Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effective physician-patient communication and health outcomes: a review.

OBJECTIVE To ascertain whether the quality of physician-patient communication makes a significant difference to patient health outcomes. DATA SOURCES The MEDLINE database was searched for articles published from 1983 to 1993 using "physician-patient relations" as the primary medical subject heading. Several bibliographies and conference proceedings were also reviewed. STUDY SELECTION Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and analytic studies of physician-patient communication in which patient health was an outcome variable. DATA EXTRACTION The following information was recorded about each study: sample size, patient characteristics, clinical setting, elements of communication assessed, patient outcomes measured, and direction and significance of any association found between aspects of communication and patient outcomes. DATA SYNTHESIS Of the 21 studies that met the final criteria for review, 16 reported positive results, 4 reported negative (i.e., nonsignificant) results, and 1 was inconclusive. The quality of communication both in the history-taking segment of the visit and during discussion of the management plan was found to influence patient health outcomes. The outcomes affected were, in descending order of frequency, emotional health, symptom resolution, function, physiologic measures (i.e., blood pressure and blood sugar level) and pain control. CONCLUSIONS Most of the studies reviewed demonstrated a correlation between effective physician-patient communication and improved patient health outcomes. The components of effective communication identified by these studies can be used as the basis both for curriculum development in medical education and for patient education programs. Future research should focus on evaluating such educational programs.
Quality: mind and heart in the organization

The main point about quality is that companies are obliged to satisfy monsters. This is a concept that the author introduced 15 years ago in order to introduced Total Quality in Italy. The monsters are our customers. Customers are always human beings, but we know only to well that we are never satisfied. The best solution is to love the monsters. As stories show, the bad monster will, if loved enough, turn into a handsome prince or beautiful princess. If we are to love the monster, to gain his or her trust and to find better ways in which to meet his or her needs, we must transform our company into a gymnasium. The brains and hearts of everyone who works in this company should be exercised in this gym. For the brains, we have to transform our athletes in little ‘scientists’. For the hearts we need to pass from the traditional method of personnel management, which might in general terms be described as one based on ‘control’, towards management based on ‘education’.
Portfolio Generating Functions

AbstractA general method is presented for constructing dynamic equity portfolios through the use of mathematical generating functions. The return on these functionally generated portfolios is related to the return on the market portfolio by a stochastic differential equation. Under appropriate conditions, this equation can be used to establish a dominance relationship between a functionally generated portfolio and the market portfolio.
The critical role of S-lactoylglutathione formation during methylglyoxal detoxification in Escherichia coli

Survival of exposure to methylglyoxal (MG) in Gram‐negative pathogens is largely dependent upon the operation of the glutathione‐dependent glyoxalase system, consisting of two enzymes, GlxI (gloA) and GlxII (gloB). In addition, the activation of the KefGB potassium efflux system is maintained closed by glutathione (GSH) and is activated by S‐lactoylGSH (SLG), the intermediate formed by GlxI and destroyed by GlxII. Escherichia coli mutants lacking GlxI are known to be extremely sensitive to MG. In this study we demonstrate that a ΔgloB mutant is as tolerant of MG as the parent, despite having the same degree of inhibition of MG detoxification as a ΔgloA strain. Increased expression of GlxII from a multicopy plasmid sensitizes E. coli to MG. Measurement of SLG pools, KefGB activity and cytoplasmic pH shows these parameters to be linked and to be very sensitive to changes in the activity of GlxI and GlxII. The SLG pool determines the activity of KefGB and the degree of acidification of the cytoplasm, which is a major determinant of the sensitivity to electrophiles. The data are discussed in terms of how cell fate is determined by the relative abundance of the enzymes and KefGB.
Relationships among Refraining from Catastrophic Thinking, Worrying, and Metacognitive Beliefs

The Refraining from Catastrophic Thinking Scale is a self-report measure that assesses the perceived skills to detach from and to suspend negative thinking that were fostered in cognitive behavioral therapy. This study examined the relationships between this scale and the variables in Wells' metacognitive model of emotional disorders, and worrying. A survey of 470 students revealed that the Refraining from Catastrophic Thinking was negatively related to negative metacognitive beliefs about worrying, and that it explained additional variance in worrying beyond the existing metacognitive variables. Therefore, the Refraining from Catastrophic Thinking is unique in predicting worrying and has a meaningful relationship with metacognitive beliefs. It may thus be a useful tool for examining therapeutic change in metacognitive and related therapies.
Model for the low-frequency performance of ferrite-loaded balun transformers

This paper presents a model for the low- frequency response of the ferrite-loaded transmission-line transformer. The ferrite is characterized by measured impedance and the performance of the transformer is determined through basic circuit-analysis techniques. The validity of the model is established by measurements on a 50-Omega balun with various groundings of the load. Input impedance, SWR, gains, and phases are predicted accurately at frequencies up to several hundred megahertz.
Genetic association and sequencing of the insulin‐like growth factor 1 gene in bipolar affective disorder

Insulin‐like growth factor 1 (IGF1) has been shown to have an important role in brain development and function. Studies of IGF1 administration in rodents have shown that it has an anxiolytic and antidepressant effect. A genome‐wide association study (GWAS) of the first University College London (UCL) cohort of 506 bipolar affective disorder subjects and 510 controls was carried out. The exons and flanking regions of IGF1 were resequenced, any new polymorphisms found were genotyped in an enlarged UCL sample of 937 cases and 941 controls. GWAS data gave good evidence of allelic and haplotypic association between multiple IGF1 SNP's and bipolar disorder (BD). New polymorphisms were found by resequencing IGF1 region. Data from GWAS and the new markers showed that twelve out of 43 SNPs showed association with BD with the four most significant SNPs having values of 3.7 × 10−5, 8.4 × 10−4, 2.6 × 10−4, and 2.5 × 10−4. A 5′ promoter microsatellite polymorphism previously correlated with plasma lipoprotein concentration was also associated with BD (P = 0.013). Haplotypic association confirmed association with BD with significance values similar to the single marker SNP values. The marker rs12426318 has also been found to be associated with BD in a second sample. A test of gene wide significance with permutation testing for all markers genotyped at IGF1 was also significant. These data implicate IGF1 as a candidate gene to cause genetic susceptibility to BD. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Regional integration in Central Africa : key issues

The CEMAC, (Communaut conomique et Monire de l'Afrique Centrale ), is one of the oldest regional arrangements in Africa, consisting of Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, the Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, and Gabon. In 1994, the member countries established a full-fledged economic and monetary union (treaty was ratified in 1999), strengthening the existing customs and monetary union, which originated in the colonial era. Linked partly by geography and partly by history, the economies of the CEMAC zone share a number of distinctive characteristics. They are not populous (a combined total population of 32 million), have experienced low historical growth in per capita incomes, made limited strides in poverty reduction over the last several decades, and are highly dependent on oil and other natural resource exports. The economies also share common challenges, both internal and external, such as volatility resulting from reliance on commodity exports, conflicts of interest between richer coastal and poorer landlocked countries, very limited intra-regional linkages, and political instability within CEMAC and neighboring countries. Regional integration can be a vehicle for overcoming these challenges and a force for improved economic prospects. It may lock countries into policy reform, achieve economies of scale, and provide a unified forum for international negotiations. Success in this endeavor will depend critically on strengthening the institutional capacity, gaining political consensus, building effective infrastructure, as well as developing stronger ties within the region and with the neighbors.
Study on the SDN‐IP–based solution of well‐known bottleneck problems in private sector of national R&E network for big data transfer

Last‐mile bottleneck, fire‐wall bottleneck, and internal network congestion bottleneck are well‐known performance bottleneck problems of private sector in national R&E network since Internet is adopted for R&E network. The emergency of big data science makes these problems more severe because a famous scientist under such a circumstance is severely restricted in his/her big data R&D. Therefore, government cannot leave these stubs in the realm of a private organization any longer. We, KREONET (Korea Research Environment Open Network), tried to solve these problems by SDN‐IP (software‐defined network—Internet protocol) based on ONOS (Open Network Operation System); SDN‐IP is the leading technology for the softwarization of network, and it is developed by On Lab. KREONET began to deploy SDN‐IP as a tool for the softwarization of Korea R&E network even though others studied to business its' feature for the enhancement of resource management of data center first. The initial goal during the construction of SDN‐IP for KREONET is to solve well‐known problems in R&E network, which are related with last‐mile, fire‐wall, and internal network congestion. These 3 problems are not solved for a long time because it costs too much when we try to solve them by the way of the existed hardware networking. In this paper, we introduce our experience that can catch two rabbits at the same time. These experiences are about the provision of the initial popular service of SDN‐IP with the solution of those well‐known bottleneck problems and about the economic way of SDN‐IP construction by incremental hybrid networking of legacy Internet and SDN‐IP.
Time-Domain Electromagnetic Sputtering Effect of Slot Array at Resonant Frequency

Objects with low radar cross section (RCS) are difficult to identify using the frequency-domain methods. However, in the time domain, the field amplitude of the scattering waveform from low RCS objects might be very large in the beginning, and becomes smaller when the interaction reaches a stable state. This effect is called the time-domain electromagnetic sputtering effect (simply called sputtering effect). Study of the sputtering effect of low-RCS objects might be helpful in developing new methods for low RCS object detection, especially for the objects covered with periodic structures. This communication is focused on the sputtering effect of the slot array with low in-band RCS at the resonant frequency. The backward scattering properties from the slot array are studied both in time domain and frequency domain, and the array is fabricated and measured. Meanwhile, an equivalent circuit method is also introduced for explaining the sputtering effect.
The Wage–Health Insurance Trade‐Off and Worker Selection: Evidence from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey 1997 to 2006

Key provisions within healthcare reform will likely further increase the cost of employer‐sponsored insurance. Theory suggests that workers pay for their health insurance through a wage offset. We investigate this issue using data from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey. GMM estimates aimed at correcting for endogenous worker mobility reveal evidence of a trade‐off for workers who are offered health insurance as the only fringe benefit. On the other hand, employees in establishments with a more comprehensive set of benefits enjoy higher wages relative to employees in establishments that offer no benefits. Health also affects the wage–health insurance trade‐off.
State failure in dealing with the NEET problem in South Africa: which way forward?

The concept ‘not in education, employment or training’ (NEET) has only recently been deployed in academic analyses and policy documents in South Africa. This article uses the concept to highlight the acute levels of youth unemployment experienced in that country. It discusses the causal factors, and adopts the concept of ‘social capital’ as a powerful explanatory device, particularly in explaining why the young unemployed fail to access the first job. The discussion then proceeds to critique South African state efforts in resolving the NEET problem. The strategies of the state have failed in most cases, or where successful, have not expanded sufficiently to the requisite scale. In the conclusion, the discussion notes the relative success of many non-governmental organisations (NGOs) – operating at the micro level – in facilitating access to the first job. This suggests the need for more micro-level, qualitative research into the conditions that define local labour markets, and the role played by key organisational intermediaries such as NGOs which succeed where the state has failed – in successfully placing the young unemployed in work.
Speculative Capital and Currency Carry Trades

In this paper, we study a two-country general equilibrium model with partially segmented financial markets, where hedge funds emerge endogenously. Empirically, we show that the hedge fund investment strategy predicted by our model, which we call the "risk-adjusted carry trade" strategy, explains more than 16% of the overall hedge fund index returns and more than 33% of the fixed income arbitrage sub-index returns. The flow of new money to hedge funds affects market interest rates, exchange rates, and both the hedge funds' contemporaneous and expected future returns as predicted by the model.
Territorial analysis of discriminated groups

Labour market discrimination may lead to segregation resulting in the separation between the majority and the minority group at the local level, occupational level, educational level in public spaces etc. In this study we analysed the distribution of the Rroma population at local level, because they are regarded as the most vulnerable group in Romania. We also analysed the extent to which spatial localization affects the poverty rate in this community. Data were provided by “A social map of PROROMI Rroma communities”.
Brush Border Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase Mediates Epidermal Growth Factor Stimulation of Intestinal NaCl Absorption and Na/H Exchange (*)

In terminally differentiated ileal villus Na-absorptive cells, epidermal growth factor (EGF) stimulates NaCl absorption and its component brush border Na/H exchanger, acting via basolateral membrane receptors, and as we confirm here, a brush border tyrosine kinase. In the present study we show that brush border phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI 3-kinase) is involved in EGF stimulation of NaCl absorption and brush border Na/H exchange. In rabbit ileum studied with the Ussing chamber-voltage clamp technique, EGF stimulation of active NaCl absorption is inhibited by the selective PI 3-kinase inhibitor wortmannin. PI 3-kinase, a largely cytosolic enzyme, translocates specifically to the brush border of ileal absorptive cells following EGF treatment. This translocation occurs as early as 1 min after EGF treatment and remains increased at the brush border for at least 15 min. EGF also causes a rapid (1 min) and large (4-5-fold) increase in brush border PI 3-kinase activity. Involvement of PI 3-kinase activity in intestinal Na absorption is established further by studies done in the human colon cancer cell line, Caco-2, stably transfected with the intestinal brush border isoform of the Na/H exchanger, NHE3 (Caco-2/NHE3 cells). Brush border Na/H exchange activity was measured using the pH-sensitive fluorescent dye 2′7′-bis(carboxyethyl)5-(6)-carboxyfluorescein. EGF added to the basolateral surface but not apical surface of Caco-2/NHE3 cells increased brush border Na/H exchange activity. The EGF-induced increase in brush border Na/H exchange activity was completely abolished in cells pretreated with wortmannin. EGF treatment caused increased tyrosine phosphorylation of PI 3-kinase in both ileal brush border membranes and Caco-2/NHE3 cells, suggesting that a tyrosine kinase upstream of the PI 3-kinase is involved in the EGF effects on Na absorption. In conclusion, the present study provides evidence in two separate intestinal models, the ileum and a human colon cancer cell line, that PI 3-kinase is an intermediate in EGF stimulation of intestinal Na absorption.
Dynamic Monopoly Pricing under a Poisson-Type Uncertain Demand

This article explores dynamic pricing strategies in the presence of uncertainty. Diffusion dynamics, experience curve effects, and a Poisson type of uncertainty in the demand are incorporated in a model using the framework of a stochastic control problem. The results indicate that the movement of the expected price depends on the relative strength of the contingent effects and the effects of the experience. If the direction of the former is opposite to the latter and is substantial enough to dominate it, the expected price path will show a pattern different from the one predicted by a deterministic model. Copyright 1992 by University of Chicago Press.
Holistic technology optimization and key enablers for 7nm mobile SoC

We systematically investigated the impact of R and C scaling to 7nm node (N7) by accounting for FEOL and BEOL holistically. Speed-power performance of plainly scaled N7 turns out to be degraded compared to previous node. BEOL wire resistance (R<sub>wire</sub>) multiplied by logic gate input pin cap (C<sub>pin</sub>), R<sub>wire</sub>×C<sub>pin</sub>, is identified as a major limiter of performance and power at N7. Reducing C<sub>pin</sub> is crucial to mitigate abruptly rising BEOL R<sub>wire</sub> effect. Depopulation of fin is one of most effective methods to reduce C<sub>pin</sub>, and scale the logic gate area. Air Spacer (AS) on transistor sidewall is proposed to further reduce C<sub>pin</sub>, whose benefit is enhanced by reduction of other C<sub>pin</sub> components. Careful choice of routing metal stack ameliorates adverse effect of R<sub>wire</sub>. Wrap-Around-Contact (WAC) over Source and Drain of scaled fin pitch (P<sub>fin</sub>) is needed to reduce transistor resistance (R<sub>tr</sub>). Fin depopulation with other cost effective process innovations significantly improve Power-Performance-Area-Cost (PPAC) of N7, enabling continued scaling of mobile System on a Chip.
Psychometric Evaluation of the Stress Scale for Parents with Cleft Lip and/or Palate Children—A Preliminary Study

Objective To develop the Stress Scale for Parents With Cleft Lip and/or Palate Children in Taiwan and to evaluate the psychometric properties of the scale with a group of parents who have children with cleft lip and/or palate. Design In phase 1, qualitative procedures were conducted in constructing the item pool for the Stress Scale for Parents With Cleft Lip and/or Palate Children. Psychometric properties of the scale were assessed in phase 2. Setting Outpatient department of a children's hospital in northern Taiwan. Participants Phase 1 included 21 parents of children with cleft lip and/or palate. Phase 2 included 184 parents of children with cleft lip and/or palate. Interventions The item pool was developed by interview, content analysis, and literature review. Problematic items were identified by item analysis. Main Outcome Measures Exploratory factor analysis was used to examine the construct validity. Reliabilities were evaluated by Cronbach alpha and intraclass correlation coefficients. Results Thirty-three items with a content validity index greater than . 80 were recognized. They were grouped into four categories by exploratory factor analysis and accounted for 42.34% of the total variance. Internal consistency reliability was high for the total scale (Cronbach a = .90) and ranged from . 71 to . 84 on the subscales. Test-retest reliability with intraclass correlation coefficient was . 94 on the total scale (p < .0001, 95% confidence interval) and from . 90 to . 96 for the subscales. Conclusions The Stress Scale for Parents With Cleft Lip and/or Palate Children appears to be a reliable tool with strong evidence of content and construct validity that may be useful in assessing parental stress in the caretakers of children with cleft lip and/or palate.
Laboratory implementation of a hybrid series active power filter system part I: Designing of passive components

A practical study of a hybrid series active power filter (HSAPF) for current harmonic compensation is presented in this paper. Part 1 emphasizes on the dimensioning and the designing of the passive components of the HSAPF namely the source impedance, passive filters (based on resonant LC circuits), and the current transformers. The needed electric coils were handily manufactured in the workshop using a separately excited DC machine. With the proposed winding method, it is possible to design all desired coils just by the knowledge of their geometric dimensions. To verify the validity of the proposed approach (applied to two different power scales) simulation and practical results are provided and discussed. The obtained results demonstrate the effectiveness of the adopted passive filtering technique in removing the harmonic distortion of the source current, and to compensate the power factor without adding further disturbance such as unbalance, which results in an improved power quality.