Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Functional expression of the chemokine receptor XCR1 on oral epithelial cells

Chemokines are chemoattractant cytokines which act on specific receptors and play an important role in leukocyte migration as well as physiological and pathological processes. We investigated the role of the chemokine receptor XCR1 and its ligand lymphotactin (Lptn/XCL1) in the regulation of oral epithelial cell behaviour. In vitro XCR1 mRNA and cell surface protein expression was detected in normal oral keratinocytes and oral squamous cell carcinoma cell lines. Lymphotactin mediated intracellular activation of the ERK1/2 signalling pathway and stimulated migration, invasion, and proliferation of all cells through XCR1. Oral cancer cells showed a greater response to lymphotactin than normal keratinocytes and a direct relationship between receptor expression and migration, invasion, and proliferation was observed. Exposure of normal keratinocytes to lymphotactin resulted in increased adhesion to fibronectin but not collagen and stimulated MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 but not MMP‐7 release, whereas exposure of cancer cells resulted in increased adhesion to both collagen and fibronectin and stimulated production of MMP‐2, MMP‐9, and MMP‐7. We observed XCR1 but not lymphotactin to be expressed by epithelial cells in normal oral mucosa in vivo, whilst both were expressed and up‐regulated in inflammatory oral disease and oral cancer including primary and metastatic disease. Lymphotactin mRNA and constitutive intracellular protein were detected in normal keratinocytes and oral cancer cell lines in vitro. These findings show that XCR1 and its ligand, lymphotactin, are expressed by oral epithelial cells and suggest that they play a role in regulating the behaviour of these cells. Copyright © 2010 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Supervised retinal vessel segmentation from color fundus images based on matched filtering and AdaBoost classifier

The structure and appearance of the blood vessel network in retinal fundus images is an essential part of diagnosing various problems associated with the eyes, such as diabetes and hypertension. In this paper, an automatic retinal vessel segmentation method utilizing matched filter techniques coupled with an AdaBoost classifier is proposed. The fundus image is enhanced using morphological operations, the contrast is increased using contrast limited adaptive histogram equalization (CLAHE) method and the inhomogeneity is corrected using Retinex approach. Then, the blood vessels are enhanced using a combination of B-COSFIRE and Frangi matched filters. From this preprocessed image, different statistical features are computed on a pixel-wise basis and used in an AdaBoost classifier to extract the blood vessel network inside the image. Finally, the segmented images are postprocessed to remove the misclassified pixels and regions. The proposed method was validated using publicly accessible Digital Retinal Images for Vessel Extraction (DRIVE), Structured Analysis of the Retina (STARE) and Child Heart and Health Study in England (CHASE_DB1) datasets commonly used for determining the accuracy of retinal vessel segmentation methods. The accuracy of the proposed segmentation method was comparable to other state of the art methods while being very close to the manual segmentation provided by the second human observer with an average accuracy of 0.972, 0.951 and 0.948 in DRIVE, STARE and CHASE_DB1 datasets, respectively.
OMBUDS AND TITLE IX COORDINATORS: PROCEDURAL CONVERGENCE OF UNIVERSITY DISPUTE RESOLUTION MECHANISMS FOR HANDLING SEXUAL MISCONDUCT

This dissertation examines university non-law organizational dispute mechanisms (Ombuds and Title IX Coordinators) and their handling of sexual misconduct disputes. In 2011, the U.S. Department of Education Office of Civil Rights issued a Dear Colleague Letter to all colleges and universities receiving federal funding. In the letter, the Department of Education substantially redefined compliance with Title IX’s requirements regarding the university response to sexual abuse by faculty, staff or students. The 2011 letter imposed new liabilities on colleges and universities and greatly increased attention to the problem of sexual misconduct at universities. In response, universities faced a growing number of lawsuits, a proliferation of advocacy groups, and a White House Task Force on Protecting Students from Sexual Assault. What, precisely, universities should do in response to these pressures remains somewhat unclear. Universities face a dilemma in determining how to create fair, consistent, and reliable processes that respect the rights of both alleged perpetrators and victims, while at the same time encouraging people to bring complaints forward. Universities also must determine how to change the culture and norms surrounding campus sexual misconduct. These goals are neither easily achieved nor fully compatible. This dissertation examines how two university offices responded to these challenges. One is the long-standing office of Ombuds, which by tradition and ethical norms has been committed to using informal processes for hearing complaints. The other is the office of Title IX Coordinator, which uses formalized processes modeled in some ways on procedures used by prosecutors and courts. Data collection comprised of a review of 1200 documents and interviews with 14 Ombuds and 13 Title IX Coordinators from 22 large institutions of higher education. This dissertation observes that Ombuds and Title IX Coordinators, despite being designed in sharply contrasting ways, both face some pressures
Progressive Functional Impairments of Hippocampal Neurons in a Tauopathy Mouse Model

The age-dependent progression of tau pathology is a major characteristic of tauopathies, including Alzheimer's disease (AD), and plays an important role in the behavioral phenotypes of AD, including memory deficits. Despite extensive molecular and cellular studies on tau pathology, it remains to be determined how it alters the neural circuit functions underlying learning and memory in vivo. In rTg4510 mice, a Tau-P301L tauopathy model, hippocampal place fields that support spatial memories are abnormal at old age (7–9 months) when tau tangles and neurodegeneration are extensive. However, it is unclear how the abnormality in the hippocampal circuit function arises and progresses with the age-dependent progression of tau pathology. Here we show that in young (2–4 months of age) rTg4510 mice, place fields of hippocampal CA1 cells are largely normal, with only subtle differences from those of age-matched wild-type control mice. Second, high-frequency ripple oscillations of local field potentials in the hippocampal CA1 area are significantly reduced in young rTg4510 mice, and even further deteriorated in old rTg4510 mice. The ripple reduction is associated with less bursty firing and altered synchrony of CA1 cells. Together, the data indicate that deficits in ripples and neuronal synchronization occur before overt deficits in place fields in these mice. The results reveal a tau-pathology-induced progression of hippocampal functional changes in vivo.
Development of Walking Pattern Evaluation System for Hypogravity Simulation

This study aimed to develop a Walking Pattern Evaluation System during Hypogravity Simulation (SAMSH), which included the adaptation of a body suspension device, the instrumentation of a treadmill and the development of a virtual environment. SAMSH was developed using one subject. Kinematic analyses were performed whilst one individual was walking on the treadmill during body weight reduction simulating the gravitational forces of the Moon (reduction of 60%) and Mars (reduction of 30%) with and without virtual reality glasses (Head Mounted Display, HMD). The walking pattern was evaluated by means of knee and ankle electrogoniometers, foot switches placed on the front and back part of the plantar region, and five video cameras. Results showed that the body weight reduction during Moon simulation alter the walking pattern, including the increase in step time, contact time, step length and aerial time, and the decrease of walking cadence time (steps per minute). The findings of this study also suggested that hypogravity simulation reduces walking effort. The utilization of the HMD allowed the evaluation of the head position three-dimensionally during hypogravity simulation. The virtual environment reduced postural balance, due to the absence of visual input, which was evidenced by a protective extension reaction
Impact of human resources practices on employee creativity in the hotel industry: The impact of job autonomy

ABSTRACT This study aims to offer a holistic model for human resource practices, affective commitment, job autonomy, and employee creativity. It examines the factors that create conditions for bringing forth creativity in employees. Data were collected from 440 employees drawn from 35 hotels using a structured self-administered questionnaire. Confirmatory factor analysis and hierarchical regression analysis were used to analyze the data. The findings of the study reveal that affective commitment was acted as a mediator between human resource practices and employee creativity while job autonomy was acting as a moderator between affective commitment and employee creativity. This article contributes to a better understanding of the effect of human resource practices on the commitment level of employees working in the hotel industry and provides evidence that commitment acts as a mediator between the factors of human resources practices and employee creativity.
Anemia in Cancer: Therapeutic Implications and Interventions

Significant progress has been made in the prevention and management of many symptoms associated with cancer and its therapy. Anemia in cancer may be secondary to blood loss, displacement of normal bone marrow cells by malignant cells, myelotoxic therapy, or the tumor itself. Practitioners may not always adequately assess anemia unless it represents a source of significant symptoms or patient distress. Risk factors include platinum-based treatment regimens, specific tumor types, and low baseline hemoglobin levels. Anemia may have an impact on patient performance status, quality of life, clinical symptoms, and possibly therapeutic efficacy and survival. Treatment interventions, directed toward the underlying etiology of the anemia, involve iron supplementation, blood transfusion, and administration of recombinant human erythropoietin. Future advances may include new tools to assess physical or functional symptoms and predict therapeutic response more accurately, and more cost-effective, convenient agents to prevent or treat anemia in cancer. Novel approaches that may add to the armamentarium of strategies designed to address anemia in patients with cancer currently are being developed.
Beneficiaries’ Participation in Development Organizations Through Local Partners: A Case Study in Southern Africa

In a case study involving one European nongovernmental development organisation (NGO) (data obtained from 10 staff members in Europe and Southern Africa, and 19 representatives of local partner organisations) we investigate whether the partners being involved in local and ‘northern’ policy making affects their perception of the governance quality of their organisations and that of the European donor organisation, as well as the perception of the NGO's staff members. The answer is positive as to the local organisations, but local partners (as representatives of the eventual beneficiaries) are hardly involved in decision making at the donor level. Finally, the presence of specific participation mechanisms seems to be more affected by beneficiary country factors than by activity related influences. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Histopathology of the vestibular end organs after intratympanic gentamicin failure for Meniere's disease

Conclusion: To our knowledge, this is the first report of the histopathology of the vestibular end organs following intratympanic gentamicin for intractable Meniere's disease. There was relative sparing of the utricular macula, compared with the cristae ampullares. However, the utricular macula exhibited severe hair cell loss. Clinically, the patient has been free from vertigo spells for 3 years following labyrinthectomy. Objective: To describe the histopathology and morphometry of the vestibular end organs from a 59-year-old Meniere's patient who underwent transmastoid labyrinthectomy for recurrent vertigo after failed intratympanic gentamicin. Materials and methods: Light and transmission electron microscopy were utilized; with unbiased stereology-physical fractionator for type I, type II hair cell, and supporting cell counts. Comparison with end organ histopathology in a 56-year-old with Meniere's disease without gentamicin treatment was carried out. Results: Histopathological analysis of the semicircular canal cristae ampullares showed severe atrophy of the neuroepithelium with undifferentiated cells, and fibrosis and edema of the stroma. The utricular macula had some remaining type I and type II vestibular hair cells, and nerve fibers and terminals within the underlying stroma. Morphometric measures were obtained from the utricular macula: 2000 type I and 500 type II hair cells, representing 7.3% of type I hair cells and 4.9% of type II hair cells compared with normative controls, and 24 000 supporting cells were obtained.
Assessment of genetics knowledge and skills in medical students: Insight for a clinical neurogenetics curriculum

The pace of discovery in biochemistry and genetics and its effect on clinical medicine places new curricular challenges in medical school education. We sought to evaluate students' understanding of neurogenetics and its clinical applications to design a pilot curriculum into the clinical neurology clerkship. We utilized a needs assessment and a written examination to evaluate the genetics knowledge of 81 third‐ and fourth‐year medical students. The needs assessment surveyed students' self‐perceptions of their own understanding of basic and clinically related genetic principles and clinical skills, as well as the most effective educational methods. Medical students reported more competence with basic science learned during the preclinical years than clinical concepts, and they demonstrated relatively low knowledge levels in clinical neurogenetics concepts on the examination, with an average of 29% correct on questions pertaining to genetic counseling compared with 82% correct with regard to inheritance patterns. Common, cross‐specialty clinical skills were attained (e.g. internet search, family histories), while at least half of students reported minimal understanding or awareness of key genetics websites (e.g. OMIM) and indications for support group recommendations and genetics referrals. Teaching these more specific genetics skills and concepts needs to be emphasized in the clinical curriculum. BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY EDUCATION Vol. 39, No. 3, pp. 191–195, 2011.
The measurement of hemodialysis access blood flow by a conductivity step method.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Measurement of blood flow rate (Qa) is used to monitor dialysis access, AV fistulas, and grafts. Indicator dilution measurements of the recirculation (R) induced by reversal of hemodialysis blood lines are commonly used. This plus the dialysis circuit flow (Qb) allows calculation of Qa. R also changes the conductivity, which can be measured by a conductivity cell in the spent dialysate. The change in conductivity caused by line reversal should vary with Qa. A methodology for Qa measurement utilizing this conductivity step is proposed. This study compares conductivity step methodology against the reference method of ultrasound dilution (Qa-Trans). DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS This was an open diagnostic test study in a single academic hospital setting involving 15 hemodialysis-dependent patients. Each was studied over four hemodialysis treatments. During each treatment, two pairs of Qa measurements (conductivity step and Trans) were made. Pre- and postdialysis sodium levels were also measured. RESULTS Average Qa-conductivity step was 1040 ml/min. Average Qa-Trans was 1030 ml/min. The difference was NS. The data pairs showed mean difference of 1.3 +/- 17% (SD). The SD indicates a relatively large variation between data pairs. There was significant linear correlation between the Qa-conductivity step and Qa-Trans results (r = 0.91, P < 0.001). Serum sodium rose slightly but significantly over dialysis (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Qa measurement by conductivity step may be an acceptable alternative to ultrasound dilution methodology. Care must be taken to prevent salt loading when the conductivity step is used.
Can a valid diagnosis of disruptive behavior disorder be made in preschool children?

OBJECTIVE Disruptive behavior problems are the most common reason preschool children come to mental health clinics. Yet consensus on the conceptualization and measurement of such problems in young children is lacking. DSM-IV is the most widely used nosologic system for children, but the majority of the validation sample consisted of school-age children and adolescents. It is debatable whether behavioral problems in young children should be considered within a diagnostic framework at all, since normative behavioral disruption occurs during the preschool period. Developing valid methods for assessing child behavior problems across development is critical for etiologic and prevention research. METHOD The authors compare different approaches to conceptualizing disruptive behavior in young children, review evidence for the construct validity of DSM-based oppositional defiant disorder and conduct disorder in preschool children, and outline an agenda for future research. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS Typical and atypical behavior problems can be differentiated in preschool children, and the DSM framework, with some modification to address the child's developmental level, appears to be a valid method for identifying preschool children with disruptive behavior that is impairing. Empirical investigation is needed to standardize modification of existing assessment tools so that they can be used with preschool children and to develop more clinically sensitive methods for using observational data in assessment and for establishing the child's level of development.
Convergence in Eurozone Retail Banking? What Interest Rate Pass-Through Tells Us About Monetary Policy Transmission, Competition and Integration

This study aims at unifying the empirical research on the financial part of the monetary transmission process in the Eurozone between 1993 and 2002. After endogenously determining structural breaks, we select an optimal pass-through model for a series of national retail interest rates for each break-free sub-period. We apply these models to the pass-through of monetary policy shocks as measured by the overnight money market rate as well as to a measure of cost of funds and furthermore allow the pass-through process to be characterised by thresholds and asymmetries. We find that structural breaks occur on average well before EMU. We confirm the result of previous studies that report increases in size and speed of the pass-through. This finding holds, however, only when using the monetary policy rate proxy, indicating an increase in monetary policy efficiency. When using pass-through measures as an indicator for Eurozone banking market integration, the view that the markets are still fragmented is supported, with the possible exemption of short-term lending to enterprises. Finally, our analysis of the structural determinants of the pass-through process confirms the widely held view that nominal, real, and structural convergence can lead to a more homogenous transmission process in the Eurozone. However, full convergence may yet be precluded by legal and cultural differences.
Reflexive Leadership: Organising in an Imperfect World

Making a case for a reflexive approach to leadership, the authors draw upon decades of carrying out indepth studies of professionals trying to “do” leadership. Through interviews with managers and their subordinates, getting a good understanding of organizational context, and critically interpreting their observations considering both leadership theories and a wealth of other perspectives, their celebration of reflexivity is used to question dominant leadership thinking. Considering and challenging various departures from lines of reasoning results in a book that draws upon rich empirical material and which has a number of new, provocative, critical and constructive ideas that help to develop sharper and more thoughtful thinking and practice - both in academic and practical contexts.Suitable for leadership and organisation courses at upper-level undergraduate and upwards (including MBA-classes and Executive Education) and a thought provoking read for practitioners and management development professionals interested in leadership thought. (Less)
Intelligent student profiling for predicting e-Assessment outcomes

The main objective of this paper is introducing intelligence in the e-Learning and e-Assessment processes. Therefore, we present an existing adaptive e-Learning and e-Assessment strategies, verify them with machine learning (ML) algorithms, build students Profile and eventually, we present our new model that will be able to estimate the final result of the overall students' work during the semester, taking into account all the learning objectives that the students have passed. Thus, our idea is creating an intelligent agent that will simulate the behavior of a real professor as much as possible.
New perineal tensive transobturator tape (T-TOT) for postprostatectomy urinary incontinence.

UNLABELLED Bulbourethral transobturator sling data from other investigators report a success rate from 53% to 85%. Since the degree of sling tension and its adjustment seems to be important for achieving complete urinary continence we present results on the first consecutive 12 patients, with mild post prostatectomy stress urinary incontinence--defined as--less than 500 ml, who underwent a new perineal tensive transobturator polypropylene tape (T-TOT) procedure at our institution. RESULTS Pre-operative mean abdominal leak point pressure (ALPP) was 23 cm H2O (sd +/- 10), retrograde leak point pressure (RLPP) was 24 cm H2O (sd +/- 6) and the mean pad test was 324 g (sd +/- 176). The overall success rate has been of 58.3% (7 patients) complete responders (CR), 33.3% (4 pts) partial responders (PR) and 8.33% (1 patient) failure. No significant urodynamic outlet obstruction nor urethral erosion occurred at 9-month follow up occurred. Post operative ICIQ-SF questionnaire score dropped from 11 to 3 with significant statistical evidence (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION Perineal T-TOT showed safe and effective results similar to conventional bulbourethral transobturator male slings without obstructive symptoms despite maximal tension was used. Anyway longer prospective follow up is needed to determine the long-term efficacy of this procedure and the effective preservation from urethral erosion.