Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
How do psychosocial challenges associated with living with congenital heart disease translate into treatment interests and preferences? A qualitative approach

Objectives: There is an increasing amount of research being conducted regarding the psychosocial challenges associated with living with congenital heart disease (CHD), however little is known about how these challenges influence the type of psychosocial services patients want. This study investigated (1) the type of services patients want; (2) how they want to access these services; and (3) why they want these services. Methods: Three focus groups with adults with CHD (total of 14 participants aged 19–67) were conducted and thematic analysis was used to identify emerging themes. Results: Participants described wanting to access specific psychosocial services in three broad categories (counselling, connecting with other adults with CHD and psycho-education) and in three main formats (individual/group therapy, mentorship programmes and patient conferences). Reasons for wanting these services were grouped under two overarching themes, namely intrapersonal factors and interpersonal challenges. Conclusions: Psychosocial challenges are part of the everyday lives of adults with CHD, yet they are rarely addressed as part of routine medical care. Patients themselves have clear opinions regarding the psychological services most appropriate to target their experiences of living with CHD.
Comparing the validity of structured interviews for managerial-level employees: Should we look to the past or focus on the future?

The current research investigated questions that persist regarding the criterion-related and construct validity of situational (SI) versus past-behaviour (PBI) structured interview formats in predicting the job performance of managers. Analyses of data collected from 157 applicants to managerial positions showed that the PBI format significantly predicted job performance ratings (r = .32, p <.01), whereas the SI format did not (r = .09, ns). Investigation of potential construct differences between the SI and PBI formats showed that the PBI was more highly related to manager-relevant cognitive ability measures, assessment centre exercises and personality traits, as compared with the SI. Such differences help to explain the predictive validity differences between the SI and PBI observed in current and previous research.
Resistance of extraocular motoneuron terminals to effects of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis sera

Article abstract In sporadic ALS (s-ALS), axon terminals contain increased intracellular calcium. Passively transferred sera from patients with s-ALS increase intracellular calcium in spinal motoneuron terminals in vivo and enhance spontaneous transmitter release, a calcium-dependent process. In this study, passive transfer of s-ALS sera increased spontaneous release from spinal but not extraocular motoneuron terminals, suggesting that the resistance to physiologic abnormalities induced by s-ALS sera in mice parallels the resistance of extraocular motoneurons to dysfunction and degeneration in ALS.
Single-stage AC-DC converter with PFC based on continuous input current charge-pump topologies

This paper presents a single-stage power factor corrected (PFC) AC-DC converter. The topology is based on CIC-CPPFC (continuous input current charge-pump power factor correction) technique, achieving continuous conduction mode (CCM) input current with high power factor by using a coupled inductor, meeting IEC 61000-3-2 regulations for wide load range without additional input filter. Two different switching laws are tested. The first is complementary command with constant duty cycle of 50% and variable switching frequency and the second is the conventional (half-bridge) PWM. In the first case the converter operates with zero voltage switching (ZVS) resulting in high efficiency for a wide load range. The second allows the use of commercial command circuitry, reducing the cost. It is also a cost effective and competitive solution for low power applications where a two stage approach is costly and passive filters are not recommended. Another feature is the reduction of the DC-link capacitor, reducing costs and presenting a significant advantage over many single-stage solutions.
Health promotion for child survival in Africa: implications for cultural appropriateness.

Health education/promotion models/frameworks are being used to plan, implement, and evaluate preventive health programs, but none seem to centralize culture at the primacy of preventive/promotive health behavior. It is more effective to adapt preventive health programs to fit community needs and cultural contexts than the reverse; one must therefore ensure that health promotion programs are culturally appropriate. Health beliefs and actions must be examined in the context of culture, history, and politics. This paper applies to a child survival intervention in Nigeria a conceptual model used to plan and develop culturally appropriate health education/promotion programs. A background on health education approaches is first presented. The PEN-3 model is useful because it can be modified and extended as needed to be made appropriate for target cultures. The model consists of the 3 following dynamically interrelated and interdependent dimensions of health beliefs and behavior: health education, the educational diagnosis of health behavior, and the cultural appropriateness of health behavior.
Meningitis caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae showing high level resistance to penicillin

&NA; A case of meningitis caused by a strain of Streptococcus pneumoniae (SPn) showing high level resistance to penicillin is described. The patient responded to a combination of high dose penicillin and ceftriaxone. After reviewing the Australian situation and the world literature, we propose that empiric treatment of SPn meningitis in Australia should consist of high dose penicillin plus a third generation cephalosporin, with appropriate modification once the identification of the organism and its susceptibilities are confirmed.
A STUDY OF RO-VIBRATIONAL OH EMISSION FROM HERBIG Ae/Be STARS

We present a study of ro-vibrational OH and CO emission from 21 disks around Herbig Ae/Be stars. We find that the OH and CO luminosities are proportional over a wide range of stellar ultraviolet luminosities. The OH and CO line profiles are also similar, indicating that they arise from roughly the same radial region of the disk. The CO and OH emission are both correlated with the far-ultraviolet luminosity of the stars, while the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) luminosity is correlated with the longer wavelength ultraviolet luminosity of the stars. Although disk flaring affects the PAH luminosity, it is not a factor in the luminosity of the OH and CO emission. These properties are consistent with models of UV-irradiated disk atmospheres. We also find that the transition disks in our sample, which have large optically thin inner regions, have lower OH and CO luminosities than non-transition disk sources with similar ultraviolet luminosities. This result, while tentative given the small sample size, is consistent with the interpretation that transition disks lack a gaseous disk close to the star.
Graphene/Ionic Liquid Binary Electrode Material for High Performance Supercapacitor

Herein, we report, the use of hydrogen exfoliated graphene (HEG)/ionic liquid (1-Butyl-3-methylimidazolium terafluoroborate ([BMIM]BF4)) binary electrode material for high performance supercapacitor. HEG/[BMIM] BF4 nanocomposite was prepared and the electrochemical characterization of the electrode has been carried out by cyclic voltammetry and chronopotentiometry. The nanocomposite electrode shows a high specific capacitance (268 F/g at 5mV/s scan rate. Since the ionic liquid has large electrochemical window of 2 V even at atmospheric conditions than the aqueous electrolytes, high energy density of 66.9 Wh/kg at 5 A/g current density could be achieved. KeywordsHydrogen exfoliated graphene; supercapacitor; ionic liquid; cyclic voltammetry
APPLICATIONS OF COLD ATMOSPHERIC GAS PLASMAS FOR MICROBIAL DECONTAMINATION IN THE FOOD INDUSTRY

The last 20 years have seen the emergence of a novel technology capable of generating gas plasmas in the open air and at temperatures that are only slightly above ambient. These so-called Cold Atmospheric Plasmas (CAP) have characteristics that render them particularly suitable for a variety of applications in the food industry. In this presentation prevalence will be given to microbial decontamination. In particular, understanding the mechanism of microbial inactivation is important as if the most lethal plasma species can be identified, it may prove possible to 'tune' the plasmas so as to maximise their production. Preliminary investigations undertaken by our group have gone some way to addressing this issue. One of the most promising applications of CAP is in the treatment of fresh uncooked foods, and results are presented here attesting to the efficacy of plasmas in inactivating a range of micro-organisms at or near the surface of fruits. The possibilities for using plasmas for destruction of allergens and spongiform encephalopathies are also considered.
Impact on hemostatic parameters of interrupting sitting with intermittent activity.

INTRODUCTION Excessive sitting has been associated with an elevated risk of vascular conditions, particularly venous thrombosis. Interrupting sitting time with intermittent physical activity can reduce venous stasis; however, impacts on other aspects of thrombogenesis are less understood. PURPOSE To examine the effects of interrupting sitting time on blood coagulation and blood volume parameters in sedentary, middle-age, overweight/obese adults (11 men and 8 women; age = 53.8 ± 4.9 yr, body mass index = 31.2 ± 4.1 kg · m(-2); mean ± SD). METHODS The randomized three-period, three-treatment acute crossover trial consisted of uninterrupted sitting and sitting interrupted by 2-min bouts of either light- or moderate-intensity treadmill walking every 20 min. In each trial condition, blood samples were collected at baseline before the consumption of a standardized meal (-2 h) and postintervention (5 h). RESULTS Plasma fibrinogen increased from baseline with uninterrupted sitting (0.24 g · L(-2), 95% confidence interval = 0.13-0.34, P < 0.001). Light-intensity but not moderate-intensity activity breaks attenuated the increase by 0.17 g · L(-1) (95% confidence interval = 0.01-0.32, P < 0.05). There were no between-condition differences in prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, von Willebrand factor, D-dimer, or platelet count. Uninterrupted sitting reduced plasma volume and increased hematocrit, hemoglobin, and red blood cell count; effects attenuated by both light- and moderate-intensity breaks (P < 0.05). White blood cell count increased with uninterrupted sitting and further increased with moderate-intensity breaks. Mean platelet volume increased with moderate-intensity but not light-intensity breaks or uninterrupted sitting. CONCLUSION Uninterrupted sitting increased fibrinogen and reduced plasma volume, with associated increases in hemoglobin and hematocrit. Activity breaks attenuated these responses, indicative of an ameliorating influence on the procoagulant effects of uninterrupted sitting.
Genome-wide strategies for discovering genetic influences on cognition and cognitive disorders: Methodological considerations

Introduction. Genes play a well-documented role in determining normal cognitive function. This paper focuses on reviewing strategies for the identification of common genetic variation in genes that modulate normal and abnormal cognition with a genome-wide association scan (GWAS). GWASs make it possible to survey the entire genome to discover important but unanticipated genetic influences. Methods. The use of a quantitative phenotype in combination with a GWAS provides many advantages over a case-control design, both in power and in physiological understanding of the underlying cognitive processes. We review the major features of this approach, and show how, using a General Linear Model method, the contribution of each Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) to the phenotype is determined, and adjustments then made for multiple tests. An example of the strategy is presented, in which fMRI measures of cortical inefficiency while performing a working memory task are used as the quantitative phenotype. We estimate power under different effect sizes (10–30%) and variations in allelic frequency for a Quantitative Trait (QT) (10–20%), and compare them to a case-control design with an Odds Ratio (OR) of 1.5, showing how a QT approach is superior to a traditional case-control. In the presented example, this method identifies putative susceptibility genes for schizophrenia which affect prefrontal efficiency and have functions related to cell migration, forebrain development and stress response. Conclusion. The use of QT as phenotypes provide increased statistical power over categorical association approaches and when combined with a GWAS creates a strategy for identification of unanticipated genes that modulate cognitive processes and cognitive disorders.
College Men's Knowledge, Attitudes, and Beliefs About Testicular Cancer

There is a paucity of information about what college-age men know about testicular cancer, making targeted educational programs difficult. The most common age group affected by testicular cancer is 15- to 40-yearolds. Therefore, educating young men, including the college population, becomes paramount. Six focus groups were conducted with men between the ages of 18 and 23 years (N = 31) at a large public university in the Northeast. Major topics included risk factors for testicular cancer, screening and diagnosis, treatments, psychological effects, and beliefs about prevention and cure. Focus groups revealed college students have poor knowledge and even less understanding of testicular cancer. Students were interested in learning about testicular cancer and other health topics affecting college men, such as healthy diet and exercise and common infectious diseases on college campuses. Simple means to educate college men included courses or assignments that focused on health issues, brief factual information, health fairs, peer educators, and celebrity guest speakers.
Astrocyte control of fetal cortical neuron glutathione homeostasis: up‐regulation by ethanol

Ethanol increases apoptotic neuron death in the developing brain and at least part of this may be mediated by oxidative stress. In cultured fetal rat cortical neurons, Ethanol increases levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) within minutes of exposure and reduces total cellular glutathione (GSH) shortly thereafter. This is followed by onset of apoptotic cell death. These responses to Ethanol can be blocked by elevating neuron GSH with N‐acetylcysteine or by co‐culturing neurons with neonatal cortical astrocytes. We describe here mechanisms by which the astrocyte‐neuron γ‐glutamyl cycle is up‐regulated by Ethanol, enhancing control of neuron GSH in response to the pro‐oxidant, Ethanol. Up to 6 days of Ethanol exposure had no consistent effects on activities of γ‐glutamyl cysteine ligase or glutathione synthetase, and GSH content remained unchanged (p < 0.05). However, glutathione reductase was increased with 1 and 2 day Ethanol exposures, 25% and 39% for 2.5 and 4.0 mg/mL Ethanol by 1 day, and 11% and 16% for 2.5 and 4.0 mg/mL at 2 days, respectively (p < 0.05). A 24 h exposure to 4.0 mg/mL Ethanol increased GSH efflux from astrosoyte up to 517% (p < 0.05). Ethanol increased both γ‐glutamyl transpeptidase expression and activity on astrocyte within 24 h of exposure (40%, p = 0.05 with 4.0 mg/mL) and this continued for at least 4 days of Ethanol treatment. Aminopeptidase N activity on neurons increased by 62% and 55% within 1 h of Ethanol for 2.5 and 4.0 mg/mL concentration, respectively (p < 0.05), remaining elevated for 24 h of treatment. Thus, there are at least three key points of the γ‐glutamyl cycle that are up‐regulated by Ethanol, the net effect being to enhance neuron GSH homeostasis, thereby protecting neurons from Ethanol‐mediated oxidative stress and apoptotic death.
Extended NO analysis in health and disease

Extended NO analysis is a promising tool in different diseases where NO metabolism is altered. One single exhalation cannot give insight to the NO production in the respiratory system; rather the use of multiple exhalation flows can give the alveolar levels (CANO), airway wall concentration (CawNO) and the diffusion rate of NO (DawNO). Increased values of CANO are shown in COPD, systemic sclerosis, hepatopulmonary syndrome and in severe asthma. In asthma the CawNO and DawNO are increased leading to an increase in bronchial NO flux (J′awNO). Low levels of J′awNO are seen in cystic fibrosis, primary ciliary dyskinesia and in smoking subjects. More studies are needed to evaluate the clinical usefulness of the extended NO analysis, similar to what has been done in systemic sclerosis where a cut-off value has been identified predicting pulmonary function deterioration.
The consequences of proportional hazards based model selection

For testing the efficacy of a treatment in a clinical trial with survival data, the Cox proportional hazards (PH) model is the well‐accepted, conventional tool. When using this model, one typically proceeds by confirming that the required PH assumption holds true. If the PH assumption fails to hold, there are many options available, proposed as alternatives to the Cox PH model. An important question which arises is whether the potential bias introduced by this sequential model fitting procedure merits concern and, if so, what are effective mechanisms for correction. We investigate by means of simulation study and draw attention to the considerable drawbacks, with regard to power, of a simple resampling technique, the permutation adjustment, a natural recourse for addressing such challenges. We also consider a recently proposed two‐stage testing strategy (2008) for ameliorating these effects. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Identification of a Duffing oscillator under different types of excitation

In many engineering applications the dynamics may significantly be affected by nonlinear effects, which must be accounted for in order to accurately understand and robustly model the dynamics. From a practical point of view, it is very important to solve the inverse problem related to system identification and output prediction. In this paper the recently developed Nonlinear Subspace Identification (NSI) method is presented and applied to an oscillator described by the Duffing equation, with different types of excitation including random forces, which are demonstrated to be very suitable for the identification process. The estimates of system parameters are excellent and, as a consequence, the behaviour of the system, including the jump phenomena, is reconstructed to a high level of fidelity. In addition, the possible memory limitations affecting the method are overcome by the development of a novel algorithm, based on a specific computation of the QR factorisation.
Information Retrieval using Cosine and Jaccard Similarity Measures in Vector Space Model

With the exponential growth of documents available to us on the web, the requirement for an effective technique to retrieve the most relevant document matching a given search query has become critical. The field of Information Retrieval deals with the problem of document similarity to retrieve desired information from a large amount of data. Various models and similarity measures have been proposed to determine the extent of similarity between two objects. The objective of this paper is to summarize the entire process, looking into some of the most well-known algorithms and approaches to match a query text against a set of indexed documents.
Negative Feedback at the Level of Nuclear Receptor Coregulation

Nuclear receptor-mediated gene expression is proposed to be regulated by the ordered recruitment of large protein complexes in which activity depends on mutual interactions and posttranslational modifications. In contrast, relatively little attention has been given to mechanisms regulating the expression of the coregulator proteins themselves. Previously we have shown that the ligand-dependent corepressor, RIP140, is a direct transcriptional target of all-trans retinoic acid (RA). Here we demonstrate that RA induction of RIP140 constitutes a rate-limiting step in the regulation of retinoic acid receptor signaling. Silencing of the RA induction of RIP140 dramatically enhances and accelerates retinoid receptor transactivation, endogenous expression of other RA target genes, and RA-induced neuronal differentiation and cell cycle arrest in human embryonal carcinoma cells. The data suggest that RA induction of RIP140 constitutes a functional negative feedback loop that limits activation of retinoid receptors in the continued presence of RA and that acutely regulated expression of coregulators may be a general regulatory mechanism in hormonal signaling.
CHANGES IN BONE MINERAL CONTENT AND DENSITY AFTER STROKE

The purpose of this study was to determine whether there are differences in bone mineral content and density between paralyzed and nonparalyzed sides of patients who had sustained strokes associated with unilateral muscle weakness, to determine the relationship between duration of stroke and degree of demineralization and to compare the degree of demineralization in upper and lower limbs. The bone mineral content and density were measured by dual photon absorptiometry (high resolution scanning mode, Lunar DP4) in ambulant patients with a history of single completed strokes associated with unilateral weakness. The bone mineral content and density of each limb was determined by the region of interest analysis program. In the 30 patients included in this study, the bone mineral content and density were significantly less on the paralyzed than on the nonparalyzed side. The degree of demineralization was more pronounced in the upper than in the lower limbs. The mean percentage differences in bone mineral content and density between paralyzed and nonparalyzed arms were 13.8% (P<0.00001) and 7.95% (P=0.0003), respectively, and between paralyzed and nonparalyzed legs the differences were 4.5% (P=0.0012) and 3.42% (P=0.0028), respectively. A better correlation was noted between the time elapsed since the stroke and the degree of demineralization in the upper limbs (r=0.75, P<0.0001), than in the lower limbs (r=0.60, P=0.0004). In conclusion, patients who have strokes associated with muscle weakness are at an increased risk of developing osteoporosis on the paralyzed side and particularly in the upper limbs.
Exploratory Knowledge-Mining from Complex Data Contexts in Linear Time

In the era of "data overload", many areas of society have begun to benefit from exploratory knowledge-mining techniques that are unsupervised, automated and scalable. The extraction processes are, however, often made difficult by a number of complexities: heterogeneous data types, missing information, clutter, prohibitive dimension-count and high bandwidths. In this thesis we focus on exploratory data-mining problems which exhibit these complexities. We present novel, linear-time methods to solve the problems, and empirically evaluate each against the state-of-the-art with respect to synthetically-generated data, real-world data and run-time behavior.