Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Pancreatic mucinous ductal ectasia and intraductal papillary neoplasms. A single malignant clinicopathologic entity.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of the study is to review a single institutional experience with mucinous ductal ectasia (MDE) and intraductal papillary neoplasms (IPNs) and to compare the clinicopathologic features of the two groups of tumors. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA Mucinous ductal ectasia and IPNs represent newly recognized categories of pancreatic exocrine tumors, previously confused with pancreatic cystic neoplasms. The natural history of MDE and IPN is not well understood, and it is unclear whether MDE and IPN represent two distinct tumors or the same clinicopathologic entity. METHODS The authors reviewed the clinical presentation, treatment, histopathology, and outcomes of 23 patients diagnosed with MDE or IPN at their institution over the past 6 years. RESULTS The mean age at presentation for the cohort of patients with MDE and IPN was 62.5 years. The prevalence of abdominal pain was 75%, jaundice 25%, weight loss 42%, steatorrhea 37.5%, diabetes 37.5%, and history of pencreatitis 29%. Serum CA 19-9 levels ranged from 0 to 5350 units/mL with high levels reflecting advanced disease. There were no significant differences between MDE and IPN with respect to these parameters. Both MDE and IPN comprised papillary villous epithelial neoplasms involving the main and large pancreatic ducts. The tumors ranged from a few millimeters in size to panductal and were distinguished easily from cystic neoplasms in all cases. Invasive carcinoma was present in 11 (46%) of 24 patients, carcinoma in situ in an additional 10 (42%) of 24 patients, and low grade dysplasia in the remaining 3 (12%) of 24 patients. Mucinous ductal ectasia and IPN differed histopathologically only in degree of mucin secretion and tumor location. Mucinous ductal ectasia, but not IPN, was characteristically mucin-hypersecreting and more frequently involved the head of the gland than did IPN (11/16 vs. 1/8 p < 0.04). All patients were explored surgically and 20 (83%) of 24 of the tumors were resectable with frozen section control of the duct margins (9 pancreatoduodenectomies, 4 distal pencreatectomies, 7 total pancreatectomies). Despite the 88% prevalence of cancer, the overall survival at a mean follow-up of 21 months was 13 (87%) of 15 for MDE and 5 (71%) of 7 for IPN. CONCLUSIONS Intraductal papillary neoplasms with or without MDE represent a spectrum of main duct papillary tumors ranging from adenoma to carcinoma with differing amounts of extracellular mucin production. Malignant IPNs with or without MDE typically exhibit extensive intraductal growth but are slow to invade the periductal tissues and slow to metastasize. The majority of patients with these tumors have resectable disease and a favorable prognosis; endoscopic therapy is inappropriate. The encompessing term intraductal papillary-mucinous tumors is appropriate.
Structural and Functional Analysis of Essential pre-mRNA Splicing Factor Prp19p

ABSTRACT U-box-containing Prp19p is an integral component of the Prp19p-associated complex (the nineteen complex, or NTC) that is essential for activation of the spliceosome. Prp19p makes numerous protein-protein contacts with other NTC components and is required for NTC stability. Here we show that Prp19p forms a tetramer in vitro and in vivo and we map the domain required for its oligomerization to a central tetrameric coiled-coil. Biochemical and in vivo analyses are consistent with Prp19p tetramerization providing an interaction surface for a single copy of its binding partner, Cef1p. Electron microscopy showed that the isolated Prp19p tetramer is an elongated particle consisting of four globular WD40 domains held together by a central stalk consisting of four N-terminal U-boxes and four coiled-coils. These structural and functional data provide a basis for understanding the role of Prp19p as a key architectural component of the NTC.
Androgenic Progestins in Oral Contraceptives and the Risk of Epithelial Ovarian Cancer

OBJECTIVE: Oral contraceptives (OCs) have been consistently linked to reduced risk of ovarian cancer. Oral contraceptive formulations display varying degrees of androgenicity. Data linking androgens to ovarian cancer suggest that OC androgenicity may impact efficacy in preventing ovarian cancer. The authors investigated whether OC efficacy might differ according to androgenicity by using data from a large, population-based, case-control study (the Steroid Hormones and Reproductions [SHARE] Study). METHODS: Detailed data on OC formulation was obtained by an in-person interview for 568 cases and 1,026 controls. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess the association of OC androgenicity with ovarian cancer while controlling for the known potential confounders of age, parity, family history of ovarian cancer, and tubal ligation. RESULTS: Androgenic and nonandrogenic OCs conferred a similar and significant reduction in ovarian cancer risk (odds ratio 0.52, 95% confidence interval 0.35–0.76 and odds ratio 0.59, 95% confidence interval 0.45–0.78, respectively). No differences in duration of use, age at first use, and time since last use were found between androgenic and nonandrogenic formulations. CONCLUSION: In general, the androgenicity of an OC does not alter chemopreventive efficacy. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II-2
Cognitive change, strategic action, and organizational renewal

Organizational renewal requires that a firm's top managers make timely adjustments in their mental models following significant changes in the environment. Our initial propositions about the difference between renewal and decline focused on whether similar organizations in similar contexts differ in their ability to recognize significant changes in their environments. Analysis of longitudinal data from a matched pair of U.S. railroads suggested, however, that renewal hinges not so much on noticing new conditions, but on being able to link environmental change to corporate strategy and to modify that linkage over time. In the successful company we studied organizational renewal is a continuous process of first and second order changes in cognitive maps.
Logistics innovation: a literature‐based conceptual framework

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to develop a model of logistics innovation based on previous studies in the logistics literature and recommend opportunities for further research.Design/methodology/approach – A review of the following logistics journals is conducted: International Journal of Logistics Management, International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management, Journal of Business Logistics, Transportation Journal, and Transportation Research: Part E. Articles for the review are selected based on their explicit relevance to logistics innovation.Findings – There has been a limited amount of theory‐based research conducted on the topic of logistics innovation. While antecedents and outcomes of logistics innovation have been identified within the leading logistics journals, very little empirical testing has been done. The diffusion of logistics innovations has also received attention in the logistics literature.Research limitations/implications – The scope of this paper is limited.
Open Source Software, Closed Source Software or Both: Impacts on Industry Growth and the Role of Intellectual Property Rights

There is considerable debate regarding the use of intellectual property rights (IPR) to spur innovation in the software industry. In this paper we focus on the choice of intellectual property right regimes and industry growth. We begin by developing a growth optimal mixture of open source and closed source software. This optimal scenario is then used as a basis to examine the co-existence of open and closed source software within various institutional frameworks ranging from no protection, copyright to patent protection. Such an analysis is beneficial as it enables an objective comparison of the three scenarios under the assumption that both copyrights and patents serve the purpose for which they were designed. Our analysis, based on the existence or absence of spillovers, confirms that a co-existence is growth optimal for the industry. Further, we find that the move from no protection to copyright protection increases the maximum growth rate. However, despite assuming properly functioning patents, the benefits of moving from copyright to patent protection are less clear.
Supply Chain Relationships: Making the Transition to Closer Integration

The development of closer relationships in supply chains is investigated from a change management perspective. Based on theory and previous research, five critical elements of the interaction process between parties in the supply chain are identified. Specifically, these elements relate to the interface between organisation-internal processes and the inter-company relationship transformation. A case study focusing on the relationship transformation process of a retailer and 40 of its suppliers is used to explore these elements empirically. Drawing upon the insights gained, a framework is developed encompassing the most important areas for advancing the state-of-practice and for guiding further research.
Exploring the Drivers of Status Consumption for the Wedding Occasion

The study investigates the antecedents of status consumption pertaining to the wedding, which is considered to be one of the most celebrated events in a person's life. The article explores the interrelationship between the dimensions of lifestyle and brand consciousness, and the constructs related to conspicuous consumption, status consumption and self-expression. The results validate that consumers are stimulated to impetuously purchase branded products with an intention to flaunt their possessions in their social circle, to signal wealth and status. Furthermore, consumers purchase ostentatious products to gain affirmation from their social groups and hierarchy. The study facilitates marketers in framing their marketing and communication strategies to succeed in the marketplace, thus attracting customers to purchase status products for weddings.
An exploratory study of supply chain risk management in the New Zealand fast food industry

This paper reports on exploratory qualitative research into the current practice of supply chain risk management in the New Zealand fast food industry. The study found that the New Zealand fast food industry depends heavily on import from other countries and overseas suppliers for the large amount of raw materials required by the industry. These suppliers hold dominant power in New Zealand fast food industry. As a result, fast-food restaurants have limited room for switching to contingency suppliers in disruptive situations, such as natural disasters or earthquakes. Furthermore, the study also shows that the fast food industry has increased vulnerability due to the stringent food safety and health standards and customer’s increasing awareness of food safety issues.
A Comparison of Tourist Evaluation of Beaches in Malta, Romania and Turkey

Abstract The characteristics, perceptions, attitudes and behaviour of beach users at three locations: St George's Bay, Malta, Mamaia, Romania and Olu Deniz, Turkey, were determined from questionnaire surveys. Respondents comprised locals, domestic and foreign tourists. Results for these parameters had substantial agreement both across the three beaches and with previous studies. The amounts beach users were willing to pay (WTP), via the contingent valuation method and their consumer surpluses (CS), via the travel cost method were determined. The average amount beach users were willing to pay per visit, was £0.64 on St George's bay, £0.32 on Mamaia and £0.94 on Olu Deniz. The willingness to pay varied with social class, earnings, amount of beach use and between local, domestic and foreign user groups. The consumer surplus also varied for these groups as British tourists had a CS of £0.62 per visit, with domestic Turkish and Romanian users having values of £0.46 and £0.69, respectively. Diminishing marginal utility, as measured by WTP, with beach use was found in all three surveys. Charging for actual use would be acceptable for the majority of beach users. Coastal zone managers could realise significant revenues from beach users if they charge adults on a per visit basis (the favoured mode of payment) and spend the revenue on the maintenance and improvements identified by the users. Only one of the beaches (Olu Deniz, Turkey) currently has restricted access, which would facilitate such a payment method.
Diffusion Maps and Geometric Harmonics for Automatic Target Recognition (ATR). Volume 2. Appendices

Abstract : Geometric harmonics provides a framework for taking data in high-dimensional measurement spaces and embedding them in low dimensional Euclidean space according to a similarity measure. Euclidean coordinates then characterize the "manifold" on (or near) which the data live. Our goal in this project is to develop this manifold as a mechanism for integrating data from different sensors to facilitate automatic recognition. During the tenure of this research grant, we were able to formulate and complete the first series of experiments on embedded fusion. The resulting experiment on integrating voice and audio streams was extremely successful. This definitely revealed the potential for this approach and set the stage for further experiments. The problem formulation has been completed and confirmed with an experiment on the integration of audio and video streams. Researchers at AFRL, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, have received a first version of the software, and are attempting to apply it to radar signal interpretation.
Advances in Multidetector Computed Tomography: Applications in Neuroradiology

The improvement in multidetector computed tomography has had a tremendous impact on neuroimaging. Some of these strides include imaging in the setting of acute stroke with the advent of perfusion computed tomography, and studying intracranial aneurysms and, to some extent, carotid artery disease. The purpose of this article is to review these applications as they were outlined at the “Advances in Multidetector CT” meeting held in Washington, DC, September 13–14, 2003.
Histamine Induces ATP Release from Human Subcutaneous Fibroblasts, via Pannexin-1 Hemichannels, Leading to Ca2+ Mobilization and Cell Proliferation*

Background: Chronic pain may involve connective tissue remodeling due to inflammatory mediators. Results: Histamine H1 receptor activation causes ATP release from human subcutaneous fibroblasts via pannexin-1 hemichannels. Conclusion: Responses of skin fibroblasts to histamine are amplified by autocrine ATP release and P2Y1 purinoceptor activation. Significance: Amplification of histamine-mediated Ca2+ mobilization and growth of human fibroblasts by purines may be a novel therapeutic target for painful fibrotic diseases. Changes in the regulation of connective tissue ATP-mediated mechano-transduction and remodeling may be an important link to the pathogenesis of chronic pain. It has been demonstrated that mast cell-derived histamine plays an important role in painful fibrotic diseases. Here we analyzed the involvement of ATP in the response of human subcutaneous fibroblasts to histamine. Acute histamine application caused a rise in intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) and ATP release from human subcutaneous fibroblasts via H1 receptor activation. Histamine-induced [Ca2+]i rise was partially attenuated by apyrase, an enzyme that inactivates extracellular ATP, and by blocking P2 purinoceptors with pyridoxal phosphate-6-azo(benzene-2,4-disulfonic acid) tetrasodium salt and reactive blue 2. [Ca2+]i accumulation caused by histamine was also reduced upon blocking pannexin-1 hemichannels with 10Panx, probenecid, or carbenoxolone but not when connexin hemichannels were inhibited with mefloquine or 2-octanol. Brefeldin A, an inhibitor of vesicular exocytosis, also did not block histamine-induced [Ca2+]i mobilization. Prolonged exposure of human subcutaneous fibroblast cultures to histamine favored cell growth and type I collagen synthesis via the activation of H1 receptor. This effect was mimicked by ATP and its metabolite, ADP, whereas the selective P2Y1 receptor antagonist, MRS2179, partially attenuated histamine-induced cell growth and type I collagen production. Expression of pannexin-1 and ADP-sensitive P2Y1 receptor on human subcutaneous fibroblasts was confirmed by immunofluorescence confocal microscopy and Western blot analysis. In conclusion, histamine induces ATP release from human subcutaneous fibroblasts, via pannexin-1 hemichannels, leading to [Ca2+]i mobilization and cell growth through the cooperation of H1 and P2 (probably P2Y1) receptors.
Evaluation of Crataeva nurvala extracts as antioxidant, antiproteolytic and cytotoxic against hepato-carcinoma and mouse melanoma cell lines -

The crude extracts from stem bark of Crataeva nurvala Buch. -Ham containing naturally occurring antioxidants were screened for their most abundant phytosecondary metabolite, antiproteolytic and cytotoxic properties. The antioxidant activity of the extracts was determined by DDPH radical scavenging activity, Ferric reducing power and β Carotene linoleic acid assay. The antiproteolytic activity of crude extracts was determined by inhibition of trypsin-induced hydrolysis of BSA. The IC50 of cytotoxic effect on HepG2 and B16F0 cell line was investigated using trypan blue dye exclusion and MTT assay. Preliminary phytochemical analysis exhibited the presence of terpenoids as a major phytochemical reflecting higher antioxidant activity in a dose dependent manner. The PEECN extract showed good antiproteolytic activity with 26.04% inhibition on BSA. Analysis of cell viability by trypan blue exclusion showed < 60% viability as well as their dose-dependent cytotoxic activity. The IC50 values of PEECN against HepG2 and B16F0 cells using MTT assay were determined to be 34.67 ± 1.10 μg/ml and 49.43 ± 4.778 μg/ml after 48 h, respectively. These results demonstrate that the petroleum ether extract containing most terpenoid fraction exhibited potential antiproteolytic and cytotoxic activity against hepatocellular carcinoma and mouse melanoma in vitro through inhibition of proliferating cancerous cells.
Exploring Nursing Home Staff's Perceptions of Communication and Leadership to Facilitate Quality Improvement

Leadership and clinical staff were surveyed to explore communication and leadership in nursing homes. Registered nurses and other professionals perceived communication as better than their nursing colleagues did. Overall, results suggest all factors of communication could improve. In terms of leadership, licensed practical nurses perceived less clarity of expectations, encouragement of initiative, and support than other groups. The study provides insight into what is organizationally necessary to improve quality of care in nursing homes.
Audit Pricing: The Size Factor

Based on data from the German market, this study aims at adding further findings to international research in the field of audit pricing, which so far was mainly focused on the US and Australasian market. First, for Germany we can affirm past research that Big4 auditors earn a premium over other auditors. We can also affirm that providing non-audit services has a positive influence on the audit fees. Beyond these results, we can show that the market leader of our sample, KPMG, can even earn an audit fee premium over the remaining Big4 auditors. We can prove a positive effect of non-audit services on audit fees for Big4 audits only. Furthermore, we can show a significant influence of risk variables such as leverage or past losses for the small audit clients in our sample only. Finally, this study shows that using the logarithm of the number of employees instead of the logarithm of total assets is a good proxy for company size.
Age-Dynamic Balance Relationship among Deaf, Hard- Hearing and Hearing Children

The purpose of this study was to compare dynamic balance skill of deaf and hard-hearing children with those of normal hearing children in order to determine whether a deficit in dynamic balance exists in deaf and hard-hearing children and to ascertain whether this deficit is agerelated. The subjects were 206 schoolchildren who were divided into three groups according to the hearing level. Group (I) included 67 deaf children, group (II) included 69 hard-hearing children and group (III) included 70 hearing children. Each group included two age levels; level I age included children from 6 years up to less than 9 years and level II age included children from 9 years up to 12 years. Each age level included 103 children. Dynamic balance was measured by the use of the last five items of the balance subtest of the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency. One-way ANOVA was used to compare among the three groups for the dynamic balance. Two-way ANOVA then was performed to test the significant change in the dynamic balance among the three groups over the two age levels. Finally, t-test was used to test the significant difference between the two tested age levels. The results showed that the mean scores for the deaf children as well as for the hard-hearing children were lower than the hearing children. The older children (level II age) had significantly higher scores than the youngest children (level I age) suggesting that the dynamic balance deficit was age-related.
Cross-modal Recurrent Models for Weight Objective Prediction from Multimodal Time-series Data

We analyse multimodal time-series data corresponding to weight, sleep and steps measurements. We focus on predicting whether a user will successfully achieve his/her weight objective. For this, we design several deep long short-term memory (LSTM) architectures, including a novel cross-modal LSTM (X-LSTM), and demonstrate their superiority over baseline approaches. The X-LSTM improves parameter efficiency by processing each modality separately and allowing for information flow between them by way of recurrent cross-connections. We present a general hyperparameter optimisation technique for X-LSTMs, which allows us to significantly improve on the LSTM and a prior state-of-the-art cross-modal approach, using a comparable number of parameters. Finally, we visualise the model's predictions, revealing implications about latent variables in this task.
Chronic painters’syndrome

Seventy house painters were examined after being referred because organic solvent intoxication or dementia was suspected. In 50 cases no competitive etiological factors to the cerebral symptoms other than exposure to organic solvents could be disclosed. In these, neuropsychological examination showed signs of intellectual impairment in 39 patients and neuroradiological examination by PEG or CT demonstrated the presence of cerebral atrophy in 31 patients; 38 patients studied with CT were compaired to an age‐matched control group regarding maximum sulcus width, and a highly significant difference was found. It is argued that long‐term exposure to turpentine substitute ‐ often through a period with acute intoxication symptoms ‐ gradually may lead to the development of a chronic brain syndrome, which we have called the “chronic painters’syndrome”.
Fundamental Aspects of Near-Field Coupling Small Antennas for Wireless Power Transfer

A physical limitation on the power transfer efficiency between two electrically small antennas in the near-field range is presented. By using a Z-parameter which describes the interaction between two antennas for spherical modes in connection with antenna parameters, the maximum power transfer efficiency and the optimum load impedance are shown as functions of the distance between two antennas, the radiation efficiency and the input impedance of the isolated antenna. The theory is verified by a simulation with a small helical antenna, which generates and modes, simultaneously.