Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of a 12-Week Lifestyle Intervention on Health Outcome and Serum Adipokines in Middle-Aged Korean Men with Borderline High Blood Pressure

Background: High blood pressure, in relation to blood levels of adipokines such as adiponectin and leptin, is highly associated with an unhealthy lifestyle including sedentary behaviors, poor dietary habits such as excess sodium intake, and heavy drinking. Strategies to reduce blood pressure may benefit the levels of adipokines. Objective: Thus, we aimed to investigate the effects of lifestyle intervention on blood pressure and serum adipokines in middle-aged Korean men with borderline high blood pressure (systolic blood pressure [SBP] ≥ 130 mm Hg or diastolic blood pressure [DBP] ≥ 85 mm Hg). Methods: Fifty-two men (aged 42.5 ± 8.5 years) with normal weight (body mass index [BMI] < 25 kg/m2) and high BP (NH group) and 40 men (age 42.0 ± 8.4 years) who were obese (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2) with high BP (OH group) underwent 5 sessions of one-on-one intensive counseling including instruction on a nutritionally balanced diet, a low-sodium diet, how to understand calorie requirements, and strategies to implement regular exercise for blood pressure regulation over 12 weeks. In order to increase the awareness of sodium education, a salt sensory test using an unseasoned soup was performed. Anthropometrics, blood pressure measurements, 24-hour recalls were performed, and blood levels of lipids, fasting plasma glucose, C-reactive protein (CRP), leptin, and adiponectin were analyzed at week 0 and at week 12. Sodium consumption was roughly estimated using the Dish-based Frequency Questionnaire–15. Results: Weight, BMI, body fat (kg and %), waist circumference, hip circumference, and blood pressure were significantly decreased after 12 weeks (p < 0.05) in all subjects. Similarly, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and CRP were decreased (p < 0.05), but LDL-C/HDL-C was significantly decreased (p < 0.01) only in the obese subjects. At baseline, blood levels of leptin were significantly higher in the obese subjects than in the normal weight subjects. In the obese subjects, a significantly negative correlation was found between leptin levels at baseline and percentage change in DBP (r = –0.338, p < 0.05). After 12 weeks, blood levels of adipokines did not show significant changes. Conclusions: These results suggest that a short-term (12 weeks) lifestyle intervention had positive effects on blood pressure control and weight reduction in the subjects, but not on their blood levels of adipokines. It is interesting that blood level of baseline leptin was negatively associated with the changes in blood pressure after this short-term intervention.
Analysis of Two Different Techniques for Treatment of Patellar Dislocation Due to Fibrous Quadriceps Muscle in Children

Objective: To evaluate the clinical and functional results of two surgical treatments of patellar dislocation in children. Material and Methods: A prospective study was undertaken from January 1995 to December 2009. Pre-postoperatively, the clinical and roentgenographic examinations were performed. Patellar dislocation was classified according to Bensahel’s criteria. There were two surgical techniques performed: 1) the iliotibial tract passing through patella (ITT), and 2) transferring vastus medialis oblique muscle to superior border patella (VMO). Lateral retinacula were released to restore the tension of the medial retinacula and quadricepsplasty was used in all patients. The results of the operations were classified according to Kujala’s functional knee-scoring systems. Results: 128 patients (132 knees) were operated. There were 20 males and 108 females. 94 knees (71.2%) were Type 1, and 38 knees (28.8%) were Type 2. The ITT was in 74 patients (76 knees), and VM was in 54 patients (56 knees). Clinical signs, imaging finding before and after the operation and operative results of these patients were operated with ITT and VM with no significant difference (p > 0.05). Overall, we attained excellent results in 95 knees (72.0%), good results in 30 knees (22.7%), and fair results in 7 knees (5.3%). There have been no poor results or recurrences so far. Conclusion: These techniques are simple, safe and effective in skeletally immature children. Long-term follow-up of these patients was operated ITT and these patients which were operated VMO were not different, but time for operation was: ITT: 65 minutes, and VMO: 55 minutes.
Comparison of Radio Propagation Models for Long Term Evolution (LTE) Network

This paper concerns about the radio propagation models used for the upcoming 4th Generation (4G) of cellular networks known as Long Term Evolution (LTE). The radio wave propagation model or path loss model plays a very significant role in planning of any wireless communication systems. In this paper, a comparison is made between different proposed radio propagation models that would be used for LTE, like Stanford University Interim (SUI) model, Okumura model, Hata COST 231 model, COST Walfisch-Ikegami & Ericsson 9999 model. The comparison is made using different terrains e.g. urban, suburban and rural area.SUI model shows the lowest path lost in all the terrains while COST 231 Hata model illustrates highest path loss in urban area and COST Walfisch-Ikegami model has highest path loss for suburban and rural environments.
Synthesis and characterization of chitosan from marine sources in Black Sea

Chitosan has been extracted from different marine crustacean from the Black Sea of Bulgarian Gulf. The contents of the various exoskeletons have been analyzed and the percent of the inorganic salt , protein, chitinand chitosan was determined. Deacetylation of the different chitin produced was conducted by the conventional thermal heating method. The chitosan was characterized by elemental analysis, FTIR measurements. Key wards: Chitosan , demineralization, deprotenization,deacetylation, FTIR spectroscopy
Segmenting supplies and suppliers: bringing together the purchasing portfolio matrix and the supplier potential matrix

ABSTRACT Supplier segmentation is one of the most important supply chain-related activities for most firms working with multiple suppliers. Purchasing portfolio matrix (PPM) is a segmentation method that considers two dimensions (profit impact and supply risk) against which the materials purchased by the company are classified. Despite its popularity, PPM has been the subject of serious criticism. A new approach to supplier segmentation, called supplier potential matrix (SPM), aims to fulfil the need for a unifying framework that includes all the important variables under two overarching dimensions: supplier capabilities and supplier willingness. While the focus of PPM is on supply, SPM mainly focuses on relationship. However, it is important to include both the supplies and the relationship with those who supply, the suppliers. The main purpose of this study is to bring these two approaches together through a hybrid matrix called PPM-SPM. Data is collected from a company working with 70 suppliers. Best worst method (BWM), is used to determine the weights of the criteria we need for the two segmentation approaches. The suppliers are segmented based on the two approaches. A combined PPM-SPM segmentation is then proposed and discussed. The results show that the combined approach improves supplier management.
Theorizing Interactivity's Effects

Noting that interactivity is often defined but seldom theorized in the literature, this article provides some pointers for developing theories about effects of interactivity, particularly as it applies to Web-based mass communication. It first makes the case that interactivity is an attribute of the technology and not that of the user. It exposes the tautology of studying the effects of perceived interactivity and calls for the consideration of ontological aspects that constitute interactivity while specifying its social and psychological effects. Theoretical explorations may be categorized in terms of three classes of outcome measures—behavioral, attitudinal, and cognitive—as we investigate the role played by interactivity in initiating action, changing attitudes, and altering the nature of information processing. These would result in theories about technology rather than psychology in that they help us specify direct and combination effects of interactivity, modality, navigability, and other technological attributes of the Web medium.
BRCA1 testing in families with hereditary breast-ovarian cancer. A prospective study of patient decision making and outcomes.

OBJECTIVES To identify predictors of utilization of breast-ovarian cancer susceptibility (BRCA1 gene) testing and to evaluate outcomes of participation in a testing program. DESIGN Prospective cohort study with baseline interview assessment of predictor variables (eg, sociodemographic factors, knowledge about hereditary cancer and genetic testing, perceptions of testing benefits, limitations, and risks). BRCA1 test results were offered after an education and counseling session in a research setting. Outcome variables (including depression, functional health status, and prophylactic surgery plans [follow-up only]) were assessed at baseline and 1-month follow-up interviews. PARTICIPANTS Adult male and female members (n=279) of families with BRCA1-linked hereditary breast-ovarian cancer (HBOC). RESULTS Of subjects who completed a baseline interview (n=192), 60% requested BRCA1 test results (43% of all study subjects requested results). Requests for results were more frequent for persons with health insurance (odds ration [OR], 3.74; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.06-6.80); more first-degree relatives affected with breast cancer (OR, 1.59; 95% CI, 1.16-2.16); more knowledge about BRCA1 testing (OR, 1.85; 95% CI, 1.36-2.50); and indicating that test benefits are important (OR, 1.45; 95% CI, 1.13-1.86). At follow-up, noncarriers of BRCA1 mutations showed statistically significant reductions in depressive symptoms and functional impairment compared with carriers and nontested individuals. Individuals identified as mutation carriers did not exhibit increases in depression and functional impairment. Among unaffected women with no prior prophylactic surgery, 17% of carriers (2/12) intended to have mastectomies and 33% (4/12) to have oophorectomies. CONCLUSIONS Only a subset of HBOC family members are likely to request BRCA1 testing when available. Rates of test use may be higher in persons of a higher socioeconomic status and those with more relatives affected with breast cancer. For some high-risk individuals who receive test results in a research setting that includes counseling, there may be psychological benefits. More research is needed to assess the generalizability of these results and evaluate the long-term consequences of BRCA1 testing.
How do you fear? Examining expatriates’ perception of danger and its consequences

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the differing perceptions of fear of expatriates operating in terror-exposed Nairobi and the high-crime environment of Johannesburg and its impact on stress and well-being. It illustrates how expatriates cope with the challenges associated with these two regions. Design/methodology/approach Following an interpretative and inductive research approach, qualitative content analyses were conducted using evidence from in-depth interviews with 12 expatriates in senior management or officer positions within a large global organisation, with respondents based in South Africa and Kenya. Findings Data suggest that expatriates in the more terrorism-exposed context perceive fear less strongly than expatriates in environments categorised by high degrees of conventional crime. Fear seems to relate to physical well-being via restricted freedom of movement, but there is little evidence that fear affects mental well-being. The study finds that respondents in terror-exposed Nairobi tend to engage more in avoidance-oriented coping strategies, whereas their counterparts in the high-crime environment of Johannesburg predominantly rely on problem-focused coping. Practical implications The qualitative design allows practitioners to better understand expatriates’ perceptions of fear, its consequences for stress, and well-being and potential coping strategies expatriates employ. It discusses a set of practical recommendations focussing on the deployment of expatriates assigned to dangerous locations. Originality/value This study develops a distinction between terror and conventional crime and contributes with practical insights for assignments into dangerous work environments. The geographic lens of the study provides an in-depth look at expatriation challenges in an arguably neglected regional context.
Surfactant Proteins A and D Bind CD14 by Different Mechanisms*

Surfactant proteins A (SP-A) and D (SP-D) are lung collectins that are constituents of the innate immune system of the lung. Recent evidence (Sano, H., Sohma, H., Muta, T., Nomura, S., Voelker, D. R., and Kuroki, Y. (1999) J. Immunol. 163, 387–395) demonstrates that SP-A modulates lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced cellular responses by direct interaction with CD14. In this report we examined the structural elements of the lung collectins involved in CD14 recognition and the consequences for CD14/LPS interaction. Rat SP-A and SP-D bound CD14 in a concentration-dependent manner. Mannose and EDTA inhibited SP-D binding to CD14 but did not decrease SP-A binding. The SP-A binding to CD14 was completely blocked by a monoclonal antibody that binds to the SP-A neck domain but only partially blocked by an antibody that binds to the SP-A lectin domain. SP-A but not SP-D bound to deglycosylated CD14. SP-D decreased CD14 binding to both smooth and rough LPS, whereas SP-A enhanced CD14 binding to rough LPS and inhibited binding to smooth LPS. SP-A also altered the migration profile of LPS on a sucrose density gradient in the presence of CD14. From these results, we conclude that 1) lung collectins bind CD14, 2) the SP-A neck domain and SP-D lectin domain participate in CD14 binding, 3) SP-A recognizes a peptide component and SP-D recognizes a carbohydrate moiety of CD14, and 4) lung collectins alter LPS/CD14 interactions.
Kinetic Properties of Cl− Uptake Mediated by Na+-Dependent K+-2Cl− Cotransport in Immature Rat Neocortical Neurons

GABA, the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the adult nervous system, evokes depolarizing membrane responses in immature neurons, which are crucial for the generation of early network activity. Although it is well accepted that depolarizing GABA actions are caused by an elevated intracellular Cl− concentration ([Cl−]i), the mechanisms of Cl− accumulation in immature neurons are still a matter of debate. Using patch-clamp, microfluorimetric, immunohistochemical, and molecular biological approaches, we studied the mechanism of Cl− uptake in Cajal-Retzius (CR) cells of immature [postnatal day 0 (P0) to P3] rat neocortex. Gramicidin-perforated patch-clamp and 6-methoxy-N-ethylquinolinium-microfluorimetric measurements revealed a steady-state [Cl−]i of ∼30 mm that was reduced to values close to passive distribution by bumetanide or Na+-free solutions, suggesting a participation of Na+-K+-2Cl− cotransport isoform 1 (NKCC1) in maintaining elevated [Cl−]i. Expression of NKCC1 was found in CR cells on the mRNA and protein levels. To determine the contribution of NKCC1 to [Cl−]i homeostasis in detail, Cl− uptake rates were analyzed after artificial [Cl−]i depletion. Active Cl− uptake was relatively slow (47.2 ± 5.0 μm/s) and was abolished by bumetanide or Na+-free solution. Accordingly, whole-cell patch-clamp recordings revealed a low Cl− conductance in CR cells. The low capacity of NKCC1-mediated Cl− uptake was sufficient to maintain excitatory GABAergic membrane responses, however, only at low stimulation frequencies. In summary, our results demonstrate that NKCC1 is abundant in CR cells of immature rat neocortex and that the slow Cl− uptake mediated by this transporter is sufficient to maintain high [Cl−]i required to render GABA responses excitatory.
How to Talk about Speech and Audio Quality with Speech and Audio People

We present results of two speech and two audio quality listening tests to compare the two test methods ACR and MUSHRA for different content types. These comparisons have two primary goals: (i) Find relations for transforming test results obtained with one method onto the scale of the other, and (ii) re-ﬁne audio quality results obtained using the ACR method by using MUSHRA-results for the upper quality regime, where MUSHRA typically shows a sightly better resolution than ACR. The aim is to contribute to the harmonization of speech and audio assessment methods considered meaningful in the light of the convergence between speech and audio coding and transmission.
Entrepreneurial Decision-Making Logics and Performance Outcomes in New Zealand’s Tourism SMEs

i ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS . ii TABLE OF CONTENTS . iii LIST OF TABLES . viii LIST OF FIGURES . ix CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION . 1 1.1 Opening Comments . 1 1.2 Research Gap . 2 1.3 The Context . 6 1.4 Research Purpose . 7 1.5 The Empirical Process . 11 1.6 Thesis Structure . 12 CHAPTER 2 – LITERATURE REVIEW . 15 2.
Inhibiting effect of (RS)-9-[4-hydroxy-2-(hydroxymethyl)butyl]guanine on varicella-zoster virus replication in cell culture

The activity and mode of action of the new nucleoside analog (RS)-9-[4-hydroxy-2-(hydroxymethyl)butyl]guanine (2HM-HBG) against varicella-zoster virus (VZV) were determined. In cell culture, replication of different strains of VZV was inhibited to 50% by 0.4 to 0.7 microM 2HM-HBG, while 685 microM was required to inhibit 50% of the DNA synthesis in uninfected human lung fibroblasts. A thymidine kinase-negative VZV strain was not inhibited by 100 microM 2HM-HBG. Inhibition of VZV replication was not reversible after 7 to 14 days of incubation, depending on the multiplicity of VZV. 2HM-HBG was shown to be selectively phosphorylated by purified VZV thymidine kinase, with an inhibition constant of 32.5 microM. The antiviral activity of 2HM-HBG in cell culture was decreased by the addition of deoxythymidine and deoxycytidine but not by other ribo- or deoxyribonucleosides.
The missing link: Fairness as the ultimate determinant of service profitability?!

Fairness is widely considered a key driver of human behavior. Organizational behavior (OB) research focuses on fairness as an employee attitude driver. Marketing research highlights fairness perceptions as a key determinant of both purchase intentions and purchase behavior. Yet, to our best knowledge, no explicit attempt has been made to bridge the two phenomena. Using deductive reasoning and delineation methods, we posit that, through the diffusion of customer experience, value perception, attitudes, and behaviors, a symbiosis of OB and marketing research ultimately influences organizational performance. Our corresponding conceptual framework determines fairness perceptions’ influence on employee attitudes and service productivity by means of proposition development. In turn, this leads to an increase in customer satisfaction, consumer purchasing, and re-purchasing behavior, and – ultimately – profitability.
The role of brand authenticity in developing brand trust

Abstract Brands have come under the spotlight for unethical behaviour, resulting in decreased brand trust. Breakdowns in trust occur when the actions of brands differ from the promises and values communicated by them. Brand authenticity is considered to have a positive effect on brand trust. The purpose of this study is to investigate the role of brand authenticity in the development of brand trust. The target population for the study was customers of airline brands in South Africa with a sample size of 355 responses. Our results show the brand authenticity dimensions. Brand authenticity does have a direct impact on brand trust, and warmth and competence partially mediate the relationship between brand authenticity and brand trust. These findings have important implications for managers. To succeed, consumers have to trust their brands, and brands that are viewed by them as such are likely to be more successful than those that are not.
Early Cytokine Modulation after the Rapid Induction Phase of Sublingual Immunotherapy with Mite Monomeric Allergoids

The influence of different treatment schedules of sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) in activating IL-10-producing T-cells, crucial in inducing allergen-specific tolerance, is not completely understood. The present work was designed to evaluate allergen driven interleukin release by mononuclear cells in the early phase of SLIT, after application of different induction schemes. Twenty mite-allergic patients were enrolled, 10 (group A) treated with a traditional 98 day induction scheme and 10 (group B) with a 16 day scheme with monomeric allergoid vaccine. At the end of the induction phase, the cumulative doses taken by group A and group B patients were equivalent to 50.5 and 50.3 μg of mite group 1 allergens, respectively. The release of Th1-, Th2- and Treg-related interleukins was assessed in culture supernatants of 5 μg/ml Der-p1-stimulated mononuclear cells, isolated before and after the induction phases. No relevant treatment-related side effects were observed. Interleukin release was similar in the two groups at the enrolment. Non-stimulated and Der p 1 stimulated release of studied cytokines was similar in the two groups at enrolment. Der p 1 stimulation significantly increased IL-10 release (p<0.0002) after treatment in group B patients, and this effect was higher (p=0.05) compared to group A patients. Furthermore, at the end of SLIT induction TNF-alpha, IL-4 and IFN-gamma production were reduced in group B patients (p<0.05, p=0.062 and p=0.060, respectively). The rapid induction scheme of sublingual immunotherapy induces an early immune suppression more effectively than the slower one. The rapid induction scheme should be the preferential way to start sublingual immunotherapy, particularly when monomeric allergoids are utilized.
A flow cytometric assay of CD34‐positive cell populations in the bone marrow

Summary CD34+ BM cells form a heterogenous population of primitive stem cells and more mature progenitors committed to different lineages of differentiation. By combining CD45 expression with SSC, it is possible to separate immature cells from more diferentiated BM cells, and, by three‐colour flow cytometry, analyse the antigens expressed in various subsets of cells. In this paper we show that in the normal BM at least four distinct CD34+ cell populations can be identified by their different patterns of CD45 expression and SSC. The most immature CD34+ cell population (0.1% of the BM cellularity) lacked all signs of lineage commitment and was CD45RA negative and only weakly CD45 positive. With increasing expression of the CD45 antigens, a second CD34+ population (0.2% of the BM cellularity) was formed expressing mainly primitive lymphatic antigens. However. 30% of the cells co‐expressed B‐cell line antigens and myeloid antigens. Cells committed to the myeloid cell line lost B‐cell line antigens, gained CD45 antigen expression and SSC and formed two CD34+ cell population (0.2% and 0.1% of the BM cellularity. respectively) differing only with respect to the pattern of myeloid antigen expression and SSC characteristics. Similarly, differentiation along the lymphatic pathway implicated down‐regulation of myeloid antigens, loss of the stem cell antigen and immature lymphatic antigens and gain of CD45 expression and mature lymphatic antigens.