Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Quality of life of Chinese urologists: a cross-sectional study using WHOQOL-BREF.

OBJECTIVES In recent years, Chinese hospital settings are under violent threats. The exact status of quality of life of Chinese doctors under these disastrous situations remains obscure. The aim of this study was to assess the quality of life of Chinese urologists and analyse its potential affecting factors. DESIGN Cross-sectional survey. SETTING Beijing, China. PARTICIPANTS Overall, 1000 participants from more than 30 areas of China, who participated in the 20th National Urology Conference in Beijing in 2013, were surveyed. The brief version of the World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL-BREF) Chinese version was used to assess the quality of life among these urologists. The relationship between quality of life and the affecting factors was analysed. RESULTS Of the 1000 questionnaires, 856 were completed and returned, and 708 questionnaires were valid for analysis. Approximately 46% of the respondents came from provincial capitals, 54.2% of them felt stress from medical environment, while 76.0% felt stress from research work, and 85.3% from promotion. Cronbach's α coefficient of the instrument was 0.825, Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin measure was 0.841, and P value of Bartlett's sphericity was <0.001. The results of binary logistic regression indicated gender, work years, and medical environment as potential affecting factors of quality of life only influenced one domain. In contrast, research work and promotion influenced three domains of the WHOQOL-BREF. CONCLUSIONS The study indicated that the WHOQOL-BREF may be a reliable and valid tool to assess quality of life of Chinese urologists. In China it is true that the deteriorative medical environment negatively affects medical practice according to previous studies, and policies are recommended to improve the situation. Nevertheless, we should not be too pessimistic about it, as in today's context research work and promotion may be the most extensive and significant affecting factors on doctors' quality of life.
The Flipped Classroom: Strategies for an Undergraduate Nursing Course

This article presents the authors’ experience with flipping a Fundamental Concepts of Nursing course for students in an undergraduate baccalaureate program. Authors describe implementing a flipped class, practical strategies to transform students’ learning experience, and lessons learned. This article serves as a guide to faculty and programs seeking to develop and implement the flipped class model in nursing education.
Factors influencing the age at onset in familial frontotemporal lobar dementia

Objective: To quantify the effect of genetic factors and generations influencing the age at onset (AAO) in families with frontotemporal lobar dementia (FTD) due to C9ORF72 hexanucleotide repeat expansions and GRN mutations. Methods: We studied 504 affected individuals from 133 families with C9ORF72 repeat expansions and 90 FTD families with mutations in GRN, 2 major genes responsible for FTD and/or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Intrafamilial correlations of AAO were analyzed, and variance component methods were used for heritability estimates. Generational effects on hazard rates for AAO were assessed using mixed-effects Cox proportional hazard models. Results: A generational effect influencing AAO was detected in both C9ORF72 and GRN families. Nevertheless, the estimated proportion of AAO variance explained by genetic factors was high in FTD caused by C9ORF72 repeat expansions (44%; p = 1.10e−4), 62% when the AAO of dementia was specifically taken into account (p = 8.10e−5), and to a lesser degree in GRN families (26%; p = 0.17). Intrafamilial correlation analyses revealed a significant level of correlations in C9ORF72 families according to the degree of kinship. A pattern of intrafamilial correlations also suggested potential X-linked modifiers acting on AAO. Nonsignificant correlation values were observed in GRN families. Conclusions: Our results provide original evidence that genetic modifiers strongly influence the AAO in C9ORF72 carriers, while their effects seem to be weaker in GRN families. This constitutes a rational to search for genetic biomarkers, which could help to improve genetic counseling, patient care, and monitoring of therapeutic trials.
Using Mixed Methods to Identify and Answer Clinically Relevant Research Questions

The need for mixed methods research in answering health care questions is becoming increasingly recognized because of the complexity of factors that affect health outcomes. In this article, we argue for the value of using a qualitatively driven mixed method approach for identifying and answering clinically relevant research questions. This argument is illustrated by findings from a study on the self-management practices of cancer survivors and the exploration of one particular clinically relevant finding about higher uptake of self-management in cancer survivors who had received chemotherapy treatment compared with those who have not. A cross-sectional study generated findings that formed the basis for the qualitative study, by informing the purposive sampling strategy and generating new qualitative research questions. Using a quantitative research component to supplement a qualitative study can enhance the generalizability and clinical relevance of the findings and produce detailed, contextualized, and rich answers to research questions that would be unachievable through quantitative or qualitative methods alone.
Inhibition of Cav3.2 T-type Calcium Channels by Its Intracellular I-II Loop*

Background: Novel strategies are needed to characterize the properties of T-type (Cav3) calcium channel isoforms. Results: The I-II loop of the Cav3.2 protein potently inhibits both recombinant and neuronal Cav3.1 and Cav3.2 channels. Conclusion: This I-II loop region can be used to selectively silence Cav3.1/Cav3.2 channels. Significance: This study reveals a new approach to differentiate among the activity of native Cav3 channels. Voltage-dependent calcium channels (Cav) of the T-type family (Cav3.1, Cav3.2, and Cav3.3) are activated by low threshold membrane depolarization and contribute greatly to neuronal network excitability. Enhanced T-type channel activity, especially Cav3.2, contributes to disease states, including absence epilepsy. Interestingly, the intracellular loop connecting domains I and II (I-II loop) of Cav3.2 channels is implicated in the control of both surface expression and channel gating, indicating that this I-II loop plays an important regulatory role in T-type current. Here we describe that co-expression of this I-II loop or its proximal region (Δ1-Cav3.2; Ser423–Pro542) together with recombinant full-length Cav3.2 channel inhibited T-type current without affecting channel expression and membrane incorporation. Similar T-type current inhibition was obtained in NG 108-15 neuroblastoma cells that constitutively express Cav3.2 channels. Of interest, Δ1-Cav3.2 inhibited both Cav3.2 and Cav3.1 but not Cav3.3 currents. Efficacy of Δ1-Cav3.2 to inhibit native T-type channels was assessed in thalamic neurons using viral transduction. We describe that T-type current was significantly inhibited in the ventrobasal neurons that express Cav3.1, whereas in nucleus reticularis thalami neurons that express Cav3.2 and Cav3.3 channels, only the fast inactivating T-type current (Cav3.2 component) was significantly inhibited. Altogether, these data describe a new strategy to differentially inhibit Cav3 isoforms of the T-type calcium channels.
A Network Structural Approach to the Link Prediction Problem

The link prediction problem is an emerging real-life social network problem in which data mining techniques have played a critical role. It arises in many practical applications such as recommender systems, information retrieval, and marketing analysis of social networks. We propose a new mathematical programming approach for predicting a future network using estimated node degree distribution identified from historical data. The link prediction problem is formulated as an integer programming problem that maximizes the sum of link scores probabilities with respect to the estimated node degree distribution. The performance of the proposed framework is tested on real-life social networks, and the computational results show that the proposed approach can improve the performance of previously published link prediction methods.
Collaboration with Customers - Understanding the Effect of Customer-Company Interaction in New Product Development

Customer co-creation is becoming increasingly popular among companies, and intensive communication with the customer is generally seen as a determinant of new product success. However, there is still limited insight into what interaction with customers really is. The most recent thinking argues for an understanding of value-in-context in order to co-create value with customers. The question, then, is how value-in-context can be captured and how this knowledge can be beneficial in the development process. In essence in order to capture this type of information a company needs to interact and communicate with their customers. However, this communication process has not been properly analyzed. In the present study we analyze customer collaboration based on four separate dimensions - frequency, direction, modality, and content - in order to understand the value of customer collaboration. The data comes from a survey of 207 managers with experience of new service and product development. The paper concludes that three of the four dimensions of customer collaboration have a significant positive effect on New Product Development performance and Market Share development.
Determination of herpes simplex virus type-specific antibodies by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay

We determined type-specific antibodies to herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and type 2 (HSV-2) by an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, using as antigens HSV-1 glycoprotein gC-1 and a HSV-2-specific polypeptide purified on affinity columns of monoclonal antibodies. All sera were initially screened for HSV antibodies by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay with a pool of Triton X-100-extracted antigens of HSV-1- and HSV-2-infected HEp-2 cells. The titer of HSV antibodies was predicted from a linear regression curve based on the absorbance of the initial 1:50 serum dilution. The sensitivity and specificity of the screening assay and of the assay for type-specific antibodies were established.
Maximum Spanning Tree Model on Personalized Web Based Collaborative Learning in Web 3.0

Web 3.0 is an evolving extension of the current web environme bnt. Information in web 3.0 can be collaborated and communicated when queried. Web 3.0 architecture provides an excellent learning experience to the students. Web 3.0 is 3D, media centric and semantic. Web based learning has been on high in recent days. Web 3.0 has intelligent agents as tutors to collect and disseminate the answers to the queries by the students. Completely Interactive learner's query determine the customization of the intelligent tutor. This paper analyses the Web 3.0 learning environment attributes. A Maximum spanning tree model for the personalized web based collaborative learning is designed.
Induction of Similarity Measures and Medical Diagnosis Support Rules through Separable, Linear Data Transformations

Summary Objectives: To improve the medical diagnosis support rules based on comparisons of diagnosed patients with similar cases (precedents) archived in a clinical database. The case-based reasoning (CBR) or the nearest neighbors (K-NN) classifications, which operate on referencing (learning) data sets, belong to this scheme. Methods: Inducing similarity measure through special linear transformations of the referencing sets aimed at the best separation of these sets. Designing separable transformations can be based on dipolar models and minimization of the convex and piecewise linear (CPL) criterion functions in accordance with the basis exchange algorithm. Results: Separable linear transformations allow for some data sets to decrease the error rate of the K-NNclassification rule based on the Euclidean distance. Such results can be seen on the example of data sets taken from the Heparsystem of diagnosis support. Conclusions: Medical diagnosis support based on the CBRor the K-NNrules can be improved through separable transformations of the referencing sets.
Students' Experience Toward e-Portfolios as a Reflective Assessment Tool in a Dual Mode Indigenous Business Course

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to investigate students’ experiences of, and attitudes on, the use of technology – in the form of ePortfolio – as an assessment tool. The authors seek to determine whether ePortfolios aid students in facilitating critical reflection on their learning and academic skill development. The authors also determine whether ePortfolios can provide an alternative assessment tool to the traditional assessment practices in the accounting and business discipline. Design/methodology/approach - This study surveys students enrolled in an indigenous business course using questions on the usability of ePortfolios, technical support and effectiveness in critical reflection and learning. Formal evaluations were included to capture students’ self-reflections on their ePortfolio experience. The analysis included analysis of variance, Findings - Results indicated that students show positive attitudes toward ePortfolios even after controlling for possible confounding variables such as previous experience, attitudes and accessibility. The authors also found that ePortfolios are a useful vehicle for enhancing students’ learning and understanding of indigenous knowledge in a business context. They were also found to facilitate students’ ability to critically reflect, engage in learning and develop their academic skills. Research limitations/implications - The findings of this study could benefit those working in higher education, particularly accounting academics in Australian universities, and the adaptation of ePortfolios in a blended learning environment, and contribute to pedagogical knowledge regarding indigenous business issues. Academics could design the curriculum of the accounting courses within the commerce programme that addresses programme learning objectives to align with graduate employability outcomes. Practical implications - This study provides a foundation for improving the design and assessment of written communication activities in accounting courses to achieve employability skills outcomes commensurate with university accreditation criteria. This could be achieved with the development of a community of practice developed by the professional accounting bodies in collaboration with Australian universities. Originality/value - The research is not wholly new, although the use of ePortfolios in accounting education is not widely reported and, therefore, may be of interest to those in advancing the accounting education agenda. In light of the recent call by Australian professional accounting bodies, ePortfolios can provide accounting graduates the non-technical or soft skills such as communication, interpersonal and critical thinking.
Antiplatelet drug interactions with proton pump inhibitors

Introduction: Non-aspirin antiplatelet agents (e.g., clopidogrel, prasugrel, ticagrelor) are commonly prescribed for the prevention of recurrent cardiovascular events among patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS) and/or those undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). In addition, combination therapy with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) is often recommended to attenuate gastrointestinal bleeding risk, particularly during dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) with clopidogrel and aspirin. Importantly, a pharmacological interaction between clopidogrel and some PPIs has been proposed based on mutual CYP450-dependent metabolism, but available evidence is inconsistent. Areas covered: This article provides an overview of the currently approved antiplatelet agents and PPIs, including their metabolic pathways. Additionally, the CYP450 isoenzyme at the center of the drug interaction, CYP2C19, is described in detail, and the available evidence on both the potential pharmacological interaction and influence on clinical outcomes are summarized and evaluated. Expert opinion: Although concomitant DAPT and PPI use reduces clopidogrel active metabolite levels and ex vivo-measured platelet inhibition, the influence of the drug interaction on clinical outcomes has been conflicting and largely reported from non-randomized observational studies. Despite this inconsistency, a clinically important interaction cannot be definitively excluded, particularly among patient subgroups with higher overall cardiovascular risk and potentially among CYP2C19 loss-of-function allele carriers.
Na-doped Ni-rich LiNi0.5Co0.2Mn0.3O2 cathode material with both high rate capability and high tap density for lithium ion batteries.

Na-doped Ni-rich LiNi0.5Co0.2Mn0.3O2 cathode material, Li0.97Na0. 03Ni0.5Co0.2Mn0.3O2, is synthesized by a hydroxide co-precipitation route. The structural characterization reveals that the substitution of Na for Li results in a more ordered α-NaFeO2 structure, enlarges Li layer spacing, and reduces the degree of cation mixing. The Li0.97Na0. 03Ni0.5Co0.2Mn0.3O2 material has a high tap density of 2.17 g cm(-3) that meets the commercial requirement in lithium ion batteries (LIBs). The galvanostatic charge/discharge results show that the electrochemical performance of the Li0.97Na0. 03Ni0.5Co0.2Mn0.3O2 is significantly improved. At 0.2, 1, 10, 30 and 50 C, the specific capacities of the Li0.97Na0. 03Ni0.5Co0.2Mn0.3O2 are 228.43, 163.12, 121.43, 95.56 and 60.09 mA h g(-1), respectively, which are superior to those of the undoped LiNi0.5Co0.2Mn0.3O2 due to the enlargement of Li layer spacing, the decreased degree of cation mixing, and the rapid diffusion of Li-ion in the bulk lattice after the substitution of Na for Li. Therefore, the Na-doped Ni-rich LiNi0.5Co0.2Mn0.3O2 material is a promising cathode candidate for the next generation of LIBs.
Complications and Mortality Following 1 to 2 Level Lumbar Fusion Surgery in Patients Above 80 Years of Age

Study Design. Retrospective database review. Objective. To determine the 90-day complication rate and 90-day and 1-year mortality in patients 80 years of age and older who were treated with posterolateral lumbar spinal fusion surgery and to compare these rates against those of elderly patients ages 65 to 79. Summary of Background Data. Patients over 80 years of age specifically represent a substantial proportion of the US population, with over 11 million such individuals in 2010. Few studies have comprehensively assessed the morbidity associated with spinal fusion surgery in patients older than 80 years. Methods. The PearlDiver database (2005–2012) was utilized to determine morbidity and mortality rates after posterolateral lumbar or lumbosacral spinal fusion surgery of 2–3 vertebrae. Patients 65 to 79 (72,547) and ≥80-year old (12,187) were selected. Charlson comorbidity index scores were analyzed and compared, as were various comorbid conditions 90-day complication rates and mortality at 90-days and 1 year compared between cohorts. Results. The ≥80 year cohort had a higher average Charlson Comorbidity Index score than the 65 to 79 year cohort (7.99 vs. 6.54, P <0.0001). The proportion of patients experiencing at least one major complication was relatively increased by 45.6% in patients ≥80 year (13.87 vs. 9.52%; OR 1.53 95% CI 1.44 – 1.62 P <0.0001). Ninety-day (0.30 vs. 0.09%; OR: 3.50, 95% confidence interval: 2.33–5.26, P <0.0001) and 1-year (0.48 vs. 0.18%; OR: 2.58, 95% confidence interval: 1.90–3.52, P <0.0001) mortality were significantly higher in the ≥80 year cohort compared with the 65 to 79-year-old control group. Conclusion. Patients 80 years of age or older have significantly greater rates of major medical complication and mortality following 1 to 2 level lumbar spinal posterolateral fusion surgery compared with patients 65 to 79 years of age. Level of Evidence: 3
Effects of Lead on the Induction of Hepatic Microsomal Enzymes by Phenobarbital and 3 , 4-BenzpyrenelJ

Effects of Lead on the Induction of Hepatic Microsomal Enzymes by Phenobarbital and 3,4Benzpyrene. CHOW, C. P. AND CORNISH, H. H. (1978). Toxicol. Appl. Pharmacol. 43,219-228. A single ip injection of lead acetate (65 mg/kg) prolonged the duration of zoxazolamine paralysis in Sprague-Dawley rats and prevented the stimulation of zoxazolamine metabolism normally induced by phenobarbital. Lead also delayed the phenobarbital induction of hepatic microsomal cytochrome P-450 at 12 and 24 hr after treatment. However, the inhibitory effect of lead had disappeared and cytochrome P-450 concentrations were markedly elevated at 48 hr. Lead also diminished hepatic microsomal cytochrome P-448, normally resulting from benzyprene treatment. Neither lead, phenobarbital, benzyprene nor their combination had a significant effect on hepatic cytochrome b, values. Lead, in vitro, inhibited the hepatic microsomal NADPH<ytochrome c and P-450 reductase activity in a dose-dependent manner. In vivo, significant inhibition of NADPH-cytochrome c and P-450 reductase activity was observed after the injection of lead acetate. Significant inhibition coincides with the time when lead concentration in the hepatic microsomes was maximal. The inhibition of &aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALAD) activity at several blood lead concentrations was confirmed both in vivo and in vitro. This relationship between blood lead concentrations and ALAD activity was not altered by pretreatment with phenobarbital or bcnzpyrene.
On computation of H∞ norm for commensurate fractional order systems

This paper tackles the problem of H-infinity (H∞) norm computation for a commensurate Fractional Order System (FOS). First, H∞ norm definition is given for FOS and Hamiltonian matrix of a FOS is computed. Two methods based on this Hamiltonian matrix are then proposed to compute the FOS H∞ norm: one based on a dichotomy algorithm and another one on LMI conditions. The LMI conditions are based on the Generalized LMI characterization of axes in the complex plane on which the Hamiltonian matrix eigenvalues must not appear to ensure a FOS norm less than predefined value. The accuracy of the proposed methods is proved on the computation of the modulus margin of a CRONE passive car suspension.