Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Personality Change in Dementia

This study examined the prevalence and nature of personality change in 99 patients with dementia of the Alzheimer type and multi-infarct dementia. Personality was assessed using an informant-rated inventory of the patient's personality before and after the onset of dementia, with the difference equating to a change in personality. Personality characteristics were related to the patients' age and sex, duration of illness, degree of cognitive impairment, the presence of a grasp reflex, and extrapyramidal signs. Personality change was found to be almost universal and negative in nature and was particularly associated with severity of cognitive impairment, longer duration of illness, and neurological signs. The findings reflect those from other studies and emphasize the biological basis of personality changes in dementia.
Real-time MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 CABAC entropy coder

We present the real-time FPGA implementation of the CABAC (context-based adaptive binary arithmetic coding) entropy coder. CABAC is the entropy coding tool specified in the main profile of MPEG-4 AVC/H.264, the newest international standard for video compression. We design and implement the CABAC entropy encoder and decoder as an integral part of the real-time video coding system that conforms to the H.264 standard. Our goal is to achieve a real-time processing of SD (standard definition) video streams while maintaining low hardware complexity and a low power consumption level. Our design and implementation is suitable for portable consumer electronic devices such as digital mobile TV and digital camcorders.
Age dependence of oval cell responses and bile duct carcinomas in male fischer 344 rats fed a cyclic choline‐deficient, ethionine‐supplemented diet

The age dependence of the oval cell response and bile duct carcinomas of male F344 rats exposed to a cyclic choline deficiency‐ethionine (CDE) diet (2 weeks on, 1 week off) supports the concept of loss of potential of liver stem cells to form cancers with aging. Livers of rats exposed at 3 weeks of age demonstrated a robust and widespread oval cell proliferation followed by cholangiofibrosis and bile duct metaplasia with extensive mucinous cysts throughout all lobes, and induction of cholangiocarcinomas (CCAs) in seven of eight rats. Livers of rats exposed beginning at 8 weeks of age had much less oval cell response and cholangiofibrosis with only 1 of 15 rats developing a CCA. Livers in old (10‐12 months when started) rats remained virtually unaffected, with minimal oval cell proliferation, only occasional and small foci of ductular dysplasia, and none of 16 rats developed CCAs. In contrast to most published studies using uninterrupted choline deficiency plus a carcinogen, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was not observed under the conditions of this study. Conclusion: With aging, male F344 rats exposed to cyclic CDE diet display a diminished oval cell response and fewer CCAs. The absence of HCC is possibly due to the fact that during cyclic CDE, the week off may allow putative liver stem cells to avoid death or differentiation and survive to give rise to CCAs, whereas with continuous CDE exposure, the stem cells are forced to differentiate and develop into HCCs with relatively few CCAs. HEPATOLOGY 2010
Characterization of an SAV organism and proposal of Mycobacterium triplex sp. nov

Polyphasic taxonomic methods were employed to characterize a new species of slowly growing, nonpigmented mycobacteria. We propose the name Mycobacterium triplex sp. nov. for this new taxon. Conventional identification testing demonstrated a group of similar organisms that were geographically widespread in the United States. Commercially available nucleic-acid probes specific for the Mycobacterium avium complex were unreactive for these strains. High-performance liquid chromatography analysis of the mycolic acids revealed mycolate profiles that closely resembled Mycobacterium simiae. Comparative 16S rRNA sequence data confirmed the phylogenetic relationship of the strains with the slowly growing mycobacteria. Representative-type strains have been deposited in the American Type Culture Collection as strain ATCC 700071 [corrected].
Does environmental reporting reflect environmental performance

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to evaluate the environmental disclosure practices of firms engaged in environmentally sensitive industries by examining their association with environmental performance. Design/methodology/approach – The study tests for associations between environmental performance and the level and nature of environmental disclosures by listed Chinese firms operating in industries that have been identified by a regulator as environmentally sensitive. The level of environmental disclosure is measured using a disclosure index based on the global reporting initiative. The nature of environmental disclosure is measured as the ratio of hard to total disclosure items. Findings – Firms with more favourable environmental performance provide a higher level of environmental disclosure and include a greater proportion of hard disclosure items. However, the overall level of disclosure is lower than that observed in developed countries. Research limitations/implications – Due to data constrain.
Contrasting Views of Results-Based Management Tools from Different Organizational Levels

ABSTRACT Do top managers view the implementation of results-based management tools differently than do lower-level workers? A total of 4,186 workers in eight state departments of revenue were surveyed about the deployment and the impacts of nine results-based management tools in their agency. The top hierarchical levels were consistently, and often dramatically, more optimistic than lower-levels. The largest differences were generally found in the assessments of worker participation, and in the assessments of the customer relations tools and cross-functional coordination tools. Follow-up interviews were used to suggest reasons for the consistent perceptual differences. Six overlapping causes were suggested by agency members: top isolation, bottom spin, different perspective ranges, inadequate communication, top selective perception, and lower level cynicism. These findings suggest that management reformers must be prepared to bridge very large perceptual differences between levels, and a number of possible bridging approaches are discussed. The findings also suggest that survey-based public management research will often be misleading if based on surveys of just top managers.
Leptin and renal disease.

Leptin is a small peptide hormone that is mainly, but not exclusively, produced in adipose tissue. The circulating leptin concentration therefore directly reflects the amount of body fat. Leptin was identified through positional cloning of the obese (ob) gene, which is mutated in the massively obese ob/ob mouse, and it has a pivotal role in regulating food intake and energy expenditure. It binds to the so-called long receptor (Ob-Rb) in the hypothalamus and regulates food intake through the release of other neurotransmitters. Moreover, leptin exerts several other important metabolic effects on peripheral tissue, including modification of insulin action, induction of angiogenesis, and modulation of the immune system. As a small peptide, leptin is cleared principally by the kidney. Not surprisingly, serum leptin concentrations are increased in patients with chronic renal failure and those undergoing maintenance dialysis. Whether the hyperleptinemia of chronic renal failure contributes to some uremic manifestations, such as anorexia and weight loss, requires additional investigation. The kidney expresses abundant concentrations of the truncated isoform of the leptin receptor Ob-Ra, but only a small amount of the full-length receptor Ob-Rb. We recently discovered that leptin has direct effects on renal pathophysiological characteristics. Both cultured glomerular endothelial cells and mesangial cells obtained from the diabetic db/db mouse possess the Ob-Ra receptor, but whether biological effects of leptin are transduced through this receptor remains unknown. In glomerular endothelial cells, leptin stimulates cellular proliferation, transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) synthesis, and type IV collagen production. Conversely, in mesangial cells, leptin upregulates synthesis of the TGF-beta type II receptor, but not TGF-beta1, and stimulates glucose transport and type I collagen production through signal transduction pathways involving phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase. These data suggest that leptin triggers a paracrine interaction in which glomerular endothelial cells secrete TGF-beta, to which sensitized mesangial cells may respond. Both cell types increase their expression of extracellular matrix in response to leptin. Infusion of leptin into normal rats for 3 weeks fosters the development of focal glomerulosclerosis and proteinuria. Additional previously described direct and indirect effects of leptin on the kidney include natriuresis, increased sympathetic nervous activity, and stimulation of reactive oxygen species. These findings collectively suggest that the kidney is not only a site of leptin metabolism, but also a target organ for leptin action in pathophysiological states.
Effects of perceived organisation support, employee engagement and organisation citizenship behaviour on quality performance

The study investigated the influence of perceived organisation support (POS), employee engagement, and organisation citizenship behaviour (OCB) on quality performance of ISO 9001:2000 certified manufacturing firms in Sri Lanka. A random sample of 255 shop-floor employees that fulfilled the selection criteria set for the study responded. Structural equation modelling was used for the data analysis. It was found that OCB-I mediates the relationship between POS and quality performance as well as employee engagement and quality performance. However, the findings suggest that neither POS nor employee engagement operates as an antecedent to OCB that immediately benefit the organisation in general (OCB-O).
Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) implementation: a useful road map

Many enterprises have improved their productivity, cost structure, and organisational culture by implementing Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP). However, there are also many enterprises under estimating or misunderstanding the risks in ERP project. This study surveys the essential issues that maximise ERP benefits and minimise its risks. The paper covers various aspects of the literature related to ERP implementation, and proposes a road map for successful implementation.
Cancer risks in a population with prolonged low dose-rate γ-radiation exposure in radiocontaminated buildings, 1983 – 2002

Purpose: To assess cancer risks in a population that received prolonged low dose-rate γ-irradiation for about 10 years as a result of occupying buildings containing 60Co-contaminated steel in Taiwan. Materials and methods: The cancer risks were compared with those populations with the same temporal and geographic characteristics in Taiwan by standardized incidence ratios (SIR), adjusted for age and gender. The association of cancer risks with excess cumulative exposure was further evaluated for their relative risks by the Poisson multiple regression analysis. Result: A total of 7271 people were registered as the exposed population, with 101,560 person-years at risk. The average excess cumulative exposure was approximately 47.8 mSv (range < 1 – 2,363 mSv). A total of 141 exposed subjects with various cancers were observed, while 95 developed leukemia or solid cancers after more than 2 or 10 years initial residence in contaminated buildings respectively. The SIR were significantly higher for all leukemia except chronic lymphocytic leukemia (n = 6, SIR = 3.6, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.2 – 7.4) in men, and marginally significant for thyroid cancers (n = 6, SIR = 2.6, 95% CI 1.0 – 5.7) in women. On the other hand, all cancers combined, all solid cancers combined were shown to exhibit significant exposure-dependent increased risks in individuals with the initial exposure before the age of 30, but not beyond this age. Conclusions: The results suggest that prolonged low dose-rate radiation exposure appeared to increase risks of developing certain cancers in specific subgroups of this population in Taiwan.
Brain-Mapping Techniques for Evaluating Poststroke Recovery and Rehabilitation: A Review

Abstract Brain-mapping techniques have proven to be vital in understanding the molecular, cellular, and functional mechanisms of recovery after stroke. This article briefly summarizes the current molecular and functional concepts of stroke recovery and addresses how various neuroimaging techniques can be used to observe these changes. The authors provide an overview of various techniques including diffusion-tensor imaging (DTI), magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS), ligand-based positron emission tomography (PET), single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) and regional metabolic rate of glucose (rCMRglc) PET and SPECT, functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), electroencephalography (EEG), magnetoencephalography (MEG), and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). Discussion in the context of poststroke recovery research informs about the applications and limitations of the techniques in the area of rehabilitation research. The authors also provide suggestions on using these techniques in tandem to more thoroughly address the outstanding questions in the field.
Monetary interdependence under alternative exchange-rate regimes

This paper analyses and compares the effects of common demand and supply shocks on the setting of optimal monetary policies under a clean float, a managed exchange-rate system (such as the EMS) and a monetary union when welfare depends on unemployment and the cost of living. The results suggest that monetary union yields the smallest welfare loss and a float the greatest welfare loss and that the EMS gives France and Italy the opportunity to appreciate their currencies and reduce the damage to their welfare loss at the expense of Germany.
Exploring HIV Risk and Ex-Offender Status Among African American Church Populations: Considerations for Faith-Based Settings

Studies with the general population indicate that involvement in the correctional system is strongly associated with the risk of contracting HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. However, limited studies have examined ex-offender status and HIV risk among African Americans—a population disproportionately impacted by incarceration and HIV—and even fewer have examined these risks among African American church-affiliated populations. This study examined ex-offender status, HIV risks, and perceptions of church involvement in HIV prevention strategies among 484 participants affiliated with African American churches. Findings indicate ex-offender participants were more likely to have been tested for HIV and believed the church should be involved in HIV prevention strategies. Future research, practice, and recommendations on the design of culturally and religiously tailored interventions for ex-offender HIV prevention, screening, and linkage to care in African American church settings are discussed.
Why do stroke patients with negative motor evoked potential show poor limb motor function recovery?

Negative motor evoked potentials after cerebral infarction, indicative of poor recovery of limb motor function, tend to be accompanied by changes in fractional anisotropy values and the cerebral peduncle area on the affected side, but the characteristics of these changes have not been reported. This study included 57 cases of cerebral infarction whose motor evoked potentials were tested in the 24 hours after the first inspection for diffusion tensor imaging, in which 29 cases were in the negative group and 28 cases in the positive group. Twenty-nine patients with negative motor evoked potentials were divided into two groups according to fractional anisotropy on the affected side of the cerebral peduncle: a fractional anisotropy < 0.36 group and a fractional anisotropy ≥ 0.36 group. All patients underwent a regular magnetic resonance imaging and a diffusion tensor imaging examination at 1 week, 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after cerebral infarction. The Fugl-Meyer scores of their hemiplegic limbs were tested before the magnetic resonance and diffusion tensor imaging tions. In the negative motor evoked potential group, fractional anisotropy in the affected cerebral peduncle declined progressively, which was most obvious in the first 1–3 months after the onset of cerebral infarction. The areas and area asymmetries of the cerebral peduncle on the affected side were significantly decreased at 6 and 12 months after onset. At 12 months after onset, the area asymmetries of the cerebral peduncle on the affected side were lower than the normal lower limit value of 0.83. Fugl-Meyer scores in the fractional anisotropy ≥ 0.36 group were significantly higher than in the fractional anisotropy < 0.36 group at 3–12 months after onset. The fractional anisotropy of the cerebral peduncle in the positive motor evoked potential group decreased in the first 1 month after onset, and stayed unchanged from 3–12 months; there was no change in the area of the cerebral peduncle in the first 1–12 months after cerebral infarction. These findings confirmed that if the fractional anisotropy of the cerebral peduncle on the affected side is < 0.36 and the area asymmetries < 0.83 in patients with negative motor evoked potential after cerebral infarction, then poor hemiplegic limb motor function recovery may occur.
EFFECTS OF AGENCY AND TRANSACTION COSTS ON DIVIDEND PAYOUT RATIOS: FURTHER EVIDENCE OF THE AGENCY-TRANSACTION COST HYPOTHESIS

In this study we replicate and extend an agency-transaction cost model of dividend payout previously hypothesized and supported in the literature. We find no statistical difference between the estimated regression model obtained for the original seven-year sample period, 1974-80, and that obtained for our seven-year period, 1981-87. The latter period is characterized by significantly lower inflation, stronger economic growth, and lower taxes. The intertemporal stability of the model suggests that it is useful for predicting dividend payout at the individual firm level.
Determinants of Corporate Dividend Policy

This paper empirically analyzes the determinants of dividend payment for the top 50 companies in terms of market capitalization, listed in the National Stock Exchange. An important aspect of the dividend policy of any corporate is the division of net current earnings after tax into dividend to be paid to shareholders and retaining the residual. Dividend declaration is a crucial decision; it influences the growth of the company through retained earnings as well as the market value of the equity shares where dividends appear to play an important role. This paper makes an attempt in this direction with the objective of analyzing dividend policy and practices in respect of selected Indian corporates. It seeks to determine the influence of the factors like net profits, liquidity and reserve position, share prices, investors' expectations, volume of sales, windfall gains etc. on the dividend decisions of corporates This study analyses that the relationship with the factors and dividend decisions of the corporates is existant or not.
The qualitative findings from an online survey investigating nurses' perceptions of spirituality and spiritual care.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES To provide an opportunity for members to express their understandings of spirituality and spiritual care. BACKGROUND The role and place of spirituality within nursing have been contested by academics and wider society. One argument posited is supporting patients with their spiritual needs is not the responsibility of nurses. This is despite a clear professional requirement for nurses to achieve competence in the delivery of spiritual care. DESIGN The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) conducted an online survey of its membership to ascertain their perceptions of spirituality and spiritual care identifying current practice. METHODS This article presents the findings from the final part of the survey that asked respondents to use a free-text facility to add comments on the subjects of spirituality and spiritual care. RESULTS Overall, 4054 RCN members responded, of these 2327 provided additional comments. These comments were analysed using keyword and content/thematic analysis. Five broad themes emerged: (1) theoretical and conceptual understanding of spirituality, (2) fundamental aspects of nursing, (3) notion of integration and integrated care, (4) education and professional development and (5) religious belief and professional practice. Findings suggest that nurses have diverse understandings of spirituality and the majority consider spirituality to be an integral and fundamental element of the nurses' role. CONCLUSION Generally, nurses had a broad, inclusive understanding of spirituality considering this to be 'universal'. There was some uncertainty and fear surrounding the boundaries between personal belief and professional practice. Respondents advocated formal integration of spirituality within programmes of nurse education. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL NURSING The concept of spirituality and the provision of spiritual care are now recognised as fundamental aspects of the nurse's role. There is a need for greater clarity between personal and professional boundaries to enable nurses to feel more confident and competent in delivering spiritual care.
Significant correlation of monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 expression with neovascularization and progression of breast carcinoma

Macrophages often infiltrate into solid tumor tissues. Tumor‐associated macrophages (TAMs) are known to play a crucial role in tumor progression. Monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 (MCP‐1) is one of the major chemokines capable of inducing chemotactic migration of monocytes.
Regional Cooperation Striving For Competitiveness And Finance

SEE economies are faced with solving current crisis and establishing the economic system based on growth and sustainable development. A challenge for the economics has been to find metrics to gauge the extent to which society has become more dependent on knowledge production. Although there is wide recognition of the importance of knowledge and intangible capital in fostering economic growth and social change, devising useful measures of these assets has been difficult. The primary task of each SEE economy is to establish a new economic model within a new economic system, though there is a need to put theory into practice by moving sustainable development into mainstream economics where that knowledge creates relations across sectors and institutions. Developing, sustaining, and managing knowledge will also require a significant investment in education and knowledge, which indeed constitutes a new economics and development paradigm that should prevail in the global society in the time ahead. In order to achieve wealthier status by all the people of each SEE country, it is necessary to leave the current economic model and to establish a new one as a new economic paradigm. Economic growth as one part of the new economic model should account for at least 5% of GDP annually in the long term. The precondition for achieving the above-mentioned is to increase competitiveness of products that should be realized through regional cooperation. How to finance regional cooperation is, however, the next more important issue.