Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Impact of cardiac disease on couples' relationships.

AIM This paper reports a study to describe meanings that couples mutually assign to, and practices they develop, after the onset of cardiac disease and to understand the impact of the illness on the couples' relationships in everyday life. BACKGROUND Patients as well as partners are affected by the onset of cardiovascular disease. Social support within intimate relationships has been shown to be important for patient survival and well-being, and couples' coping strategies are pivotal for well-being and adjustment to the chronic condition in both patients with cardiovascular disease and their partners. METHOD Twenty-four couples participated in this phenomenological study. Data were collected during 2003. Participants were interviewed after having been hospitalized due to an acute event and having participated in a rehabilitation programme. Three in-depth interviews were obtained for each dyad: one couple interview and two individual interviews with each partner of the dyad. Paradigm cases were sought and thematic analyses conducted. FINDINGS All couples experienced a 'brush with death' at the onset of heart disease, which called for changes in lifestyle. Three distinct patterns of dealing with the illness emerged. The first revealed that some couples assess the illness as a positive, transformative experience in their lives, bringing them closer together. The second showed that a proportion of couples experience the illness as a threat which imposes fear on both partners. The challenges are faced as mutual tasks and new routines are developed. The third pattern revealed couples who experience a missed opportunity to change. These couples are disenchanted about each other but return to life as usual. CONCLUSIONS Nurses can use the information gained from this study to support couples in their attempts to come to terms with the illness, and can enhance their supportive role in rehabilitation efforts.
Control for the Shu ffl e Index

The shuffle index provides confidentiality guarantees for accesses to externally outsourced data. In this paper, we extend the shuffle index with support for access control, that is, for enforcing authorizations on data. Our approach bases on the use of selective encryption and on the organization of data and authorizations in two shuffle indexes. Our proposal enables owners to regulate access to their data supporting authorizations allowing different users access to different portions of the data, while at the same time guaranteeing confidentiality of access.
Some Psychological Correlates of Long-term Heavy Cannabis Users

Fifty persons who had all been heavy cannabis users for a long time were given psychological tests measuring psychomotor, perceptual and other variables. Half of these persons were ‘Charas' smokers, half ‘Bhang’ drinkers. The duration of cannabis use was 4–10 years, with an average daily dose of 150 mg tetrahydrocannabinol. A matched control group of twenty-five persons were given the same tests. Compared with this group, the cannabis users were found to react more slowly, to be poorer in concentration and time estimation, to have higher neuroticism and greater perceptuo-motor disturbance. The Charas smokers were the poorest performers and also showed poor memory, lowered psychomotor activity, and poor size estimation.
On Convexity of Right-Closed Integral Sets

Let N denote the set of non-negative integers. A set of non-negative, n-dimensional integral vectors, M ⊂ N, is said to be right-closed, if ((x ∈ M) ∧ (y ≥ x) ∧ (y ∈ N)) ⇒ (y ∈ M). In this paper, we present a polynomial time algorithm for testing the convexity of a right-closed set of integral vectors, when the dimension n is fixed. Right-closed set of integral vectors are infinitely large, by definition. We compute the convex-hull of an appropriately-defined finite subset of this infinite-set of vectors. We then check if a stylized Linear Program has a non-zero optimal value for a special collection of facets of this convex-hull. This result is to be viewed against the backdrop of the fact that checking the convexity of a real-valued, geometric set can only be accomplished in an approximate sense; and, the fact that most algorithms involving sets of real-valued vectors do not apply directly to their integral counterparts. This observation plays an important role in the efficient synthesis of Supervisory Policies that avoid Livelocks in Discrete-Event/Discrete-State Systems. *Corresponding author: E-mail: rsree@illinois.edu; Salimi and Sreenivas; BJMCS, 20(1), 1-11, 2017; Article no.BJMCS. 30348
Persistence of neuropsychologic deficits in the remitted state of late-life depression.

OBJECTIVE Cognitive impairment in late-life depression (LLD) is prevalent, disabling, and persists despite the remission of depressive symptoms. This article characterizes neuropsychologic functioning during remission in LLD. METHODS The authors examined longitudinal performance on a comprehensive neuropsychologic battery in 56 nondemented subjects age 60 or older who initially presented with an episode of nonpsychotic unipolar major depression and 40 nondemented, age- and education-equated comparison subjects with no history of depression. Subjects were assessed at baseline (in a depressed state) and one year later (when remitted). RESULTS After one year, 45% of the LLD subjects were cognitively impaired despite remission of depression. Visuospatial ability, information-processing speed, and delayed memory were most frequently impaired; 94% of the patients who were impaired at baseline remained impaired one year later. Twenty-three percent of the patients who were cognitively normal while depressed developed impairment one year later. CONCLUSIONS Most older individuals who are cognitively impaired during a depressive episode remain impaired when their depression remits. In addition, a substantial proportion of older depressed individuals who are cognitively intact when depressed are likely to be impaired one year later, although their depression has remitted.
[Antipsychotics in treatment of eating disorders patient: a study with risperidone].

INTRODUCTION The use of antipsychotic drugs in the treatment of eating disorders (ED) patients is a controversial issue. Although a few studies support the systematic use of antipsychotics, they are frequently used, mainly in severe disorders with other associated psychopathological symptoms. METHODS 27 ED patients were included in the study, 7 dropped-out prematurely or did not complete the pharmacological treatment. All the patients were interviewed and diagnosed according to the Structured Clinical Interview for the DSM-IV (SCID-I) and the personality diagnosis was carried out with the Spanish version of the International Personality Disorders Examination (IPDE). The clinical assessment was performed with the Clinical Global Impression (CGI) scale and the Change Severity Assessment (CSA) at baseline and three months after the beginning of the treatment with risperidone. RESULTS A significant proportion of patients showed clear clinical and general state improvement in areas like physical state, eating behavior, family and social relationships and work ability. CONCLUSIONS Risperidone associated to the previous therapeutic treatment in patient with a severe ED, with comorbid disorders and where other pharmacological treatments have not been effective, could be a useful option.
Partition of GPC into a State Observer and a State Feedback Controller

In this paper, we transformed the Generalized Predictive Control(GPC) for stochastic I/O models to an optimal output feedback control for state space models of a particular form. The derived output feedback control consists of an optimal state feedback controller and an optimal state observer. It is shown that the optimal state feedback controller is a Receding Horizon Tracking Control(RHTC) and the optimal state observer is a steady state Kalman filter of a special form. The derived output feedback control is shown to be equivalent to GPC through the comparison of the two control values. From the GPC's equivalence to the developed output feedback control, it is shown that the stability properties of GPC are the same as those for RHTC.
High production of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome virus (lymphadenopathy-associated virus) by human T lymphocytes stimulated by streptococcal mitogenic toxins

Purified streptococcal mitogens (SMs) including erythrogenic exotoxin were compared with phytohemagglutinin (PHA) for their ability to sustain lymphadenopathy-associated virus (LAV) replication after the stimulation of normal human peripheral blood mononuclear cells and purified CD4+ and CD8+ T cells infected with LAV. Both SM and PHA supported LAV production in peripheral blood mononuclear and CD4+ cells but not in CD8+ cells. LAV production assessed by the assay of reverse transcriptase in cell supernatants appeared earlier after stimulation with SM and was 6- to 10-fold greater than after stimulation by PHA.
The distribution of cytochrome P-450 monooxygenase in cells of the rabbit lung: an ultrastructural immunocytochemical characterization.

The cytochrome P-450 monooxygenase system of the mammalian lung is known to be associated with the microsomal subcellular fraction and has been demonstrated in two pulmonary cell types rich in endoplasmic reticulum: Clara cells and type II pneumocytes. However, analysis of ultracellular fractions, isolated cell preparations, or light microscopic immunohistochemical studies of tissue sections has permitted only limited resolution of the distribution of this enzyme system within the 40 or more cell types of the lung. Therefore, we have used the greater resolving power of transmission electron microscopy and immunogold labeling to characterize the cellular and subcellular distribution of the cytochrome P-450 system in the lung. In Lowicryl-embedded sections of lung from adult rabbits, antisera (1:10,000) against the constitutive pulmonary microsomal cytochrome P-450 monooxygenase isozymes 2 and 5 and NADPH-cytochrome P-450 reductase (anti-2, anti-5 and anti-R) bound specifically to regions known to be rich in agranular endoplasmic reticulum (AER) in the cytoplasm of Clara cells. The plasma membranes of bronchiolar Clara cells, the tips of microvillae of ciliated cells, secretory granules of goblet cells, and the cell membrane and pinocytotic vesicles of endothelial cells were all intensely labeled with anti-2 and anti-5 but not with anti-R, even at a 10-fold higher concentration. The intensity of labeling of AER in Clara cells with anti-R and anti-2, but not anti-5, appeared to correlate positively with the cellular content of secretory granules. The Golgi membranes of ciliated cells were labeled intensely with anti-5 only. The plasma membrane of type II pneumocytes was not labeled by any of the antisera, but with anti-2 or anti-5 there was labeling of AER-associated vacuoles, the membranous residue of lamellar bodies, and, to some extent, mitochondria; at 1:5,000 but not 1:10,000 dilution, staining with anti-R was qualitatively similar. Type I pneumocytes, ciliated cell cytoplasm, and nuclei were essentially unlabeled. Immunoblots (Western) of tracheal homogenates yielded no evidence for epitopes other than those in microsomal fractions from whole lung. Contact blots of fresh whole trachea, before but not after lavage, bound anti-2 and anti-R. Thus, we have demonstrated for the first time that components of the pulmonary cytochrome P-450 monooxygenase, although localized in the AER-rich regions of the Clara cells and type II pneumocytes, are not restricted to these cell types or to the endoplasmic reticulum. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
The effects of testosterone on immune function in quail selected for divergent plasma corticosterone response

SUMMARY The immunocompetence handicap hypothesis (ICHH) suggests that the male sex hormone testosterone has a dual effect; it controls the development and expression of male sexually selected signals, and it suppresses the immune system. Therefore only high quality males are able to fully express secondary sexual traits because only they can tolerate the immunosuppressive qualities of testosterone. A modified version of the ICHH suggests that testosterone causes immunosuppression indirectly by increasing the stress hormone corticosterone (CORT). Lines of Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) selected for divergent responses in levels of plasma CORT were used to test these hypotheses. Within each CORT response line (as well as in a control stock) we manipulated levels of testosterone in castrated quail by treatment with zero (sham), low or high testosterone implants, before testing the birds' humoral immunity and phytohaemagglutinin (PHA)-induced immune response, as well as body condition. The PHA-induced response was not significantly affected by CORT selected line, testosterone treatment or their interaction. There was, however, a significant effect of CORT line on humoral immunity in that the control birds exhibited the greatest antibody production, but there was no significant effect of testosterone manipulation on humoral immunity. The males in the sham implant treatment group had significantly greater mass than the males in the high testosterone group, suggesting a negative effect of high testosterone on general body condition. We discuss these results in the context of current hypotheses in the field of sexual selection.
Validation of a Novel Method for Cardiac Output Estimation by CT Coronary Angiography

Background: Cardiac output can be estimated during retrospectively gated CT coronary angiography by anatomically determining left ventricular volumes; prospective triggering to minimize radiation precludes this methodology. We propose an alternative method for cardiac output estimation based on preclinical models suggesting that cardiac output may be inversely related to contrast washout from the aortic root during timing bolus scanning, as measured by peak aortic root contrast attenuation. Methods: 34 patients had CT coronary angiography timing bolus performed with 20 ml iodixanol at 5.5 ml/s followed by 20 ml normal saline at 5.5 ml/s through an 18-Ga antecubital catheter. Peak aortic root contrast attenuation was correlated to cardiac output calculated by echocardiography using heart rate stroke volume from biplane Simpson’s method.Results: Mean age was 58 ± 13 years; body surface area, 2.0 ± 0.5 m2. 53% were women. Stroke volume, cardiac output and cardiac index were 67 ± 19 ml, 4.5 ± 1.6 L/min, and 2.2 ± 0.7 L/min/m2, respectively. Peak aortic root contrast attenuation was 207 ± 46 HU and correlated to cardiac output and cardiac index with r = –0.64, p Conclusion: This novel method for cardiac output estimation by CTCA appears feasible. The CT physiologic parameters using the timing test-bolus data moderately correlated with echocardiographic assessment of cardiac output. The calculation of cardiac output adds important hemodynamic data to anatomic information provided by CTCA, and further development of this method may preserve assessment of left ventricular performance in prospective triggering.
Late orogenic carboniferous extensions in the Variscan French Massif Central

The Variscan French Massif Central experienced two successive stages of extension from Middle Carboniferous to Early Permian. In the northern Massif Central, the first stage began in the late Visean, immediately after nappe stacking, and is well recorded by Namurian-Westphalian synkinematic plutonism. The Middle Carboniferous leucogranites widespread in the NW Massif Central (Limousin and Sioule area) were emplaced within a crust extending along a NE-SW direction. At the same time, the hanging wall or "Gueret extensional allochton" moved toward the SE. Several examples of the synextensional plutonism are also recognized in central Limousin: Saint Mathieu dome, La Porcherie, and Cornil leucogranites. These examples illustrate the relationship between granite emplacement and crustal scale deformation characterized by NW-SE stretching and NE-SW shortening. In the central and southern Massif Central (Cevennes, Châtaigneraie, and Margeride areas), plutonism is dominantly granodioritic and exhibits the same structural features: NW-SE maximum stretching and overturning to the SE. Middle Carboniferous (Namurian-Westphalian) extension was parallel to the Variscan belt both in the Massif Central and southern Armorican area. This extensional regime was active from the late Visean in the north, while compression dominated in the southernmost domains (Montagne Noire and Pyrenees). The second extensional stage occurred from Late Carboniferous to Early Permian. This event was responsible for the opening of intramontane coal basins, brittle deformation in the upper crust, and ductile normal faulting localized on the margin of cordierite granite-migmatite domes. Data from the coal basins show that the half-graben is the dominant structural style, except for basins located along submeridianal left-lateral faults which have pull-apart geometries. Late Carboniferous extension occurred along the NE-SW direction. The NE-SW maximum stretching direction can be found in the whole Massif Central but is more developed in the eastern part. The extensional direction is transverse to the general trend of the belt, and top-to-the-NE shearing is dominant. Correlations of these two extension directions with neighboring Variscan massifs are discussed.
Determinants of Consumer Complaining Behavior: A study based on telecommunication firms of Pakistan

Due to the intense competition, the study of dissatisfaction among costumers has become the focus point of many firms. Hence this study focuses on consumer complaining intention keeping. Telecommunication firms have been kept in focus and descriptive research was conducted. The results show that attitude towards complaining, perceived possibility of success, subjective norms, all show significant effect on complaining intention and keeping previous experience as a antecedent excluding subjective norms. The research can give a deep insight to telecommunication firms for managing dissatisfaction
Patrons, Clients, and Policies: Citizen–politician linkages: an introduction

Since the 1970s, the “Third Wave” of democratic transitions has, by greatly enlarging the number and type of democracies, raised a host of new research questions on the dynamics of democratic accountability and responsiveness. After an initial period of scholarly attention to the process of regime transition, there has recently been a major effort to explain the origin and effects of democratic institutions, such as electoral laws, federalism structure, or presidential and parliamentary systems. After more than a decade's worth of research, however, it now seems that the explanatory power of formal democratic institutions for democratic process features is more limited than many had hoped. Party systems vary tremendously even among single member district plurality electoral systems. Furthermore, institutional arguments have little to say about the substantive alignments that rally citizens around rival contenders or the strategic appeals made by leading politicians in each camp. One important area that has not received sufficient attention is the wide variation in patterns of linkages between politicians, parties and citizens. The political science literature has, since the 1950s, been dominated by the “responsible party government” model, the logic of which forms the basis of both rational choice theories (Downs 1957) as well as historical-comparative approaches (e.g., Lipset and Rokkan 1967). This model sees politics as the result of interaction of principals (citizens, voters) and agents (candidates for electoral office, elected officials), characterized by five essential ingredients.
Mechanisms and functional implications of social buffering in infants: Lessons from animal models

Social buffering, which is the attenuation of stress hormone release by a social partner, occurs in many species throughout the lifespan. Social buffering of the infant by the caregiver is particularly robust, and animal models using infant rodents are uncovering the mechanisms and neural circuitry supporting social buffering. At birth, the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) stress system is functional but is suppressed via extended social buffering by the mother: the profound social buffering effects of the mother can last for 1–2 hours when pups are removed from the mother. At 10 days of age, pups begin to mount a stress response immediately when separated from the mother. The stimuli from the mother supporting social buffering are broad, for tactile stimulation, milk, and an anesthetized mother (no maternal behavior) all sufficiently support social buffering. The mother appears to produce social buffering by blocking norepinephrine (NE) release into the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN), which blocks HPA activation. Since the infant amygdala relies on the presence of corticosterone (CORT), this suggests that social buffering of pups by the mother attenuates the neurobehavioral stress response in infancy and prevents pups from learning about threat within mother-infant interactions.
Analysis of the dual input hybrid buck DC-DC converter in boundary conduction mode

This papers presents a complete study of the boundary conduction mode (BCM) for a dual input hybrid buck DC-DC converter (HBLC). It includes the operating principles and the analytic expressions for the key currents and voltages. A numerical method is used for solving the BCM equations in order to find the proper values of the converter inductances, as a function of the working conditions. Digital simulations and experimental results confirm the theoretical considerations.
Ploidy influences rarity and invasiveness in plants

1. The factors associated with plant species’ endangerment and (conversely) invasiveness are of broad interest due to their potential value in explaining the causes and consequences of population status. While most past work has focussed on ecological variables, recent work suggests that genetic attributes may be strongly associated with plant species status.
Inferring Clinical Correlations from EEG Reports with Deep Neural Learning

Successful diagnosis and management of neurological dysfunction relies on proper communication between the neurologist and the primary physician (or other specialists). Because this communication is documented within medical records, the ability to automatically infer the clinical correlations for a patient from his or her medical records would provide an important step towards enabling health care systems to automatically identify patients requiring additional follow-up as well as flagging any unexpected clinical correlations for review. In this paper, we present a Deep Section Recovery Model (DSRM) which applies deep neural learning on a large body of EEG reports in order to infer the expected clinical correlations for a patient from the information in a given EEG report by (1) automatically extracting word- and report- level features from the report and (2) inferring the most likely clinical correlations and expressing those clinical correlations in natural language. We evaluated the performance of the DSRM by removing the clinical correlation sections from EEG reports and measuring how well the model could recover that information from the remainder of the report. The DSRM obtained a 17% improvement over the top-performing baseline, highlighting not only the power of the DSRM but also the promise of automatically recognizing unexpected clinical correlations in the future.