Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Dimensions of Advertising Agency Client Satisfaction

The article proposes a conceptual model for understanding key factors that shape satisfaction with the services offered by South African advertising agencies. In particular, the model draws together two distinct approaches: (1) service quality associated with service output and performance, and (2) relational exchanges between advertisers and advertising agencies. Insight and perspectives from 116 large South African advertisers were obtained by means of a survey administered via a web-based platform. Data obtained from the respondents were subjected to factor and correlation analysis in order to identify representative factors that could explain advertisers' overall satisfaction. The model confirms six satisfaction factors, namely integrity, core service, account management, cost management, mutual commitment and communication. Each of these factors has a significant impact on and correlation to each other as well as a moderate to strong correlation to overall satisfaction. This article also discloses the dimensions underlying these factors, which contributes to the understanding of advertiser satisfaction within the South African context. This research contributes to the literature by providing a more complete and integrated view of the structure of customer satisfaction in service contexts. From a practical perspective, the research provides a useful framework for advertising agencies to measure and manage advertiser satisfaction.
Fluvial carbon export from a lowland Amazonian rainforest in relation to atmospheric fluxes

We constructed a whole carbon budget for a catchment in the Western Amazon Basin, combining drainage water analyses with eddy covariance (EC) measured terrestrial CO2 fluxes. As fluvial C export can represent permanent C export it must be included in assessments of whole site C balance, but it is rarely done. The footprint area of the flux tower is drained by two small streams (~5–7 km2) from which we measured the dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC), dissolved organic carbon (DOC), particulate organic carbon (POC) export, and CO2 efflux. The EC measurements showed the site C balance to be +0.7 ± 9.7 Mg C ha−1 yr−1 (a source to the atmosphere) and fluvial export was 0.3 ± 0.04 Mg C ha−1 yr−1. Of the total fluvial loss 34% was DIC, 37% DOC, and 29% POC. The wet season was most important for fluvial C export. There was a large uncertainty associated with the EC results and with previous biomass plot studies (−0.5 ± 4.1 Mg C ha−1 yr−1); hence, it cannot be concluded with certainty whether the site is C sink or source. The fluvial export corresponds to only 3–7% of the uncertainty related to the site C balance; thus, other factors need to be considered to reduce the uncertainty and refine the estimated C balance. However, stream C export is significant, especially for almost neutral sites where fluvial loss may determine the direction of the site C balance. The fate of C downstream then dictates the overall climate impact of fluvial export.
Association of Left Ventricular Hypertrophy and Aortic Dilation in Patients with Acute Thoracic Aortic Dissection

This study was designed to evaluate the impact of left ventricular mass on aortic diameters in patients who presented with acute thoracic aortic dissection where aortic dilation is common. Retrospective review of transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiograms was conducted for 63 patients treated for acute thoracic aortic dissection and for 16 normal subjects who were comparable for gender prevalence, age, heart rate, and blood pressure. The diameter of the aortic root was measured by transthoracic echocardiography. Diameters of the ascending aorta, and of the aorta at locations of 25, 30, and 35 cm from the dental arch were measured by transesophageal echocardiography. The findings indicated that all aortic diameters were significantly larger in patients with aortic dissection. Patients with aortic dissection also presented with greater left ventricular mass indices (p < 0.00001) than normal subjects. Fractional shortening and left atrial diameter measurements obtained in patients with aortic dissection were similar to those obtained in the control group. Overall, the left ventricular mass index exhibited univariate relationships with aortic root diameter (r= 0.27, p<0.02) and aortic diameters at 25 cm (r=0.51, p < 0.00001), 30 cm (r= 0.58, p < 0.00001), and 35 cm (r= 0.55, p < 0.00001) distal to the arch but not with the diameter of the ascending aorta. After adjusting for gender, body mass index, history of hyper tension and aortic dissection extent (Stanford types) by separate multivariate models, the authors found that the left ventricular mass index was independently associated with aortic diameters at 25 cm (β = 0.32, p < 0.001), 30 cm (β = 0.38, p < 0.0001), and 35 cm (β = 0.34, p < 0.0005) distal to the arch. They conclude that left ventricular mass is independently asso ciated with aortic arch and descending aorta diameters in patients with acute thoracic aortic dissection. Left ventricular hypertrophy may be considered a risk factor for aortic enlarge ment and subsequent dissection.
Unhydroxylated Triple Helical Collagen I Produced in Transgenic Plants Provides New Clues on the Role of Hydroxyproline in Collagen Folding and Fibril Formation*

Human unhydroxylated homotrimeric triple-helical collagen I produced in transgenic plants was used as an experimental model to provide insights into the role of hydroxyproline in molecular folding and fibril formation. By using chemically cross-linked molecules, we show here that the absence of hydroxyproline residues does not prevent correct folding of the recombinant collagen although it markedly slows down the propagation rate compared with bovine fully hydroxylated homotrimeric collagen I. Relatively slowcis-trans-isomerization in the absence of hydroxyproline likely represents the rate-limiting factor in the propagation of the unhydroxylated collagen helix. Because of the lack of hydroxylation, recombinant collagen molecules showed increased flexibility as well as a reduced melting temperature compared with native homotrimers and heterotrimers, whereas the distribution of charged amino acids was unchanged. However, unlike with bovine collagen I, the recombinant collagen did not self-assemble into banded fibrils in physiological ionic strength buffer at 20 °C. Striated fibrils were only obtained with low ionic strength buffer. We propose that, under physiological ionic strength conditions, the hydroxyl groups in the native molecule retain water more efficiently thus favoring correct fibril formation. The importance of hydroxyproline in collagen self-assembly suggested by others from the crystal structures of collagen model peptides is thus confirmed experimentally on the entire collagen molecule.
Fc gamma receptor IIa (CD32) polymorphism in fulminant meningococcal septic shock in children.

Antibodies are essential in host defense against Neisseria meningitidis. Therefore, interactions among IgG and Fc receptors (Fc gamma R) on phagocytes may be crucial. Genetic polymorphic forms of Fc gamma RIIa (CD32) express different functional activities. In a retrospective study, Fc gamma R polymorphisms were determined in 25 children who survived fulminant meningococcal septic shock: 11 had Fc gamma RIIa-R/R131, the poor IgG2-binding allotype, which is a significantly more frequent rate than found in a healthy white population (44% vs. 23%; P = .028; odds ratio = 2.67; 95% confidence interval, 1.09-6.53). The relevance of this finding was further supported by the fact that neutrophils with the Fc gamma RIIa-R/R131 allotype phagocytized N. meningitidis opsonized with polyclonal IgG2 antibodies less effectively than did IIa-H/H131 neutrophils. Our findings suggest an important role for anti-N. meningitidis IgG2 and the Fc gamma RIIa polymorphism in host defense against systemic meningococcal infections.
Maternal Anxiety During and After Pregnancy: Effects on Child Internalizing Behaviour

Background: Anxiety during pregnancy can have significant effects on both a developing fetus and long-term developmental outcomes. In animal and human models, prenatal anxiety has been associated with characteristics of inhibited temperament in infants, which may be a precursor to later anxiety disorders. This pilot study examined if maternal report of anxiety during pregnancy differentially explained preschool-aged children’s internalizing behaviour over and above a mother’s trait anxiety. In addition, using multi-reporter methodology, the study examined if maternal anxiety during pregnancy predicted multiple reporters’ ratings of child internalizing behaviour. Method: Participants in this pilot study included preschool-aged children, their mothers, and teachers. Retrospective maternal anxiety during pregnancy, current maternal anxiety and multi-reporter ratings of children’s internalizing behaviour were assessed. Results: In a sample of 46 mothers, their preschool children, and the children’s teachers, hierarchical multiple regression analyses indicated that after controlling for a mother’s current level of anxiety, maternal anxiety during pregnancy significantly predicted children’s internalizing behaviour as reported by their mothers, but not as reported by teachers or other observers. Conclusion: The prenatal environment may have a significant effect on child internalizing over time. Findings also suggest that mothers may be the most reliable reporters of child behaviour because of an overarching knowledge of the child’s behaviour across contexts. examined the effects of prenatal stress on the postnatal stress responses of juvenile rhesus monkeys and found that prenatally-stressed subjects exhibited less normal social behaviour (i.e., proximity, contact) and more abnormal social behaviour (i.e., mutual clinging) than controls, suggesting that exposure to stress in utero may have a long-term effect on offspring behavioural reactivity, producing offspring with an intensified response to stress.
NR2B subunit-specific NMDA antagonist Ro25-6981 inhibits the expression of conditioned fear: a comparison with the NMDA antagonist MK-801 and fluoxetine

N-methyl-D-asparate (NMDA)-mediated glutamatergic neurotransmission is strongly involved in the development of trauma-induced behavioral dysfunctions, and indirect evidence suggests that NR2B subunit-expressing NMDA receptors are primarily involved in this process. Earlier studies showed that NR2B blockers inhibit the acquisition of conditioned fear, a frequently used model of post-traumatic stress disorder, but their effects on the expression of conditioned fear was poorly studied. We investigated here the effects of the selective serotonin reuptake blocker, fluoxetine, the NMDA blocker, MK-801, and the NR2B subunit blocker, Ro25-6981 on the expression of conditioned fear. Rats received 10 foot shocks administered over 5 min and were tested 24 h later in the shocking context. Treatments were administered 1 h before testing. Shocks dramatically increased freezing and reduced exploration. MK-801 and Ro25-6981 significantly ameliorated both changes. The effects of fluoxetine were less pronounced. In the open field, MK-801 increased locomotion, ataxia, and stereotypy (effects typical of NMDA blockade). Neither fluoxetine nor Ro25-6981 affected locomotion in the open field. Thus, the NR2B-specific NMDA blockade preserved the beneficial effects of general NMDA antagonists on the expression of conditioned fear but did not produce the locomotor side-effects typical of the latter. These findings warrant further studies on the effects of NR2B antagonists in models of post-traumatic stress disorder.
The burden of vitamin D deficiency in a mediterranean country without a policy of food fortification.

BACKGROUND Vitamin D deficiency is a public healthcare issue and its correction is increasingly regarded as a cornerstone of preventive medicine. METHODS We designed a retrospective observational study to clearly define the burden of total vitamin D (25-hydroxyvitamin D) deficiency in a supposedly healthy population of outpatients residing in two regions (Emilia Romagna and Veneto) of Northern Italy. RESULTS 25-hydroxyvitamin D results were available for a total number of 5,096 outpatients in the two centers. The median value of 25-hydroxyvitamin D was 60 nmol/L, and was higher in women than in men (62 nmol/L versus 56 nmol/L; p<0.001). The rate of 25-hydroxyvitamin D deficiency was 36%, and was marginally but significantly higher in men than in women (40% versus 35%; p=0.003). A significant variation in the rate of 25-hydroxyvitamin D deficiency was found throughout different age ranges, exhibiting a significant increase in the elderly. CONCLUSIONS The results of this large observational study show that the burden of 25-hydroxyvitamin D deficiency in two regions of a Mediterranean country without a policy of food fortification is as high as 36%, and this evidence represents a background for healthcare preventive measures aimed at reducing the prevalence of this condition in the general population. (www.actabiomedica.it).
determinants of splicing factor binding in human pre-mRNA Next-generation SELEX identifies sequence and structural Material

Many splicing factors interact with both mRNA and pre-mRNA. The identification of these interactions has been greatly improved by the development of in vivo cross-linking immunoprecipitation. However, the output carries a strong sampling bias in favor of RNPs that form on more abundant RNA species like mRNA. We have developed a novel in vitro approach for surveying binding on pre-mRNA, without cross-linking or sampling bias. Briefly, this approach entails specifically designed oligonucleotide pools that tile through a pre-mRNA sequence. The pool is then partitioned into bound and unbound fractions, which are quantified by a two-color microarray. We applied this approach to locating splicing factor binding sites in and around ;4000 exons. We also quantified the effect of secondary structure on binding. The method is validated by the finding that U1snRNP binds at the 59 splice site (59ss) with a specificity that is nearly identical to the splice donor motif. In agreement with prior reports, we also show that U1snRNP appears to have some affinity for intronic G triplets that are proximal to the 59ss. Both U1snRNP and the polypyrimidine tract binding protein (PTB) avoid exonic binding, and the PTB binding map shows increased enrichment at the polypyrimidine tract. For PTB, we confirm polypyrimidine specificity and are also able to identify structural determinants of PTB binding. We detect multiple binding motifs enriched in the PTB bound fraction of oligonucleotides. These motif combinations augment binding in vitro and are also enriched in the vicinity of exons that have been determined to be in vivo targets of PTB.
Clinical Study Hands-Off and Hands-On Casting Consistency of Amputee below Knee Sockets Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging

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The geology of Ben Nevis, South-west Highlands, Scotland

The Ben Nevis volcanic-plutonic Complex was intruded into garnet grade Precambrian metasediments in the Southwest Highlands of Scotland towards the end of the Caledonian Orogeny. A variety of techniques have been applied to the Ben Nevis Complex in order to model its volcanic and plutonic evolution; these include: field mapping, petrography, mineral chemistry, whole rock major and trace element geochemistry and a combined study of the isotopes of neodymium and strontium. Rocks of the volcanic pile are subdivided into the following formations; the Alit a' Mhuillin formation, the Coire na Ciste formation, the Ledge Route formation and the Summit formation, and these overlie a basement of Dalradian schist. Fine grained metasediments of the Alit a' Mhuillin formation were deposited in a lacustrine basin into which entered a series of non-volcanic mass flow units. Non-volcanic deposition was terminated with the entry of the first volcaniclastic lahars of the Coire na Ciste formation into the Ben Nevis basin. Block and ash flows, lava flows and sills are also found in this formation. The Ledge Route formation testifies to a complex period of quiescence, airfall deposition and mass flow movement after which localised flows of lava dominate the overlying Summit formation. A single felsite dyke is found intruding the volcanic pile and is correlated with early members of the Ben Nevis dyke swarm in the northern area of the Ben Nevis Complex. Plutonic rocks of the Ben Nevis Complex are subdivided into the Fine Quartz Diorite, Sgurr Finnisg-aig Quartz Diorite, Coarse Quartz Diorite, Porphyritic Outer Granite and Inner Granite; these were intruded to a high level in the crust. A dextral stress regime operated during the intrusion of the plutonic rocks. Each of the above units was intruded as a series of pulses. Mass balance and qualitative trace element vector modelling (Rayleigh crystallisation) is able to model the geochemical evolution of the Porphyritic Outer Granite using plagioclase, amphibole, biotite and magnetite as the fractionating assemblage. Pyroxene is found as a phenocryst and as a groundmass phase in the quartz diorites with calcic amphibole found mainly as a replacement mineral after pyroxene; however, trace element modelling identifies amphibole as a fractionating phase. Isotopic modelling of the Ben Nevis Complex indicates the involvement of at least three components; these being a mantle source, a lower crustal source with similar isotopic characteristics to the Islay-Colonsay-Basement and, of lesser importance, Dalradian metasediments. No single parental magma can explain the geochemical and isotopic variation of the Ben Nevis Complex.
Computed Tomography and Cross‐sectional Anatomy of the Normal Dromedary Camel Tarsus (One Humped Camel)

The purpose of this study was to provide a detailed computed tomographic (CT) anatomic reference for the dromedary camel tarsus. Six cadaver pelvic limbs, obtained from three clinically and radiographically sound dromedary camels, were scanned in both soft tissue and bone windows starting from the calcaneal tuber towards the proximal metatarsus. Limbs were frozen at −20°C and sectioned transversely via an electric bone saw. The CT images were evaluated and correlated with their corresponding cryosections. The resulting images provided detailed anatomic features for bones, joints and soft tissue components of the tarsus and are intended to serve as a basic reference for the CT scanning of the dromedary camel tarsal pathology.
Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells support rat pancreatic islet survival and insulin secretory function in vitro.

BACKGROUND AIMS Recent evidence has suggested that transplanted bone marrow (BM)-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) are able to engraft and repair non-hematopoietic tissues successfully, including central nervous system, renal, pulmonary and skin tissue, and may possibly contribute to tissue regeneration. We examined the cytoprotective effect of BM MSC on co-cultured, isolated pancreatic islets. METHODS Pancreatic islets and MSC isolated from Lewis rats were divided into four experimental groups: (a) islets cultured alone (islet control); (b) islets cultured in direct contact with MSC (IM-C); (c) islets co-cultured with MSC in a Transwell system, which allows indirect cell contact through diffusible media components (IM-I); and (d) MSC cultured alone (MSC control). The survival and function of islets were measured morphologically and by analyzing insulin secretion in response to glucose challenge. Cytokine profiles were determined using a cytokine array and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. RESULTS Islets contact-cultured with MSC (IM-C) showed sustained survival and retention of glucose-induced insulin secretory function. In addition, the levels of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were decreased, and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1 (TIMP-1) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels were increased at 4 weeks in both the IM-C and IM-I groups. CONCLUSIONS These results indicate that contact co-culture is a major factor that contributes to islet survival, maintenance of cell morphology and insulin function. There might also be a synergic effect resulting from the regulation of inflammatory cytokine production. We propose that BM MSC are suitable for generating a microenvironment favorable for the repair and longevity of pancreatic islets.
Daily emotion in non-suicidal self-injury.

OBJECTIVE While major theories of non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) emphasize the behavior's role in emotion regulation, little is known about the daily emotional experiences of self-injurers. This study investigated the specific emotions that are characteristic of those who engage in NSSI. METHOD University students (n = 84) with either no history or a recent history of NSSI completed daily diary and retrospective measures of emotional experience. To evaluate generalizability of findings, the retrospective measure was also administered to a diverse sample of U.S. adults (n = 92) with and without histories of NSSI. RESULTS Results indicate that self-injurers experience greater negative emotionality, particularly self-dissatisfaction, compared to individuals with no NSSI history. Self-injurers also reported less positive emotion, but these effects were smaller. The pattern of results was similar when controlling for Axis I psychopathology and borderline personality disorder symptoms. CONCLUSIONS Individuals who engage in NSSI experience more negative emotions, generally, and more self-dissatisfaction, specifically. Findings contribute to the growing literature on the role of emotion in the etiology and functions of NSSI.
Clonal Structure of Enterococcus faecalis Isolated from Polish Hospitals: Characterization of Epidemic Clones

ABSTRACT To study the population structure of Enterococcus faecalis from Polish hospitals, 291 isolates were typed by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis and a novel multilocus sequence typing scheme (P. Ruiz-Garbajosa et al., J. Clin. Microbiol. 44:2220-2228, 2006). The isolates originated from geographically widespread medical institutions and were recovered during a 10-year period (1996 to 2005) from different clinical sources. The analysis grouped the isolates into five epidemic and 71 sporadic clones. The importance of the previously identified global clonal complexes CC2 and CC9 was corroborated by our findings that two of the Polish epidemic clones, A and J, were classified into these clonal complexes (CCs). However, the two most predominant clones, C (ST40) and F (CC87), did not cluster in the aforementioned CCs and may represent novel epidemic CCs. These clones may have emerged in Central Europe. Clone F, carrying glycopeptide resistance determinants of VanA or VanB phenotypes, caused several outbreaks in hematology units and appeared to be the most prevalent clone in recent years in Poland. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing and additional tests for pathogenicity-related phenotypes (hemolysin and gelatinase production) and genes (asa1 and esp) were performed to further characterize these epidemic clones. Multidrug resistance, glycopeptide resistance, presence of asa1, and production of hemolysin appeared to be statistically significant features related to epidemicity. Production of gelatinase was significant for two of the epidemic clones, whereas presence of the esp gene was not specific for the epidemic clones.