Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Patients’ Question-Asking Behavior During Primary Care Visits: A Report From the AAFP National Research Network

PURPOSE The Ask Me 3 (AM3) health communication program encourages patients to ask specific questions during office visits with the intention of improving understanding of their health conditions and adherence to treatment recommendations. This study evaluated whether implementing AM3 improves patients’ question-asking behavior and increases adherence to prescription medications and lifestyle recommendations. METHODS This randomized trial involved 20 practices from the American Academy of Family Physicians National Research Network that were assigned to an AM3 intervention group or a control group. Forty-one physicians in the practices were each asked to enroll at least 20 patients. The patients’ visits were audio recorded, and recordings were reviewed to determine whether patients asked questions and which questions they asked. Patients were interviewed 1 to 3 weeks after the visit to assess their recall of physicians’ recommendations, rates of prescription filling and taking, and attempts at complying with lifestyle recommendations. RESULTS The study enrolled 834 eligible patients in 20 practices. There were no significant difference between the AM3 and control patients in the rate of asking questions, but this rate was high (92%) in both groups. There also were no differences in rates of either filling or taking prescriptions, although rates of these outcomes were fairly high, too. Control patients were more likely to recall that their physician recommended a lifestyle change, however (68% vs 59%, P=.04). CONCLUSIONS In a patient population in which asking questions already occurs at a high rate and levels of adherence are fairly high, we found no evidence that the AM3 intervention results in patients asking specific questions or more questions in general, or in better adherence to prescription medications or lifestyle recommendations.
Future of Hotel Education: Required Program Content Areas for Graduates of U. S. Hospitality Programs Beyond the Year 2000 – Part Two

This article describes the results of part two of a national study that asked what program content areas hotel executives, hospitality human resource specialists, and alumni of the sponsoring school believe are important to graduates entering hotel management positions. The data shows the rankings of the content areas by the three subject groups and comparisons of the rankings. An open-ended question at the end of the survey asked subjects, “If you were starting college today, what three subject areas would you take most seriously? ” Responses to this question are also reported.
Adaptive water governance: flood management and the policy process in Scotland

xiii Abbreviations xv CHAPTER 1 GENERAL INTRODUCTION 1 1.1. Governing Sustainable Water Management 3 1.1.1. Integrated, Ecosystem-based Water Management 3 1.1.2. Implementing an Integrated, Ecosystem-based Approach 6 1.2. Adaptive Governance and Water Management 8 1.2. 1. Adaptive Management: Managing Complexity in Ecological Systems . 9 1.2. 2. Governance: a Multi-Level Perspective of Social Systems 10 1.2. 3. The Adaptability of Governance Systems 12 1.2. 4. Adaptive Water Governance: an Emerging Field of Enquiry 16 1.3. Research Objectives and Approach 19 1.3. 1. Objectives 19 1.3. 2. Integrated Flood and Rural Land Management in Scotland 20 1.3. 3. Research Approach 25 1.4. Structure of the Thesis 28 CHAPTER 2 THE EMERGENCE OF INTEGRATED FLOOD AND RURAL LAND MANAGEMENT IN NATIONAL FLOOD POLICY 31 2.
Activation of Mitogen-activated Protein Kinase by HO

The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) family is comprised of key regulatory proteins that control the cellular response to both proliferation and stress signals. In this study we investigated the factors controlling MAPK activation by HO and explored the impact of altering the pathways to kinase activation on cell survival following HO exposure. Potent activation (10-20-fold) of extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK2) occurred within 10 min of HO treatment, whereupon rapid inactivation ensued. HO activated ERK2 in several cell types and also moderately activated (3-5-fold) both c-Jun N-terminal kinase and p38/RK/CSBP. Additionally, HO increased the mRNA expression of MAPK-dependent genes c-jun, c-fos, and MAPK phosphatase-1. Suramin pretreatment completely inhibited HO stimulation of ERK2, highlighting a role for growth factor receptors in this activation. Further, ERK2 activation by HO was blocked by pretreatment with either N-acetyl-cysteine, o-phenanthroline, or mannitol, indicating that metal-catalyzed free radical formation mediates the initiation of signal transduction by HO. HO-stimulated activation of ERK2 was abolished in PC12 cells by inducible or constitutive expression of the dominant negative Ras-N-17 allele. Interestingly, PC12/Ras-N-17 cells were more sensitive than wild-type PC12 cells to HO toxicity. Moreover, NIH 3T3 cells expressing constitutively active MAPK kinase (MEK, the immediate upstream regulator of ERK) were more resistant to HO toxicity, while those expressing kinase-defective MEK were more sensitive, than cells expressing wild-type MEK. Taken together, these studies provide insight into mechanisms of MAPK regulation by HO and suggest that ERK plays a critical role in cell survival following oxidant injury.
Recovery from Giant Cell Myocarditis with ECMO Support and Utilisation of Polyclonal Antithymocyte Globulin: A Case Report

Giant cell myocarditis (GCM) is a rare and frequently fatal disorder. Patients suffer of ventricular arrhythmias or congestive heart failure. Here we describe a patient with cardiogenic shock and histological verified GCM. The patient was saved by implantation of extracorporeal membrane oxygeneation (ECMO) device and concomitant application of Rabbit antithymocyte globuline (rATG, Thymoglobulin, Sangstat), cyclosporine, and steroids in the acute event. 12 months after the crisis the patient evidences NYHA class I heart function and only a moderate impairment of heart function (EF 55%). The novel utilisation of ECMO in GCM related cardiogenic shock and application of rATG have prooven life-saving in this patient. Studies utilizing rATG in the treatment of GCM are warrented.
On using Aksum for semi-automatically searching of performance problems in parallel and distributed programs

There has been an increasing research interest in formalizing and automating the search for performance problems. In previous work we have introduced Aksum, which tries to automatically locate all performance problems in parallel and distributed applications based on multi-experiment performance analysis and user-provided machine and problem sizes. In this paper we report on experiences with Aksum for performance analysis of three realistic message passing, shared memory and mixed parallelism codes taken from laser physics, material science, and financial modeling. Aksum has been used to automatically decide which code regions must be instrumented, what performance information must be collected, and to launch experiments and test performance hypotheses as soon as more performance data becomes available. Multiple-experiment performance analysis enables the user to compare the performance behavior across a range of problem and machine sizes.
The effects of forest phenology and floristics on populations of Bornean and Sumatran orangutans. Are Sumatran forests better orangutan habitat than Bornean forests

It has long been assumed that Sumatran forests are of higher quality for orangutans than Bornean forests, and that this is both the proximate and ultimate cause of many of the differences in socio-ecology between the two orangutan species. Yet this hypothesis has remained untested. This chapter presents data on the phenology and floristics of eight Bornean and three Sumatran forest sites where orangutans have been studied to examine the effects of floristic composition, habitat productivity, and seasonality on orangutan population density. The alternative hypotheses that higher orangutan densities in Sumatra are due to overall higher levels of plant productivity, the increased availability of preferred foods, the presence of more fallback foods, or differences in floristic composition between the two islands are tested empirically.
Service recovery attributions and word‐of‐mouth intentions

The impact of service recovery attributions in determining consumers’ intentions of engaging in post‐recovery word‐of‐mouth behaviors is examined. Research questions are investigated utilizing satisfactory service recovery scenarios that vary in their perceived likelihood of reoccurrence (i.e. stability) and responsibility for the recovery (i.e. locus) in three service industries. Results indicate that consumers who have service failures satisfactorily corrected demonstrate a strong propensity to share positive information about their experience. As a person’s social network extends outward, stability and locus interact to influence intentions to discuss a service failure/recovery. A greater propensity to share information and higher levels of customer praise and recommendations were found for shorter service recovery times. Recommendations for customer service managers are provided.
Two Novel Polarimetric Indices and Their Application on the Target Enhancement in POLSAR Images

In this paper we introduce two new parameters for polarimetric SAR (POLSAR) images. For this purpose, the eigenvalues and corresponding eigenvectors of the coherence matrix is calculated. It can be assumed that there are different land cover features, and they are represented by different or slightly different coherence matrix so that eigenvalues and corresponding eigenvectors. However, the condition number and perturbation in the solution of the coherence matrix are calculated for each pixel in the POLSAR image. The results indicate that different scatterer properties so that the scattering mechanisms could be represented with these parameters.
Sports stadia and arena: realising their full potential.

The role and impact of sports stadia in shaping urban policy and design has received relatively little attention from researchers. It is increasingly apparent, however, that as cities around the World compete to host sporting and other mega-events there is a rush to develop new stadia and arenas. These facilities provide a platform for fresh tourism marketing initiatives. They also create a stimulus for other commercial investment such as hotels, restaurants and themed bars. Evidence from North America is inconclusive about the economic impact of stadia per se. It is apparent, however, that when these facilities are integrated with an overall sports tourism strategy significant benefits can be realised for cities.
Capital Structure in Malaysian Government-Linked Companies (GLCs): Evidence from Panel Data Analysis

In Malaysia, the existent of GLC is relatively new compared to developed economy and its operation is primarily based on commercial objective in which the government has a direct controlling stake. This paper examines the capital structure of 24 government-link companies (GLC) listed on the Bursa Malaysia from 2006 through 2011. Using random effects GLS regression estimation, the results successfully highlight the dominance of the firm size profitability, liquidity and growth on firm’s leverage. Overall, the results suggest that firm-specific attributes are fundamentals in explaining Malaysia GLC capital structures. Notwithstanding, the general recognition that of firmspecific attributes has on capital structure, the other factors such as macroeconomics are also important and should not be excluded for future research.
A Biomechanical Model of the Human Spinal System

An experimental study of spinal biomechanics both in vivo and in vitro is difficult and often not reliable enough. The mathematical modelling and computer simulation approach is one that can be successfully applied. Modelling in this case is difficult due to the very complicated, heterogeneous nature of the object under investigation. The paper presents a biomechanical model of the spine system consisting of the spinal column (vertebrae, discs), ligaments, muscles directly and indirectly acting on the spinal column, as well as the rib-cage, abdomen and part of the pelvis. The finite element method combined with the optimization approach has been used for modelling. Typical results of these investigations are presented.
Segregation analysis indicates a major gene in the control of interleukine-5 production in humans infected with Schistosoma mansoni.

The interleukine-5 (IL-5) is a hormone of the immune system that is the main regulator of eosinopoiesis, eosinophil maturation and activation, and immunoglobulin A production. Thus, IL-5 contributes in several ways to human immune defenses against various pathogens, including helminths and infectious agents of the digestive and respiratory tracts. On the other hand, the increase in eosinophil number and the activation of these cells, which both have been related to elevated IL-5 production, are the cause of severe pathological disorders, as in asthma or hypereosinophilic syndromes. Although the immunological pathways leading to IL-5 synthesis have been identified, the reasons for the large variability observed in IL-5 production among subjects exposed to comparable antigenic stimulation are unknown. To investigate the role of genetic factors in this variability, we conducted a segregation analysis in a Brazilian population infected by the helminth parasite Schistosoma mansoni. The analysis was performed on IL-5 levels produced by blood mononuclear cells of these subjects after in vitro restimulation with either parasite extracts (IL-5/schistosomula sonicates [SS] phenotype) or a T-lymphocyte mitogen (IL-5/phytohemagglutin [PHA]). The results provide clear evidence for the segregation of a codominant major gene controlling IL-5/SS and IL-5/PHA production and accounting for 70% and 73% of the phenotypic variance, respectively; the frequency of the allele predisposing to low IL-5 production was approximately . 22 for both phenotypes. No significant relationship was found between these genes and the gene controlling infection intensities by S. mansoni detected in a previous study. Linkage studies are ongoing to locate those genes that would help to characterize the genetic factors involved in pathological conditions such as severe helminth infections and allergic diseases.
The Emerging Link between O-GlcNAc and Alzheimer Disease*

Regional glucose hypometabolism is a defining feature of Alzheimer disease (AD). One emerging link between glucose hypometabolism and progression of AD is the nutrient-responsive post-translational O-GlcNAcylation of nucleocytoplasmic proteins. O-GlcNAc is abundant in neurons and occurs on both tau and amyloid precursor protein. Increased brain O-GlcNAcylation protects against tau and amyloid-β peptide toxicity. Decreased O-GlcNAcylation occurs in AD, suggesting that glucose hypometabolism may impair the protective roles of O-GlcNAc within neurons and enable neurodegeneration. Here, we review how O-GlcNAc may link cerebral glucose hypometabolism to progression of AD and summarize data regarding the protective role of O-GlcNAc in AD models.
Branding activities of a micro industrial services company

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the internal and external corporate branding activities of micro-sized industrial business services companies. Design/methodology/approach – An abductive research approach and a case study method were used. Data were gathered with thematic interviews from three sources, a case company, its distributors, and its end customers. Findings – A model for building a corporate brand identity and image in a micro-sized industrial business services company was devised. Key activities, including defining company values and the business idea, designing, managing and stabilizing the service process, utilizing holistic corporate communications, networking as well as activating and retaining stakeholders and utilizing feedback, to build a corporate brand were identified. Research limitations/implications – As the importance of the internal branding can be presumed to rise with headcount, the repeatability of this study is weakened by the case organization being a micro c.
Evidence of selective reporting bias in hematology journals: A systematic review

Introduction Selective reporting bias occurs when chance or selective outcome reporting rather than the intervention contributes to group differences. The prevailing concern about selective reporting bias is the possibility of results being modified towards specific conclusions. In this study, we evaluate randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published in hematology journals, a group in which selective outcome reporting has not yet been explored. Methods Our primary goal was to examine discrepancies between the reported primary and secondary outcomes in registered and published RCTs concerning hematological malignancies reported in hematology journals with a high impact factor. The secondary goals were to address whether outcome reporting discrepancies favored statistically significant outcomes, whether a pattern existed between the funding source and likelihood of outcome reporting bias, and whether temporal trends were present in outcome reporting bias. For trials with major outcome discrepancies, we contacted trialists to determine reasons for these discrepancies. Trials published between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2015 in Blood; British Journal of Haematology; American Journal of Hematology; Leukemia; and Haematologica were included. Results Of 499 RCTs screened, 109 RCTs were included. Our analysis revealed 118 major discrepancies and 629 total discrepancies. Among the 118 discrepancies, 30 (25.4%) primary outcomes were demoted, 47 (39.8%) primary outcomes were omitted, and 30 (25.4%) primary outcomes were added. Three (2.5%) secondary outcomes were upgraded to a primary outcome. The timing of assessment for a primary outcome changed eight (6.8%) times. Thirty-one major discrepancies were published with a P-value and twenty-five (80.6%) favored statistical significance. A majority of authors whom we contacted cited a pre-planned subgroup analysis as a reason for outcome changes. Conclusion Our results suggest that outcome changes occur frequently in hematology trials. Because RCTs ultimately underpin clinical judgment and guide policy implementation, selective reporting could pose a threat to medical decision making.
A genetic and structural analysis of the yeast Vps15 protein kinase: evidence for a direct role of Vps15p in vacuolar protein delivery.

The yeast VPS15 gene encodes a novel protein kinase homolog that is required for the sorting of soluble hydrolases to the yeast vacuole. In this study, we extend our previous mutational analysis of the VPS15 gene and show that alterations of specific Gps15p residues, that are highly conserved among all protein kinase molecules, result in the biological inactivation of Vps15p. Furthermore, we demonstrate here that short C‐terminal deletions of Vps15p result in a temperature‐conditional defect in vacuolar protein sorting. Immediately following the temperature shift, soluble vacuolar hydrolases, such as carboxypeptidase Y and proteinase A, accumulate as Golgi‐modified precursors within a saturable intracellular compartment distinct from the vacuole. This vacuolar protein sorting block is efficiently reversed when mutant cells are shifted back to the permissive temperature; the accumulated precursors are rapidly processed to their mature forms indicating that they have been delivered to the vacuole. This rapid and efficient reversal suggests that the accumulated vacuolar protein precursors were present within a normal transport intermediate in the vacuolar protein sorting pathway. In addition, this protein delivery block shows specificity for soluble vacuolar enzymes as the membrane protein, alkaline phosphatase, is efficiently delivered to the vacuole at the non‐permissive temperature. Interestingly, the C‐terminal Vps15p truncations are not phosphorylated in vivo suggesting that the phosphorylation of Vps15p may be critical for its biological activity at elevated temperatures. The rapid onset and high degree of specificity of the vacuolar protein delivery block in these mutants suggests that the primary role of Vps15p is to regulate the sorting of soluble hydrolases to the yeast vacuolar compartment.
Elevated hemoglobin A1c as a possible indicator of diabetes mellitus and diabetic ketoacidosis in schizophrenia patients receiving atypical antipsychotics.

OBJECTIVE We conducted a retrospective epidemiologic study assessing the incidence of new-onset diabetes mellitus presenting as diabetic ketoacidosis in patients with schizophrenic disorders (ICD-9 295.0-295.9; referred to as "schizophrenia patients" hereafter) treated with atypical antipsychotic agents. METHOD The identification of patients and the review of records were achieved by using an electronic database linking administrative and clinical laboratory data between January 1, 1995, and December 31, 2001. The main outcome measure was the incidence of diabetic ketoacidosis or hyperosmolar hyperglycemic syndrome per 10,000 patient years in patients with new-onset or existing diabetes mellitus. We also determined the incidence of diabetic ketoacidosis associated with the use of atypical antipsychotics and calculated the mean hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) level for all patients. RESULTS During the 7-year period, 18.4% of schizophrenia patients were diagnosed with diabetes mellitus, compared with 6.6% in the general hospital population (p < .001). After chart review, 23 schizophrenia patients were identified with diabetic ketoacidosis: 11 had diabetes presenting as diabetic ketoacidosis, 8 had diabetic ketoacidosis with known diabetes mellitus, 2 had new-onset diabetes mellitus-hyperosmolar hyperglycemic syndrome, and 2 had hyperosmolar hyperglycemic syndrome with known diabetes mellitus. The incidence of diabetes presenting as diabetic ketoacidosis in schizophrenia patients was more than 10-fold higher than that reported in the general population: 14.93 per 10,000 patient years in schizophrenia patients versus 1.4 per 10,000 patient years in the general population (p < .000001) and versus the 1.98 per 10,000 patient years in the general hospital population (p < .000001). The incidence of diabetic ketoacidosis for each of atypical antipsychotic drugs over the 7-year period was as follows: clozapine, 2.2%; olanzapine, 0.8%; and risperidone, 0.2% (no incidence with ziprasidone or quetiapine). Of the 11 patients with diabetes presenting as diabetic ketoacidosis, the mean HbA1c level at admission was 13.3% +/- 1.9% (10.4%-16.9%). CONCLUSIONS The incidence of diabetes mellitus presenting as diabetic ketoacidosis in schizophrenia patients is higher than in the general hospital population and differs across atypical antipsychotic agents. Elevated HgbA1c levels observed suggests that patients had undiagnosed diabetes mellitus for at least several weeks before the diabetic ketoacidosis episode.