Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Decreased Expression of Cytochromes P450 1A2, 2E1, and 3A4 and Drug Transporters Na+-Taurocholate-Cotransporting Polypeptide, Organic Cation Transporter 1, and Organic Anion-Transporting Peptide-C Correlates with the Progression of Liver Fibrosis in Chronic Hepatitis C Patients

Patients with chronic hepatitis C viral infection underwent liver biopsies and laboratory studies for evaluation and to determine subsequent treatment. Changes in status of drug metabolism and disposition may vary with chronic hepatitis C stage and should be assessed. Total RNA was extracted from liver biopsy specimens (n = 63) and reverse transcribed to yield cDNA. Relative mRNA levels of drug-metabolizing enzymes, transporters, nuclear receptors, and proinflammatory cytokines were analyzed with normalization to glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase expression. mRNAs encoding cytochromes P450 1A2, 2E1, and 3A4, and drug transporters, Na+-taurocholate-cotransporting polypeptide, organic anion-transporting peptide-C, and organic cation transporter 1 showed remarkable decreases, and tumor necrosis factor-α showed an increase according to fibrosis stage progression. HepG2 cells and primary hepatocytes of two human individuals were treated with interleukin 1β, interleukin 6, or tumor necrosis factor-α. CYP1A2 and Na+-taurocholate-cotransporting polypeptide mRNA levels significantly decreased in HepG2 cells with interleukin 1β and interleukin 6 treatments. CYP2E1 and organic cation transporter 1 mRNA levels significantly decreased with tumor necrosis factor-α treatment only in HepG2. These results suggested that down-regulation of CYP1A2, 2E1, and 3A4, and drug transporters, Na+-taurocholate-cotransporting polypeptide, organic anion-transporting peptide-C, and organic cation transporter 1, manifested in livers of patients with chronic hepatitis C viral infection, was associated, at least in part, with the elevated production of proinflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-α.
Who cares about women's talk? A field experiment

This study investigates reactions to female talk. Despite stereotypic knowledge of female talk as gossip, empirical data is lacking as to whether it may influence behavior. In a natural setting, participants (126 men and 124 women) unwittingly overheard a conversation about love or do-it-yourself. Results showed that the semantic content of the conversation had an effect on female listeners’ interest and later helping behavior, whereas it had no effect on male listeners. Contrary to previous findings, males did not display chivalrous helping. These findings may be related to males’ perception of female talk and to automatic goal processing.
The Impact Of Accounting System On The Performance Of Small And Medium Scale Enterprises In Nigeria – A Survey Of SME’s In Oyo State-Nigeria

Small and medium scale enterprises are gaining widespread acceptance as viable drivers of economic growth. However, several of these enterprises demise without fulfilling expectations due to poor management arising from weak accounting structure. It was aimed to examine the impact of sound accounting system on corporate performance of small and medium scale enterprises. This was done by a survey carried out through questionnaire and analysed using the F-Statistic (ANOVA). Results showed that adoption of sound accounting system enhances performance of small and medium scale businesses. It was recommended that accounting professionals should customize accounting system and audits to the need and capacity of these categories of businesses, provide accountancy services or a fee, and adherence of small business operators to internal controls.
Resource partitioning among real-time applications

When executing different real-time applications on a single processor system, one problem is how to compose these applications and guarantee at the same time that their timing requirements are not violated. A possible way of composing applications is through the resource reservation approach. Each application is handled by a dedicated server that is assigned a fraction of the processor. Using this approach, the system can be seen as a two-level hierarchical scheduler. A considerable amount of work has been recently addressed to the analysis of this kind of hierarchical systems. However, a question is still unanswered: given a set of real-time tasks to be handled by a server, how to assign the server parameters so that the task set is feasible? In this paper, we answer to the previous question for the case of fixed priority local scheduler by presenting a methodology for computing the class of server parameters that make the task set feasible.
Diffuse axonal injury associated with chronic traumatic brain injury: evidence from T2*-weighted gradient-echo imaging at 3 T.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Diffuse axonal injury is frequently accompanied by tissue tear hemorrhages. We examined whether high field strength T2*-weighted gradient-echo imaging performed during the chronic stage of traumatic brain injury may have advantages in the evaluation of diffuse axonal injury as compared with T1- and T2-weighted MR imaging. METHODS Prospective MR imaging of 66 patients (age range, 17-57 years) was performed using a 3-T system 3 to 292 months (median, 23.5 months) after traumatic brain injury. T1-, T2-, T2*-hypointense and T2-hyperintense foci of 1- to 15-mm diameter were registered in 10 brain regions by two readers separately. Foci that appeared hypointense both on the T1- and T2- and/or on the T2*-weighted images were defined as traumatic microbleeds. RESULTS For 46 (69.7%) of the patients, T2*-weighted gradient-echo imaging revealed traumatic microbleeds. Hyperintense foci were observed on the T2-weighted images of only 15 (22.7%) patients. T2*-weighted imaging showed significantly more traumatic microbleeds (P =.000) than did T1- and T2-weighted imaging. Interobserver agreement was strong (kappa = 0.79, tau = 0.749, P =.000). For 14 (21.2%) of the patients, T2*-weighted gradient-echo imaging revealed traumatic microbleeds in the corpus callosum, whereas for only two (3%), hyperintense callosal lesions were seen on the T2-weighted images. Although a significant correlation existed between the total amount and callosal appearance of traumatic microbleeds and Glasgow Coma Scale scores (P =.000), no correlation existed with extended Glasgow Outcome Scale scores. CONCLUSION T2*-weighted gradient-echo imaging at high field strength is a useful tool for the evaluation of diffuse axonal injury during the chronic stage of traumatic brain injury. Diffuse axonal injury-related brain lesions are mainly hemorrhagic. The relevance of diffuse axonal injury for long-term clinical outcome is uncertain.
Model-Driven Development of Mobile Applications

This research aims to simplify the creation of applications for mobile platforms by developing a high-level and platform independent model of an application, and automatically transforming this high-level model to platform specific code. The research method is a combination of the model-driven development (MDD) approach in software development and application of techniques in the field of human-computer interaction (HCI) particularly on user- centered system design. This research involves developing a graphical modeling language which is specific to mobile applications and coming up with a generic algorithm for the conversion of this graphical model into code. The main focus of the research however, is on the design of the graphical model, and the interaction techniques which will allow non-expert people to create specialized mobile applications with case.
Reversal of the concreteness effect in semantic dementia

Patients with semantic dementia (SD) have a striking impairment in semantic memory, but the basis for this deficit is unclear. We examined semantic memory for concrete and abstract verbs with a two-alternative, forced-choice measure of lexical semantic associative knowledge. Patients with SD had significantly greater difficulty with concrete verbs (z = –3.33) than with abstract verbs (z = –2.05), a “reversal of the concreteness effect” that was present in a majority of individual patients. The subgroup of SD patients with imaging had significant cortical thinning in the anterior and inferolateral portions of the temporal lobes. These areas of visual association cortex may be important for storing and processing visual features for word meaning. Moreover, poor performance with concrete relative to abstract verbs correlated with cortical thinning of the right anterior temporal lobe in SD, suggesting that this region may contribute to storing and processing visual semantic features. These observations raise the possibility that degraded visual feature knowledge contributes in part to the impaired comprehension of concrete words in SD.
Computing Education in Korea—Current Issues and Endeavors

Computer education has been provided for a long period of time in Korea. Starting as a vocational program, the content of computer education for students evolved to include content on computer literacy, Information Communication Technology (ICT) literacy, and brand-new computer science. While a new curriculum related to computer science was established in 2007, the range of computer education being provided in Korean schools has been repeatedly reduced. To identify the cause of this recent phenomenon, we review the computer education environment using the Darmstadt model, including educational systems, curricula, and teaching environments. Then we examine what factors affected the decline of computer education. The major causes of failure are found to be the absence of policy and a comprehensive evaluation method. These causes have led to a reduction in the selection ratio of computer-related subjects and in the number of students taking computer classes. Based on this understanding, we bring some fundamental message for establishing robust computer science education.
Evaluation of diabetes mellitus, serum glucose, and thyroid function among United States workers exposed to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin.

OBJECTIVE: Some studies suggest that exposure to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) may affect glucose metabolism and thyroid function. To further assess the relation between exposure to TCDD and endocrine function, data from the largest morbidity study of industrial workers exposed to TCDD were examined. METHODS: A cross sectional study of workers employed > 15 years earlier in the manufacture of 2,4,5-trichlorophenol or one of its derivatives at two United States chemical plants was conducted. The referent group consisted of people with no occupational exposure to phenoxy herbicides and were recruited from the neighbourhoods where the workers lived. RESULTS: A total of 281 workers and 260 unexposed referents participated. The mean current serum lipid adjusted TCDD concentration among workers was 220 pg/g lipid, and among referents was 7 pg/g lipid (p < 0.05). The half life extrapolated TCDD concentrations (the estimated TCDD concentration when occupational exposure to TCDD stopped) among workers averaged 1900 pg/g lipid (range: not detected--30,000 pg/g lipid). Overall, the prevalence of diabetes mellitus was not significantly different between the workers and referents. Also, there was not a significant positive trend between prevalence of diabetes and increasing serum TCDD concentration. However, diabetes was found in six of 10 (60%) workers with current serum TCDD concentrations > 1500 pg/g lipid. After excluding subjects being treated for diabetes, workers in the group with the highest half life extrapolated TCDD concentrations had a significantly increased adjusted mean serum glucose concentration compared with referents (p = 0.03). Workers were also found to have a significantly higher adjusted mean free thyroxine index compared with referents (p = 0.02), especially among workers in the group with the highest half life extrapolated TCDD concentrations. However, no evidence was found that workers exposed to TCDD were at increased risk of thyroid disease. CONCLUSIONS: These findings provide modest evidence that exposure to TCDD may affect thyroid function and glucose metabolism.
A PLL with a VCO of improved PVT tolerance

VCO has been the central block of a PLL used for on-chip clock generation. Due to the variation in process, voltage and temperature, the ratio of the VCO frequency at the fastest condition to the slowest condition could be a factor of 2∼3. Also, significant variation of VCO gain is expected. For the same target VCO frequency, the loop bandwidth and stability could thus vary greatly due to the variation in the VCO gain. The designer needs to design the bandwidth and stability of the PLL so that it can function properly under all different PVT conditions. For example, the bandwidth is selected based on the worst-case condition, i.e. the fastest condition, trading off for less optimal bandwidths at other conditions. In this paper, the design of a compensation scheme to improve the PVT tolerance of a VCO is described. A four-stage differential ring oscillator with voltage regulation is employed to achieve the voltage tolerance. Depending on the process corner and temperature, the proposed compensation scheme works by changing the control current, thereby maintaining the desired frequency. The variation of frequency at 25°C is within ± 0.6% for the tuning voltage range from 0.4V to 1.5V comparing the fastest to slowest conditions. The variation of frequency at each control voltage point is within ±3.9% across a temperature range of −40°C to 125°C. A charge pump PLL is implemented with this VCO, demonstrating desired advantages as compared to a conventional VCO without compensation.
Using realist action research for service redesign

This case demonstrates the integration of realist action research and co-design to address the complex social problem of long-term reliance on welfare benefits. Realist action research combines a realist philosophy of science and the questions that flow from it with an action research cycle. Realist approaches to evaluation and planning seek to explain for whom in what contexts and how impacts are generated or might be generated. Action research seeks to solve real world problems, trialling solutions until a ‘best fit’ solution is reached. The article describes the principles underpinning the methodology and the research cycles through which the project worked – situation analysis; prioritizing; co-design; trialling and further refining ideas for change. It demonstrates the development and testing of program theory for one service innovation. It also reflects on the experience and potential benefits of this approach.
Fixed Budget Performance of the (1+1) EA on Linear Functions

We present a fixed budget analysis of the (1+1) evolutionary algorithm for general linear functions, considering both the quality of the solution after a predetermined 'budget' of fitness function evaluations (a priori) and the improvement in quality when the algorithm is given additional budget, given the quality of the current solution (a posteriori). Two methods are presented: one based on drift analysis, the other on the differential equation method and Chebyshev's inequality. While the first method is superior for general linear functions, the second can be more precise for specific functions and provides concentration guarantees. As an example, we provide tight a posteriori fixed budget results for the function OneMax.
Optimal Exploration Investments Under Price and Geological-Technical Uncertainty: A Real Options Model

This article develops a real options model for valuing natural resource exploration investments (e.g. oil or copper) when there is joint price and geological-technical uncertainty. After a successful several-stage exploration phase, there is a development investment and an extraction phase. All phases are optimised contingent on price and geological-technical uncertainty. Several real options are considered. There are flexible investment schedules for all exploration stages and a timing option for the development investment. Once the mine is developed, there are closure, opening and abandonment options for the extraction phase. Our model maintains a relatively simple valuation structure by collapsing price and geological-technical uncertainty into a one-factor model. A computational implementation of the model applied to a copper exploration prospect shows that a significant fraction of total project value is due to the operative, the development and the exploration options available to project managers.
Borderline Personality Disorder and the Search for Meaning: An Attachment Perspective

Objective: To explore the links between the attachment theory-derived concept of disorganized attachment, and the psychiatric diagnosis of borderline personality disorder (BPD). Method: Literature search for characteristics of disorganized attachment. Clinical case material from psychotherapeutic work with patients suffering from BPD. Results: Disorganized attachment can be understood in terms of an approach-avoidance dilemma for infants for whom stressed or traumatized/traumatizing caregivers are simultaneously a source of threat and a secure base. Interpersonal relationships in BPD including those with caregivers is similarly seen in terms of an approach-avoidance dilemma, which manifests itself in disturbed transference/countertransference interactions between therapists and BPD sufferers. Borderline personality disorder sufferers lack meaning in their lives because they are unable to play ‘language games’ with their potential intimates, resorting to actions rather than words to express feelings. Conclusions: Possible ways of handling these phenomena are suggested, based on Main's (1995) notion of ‘meta-cognitive monitoring’, in the hope of re-instating meaning and more stable self-structures, in these patients’ lives.
Directions in Dorsal Premotor Cortex Simultaneous Encoding of Multiple Potential Reach

[PDF] [Full Text] [Abstract] , September 1, 2010; 30 (35): 11715-11725. J. Neurosci. Axel Lindner, Asha Iyer, Igor Kagan and Richard A. Andersen Human Posterior Parietal Cortex Plans Where to Reach and What to Avoid [PDF] [Full Text] [Abstract] , September 20, 2010; 10 (11): . J Vis Craig S. Chapman and Melvyn A. Goodale Obstacle avoidance during online corrections [PDF] [Full Text] [Abstract] , January 7, 2011; 11 (1): . J Vis Aarlenne Z. Khan, Joo-Hyun Song and Robert M. McPeek The eye dominates in guiding attention during simultaneous eye and hand movements [PDF] [Full Text] [Abstract] , January 12, 2011; 31 (2): 742-752. J. Neurosci. Philippe S. Archambault, Simone Ferrari-Toniolo and Alexandra Battaglia-Mayer System Online Control of Hand Trajectory and Evolution of Motor Intention in the Parietofrontal [PDF] [Full Text] [Abstract] , June , 2011; 105 (6): 3022-3033. J Neurophysiol Ignasi Cos, Nicolas Belanger and Paul Cisek The influence of predicted arm biomechanics on decision making
Understanding customer satisfaction in opera: first steps toward a model

Despite the frequent call for a strengthened customer orientation in performing arts organizations, no efforts have been made to investigate customer satisfaction in opera so far. The paper aims at filling this gap by suggesting a first integrative model of customer satisfaction in opera. This model integrates insights from both services marketing literature (i.e., general services marketing and performing arts marketing) and performing arts literature (i.e., music perception and theater studies). The model is tested in afield study interviewing 116 visitors of a public German opera house. Results reveal visitors' level of appraisal to be the main antecedent of their satisfaction, followed by their perception of the artistic quality, empathy/identification with the actors on stage, and recall from memory. Furthermore, differences within the audience regarding the relative importance of the antecedents of customer satisfaction in opera are investigated. Using gender and attendance frequency as segmentation variables, only minor differences are found, though. Managerial implications for opera marketing are discussed in conclusion. First, efforts in opera marketing should rather concentrate on the core service quality instead of the peripheral service quality. Second, professional opera companies may attract broader audiences if they focus on the emotional satisfaction of their customers. Third, since only minor and mostly insignificant differences between men and women, and occasional compared to frequent visitors are found, a need for further research to explore alternative segmentation variables in the opera context is identified.
‘It’s up to you’: Experimentally manipulated autonomy support for prosocial behavior improves well-being in two cultures over six weeks

Previous research has demonstrated a strong link between prosocial behavior – particularly autonomous prosocial behavior – and well-being. Little is known, however, about whether and how autonomy might be boosted in the context of everyday kindnesses. We tested the effect of supporting students’ autonomy on well-being gains from practicing acts of kindness in a six-week randomized experimental study in the United States and South Korea. As predicted, performing kind acts while receiving autonomy support led to greater improvements in well-being than performing kind acts without autonomy support or engaging in comparison activities (i.e. focusing on one’s academic work, with or without autonomy support). Notably, these well-being improvements were mediated by feelings of autonomy, competence, and relatedness. The current study is one of the first to demonstrate the causal effect of autonomous prosocial behavior on well-being, as well as the psychological mechanism (i.e. need satisfaction) explaining this effect.
The Mere Presence of a Photo on a Product Label Can Change Taste Perception

Antonia Mantonakis Department of Marketing, International Business and Strategy, Goodman School of Business, Brock University, Canada amantonakis@brocku.ca Brittany Cardwell School of Psychology, Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand brittany.cardwell@vuw.ac. nz Randi Beckett Department of Psychology, Brock University, Canada randi0450@hotmail.com Eryn Newman School of Psychology, Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand eryn.newman@vuw.ac. nz Maryanne Garry School of Psychology, Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand maryanne.garry@vuw.ac. nz
High Intrathoracic Anastomosis with Thoracoscopy Is Safe and Feasible for Treatment of Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Background Minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) has the potential to reduce the morbidity and mortality of esophageal cancer surgery. Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) has a high incidence of earlier lymphatic spread and is usually located more proximal to the incisor than esophageal adenocarcinoma; consequently, the anastomosis should be made more proximal in the thorax or in the neck. We adopted the proximal intrathoracic anastomotic technique using thoracoscopy for mid-to-lower ESCC. Methods From October 2010 to August 2014, fifty-eight consecutive patients underwent MIE for ESCC. After laparoscopic gastric tubing, thoracoscopic esophageal resection and reconstruction were performed using a 28-mm circular stapler following radical mediastinal lymph node dissection. We tried to make an anastomosis at the apex of the chest. Postoperative outcomes, including overall survival and recurrence, were assessed. Results The mean patient age was 64.3±9 years. The mean operative time was 371.8±51.6 minutes, and the duration of the thorax procedure was 254.8±38.3 minutes. The mean number of lymph nodes dissected was 31±11.7. The mean intensive care unit (ICU) stay and hospital stay were 3.5±8.2 hours and 13.6±7.4 days, respectively. The level of anastomosis was 22.3±1.8cm from the incisor. One patient died of uncontrolled sepsis due to necrosis of the gastric graft. Two patients developed small contained leakage. Nine patients exhibited distant metastasis during the follow-up period. Conclusion Thoracoscopic intrathoracic anastomosis at the proximal esophagus is feasible and safe.