Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A simple procedure for obtaining high‐quality nmr spectra of semiquantitative value from small tissue specimens: cervical biopsies.

The handling of small tissue biopsy samples (<100 μl) for NMR investigations poses special problems. Optimal and stable positioning of the samples within the sensitive volume of the radiopfrequency coil can be achieved by inserting the sample in a capillary. Methods for quantitation of the spectral information from samples requiring histological evaluation after the NMR experiment are discussed, in particular with respect to cervical biopsies.
Using a Hash-Based Method with Transaction Trimming for Mining Association Rules

We examine the issue of mining association rules among items in a large database of sales transactions. Mining association rules means that, given a database of sales transactions, to discover all associations among items such that the presence of some items in a transaction will imply the presence of other items in the same transaction. The mining of association rules can be mapped into the problem of discovering large itemsets where a large itemset is a group of items that appear in a sufficient number of transactions. The problem of discovering large itemsets can be solved by constructing a candidate set of itemsets first, and then, identifying, within this candidate set, these itemsets that meet the large itemset requirement. Generally, this is done iteratively for each large k-itemset in increasing order of k, where a large k-itemset is a large itemset with k items. To determine large itemsets from a huge number of candidate sets in early iterations is usually the dominating factor for the overall data mining performance. To address this issue, we develop an effective algorithm for the candidate set generation. It is a hash-based algorithm and is especially effective for the generation of a candidate set for large 2-itemsets. Explicitly, the number of candidate 2-itemsets generated by the proposed algorithm is, in orders of magnitude, smaller than that by previous methods, thus resolving the performance bottleneck. Note that the generation of smaller candidate sets enables us to effectively trim the transaction database size at a much earlier stage of the iterations, thereby reducing the computational cost for later iterations significantly. The advantage of the proposed algorithm also provides us the opportunity of reducing the amount of disk I/O required. An extensive simulation study is conducted to evaluate performance of the proposed algorithm.
Effect of Combined Systolic and Diastolic Functional Parameter Assessment for Differentiation of Cardiac Amyloidosis From Other Causes of Concentric Left Ventricular Hypertrophy

Background—Differentiation of cardiac amyloidosis (CA) from other causes of concentric left ventricular hypertrophy remains a clinical challenge, especially in patients with preserved ejection fraction at the early disease stages. Methods and Results—Consecutive hypertrophic patients with CA, isolated arterial hypertension, Fabry disease, and Friedreich ataxia (n=25 per group) were investigated; 25 healthy volunteers served as a control group. Standard echocardiography was performed, and segmental longitudinal peak systolic strain (LSsys) in the septum was assessed by 2-dimensional speckle tracking imaging. Indices of left ventricular hypertrophy and ejection fraction were similar among all patient groups. Deceleration time of early filling was significantly lower in patients with CA (147±46 milliseconds) compared with those with isolated arterial hypertension, Fabry disease, or control subjects (all P<0.0125). Septal basal LSsys (−6±2%) was significantly lower in patients with CA compared with those with isolated arterial hypertension (−14±6%), Fabry disease (−12±5%), Friedreich ataxia (−16±2%), or control subjects (−17±3%; all P<0.001), whereas septal apical LSsys was similar among all patient groups and control subjects (all P>0.05). A data-driven cutoff value for the ratio of septal apical to basal LSsys ratio >2.1 differentiated CA from other causes of left ventricular hypertrophy (sensitivity, 88%; specificity, 85%; positive predictive value, 67%; negative predictive value, 96%). The prevalence of septal apical to basal LSsys ratio >2.1 plus deceleration time of early filling <200 milliseconds was 88% in CA but 0% in all other groups. Conclusions—A systolic septal longitudinal base-to-apex strain gradient (septal apical to basal LSsys ratio >2.1), combined with a shortened diastolic deceleration time of early filling (deceleration time of early filling <200 milliseconds), aids in differentiating CA from other causes of concentric left ventricular hypertrophy.
Mobile phones as fashion statements: evidence from student surveys in the US and Japan

Motivated by new theoretical perspectives that emphasize communication technology as a symbolic tool and physical extension of the human body and persona (Apparatgeist theory and Machines That Become Us), this article explores how fashion, as a symbolic form of communication, is related to self-reports of mobile phone behaviors across diverse cultures. A survey of college students in the United States and Japan was conducted to demonstrate empirically the relationship between fashion attentiveness and the acquisition, use, and replacement of the mobile phone. The results suggested that young people use the mobile phone as a way of expressing their sense of self and perceive others through a ‘fashion’ lens. Hence it may be useful to investigate further how fashion considerations could guide both the rapidly growing area of mobile phone behavior, as well as human communication behavior more generally.
National and cultural diversity in transnational innovation teams

Global firms promote innovation success by using transnational innovation teams (TNIT). TNIT members have diverse cultural backgrounds. Their rich knowledge base triggers creativity and the integration of profound international market knowledge into global new product development. Yet, the high risks of misunderstanding and conflicts in TNIT can impede success. We research TNIT processes and their faultlines based on a two-year longitudinal case study. The model developed from our qualitative data gives firms guidance in finding a successful team composition, understanding conflict laps and achieving learning laps in TNIT.
Evaluation of a new norepinephrine transporter PET ligand in baboons, both in brain and peripheral organs

Reboxetine is a specific norepinephrine transporter (NET) inhibitor and has been marketed in several countries as a racemic mixture of the (R,R) and (S,S) enantiomers for the treatment of depression. Its methyl analog (methylreboxetine, MRB) has been shown to be more potent than reboxetine itself. We developed a nine‐step synthetic procedure to prepare the normethyl precursor, which was used to synthesize [11C]O‐methylreboxetine ([11C]MRB). We also developed a convenient resolution method using a chiral HPLC column to resolve the racemic precursor to obtain enantiomerically pure individual precursors that lead to the individual enantiomers (R,R)‐[11C]MRB and (S,S)‐[11C]MRB. Here we report an evaluation of the racemate and individual enantiomers of [11C]MRB as radioligands for PET imaging studies of NET systems in baboons both in brain and in peripheral organs. The relative regional distribution of the radioactivity after injection of [11C]MRB in baboon brain is consistent with the known distribution of NET. For a NET‐poor region such as striatum, there were no significant changes in the striatal uptakes with and without the nisoxetine pretreatment. In contrast, a significant blocking effect was observed in NET‐rich regions such as thalamus and cerebellum after injection of racemic [11C]MRB, with an even more dramatic effect after injection of (S,S)‐[11C]MRB. These results, along with the fact that there was no regional specificity and no blocking effect by nisoxetine for (R,R)‐[11C]MRB, suggest the enantioselectivity of MRB in vivo, consistent with previous in vitro and in vivo studies in rodents. PET studies of baboon torso revealed a blocking effect by desipramine only in the heart, a NET‐rich organ, after injection of (S,S)‐[11C]MRB, but not the (R,R)‐isomer. These studies demonstrate that the use of (S,S)‐[11C]MRB would allow a better understanding of the role that NET plays in living systems. Synapse 50:345–352, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A Mediterranean-like breakfast affects energy intake and appetite-related feelings

Abstract Energy intake and appetite feelings after the consumption of two different types of breakfast, a high-fiber, traditional, Mediterranean-type breakfast and a low-fiber, Western-type breakfast were compared. Sixteen non-obese young men received the two treatments on separate days: the Mediterranean- and the Western-type breakfasts were isocaloric, similar in volume and macronutrient content, but different in fiber content. Following a 4-hour fast, subjects offered an ad libitum lunch. Food consumed and subjective feelings of hunger, fullness, and desire to eat were evaluated. Energy intake in the ad libitum lunch was significantly lower after the Mediterranean-type, compared to the Western-type breakfast, adjusting for previous day’s energy intake (1488 ± 468 versus 1674 ± 416 kcal, respectively), whereas no energy compensation was made throughout the day. Furthermore, those who had the Mediterranean-type breakfast reported lower values in the desire to eat during study's course. These findings propose a fulfilling effect of a traditional, Mediterranean, high in fiber breakfast.
Value stream mapping as a tool for systematic employee based improvement of the psychosocial work environment in hospitals

Problems in communication and coordination in hospitals often hamper operations and constitute important stress factor for the staff. A specific methodology (P-lean) based on value stream mapping (VSM) has been developed and tested in practice. Key processes with a potential for psychosocial strain are selected and analysed in employee groups. VSM is followed up by collection of data and development of solutions. Results from the practical test show that VSM and process data provide new insights to the employees which help to improve the psychosocial work environment. However, working across departmental borders proved to be particular difficult.
A MEK inhibitor, PD98059 enhances IL-1-induced NF-kappaB activation by the enhanced and sustained degradation of IkappaBalpha.

Interleukin-1 (IL-1) mediates numerous host responses through rapid activation of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB), but signal pathways leading to the NF-kappaB activation appear to be complicated and multiplex. We propose a novel regulatory system for NF-kappaB activation by the extracellular signal-related kinase (ERK) pathway. In a human glioblastoma cell line, T98G, IL-1-induced NF-kappaB activation was significantly augmented by the pretreatment of a specific MEK inhibitor, PD98059. In contrast, ectopic expression of a constitutive activated form of Raf (v-Raf) reduced IL-1-induced NF-kappaB activation, and this inhibition was completely reversed by PD98059. Interestingly, PD98059 sustained IL-1-induced NF-kappaB DNA binding activity by an electrophoretic mobility shift assay and also IkappaBalpha degradation, presumably by augmenting and sustaining the proteasome activation. Concomitantly, two NF-kappaB dependent genes, A20 and IkappaBalpha expression were prolonged with PD98059. These data suggested that MEK-ERK pathway exerts a regulatory effect on NF-kappaB activation, providing a novel insight on the role of MEK-ERK pathway.
H2A.Z helps genes remember their history so we can remember ours

Histone variant exchange is a novel epigenetic regulator of cognition. We speculate that H2A.Z, a variant of canonical histone H2A, exerts unique effects on transcription during distinct stages of memory formation, ultimately acting to maintain memory of previous transcriptional states and poise genes for re‐activation. Hippocampus‐dependent memory formation is initiated by transient expression of memory‐related genes, which support the storage of recently acquired memories. Soon after, memories undergo systems consolidation, which transfers memories from the hippocampus to the cortex for long‐term storage, and requires ongoing re‐activation of memory‐related genes. We speculate that learning‐induced H2A.Z eviction from nucleosomes initially contributes to stimulus‐induced transcriptional induction needed for the initial process of memory consolidation. During systems consolidation, we speculate that delayed incorporation of H2A.Z into nucleosomes of memory‐related genes in the cortex is needed to poise genes for rapid re‐activation, thus supporting the long‐term process of memory stabilization.
Effectiveness and cost-benefit of influenza vaccination of healthy working adults: A randomized controlled trial.

CONTEXT Although the cost-effectiveness and cost-benefit of influenza vaccination are well established for persons aged 65 years or older, the benefits for healthy adults younger than 65 years are less clear. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effectiveness and cost-benefit of influenza vaccine in preventing influenza-like illness (ILI) and reducing societal costs of ILI among healthy working adults. DESIGN Double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial conducted during 2 influenza seasons. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS Healthy adults aged 18 to 64 years and employed full-time by a US manufacturing company (for 1997-1998 season, n = 1184; for 1998-1999 season, n = 1191). INTERVENTIONS For each season, participants were randomly assigned to receive either trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine (n = 595 in 1997-1998 and n = 587 in 1998-1999) or sterile saline injection (placebo; n = 589 in 1997-1998 and n = 604 in 1998-1999). Participants in 1997-1998 were rerandomized if they participated in 1998-1999. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Influenza-like illnesses and associated physician visits and work absenteeism reported in biweekly questionnaires by all participants, and serologically confirmed influenza illness among 23% of participants in each year (n = 275 in 1997-1998; n = 278 in 1998-1999); societal cost of ILI per vaccinated vs unvaccinated person. RESULTS For 1997-1998 and 1998-1999, respectively, 95% (1130/1184) and 99% (1178/1191) of participants had complete follow-up, and 23% in each year had serologic testing. In 1997-1998, when the vaccine virus differed from the predominant circulating viruses, vaccine efficacy against serologically confirmed influenza illness was 50% (P =.33). In this season, vaccination did not reduce ILI, physician visits, or lost workdays; the net societal cost was $65.59 per person compared with no vaccination. In 1998-1999, the vaccine and predominant circulating viruses were well matched. Vaccine efficacy was 86% (P =.001), and vaccination reduced ILI, physician visits, and lost workdays by 34%, 42%, and 32%, respectively. However, vaccination resulted in a net societal cost of $11.17 per person compared with no vaccination. CONCLUSION Influenza vaccination of healthy working adults younger than 65 years can reduce the rates of ILI, lost workdays, and physician visits during years when the vaccine and circulating viruses are similar, but vaccination may not provide overall economic benefits in most years. JAMA. 2000;284:1655-1663.
Effect of exposure to organophosphate pesticides on serum cholinesterase levels.

In this paper are reported the effects of organophosphate pesticide exposure. Agricultural workers were compared with an age- and sex-matched control group selected from the general population. A significant difference was detected (Student's t = 1.99, p = .05) between the median activity levels of serum cholinesterase in agricultural workers at the end of the work day (mean 4.44, 95% CI = 4.12-4.77), compared with those in the control group (mean = 4.85, 95% CI = 4.57-5.13). The decrease in cholinesterase activity, measured at the beginning (mean = 4.70, 95% CI = 4.38-5.02) and end of the work day, was very significant (paired t = 2.70, p = .01). An interaction was identified between the type of work and the worker's age. Younger workers tended to perform more dangerous activities, and they experienced a greater decrease in cholinesterase activity. This study indicates that subclinical intoxication of agricultural workers, by pesticides, is occurring in Mexico and indicates the need for primary prevention programs that address occupational contact with such substances.
International Environmental Agreements Under Uncertainty: Does the Veil of Uncertainty Help?

Na and Shin (1998) showed that the veil of uncertainty can be conducive to the success of self-enforcing international environmental agreements. Later papers confirmed this negative conclusion about the role of learning. In the light of intensified research efforts worldwide to reduce uncertainty about the environmental impact of emissions and the cost of reducing them, this conclusion is intriguing. The purpose of this paper is threefold. First, we analyze whether the result carries over to a more general setting without restriction on the number of players and which considers not only no and full learning but also partial learning. Second, we test whether the conclusion also holds if there is uncertainty about abatement costs instead of uncertainty about the benefits from global abatement. Third, we propose a transfer scheme that mitigates the possible negative effect of learning and which may even transform it into a positive effect.
Skin symptoms among workers in the fish processing industry are caused by high molecular weight compounds

Scratch tests were performed with fish juice containing high and low molecular weight compounds obtained by ultrafiltration and with degradation compounds known to accumulate in fish stored on ice. 75 volunteers were tested. The peptide pattern in raw fish juice and its high and low molecular weight fractions were analysed by sodium dodecyl sulphate‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS‐PAGE) and the concentration of protein in the various fractions was determined Fish products were analysed for bacteria and algae and the concentration of degradation compounds we measured. Mainly high molecular weight compounds (polypeptides) of fish juice wore found to be responsible for the skin symptoms.
Evaluation of renal volume by ultrasonography in patients with essential hypertension in Ile-Ife, south western Nigeria

Background and aims: To determine renal volume in adult patients with essential hypertension and correlate it with age, sex, body mass index (BMI), body surface area (BSA) and duration of hypertension. Patients and methods: A total of 150 patients (75 males, 75 females) with essential hypertension and normal renal status were evaluated sonographically in this prospective study. Fifty healthy individuals (25 males, 25 females) without hypertension were also evaluated as control. Renal volume was then calculated from the kidney's length, width and anterio-posterior diameter using the formula L×W×AP×0.523. Results: The range of renal volume obtained was 51.65–205.02 cm3, with a mean of 114.06±29.78 cm3 for the left kidney and 47.37–177.50 cm3 with a mean of 106.14±25.42 cm3 for the right kidney. The mean volumes of the right and left kidneys in males (112.98±25.56 cm3 and 123.11±32.49 cm3, respectively), were significantly higher than in females (99.31±23.07 cm3 and 105.01±23.77 cm3, respectively). Renal volume correlated significantly with BSA and BMI, but decreased with age. The renal volume showed no correlation with duration of hypertension. Conclusion: Renal volume is higher in the left than the right kidney in hypertensive patients of both sexes and female hypertensive patients have smaller kidney size compared to males. The study also shows that volume of both kidneys decreases with age and positive correlation between renal volume, BSA and BMI. However, there is no correlation between renal size and duration of hypertension.
Control of membrane biofouling by silver nanoparticles using Pseudomonas aeruginosa as a model bacterium

Abstract Biofouling in water systems results in energy loss and potential contamination. In membrane treatments in particular, it often causes flux decline and increases tolerance to cleaning procedures. The effects of exposing bacterial cells to silver nanoparticles on their attachment in the initial stage of biofilm formation and on moderating biofouling buildup in an ultrafiltration membrane apparatus were studied. A high throughput screening method was used for assessing initial bacterial attachment and biofilm formation for P. aeruginosa cells exposed to 39 μg/mL of Ag-NPs and compared to non-exposed cells, incubated for 2–48 h. Results showed that Ag-NPs steadily retarded biofilm formation, compared to control cells, where the attached biomass increased over incubation time. To elucidate the influence of Ag-NPs on biofouling buildup in an UF apparatus, two procedures were examined: (a) cells, pre-exposed to Ag-NPs were filtered through a membrane prior to sequential filtration of growth medium, and .
Apoptosis of malignant cells in Hodgkin's disease is related to expression of the cdk inhibitor p27KIP1

Previous results from B‐cell chronic lymphocytic leukaemia suggest that expression of p27KIP1 might be important in protection from apoptosis. Given the relevance of apoptosis to the pathogenesis of Hodgkin's disease (HD), it was decided to examine the expression of p27KIP1 in relation to apoptosis in these lesions. Paraffin‐wax sections from a total of 65 histologically confirmed HD tumours were used to derive apoptotic index (AI) and DNA fragmentation index (DFI) scores, which were compared with the expression of various cell‐cycle‐regulating proteins, including p27KIP1 (p27), p21WAF1/CIP1 (p21) and cyclin D1, and with Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) status. The DFI was measured by TdT‐mediated dUTP‐FITC nick end‐labelling (TUNEL), and the AI by conventional morphology. Cells showing the typical morphology of apoptosis, together with those resembling so‐called ‘mummified’ Hodgkin/Reed–Sternberg (HRS) cells, were included in AI measurements. Increasing numbers of p27‐positive HRS cells were associated with lower levels of apoptosis in these cells, as indicated by significantly lower AI and DFI scores. There was a trend towards poorer survival in those patients with the highest numbers of p27‐positive HRS cells and with lower AI and DFI scores, but these differences were not statistically significant. p21‐positive HRS cells were significantly more frequent in those cases with lower AI scores. A similar trend was observed for p21 and DFI, although this relationship was not statistically significant. There was also a trend towards higher levels of cyclin D1 protein in HD cases with high AI and DFI values. A tendency for increasing numbers of p27‐positive and p21‐positive HRS cells in EBV‐positive cases was noted, but this relationship was not statistically significant. EBV status did not correlate with either AI or DFI scores. The results of this study suggest that p27, and possibly also p21, may be involved in protection from apoptosis in HD. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.