Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Language barriers and qualitative nursing research: methodological considerations.

AIM This review of the literature synthesizes methodological recommendations for the use of translators and interpreters in cross-language qualitative research. BACKGROUND Cross-language qualitative research involves the use of interpreters and translators to mediate a language barrier between researchers and participants. Qualitative nurse researchers successfully address language barriers between themselves and their participants when they systematically plan for how they will use interpreters and translators throughout the research process. Experienced qualitative researchers recognize that translators can generate qualitative data through translation processes and by participating in data analysis. Failure to address language barriers and the methodological challenges they present threatens the credibility, transferability, dependability and confirmability of cross-language qualitative nursing research. Through a synthesis of the cross-language qualitative methods literature, this article reviews the basics of language competence, translator and interpreter qualifications, and roles for each kind of qualitative research approach. Methodological and ethical considerations are also provided. CONCLUSION By systematically addressing the methodological challenges cross-language research presents, nurse researchers can produce better evidence for nursing practice and policy making when working across different language groups. Findings from qualitative studies will also accurately represent the experiences of the participants without concern that the meaning was lost in translation.
Atypical Glandular Cells of Undetermined Significance and Other Glandular Cell Abnormalities in a High‐Risk Population

Objectives We set out to determine our rate of atypical glandular cells of undetermined significance (AGUS) classification, to compare our AGUS rate to rates reported by others, and to determine the correlation between AGUS and histological abnormalities in our population. Materials and Methods Reports from all Papanicolaou (Pap) smears and associated histological specimens interpreted by the University of Florida Department of Pathology between 1992 and 1996 were reviewed. Results A total of 462 (1.2%) of 39,484 Pap smears were classified as epithelial cell abnormality-glandular cell, with 328 (0.83%) AGUS, 102 (0.26%) endometrial cells out of phase or in a postmenopausal woman, and 32 (0.08%) adenocarcinoma. A total of 146 (45%) of the AGUS cases had timely biopsies: 95 (65.1%) had benign findings, 27 (18.5%) had cervical intraepithelial neoplasia, 14 (9.6%) had adenocarcinoma (10 endometrial, 2 endocervical, 2 extrauterine), 9 (6%) had endometrial hyperplasia, and 1 (0.7%) showed endocervical glandular cell dysplasia. Conclusions AGUS on Pap is associated with a clinically significant histological abnormality in a moderate percentage of patients. Both squamous and glandular lesions are seen, supporting the need for aggressive evaluation of the cervix, endocervix, and endometrium when AGUS is reported.
High dose-rate intracavitary brachytherapy for carcinoma in situ of the vagina occurring after hysterectomy: a rational prescription of radiation dose.

OBJECTIVE Our purpose was to profile patients who were treated with high dose-rate intracavitary brachytherapy for carcinoma in situ of the vagina that occurred after hysterectomy, with special reference to a rational prescription of radiation dose. STUDY DESIGN We reviewed 13 patients who were treated for posthysterectomy carcinoma in situ of the vagina by the brachytherapy as the sole treatment. The brachytherapy was delivered by a remote-controlled afterloading intracavitary radiation system. RESULTS The mean age of the patients was 62 years. The total dose of absorbed radiation was 36 and 30 Gy that was prescribed at 1.0-cm depth to the vaginal surface in 3 cases and at 40 and 30 Gy that was prescribed at 0.5-cm depth in 10 cases. All patients had vaginal mucosal radiation changes of mild to moderate grade. Three cases that were irradiated to a total dose of 30 Gy at 1.0-cm depth had rectal bleeding and/or macroscopic hematuria. Complaints regarding sexual functioning were not found in this retrospective analysis. All patients remain free of disease after a median follow-up period of 127 months. CONCLUSION High dose-rate brachytherapy with a dose prescription at 0.5-cm depth can yield a promising rate of tumor control, with lower associated morbidity than that with a dose prescription at 1.0-cm depth in the treatment of posthysterectomy carcinoma in situ of the vagina.
The Effect of Prolonged Fixation on the Immunohistochemical Evaluation of Estrogen Receptor, Progesterone Receptor, and HER2 Expression in Invasive Breast Cancer: A Prospective Study

Expression of estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) is important in predicting a response to targeted therapies in breast cancer. Immunohistochemical assays to determine hormone receptor (HR) and HER2 status must therefore be accurate and reproducible. Tissue fixation has been shown to play a crucial role in determining consistency in quality. Although guidelines impose upper limits for the fixation period, the data on which these limits are based are scant. This study aimed to prospectively examine the effect of fixation of >72 hours on these assays. In 101 invasive breast cancer samples, HR and HER2 status was compared between tumor blocks undergoing a short fixation period with those undergoing a period of prolonged fixation (PF). Discordances were classified as an incremental change between categories of (i) a single order of magnitude, that is a difference in the status of low positive (Allred score 3) compared with positive (Allred score 4 to 8) or negative (Allred score 0 or 2) and vice versa for HRs and a difference in HER2 status of equivocal compared with negative or positive and vice versa or (ii) greater than a single order of magnitude, that is a difference in the status of positive compared with negative or vice versa. The median fixation time for the short fixation group was 13 hours and 18 minutes (mean, 13 h 17 min; range, 10 h 33 min to 17 h 45 min) and for the PF group was 79 hours 22 minutes (mean, 79 h 35 min; range, 73 h 33 min to 102 h 30 min). Eight cases showed discordances, all of which were of a single order of magnitude including 1 for ER, 5 for PR, and 2 for HER2. In 6 of these, a higher score was seen in the PF group. In conclusion, fixation for limited periods beyond 72 hours does not result in a reduction in assay sensitivity in the determination of ER, PR, or HER2 immunohistochemical status.
Volatility and risk of equity in retirement portfolios

Financial planners often manage volatility believing that it is the same as managing risk. The FTSE/JSE Top 40 Index (Topi) and the FTSE/JSE All Share Index (Alsi) were used as samples to investigate volatility and risk in equity investments. A target return was determined as a benchmark for required return. The volatility analysis indicated that investments in the Topi and the Alsi were too risky for a retirement portfolio. Five sets of actual investments in the Topi and Alsi were then simulated. The internal rate of return (IRR) of each investment was determined and compared with the target return. This revealed that the risk of each of the five simulated sets of investments was acceptable for a retirement portfolio. It was concluded that volatility analysis of monthly returns was not suitable to determine the risk of equity investments in retirement portfolios.
Distributed representation of chemical features and tunotopic organization of glomeruli in the mouse olfactory bulb

In the mammalian brain, similar features of the sensory stimuli are often represented in proximity in the sensory areas. However, how chemical features are represented in the olfactory bulb has been controversial. Questions have been raised as to whether specific chemical features of the odor molecules are represented by spatially clustered olfactory glomeruli. Using a sensitive probe, we have analyzed the glomerular response to large numbers of odorants at single glomerulus resolution. Contrary to the general view, we find that the representation of chemical features is spatially distributed in the olfactory bulb with no discernible chemotopy. Moreover, odor-evoked pattern of activity does not correlate directly with odor structure in general. Despite the lack of spatial clustering or preference with respect to chemical features, some structurally related odors can be similarly represented by ensembles of spatially distributed glomeruli, providing an explanation of their perceptual similarity. Whereas there is no chemotopic organization, and the glomeruli are tuned to odors from multiple classes, we find that the glomeruli are hierarchically arranged into clusters according to their odor-tuning similarity. This tunotopic arrangement provides a framework to understand the spatial organization of the glomeruli that conforms to the organizational principle found in other sensory systems.
Impact of application factors of the AEO program on its performance

Purpose In a changing trade landscape, global trade transaction relies on a global supply-chain network. Customs clearance to cross borders is critical to enhancing the competitiveness of both importers and exporters. As such, each country has adopted an authorized economic operator (AEO) program to promote the security of both imported and exported cargo as well as expedite freight movements. The purpose of this paper is to discover the factors which should be taken into account to utilize an AEO program, and to look at the causal relations between these factors. Design/methodology/approach This study conducted a survey on 201 AEO programs in Korea. With partial least squares, the structure model is tested using the coefficient value of the determination of the dependent variable, explained by the sign and scale of the path coefficient, statistical significance, and leading variable. Moreover, this study performed bootstrap re-sampling to verify all paths and significance. Findings It was found that AEO external pressure, training capacity, and sustainability are shown to have a significant impact on AEO performance. Furthermore, for the group with a high level of AEO application, training capacity and AEO sustainability are shown to have a greater effect on AEO performance. For the group with a low level of AEO application, internal regulation is shown to have a bigger impact on AEO performance. Originality/value This study sets itself apart from previous ones in that it examines AEO application for trade security and facilitation with regard to customs, which would affect global supply-chain management.
Handover prediction for long-term window scheduling based on SINR maps

In this paper we propose a handover prediction algorithm based on signal-to-interference-and-noise-ratio (SINR) maps. Because SINR values at a user are dependent on geographical positions if the transmission powers of base stations (BS) are known, we introduce the concept of a SINR map which is a geographical map with overlay average SINR values at users at map pixels. The handover position is predicted by maximizing the probability function of positions along the street with handover thresholds based on the SINR map with considering fast fading characteristics while the handover timing is predicted by mobility prediction. The result of handover prediction is shown to be consistent with the simulated real handover very well. Combined with handover prediction and SINR maps the near-future user and channel conditions can be predicted, which enable the long-term window scheduling algorithm with proportional fairness constraint among users in multicell multiuser orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) systems with handover management. We show that the proposed algorithm outperforms previous instantaneous scheduling algorithms in terms of sum rate significantly.
Toward a Theory of Persuasive Hope: Effects of Cognitive Appraisals, Hope Appeals, and Hope in the Context of Climate Change

Hope has the potential to be a powerful motivator for influencing behavior. However, hope and messages that evoke hope (hope appeals) have rarely been the focus of theoretical development or empirical research. As a step toward the effective development and use of hope appeals in persuasive communication, this study conceptualized and operationalized hope appeals in the context of climate change prevention. Then, the study manipulated components of the hope evocation part of a hope appeal. Specifically, the components were designed to address appraisals of the importance, goal congruence, future expectation, and possibility of climate protection, resulting in a 2 (strong/weak importance) × 2 (strong/weak goal congruence) × 2 (strong/weak future expectation) × 2 (strong/weak possibility) between-subjects pretest–posttest factorial design. Two hundred forty-five undergraduate students were randomly assigned to one of the 16 message conditions and completed the study online. The study tested whether the four appraisals predict feelings of hope. It determined whether message components that address importance, goal congruence, future expectation, and possibility affect appraisals, feelings of hope, and persuasion outcomes. Finally, this study tested the effects of feelings of hope on persuasion outcomes. This study takes an important step toward enabling the effective use of hope appeals in persuasive communication.
Obstructive sleep apnea as a risk factor for stroke and death.

BACKGROUND Previous studies have suggested that the obstructive sleep apnea syndrome may be an important risk factor for stroke. It has not been determined, however, whether the syndrome is independently related to the risk of stroke or death from any cause after adjustment for other risk factors, including hypertension. METHODS In this observational cohort study, consecutive patients underwent polysomnography, and subsequent events (strokes and deaths) were verified. The diagnosis of the obstructive sleep apnea syndrome was based on an apnea-hypopnea index of 5 or higher (five or more events per hour); patients with an apnea-hypopnea index of less than 5 served as the comparison group. Proportional-hazards analysis was used to determine the independent effect of the obstructive sleep apnea syndrome on the composite outcome of stroke or death from any cause. RESULTS Among 1022 enrolled patients, 697 (68 percent) had the obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. At baseline, the mean apnea-hypopnea index in the patients with the syndrome was 35, as compared with a mean apnea-hypopnea index of 2 in the comparison group. In an unadjusted analysis, the obstructive sleep apnea syndrome was associated with stroke or death from any cause (hazard ratio, 2.24; 95 percent confidence interval, 1.30 to 3.86; P=0.004). After adjustment for age, sex, race, smoking status, alcohol-consumption status, body-mass index, and the presence or absence of diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, atrial fibrillation, and hypertension, the obstructive sleep apnea syndrome retained a statistically significant association with stroke or death (hazard ratio, 1.97; 95 percent confidence interval, 1.12 to 3.48; P=0.01). In a trend analysis, increased severity of sleep apnea at baseline was associated with an increased risk of the development of the composite end point (P=0.005). CONCLUSIONS The obstructive sleep apnea syndrome significantly increases the risk of stroke or death from any cause, and the increase is independent of other risk factors, including hypertension.
Risk prediction of marine traffic based on Fractal interpolation algorithm

Risk prediction is the key element in risk managements. The commonly quantitative prediction methods approaches focus on reasoning by statistics data. This paper held out the Fractal interpolation algorithm to solve the time series data by means of transferring the discrete data to continue data. On the basis of introduction of fractal theory applying the feasibility to marine traffic accidents, it is presented by evaluating iterated function system and its attractor, which uses fractal interpolation algorithm to handle discrete data aggregating with time series, and then models the risk prediction of marine accidents theoretically. Finally, taking statistic data of marine traffic accidents as case studies, it proves that the data reasoning model is more accurate than common computing algorithm special for high fluctuant curve.
Effect of prostacyclin on platelets, polymorphonuclear cells, and heterotypic cell aggregation during hemofiltration*

ObjectivesHemodialysis activates both platelets and leukocytes, which play a role in the development of multiple organ dysfunctions in critically ill patients. Prostacyclin inhibits both cell types in vitro. To examine the hypothesis that prostacyclin prevents cellular activation during clinical hemofiltration, we investigated the expression of activation markers on platelets and leukocytes using whole blood flow cytometry. DesignProspective, randomized, double-blind, controlled trial. SettingIntensive care unit. PatientsA total of 24 consecutive, critically ill, mechanically ventilated patients with acute renal failure secondary to sepsis or major surgery. InterventionsFor anticoagulation during hemofiltration, patients received either unfractionated heparin or unfractionated heparin and prostacyclin (5 ng·kg−1·min−1). Anticoagulants were administered into the extracorporeal circuit before the hemofilter. Blood samples were obtained from an arterial catheter before hemofiltration and from the inlet and outlet lines of the extracorporeal circuit at 1 and 24 hrs during hemofiltration. Measurements and Main ResultsExpression of GP IIb–IIIa and P-selectin on adenosine diphosphate-activated platelets and platelet-leukocyte aggregation were significantly lower after the passage of blood through the hemofilter in patients receiving an extracorporeal infusion of prostacyclin plus heparin when compared with control patients receiving heparin only. There were no statistically significant differences in the expression of CD11b on leukocytes between the two groups. ConclusionsThese findings suggest that prostacyclin reversibly inhibits platelet function by diminishing the expression of platelet fibrinogen receptors and P-selectin and reduces heterotypic platelet-leukocyte aggregation during clinical hemofiltration. However, prostacyclin fails to inhibit leukocyte activation at clinically relevant doses.
Prognosis of ocular myasthenia

A retrospective study of 108 patients with myasthenia gravis who had solely ocular symptoms and signs at onset was carried out to identify factors influencing prognosis. Increasing duration of pure ocular myasthenia was associated with a decreasing risk of late generalized symptoms; only 9 (15%) of the observed generalizations occurred after more than 2 years of solely ocular symptoms. Increasing age at onset was associated with greater risk of respiratory crisis or death caused by myasthenia, whereas patients younger at onset had a greater chance of a benign outcome. Neither systemic curare tests nor responses to repetitive nerve stimulation had prognostic value.
The Ross procedure: biomechanical properties of the pulmonary artery according to aortic valve phenotype.

OBJECTIVES The aim of this study is to determine whether patients undergoing the Ross procedure with bicuspid aortic valves have pulmonary artery biomechanical properties different from those with tricuspid valves. METHODS Thirty-two pulmonary arteries and 20 aortas were obtained from patients undergoing the Ross procedure at the time of surgery, from a cohort of 32 patients. The aortic valve was tricuspid in 5 patients (16%), bicuspid in 18 patients (56%) and unicuspid in 9 patients (28%). Histological analysis and ex vivo equi-biaxial tensile testing completed within 8 hours of surgery were used to evaluate differences in patient groups and between the pulmonary artery and the ascending aorta. RESULTS There was no difference in thickness among pulmonary arteries when compared according to aortic valve phenotype (P = 0.94). There was no difference in the tensile tissue properties among aortas and pulmonary arteries when compared according to aortic valve phenotype, in either the circumferential or longitudinal axis. When compared according to the main surgical indication, pulmonary artery walls from patients with pure aortic regurgitation were less stiff than their counterparts (aortic regurgitation: 0.055 ± 0.037 MPa, aortic stenosis: 0.103 ± 0.051 MPa, mixed disease: 0.110 ± 0.044 MPa and aortic valve endocarditis: 0.216 ± 0.033 MPa, P = 0.002). There was no difference in the number of elastic lamellae in pulmonary artery specimens from the three different aortic valve phenotypes, as well as in the aortic specimens. CONCLUSIONS No significant differences were observed in the biomechanical properties of pulmonary arteries when compared according to aortic valve phenotype.
Modulation of TLR2 Protein Expression by miR-105 in Human Oral Keratinocytes*

Mammalian biological processes such as inflammation, involve regulation of hundreds of genes controlling onset and termination. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) can translationally repress target mRNAs and regulate innate immune responses. Our model system comprised primary human keratinocytes, which exhibited robust differences in inflammatory cytokine production (interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α) following specific Toll-like receptor 2 and 4 (TLR-2/TLR-4) agonist challenge. We challenged these primary cells with Porphyromonas gingivalis (a Gram-negative bacterium that triggers TLR-2 and TLR-4) and performed miRNA expression profiling. We identified miRNA (miR)-105 as a modulator of TLR-2 protein translation in human gingival keratinocytes. There was a strong inverse correlation between cells that had high cytokine responses following TLR-2 agonist challenge and miR-105 levels. Knock-in and knock-down of miR-105 confirmed this inverse relationship. In silico analysis predicted that miR-105 had complementarity for TLR-2 mRNA, and the luciferase reporter assay verified this. Further understanding of the role of miRNA in host responses may elucidate disease susceptibility and suggest new anti-inflammatory therapeutics.
Fighting Poverty One Experiment at a Time: A Review of Abhijit Banerjee and

Abhijit Banerjee and Esther Duflo offer a coherent vision for an economics of pov erty and antipoverty policy. Their economics is grounded in an effort to understand the economic and psychological complexities in the lives of poor people, informed by social experiments and field observations. Their preferred policies entail small reforms at the margin, also informed by experiments—specifically randomized control trials. While the book provides some interesting insights, I question how far its approach will get us infighting global poverty. (JEL 132,138, 015, P36)