Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Patients in waiting: a qualitative study of type 2 diabetes patients' perceptions of diagnosis.

OBJECTIVE Our aim was to examine how diagnosis is perceived by a sample of newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes patients. METHODS A qualitative study was carried out in the Lothian region of Scotland using in-depth interviews of 40 newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes patients recruited from 16 general practices in four Local Health Care Co-operatives and three hospital clinics. Purposive selection ensured that the sample's demographic characteristics were broadly representative of newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes patients in Lothian/Scotland. RESULTS Clarity, timing and authority of the diagnosis delivery were highly salient for patients. Many patients perceived their GP as unwilling to deliver/confirm the diagnosis. Patients who were not referred to hospital were unclear why a referral had not taken place. Those referred perceived confirmation of diagnosis by the consultant as a central reason. Waiting for a hospital appointment could be problematic for patients. Most wanted the diagnosis confirmed before they felt confident making lifestyle changes. Input from health services during the period prior to the hospital visit was highly valued. Waiting was taken by some asymptomatic patients to indicate that they did not have the condition. Others used a lengthy period of waiting to confirm their view that they had a 'milder' or 'less serious' form of diabetes than other patients. CONCLUSIONS Adequate input from practitioners is needed to ensure that diagnosis is fully exploited as a crucial period in which patients learn to adapt to their condition. Being explicit about the diagnosis at first contact may avoid the problem of patients feeling 'in limbo' or uncertain whether they have type 2 diabetes. Practitioners should convey to patients that post-diagnosis/initial care is a process, stages of this process should be clarified to avoid misunderstanding and services should be integrated during this interim period to best effect.
Evidence-Based Reform in Education: Responses to Critics

In the past two decades, evidence-based reform in education has been gaining momentum worldwide. China is no exception. Though many Chinese scholars have acknowledged the importance of evidencebased reform in education, some remain skeptical. In this paper, we address the three major concerns about evidence-based reform in education and offer some clarifications on the issues raised by critics. Sci Insigt Edu Front 2019; 2(1):65-69. Doi: 10.15354/sief.19. ar027
Adolescents' self-reported problems as predictors of psychopathology in adulthood: 10-year follow-up study

Background Knowledge of the course of psychopathology from adolescence into adulthood is needed to answer questions concerning origins and prognosis of psychopathology across a wide age range. Aims To investigate the 10-year course and predictive value of self-reported problems in adolescence in relation to psychopathology in adulthood. Method Subjects from the general population, aged 11–19 years, were assessed with the Youth Self-Report (YSR) at initial assessment, and with the Young Adult Self-Report (YASR), the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI) and three sections of the Diagnostic Interview Schedule (DIS) 10 years later. Results Of the subjects with deviant YSR total problem scores, 23% (males) and 22% (females) had deviant YASR total problem scores at follow-up. Subjects with initial deviant YSR total problem, internalising and externalising scores had higher prevalences of DSM–IV diagnoses at follow-up. Conclusions Adolescent problems tended to persist into adulthood to a moderate degree. High rates of problems during adolescence are risk factors for psychiatric disorders in adulthood.
Evidence for oligomerization between GABAB receptors and GIRK channels containing the GIRK1 and GIRK3 subunits

The stimulation of inhibitory neurotransmitter receptors, such as γ‐aminobutyric acid type B (GABAB) receptors, activates G protein‐gated inwardly‐rectifying K+ (GIRK) channels, which influence membrane excitability. There is now evidence suggesting that G protein‐coupled receptors and G protein‐gated inwardly‐rectifying K+ [GIRK/family 3 of inwardly‐rectifying K+ (Kir3)] channels do not diffuse freely within the plasma membrane, but instead there are direct protein–protein interactions between them. Here, we used bioluminescence resonance energy transfer, co‐immunoprecipitation, confocal and electron microscopy techniques to investigate the oligomerization of GABAB receptors with GIRK channels containing the GIRK3 subunit, whose contribution to functional channels is still unresolved. Co‐expression of GABAB receptors and GIRK channels in human embryonic kidney‐293 cells in combination with co‐immunoprecipitation experiments established that the metabotropic receptor forms stable complexes with GIRK channels. Using bioluminescence resonance energy transfer, we have shown that, in living cells under physiological conditions, GABAB receptors interact directly with GIRK1/GIRK3 heterotetramers. In addition, we have provided evidence that the receptor–effector complexes are also found in vivo and identified that the cerebellar granule cells are one neuron population where the interaction probably takes place. Altogether, our data show that signalling complexes containing GABAB receptors and GIRK channels are formed shortly after biosynthesis, probably in the endoplasmic reticulum and/or endoplasmic reticulum/Golgi apparatus complex, suggesting that this might be a general feature of receptor–effector ion channel signal transduction and supporting a channel‐forming role for the GIRK3 subunit.
Life Prediction and Damage Equivalency for Shock Survivability of Electronic Components

There is a fundamental need for development of predictive techniques for electronic failure mechanisms in shock and drop-impact. Presently, one of the primary methodologies for assessment of shock and vibration survivability of electronic packaging is the JEDEC drop test method, JESD22-B111 which tests board-level reliability of packaging. However, packages in electronic products may be subjected to a wide-array of boundary conditions beyond those targeted in the test method. Development of damage-equivalency methodologies will be invaluable in correlating standard test conditions to widely varying design-use conditions. In this paper, the development of a solder-joint stress based relative damage index has been investigated to establish a method for damage equivalency. Modal analysis, wavelet decomposition, and explicit finite element analysis has been used to assess reliability performance of the electronic boards. Deformation kinematics have been measured with the help of ultra high-speed data acquisition and video systems. Experimental data has been correlated to the finite element models. Failure predictions along with their modes and mechanisms have been discussed. Damage proxies for failure mechanisms in first-level interconnects have been developed. The approach is scalable to a wide variety of electronic applications. Component types examined include, plastic ball-grid arrays, flex ball-grid arrays for various pitch sizes between 0.5 mm to 1 mm in both 63Sn37Pb and 95.5Sn4. 0Ag0.5Cu solder alloy compositions. Dynamic measurements like acceleration, strain and resistance are measured and analyzed using highspeed data acquisition system capable of capturing in-situ strain, continuity and acceleration data in excess of 5 million samples per second. Ultra high-speed video up to 50,000 fps has been used to capture the deformation kinematics. Experimental results are correlated with finite element models which include reduced integration element formulations
A survey of classification accuracy using multifeatures and multi-kernels

The bag-of-words (BoW) model is used widely for image classification. In this model, the image-level representations are designed using BoW frameworks from local low-level features, therefore we introduce our local low-level feature, called the denseSBP feature, using for BoW. We will evaluate performance in classification when using this feature. To increase average precision, we combine denseSBP feature with other features using Multiple Kernel Learning (MKL). In this work, we also propose the method called the integrated method, that it based on using multi-features and multi-kernels in SVM classification to derive the best classification accuracy for each category of a dataset. We perform the comparative analysis about classification accuracies of the method using MKL and the integrated method on image benchmark datasets. The experimental results show comparable classification accuracies of proposal methods with the state-of-the-art methods.
Schistosoma mansoni: praziquantel-induced tegumental lesion exposes actin of surface spines and allows binding of actin depolymerizing factor, gelsolin

Praziquantel is widely used for treatment of schistosomiasis. Elimination of intravascular worms involves a combination of drug-induced changes at the worm surface and a host immune response against exposed parasite components. Loss of spines is a typical feature of schistosomes obtained from praziquantel-treated infected animals. The mechanism for this is unknown. We have considered the possibility that praziquantel treatment involves exposure of surface spines consisting of ‘paracrystalline’ actin and a subsequent host response against actin through mechanisms established in the host independently from schistosomal infection. Drug-induced exposure of actin was demonstrated by fluorescence microscopy using anti-actin antibodies and phallacidin, an actin-binding mushroom toxin. Actin spines remained intact at the schistosome surface after in vitro exposure, but spine morphology was lost after in vivo exposure to praziquantel. Disintegration of spines in vivo was associated with binding of host antibodies. In vitro spine destruction could be seen in the presence of normal human serum. The effect was linked to calcium-dependent binding of actin depolymerizing factor, gelsolin.
Buoyant Outflows in the Presence of Ccomplex Topography

Abstract : The overall goals are closely linked to several ancillary projects. The long term scientific goals are to (a) understand the physical mechanisms that control the exchange between two marginal seas with substantially different water mass characteristics (Aegean Sea and Black Sea) through a complex system of straits (Turkish Straits System); (b) quantify the pathways of the buoyant outflow and evaluate the influence on the dynamics of the receiving coastal areas, as well as on the Mediterranean Sea at large. The long term operational goal is to develop a high resolution numerical model of the Northern Aegean Sea, nested within a coarser Mediterranean Sea model and coupled to a high resolution, unstructured grid model of the Turkish Straits system, which in itself will be coupled to a Black Sea model.
Hybrid Simulation of Soil Station System Response to Two-Dimensional Earthquake Excitation

Soil station system seismic issues have been highly valued in recent years. In order to investigate the dynamic seismic behaviors of the intermediate column in soil station systems, a hybrid test of a soil station system was conducted. The soil station model was performed with OpenSees. Virtual hybrid simulation was fulfilled with adapter elements. A hybrid model, composed of the steel column specimen and the remainder numerical model, was assembled using the OpenFresco framework. An intermediate column was treated as the physical substructure, while the rest of the soil station system was treated as the numerical substructure in a hybrid simulation. The hybrid test results are compared with the analytical results. The data obtained from such tests show that the system can accurately reflect the mechanical properties of intermediate columns in soil station systems. A hybrid simulation would be a proper way to assess the seismic performance of a soil station system.
Primary care-specialist collaboration in the care of patients with chronic kidney disease.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Collaboration between primary care physicians (PCPs) and nephrologists in the care of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is widely advocated, but physician preferences regarding collaboration are unknown. Physicians' desires to collaborate in the care of a hypothetical patient with CKD, their preferred content of collaboration, and their perceived barriers to collaboration were assessed. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS A questionnaire describing the care of a hypothetical patient with progressive CKD was administered to a national sample of U.S. PCPs and nephrologists. Physician characteristics and attitudes associated with desires to collaborate were identified. RESULTS Among 124 PCPs and 120 nephrologists, most physicians (85% PCPs versus 94% nephrologists) desired collaboration. Nephrologists were more likely than PCPs to prefer collaboration focus on predialysis/renal replacement therapy preparation and electrolyte management (73% versus 52% and 81% versus 46%, respectively). PCPs were more likely to desire collaboration if the hypothetical patient had diabetes and hypertension (versus hypertension alone), if they believed the care they provide helps slow CKD disease progression, and if they did not perceive health insurance as a barrier to nephrology referral (adjusted percentages [95% confidence interval]: 94% [80 to 98] versus 75% [reference]), 92% [75 to 98] versus 75% [reference], 42% [9 to 85] versus 88% [reference], respectively). CONCLUSIONS Most PCPs and nephrologists favored collaborative care for a patient with progressive CKD, but their preferred content of collaboration differed. Collaborative models that explicitly include PCPs in the care of patients with CKD may help improve patients' clinical outcomes.
Stakeholder discourse and opinion towards a charismatic non‐native lizard species: Potential invasive problem or a welcome addition?

Analysis of discourse between stakeholders is becoming increasingly recognised for its importance in resolving conflicts of opinion regarding complex environmental issues such as the human‐mediated spread of invasive non‐native species—one of the major drivers of biodiversity loss world‐wide. Species’ attributes, stakeholders’ level of knowledge, perceptions of threat, attitudes towards intervention and nature values all have subjective influence on opinion, often creating highly opposed interests and perspectives that can create barriers preventing effective management. Using a Q method approach towards analysis of subjective opinion among stakeholders, this study aimed to identify emerging viewpoints regarding the presence of Common Wall Lizards (Podarcis muralis) in the UK—an introduced, non‐native species with which there are high levels of human interaction but low levels of knowledge regarding potential negative ecological impacts. It explores the ways in which different stakeholder groups (i.e., public, land managers, conservationists) might share views and the reasoning behind shared or opposing discourse between groups. Three clearly defined viewpoints on the species’ introduction emerge from the analysis of Q sorts: ‘Innocent until proven guilty’, ‘Precautionary informed concern’ and ‘The more the merrier’. These perspectives reflect both stark differences and commonalities in stakeholder perceptions and opinion towards the species’ introduction. Whereas the ‘Innocent until proven guilty’ and ‘Precautionary, informed concern’ views are defined by differences in levels of ecological knowledge and impact uncertainty between them, the divergence of the ‘More the merrier’ view from both other viewpoints appears to be more reflective of pronounced variation between the groups deeper beliefs, perceptions and values about ‘naturalness and balance’, and overall relationship with nature. These findings will be useful in identifying discordant attitudes and areas of potential contention between stakeholders that may arise in consideration of management decisions regarding non‐native species more widely. The holistic method of interpreting the analysis gives insight into how and why stakeholders may have formulated certain viewpoints. This in turn could help conservation managers identify ways in which to appreciate and work with subjective influences on stakeholder perceptions in order to best communicate the complex challenges and opportunities presented by non‐native species.
Recidivism Revealed: Private International Cartels 1991-2009

The objective of this paper is to look for empirical regularities in the sample of 389 recidivists that engaged in international price-fixing in the past 20 years. Recidivism appears to be increasing rapidly, both in number and relative to all corporate cartelists. Recidivists are overwhelmingly headquartered in northern Europe or Japan, and they tend to be highly diversified multinational firms that sell homogeneous producer goods. The skills acquired from participating in multiple price conspiracies are transferable across divisional lines at very low marginal costs. Those acquired skills include identifying feasible collusive opportunities, negotiating mutually satisfactory deals, diplomatically dealing with partners when no enforceable contract exists, and evading detection by the antitrust authorities.
P300 audio-visual speller

The Farwell and Donchin matrix speller is well known as one of the highest performing brain–computer interfaces (BCIs) currently available. However, its use of visual stimulation limits its applicability to users with normal eyesight. Alternative BCI spelling systems which rely on non-visual stimulation, e.g. auditory or tactile, tend to perform much more poorly and/or can be very difficult to use. In this paper we present a novel extension of the matrix speller, based on flipping the letter matrix, which allows us to use the same interface for visual, auditory or simultaneous visual and auditory stimuli. In this way we aim to allow users to utilize the best available input modality for their situation, that is use visual + auditory for best performance and move smoothly to purely auditory when necessary, e.g. when disease causes the user's eyesight to deteriorate. Our results on seven healthy subjects demonstrate the effectiveness of this approach, with our modified visual + auditory stimulation slightly out-performing the classic matrix speller. The purely auditory system performance was lower than for visual stimulation, but comparable to other auditory BCI systems.
Treatment of obsessive–compulsive disorder: Personal follow-up of a 10-year material from an outpatient county clinic.

Individuals who suffer from obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) experience obsessive thoughts and/or urges to engage in compulsive behaviours. The condition causes severe discomfort and, in many cases, leads to serious impairment in social and work-related functioning. During the past decade, the Department of Psychiatry at Førde Central Hospital has systematically offered a combination of exposure with response prevention and antidepressant medication to these patients. In this paper, we describe our treatment model, including two case histories, and evaluate the outcome of the first 25 patients, who were included in this prospective study. They were evaluated at the onset, at the end of treatment and at follow-up, 1–10 years after treatment cessation. We employed the Yale–Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS), Obsessive–Compulsive Checklist (OCC) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). The mean scores for obsessions, compulsions and depression were significantly reduced after treatment. Further improvement occurred during the follow-up period. Effect sizes were above 1.3 on all instruments. Eleven participants were gainfully employed prior to treatment, 14 at the end of treatment and 18 at follow-up. The study included few participants, and rates of improvement were not compared with a control group. We therefore cannot conclude that the positive changes were caused by the treatment, but lasting spontaneous remission among patients suffering from OCD is rare. The study shows that a county outpatient psychiatric unit can utilize methods that have previously been shown to be effective in highly specialized treatment facilities, with good results.
BLIMP-1/BLMP-1 and Metastasis-Associated Protein Regulate Stress Resistant Development in Caenorhabditis elegans

Environmental stress triggers multilevel adaptations in animal development that depend in part on epigenetic mechanisms. In response to harsh environmental conditions and pheromone signals, Caenorhabditis elegans larvae become the highly stress-resistant and long-lived dauer. Despite extensive studies of dauer formation pathways that integrate specific environmental cues and appear to depend on transcriptional reprogramming, the role of epigenetic regulation in dauer development has remained unclear. Here we report that BLMP-1, the BLIMP-1 ortholog, regulates dauer formation via epigenetic pathways; in the absence of TGF-β signaling (in daf-7 mutants), lack of blmp-1 caused lethality. Using this phenotype, we screened 283 epigenetic factors, and identified lin-40, a homolog of metastasis-associate protein 1 (MTA1) as an interactor of BLMP-1. The interaction between LIN-40 and BLMP-1 is conserved because mammalian homologs for both MTA1 and BLIMP-1 could also interact. From microarray studies, we identified several downstream target genes of blmp-1: npr-3, nhr-23, ptr-4, and sams-1. Among them S-adenosyl methionine synthase (SAMS-1), is the key enzyme for production of SAM used in histone methylation. Indeed, blmp-1 is necessary for controlling histone methylation level in daf-7 mutants, suggesting BLMP-1 regulates the expression of SAMS-1, which in turn may regulate histone methylation and dauer formation. Our results reveal a new interaction between BLMP-1/BLIMP-1 and LIN-40/MTA1, as well as potential epigenetic downstream pathways, whereby these proteins cooperate to regulate stress-specific developmental adaptations.
Transient in-plane thermal transport in nanofilms with internal heating

Wide applications of nanofilms in electronics necessitate an in-depth understanding of nanoscale thermal transport, which significantly deviates from Fourier's law. Great efforts have focused on the effective thermal conductivity under temperature difference, while it is still ambiguous whether the diffusion equation with an effective thermal conductivity can accurately characterize the nanoscale thermal transport with internal heating. In this work, transient in-plane thermal transport in nanofilms with internal heating is studied via Monte Carlo (MC) simulations in comparison to the heat diffusion model and mechanism analyses using Fourier transform. Phonon-boundary scattering leads to larger temperature rise and slower thermal response rate when compared with the heat diffusion model based on Fourier's law. The MC simulations are also compared with the diffusion model with effective thermal conductivity. In the first case of continuous internal heating, the diffusion model with effective thermal conductivity under-predicts the temperature rise by the MC simulations at the initial heating stage, while the deviation between them gradually decreases and vanishes with time. By contrast, for the one-pulse internal heating case, the diffusion model with effective thermal conductivity under-predicts both the peak temperature rise and the cooling rate, so the deviation can always exist.
Quantification of T‐cell–mediated apoptosis in heterogeneous leukemia populations using four‐color multiparameter flow cytometry

The unique capacity of dendritic cells to present antigens to naive T cells is being increasingly utilized in cancer therapy. The efficacy of cell‐based immunotherapy can be analyzed by determination of cytotoxic activity of T cells toward tumor cells in vitro. This study supplies a flow cytometric method to analyze T‐cell–mediated cytotoxic activity toward heterogeneous leukemic cell populations at a single‐cell level.