Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Reference models and competitiveness: an empirical test of the management excellence model (MEG) in Brazilian companies

This study analyses how robust the management excellence model (MEG) is as a guide for implementing best practices from different reference models to achieve greater quality and excellence in management. The study starts by discussing the model's assumptions and purposes and how it has been applied to a diverse and large group of Brazilian companies with the expectation of improving business performance. The study is based on 389 independent assessments of 8 MEG criteria in 52 Brazilian companies participating in the Minas Quality Award (PMQ) in the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil, between the 2008-and-2011 cycle. From a theoretical background, 13 proposed hypotheses were tested using the structural equation model (SEM) with a partial least squares (PLS) estimation. Empirical tests support the conceptual framework of MEG, positioning leadership and information management as forces that lead to the strategic management of people, markets, processes, and societal concerns, which in turn are strong predictors of business performance.
Expression of PRAD1/cyclin D1, retinoblastoma gene products, and Ki67 in parathyroid hyperplasia caused by chronic renal failure versus primary adenoma.

BACKGROUND In primary hyperparathyroidism, certain genetic abnormalities responsible for parathyroid tumorigenesis are proposed, and it has been reported that the overexpression of PRAD1/cyclin D1 induced by a DNA rearrangement of the parathyroid hormone (PTH) gene is one of the genetic disorders in a number of primary parathyroid adenomas. However, in secondary hyperparathyroidism caused by uremia, the mechanism of monoclonal proliferation in nodular parathyroid hyperplasia is not well understood. To elucidate the mechanism, we examined the expression of PRAD1/cyclin D1, retinoblastoma gene products, and Ki67 in primary adenoma and secondary hyperplasia. METHODS In adenomas (N = 15) and associated glands (N = 7) with normal histology obtained from patients with primary hyperparathyroidism and in diffuse (N = 14), multinodular (N = 58), and single nodular (N = 28) glands from patients who underwent parathyroidectomy for renal hyperparathyroidism, the expression of these cell cycle regulators was evaluated by immunohistochemical technique. A labeling index was used to define the proportion of cells with positive nuclear staining by each antibody. RESULTS In 6 out of 15 (40%) primary adenomas, PRAD1/cyclin D1 was overexpressed (a labeling index of more than 500), possibly because of the PTH gene rearrangement, but not in secondary hyperplasia, including single nodular glands. Compared with diffuse hyperplasia, nodular hyperplasia showed a significantly higher expression of PRAD1/cyclin D1 (P < 0.05), retinoblastoma gene products (P < 0.05), and Ki67 (P < 0.05). However, no statistically significant correlation between the expression of PRAD1/cyclin D1 and that of Ki67 was observed in both primary adenoma and secondary hyperplasia. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that in secondary hyperplasia caused by uremia, at least remarkable overexpression of PRAD1/cyclin D1 induced by PTH gene rearrangement may be not the major genetic abnormality responsible for tumorigenesis. Heterogenous genetic changes seem to contribute to monoclonal proliferation of parathyroid cells induced by the expression of PRAD1/cyclin D1 or by some other mechanism independent of the amplification of the proto-oncogene.
Cloned polynucleotide and synthetic oligonucleotide probes used in colony hybridization are equally efficient in the identification of enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli

Restriction endonuclease-generated polynucleotide and synthetically produced oligonucleotide gene probes used in colony hybridization assays proved to be efficient for the detection and differentiation of enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli. To compare their relative efficiencies, these two sets of probes were radiolabeled with 32P and were applied to 74 strains of E. coli with known enterotoxin profiles and to 156 previously unexamined E. coli isolates. The enterotoxigenic bacteria Vibrio cholerae O1, Vibrio cholerae non-O1 (NAG), Yersinia enterocolitica, and E. coli harboring the plasmid vectors of the polynucleotide gene probes were examined for further evaluation of probe specificity. The two classes of probes showed a perfect concordance in their specific detection and differentiation of enterotoxigenic E. coli. In the analysis of six strains, the signal strength on autoradiography after hybridization with oligonucleotides was weaker than that obtained after hybridization with polynucleotide probes. The probes did not hybridize with DNA from V. cholerae O1, V. cholerae non-O1 (NAG), or Y. enterocolitica. The strains of E. coli harboring the plasmid vectors of the polynucleotide gene probes were, likewise, negative in the hybridization assays.
The potential of Hypoxis hemerocallidea for herb–drug interaction

Abstract Context: Aqueous decoction of Hypoxis hemerocallidea Fisch. & C.A. Mey. (Hypoxidaceae) (Hypoxis) is widely consumed in Southern Africa by people living with HIV/AIDS, some of whom are on ARV and other medications. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the potential of the crude aqueous extracts of Hypoxis to inhibit major forms of CYP450 and transport proteins. Materials and methods: Corms of Hypoxis were water-extracted and incubated (in graded concentrations: 1--100 µg/mL) with human liver microsomes (20 min) to monitor the effects on phenacetin O-deethylation, coumarin 7-hydroxylation, bupropion hydroxylation, paclitaxel 6α-hydroxylation, diclofenac 4′-hydroxylation, S-mephenytoin 4′-hydroxylation, bufuralol 1′-hydroxylation, chlorzoxazone 6-hydroxylation, midazolam 1′-hydroxylation and testosterone 6β-hydroxylation as markers for the metabolic activities of CYP1A2, 2A6, 2B6, 2C8, 2C9, 2C19, 2D6, 2E1 and 3A4/5, respectively. The generation of metabolites were monitored and quantified with the aid of LC-MS/MS. The potential of the extracts to inhibit human ATP-binding cassette transporter activity was assessed using recombinant MDCKII and LLC-PK1 cells over-expressing human breast cancer resistant protein and human P-glycoprotein , respectively (with Ko143 and cyclosporin A as positive controls). Similar assessment was performed with human organic anion transporting polypeptide (OATP1B1 and OATP1B3) using recombinant HEK293 cells over-expressing OATP1B1 and OATP1B3, respectively (with rifamycin and 10 µM atorvastatin as positive controls). Results: Extracts of Hypoxis inhibited the production of the metabolites of the substrates of the following enzymes (as compared to controls) with the indicated IC50 values (µg/mL): CYP1A2 (120.6), CYP2A6 (210.8), CYP2B6 (98.5), CYP2C8 (195.2), CYP2C9 (156) and CYP3A4/5 (185.4). The inhibition of the uptake activity of OATP1B1 and OATP1B3 were also observed with IC50 values of 93.4 and 244.8 μg/mL, respectively. Discussion: Extract concentrations higher than the estimated IC50 values are achievable in the gastrointestinal tract when traditional doses of Hypoxis are considered. This may have profound effects on presystemic metabolism of the drug substrates. If absorbed, systemic inhibition of metabolic enzymes/transporters by Hypoxis may be expected. Conclusion: The result suggests that there is the potential for HDI between Hypoxis and the substrates of the affected enzymes/transporters, if sufficient in vivo concentration of Hypoxis extracts is attained.
One switched-inductor Z-source inverter

The novel topology of one switched-inductor (SL) Z-source inverter is presented in this paper. The presented one SL-ZSI provides high boost factor when compare to conventional ZSI with the addition of one extra inductor and three diodes. The components used in the proposed topology are higher than the traditional ZSI and lower than the SL-ZSI. The analysis, derivation of boost factor, capacitor voltages, diode voltages, and switch stress of the proposed inverter topology are carried out and are compared with the conventional ZSI, SL-ZSI. To validate the theoretical analysis, the simulation is carried out with the MATLAB/Simulink environment.
Improved Variance Reduced Monte-Carlo Simulation of in-the-Money Options

Pricing derivatives with Monte-Carlo simulations involve standard errors that typically decrease at a rate proportional to where N is the sample size. Several approaches have been discussed to reduce the empirical variance for a given sample size. This article analyzes the joint application of the put-call-parity approach and importance sampling to variance reduced option pricing. For this purpose, we examine non-path-dependent and path-dependent options. For European options, we observe dramatic variance reduction, especially for in-the-money options. Also for arithmetic Asian options, a significant variance reduction is achieved.
Stimulus features affecting psychophysical detection thresholds for electrical stimulation of the cochlea. II: Frequency and interpulse interval.

Psychophysical detection thresholds for electrical stimulation of the cochlea were measured in nonhuman primates (macaques) as part of a series of experiments exploring the stimulus features affecting detection. The monkeys were trained psychophysically using operant conditioning. One ear was treated with neomycin to destroy hair cells, and implanted with electrodes in the scala tympani and/or the cochlear wall. In experiment 1, detection thresholds were measured for trains of fixed-duration pulses and for sinusoids. For long-duration pulses (1 to 2 ms/phase), thresholds decreased as a function of frequency (pulse rate), reaching a minimum at a frequency between 125 and 210 pps, then increased as frequency was further increased. For shorter duration pulses, thresholds usually decreased monotonically as a function of frequency but sometimes showed a slight increase as a function of frequency near the highest frequencies tested. Typically slopes of the threshold versus frequency functions for fixed-duration pulses were equal to or less than slopes of threshold versus frequency functions for sinusoidal signals, where frequency and phase duration covaried. Additional observations on two of the cases were made in experiments 2 and 3. In experiment 2, thresholds for pairs of pulses were measured as a function of interpulse interval. Thresholds decreased as a function of interpulse interval up to intervals of 2 to 4 ms and then increased slightly. In experiment 3, thresholds were measured as a function of stimulus duration at two frequencies. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Diversity and the Wealth of Cities: US Evidence 1980-2000

We evaluate the economic significance of linguistic barriers to communication in 226 US cities from 1980 to 2000 to test for the ‘paradox of diversity’, namely, whether knowledge exchange is inhibited by linguistic barriers to communication across social groups. We find: one, linguistic and cultural diversity increases the average income of the working age population; and two, the higher is the proportion of the foreign-born population in a city not fluent in English, the smaller is the economic benefit of diversity. The results provide valuable insights as to how the economic benefits of diversity can enhance wealth within cities.
Association of B12 deficiency and clinical neuropathy with metformin use in type 2 diabetes patients.

CONTEXT Long-term metformin use has been hypothesized to cause B12 deficiency and neuropathy in Type 2 diabetes patients. However, there is a paucity of Indian data regarding the same. AIM To compare the prevalence of B12 deficiency and peripheral neuropathy in patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus treated with or without metformin. MATERIALS AND METHODS We recruited patients with Type 2 diabetes and divided them into metformin exposed and nonmetformin exposed groups. We measured baseline demographic variables like age, sex, vegetarian status, and HbA1c levels in both groups. We compared vitamin B12 levels and severity of peripheral neuropathy (using Toronto Clinical Scoring System (TCSS)) in both groups. Definite B12 deficiency was defined as B12 <150 pg/ml and possible B12 deficiency as <220 pg/ml. The difference in vitamin B12 levels and TCSS was calculated in both groups using independent samples t-test. Spearman's rank correlation between cumulative metformin use and B12 level was calculated. Odds ratio of vitamin B12 deficiency in metformin exposed group was also estimated. RESULTS Mean serum B12 levels was significantly lower in metformin exposed group (n=84) compared with nonmetformin exposed group (n=52) (410±230.7 versus 549.2±244.7, P=0.0011). Mean neuropathy score was significantly higher in metformin exposed group. (5.72±2.04 versus 4.62±2.12, P=0.0064). Odds ratio for possible B12 deficiency was 4.45 (95% CI 1.24-15.97). There was significant negative correlation between cumulative metformin dose and vitamin B12 level (r=-0.68, P<0.0001). CONCLUSION Metformin use is associated with vitamin B12 deficiency and clinical neuropathy in Type 2 diabetes patients.
Asymptotic Performance of Lp-Norm MIMO Detection

Full search L1-norm (FS-L1) and sphere decoding Linfty-norm (SD-Linfty) detectors have been previously proposed for multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) systems as they entail a lower receiver complexity than the optimal L2-norm detector. However, the performance loss caused by application of these suboptimal detectors in additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) has not been well investigated yet. In this paper, we analyze the asymptotic bit error rate of general FS-Lp and SD-Lp detectors in independent identically distributed Rayleigh fading channels. Our results are valid for all types of noise with finite moments including AWGN. We show that both FS-Lp and SD-Lp detectors achieve a diversity gain equal to the number of receive antennas independent of the metric parameter p and the type of noise. However, except for the conventional L2 case, the performances of FS-Lp and SD-Lp detectors are not identical and the performance differences may be several dB for large numbers of receive antennas. Also, our results show that p=2 is not optimal in non-Gaussian noise and L1 and Linfty detectors may result in large performance gains or degradations compared to L2 detectors depending on the type of noise.
A Elementary Study on Quota Catch of Hairtail,Trichiurus haumela in the East China Sea

Based on investigation and monitoring data of hairtail,Trichiurus haumela in the East China Sea and with maths-patten and previous research result,the study was conducted on calculating stock -biomass,allowable catch, and maximum sustainable yield(MSY) of hairtail,analysing the resources status,ascertaining total allowable catch,and discussing the feasibility of implementing quota catch system of hairtail in the East China Sea.
Radiographic Markers in Spondyloptosis: Implications for Spondylolisthesis Progression

Study Design. Radiographic analysis of spinopelvic morphology and posterior element dysplasia in spondyloptosis. Summary of Background Data. Spondylolisthesis treatment protocols are based on age, symptomatology, and slippage degree. Spinopelvic morphology and dysplasia can determine progression. Frequency of two denominators of high-grade spondylolisthesis—degree of dysplasia and spinopelvic morphology—is unknown. Objectives. To determine common radiographic denominators of spondyloptosis—degree of posterior bony hook dysplasia and spinopelvic morphology—as prognostic factors for spondylolisthesis progression. Methods. Patients with spondyloptosis were reviewed. Bony dysplasia at lumbosacral junction was graded. Pelvic incidence and sacral kyphosis were measured. Results. A total of 53 patients had a mean sacral kyphosis of 56° and pelvic incidence of 76°; 62% of patients had posterior element dysplasia. Conclusion. Prognostic factors for spondylolisthesis progression, such as percent of slippage, do not identify lower-grade slips at risk for progression. Progression is linked to increased shear stress across the lumbosacral junction and inability to resist it. Increased stress is related to increased verticality of the lumbosacral joint, which is individually predetermined by pelvic incidence and sacral anatomy. Pelvic incidence is fundamental in determining sagittal spine curvature required for economic spinopelvic balance. Pelvic incidence is independent of adaptive changes in higher-grade spondylolisthesis. Pelvic incidence in our spondyloptosis series (76°) is higher than in normal (48.2–53.2°) and low-grade spondylolisthesis (64.5°). Posterior element dysplasia decreases mechanical resistance to lumbosacral shear stress. Incidence of dysplasia in our series (62%) is higher than that reported in low-grade spondylolisthesis. Analysis of pelvic incidence and posterior element dysplasia may aid in estimation of risk for progression of spondylolisthesis.
Diet before pregnancy and the risk of hyperemesis gravidarum

Hyperemesis gravidarum (hyperemesis), characterised by severe nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy, has an unknown aetiology. The aim of the present study was to investigate food and nutrient intake before pregnancy and the risk of developing hyperemesis in women participating in the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study. From 1999 to 2002, a total of 7710 pregnant women answered a FFQ about their diet during the 12 months before becoming pregnant and a questionnaire about illnesses during pregnancy, including hyperemesis. Only women who were hospitalised for hyperemesis were included as cases. Nutrient intakes during the year before pregnancy did not differ between the ninety-nine women who developed hyperemesis and the 7611 who did not. However, the intake of seafood, allium vegetables and water was significantly lower among women who developed hyperemesis than among women in the non-hyperemesis group. Relative risks of hyperemesis were approximated as OR, and confounder control was performed with multiple logistic regression. Women in the upper tertile of seafood consumption had a lower risk of developing hyperemesis than those in the lower tertile (OR 0·56, 95 % CI 0·32, 0·98), and women in the second tertile of water intake had a lower risk of developing hyperemesis than those in the first tertile (OR 0·43, 95 % CI 0·25, 0·73). The findings suggest that a moderate intake of water and adherence to a healthy diet that includes vegetables and fish are associated with a lower risk of developing hyperemesis.
Comparative Assessment of Condylar Changes in Patients Treated with Twin Block Appliance : A Cone-Beam Computed Tomography Study

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the condylar changes through cone beam computed tomography images in patients treated with twin block functional appliance. Material and Method: In this study, CBCT of 30 patients who were treated with the Twin Block appliance were used. Pretreatment(TO) and Posttreatment (T1) condylar volume was compared on the 3D images. Angular measurements (Saddle angle, Gonial angle, ANB angle, Angle of Convexity and lower facial Height angle) and Linear Measurements (Na-Me, Co-Gn,CoR-CoL, CC-Gn) were also measure and compared by using 3D images. Differences between T0 and T1 were analyzed and compared with the use of paired ‘t’ test and Wilcoxon signed rank test. Result: Increase in Condylar volume,Gonial angle, Lower Facial Height angle, CoR-CoL, Co-Gn, CC-Gn and N-Me by 310.4mm 3 , 2.208°,15.875°, 3.396mm, 4.65mm, 3.845mm, 7.667mm and decrease in Saddle angle, ANB angle and Facial Convexity 1.137°,3.375° and 3.417° respectively. Conclusion: Twin Block appliance therapy increases the condylar volume, Mandibular length, Intercondylar distance and CC-Gn, lower facial height angle, Gonial angle and Anterior facial height due to increases in the length of the condyle, upward and backward growth of the condyle and downward rotation of the mandible and decreases the Saddle angle, ANB angle and Facial Convexity by remodeling of the glenoid fossa and forward position of the mandible.
The Surgical Outcome of Traumatic Extraaxial Hematomas Causing Brain Herniation.

AIM The aim of this study was to assess the surgical outcome and the prognostic importance of clinical and radiological data of patients operated emergently for an extraaxial hematoma causing brain herniation. MATERIAL AND METHODS This retrospective study comprised 108 adult patients who were operated due to herniated traumatic extraaxial hematomas from January 2000 to January 2013. RESULTS Of 108 patients, 63 patients (58.3%) were diagnosed as subdural hematoma (SDH), and 45 patients (41.7%) as epidural hematoma (EDH). An unfavorable outcome was significantly increased for patients who were diagnosed as SDH (90.4%) compared with EDH patients (33.3%). Mortality rate for herniated SDH patients was 65.1%, and 26.6% for herniated EDH patients. High mortality and unfavorable outcome ratios were associated with Glasgow Coma Scale scores at admission, mean postoperative intracranial pressure (ICP) values, type of the brain herniation, interval from the time of trauma to the time of hematoma decompression, the duration of the brain herniation, intraoperative acute brain swelling, hematoma volume and thickness, degree of the midline shift and the obliteration of the basal cisterns. CONCLUSION Our data showed that, postoperative ICP values were one most important predictor of the mortality. We recommended postoperative ICP monitoring for all patients presenting with the brain herniation due to traumatic extraaxial hematoma.
Vestibular function assessment in patients with meniere's disease: The vestibulospinal system.

The state‐of‐the‐art approach to clinical assessment of vestibular disturbances includes a number of procedures in which it is assumed that the status of major vestibular pathways is quantified independently from converging somatosensory and visual influences. Although it has been known for some time that this approach has limitations in a highly integrative system in which inputs from a number of sensory modalities interact, a practical remedy has been only recently forthcoming. Using an approach to assessment of the vestibulospinal system developed by Nashner, the application of moving platform techniques has been the first to systematically identify the interactions among vestibular, visual, and proprioceptive senses and determine the role of vestibular losses in the process of postural control.
Occupations, National Identity, and Immigrant Integration

This article examines strategies for immigrants to improve integration by exploring the relationship between occupational choice and assimilation. I ask whether immigrant-origin individuals will be viewed as better representatives of the nation when employed in occupations that reflect national identity. I examine this question with data from original surveys in France, Germany, and the United States. Results suggest that native and immigrant-origin individuals in occupations that reflect national identity are more likely to be seen as ideal representatives of the nation. Yet, the benefits of an occupation that reflects national identity are fairly minor for immigrant-origin individuals in France and Germany and roughly one third the size of the benefit for native-origin individuals. In comparison, native and immigrant-origin individuals in the United States have the same increase in likelihood of being seen as ideal representatives of the nation. These findings have implications for our understanding of immigrant integration and national identity.