Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Perforated peptic ulcer in Hong Kong and New South Wales

Direct comparisons of ulcer perforation rates and trends between countries have not been made in the past. Data on hospital admissions for perforated peptic ulcer during 1 January 1979 to 31 December 1985 were collected in Hong Kong (5868 perforations) and New South Wales, Australia (1669 perforations). Age and sex specific rates per 100 000 population were calculated. In Hong Kong, annual duodenal ulcer and gastric ulcer perforation rates were 13–16 and under two per 100 000 population respectively. In New South Wales, the corresponding rates were between three and four and under two per 100 000 population, respectively. The male : female ratios for duodenal ulcer perforation were consistently about 5 : 1 in Hong Kong and 2 : 1 in New South Wales, and for gastric ulcer perforation about 2 : 1 and 1 : 1, respectively. The incidence of perforation increased with age, and there was a statistically significant rise, over time, in duodenal but not gastric ulcer perforation rates in persons aged over 60 years in New South Wales; similar trends were seen in Hong Kong. Thus duodenal ulcer perforation occurs five times more commonly in Hong Kong than in New South Wales and this is largely accountable for by the higher rates of duodenal ulcer perforation in Chinese than in Australian males. Such geographical differences can best be explained by the occurrence of multiple aetiological mechanisms in ulcer perforation. Furthermore, there appears to be an increased susceptibility and an appreciable rising trend for duodenal ulcer perforation to occur in the elderly.
Crucial role of mechanisms and modes of toxic action for understanding tissue residue toxicity and internal effect concentrations of organic chemicals

This article reviews the mechanistic basis of the tissue residue approach for toxicity assessment (TRA). The tissue residue approach implies that whole‐body or organ concentrations (residues) are a better dose metric for describing toxicity to aquatic organisms than is the aqueous concentration typically used in the external medium. Although the benefit of internal concentrations as dose metrics in ecotoxicology has long been recognized, the application of the tissue residue approach remains limited. The main factor responsible for this is the difficulty of measuring internal concentrations. We propose that environmental toxicology can advance if mechanistic considerations are implemented and toxicokinetics and toxicodynamics are explicitly addressed. The variability in ecotoxicological outcomes and species sensitivity is due in part to differences in toxicokinetics, which consist of several processes, including absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME), that influence internal concentrations. Using internal concentrations or tissue residues as the dose metric substantially reduces the variability in toxicity metrics among species and individuals exposed under varying conditions. Total internal concentrations are useful as dose metrics only if they represent a surrogate of the biologically effective dose, the concentration or dose at the target site. If there is no direct proportionality, we advise the implementation of comprehensive toxicokinetic models that include deriving the target dose. Depending on the mechanism of toxicity, the concentration at the target site may or may not be a sufficient descriptor of toxicity. The steady‐state concentration of a baseline toxicant associated with the biological membrane is a good descriptor of the toxicodynamics of baseline toxicity. When assessing specific‐acting and reactive mechanisms, additional parameters (e.g., reaction rate with the target site and regeneration of the target site) are needed for characterization. For specifically acting compounds, intrinsic potency depends on 1) affinity for, and 2) type of interaction with, a receptor or a target enzyme. These 2 parameters determine the selectivity for the toxic mechanism and the sensitivity, respectively. Implementation of mechanistic information in toxicokinetic–toxicodynamic (TK–TD) models may help explain time‐delayed effects, toxicity after pulsed or fluctuating exposure, carryover toxicity after sequential pulses, and mixture toxicity. We believe that this mechanistic understanding of tissue residue toxicity will lead to improved environmental risk assessment. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2011;7:28–49. © 2010 SETAC
Distributing HRM responsibilities: a classification of organisations

Purpose – The purpose of the paper is to show that HRM is not the sole responsibility of HR departments, but also of other agents inside and outside the organisation, such as top and line managers, and external HRM service providers. This paper seeks to examine how organisations distribute HRM activities and responsibilities among these agents. The study attempts to classify organisations according to agent distribution and to explore whether a number of internal and external context characteristics affect this distribution. Design/methodology/approach – The survey in the paper shows the methodology chosen in order to collect and analyse factual data about the participation of different agents in HRM activities and the characteristics of the organisations and their context. The questionnaire obtained a valid sample of 231 Spanish companies. A multiple correspondence analysis approach was taken in order to cluster the organisations. Findings – The analysis of the data in this paper clearly produced seven groups, each involving organisations that allocated responsibilities to the various agents in a similar fashion. However, no common contextual characteristics were found among the companies in each of the seven categories. Research limitations/implications – The main limitations in the paper are related to the length of the questionnaire, the adequacy of the respondents related to the unit of observation; and the relative newness of the techniques used. Originality/value – The main contribution of the paper consists of the incorporation of existing partial areas of study in the field of HRM (roles of the HR department, devolution to line management, and outsourcing of the HR function) into an integrated study.
Comparison of CT during arterial portography and MR during arterial portography in the detection of liver metastases.

OBJECTIVE This study compared MR during arterial portography (MRAP) with CT during arterial portography (CTAP) with regard to the detection and differentiation of liver metastases before surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS Fifteen patients with liver metastases were enrolled before surgery according to the guidelines of our institutional review board and good clinical practice. After mesentericography, unenhanced scans (Volume Zoom) were performed initially. For CTAP, the contrast medium was injected through the superior mesenteric artery. Images were acquired in portal and delayed enhancement. The MR protocol (1.5 T; Magnetom Symphony) started with T1-weighted fast low-angle shot (FLASH) T2-weighted turbo spin echo (TSE). MRAP followed with gadolinium-enhanced dynamic T1-weighted 3D FLASH. Delayed-phase T1-weighted 2D FLASH axial images were performed 2 min after IV injection of the contrast medium. Qualitative and quantitative evaluation of CTAP and MRAP was performed by three blinded radiologists regarding the number of lesions and their size, localization, and differential diagnosis. RESULTS The overall sensitivity in detecting liver metastases was 97% with MRAP and 93% with CTAP (p > 0.05, not significant [n.s.]). The specificity was calculated to be 97% for MRAP and 82% for CTAP (p < 0.0001, statistically significant [s.s.]). The differences in sensitivity were more accentuated if only lesions 10 mm or smaller were considered (95% vs 88%, p > 0.05, n.s.), for which the respective specificities were 95% and 80% (p < 0.0014, s.s.). Improvements in sensitivity and specificity were associated with a higher lesion-to-liver contrast-to-noise ratio (59.4 +/- 51.0 for MRAP vs 10.4 +/- 7.3 for CTAP) and resulted in higher diagnostic confidence in the differential diagnosis of liver lesions (p < 0.001, s.s.) and better interobserver agreement (median kappa value, 0.88 vs 0.63). CONCLUSION MRAP proved to be a reliable method in the preoperative detection of small liver metastases in particular, with a higher sensitivity and specificity than CTAP. If organizational difficulties of MRAP can be overcome, MRAP could be considered instead of CTAP in the preoperative invasive evaluation of metastatic liver disease.
Through the Eyes of Youth: A Qualitative Evaluation of Outdoor Leadership Programs

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: The Crissy Field Center (CFC) is a partnership between the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy, the National Park Service, and The Presidio Trust. Since 2001, the CFC has engaged urban youth along with mentors and supporters in recreation, education, and environmental leadership programs within the Golden Gate National Parks. Located in San Francisco, they operate a variety of year-round community and educational programs. An evaluation research study was conducted on two key programs: Inspiring Young Emerging Leaders (I-YEL) for high school teens and Urban Trailblazers (UT) for middle school students. The purpose of this study was to understand program impact and evaluate its effectiveness as a model for leadership development among urban youth. This was accomplished by investigating each program’s outdoor recreation opportunities, environmental program curriculum, and approach to cultivating leaders. Four focus groups were conducted in 2006 with 43 ethnically diverse participants, including alumni, ranging in age from 1122 years. Six key themes emerged: motivation to join program, contribution to environment, social awareness and outreach, personal growth and leadership, aided school performance, and healthy lifestyles. Results reveal how the CFC encourages youth to make healthy choices that benefit the environment, enhance personal courage, and engender leadership skills. Findings can be used to assist the Crissy Field Center and similar organizations with enhancing the program structure as well as designing effective leadership curriculum. Finally, implications and recommendations for future research are provided.
Novel Generation Mycobacterial Adjuvant Based on Liposome-Encapsulated Monomycoloyl Glycerol from Mycobacterium bovis Bacillus Calmette-Guérin1

The immunostimulatory activity of lipids associated with the mycobacterial cell wall has been recognized for several decades and exploited in a large variety of different adjuvant preparations. Previously, we have shown that a mycobacterial lipid extract from Mycobacterium bovis bacillus Calmette-Guérin delivered in cationic liposomes was a particular efficient Th1-inducing adjuvant formulation effective against tuberculosis. Herein, we have dissected the adjuvant activity of the bacillus Calmette-Guérin lipid extract showing that the majority of the activity was attributable to the apolar lipids and more specifically to a single lipid, monomycoloyl glycerol (MMG), previously also shown to stimulate human dendritic cells. Delivered in cationic liposomes, MMG induced the most prominent Th1-biased immune response that provided significant protection against tuberculosis. Importantly, a simple synthetic analog of MMG, based on a 32 carbon mycolic acid, was found to give rise to comparable high Th1-biased responses with a major representation of polyfunctional CD4 T cells coexpressing IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-2. Furthermore, comparable activity was shown by an even simpler monoacyl glycerol analog, based on octadecanoic acid. The use of these synthetic analogs of MMG represents a promising new strategy for exploiting the immunostimulatory activity and adjuvant potential of components from the mycobacterial cell wall without the associated toxicity issues observed with complex mycobacterial preparations.
Intra-Generational Social Mobility and Entrepreneurship in Uruguay

This paper follows an income-based, time-dependence approach to measure social mobility in Uruguay between 1982 and 2010. The paper finds that social mobility in Uruguay is considerable and reports evidence suggesting that this mobility is greater within cohorts of groups, such as those defined by gender or region, than between groups. Entrepreneurship and self-employment are associated with greater social mobility.
The Relationship Between Firm Size and Innovation Activity: A Double Decision Approach

The main purpose of this paper is to analyse the relationship between firm size and innovation activity using Spanish data at firm level corresponding to the manufacturing sector for the period 1990-93. This exercise is different to previous applications because we allow for different size effects in the decision to innovate and the innovation count equation, in the context of a double-hurdle approach. Several tests confirm the hurdle negbin model. We find that firm size is a relevant factor, although size effects are different in both decisions. A robust result from the different specifications estimated is the rejection of the Gilbert and Newbery hypotheses. We find out that the behaviour of firm size is neither linear in the decision nor in thc count equation. We also provide additional, and sometimes different, evidence to previous Spanish studies on R&D.
Implementing an employee performance management system in a nonprofit organization

Nonprofit organizations are not exempt from the imperatives of employee attraction, retention, and motivation. As competition for staff, donors, and funding increases, the need to manage employee performance will continue to be a critical human resource management issue. This article outlines a study of the introduction of a performance management system in an Australian nonprofit organization and analyzes its design and implementation. It explores how performance management can be introduced and used effectively within a nonprofit environment to benefit staff and the organization. However, the use of performance management is not without its challenges, and the research also identified initial employee resistance and a resulting initial spike in labor turnover. However, findings indicate that if nonprofit organizations are willing to undertake consultation with staff and ensure that the organization's specific context, values, and mission are reflected in the performance management system, it can be a useful tool for managers and a direct benefit to employees.
Protection of Nonself Surfaces from Complement Attack by Factor H-Binding Peptides: Implications for Therapeutic Medicine

Exposure of nonself surfaces such as those of biomaterials or transplanted cells and organs to host blood frequently triggers innate immune responses, thereby affecting both their functionality and tolerability. Activation of the alternative pathway of complement plays a decisive role in this unfavorable reaction. Whereas previous studies demonstrated that immobilization of physiological regulators of complement activation (RCA) can attenuate this foreign body-induced activation, simple and efficient approaches for coating artificial surfaces with intact RCA are still missing. The conjugation of small molecular entities that capture RCA with high affinity is an intriguing alternative, as this creates a surface with autoregulatory activity upon exposure to blood. We therefore screened two variable cysteine-constrained phage-displayed peptide libraries for factor H-binding peptides. We discovered three peptide classes that differed with respect to their main target binding areas. Peptides binding to the broad middle region of factor H (domains 5–18) were of particular interest, as they do not interfere with either regulatory or binding activities. One peptide in this group (5C6) was further characterized and showed high factor H-capturing activity while retaining its functional integrity. Most importantly, when 5C6 was coated to a model polystyrene surface and exposed to human lepirudin-anticoagulated plasma, the bound peptide captured factor H and substantially inhibited complement activation by the alternative pathway. Our study therefore provides a promising and novel approach to produce therapeutic materials with enhanced biocompatibility.
Developing a weekly residential price index using the Sales Price Appraisal Ratio

In July 2004 the Reserve Bank of Australia published an influential paper discussing issues relating to the longitudinal measurement of housing prices. In that paper it was suggested that residential house price indices were fraught with problems including timeliness, sample selection bias and a failure to deal with changes in quality. This paper reports research that uses a Sales Price Appraisal Ratio (SPAR) technique to develop an index that could be timelier than tradition indices that are released at quarterly intervals. The research compares the results of a monthly SPAR index to other indices based on mean, median and tri-mean prices as well as a hedonic index. The SPAR index is then calculated at a weekly level and compared to the traditional indices calculated at the same level. The research shows that the SPAR index produces very similar results to the hedonic index with less variable results than the mean, median and tri-mean index. The results suggest that the SPAR index would be suitable as a monthly index across a broad region or it would make a usable weekly index across a broad region, and a monthly index at a submarket level. The research also illustrates that a SPAR index may provide a suitable methodology for producing price indices for other land-use types where indices have been traditionally impossible to produce.
Study of megakaryocytes in bone marrow aspiration smears in patients with thrombocytopenia

Background: Dysplastic changes in megakaryocyte are well-recognized features of myelodysplastic syndrome. However, several studies have shown it’s occurrence in various other disorders. This study was done to understand the various megakaryocytic alterations including the dysplastic forms in hematological disorders presenting with thrombocytopenia other than in myelodysplastic syndrome. Materials and Methods: All cases of thrombocytopenia in the study period of May 2010 to April 2012 were included. Bone marrow aspiration study was done in each case of thrombocytopenia. Megakaryocytes were examined in bone marrow aspiration smears in terms of their number and morphology. Dysplasia was considered significant if ≥ 10% of megakaryocyte examined show dysplastic morphology. Results: Dysplastic megakaryocytes were observed in 52.3%, 50% and 21.2% of the cases of megaloblastic anemia, acute leukemia and immune thrombocytopenic purpura respectively. Most common dysplastic feature observed were multiple separate nuclei (25.2%) and micromegakaryocyte (17.3%). Hypogranular form was the least observed dysplastic feature (1.4%; 2/139 cases). Conclusion: Dysplasia in megakaryocyte is a quiet common occurrence in various non-myelodysplastic syndroms related thrombocytopenia. The mere presence of dysplastic megakaryocyte should not prompt an interpretation of myelodysplastic syndroms and should always be correlated with patient’s clinical and other hematological parameters. DOI: http://dx.doi. org/10.3126/jpn.v3i6. 8997 Journal of Pathology of Nepal (2013) Vol. 3 , 476-481
Threonine Phosphorylation Diverts Internalized Epidermal Growth Factor Receptors from a Degradative Pathway to the Recycling Endosome*

Transregulation of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) by protein kinase C (PKC) serves as a model for heterologous desensitization of receptor tyrosine kinases, but the underlying mechanism remained unknown. By using c-Cbl-induced ubiquitination of EGFR as a marker for transfer from early to late endosomes, we provide evidence that PKC can inhibit this process. In parallel, receptor down-regulation and degradation are significantly reduced. The inhibitory effects of PKC are mediated by a single threonine residue (threonine 654) of EGFR, which serves as a major PKC phosphorylation site. Biochemical and morphological analyses indicate that threonine-phosphorylated EGFR molecules undergo normal internalization, but instead of sorting to lysosomal degradation, they recycle back to the cell surface. In conclusion, by sorting EGFR to the recycling endosome, heterologous desensitization restrains ligand-induced down-regulation of EGFR.
Adoption Of Advanced Manufacturing Technology And Firm Performance In The Netherlands

This paper presents characteristics of firms that employ advanced manufacturing technology (AMT), explores the pattern of adoption of such technology, and traces the effects of adoption on the evolution of employment and productivity. The study uses linked firm-level data on production, factor inputs and on advanced manufacturing technology. It is found that the percentage of firms that employ advanced technology increases with higher labor productivity, higher export-sales ratios, and especially larger firm sire. Corrected for interactions, however, only initial size and the initial capital-labor ratio aid in predicting adoption of AMT. Conditional on adoption of AMT it is seen that intensity of advanced technology inputs decrease with firm sire and with labar productivity. Finally, firms which employed AMT in 1992 show higher average growth rates of (toral factor) productivity and employment between 1985 and 1991.
Legislative Politics in the European Union

This paper compares legislative dynamics under all procedures in which the Council of Ministers votes by qualified majority (QMV). We make five major points. First, the EU governments have sought to reduce the democratic deficit by increasing the powers of the European Parliament since 1987, whereas they have lessened the legislative influence of the Commission. Under the Amsterdam treaty's version of the codecision procedure, the Parliament is a coequal legislator with the Council, whereas the Commission's influence is likely to be more informal than formal. Second, as long as the Parliament acts as a pro-integration entrepreneur, policy outcomes under consultation, cooperation and the new codecision will be more integrationist than the QMV-pivot in the Council prefers. Third, the pace of European integration may slow down if MEPs become more responsive to the demands of their constituents. Fourth, the EU is evolving into a bicameral legislature with a heavy status quo bias. Not only does the Council use QMV but absolute majority voting requirements and high levels of absenteeism create a de facto supermajority threshold for Parliamentary decisions. Finally, if the differences between the Council and the Parliament concern regulation issues on a traditional left-right axis, the Commission is more likely to be the ally of the Council than the Parliament.
Irbesartan‐mediated reduction of renal and cardiac damage in insulin resistant JCR : LA‐cp rats

Background and purpose: Angiotensin II receptor antagonists (ARBs), originally developed for antihypertensive properties, have pleiotropic effects including direct vascular actions. We tested the hypothesis that the ARB irbesartan would be effective against micro‐ and macrovascular complications of the prediabetic metabolic syndrome using the obese, insulin‐resistant JCR : LA‐cp rat that exhibits micro‐ and macrovascular disease with ischaemic myocardial lesions and renal disease.
The dynamics of the evolution of the Black–White test score gap

We apply a quantile version of the Oaxaca-Blinder decomposition to estimate the counterfactual distribution of the test scores of Black students. In the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study, Kindergarten Class of 1998–1999 (ECLS-K), we find that the gap initially appears only at the top of the distribution of test scores. As children age, however, the gap at the top shrinks whereas the gap in the middle part of the distribution grows. Moreover, the gap due to differences in the effect, rather than amount, of characteristics becomes important.