Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Environmental release, environmental concentrations, and ecological risk of N,N‐Diethyl‐m‐toluamide (DEET)

N,N‐Diethyl‐m‐toluamide's (DEET) commercial use as an insect repellent and other reported uses are reviewed. Evidence that DEET is reaching the environment mainly from consumer use of DEET‐containing insect repellent includes studies reporting higher concentrations of DEET in surface water and wastewater samples during the summer months, the presence of DEET in on‐site septic tank effluent at concentrations similar to that reported in wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) influent, and changes in WWTP effluent concentrations before and after the introduction of a DEET replacement in Germany. Its detected concentrations in influent and effluent of WWTP and surface water worldwide are reviewed and correlations between DEET usage and wastewater effluent concentrations are analyzed. The removability during wastewater treatment is also evaluated. A correlation between commercial DEET use in a metropolitan area and concentrations in WWTP effluents was assessed, and 2 different models were used to predict DEET concentrations in rivers and streams throughout the United States. Ecological toxicity data are reviewed for acute studies and for chronic values that are available for Daphnia magna and algae. The ecological risk of DEET usage is evaluated by examining the relationship of the expected dose/response to observed concentrations. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2012;8:135–166. © 2011 SETAC
17β-Estradiol, Genistein, and 4-Hydroxytamoxifen Induce the Proliferation of Thyroid Cancer Cells through the G Protein-Coupled Receptor GPR30

The higher incidence of thyroid carcinoma (TC) in women during reproductive years compared with men and the increased risk associated with the therapeutic use of estrogens have suggested a pathogenetic role exerted by these steroids in the development of TC. In the present study, we evaluated the potential of 17β-estradiol (E2), genistein (G), and 4-hydroxyta-moxifen (OHT) to regulate the expression of diverse estrogen target genes and the proliferation of human WRO, FRO, and ARO thyroid carcinoma cells, which were used as a model system. We have ascertained that ARO cells are devoid of estrogen receptors (ERs), whereas both WRO and FRO cells express a single variant of ERα that was neither transactivated, modulated, nor translocated into the nucleus upon treatment with ligands. However, E2, G, and OHT were able either to induce the transcriptional activity of c-fos promoter constructs, including those lacking the estrogen-responsive elements, or to increase c-fos, cyclin A, and D1 expression. It is noteworthy that we have demonstrated that the G protein-coupled receptor 30 (GPR30) and the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway mediate both the up-regulation of c-fos and the growth response to E2, G, and OHT in TC cells studied, because these stimulatory effects were prevented by silencing GPR30 and using the MEK inhibitor 2′-amino-3′-methoxyflavone (PD 98059). Our findings provide new insight into the molecular mechanisms through which estrogens may induce the progression of TC.
Diagnosing Dementia: Interrater Reliability Assessment and Accuracy of the NINCDS/ADRDA Criteria versus CERAD Histopathological Criteria for Alzheimer’s Disease

We investigated the interrater reliability and accuracy of two independent medical doctors in using NINCDS/ADRDA criteria to classify 82 elderly subjects enrolled in OPTIMA, a longitudinal study investigating dementia. Kappa statistics revealed moderate agreement (0.5) in overall classification of dementia type, and almost perfect agreement (0.9) on the absence or presence of dementia. Combining NINCDS/ADRDA ‘possible’ and ‘probable’ Alzheimer’s disease (AD) categories produced substantial agreement (0.7). Comparison with CERAD histopathological criteria for AD showed that combining ‘possible’ and ‘probable’ AD resulted in a high sensitivity and accuracy, but a low specificity. To increase specificity, the NINCDS/ADRDA ‘probable AD’ category should be used alone. An important finding was that the accuracy of diagnoses of AD made from the case notes alone was not different from the diagnoses obtained following active involvement with participants.
Improving the Quality of Choices in Health Insurance Markets

Insurance product choice is a central feature of health insurance markets in the United States, yet there is ongoing concern over whether consumers choose appropriately in such markets – and little evidence on solutions to any choice inconsistencies. This paper addresses these omissions from the literature using novel data and a series of policy interventions across school districts in the state of Oregon. Using data on enrollment and medical claims for school district employees, we first document large choice inconsistencies, with the typical employee foregoing savings of more than $600 in their insurance plan choice. We then consider three types of interventions designed to improve choice quality. We first show that interventions to promote more active choice are unlikely to improve choice quality based on existing patterns of plan switching. We then implement a randomized trial of decision support software to illustrate that it has little impact on plan choices, largely because of consumer avoidance of the recommendations. Finally, we show that restricting the choice set size facing individuals does significantly reduce their foregone saving and total costs. This is not because individuals choose worse with larger choice sets, but rather because larger choice sets feature worse choices on average that are not offset by individual re-optimization.
An interactive internet-based intervention for women at risk of eating disorders: a pilot study.

OBJECTIVE The Internet serves as a potentially effective method of treatment delivery through widespread education and interaction via synchronous Internet relay chat (IRC). The current study explores the feasibility of IRC in the delivery of an eating disorders prevention intervention. METHOD This small pilot study describes the delivery of an efficacious eating disorder treatment using a novel medium. The on-line sessions are based on cognitive-behavioral treatment and are facilitated by a moderator. In addition to feasibility, preliminary evidence of acceptability and efficacy for an on-line intervention with college-aged women is reported. RESULTS Results indicate that IRC is an acceptable and feasible format for treatment delivery. In addition, descriptive and qualitative data suggest that this method of treatment delivery is potentially effective. DISCUSSION This pilot study provides increased knowledge of the viability of treatment delivery over the Internet, specifically, a psychoeducational IRC for eating disorder prevention.
Business Incubators in Asian Developing Countries

The purpose of this study is to review the literature of business incubators (BIs) particularly in developing countries context. The extensive literature in developing countries like China, India, Malaysia and Pakistan supports the concept of BIs as a part of their national innovation system and also for economic development. We further found from the literature that BIs contribute in achieving the commercialization targets, creating new startups, promoting the entrepreneurial culture, innovation and generating revenue. However, the concept is at initial stages of implementation particularly in Pakistan and Malaysia. The lack of human and technical expertise and financial constraints are the main reasons behind this slow progress. This study contributes to improve the understanding of business incubator’s strategies, objectives, functionalities, implementation and outcome in developing countries. Additionally, this study provides the useful information to policy makers, government, academicians and practitioners about the BIs.
Diacylglycerol Acyltransferase-1 Localizes Hepatitis C Virus NS5A Protein to Lipid Droplets and Enhances NS5A Interaction with the Viral Capsid Core*

Background: The NS5A protein regulates HCV assembly by localizing to lipid droplets. Results: The triglyceride-synthesizing enzyme DGAT1 binds NS5A, enhances interactions of NS5A with the viral capsid core, and enables lipid droplet localization of NS5A. Conclusion: DGAT1 functions as a cellular “hub” for HCV proteins to access lipid droplets. Significance: DGAT1 inhibitors suppress HCV assembly by preventing NS5A access to DGAT1-generated lipid droplets. The triglyceride-synthesizing enzyme acyl CoA:diacylglycerol acyltransferase 1 (DGAT1) plays a critical role in hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection by recruiting the HCV capsid protein core onto the surface of cellular lipid droplets (LDs). Here we find a new interaction between the non-structural protein NS5A and DGAT1 and show that the trafficking of NS5A to LDs depends on DGAT1 activity. DGAT1 forms a complex with NS5A and core and facilitates the interaction between both viral proteins. A catalytically inactive mutant of DGAT1 (H426A) blocks the localization of NS5A, but not core, to LDs in a dominant-negative manner and impairs the release of infectious viral particles, underscoring the importance of DGAT1-mediated translocation of NS5A to LDs in viral particle production. We propose a model whereby DGAT1 serves as a cellular hub for HCV core and NS5A proteins, guiding both onto the surface of the same subset of LDs, those generated by DGAT1. These results highlight the critical role of DGAT1 as a host factor for HCV infection and as a potential drug target for antiviral therapy.
Divergence-Based Vector Quantization

Supervised and unsupervised vector quantization methods for classification and clustering traditionally use dissimilarities, frequently taken as Euclidean distances. In this article, we investigate the applicability of divergences instead, focusing on online learning. We deduce the mathematical fundamentals for its utilization in gradient-based online vector quantization algorithms. It bears on the generalized derivatives of the divergences known as Frchet derivatives in functional analysis, which reduces in finite-dimensional problems to partial derivatives in a natural way. We demonstrate the application of this methodology for widely applied supervised and unsupervised online vector quantization schemes, including self-organizing maps, neural gas, and learning vector quantization. Additionally, principles for hyperparameter optimization and relevance learning for parameterized divergences in the case of supervised vector quantization are given to achieve improved classification accuracy.
Evaporative fluid loss in adult Nigerian males

THE values quoted in standard textbooks for the fluid and electrolyte requirements of the average adult are based on studies carried out in the temperate countries of Europe and North America. It is uncertain how much the requirements of patients in the tropics differ from these figures. Therefore, studies are being conducted to define the true requirements of patients in Lagos, Nigeria. The present report deals with the evaporative fluid loss of adult male Nigerian patients under standard ward conditions at Lagos University Teaching Hospital. Studies of this nature are particularly important in relation to the estimation of the fluid requirement of surgical patients in the tropics. Lagos, the capital of Nigeria, is situated on 6" 27". and 3" 24' E. Air temperature in Lagos varies from 72O F. to 90' F. , relative humidity from 70 per cent to 90 per cent, and the annual rainfall is about 80 in. The wards of Lagos University Teaching Hospital are not air-conditioned, but they are spacious and adequately provided with through ventilation.
The effects of pre and post vitrification taxol treatment on bovine immature oocyte.

Summary The aim of the present study was to find the effects of pre and post vitrification taxol treatment on bovine immature cumulus oocyte complexes (COCs). Bovine ovaries were collected from the local slaughterhouse in a container with 30-37°C physiologic saline and supplemented with antibiotics. The grade A aspirated COCs were assigned to 6 experimental groups; The 1st group was control (n=100) in which the COCs were subjected to in vitro maturation (IVM) in oocyte maturation medium (OMM). The 2nd group was the COCs (n=51) that were exposed to vitrification and warming solutions and then subjected to IVM. The 3rd group was the COCs which were incubated in OMM contained taxol (1 µM, n=51) for 20 min then transferred to IVM. The 4th group was the COCs (n=50) that were vitrified, warmed and transferred to IVM. The 5th group (n=57) was the COCs which were incubated in OMM containing taxol (1 µM for 20 min), vitrified (solutions with 1 µM taxol), warmed and transferred to IVM. The last group was the COCs (n=58) that were vitrified and warmed, then were incubated in maturation medium containing taxol (1 µM for 20) and, finally, were transferred to IVM. The COCs of all groups were incubated in OMM for 24 h under a humified (95%) condition with a temperature of 39°C and 5% CO2. Oocyte maturation was not affected by exposing the COCs to vitrification solution or taxol groups compared to control (P>0.05). Vitrification reduced the oocyte maturation rate compared to control (P<0.05). Taxol treatment (before and after vitrification) did not improve the bovine oocyte maturation rate compared to control (P<0.05). The results have shown no beneficial effect of taxol on vitrification of bovine immature oocytes.
Predictors of maternal mortality among critically ill obstetric patients.

AIM Evaluation of the predictors of maternal mortality among critically ill obstetric patients managed at the intensive care unit (ICU). METHODS A case control study to evaluate the predictors of maternal mortality among critically ill obstetric patients managed at the intensive care unit (ICU) of the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, Nigeria from 1st January 2010 to 30th June 2013. Participants were critically ill obstetric patients who were admitted and managed at the ICU during the study period. Subjects were those who died while controls were age and parity matched survivors. Statistical analysis was with SPSS-20 to determine chi square, Cox-regression and odds ratio; p value < 0.05 was significant. RESULTS The mean age of subjects and controls were 28.92 ± 5.09 versus 29.44 ± 5.74 (p = 0.736), the level of education was higher among controls (p = 0.048) while more subjects were of low social class (p = 0.321), did not have antenatal care (p = 0.131) and had partners with lower level of education (p = 0.156) compared to controls. The two leading indications for admission among subjects and controls were massive postpartum haemorrhage and severe preeclampsia or eclampsia. The mean duration of admission was higher among controls (3.32 ± 2.46 versus 3.00 ± 2.58; p = 0.656) while the mean cost of ICU care was higher among the subjects (p = 0.472). The statistical significant predictors of maternal deaths were the patient's level of education, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score, oxygen saturation, multiple organ failure at ICU admission and the need for mechanical ventilation or inotrophic drugs after admission. CONCLUSION The clinical state at ICU admission of the critically ill obstetric patients is the major outcome determinant. Therefore, early recognition of the need for ICU care, adequate pre-ICU admission supportive care and prompt transfer will improve the outcome.
FGF7 signals are relayed to autocrine EGF family growth factors to induce branching morphogenesis of mouse salivary epithelium

Background: The Matrigel‐embedded epithelium of the mouse submandibular gland undergoes branching morphogenesis when cultured in medium supplemented with fibroblast growth factor 7 (FGF7) and lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), whereas it elongates a stalk with limited branching in medium with only FGF7. Because LPA is a well‐known activator of epidermal growth factor (EGF) signaling, we hypothesized the involvement of autocrine EGF family growth factors in the branching morphogenesis. Results: Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction studies showed that three members, Tgfa, Hbegf,and Nrg1 of the EGF family were expressed in the epithelium cultured with FGF7 + LPA as well as in the epithelium freshly isolated from the rudiments. All the growth factors induced extensive branching morphogenesis in the Matrigel‐embedded epithelium in the presence of LPA. Tyrphostin AG112, an inhibitor of EGF signaling, severely impaired branching morphogenesis induced by FGF7 + LPA without exogenous addition of EGF family growth factors to the culture medium. The shaking cultures, which were expected to decrease the concentration of autocrine growth factors near the epithelium by promoting their diffusion, significantly reduced branching morphogenesis induced by FGF7 + LPA. Conclusions: Autocrine EGF family growth factors are involved in epithelial branching morphogenesis induced by FGF7 + LPA. Developmental Dynamics 243:552–559, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
SERUM FLUORIDE AND DENTAL FLUOROSIS IN TWO VILLAGES IN CHINA

An epidemiological investigation was conducted to determine the relationship between dental fluorosis and serum fluoride (measured by a minitype fluoride ion selective electrode) in the children aged 8-13 years in the Jiangsu Province villages of Wamiao (water fluoride: 2.45±0.80 mg/L; range: 0.57–4.50 mg/L) and Xinhuai (water fluoride: 0.36±0.15 mg/L; range: 0.18–0.76 mg/L). When divided into five groupings, higher serum fluoride levels were significantly associated with higher prevalences of dental fluorosis and the more severe defect dental fluorosis, which included significant dose-response relationships between serum fluoride levels and these two degrees of dental fluorosis (regression equations: Y = 1025.512X – 20.005, R2 = 0.830; and Y = 614.656X – 16.922, R2 = 0.920). Gender related differences in serum fluoride levels and the prevalence of dental fluorosis were found in both village, but not age related differences. There was also a significant positive relationship between the levels of fluoride in drinking water and the levels of fluoride in serum (Pearson correlation coefficient = 0.860, p<0.001). The survey findings indicated that drinking water is the main source of fluoride intake in Wamiao and Xinhuai, along with a significant positive dose-response relationship between serum fluoride and dental fluorosis.
A modified cryoloop vitrification protocol in the cryopreservation of mature mouse oocytes

Summary In this study, we examined a modified cryoloop vitrification protocol in the cryopreservation of mature mouse oocytes. The mature mouse oocytes were first vitrified and then warmed up in a modified cryoloop vitrification medium [15% ethylene glycol (EG) + 15% dimethyl sulphoxide (ME2SO) + 5.8 mg/ml Ficoll 400 (F) + 0.58 mol/l sucrose (S)]. These oocytes were later studied along with fresh oocytes, which served as the control group. Based on the post-warm-up incubation time, the oocytes in the study group were divided into three subgroups: 0 h, 1 h and 2 h. We then examined the configurations of spindles and chromosomes, the fragmentation of DNA, and the oocyte's ability to be fertilized and developed into blastocysts. By evaluating the vitrified oocytes' morphology, we confirmed that 601 out of 612 (98.2%) oocytes survived this protocol. The percentage of oocytes with normal spindle and chromosome configurations in the study groups 0 h, 1 h and 2 h were all quite similar to each other and not statistically different from that of the control group. Similar results were also observed in the percentage of oocytes containing fragmented DNA. The fertilization rate and blastocyst formation rate of the thawed oocytes were not statistically different from that of the control group either. However, if not handled properly (too much remnant medium on oocytes in the process of freezing or too long a time of oocytes in the vitrification medium before freezing), the cryopreserved oocytes could show dramatic difference from the control group in terms of the morphologically survival rate, the configuration of the spindles and chromosomes, and the DNA fragmentation. In conclusion, when followed correctly, this modified cryoloop vitrification protocol had little effect on the survival rate and development potential of mature mouse oocytes.
Explaining the relationship between management commitment to service quality, job satisfaction, and organizational performance in the staff of Islamic Republic of Iran's Custom

Job satisfaction of employees is an influential factor of organization performance as it improves the productivity of firm. Further, service quality provided by an organization is one of the most important factor affecting future success of firm. Hence, the purpose of current study is to investigate the relationship between management commitment to providing high quality services, job satisfaction, and improving organizational performance. Statistical population was employees of Islamic Republic of Iran's Custom Office. Sampling was random method and sample size estimated at 184 people. In this research, structural equation modeling was used to analyze data to test proposed hypotheses. To data analysis and hypothesis testing, LISERL software was employed to achieve research goals. Results of the study indicated that there is positive relationship between management commitment to service quality and organizational performance improvement. However, other hypothesis was not supported by the data. The managerial implications would be provided at the end of paper.
A study of integrating the grey relational multi-attribute decision making analysis into the selection of product seriation scheme

Abstract In the highly competitive marketplace, enterprises are facing the pressure of bringing new products to market on time within a reduced product life cycle. A decision-maker needs to ensure a product is designed in accordance with the market demands. To enhance product competitiveness, designers need to enhance product appearance and functions so as to satisfy customer demands. It is also critical to enhance an enterprise’s competitiveness by effectively enhancing product quality and reducing development costs. Traditional design processes are unable to react quickly to this highly changeable and diversified product environment. Meanwhile, product design seriation schemes are getting complicated as it is required to consider the multi-attribute assessments for each product. For the multi-attribute decision making purpose, the grey relational analysis (GRA) was used in this study to assess three design schemes of product seriation. A case study on the design of LED downlight products was conducted with an aim to effectively conduct the assessment of product scheme seriation and establish a standard for product design seriation. The focus group approach was used to screen out the evaluation criteria for design seriation. Four main evaluation criteria including the appearance design, cooling area, additional function, and production cost were determined by eight product designers. The criteria were further evaluated by using linguistic variables and scored by their grey numbers. Finally, the GRA was used to obtain the grey evaluation matrix and to calculate the grey relational grades with which designers can determine the optimal ranking of product scheme seriation.