Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Determination of lipase catalytic activity in two reference materials: BCR 693 and BCR 694 by titrimetry at constant pH

Abstract Because routine assays for pancreatic lipase catalytic activity are not yet standardized, between-method comparability is very poor. This is mainly due to the lack of reference materials (RMs). The aim of this study was to assign values of catalytic concentration to two human pancreatic lipase RMs, one prepared from human pancreatic juice (BCR 693), the other obtained by recombinant technology (BCR 694). Lipase catalytic activity was assayed in five experienced laboratories, using aliquots from the same lot of triolein emulsion and a standardized titrimetric procedure, optimized with regard to substrate, cofactors and pH. The accepted sets of data (n=4) gave a mean ± the corresponding uncertainty expressed as the 0.95 confidence interval of 1732±72 U/l and 1043±60 U/l for BCR 693 and 694, respectively. Transferability of the whole operating procedure proved to be quite satisfactory. The authors conclude that both RMs can be used to verify the correct implementation of the standardized measurement procedure and to assign values to secondary lipase materials (commercial calibrators, control products) which, in turn, ensures traceability to the standardized procedure in this study, and contributes to the harmonization of laboratory results according to the Directive for in vitro Diagnostic Medical Devices.
Online Business Models in Creative Industries

In recent times creative industries management seems to have been reshaped by the influence of information and communication technology. Constant experimentation with business models and innovation in this area has become one of the key sources of firms' competitive advantage. As a result, traditional business models, which were dominant and stable in their respective industries, have given rise to multiple disruptive business models. Little is known about which elements structure and shape the diversity of new online business models and why no production sector has established a dominant business model. This article addresses these issues. It is based on an empirical study of the 34 cultural-content Web sites that combine digital output and technology in the production process to the greatest degree, in the music, video, film, book, image, and publishing sectors industries. By means of multiple correspondence analysis, three classes of online business models were identified: participative, distributive, and editorial. The article discusses these business models, as well as their influence on creativity and cultural diversity.
Light-induced changes of the circadian clock of humans: increasing duration is more effective than increasing light intensity.

STUDY OBJECTIVES To evaluate the effect of increasing the intensity and/or duration of exposure on light-induced changes in the timing of the circadian clock of humans. DESIGN Multifactorial randomized controlled trial, between and within subject design SETTING General Clinical Research Center (GCRC) of an academic medical center PARTICIPANTS 56 healthy young subjects (20-40 years of age) INTERVENTIONS Research subjects were admitted for 2 independent stays of 4 nights/3 days for treatment with bright or dim-light (randomized order) at a time known to induce phase delays in circadian timing. The intensity and duration of the bright light were determined by random assignment to one of 9 treatment conditions (duration of 1, 2, or 3 hours at 2000, 4000, or 8000 lux). MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS Treatment-induced changes in the dim light melatonin onset (DLMO) and dim light melatonin offset (DLMOff) were measured from blood samples collected every 20-30 min throughout baseline and post-treatment nights. Comparison by multi-factor analysis of variance (ANOVA) of light-induced changes in the time of the circadian melatonin rhythm for the 9 conditions revealed that changing the duration of the light exposure from 1 to 3 h increased the magnitude of light-induced delays. In contrast, increasing from moderate (2,000 lux) to high (8,000 lux) intensity light did not alter the magnitude of phase delays of the circadian melatonin rhythm. CONCLUSIONS Results from the present study suggest that for phototherapy of circadian rhythm sleep disorders in humans, a longer period of moderate intensity light may be more effective than a shorter exposure period of high intensity light.
Postsecondary Education Expectations and Attainment of Rural and Nonrural Students. Stated Briefly. REL 2017-233.

This study used data from the Education Longitudinal Study of 2002 to examine the postsecondary education expectations, attainment, and realization of expectations as well as reasons for not expecting to pursue postsecondary education among rural and nonrural grade 10 students in the Regional Educational Laboratory Midwest Region. Among the findings: • Approximately 90 percent of both rural and nonrural students expected to attend college, but the percentage who expected to attain a master’s degree or higher was higher among nonrural students than among rural students. • The reason that both rural and nonrural students reported most frequently for not expecting to pursue education beyond high school was financial concerns. • Rural and nonrural students had similar levels of postsecondary educational attainment by 2012, eight years after expected high school graduation. • Almost two-thirds of both rural and nonrural students had fallen short of their grade 10 education expectations by 2012.
Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis of the Child Behavior Checklist and Teacher’s Report Form for assessing autism spectrum disorder in preschool-aged children

Background Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by social, behavioral, and communication impairments with an estimated prevalence of 1 in 68 school-aged children. There is a need for objective and easily applicable instruments for early identification of autistic children to enable initiation of early interventions during a very sensitive period of brain development and, consequently, optimize prognosis. Here, we tested the utility of the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) and the Caregiver-Teacher’s Report Form (C-TRF) scales for assessing ASD in Brazil, where ASD screening research is emergent. Subjects and methods A total of 70 children (2–5 years old, both sexes) were enrolled, including an ASD group (n=39) and a non-ASD control group (n=31). The preschool versions of the CBCL and C-TRF were applied. The CBCL and C-TRF results were compared between the ASD and non-ASD control groups with Mann–Whitney U tests and receiver operating characteristic analyses. Results The CBCL and C-TRF were found to have moderate accuracy for the dimensions withdrawn and autism spectrum problems, and to correlate with each other. Conclusion The CBCL and C-TRF may aid in early ASD detection.
Displaced unstable transverse fractures of the shaft of the proximal phalanx of the fingers in industrial workers: reduction and K-wire fixation leaving the metacarpophalangeal and proximal interphalangeal joints free

A series of 35 adult male industrial workers with displaced unstable transverse fractures of the shaft of the proximal phalanx of the fingers were treated with reduction and K-wire fixation leaving the metacarpophalangeal and interphalangeal joints free to move immediately after surgery. At final follow-up, the total active motion score of the injured finger was graded as excellent, good, fair, or poor if it was greater than 240°, 220–240°, 180–219°, or less than 180°, respectively. Complications were also documented. The results were compared with our previously published series of these fractures treated with two other techniques: percutaneous K-wires immobilizing the metacarpophalangeal joint and open reduction and interosseous loop wire fixation. The final TAM scores in the current study were excellent in 43%, good in 29%, fair in 14% and poor in 14%. Four out of the 35 patients (11%) had minor pin tract infection. These results were significantly better than the results following percutaneous K-wire fixation immobilizing the metacarpophalangeal joint indicating that immediate mobilization of all joints has a significant effect on the outcome.
Effect of Liver Transplant on Long-term Disease-Free Survival in Children With Hepatoblastoma and Hepatocellular Cancer.

INTRODUCTION Hepatoblastoma (HBL) and hepatocellular cancer (HCC) are the most common primary hepatic malignant neoplasms in childhood. Given the rarity of these childhood tumors and their propensity to present at advanced stages, updated long-term data are needed. OBJECTIVE To determine the efficacy of liver transplant in children with HBL or HCC. DESIGN, PARTICIPANTS, AND SETTING This single-institution retrospective medical record review and analysis spanned from January 1, 1997, through September 17, 2014, at Stanford University School of Medicine. A total of 40 patients younger than 18 years underwent liver transplant for treatment of HBL (n = 30) or HCC (n = 10) during the study period, with follow-up until September 17, 2014. Patients who underwent transplant for HCC included those with tumors that were greater in size than what is proposed by the Milan (a single tumor measuring ≤5 cm or ≤3 nodules measuring ≤3 cm) and University of California, San Francisco (single tumor measuring ≤6.5 cm or ≤3 nodules measuring ≤4.5 cm and a total diameter of ≤8 cm), criteria. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Disease-free and overall patient survival and graft survival. RESULTS Using a Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, 1-, 5-, and 10-year disease-free survival after liver transplant was 93%, 82%, and 82%, respectively, for 30 patients with HBL and 90%, 78%, and 78%, respectively, for 10 patients with HCC. Risk factors associated with HBL recurrence after transplant included having pretreatment extent of disease stage IV lesions and a longer waiting list time and being older at the time of the transplant. Recurrence was found in 2 of 7 patients with HBL and pretransplant metastases, which were not found to be an independent risk factor for recurrence. Patients with HCC larger than the proposed Milan and University of California, San Francisco, criteria experienced good 5-year disease-free (82%) and overall (78%) survival after transplant. Being older at the time of transplant (18 vs 11 years; P = .04) and the presence of metastatic disease (1 patient vs none; P = .05) were associated with HCC tumor recurrence. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Liver transplant combined with chemotherapy is an excellent treatment that provides long-term disease-free survival in children diagnosed with advanced HBL and HCC. Early addition to a waiting list and aggressive multimodal therapy provide excellent results. Transplant should still be considered in children with HCC larger than the Milan and University of California, San Francisco, criteria.
Growth mindset and motivation: a study into secondary school science learning

Abstract Motivation in science in school is a national issue but is often overlooked in educational reform (Usher, A., and N. Kober. 2012. Student motivation – An overlooked piece of school reform. Centre on Education Policy, Graduate School of Education and Human Development. The George Washington University). Despite new curriculum content reforms in England to promote education and uptake, science remains an area of concern (Department for Education. 2015. 2010 to 2015 government policy: school and college qualifications and curriculum. Accessed October 27, 2016 https://www.gov. uk/government/publications/2010-to-2015-government-policy-school-and-college-qualifications-and-curriculum/2010-to-2015-government-policy-school-and-college-qualifications-and-curriculum; Department for Education. 2016. Revised A level and other level 3 results in England, 2014/2015. Accessed August 15, 2016 https://www.gov. uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/502158/SFR03_2016__A_level_and_other_level_3_results_in_England_SFR_revised. pdf. This article explores students’ lack of motivation towards studying science and strategies to enhance motivation in a secondary school academy with students aged 14–15 years of age. The quasi-experimental research design used qualitative and quantitative methods analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings suggest that the motivational factors most lacking in students are task value, self-efficacy and self-regulation. The intervention programme had significant impact on the students involved in the study and suggests the need to move towards a growth mindset style of teaching that makes science relevant to everyday life.
A Significant Fraction of Functional SecA Is Permanently Embedded in the Membrane

SecA has been suggested to cycle on and off the cytoplasmic membrane of Escherichia coli during protein translocation. We have reconstituted 35S-SecA onto SecA-depleted membrane vesicles and followed the fate of the membrane-associated 35S-SecA during protein translocation. Some 35S-SecA was released from the membranes in a translocation-independent manner. However, a significant fraction of 35S-SecA remained on the membranes even after incubation with excess SecA. This fraction of 35S-SecA was shown to be integrated into the membrane and was active in protein translocation, indicating that SecA cycling on and off membrane is not required for protein translocation. Proteolysis experiments did not support the model of SecA insertion and deinsertion during protein translocation; instead, a major 48-kDa domain was found persistently embedded in the membrane regardless of translocation status. Thus, in addition to catalyzing ATP hydrolysis, certain domains of SecA probably play an important structural role in the translocation machinery, perhaps forming part of the protein-conducting channels.
Melatonin Receptor Agonists: New Options for Insomnia and Depression Treatment

The circadian nature of melatonin (MLT) secretion, coupled with the localization of MLT receptors to the suprachiasmatic nucleus, has led to numerous studies of the role of MLT in modulation of the sleep‐wake cycle and circadian rhythms in humans. Although much more needs to be understood about the various functions exerted by MLT and its mechanisms of action, three therapeutic agents (ramelteon, prolonged‐release MLT, and agomelatine) are already in use, and MLT receptor agonists are now appearing as new promising treatment options for sleep and circadian‐rhythm related disorders. In this review, emphasis has been placed on medicinal chemistry strategies leading to MLT receptor agonists, and on the evidence supporting therapeutic efficacy of compounds undergoing clinical evaluation. A wide range of clinical trials demonstrated that ramelteon, prolonged‐release MLT and tasimelteon have sleep‐promoting effects, providing an important treatment option for insomnia and transient insomnia, even if the improvements of sleep maintenance appear moderate. Well‐documented effects of agomelatine suggest that this MLT agonist offers an attractive alternative for the treatment of depression, combining efficacy with a favorable side effect profile. Despite a large number of high affinity nonselective MLT receptor agonists, only limited data on MT1 or MT2 subtype‐selective compounds are available up to now. Administration of the MT2‐selective agonist IIK7 to rats has proved to decrease NREM sleep onset latency, suggesting that MT2 receptor subtype is involved in the acute sleep‐promoting action of MLT; rigorous clinical studies are needed to demonstrate this hypothesis. Further clinical candidates based on selective activation of MT1 or MT2 receptors are expected in coming years.
Long pentraxin 3 (PTX3) expression and release by neutrophils in vitro and in ulcerative colitis

Pentraxin 3 (PTX3) is the first identified long pentraxin, and it is rapidly produced and released by several cell types in response to proinflammatory signals. The aim of this study was to investigate the behavior of neutrophils to produce PTX3 protein in response to proinflammatory cytokine IL‐8 in vitro, as well as identify the expression pattern of PTX3 in human ulcerative colitis lesions.
High‐intensity interval training prevents oxidantmediated diaphragm muscle weakness in hypertensive mice

Hypertension is a key risk factor for heart failure, with the latter characterized by diaphragm muscle weakness that is mediated in part by increased oxidative stress. In the present study, we used a deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA)‐salt mouse model to determine whether hypertension could independently induce diaphragm dysfunction and further investigated the effects of high‐intensity interval training (HIIT). Sham‐treated (n = 11), DOCA‐salt‐treated (n = 11), and DOCA‐salt+HIIT‐treated (n = 15) mice were studied over 4 wk. Diaphragm contractile function, protein expression, enzyme activity, and fiber cross‐sectional area and type were subsequently determined. Elevated blood pressure confirmed hypertension in DOCA‐salt mice independent of HIIT (P < 0.05). Diaphragm forces were impaired by ~15–20% in DOCA‐salt vs. sham‐treated mice (P < 0.05), but this effect was prevented after HIIT. Myosin heavy chain (MyHC) protein expression tended to decrease (~30%; P = 0.06) in DOCA‐salt vs. sham‐ and DOCA‐salt+HIIT mice, whereas oxidative stress increased (P < 0.05). Enzyme activity of NADPH oxidase was higher, but superoxide dismutase was lower, with MyHC oxidation elevated by ~50%. HIIT further prevented direct oxidant‐mediated diaphragmcontractile dysfunction (P < 0.05) after a 30 min exposure to H2O2 (1 mM). Our data suggest that hypertension induces diaphragm contractile dysfunction via an oxidantmediated mechanism that is prevented by HIIT. —Bowen, T. S. , Eisenkolb, S. , Drobner, J., Fischer, T. , Werner, S. , Linke, A. , Mangner, N. , Schuler, G. , Adams, V. High‐intensity interval training prevents oxidantmediated diaphragm muscle weakness in hypertensive mice. FASEB J. 31, 60–71 (2017) www.fasebj. org
Make Europe Happen on the Ground? Enabling and Constraining Factors for European Union Aid Coordination in Africa

This article investigates the extent to which the collective commitments on aid coordination made in the EU context trigger any changes in the aid practices of EU member states in Africa. By exploring the trajectory of joint programming, it demonstrates that the development policies of EU members states are affected by EU membership, yet the impact of Europe is, surprisingly, less pronounced on the ground than at the headquarter level. This decoupling of norms from practices can be attributed not only (and necessarily) to the attempt of EU donors to pursue their national goals, but also to the resistance of national aid bureaucracies on the ground, the increased scepticism of developing countries, and the growing complexity of the development architecture.
Dairy foods and risk of breast cancer: a case–control study in Montevideo, Uruguay

In order to investigate possible associations of milk and dairy products and the risk of breast cancer (BC) in Montevideo, the authors performed a case–control study in the period 1999–2001. A total of 333 women were interviewed with a specific questionnaire; 111 of them had been diagnosed with BC and 222 were frequency-matched healthy women, with a recent normal mammography (BIRADS 1). The questionnaire included a detailed 120-item food-frequency section, as well as questions related to socio-demographic, reproductive, familial, medical and lifestyle variables. There was particular emphasis on types of milk and dairy products. After controlling for age, years of urban status, education, body mass index, age at menarche, menopausal status, family history of BC, number of childbirths, total energy and total fruits, a multivariate analysis found that high intakes of whole milk, chocolate milk and Gruyère cheese were associated with significant increased risk of BC, whereas ricotta cheese and skim yoghurt were associated with significant decreased risks. Low-fat and fermented products combined appear to be the most protective dairy foods. The results suggest that separate analyses for types of milk and cheese, as well as for dairy products in general should be performed in the future.
Clinical comparison between a resin-reinforced self-cured glass ionomer cement and a composite resin for direct bonding of orthodontic brackets Part 1: Wetting with water.

The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical performance of a resin-reinforced self-cured glass ionomer cement to a standard composite resin in a split mouth design, by using both systems for direct bonding of orthodontic stainless steel brackets in every patient. Forty eight patients (34 females and 14 males, of which 29 were adults > 18 years of age) with fixed appliances were followed for a mean period of 10 months (range 4-16 months). The performance of 864 stainless steel brackets was evaluated: 404 brackets were bonded with GC Fuji Ortho glass ionomer cement (GC Industrial, Tokyo, Japan) onto teeth soaked with water, and 460 were bonded with System 1+ composite resin (Ormco, Glendora, CA). System 1+ recorded an overall failure rate (18.2%) significantly higher (p < 0.05) than GC Fuji Ortho (7.9%). There were no statistically significant differences (p > 0.05) between the failure rates in the upper and lower arches with either material. Both in the upper and lower arches, System 1+ exhibited a failure rate significantly higher (p < 0.05) than GC Fuji Ortho. When the bonding performance of the six anterior teeth was compared with first and second premolars, no statistically significant differences were found (p > 0.05) between bonding agents in either arch. System 1+ exhibited a failure rate significantly higher (p < 0.05) than GC Fuji Ortho, both in the anterior and posterior segments. Both bonding agents failed mainly at the enamel-adhesive interface, without causing any damage to the enamel.
National and Scottish Vocational Qualifications: Early Indications of Employers' Take Up and Use

The use of National Vocational Qualifications (NV0s) within work organizations in the United Kingdom was examined in a study of 15 large employers. Human resources development managers and NVQ candidates within each firm were interviewed/surveyed as were the individuals responsible for NVQ implementation at six firms. Only a few employers had disseminated information about NVQs widely, and only employees who had been involved in NVQ activity as assessors or candidates were likely to know about them. Although many employers were clear about a number of important potential benefits of NVQs, they were also usually aware of the major costs associ7ted with delivery of NVQs and had reservations about the suitability of NVQs for the jc'l and work force. Among the employees and trainees surveyed (272 usable responses), the most popular reason for working toward NVQs was to get a nationally recognized qualification. Job security and career-related motives were also considered important by many respondents. Employers and employees alike expressed considerable support for NVQs and expected them to improve job performance and employee morale. The most common criticism of NVQs was their confusing language. Seventeen points of good practice were identified. (Appendixes include the survey instrument and tables detailing the survey responses.) (MN) ****************************************************************** Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document. ***************************************************************** * UE I ME NI DOC ATION 4.0k. o.A1,ONAL LiOURCE.S INF Oi1MATON 111.0. PERMISSION TO REPRODUCE THIS MATERIAL HAS BEEN GRANTED BY TO THE EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES INFORMATION CENTER (ERIC)" IMPLEMENTING NVQS The experience of employers, employees and trainees