Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Dual-energy liver CT: effect of monochromatic imaging on lesion detection, conspicuity, and contrast-to-noise ratio of hypervascular lesions on late arterial phase.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of use of dual-energy CT monochromatic imaging in the late hepatic arterial phase on hyperenhancing focal lesion detection and lesion conspicuity. SUBJECTS AND METHODS This prospective study included 72 patients imaged with a single-source dual-energy CT scanner. Late arterial phase imaging was performed with dual energies of 140 and 80 kVp, and the portal venous and delayed phases were performed with a single energy of 120 kVp. Two deidentified image sets were created: set A consisted of 77-keV images only, and set B consisted of 40-, 50-, 70-, and 77-keV images and iodine-based contrast material decomposition images. Two independent reviewers identified hypervascular lesions and subjectively scored lesion conspicuity. Contrast-to-noise ratios were calculated, and radiation dose (volume CT dose index) was recorded. RESULTS The 128 lesions identified had a mean size of 1.7 ± 1.4 cm. There was no difference in lesion detection between the two reviewers or the two image sets. The contrast-to-noise ratio at 50 keV was 72% greater than that at 77 keV (p < 0.0001). Subjective conspicuity was statistically greatest at 50 keV (p < 0.0001). There was no statistical difference in mean volume CT dose index between the dual-energy (12.8 mGy) and the two single-energy (14.4 and 14.2 mGy) phases. CONCLUSION Viewing dual-energy CT images may result in the greatest subjective lesion conspicuity and measured contrast-to-noise ratio at 50 keV with equal detection of hyperenhancing liver lesions compared with viewing 77-keV images alone. In addition, the radiation doses of dual-energy CT may be similar to those of single-energy CT.
Current management of patients with melanoma who are pregnant, want to get pregnant, or do not want to get pregnant

The number of pregnant women who are newly diagnosed with malignant disease annually in the U.S. is approximately 1 per 1000 population. Melanoma, breast carcinoma, cervical carcinoma, leukemia, and lymphoma are the most common types of malignant disease that arise during pregnancy. The incidence of melanoma is rising at a rapid rate, and it is projected that 1 in 68 Americans born in the year 2002 will develop an invasive melanoma during their lifetime. Melanoma is the sixth most common malignancy in women. It is the most common malignancy in women ages 25–29 years, and it is associated with a younger age at the time of presentation. These trends suggest that approximately 35% of women with melanoma are of childbearing age. In this issue of Cancer, Daryanani et al. provide further evidence that pregnancy does not have an adverse effect on prognosis in patients with melanoma. The information from this single-institution study is valuable; however, the management of patients with melanoma with respect to pregnancy and hormonal contraception remains a challenge. The purpose of this editorial is to discuss the management of these patients and to enhance the information provided by Daryanani et al. It is clear that we will encounter increasing numbers of women of childbearing age who may be pregnant at the time of diagnosis of melanoma, who may desire to become pregnant after the diagnosis, or who may desire to use oral contraceptive pills to prevent pregnancy after a diagnosis of melanoma. In clinical practice, how these scenarios are approached may vary from institution to institution and from physician to physician. This is simply a reflection of the historic 2130
Joint or Single Venturing? An Electric Approach to Foreign Entry Mode Choice

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New species of Trophoniella from Shimoda, Japan (Annelida, Flabelligeridae)

Abstract Trophoniella hephaistos sp. n. was collected from a tank irrigated with seawater pumped directly from Nabeta Bay, Japan. This species is discriminated from other Trophoniella by having dorsal tubercles, a tongue-shaped branchial plate, a tunic covered with large sediment grains dorsally and ventrally, having eyes, and anchylosed neurohooks starting from chaetigers 17–20. This is the first record of Trophoniella from Japanese waters. Identification keys to species of Trophoniella and four gene sequences (COI, 16S, 18S, 28S) of this species are provided. Phylogenetic analysis was conducted to clarify phylogenetic position of Trophoniella in Flabelligeridae using four genes.
An intelligent forward quality enhancement system to achieve product customization

Purpose – This paper proposes an infrastructural framework, involving various emerging technologies, for the development of an agent‐based quality enhancement system with the distinct feature of the ability to cope with the potential quality problems from various customers' requirements.Design/methodology/approach – The proposed system is equipped with the “distributed problem solving” feature which automatically identifies and divides the potential quality problems into sub‐problems and directs straight to the associated agents that are capable of interacting and negotiating with each other to support customer needs. The new feature of this agile quality enhancement system is characterized with the incorporation of the quality mining engine through the capabilities of the online analytical processing, case‐based reasoning, fuzzy logic and artificial neural networks, achieving the optimization of the performance of organizations.Findings – In this paper, the detailed architecture and the components includ.
The “Battle” of Managing Language Barriers in Health Care

Providing safe and high-quality health care for children whose parents have limited English proficiency (LEP) remains challenging. Reports of parent perspectives on navigating language discordance in health care are limited. We analyzed portions of 48 interviews focused on language barriers from 2 qualitative interview studies of the pediatric health care experiences of LEP Latina mothers in 2 urban US cities. We found mothers experienced frustration with health care and reported suboptimal accommodation for language barriers. Six themes emerged relevant to health care across settings: the “battle” of managing language barriers, preference for bilingual providers, negative bias toward interpreted encounters, “getting by” with limited language skills, fear of being a burden, and stigma and discrimination experienced by LEP families. Parents’ insights highlight reasons why effective language accommodation in health care remains challenging. Partnering with families to address the management of language barriers is needed to improve health care quality and safety for LEP patients and families.
“It Feels So Good It Almost Hurts”: Young Adults' Experiences of Orgasm and Sexual Pleasure

Orgasm is a “goal” of much sexual activity, and a source of potentially intense pleasure and fulfillment, yet can be fraught with difficulty or distress. Relatively little social science research has explored people's experiences around, and their meanings related to, orgasm, and indeed other sexual pleasures, especially with young adults. This study aimed to provide a rich exploration of the meanings associated with orgasm and sexual pleasure during sex with a partner, to understand the social patterning of orgasm experience. A qualitative survey was used to collect data from 119 sexually experienced British young adults (81% women, mean age 20, 92% heterosexual). A descriptive form of thematic analysis that prioritizes participants' meanings and experiences was used to identify and explore patterns in the data. Five main themes are reported here: (a) orgasm: the purpose and end of sex; (b) “it's more about my partner's orgasm”; (c) orgasm: the ultimate pleasure? ; (d) orgasm is not a simple physiological response; and (e) faking orgasm is not uncommon. These (mostly not gendered) themes demonstrate the complex and contradictory meanings around orgasm, and reveal meaning to be dependent on situation and context. However, they do resonate strongly with widespread discourses of sexuality that prioritize heterosexual coitus, orgasm, and orgasm reciprocity.
Can Mutual Funds Profit from Post Earnings Announcement Drift? The Role of Competition

We examine how competition affects the performance of mutual funds trading on the post earnings announcement drift (PEAD) strategy. Mutual funds aggressively pursuing this strategy on average do not generate significant outperformance. However, some of them manage to encounter low competition and deliver superior performance. These funds tend to hold and trade on stocks with low liquidity and high volatility. Our findings suggest that some funds have skills to profitably implement the PEAD strategy while avoid crowded trades, and that for these low-competition funds, the benefit of reduced competition outweighs the potential costs of trading on illiquid and volatile stocks.
The Impact of Human Resource Practices on Business-Unit Operating and Financial Performance

This study examined the impact of HR practices and organizational commitment on business-unit operating performance and profitability. Using a predictive design with a sample of 50 autonomous business-units within the same corporation, the study revealed that both organizational commitment and HR practices were significantly related to operational measures of performance as well as operating expenses and pre-tax profits.
Exercise Does Not Counteract the Effects of a “Westernized” Diet on Prostate Cancer Xenografts

The relationships between diet, exercise, and prostate cancer (PCa) remain unclear. We have previously reported that a “Western” diet promotes PCa tumor growth in vivo. Presently, we report the effects of sustained aerobic exercise on PCa progression in animals fed a high‐fat diet versus a standard diet.
The Prostate Androgens , Growth Factors , andRiskof Prostate Cancer : TheMultiethnicCohort

Androgens,Growth Factors, andRiskof Prostate Cancer:TheMultiethnicCohort Jasmeet K. Gill,* Lynne R. Wilkens, Michael N. Pollak, Frank Z. Stanczyk, and Laurence N. Kolonel DepartmentofHealth Science,California StateUniversity, Fullerton,California Departmentof Epidemiology,Cancer ResearchCenter,UniversityofHawaii,Honolulu,Hawaii Cancer Prevention ResearchUnit,McGill University,Montreal,Quebec,Canada Keck SchoolofMedicine,Universityof SouthernCalifornia, Los Angeles,California
Type I Allergy in the Inner Ear of the Guinea Pig

Guinea pigs were passively sensitized by sera containing antidinitrophenyl reaginic antibody and specifically challenged by dinitrophenyl-bovine serum albumin injected through the stylomastoid foramen. Nystagmus, head deviation, negative summating potentials on electrocochleography, and an increase of threshold and wave I peak latency on auditory brain stem response testing were observed after local challenge. These physiologic changes were reversible and resolved within several days. We also used Tranilast before the specific challenge. It is a blocking agent of chemical mediator release from mast cells. Negative summating potentials and head deviation were not observed after the use of this agent. In the animals that showed physiologic changes, we observed endolymphatic hydrops, mast cell degranulation, and eosinophil infiltration histologically in the challenged side of the inner ear. These results suggest that the physiologic and histologic changes provoked in the inner ear of the sensitized animals may have been induced by type I allergy.
Life‐style orientation of rural US and Canadian consumers: Are regio‐centric standardized marketing strategies feasible?

Purpose – In view of the existing void in the current international and cross‐national/cultural marketing literature, the purpose of this paper is to look into the similarities and differences of life‐style orientations prevalent among US and Canadian consumers. The AIO (Activities, Interest, and Opinions) and VALS (Values, Attitudes, and Life‐Styles) statements adapted from the current cross‐cultural marketing literature were utilized to determine different US and Canadian consumer market segments. The research tools and techniques used in this study help retail businesses as well as manufacturing companies of the two countries to develop and execute more effective target marketing strategies.Design/methodology/approach – The data for this study were collected through self‐administered questionnaires. The questionnaires were administered in two different locations. First, in Brandon, Canada and second, in the rural part of south central Pennsylvania (York and Lancaster counties). Both regions are similar.
Diagnostic Evaluation of Infants with Recurrent or Persistent Wheezing.

Diagnostic Evaluation of Infants with Recurrent or Persistent Wheezing Debra Boyer, Emily Barsky, Christina Michelle Papantonakis, Jessica Pittman, Clement L. Ren, Charles R. Esther Jr., Kevin C. Wilson, and Carey C. Thomson Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee; Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri; Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana; University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina; Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts; and Mt. Auburn Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
In search of durable positive psychology interventions: Predictors and consequences of long-term positive behavior change

A number of positive psychology interventions have successfully helped people learn skills for improving mood and building personal resources (e.g., psychological resilience and social support). However, little is known about whether intervention activities remain effective in the long term, or whether new resources are maintained after the intervention ends. We address these issues in a 15-month follow-up survey of participants from a loving-kindness meditation intervention. Many participants continued to practice meditation, and they reported more positive emotions (PEs) than those who had stopped meditating or had never meditated. All participants maintained gains in resources made during the initial intervention, whether or not they continued meditating. Continuing meditators did not differ on resources at baseline, but they did show more PE and a more rapid PE response to the intervention. Overall, our results suggest that positive psychology interventions are not just efficacious but of significant value in participants’ real lives.
Early-Pregnancy Multiple Serum Markers and Second-Trimester Uterine Artery Doppler in Predicting Preeclampsia

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the ability of maternal serum markers and uterine artery Doppler in predicting preeclampsia. METHODS: In this nested case–control study, maternal serum concentrations of cystatin C, &bgr;2-microglobulin, serum amyloid A, C-reactive protein (CRP), and neopterin were measured, and resistance index of uterine artery blood flow was assessed in 45 women in whom preeclampsia subsequently developed and in 125 women with normal pregnancy outcome. Univariable regression analysis was performed to estimate correlations between serum markers and resistance index for the development of preeclampsia. Significant variables were identified using multiple logistic regressions. RESULTS: Maternal serum markers were measured at a median gestational age of 14.7 weeks (interquartile range 3.1) in control group members and 16.3 weeks (interquartile range 4.8) in the case group members, and uterine resistance index was measured at the second-trimester scan. Univariable logistic regression showed that women with subsequent preeclampsia had increased levels of cystatin C, &bgr;2-microglobulin, neopterin, CRP, and resistance index. Cystatin C, CRP, and resistance index remained independently associated with preeclampsia when multiple logistic regression was applied. Receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis showed that a combination of markers had a better area under the curve (AUC; 0.825) than when used in isolation (cystatin C, AUC 0.725; CRP, AUC 0.634; resistance index, AUC 0.728). Sensitivity of uterine artery resistance index, cystatin C, and CRP combined for predicting preeclampsia was 69.2% for a screen-positive rate of 15%. CONCLUSION: Maternal serum cystatin C, CRP, and uterine artery mean resistance index are independent predictors of preeclampsia. There is improved prediction of preeclampsia when serum markers are combined with Doppler indices.
Is hormonal therapy associated with better quality of life in transsexuals? A cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION Although the impact of sex reassignment surgery on the self-reported outcomes of transsexuals has been largely described, the data available regarding the impact of hormone therapy on the daily lives of these individuals are scarce. AIMS The objectives of this study were to assess the relationship between hormonal therapy and the self-reported quality of life (QoL) in transsexuals while taking into account the key confounding factors and to compare the QoL levels between transsexuals who have, vs. those who have not, undergone cross-sex hormone therapy as well as between transsexuals and the general population (French age- and sex-matched controls). METHODS This study incorporated a cross-sectional design that was conducted in three psychiatric departments of public university teaching hospitals in France. The inclusion criteria were as follows: 18 years or older, diagnosis of gender identity disorder (302.85) according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, fourth edition text revision (DSM-IV TR), inclusion in a standardized sex reassignment procedure following the agreement of a multidisciplinary team, and pre-sex reassignment surgery. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE QoL was assessed using the Short Form 36 (SF-36). RESULTS The mean age of the total sample was 34.7 years, and the sex ratio was 1:1. Forty-four (72.1%) of the participants received hormonal therapy. Hormonal therapy and depression were independent predictive factors of the SF-36 mental composite score. Hormonal therapy was significantly associated with a higher QoL, while depression was significantly associated with a lower QoL. Transsexuals' QoL, independently of hormonal status, did not differ from the French age- and sex-matched controls except for two subscales of the SF-36 questionnaire: role physical (lower scores in transsexuals) and general health (lower scores in controls). CONCLUSION The present study suggests a positive effect of hormone therapy on transsexuals' QoL after accounting for confounding factors. These results will be useful for healthcare providers of transgender persons but should be confirmed with larger samples using a prospective study design.
Multigenerational transmission of family size in contemporary Sweden

The study of the intergenerational transmission of fertility has a long history in demography, but until now research has focused primarily on parents' influence on their children's fertility patterns and has largely overlooked the possible influence of other kin. This study examines the transmission of fertility patterns from parents, grandparents, uncles, and aunts, using event history models to determine the risk of first, second, and third births. Swedish register data are used to study the 1970–82 birth cohorts. The findings indicate strong associations between the fertility of index persons and that of their parents, and also independent associations between the completed fertility of index persons and that of their grandparents and parents' siblings. The results suggest that, when examining background effects in fertility research, it is relevant to take a multigenerational perspective and to consider the characteristics of extended kin.
The influence of the consumer perceived value on the satisfaction with the grocery retailer relationship: the mediating effect of the risk of unsustainable consumption

: This paper proposes a framework to analyse the influence of the different dimensions of the perceived value on consumer satisfaction with the grocery retailer relationship. The research propositions consider, as a mediating effect, the perceived unsustainable consumption risk associated to the purchase. Indeed, it is expectable that the perception, by consumers, of an existing risk of unsustainable consumption, will influence the subsequent perceived satisfaction with the benefits. The research propositions were supported by the literature review on sustainable consumption and consumer perceived value, according to the relationship marketing knowledge
Mutations in LRRK2 other than G2019S are rare in a north american–based sample of familial Parkinson's disease

A total of 956 individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD) from 430 multiplex PD pedigrees were screened for 12 previously reported, pathogenic LRRK2 mutations: R793M, L1114L, I1371V, R1441C, R1441G, R1441H, Y1699C, M1869T, I2012T, I2020T, G2385R, and IVS31 +3G>A. Previous screening identified the LRRK2 G2019S mutation in 5% of our families. Only 1 of the 12 newly screened mutations, R1441C, was detected in a single family in our patient cohort. These results indicate that, although the G2019S mutation remains the most common mutation identified in familial PD patients, other mutations in LRRK2 are infrequent. © 2006 Movement Disorder Society
Byssochlamys nivea as a Source of Mycophenolic Acid

ABSTRACT Byssochlamys species are responsible for spoilage and degradation of fruits and silages and can also produce the mycotoxin patulin. We analyzed secondary metabolite production by Byssochlamys nivea. Mycophenolic acid and its precursors, 5-methylorsellinic acid and 5,7-dihydroxy-4-methylphthalide, were identified in all of the B. nivea strains that we examined.
Medical and Nonmedical Treatment for Narcotic Addicts: A Comparative Study from Asia

Narcotic addicts from Laos were treated under governmental auspices in two settings: a Buddhist monastery in Thailand, and a medical facility in Laos. Treatment at the monastery included “eold turkey” withdrawal, a herbal emetic, prayer and religious exortation. Treatment at the medical program consisted of methadone detoxification, care of associated medical conditions, counseling, education regarding addiction, and group discussions. Addicts voluntarily selected one of the alternative modalities. Cost per individual treated was $150 at the medical facility, and about one third that amount at the monastery. Those choosing the more traditional monastery program had an older mean age and included a greater proportion of females and ethnic Lao people. Expatriate Asians (an educated, urban group) and tribal addicts (predominantly non-Buddhist) were more numerous at the medical facility. Small differences were noted in addiction history between the two groups; these were probably due to the demographic differences between the groups. Follow-up evaluation on representative samples was conducted 6 to 18 months postdischarge using abstinence as a criterion. Correction was made for regional differences in opium availability and cost. No difference was found in abstinence rates between the monastery and medical programs. Mortality among addicts over age 60 years was considerably higher at the monastery than at the medical facility. Subjective evaluation of the treatment experience at the temple was positive among Lao addicts (a group ethnically similar to the Thai), but negative among tribal addicts. Over time fewer addicts chose the monastery program, while the medical program became increasingly popular as a treatment resource.