Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Myocardial infarction quantification with Manganese‐Enhanced MRI (MEMRI) in mice using a 3T clinical scanner

Manganese (Mn2+) was recognized early as an efficient intracellular MR contrast agent to assess cardiomyocyte viability. It had previously been used for the assessment of myocardial infarction in various animal models from pig to mouse. However, whether Manganese‐Enhanced MRI (MEMRI) is also able to assess infarction in the acute phase of a coronary occlusion reperfusion model in mice has not yet been demonstrated. This model is of particular interest as it is closer to the situation encountered in the clinical setting. This study aimed to measure infarction volume taking TTC staining as a gold standard, as well as global and regional function before and after Mn2+ injection using a clinical 3T scanner. The first step of this study was to perform a dose‐response curve in order to optimize the injection protocol. Infarction volume measured with MEMRI was strongly correlated to TTC staining. Ejection fraction (EF) and percent wall thickening measurements allowed evaluation of global and regional function. While EF must be measured before Mn2+ injection to avoid bias introduced by the reduction of contrast in cine images, percent wall thickening can be measured either before or after Mn2+ injection and depicts accurately infarct related contraction deficit. This study is the first step for further longitudinal studies of cardiac disease in mice on a clinical 3T scanner, a widely available platform. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Human bone marrow stromal cell and ligament fibroblast responses on RGD-modified silk fibers.

Adhesion, spreading, proliferation, and collagen matrix production of human bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) on an RGD-modified silk matrix was studied. Anterior cruciate ligament fibroblasts (ACLFs) were used as a control cell source. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and MTT analyses demonstrated that the modified silk matrices support improved BMSC and ACLF attachment and show higher cell density over 14 days in culture when compared with the non-RGD-modified matrices. Collagen type I transcript levels (at day 7) and content (at day 14) was significantly higher on the RGD-modified substrate than on the nonmodified group. The ability of RGD-coupled silk matrices to support BMSC attachment, which leads to higher cell density and collagen matrix production in vitro, combined with mechanical, fatigue, and biocompatibility properties of the silk protein matrix, suggest potential for use of this biomaterial for tissue engineering.
Burnout syndrome: assessment of a stressful job among intensive care staff

The purpose of the study was to investigate the degree of burnout experienced by intensive care staff particularly, in Medical (MICU) and Surgical Intensive Care Units (SICU) General Hospital "Sveti Duh", Zagreb. A sample group of 41 emergency physicians and nurses from MICU and 30 from SICU was tested. The survey included demographic data and Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) scoring test identified by the three main components associated with burnout: emotional exhaustion (MBI-EE), depersonalization (MBI-DEP), and personal accomplishment (MBI-PA) were assessed using 22-item questionnaire. The degrees of burnout were stratified into low, moderate, and high range. Mean total MBI (X +/- SD) were high in both groups: higher for the MICU (65.5 +/- 6.7) than for SICU staff (55.7 +/- 3.8, p < 0.05). MICU staff showed moderate degree of MBI-EE (24.9 +/- 11.2), MBI-DEP (6.0 +/- 5.6), and as well as MBI-PA (34.4 +/- 8.8). The same parameters showed better results among SICU staff: low degree of MBI-EE (17.1 +/- 5.2), as well as low level of MBI-DEP (5.2 +/- 5.0), and moderate degree of MBI-PA (33.7 +/- 9.8). The differences between the groups was statistically significant only for the total MBI, and for MBI-EE (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences between MICU and SICU staff for MBI-DEP or MBI-PA parameters. Overall job burnout represented in a moderate degree. The presence of burnout is a serious phenomenon, because it can lead to psychosomatic complaints, work-associated withdrawal behaviour, and a lower quality of care at intensive care units. Early recognition of burnout phenomenon as a result of prolonged stress and frustration among intensive care staff, contributes to better professional behavior, organizational structure changes in the work environment and better health care quality for critically ill patients.
How do travelers find their travel and hotel websites?

In recent years, hospitality and tourism researchers have presented their findings of many studies on website performance and evaluations. Although these prior studies have achieved a certain degree of success for assisting industrial practitioners to develop and maintain their websites, it remains largely unknown how consumers find a specific travel or hotel website. This paper reports a study that investigated the perceived importance of different channels for finding travel or hotel websites from an international travelers' perspective. Empirical results from 153 travel or hotel website users indicated that the Google search engine was the only channel that was perceived as important, and 47.4% of the respondents viewed up to three screens in the list of search results when using search engines. The paper should be of interest to industrial practitioners and academic researchers to understand better the behavior of users of travel and hotel websites during their website search procedure.
Factors that predict infant disorganization in mothers classified as U in pregnancy

Abstract The unresolved (U) state of mind in parents has been validated by its association with infant attachment disorganization (D), yet all studies show a transmission gap, and a proportion of individuals classified as U have infants who are not D. This paper reports on 31 mothers who showed the characteristic lapses in thinking and reasoning of the unresolved/disorganized state of mind in relation to stillbirth (Usb), when assessed with the Adult Attachment Interview (AAI) in the pregnancy after stillbirth. Seventeen (55%) of their infants were D at 1 year old. We evaluate social, attachment, and psychiatric variables to establish whether there are differences in Usb individuals that will predict infant D. In this population of U mothers, social and attachment factors did not predict infant D, but Usb mothers of non-D infants showed significantly higher levels of depression and of intrusive thoughts on the posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) scale in pregnancy, and showed higher levels of intrusive thoughts when the infant was 1 year old. We discuss possible interpretations of these findings.
The President in the Legislative Arena

In recent years, the executive branch's ability to maneuver legislation through Congress has become the measure of presidential success or failure. Although the victor of legislative battles is often readily discernible, debate is growing over how such victories are achieved. In "The President in the Legislative Arena," Jon R. Bond and Richard Fleisher depart dramatically from the concern with presidential influence that has dominated research on presidential-congressional relations for the past thirty years. Of the many possible factors involved in presidential success, those beyond presidential control have long been deemed unworthy of study. Bond and Fleisher disagree. Turning to democratic theory, they insist that it is vitally important to understand the conditions under which the executive brance prevails, regardless of the source of that success. Accordingly, they provide a thorough and unprecedented analysis of presidential success on congressional roll-call votes from 1953 through 1984. Their research demonstrates that the degree of cooperation between the two branches is much more systematically linked to the partisan and ideological makeup of Congress than to the president's bargaining ability and popularity. Thus the composition of Congress "inherited" by the president is the single most significant determinant of the success or failure of the executive branch.
A combination of high stress-induced tense and energetic arousal compensates for impairing effects of stress on memory retrieval in men

Stress can both impair and enhance memory retrieval. Glucocorticoids mediate impairing effects of stress on memory retrieval. Little is known, however, about factors that facilitate post-stress memory performance. Here, we asked whether stress-induced arousal mediates facilitative stress effects on memory retrieval. Two arousal dimensions were separated: tense arousal, which is characterized by feelings ranging from tension and anxiety to calmness and quietness, and energetic arousal, which is associated with feelings ranging from energy and vigor to states of fatigue and tiredness. Fifty-one men (mean age ± SEM: 24.57 ± 0.61 years) learned emotional and neutral words. Memory for these words was tested 165 min later, after participants were exposed to a psychosocial stress or a non-arousing control condition. Changes in heart rate, self-reported (energetic and tense) arousal, and saliva cortisol in response to the stress/control condition were measured. Overall, stress impaired memory retrieval. However, stressed participants with large increases in both tense and energetic arousal performed comparably to controls. Neither salivary cortisol level nor autonomic arousal predicted memory performance after controlling for changes in energetic and tense arousal. The present data indicate that stress-induced concurrent changes in tense and energetic arousal can compensate for impairing effects of stress on memory retrieval. This finding could help to explain some of the discrepancies in the literature on stress and memory.
Comparison of Pneumatic Dissection and Forceps Dissection in Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty: Histological and Ultrastructural Findings

Purpose: To compare air and forceps dissection of Descemet membrane (DM) in regard to endothelial cell loss, apoptosis, and ultrastructural findings for transplantation in Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty. Methods: DM of 32 corneoscleral rims were separated using forceps dissection (group A) and air dissection (group B) and had been organ cultured for 1 week. The endothelial cell density (ECD) was evaluated before and immediately after DM dissection and during 1 additional week of organ culture. The presence of any residual stroma, thickness of the DM, thickness of banded and nonbanded layers, and smoothness of the lamella were analyzed. Apoptosis was evaluated by TUNEL (terminal dUTP nick-end-labeling) staining. Results: In group A, 15 of 16 usable DM were available, and in group B 14 of 16 usable DM were available. The duration of preparation was 19.7 minutes in group A and 8.8 minutes in group B. The mean ECD was 2050 ± 167 cells per square millimeter in group A and declined to 1846 ± 153 cells per square millimeter after 1 week of organ culture. The mean ECD in group B was 2038 ± 212 cells per square millimeter and declined to 1863 ± 211 cells per square millimeter. No evidence of adherent rests of corneal stroma in any specimens in either group was observed, demonstrating a stroma free separation with no differences in the smoothness of the lamellae. The rate of apoptosis positive cells was 0.37% in group A and 0.40% in group B. Conclusions: Both separation methods seem to be equal in regard to the quality of the obtained DM. Finally, it depends on the preference of the surgeon which dissection method to use.
A Note on Assessing the Relation between CEO Characteristics and Stock Performance: Alpha Above Replacement

Many studies examine the relation between stock performance and CEO characteristics. We approach the topic in a different way, using the alphas generated by the Fama‐French three‐factor model as the dependent variable in a CEO characteristic model. We find several traits are significantly related to alpha. CEOs who are younger, own a larger fraction of firm equity and hold a graduate degree provide greater alphas. CEOs who are also the founder of the firm deliver larger alphas. Our results provide useful information for boards assessing the performance of CEOs and considering CEO succession.
A Socioemotional Wealth Approach to CEO Career Horizons in Family Firms

type="main"> This paper challenges the predominant view that as CEOs near retirement, they forgo risky long-term strategic choices and instead focus on decisions that enhance their own short-term self-interests. Drawing on the socioemotional wealth (SEW) literature, we argue that unlike near-retirement CEOs in widely held firms, near-retirement CEOs in family firms are more concerned about transgenerational control and the legacy that they pass on to future generations. We further contend that the priority of SEW dimensions can change within family firms depending on the CEO's time to retirement. Consequently, near-retirement CEOs in family firms differ from their counterparts in non-family firms in that they are willing to continue to engage in international acquisitions as they approach retirement, despite the potential short-term risks. We further hypothesize that this effect depends on whether the CEO is a family member, whether the CEO is succeeded by another family member, and whether the CEO is the founder. In analysing 3432 family and non-family firm-year observations from the S&P 500 for the period between 1997 and 2009, we find support for our hypotheses. Subsequent analyses indicate that near retirement, family CEOs acquire larger and culturally closer targets than their non-family counterparts. Our paper confirms the need to more fully consider the characteristics of owners and managers in analyses of the CEO career horizon problem.
Distribution of Porphyromonas gingivalis fimA genotypes in Japanese children and adolescents.

BACKGROUND Porphyromonas gingivalis is considered to be one of the most important pathogens in periodontal disease and its fimA genes have been classified into six variants (types I through V and Ib). A majority of the P. gingivalis organisms isolated from periodontitis patients are type II, followed by type IV, while type I is prevalent in healthy adults. METHODS A total of 650 saliva samples were taken from 464 children (3 to 18 years of age), who visited Osaka University Dental Hospital. Genomic DNA was extracted from each sample and analyzed using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method with P. gingivalis-specific primers, followed by an additional PCR assay to determine the fimA genotypes for P. gingivalis- positive subjects. RESULTS Fifteen (3.23%) of the subjects were P. gingivalis-positive and none of those samples showed a positive reaction to the type II fimA-specific primers, while four, one, and two subjects were shown to be positive for the type I, Ib, and III genotypes, respectively. In addition, the type IV genotype was detected in three subjects in the older age group. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that a limited number of children harbor P. gingivalis, and that the distribution of type II and IV fimA genotypes is extremely low. Further, some adolescents were found to possess the type IV fimA genotype which has been shown to be possibly related to adult periodontitis, in contrast to types I, III, and V.
Behavioural responses to service encounter involving failure and recovery: the influence of contextual factors

This study investigates two features of customer satisfaction within the context of service failure and recovery: (i) the effect of perceived justice on customer satisfaction and (ii) the effect of customer satisfaction on repurchase intentions, negative word-of-mouth, and intention to complain. The study takes into account the influence of important contextual factors, including severity of failure, recovery responsiveness, attitude toward complaining, switching cost, and the relationship level. Based on a survey of 556 customers with complaints in Brazil, the results supported the influence of perceived justice on satisfaction and of satisfaction on behavioural responses. Specifically, findings revealed that perceived failure severity, attitude toward complaining, and switching costs were the more relevant contextual factors, as these were significantly associated with satisfaction, intention to complain, and negative word-of-mouth.
Is ATAR useful for predicting the success of Australian Students in initial teacher education

Quality teaching is the most significant systemic factor contributing to student achievement. Attracting, developing and retaining effective teachers are important goals for Australia as they are for all nations. Debate rages currently about criteria for selection of students into Initial Teacher Education (ITE). The Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) is promoted by some commentators as a useful selection measure. The data from six cohorts of students from undergraduate degree programmes at a Melbourne university campus were investigated to evaluate the validity of ATAR as a predictor of academic success and performance on school placement. ATAR was positively related to academic success for students in the three Bachelor of Education Primary cohorts but was weakly related for the three Early Childhood/Primary cohorts. Ratings of performance by associate teachers on placement were unrelated to ATAR for all six cohorts. Given less than one third of students nationally enter ITE on the basis of their ATAR the data suggest that a variety of selection methods and criteria are required and ensuring high standards within ITE courses is the best way to control for quality of graduates.
The fiscal crisis of the state

The Fiscal Crisis of the State refers to the tendency of government expenditures to outpacxe revenues in the U. S. during the later 1960s and early 1970s, but its relevance to other countries of the period and also in todays global economy is evident. When government expenditure constitutes a larger and larger share of total economy, theorists who ignore the impact of the state budget do so at their own (and capitalism's) peril. This volume examines how changes in tax rates and tax structure used to regulate private economic activity. O'Connor theorizes that particular expenditures and programs and the budget as a whole can be understood only in terms of power relationships within the private economy.
Volunteered Geographic Information and Crowdsourcing Disaster Relief: A Case Study of the Haitian Earthquake

This paper outlines the ways in which information technologies (ITs) were used in the Haiti relief effort, especially with respect to web-based mapping services. Although there were numerous ways in which this took place, this paper focuses on four in particular: CrisisCamp Haiti, OpenStreetMap, Ushahidi, and GeoCommons. This analysis demonstrates that ITs were a key means through which individuals could make a tangible difference in the work of relief and aid agencies without actually being physically present in Haiti. While not without problems, this effort nevertheless represents a remarkable example of the power and crowdsourced online mapping and the potential for new avenues of interaction between physically distant places that vary tremendously.
Utility of Screening for Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome in Children with Craniofacial Disorders

Background: Children with craniofacial disorders are at increased risk for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. Methods for diagnosing obstructive sleep apnea syndrome in this population remain controversial. Sleep studies are the criterion standard but are impractical for all patients. The utility of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome questionnaires such as the Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire is unknown in children with craniofacial disorders. The authors hypothesized that the Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire would be a sensitive tool for detecting obstructive sleep apnea syndrome in children with craniofacial abnormalities. Methods: A retrospective review of consecutive children with diagnosed craniofacial disorders who both completed the Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire and underwent polysomnography was performed. Demographics, Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire score, and polysomnographic data were recorded. Statistical analysis included calculation of sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value for the Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire. Results: Eighty-three children aged 2 to 18 years were included in the study. Of these, 44 (53.0 percent) screened positive on the Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire and 23 (27.7 percent) had polysomnographic evidence of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, but the sensitivity of the Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire for detecting obstructive sleep apnea syndrome in this sample was only 0.57 and the specificity was 0.48. Positive predictive value and negative predictive value were 0.30 and 0.74, respectively. The correlation between the apnea hypopnea index and Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire score was 0.152 (p = 0.17). Conclusions: A substantial portion of craniofacial patients referred for polysomnography was found to have obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. However, the Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire is not a good screening tool for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome in children with craniofacial conditions. More research is needed to determine which patients with craniofacial disorders should be evaluated for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome by polysomnography or other means. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Diagnostic, II.
A Conceptual Model of Strategic Considerations for International Retail Expansion

Expansion into global markets is a dominant issue influencing most retailers' plans for strategic growth. However,internationalisation is not a viable alternative for every retailer. This paper discusses four independent elements that areconsidered as preconditions that should take precedence in the global expansion decision-making process. These elementscomprise the PLIN Model.
Problem and Situation of Girl Ragpickers in National Capital Territory of Delhi

This research was an endeavor to closely study the situation of rag picker girls. An effort was made to understand their work conditions, impact of the present occupation on these girls and the problems faced by them. In other words, this study provides an overview of their lives in totality. The researcher looked at the situations these girls faced in everyday life and understood that everyday was a struggle for them and they had to survive in such unfavorable environment for livelihood of themselves and their families. Objective The study was conducted to understand the socio-economic background of girls engaged in rag picking, highlight the factors forcing them to get into this work, and analyze the implications arising out of this work on the development of these girls. Technique and Method The data was collected in the year of 2005-2006 at the central area of Delhi. The present study has used exploratory research design. Setting Total of 100 girl rag pickers were interviewed from the central Delhi. The high density of rag pickers was found due in the central area of Delhi due to industries and market. Therefore the data was collected form Chandni chowk, Old Delhi railway station, Lajpat Rai market, I.S. B.T, Red fort and Petti market. Statistical Analysis Statistical analysis was done with help of SPSS. Result The findings highlighted that most of the rag picker girls belong to the age group of 10-12 years. Majority of the children {98 per cent} fell under the category of ‘on the street’, in which 7 per cent of the girls had single parents. Majority of the children were illiterate, and the level of literacy was found very low in those cases who had attended school. Early involvement in the economic activity and apathy towards girl’s education by the parents were the main reasons of high dropout and illiteracy among girls. Conclusion It is a harsh reality that children start working as rag pickers very early and are subjected to all kinds of negative environment because of which their mental, physical and emotional development is at stake.