Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Human Resource Studies Human Resource Studies 1-12000 Compensation in Nonprofit Organizations

Although the nonprofit sector is enormous, we know little about how workers there are compensated. This may be due, in part, to the fact that the literature is scattered across many fields including Human Resources Management, Accounting, Economics, Finance, Organizational Behavior, Political Science, and Sociology. The paper aims to synthesize the research on nonprofits from an economics point of view, while carefully considering the work in the many other areas. In addition to using data from the U.S. census to provide a description of employment and wages in the nonprofit sector as well as a comparison with the for-profit sector, this paper describes institutional details in nonprofits, considers why organizations form as nonprofits, reviews possible theories for a for-profit / nonprofit wage gap, performance pay in nonprofits, management compensation in nonprofits, gender issues, and international research.
FRNK negatively regulates IL-4-mediated inflammation

ABSTRACT Focal adhesion kinase (FAK)-related nonkinase (PTK2 isoform 6 in humans, hereafter referred to as FRNK) is a cytoskeletal regulatory protein that has recently been shown to dampen lung fibrosis, yet its role in inflammation is unknown. Here, we show for the first time that expression of FRNK negatively regulates IL-4-mediated inflammation in a human model of eosinophil recruitment. Mechanistically, FRNK blocks eosinophil accumulation, firm adhesion and transmigration by preventing transcription and protein expression of VCAM-1 and CCL26. IL-4 activates STAT6 to induce VCAM-1 and CCL26 transcription. We now show that IL-4 also increases GATA6 to induce VCAM-1 expression. FRNK blocks IL-4-induced GATA6 transcription but has little effect on GATA6 protein expression and no effect on STAT6 activation. FRNK can block FAK or Pyk2 signaling and we, thus, downregulated these proteins using siRNA to determine whether signaling from either protein is involved in the regulation of VCAM-1 and CCL26. Knockdown of FAK, Pyk2 or both had no effect on VCAM-1 or CCL26 expression, which suggests that FRNK acts independently of FAK and Pyk2 signaling. Finally, we found that IL-4 induces the late expression of endogenous FRNK. In summary, FRNK represents a novel mechanism to negatively regulate IL-4-mediated inflammation.
Effects of PSK on T and dendritic cells differentiation in gastric or colorectal cancer patients.

BACKGROUND Vaccine therapy targeting tumor antigens recognized by cytotoxic T cells (CTL) has been tried extensively. However, in a cancer-bearing state, the Th1/Th2 balance shifts to Th2 dominance, and this has been the obstacle to vaccine therapy to induce the CTL. DC1/DC2 subsets have also been reported to control the differentiation of Th subsets. The key to tumor immunotherapy is how to activate the DC1-Th1 lineage. PATIENTS AND METHODS Six normal adults and 14 patients with gastric or colorectal cancers, who gave informed consent, were studied. The Th1/Th2 and DC1/DC2 ratios were determined by FACS. IL-12 and IL-10 production from PBMC were measured by ELISA. RESULTS The Th1/Th2 and DC1/DC2 ratios were all significantly lower in the patients with gastric or colorectal cancers compared to normal adults. After protein-bound polysaccharide K (PSK) therapy in cancer patients, the Th1/Th2 balance shifted to Th1 dominance and the DC1/DC2 balance to DC1 dominance. IL-10 production was significantly decreased by PSK therapy. CONCLUSION In the cancer-bearing state, the Th1/Th2 and DC/1/DC2 balance becomes Th2- and DC2-dominant. PSK therapy results in a shift of the Th1/Th2 and DC1/DC2 balance towards Th1 and DC1 dominance. We plan to examine whether combining dendritic cells (DC) vaccination therapy with oral PSK enhances the induction of T cell and DC differentiation in cancer patients.
[Clinical application of a retrograde nasolabial fold island flap based on the upper lip artery].

OBJECTIVE To explore a new method for enlarging the rotation range of the nasolabial fold flap. METHODS We designed a retrograde nasolabial fold island flap pedicled with the upper lip artery for repairing facial defects. The anatomy of the upper lip and the vascular supply to the nasolabial skin were observed. RESULTS All the flaps in 7 cases survived completely with satisfactory results. CONCLUSION The retrograde nasolabial fold island flap pedicled with the upper lip artery enlarged the rotating range of the nasolabial fold flap. The flap is recommendable for its consistent pedicle and abundant vascular supply.
Prevalence of persistent blood eosinophilia: relation to outcomes in patients with COPD

The impact of blood eosinophilia in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) remains controversial. To evaluate the prevalence and stability of a high level of blood eosinophils (≥300 cells·μL–1) and its relationship to outcomes, we determined blood eosinophils at baseline and over 2 years in 424 COPD patients (forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) 60% predicted) and 67 smokers without COPD from the CHAIN cohort, and in 308 COPD patients (FEV1 60% predicted) in the BODE cohort. We related eosinophil levels to exacerbations and survival using Cox hazard analysis. In COPD patients, 15.8% in the CHAIN cohort and 12.3% in the BODE cohort had persistently elevated blood eosinophils at all three visits. A significant proportion (43.8%) of patients had counts that oscillated above and below the cut-off points, while the rest had persistent eosinophil levels <300 cells·μL–1. A similar eosinophil blood pattern was observed in controls. Exacerbation rates did not differ in patients with and without eosinophilia. All-cause mortality was lower in patients with high eosinophils compared with those with values <300 cells·μL–1 (15.8% versus 33.7%; p=0.026). In patients with COPD, blood eosinophils ≥300 cells·μL–1 persisting over 2 years was not a risk factor for COPD exacerbations. High eosinophil count was associated with better survival. The stability of blood eosinophils ≥300 cells per μL is low in COPD patients and it does not confer a poor prognosis http://ow.ly/TwGX30etVIy
Preoperative Administration of Recombinant Human Erythropoietin in Patients Undergoing Gynecologic Surgery

The effect of preoperative recombinant human erythropoietin (r-HuEPO) in anemic women undergoing gynecologic surgery for benign diseases was evaluated in this prospective, not randomized study. One hundred and twenty women were included in the study. Sixty women were treated preoperatively with r-HuEPO at three different cumulative doses: 80,000, 120,000 and 160,000 IU. Sixty nonanemic women were not treated. Baseline hemoglobin (Hb) levels were measured. Hb levels were also measured on the day of the surgery before starting the procedure, on postoperative day 1 and on the day of discharge from the hospital. Treatment with r-HuEPO significantly increased both preoperative Hb levels and Hb levels at discharge. Conversely, Hb levels at discharge were lower than baseline levels in untreated women. The effect of r-HuEPO on Hb levels was exerted in a dose-dependent fashion. No adverse and/or side effects of treatment were observed. Preoperative treatment with r-HuEPO in selected anemic patients undergoing gynecologic surgery for benign diseases seems to be a safe and useful tool to reduce the need for red blood cell transfusions.
Evaluation of factors associated with survival in dogs with untreated nasal carcinomas: 139 cases (1993-2003).

OBJECTIVE To evaluate factors associated with survival in dogs with nasal carcinomas that did not receive treatment or received only palliative treatment. DESIGN Retrospective case series. ANIMALS 139 dogs with histologically confirmed nasal carcinomas. PROCEDURES Medical records, computed tomography images, and biopsy specimens of nasal carcinomas were reviewed. Only dogs that were not treated with radiation, surgery, chemotherapy, or immunotherapy and that survived > or = 7 days from the date of diagnosis were included. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate survival time. Factors potentially associated with survival were compared by use of log-rank and Wilcoxon rank sum tests. Multivariable survival analysis was performed by use of the Cox proportional hazards regression model. RESULTS Overall median survival time was 95 days (95% confidence interval [CI], 73 to 113 days; range, 7 to 1,114 days). In dogs with epistaxis, the hazard of dying was 2.3 times that of dogs that did not have epistaxis. Median survival time of 107 dogs with epistaxis was 88 days (95% CI, 65 to 106 days) and that of 32 dogs without epistaxis was 224 days (95% CI, 54 to 467 days). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE The prognosis of dogs with untreated nasal carcinomas is poor. Treatment strategies to improve outcome should be pursued.
Physiological Properties of a Microbial Community in Spontaneous Fermentation of Maize (Zea mays ) for Ogi Production

Based on the previous knowledge of spontaneously fermenting maize for the preparation of Ogi, four growth media were used for the isolation of the different common group of organisms implicated. Yeasts and Molds were identified as Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Candida sp. , Rhodotorula sp. , Aspergillus niger and Penicillium sp. The bacteria were Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus brevis, Lactobacillus fermentum, Streptococcus lactis, Enterococcus feacalis, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterobacter sp. , Citrobacter sp. , Klebseilla sp. , Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus cereus, Bacillus licheniformis, Aerobacter sp. , and Corynebacteria sp. A sharp decrease in pH of fermenting gruel from 5.7 to 3.5 was observed within 24 hours while titratable acidity increases within the first 48 hours with a further increase and decrease in pH and titratable acidity at 72 hours.These isolates were subjected to pH ranges of 3.5 – 6 and all were able to grow at optimum pH 6 with a reduction in the number of isolates as pH reduces. Growth in temperature ranging from 25 0 C to 50 0 C, salt (NaCl, MgS0 4, K 2HP0 4, CuS0 4 and ZnS0 4) and sugar (glucose, sucrose, lactose, melibiose and raffinose) concentrations of 0.2% to 1% were carried out on all the isolates. With increase in temperature and salt concentration, a reduction in the number of isolates that grew was observed. From this study, the optimum conditions that favours the growth of all the group of organisms was found to be pH 6, 30 0 C, 0.2% of the salts used and a significant population of all the group of organisms utilized glucose as their best carbon source.
Patterns of Work-Related Intimate Partner Violence and Job Performance Among Abusive Men

This study assesses different types of work-related intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetration and their relationship to perpetrators’ work performance and employment. We determine if groups of abusive men with similar patterns of work-related IPV exist and then examine whether the patterns are related to their characteristics, job performance, and employment outcomes. Participants were 198 adult men (60% Latino, 40% non-Latino) from batterer intervention programs (BIPs) who self-reported their lifetime work-related IPV and job outcomes. Five distinct clusters were identified and named based on the pattern (predominance or absence) of different work-related abusive behaviors reported: (a) low-level tactics, (b) job interference, (c) job interference with threatened or actual violence, (d) extreme abuse without jealousy and (e) extreme abuse. Analyses revealed significant differences between the clusters on ethnicity, parental status, partner’s employment status, income, education, and (among Latinos only) acculturation. The probability of men’s work-related IPV substantially impacting their own job performance was nearly 4 times greater among those in the extreme abuse cluster than those in the low-level tactics cluster. These data inform the development of employee training programs and workplace policies for reducing IPV that affects the workplace.
Disruption of the genomic imprint in trans with homologous recombination at Snrpn in ES cells

Summary: In gene targeting studies of the Prader‐Willi syndrome (PWS)/Angelman syndrome (AS) domain in mouse ES cells, we recovered only recombinants with the paternal allele for constructs at exons 2 or 3 of the imprinted, maternally silenced Snurf‐Snrpn gene. These sites lie close to the imprinting center (IC) for this domain. In contrast, recombinants for Ube3a within the same imprinted domain were recovered with equal frequency on the maternal and paternal alleles. In addition, gene targeting of the paternal allele for Snurf‐Snrpn resulted in partial or complete demethylation in trans with activation of expression for the previously silenced maternal allele. The imprint switching of the maternal allele in trans is not readily explained by competition for trans‐acting factors and adds to a growing body of evidence indicating homologous association of oppositely imprinted chromatin domains in somatic mammalian cells. genesis 37:151–161, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
“I Can't Do This Alone”: a study on foreign domestic workers providing long-term care for frail seniors at home

ABSTRACT Background: Foreign domestic workers (FDWs) play an important role in long-term caregiving of seniors at home. However, how FDWs cope with the caregiving demands, the dynamic interaction between familial and FDW caregivers and its impact on care recipients remain largely un-explored. Existing caregiver interventions mainly target familial caregivers; little assistance is available for FDW caregivers. This study explores FDWs’ challenges, coping strategies, and the support they need in caring for seniors. Methods: FDWs were recruited from a geriatric ward and outpatient clinic of a tertiary hospital in Singapore. Qualitative in-depth interviews were conducted with 25 FDWs caring for frail seniors and five healthcare staff. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: FDWs were from Indonesia, Philippines, and Myanmar. Nineteen cared for seniors with dementia (SWDs). We derived six subthemes, clustered into three salient themes: two described social support to FDWs by the senior's family members, two described their coping strategies, and two described their job satisfaction. Those who cared for SWDs faced more difficulties. We derived two family models of care: FDW-centered family dynamics, where family members rely on FDWs to perform most duties, causing poor impact on seniors’ well-being and team-based family dynamics, where family members and FDWs share the caregiving burden, resulting in better impact on seniors’ well-being. Conclusion: FDWs face significant challenges in eldercare. Improving FDWs’ access to training courses in eldercare, providing them with more emotional support, engaging employers to create healthy caregiving spaces at home, and improving access to senior care services can be helpful.
On the characterization of extreme switching sequences

In this paper, we consider the problem of finding a switching sequence to minimize or maximize the norm of certain classes of linear switched systems in the sense of H<sub>2</sub>, and induced l<sub>∞</sub> or l<sub>1</sub> norm. The motivation is to study certain types of model matching problems including filtering. In particular we show that, for FIR switching system models and induced l<sub>∞</sub> norms, the minimizing switching sequence can be chosen to be periodic.
FLRG, a new ADAM12‐associated protein, modulates osteoclast differentiation

Background information. FLRG (follistatin‐related gene) is a secreted glycoprotein that is highly homologous with follistatin. These proteins are involved in the regulation of various biological effects mediated by their binding to TGF‐β (transforming growth factor‐β) superfamily members, activin A and bone morphogenetic proteins. To characterize further the function of FLRG, we used a yeast two‐hybrid screen to look for other possible functional partners.
The Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT): Effect of Rate of Ingestion of Carbohydrate and Different Carbohydrate Preparations

The glucose load of the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) is well standardized. However, recommendations on rate of ingestion and nature of the load are vague. In this study the effect on blood glucose, serum insulin, C-peptide, and plasma gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP) of giving 75 g glucose in 300 ml over 1 and 10 min (Gl and G10) was investigated in six subjects. In five an isocaloric amount of partially hydrolyzed starch (Hycal) was also used (HI and H10). The fast glucose intake, compared with the slow ingestion, resulted in an earlier rise in blood glucose levels, accompanied by a faster serum insulin and C-peptide response. Between 90 and 135 min blood glucose concentrations were significantly higher after the 10-min glucose intake. At 120 min blood glucose levels were 5.5 ± 0.5 and 4–7 ± 0.5 mmol/L, respectively, for G10 and Gl (P < 0.05). In the first half hour after slow and fast Hycal intake no differences were seen in blood glucose, serum insulin, and C-peptide levels. Between 45 and 120 min blood glucose levels were significantly higher after the 10-min Hycal intake. At 120 min blood glucose levels were 5.3 ±0.2 and 4–4 ± 0.1 mmol/L, respectively, for H10 and HI (P < 0.01). Except for a faster rise in glucose and insulin levels after glucose loading in 1 min, no further differences were found, when compared with Hycal. No significant differences were seen in the GIP responses. Thus differences in rates of ingestion can cause significant differences in later results. A standard time for glucose ingestion should be specified.
High incidence of reduced plasma HDL cholesterol in diabetic patients treated with rosiglitazone and fibrate

A paradoxical plasma HDL‐Cholesterol (HDL‐C) reducing effect following combined fibrate and thiazolidinediones (TZDs) therapy was recently reported in occasional cases. As HDL‐C level is inversely related to cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, we have studied the incidence of reduced HDL‐C level following mono‐ and combined therapy with these drugs in a large diabetic population.
Biological microsystem for measuring uric acid in biological fluids

This paper describes a biological microsystem (bio-system) for measuring uric acid concentration in serum, plasma or urine. Its operation is based on optical absorption in a well-defined part of the visible spectrum. The bio-system is composed by two dies: one is fabricated in polystyrene and contains the microchannels and the other is fabricated in a CMOS standard process and contains the photodetector and readout electronics. The uric acid concentration is measured by using a mixture of 14 l of infinityTM uric acid reagent with 0.25 l of sample. The achieved sensitivity is 0.33 mg/dl ( ±0.6% of the value in urine of a healthy person), with a 1 mm lightpath. Using an optical absorption method, a maximum peak at wavelength λ = 494 nm, is detected. This bio-system can be included in the group of low-cost disposable devices for biological fluids analysis. © 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
ceca ile acids activate ryanodine receptors in pancreatic acinar cells via a irect allosteric mechanism

The earliest critical event of pancreatitis is a long lasting high amplitude rise of intracellular Ca2+ concentration of the acinar cell, which can be triggered by high concentration of bile acids. Although, Ca2+-release through ryanodine receptors (RyR) is involved in the process, the significance and the exact mechanism of bile acid’s action on RyR has not been fully elucidated yet. Therefore, we aimed to test with various techniques and aspects whether bile acids exert a direct effect on RyR and SERCA pump. Our data show that taurocholic acid (TCA)-induced Ca2+ release in pancreatic acinar cells was significantly reduced by the RyR antagonist dantrolene. Further, we show that TCA enhanced RyR’s 3H-ryanodine binding and triggered robust Ca2+-release from RyR-enriched vesicles in the pathologically relevant concentration range. RyR single channel current analysis demonstrated that 200 M TCA induced a 5-fold increase in the channel’s open probability and caused a significant lengthening of the
Acquired coagulopathy of traumatic brain injury defined by routine laboratory tests: Which laboratory values matter?

BACKGROUND Coagulopathy is a major determinant of disability and death in patients with traumatic intracranial hemorrhage. However, the correlation between coagulopathy defined by routine coagulation tests and clinical outcomes in traumatic brain injury (TBI) is not well defined. The aim of our study was to determine the effect of coagulopathy diagnosed by routine laboratory tests on outcomes in TBI patients. METHODS We performed a retrospective cohort analysis of all isolated TBI patients exclusive of prehospital antiplatelet and anticoagulants with coagulation tests, namely, international normalized ratio (INR), platelet count, and partial thromboplastin time at admission. We defined coagulopathy by an INR of 1.5 or greater, partial thromboplastin time of 35 or greater, or platelet count of 100 × 103/µL or less. Outcome measures were progression on repeat head computed tomography (RHCT), need for neurosurgical intervention, and mortality. RESULTS A total of 591 patients were enrolled, with a mean (SD) age of 47.4 (26.5) years and 67% being male. Of the patients, 13.3% were coagulopathic at admission. Platelet count of 100 × 103/µL or less was an independent predictor of progression on RHCT (odd ratio [OR], 4; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.7–10), need for neurosurgical intervention (OR, 3.6; 95% CI, 1.2–6.1), and mortality (OR, 2.6; 95% CI, 1.1–4.8). INR was an independent predictor of progression on RHCT (OR, 2; 95% CI, 1.1–4.3). CONCLUSION Routine bedside coagulation parameters at admission play an important role in predicting outcomes in blunt TBI. Platelet count is the strongest predictor for progression of initial insult on RHCT, need for neurosurgical intervention, and mortality. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Prognostic study, level III.
Variation and geographical distribution of the genotypes controlling the diagnostic spike morphology of two varieties of Aegilops caudata l.

Aegilops caudata L. is an annual wild relative of wheat distributed over the northeastern Mediterranean basin. It consists of two taxonomic varieties, var. typica with awnless lateral spikelets and var.polyathera with awned lateral spikelets. To clarify the variation and the geographical distribution of the genotypes controlling the diagnostic spike morphology of the two taxonomic varieties, three crossing experiments were carried out. First, two varieties collected from nine sympatric populations in the Aegean islands were crossed reciprocally. All of the F1 hybrids were var. typica and the segregation ratio in the F2 generation was 3 typica: 1 polyathera. Secondly, 13 typica accessions collected from the entire distribution area of the variety were crossed with a common polyathera accession. The F1 hybrids involving eight typica accessions from Greece and West Anatolia were var. typica, while those involving five typica accessions from East Anatolia, Syria and Iraq were var. polyathera. Thirdly, the typica F1 hybrids between the Aegean and the Syrian typica accessions were backcrossed to the latter. Four of the seven BC1F1 plants obtained were var. typica, but the other three were var. polyathera. Based on these results, the following two conclusions were made. First, the awnless lateral spikelets characteristic of var. typica are due to two different genotypes: one is a dominant allele suppressing awn development on lateral spikelets and the other is a recessive allele(s) for awnless lateral spikelets with no dominant suppressor allele. Secondly, the former genotype occurs only in the western region of the distribution area of the species, while the latter occurs in the eastern region. The present results and the recent palaeopalynological evidence also suggested that var. polyathera, with more awns than var. typica, rapidly colonized Central Anatolia from the Levant or East Taurus/Zagros mountains arc after the last glacial period.