Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Differential diagnosis of mucin-producing tumors of the pancreas by intraductal ultrasonography and peroral pancreatoscopy.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS Although mucin producing tumors of the pancreas have been recently recognized as premalignant or malignant neoplasms, their diagnosis and management have been undetermined as yet. The aim of this study was to evaluate the capability of intraductal ultrasonography (IDUS) and peroral pancreatoscopy (PPS) in the differential diagnosis of mucin-producing tumors compared to that of other diagnostic tools. PATIENTS AND METHODS From 1986 to 1997, 31 patients with mucin-producing tumors of the pancreas underwent surgery. RESULTS Histologically, in patients with adenocarcinoma, papillary tumorous lesions within the pancreatic ducts were 3 mm or more in maximum height. The detection rates for such lesions were 29% with US, 21% with CT, 86% with EUS, 100% with IDUS and 83% with PPS. In patients with adenocarcinoma, PPS revealed taller papillary lesions with redness and/or capillary vessels. Biopsy and cytology during ERCP and under PPS direct vision had a sensitivity of about 60 % in the differential diagnosis between malignancy and benign diseases. CONCLUSIONS Mucin-producing tumors of the pancreas with papillary tumorous lesions of 3 mm or more in maximum height should be considered as adenocarcinomas. The combined use of IDUS and PPS with biopsy and cytology is now considered the best for the differential diagnosis of mucin-producing tumors of the pancreas.
A New Computational Approach for Maximum Link Activation in Wireless Networks under the SINR Model

A fundamental and computationally challenging optimization task in wireless networks is to maximize the number of simultaneous transmissions, subject to signal-to-noise-and-interference ratio (SINR) requirements at the receivers. The conventional approach guaranteeing global optimality is to solve an integer programming model with explicit SINR constraints. These constraints are however numerically very difficult. We develop a new integer programming algorithm based on a much more effective representation of the SINR constraints. Computational experiments demonstrate that the new approach performs significantly better in proving optimality.
Current Account Sustainability in Latin America Considering Nonlinearities

We test current account sustainability based on the framework developed by Hakkio and Rush [1991] and Husted [1992] using a two-regime threshold vector error correction model. This methodology allows us to characterize short-run nonlinearities in the current account. We estimate the model for four Latin American economies: Chile, Brazil, Colombia, and Mexico. We find a long-run relationship between the current account components, which implies strong sustainability for Chile and Mexico and weak sustainability for Colombia and Brazil. For the first two countries, the predominant regime is associated with a current account surplus. In contrast, for Colombia and Brazil, the prevailing regime corresponds to a situation in which there is a long- run deficit. In general, the impulse response analysis shows that expenditure and income shocks have positive and significant responses in the predominant regime for both series.
Comparison of Rooting Strategies to Explore Rock Fractures for Shallow Soil-Adapted Tree Species with Contrasting Aboveground Growth Rates: A Greenhouse Microcosm Experiment

For tree species adapted to shallow soil environments, rooting strategies that efficiently explore rock fractures are important because soil water depletion occurs frequently. However, two questions: (a) to what extent shallow soil-adapted species rely on exploring rock fractures and (b) what outcomes result from drought stress, have rarely been tested. Therefore, based on the expectation that early development of roots into deep soil layers is at the cost of aboveground growth, seedlings of three tree species (Cyclobalanopsis glauca, Delavaya toxocarpa, and Acer cinnamomifolium) with distinct aboveground growth rates were selected from a typical shallow soil region. In a greenhouse experiment that mimics the basic features of shallow soil environments, 1-year-old seedlings were transplanted into simulated microcosms of shallow soil overlaying fractured bedrock. Root biomass allocation and leaf physiological activities, as well as leaf δ13C values were investigated and compared for two treatments: regular irrigation and repeated cycles of drought stress. Our results show that the three species differed in their rooting strategies in the context of encountering rock fractures, however, these strategies were not closely related to the aboveground growth rate. For the slowest-growing seedling, C. glauca, percentages of root mass in the fractures, as well as in the soil layer between soil and bedrock increased significantly under both treatments, indicating a specialized rooting strategy that facilitated the exploration of rock fractures. Early investment in deep root growth was likely critical to the establishment of this drought-vulnerable species. For the intermediate-growing, A. cinnamomifolium, percentages of root mass in the bedrock and interface soil layers were relatively low and exhibited no obvious change under either treatment. This limited need to explore rock fractures was compensated by a conservative water use strategy. For the fast-growing, D. toxocarpa, percentages of root mass in the bedrock and interface layers increased simultaneously under drought conditions, but not under irrigated conditions. This drought-induced rooting plasticity was associated with drought avoidance by this species. Although, root development might have been affected by the simulated microcosm, contrasting results among the three species indicated that efficient use of rock fractures is not a necessary or specialized strategy of shallow-soil adapted species. The establishment and persistence of these species relied on the mutual complementation between their species-specific rooting strategies and drought adaptations.
Concomitant changes in mitochondria and intermediate filaments during heat shock and recovery of chicken embryo fibroblasts

Utilizing video‐enhanced differential interference contrast microscopy of chicken embryo fibroblasts, we observed dramatic changes in the localization and morphology of mitochondria shortly after cells were subjected to a mild heat shock. At normal temperatures mitochondria were distributed in the cell cytoplasm as elongated, tubular, and dynamic organelles but upon heat shock they moved to the perinuclear region and formed a tight ring of short swollen and—in some cases—fused vesicles. Vital dye staining of mitochondria with rhodamine 123 and indirect immunofluorescence staining with antibodies against the mitochondrial‐matrix protein, HSP 60, confirmed these results. Using cells double labeled with antibodies to vimentin and the HSP 60 protein, we found that the changes in mitochondria were accompanied by perturbations of the intermediate filament network that we and others have reported previously for heat shocked cells. Microtubules remained largely unaltered by our heat shock treatment and the redistribution of intermediate filaments and mitochondria occurred even in the presence of taxol, a microtubule stabilizing drug.
The blood-stage dynamics of mixed Plasmodium malariae-Plasmodium falciparum infections.

We present the first mathematical model of the within-host dynamics of a mixed-species malaria infection in a human: the blood-stage population dynamics of a dual infection with Plasmodium malariae and Plasmodium falciparum. Our results reproduce several important features of such infections in nature, including the asymmetry of species asexual-form densities, inter-specific suppression through interactions with the human immune system, and seasonal alternations in species prevalence. Most importantly, our results suggest that an existing P. malariae infection can reduce the peak parasitemia of a subsequent P. falciparum superinfection by as much as 50%. This result integrates numerous empirical observations and supports the hypothesis that clinical outcomes of P. falciparum infections may be influenced by the presence of a congener.
Managing Career Development in the Not for Profit Sector

This paper provides a report on a pilot study that was conducted to inform a DBA research project. It will investigate employee perceptions of their career development in the not-for-profit (NFP) sector. Theoretical and empirically based literature searches were conducted on career development for this study. Some researchers argue that the old career model (which involves an employee working for an organisation and committed to the organisation and in turn, the organisation offers the employee job security and career progression) has been changing towards a new career concept.1 This suggests that individual employees rather than the organisation are taking responsibility for their own career development. Others authors have maintained that this new career concept is not universally conclusive.2 Despite the growing debate about the changing nature of career and career development, empirical qualitative studies seeking to ascertain employee perceptions of career development in the not-for-profit sector are still very limited. This preliminary research of employee perception of their career development in the NFP sector shows that the presence of employee training and career management systems positively enhances employee career development and their commitment to the organisation. From a social exchange perspective, employees generally favour an organisation that provides something valuable to them.3 As a result, an organisation that provides support for employee career development creates a positive and supportive image of the organisation to the employees. Work performance also improves and staff turnover is reduced. There are several areas that management can turn their attention to in order to support employee career development within their organisation: • Offer training in new skills and knowledge to all staff, so that employees can become ‘fit for new jobs’ laterally as well as vertically. • Develop and implement learning that takes place throughout the employment period of employees. • Develop cross-team and boundary learning with other organisations and professions to support employee career development. • Share visions of the organisation’s future plans and development with employees. • Introduce career planning systems to include succession planning. • Provide positive career development within an organisation to help management to address issues such as affirmative action, productivity, management selection and equal opportunity. The advantages for the individuals are an increased sense of self-fulfilment, confidence, and a higher degree of ‘marketability’ both within the organisation and the external labour market.
The putative tumor suppressor AIM2 is frequently affected by different genetic alterations in microsatellite unstable colon cancers

Mismatch repair (MMR) deficiency is a major mechanism of colorectal tumorigenesis that is observed in 10–15% of sporadic colorectal cancers and those associated with the hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC) syndrome. MMR deficiency leads to the accumulation of mutations mainly at short repetitive sequences termed microsatellites, constituting the high level microsatellite instability (MSI‐H) phenotype. In recent years, several genes have been described that harbor microsatellites in their coding region (coding microsatellites, cMS) and are frequently affected by mutations in MMR‐deficient cancers. However, evidence for a functional role of most of the known cMS‐containing genes is missing, and further analyses are needed for a better understanding of MSI tumorigenesis. Here, we examined in detail alterations of the absent in melanoma 2 (AIM2) gene that shows a high frequency of cMS frameshift mutations in MSI‐H colorectal, gastric, and endometrial tumors. AIM2 belongs to the HIN‐200 family of interferon (IFN)‐inducible proteins, its role in colon carcinogenesis, however, is unknown. Sequencing of the entire coding region of AIM2 revealed a high frequency of frameshift and missense mutations in primary MSI‐H colon cancers (9/20) and cell lines (9/15). Biallelic AIM2 alterations were detected in 8 MSI‐H colon tumors and cell lines. In addition, AIM2 promoter hypermethylation conferred insensitivity to IFN‐γ‐induced AIM2 expression of three MSI‐H colon cancer cell lines. These results demonstrate that inactivation of AIM2 by genetic and epigenetic mechanisms is frequent in MMR‐deficient colorectal cancers, thus suggesting that AIM2 is a mutational target relevant for the progression of MSI‐H colorectal cancers. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Structural basis of pheromone binding to mouse major urinary protein (MUP‐I)

The mouse major urinary proteins are pheromone‐binding proteins that function as carriers of volatile effectors of mouse physiology and behavior. Crystal structures of recombinant mouse major urinary protein‐I (MUP‐I) complexed with the synthetic pheromones, 2‐sec‐butyl‐4,5‐dihydrothiazole and 6‐hydroxy‐6‐methyl‐3‐heptanone, have been determined at high resolution. The purification of MUP‐I from mouse liver and a high‐resolution structure of the natural isolate are also reported. These results show the binding of 6‐hydroxy‐6‐methyl‐3‐heptanone to MUP‐I, unambiguously define ligand orientations for two pheromones within the MUP‐I binding site, and suggest how different chemical classes of pheromones can be accommodated within the MUP‐I β‐barrel.
Ratiometric fluorescence imaging of cellular polarity: decrease in mitochondrial polarity in cancer cells.

Mitochondrial polarity strongly influences the intracellular transportation of proteins and interactions between biomacromolecules. The first fluorescent probe capable of the ratiometric imaging of mitochondrial polarity is reported. The probe, termed BOB, has two absorption maxima (λabs = 426 and 561 nm) and two emission maxima--a strong green emission (λem = 467 nm) and a weak red emission (642 nm in methanol)--when excited at 405 nm. However, only the green emission is markedly sensitive to polarity changes, thus providing a ratiometric fluorescence response with a good linear relationship in both extensive and narrow ranges of solution polarity. BOB possesses high specificity to mitochondria (Rr =0.96) that is independent of the mitochondrial membrane potential. The mitochondrial polarity in cancer cells was found to be lower than that of normal cells by ratiometric fluorescence imaging with BOB. The difference in mitochondrial polarity might be used to distinguish cancer cells from normal cells.
Apoptotic Effects of Topical Antiglaucoma Medications on Conjunctival Epithelium in Glaucoma Patients

Purpose In this study, we aimed to investigate the apoptotic effects of topical antiglaucoma medications on the conjunctival epithelium. Methods A total of 65 patients were included in the study. Thirty patients were included in the first group who had received antiglaucomatous therapy before trabeculectomy. In the second group, 20 patients who had received no drugs before trabeculectomy were included, while the third group underwent only cataract surgery as control. During the surgery, 2 × 4 mm conjunctival samples were harvested from the upper bulbar conjunctiva. The mean apoptosis rate was calculated by determining apoptosis at conjunctival epithelium using the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) method. Results The mean apoptosis rate was 0.537 ± 0.369 (0.026 ± 0.962) in group 1, 0.139 ± 0.162 (0.005 ± 0.676) in group 2, and 0.078 ± 0.035 (0.035 ± 0.142) in the control group (group 3). The mean apoptosis rate was significantly higher in the first group than the other 2 groups (p = 0.0001). Conclusions Apoptotic effects of topical antiglaucoma drugs on the conjunctival epithelial cells were found. However, our results revealed that the number of medications, duration of medication, and type of glaucoma had no effect on the apoptotic effect.
An Objective Measure of Physical Function of Elderly Outpatients

Direct observation of physical function has the advantage of providing an objective, quantifiable measure of functional capabilities. We have developed the Physical Performance Test (PPT), which assesses multiple domains of physical function using observed performance of tasks that simulate activities of daily living of various degrees of difficulty. Two versions are presented: a nine‐item scale that includes writing a sentence, simulated eating, turning 360 degrees, putting on and removing a jacket, lifting a book and putting it on a shelf, picking up a penny from the floor, a 50‐foot walk test, and climbing stairs (scored as two items); and a seven‐item scale that does not include stairs. The PPT can be completed in less than 10 minutes and requires only a few simple props. We then tested the validity of PPT using 183 subjects (mean age, 79 years) in six settings including four clinical practices (one of Parkinson's disease patients), a board‐and‐care home, and a senior citizens' apartment.
Attitudes of Australian Nurses to Information Technology in the Workplace: A National Survey

This article reports on the views of Australian nurses as to their use of computers in the workplace. Data were collected by questionnaires mailed to 10 000 members of the 150 000-member Australian Nursing Federation, which represents 60% of the Australian nursing workforce. The response rate was 43.3%. Computer use was 20% by assistants in nursing, rising to 75% by enrolled nurses and to more than 95% by RNs. Principal uses for the computers by the nurses were for access to patients' records and for internal communication. Most respondents (79%) agreed that the use of computers had improved information access. Only 9.4% considered that adoption of a national electronic health record would not be useful to healthcare. Fewer than 5% stated that they have no interest in computers, and 87% considered that their age was never or rarely a barrier to their use of the technology. However, not all aspects of computer introduction to nursing were positive. The proportions of respondents who considered that the use of computers had made their work easier, reduced duplication of data entry, and reduced errors in handing patient data were only 42%, 32%, and 31%, respectively. Results demonstrate a positive attitude toward information technology by Australian nurses but identify issues that must be addressed to support continued interest and engagement.
On the Metropolis-Hastings Acceptance Probability to Add or Drop a Quantitative Trait Locus in Markov Chain Monte Carlo-Based Bayesian Analyses

The Metropolis-Hastings algorithm used in analyses that estimate the number of QTL segregating in a mapping population requires the calculation of an acceptance probability to add or drop a QTL from the model. Expressions for this acceptance probability need to recognize that sets of QTL are unordered such that the number of equivalent sets increases with the factorial of the QTL number. Here, we show how accounting for this fact affects the acceptance probability and review expressions found in the literature.
Evaluation of the ELISA test for detection of entamoeba histolytica in feces

The clinical utility of an ELISA test with monoclonal antibodies to detect antigen of Entamoeba histolytica in feces was evaluated in 150 patients with gastrointestinal symptoms. Each subject was examined by rectosigmoidoscopy with rectal smear and/or a triple stool search for ova‐bacteria‐parasite (OBP); in addition, one stool sample was collected for the ELISA test. All the tests were independent and double blind. E. histolytica was detected by OBP and/or rectosigmoidoscopy in 66 patients; 61 patients had other parasites; and in 23, no parasites were identified. Of all patients, 116 were positive for the ELISA test. Of these, E. histolytica was identified in 52. In 47, other parasites were identified and in 17, no parasites were found. The ELISA test with a monoclonal antibody against E. histolytica antigen showed higher sensitivity than the standard diagnostic methods: the ability to detect the presence of E. hisrolytica antigen regardless of the destruction of the parasite or of the error due to misidentification of the parasite resulting from faulty preparation of the samples.
Purification, characterization and production optimization of a vibriocin produced by mangrove associated Vibrio parahaemolyticus.

OBJECTIVE To identify a potential bacterium which produces antimicrobial peptide (vibriocin), and its purification, characterization and production optimization. The bacteria subjected in the study were isolated from a highly competitive ecological niche of mangrove ecosystem. METHODS The bacterium was characterized by phenotype besides 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis. The antibacterial activity was recognised by using agar well diffusion method. The vibriocin was purified using ammonium sulphate precipitation, butanol extraction, gel filtration chromatography, ion-exchange chromatography and subsequently, by HPLC. Molecular weight of the substance identified in SDS-PAGE. Production optimization performed according to Taguchi's mathematical model using 6 different nutritional parameters as variables. RESULTS The objective bacterium was identified as Vibrio parahaemolyticus. The vibriocin showed 18 KDa of molecular mass with mono peptide in nature and highest activity against pathogenic Vibrio harveyi. The peptide act stable in a wide range of pH, temperature, UV radiation, solvents and chemicals utilized. An overall ∼20% of vibriocin production was improved, and was noticed that NaCl and agitation speed played a vital role in secretion of vibriocin. CONCLUSION The vibriocin identified here would be an effective alternative for chemically synthesized drugs for the management of Vibrio infections in mariculture industry.
Real World Scenarios for Interest Rates based on the LIBOR Market Model

In this article, we present a methodology to simulate the evolution of interest rates under real world probability measure. More precisely, using the multidimensional LIBOR market model and a specification of the market price of risk vector process, we explain how to perform simulations of the real world forward rates in future, using the Euler scheme with Predictor-Corrector. The proposed methodology allows the presence of negative interest rates as currently observed in the markets. We use the multidimensional LIBOR market model and a specification of the market price of risk vector process, we perform simulations of the real world forward rates observed in future, using the Euler scheme with Predictor-Corrector. We allow for negative interest rates as currently observed in the markets. In this article we choose to model a set of key forward Libor rates using the Libor Market Model(LMM) which can be directly observed in the market, guarantees no arbitrage opportunities in interest rate markets and provides more flexibility to capture all possible curve movements. We expect to produce interest rate scenarios coherent with past realizations that can be used in assessment of investment strategies in interest-rate sensitive portfolios for Asset-Liability Management studies and calculations of Economic Capital for Solvency II.