patients, the cage had migrated at L5/S, 2 at L4/5, and 1 at L3/4. All of the cages were inserted at the end disc level of multilevel fusion procedures. The disc heights and ranges of motion were significantly greater in patients with cage retropulsion, and patients with a pear-shaped disc space also showed a higher rate of cage retropulsion. Conclusion. These results indicate that PLIF at L5/S, a wide disc space with instability, multilevel fusion surgery, and a pear-shaped disc space on lateral radiographs are risk factors for cage retropulsion. The identification of these risk factors should allow us to avoid this complication, and the use of expandable cages is an effective option for such cases.
On Estimating the Size of the Shadow Economy

Abstract As long as it is employed cautiously enough, the model approach is a useful tool to estimate simultaneously the size and the development of the shadow economy in several countries. However, a second method is necessary to calibrate the model. The currency demand approach can lead to highly implausible results; the size of the shadow economy might be largely overestimated. An alternative is the survey method. For real tests of whether a variable has an impact, procedures are necessary that do not use the same variables as those used to construct the indicator. Thus, to make progress in analysing the shadow economy, the model approach has a role to play, but it has to be complemented by other methods employing different data. The currency demand approach cannot be used as long as it employs the same variables for its constructions.
AmpC beta-lactamase producing bacterial isolates from Kolkata hospital.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE The widespread use of beta-lactam antibiotics has lead to the development of resistance to this group of antibiotics in bacterial pathogens due to beta-lactamase production. Information on such pathogens is not available from eastern region of India. This study was undertaken to determine the AmpC beta-lactamase production in pathogens isolated from hospitalized patients in Kolkata. METHODS Non-repeat clinical isolates (284) from pus, urine, sputum and other clinical specimens of hospitalized patients were taken. Disk agar diffusion (DAD) and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) with different beta-lactam antibiotics, and double disc synergy test (DDST) with clavulanic acid and sulbactam were done. Disk antagonism test (DAT) and three-dimensional extract test (TDET) were conducted for phenotypic confirmation of AmpC and inducible AmpC beta-lactamase production. Nitrocefin spot test and microiodometric assay of beta-lactamase were also performed. RESULTS Twenty seven isolates were found to be resistant to cefoxitin, a alpha-methoxy-beta-lactam. Of these, 19 were observed to be AmpC beta-lactamase producers and 4 were inducible AmpC beta- lactamase producers by DDST, DAT and TDET. Remaining 4 were non AmpC beta-lactamase producers. Of the 23 AmpC beta-lactamase producers, the distribution of different species was as follows: Escherichia coli 11 (47.8%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa 4 (17.3%) Klebsiella pneumoniae 3 (13%), and Klebsiella aeruginosa 1 (4.3%). INTERPRETATION AND CONCLUSION Our finding showed 6.7 per cent AmpC beta-lactamase and 1.4 per cent inducible AmpC beta-lactamase producing clinical isolates from Kolkata. AmpC beta-lactamase producing bacterial pathogens may cause a major therapeutic failure if not detected and reported in time.
Performance Analysis of a Low-Power High-Speed Hybrid 1-bit Full Adder Circuit

In this paper, a hybrid 1-bit full adder design employing both complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) logic and transmission gate logic is reported. The design was first implemented for 1 bit and then extended for 32 bit also. The circuit was implemented using Cadence Virtuoso tools in 180-and 90-nm technology. Performance parameters such as power, delay, and layout area were compared with the existing designs such as complementary pass-transistor logic, transmission gate adder, transmission function adder, hybrid pass-logic with static CMOS output drive full adder, and so on. For 1.8-V supply at 180-nm technology, the average power consumption (4.1563 μW) was found to be extremely low with moderately low delay (224 ps) resulting from the deliberate incorporation of very weak CMOS inverters coupled with strong transmission gates. Corresponding values of the same were 1.17664 μW and 91.3 ps at 90-nm technology operating at 1.2-V supply voltage. The design was further extended for implementing 32-bit full adder also, and was found to be working efficiently with only 5.578-ns (2.45-ns) delay and 112.79-μW (53.36-μW) power at 180-nm (90-nm) technology for 1.8-V (1.2-V) supply voltage. In comparison with the existing full adder designs, the present implementation was found to offer significant improvement in terms of power and speed.
Determinants of Enterprise System Adoption Across the System Lifecycle: Exploring the Role of Economic Development

The authors studied enterprise systems adoption in transition and less-developed economies within the European Union in search of determinants (critical success factors and barriers) across the system lifecycle. They found 14 determinants drawing from interviews with practitioners whose experience exceeds 280 projects. The authors compared their data with prior results from well-developed countries and concluded that determinants and their criticality across the lifecycle depend on the level of economic development. The authors discussed implications and provided recommendations.
Mapping the core journals of the physical therapy literature.

OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to identify (1) core journals in the literature of physical therapy, (2) currency of references cited in that literature, and (3) online databases providing the highest coverage rate of core journals. METHOD Data for each cited reference in each article of four source journals for three years were recorded, including type of literature, year of publication, and journal title. The journal titles were ranked in descending order according to the frequency of citations and divided into three zones using Bradford's Law of Scattering. Four databases were analyzed for coverage rates of articles published in the Zone 1 and Zone 2 journals in 2007. RESULTS Journal articles were the most frequently cited type of literature, with sixteen journals supplying one-third of the cited journal references. Physical Therapy was the most commonly cited title. There were more cited articles published from 2000 to 2007 than in any previous full decade. Of the databases analyzed, CINAHL provided the highest coverage rate for Zone 1 2007 publications. CONCLUSIONS Results were similar to a previous study, except for changes in the order of Zone 1 journals. Results can help physical therapists and librarians determine important journals in this discipline.
Marine carotenoids: Bioactivities and potential benefits to human health

ABSTRACT Among natural pigments, carotenoids play important roles in physiological functions. The characteristics of carotenoids and their effects on human health have been reported for a long time, but most studies have focused on carotenoids from vegetables, fruits, and other parts of higher plants. Few reports are available on carotenoids from marine sources, such as seaweeds, microalgae, and marine animals, which have attracted attention in recent decades. Hundreds of carotenoids have been identified and isolated from marine organisms and their beneficial physiological functions, such as anticancer, antiobesity, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, and cardioprotective activities have been reported. The purpose of this review is to discuss the literature on the beneficial bioactivities of some of the most abundant marine carotenoids, including fucoxanthin, astaxanthin, cantaxanthin, peridinin, fucoxanthinol, and halocynthiaxanthin.
Cell‐cell communication correlates with pattern formation in molting Manduca midgut epithelium

The midgut epithelium of larval Manduca sexta is constructed of single goblet cells surrounded by a one‐cell‐thick reticulum of columnar cells. This pattern is expanded at each molt by the addition of new cells. Between molts, these epithelial cells are not dye coupled, even though gap junctions are present. Proliferating stem cells are dye coupled in small groups early in the molt. Then, at mid‐molt, the whole epithelium temporarily becomes dye coupled. This is when the new (expanded) pattern is being established. Later, at the end of the molt, the epithelium returns to the non‐coupled state. These results suggest that cell communication via gap junctions may play a role in cell patterning. © 1993 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Novel Alphaproteobacterial Root Nodule Symbiont Associated with Lupinus texensis

ABSTRACT Phylogenetic analysis of rRNA gene, recA, nodA, nifD, and nifH sequences suggested that nitrogen-fixing symbionts from two populations of Lupinus texensis acquired the capacity for nodule symbiosis separately from other rhizobia in the alphaproteobacteria. Their closest 16S rRNA relatives were the nonsymbiotic taxa Chelatococcus, Bosea, and Balneomonas.