Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Overcorrection of iodinated contrast attenuation in SPECT-CT: phantom studies.

PURPOSE The authors investigated the effects of iodinated contrast agents on the quantification of radioactivity obtained using a combined single photon emission tomography (SPECT) and high resolution 16 slice computed tomography (CT) scanner. METHODS Two conditions were evaluated: Contrast media mixed with radioisotope and the contrast media, and the radioisotope solution confined in adjacent but distinct volumes. Phantoms containing combinations of 99mTc, 111In, and 131I solutions in normal saline and contrast solutions in normal saline corresponding to the two conditions were prepared and scanned. Images were reconstructed by iterative reconstruction (ordered subset expectation maximization), with and without CT-derived attenuation maps. The reconstructed counts encoded in the reconstructed images were compared. RESULTS Compared to normal saline, the presence of an iodinated contrast agent resulted in the underestimation of reconstructed counts in all nonattenuation corrected SPECT images. Compared to normal saline, the presence of a contrast agent resulted in the overestimation of reconstructed counts in all attenuation corrected SPECT images. The largest underestimation of reconstructed counts was 12.8% and the largest overestimation value was 35.9%. CONCLUSIONS High concentrations of a contrast agent caused errors in the measurement of actual radiotracer reconstructed counts in phantoms. These errors could have important consequences for the use of oral and intravenous contrast in both diagnostic (qualitative) and dosimetric (quantitative) SPECT-CT imaging. The authors' findings suggest that noncontrast imaging or alternative contrast-specific attenuation correction approaches should be considered for optimal SPECT activity quantification.
Australian Tourist Attractions: The Links between Organizational Characteristics and Planning

An exploration of the links between the characteristics of Australian tourist attractions and the amount of planning undertaken by attraction managers was conducted. Using a detailed mail survey (N = 407, response rate = 26.7%), a categorization indicating four planning levels was devised: nonplanners, short-term planners, short- and long-term planners, and long-term planners. Attractions with greater levels of planning were shown to have higher levels of perceived performance and faced the future with better growth prospects and business confidence. They also reported higher management turnover. Attraction research, it was argued, needs to develop with studies from different regions and histories to test the value of specific findings. In addition, multimethod approaches are needed to disentangle causality issues linking planning and attraction characteristics.
The Effects of Efficiency and TFP Growth on Nitrogen and Sulphur Emissions in Europe: A Multistage Spatial Analysis

It is common in firm level environmental efficiency studies for pollution to form part of the production technology. We omit nitrogen and sulphur emissions from the spatial analysis of production in European countries (1995 - 2008) because we find they are not significant inputs. Efficiency and TFP growth from the production analysis are then used in second stage spatial models of nitrogen and sulphur emissions in European countries. We find that to cut European sulphur emissions by a certain percentage requires a decrease in a composite measure of a country’s efficiency and TFP growth which is more than double the decrease needed to reduce European nitrogen emissions by the same percentage.
Ablation of Ceramide Synthase 2 Causes Chronic Oxidative Stress Due to Disruption of the Mitochondrial Respiratory Chain*

Background: Ceramide synthase 2 null mice, which cannot synthesize very-long chain ceramides, display severe hepatopathy. Results: These mice have elevated sphinganine and altered N-acyl chain ceramides that disrupt mitochondrial function by modifying respiratory chain activity. Conclusion: Alteration of mitochondrial sphingolipids results in formation of reaction oxygen species in liver. Significance: Ceramides with defined acyl chains influence oxidative stress signaling pathways. Ceramide is a key intermediate in the pathway of sphingolipid biosynthesis and is an important intracellular messenger. We recently generated a ceramide synthase 2 (CerS2) null mouse that cannot synthesize very long acyl chain (C22-C24) ceramides. This mouse displays severe and progressive hepatopathy. Significant changes were observed in the sphingolipid profile of CerS2 null mouse liver, including elevated C16-ceramide and sphinganine levels in liver and in isolated mitochondrial fractions. Because ceramide may be involved in reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation, we examined whether ROS generation was affected in CerS2 null mice. Levels of a number of anti-oxidant enzymes were elevated, as were lipid peroxidation, protein nitrosylation, and ROS. ROS were generated from mitochondria due to impaired complex IV activity. C16-ceramide, sphingosine, and sphinganine directly inhibited complex IV activity in isolated mitochondria and in mitoplasts, whereas other ceramide species, sphingomyelin, and diacylglycerol were without effect. A fluorescent analog of sphinganine accumulated in mitochondria. Heart mitochondria did not display a substantial alteration in the sphingolipid profile or in complex IV activity. We suggest that C16-ceramide and/or sphinganine induce ROS formation through the modulation of mitochondrial complex IV activity, resulting in chronic oxidative stress. These results are of relevance for understanding modulation of ROS signaling by sphingolipids.
Smokers Have Reduced Nitric Oxide Production by Conducting Airways but Normal Levels in the Alveoli

Air exhaled by cigarette smokers contains reduced amounts of nitric oxide (NO). Measurement of NO at different expiratory flow rates permits calculation of NO production by the conducting airways (VawNO) and alveolar concentration of NO (PALV). An independent measurement of diffusing capacity of the alveolar compartment (DLNO) multiplied by PALV allows calculation of NO production by the alveoli (VLNO). Twelve asymptomatic cigarette smokers and 22 age-matched nonsmokers had measurements of DLNO and expired NO at constant expiratory flow rates varying from 60 to 1500 ml/s. VawNO in smokers was only 22 ± 11 nl/min (mean ± standard deviation, SD) compared to 70 ± 37 nl/min in nonsmokers (p < .0001). In contrast, VLNO showed no significant difference (smokers: 203 ± 104 nl/min, nonsmokers: 209 ± 74 nl/min, p = .86). These data show that the diminished NO expired by smokers results from diminished NO production by the tissues of the conducting airways but normal values produced by the alveoli.
Managing Mongolia's Commons: Land Reforms, Social Contexts, and Institutional Change

Since the collapse of the Soviet Union, postsocialist rural contexts have afforded commons scholars particularly fertile ground for examination of institutional change and evolution under new modes of governance. In Mongolia, as elsewhere, such transformations have been characterized by the erosion of state control and de facto or de jure devolution of land and resource rights. Particularly since 2000, policy and practice in Mongolia have reflected state and donor concerns with the formation of herders’ groups and the implementation of group tenure solutions in pursuit of environmental sustainability. Drawing on data sets from the Gobi region, this article examines the nature, impact and limitations of recent state-, donor-, and community-led tenure reforms and social innovations with respect to land rights and practice, including with regard to mining-related land alienation. The article provides a critical analysis of recent, complex institutional innovations in Mongolia and their role in shaping contemporary commons management.
Investigations on the modeling and simulation of the low loss, highly birefringent PCF for high speed communication networks

A photonic crystal fiber (PCF) with circular air holes in the cladding and a solid core is proposed. There is a design with air filling fraction (d/Λ) 0.45 proposed. According to calculation, low confinement loss and high birefringence obtained for a large range of wavelength for PCF of four rings of circular air holes in the cladding. The fiber achieved a minimum dispersion for a wide range of wavelength band. The PCF properties are reported by using the full vector finite element method (FEM). The proposed fiber obtained low confinement loss, minimum dispersion and high birefringence for different wavelength bands by careful investigation of air filling fractions.
Consumer decision making, E-commerce and perceived risks

This article studies how adoption and usage behaviour of the Internet and online shopping, respectively influence the preference to use electronic commerce to purchase different types of products. We empirically model the preference for electronic commerce when consumers have to buy different types of products and thus face different types of risks (Cox and Rich, 1964). Unlike previous research, we find that consumers who have previously shopped online, display stronger preferences to buy products on the Internet irrespective of the perceived level of product-specific risks of online shopping. This article provides an interesting and novel insight into how both adoption and usage of electronic commerce impact on the attitude and risk perception of buying less predictable (more risky) products on the Internet.
On Neural Network Methods for Mixed Boundary Value Problems

In this paper a numerical solution for solving partial differential equations (PDEs),with mixed boundary conditions,is described.This article deals the irregular boundaries where the boundary is deter- mined by a number of points that belong to it.We employed a multilayer perceptron artificial neural network and a radial basis function network to account for the exact satisfaction of the boundary conditions. Also in this article, we illustrate the method by solving a variety of problems on two and three-dimensional PDEs that has yielded accurate solutions.
Allogeneic human mesenchymal stem cells for treatment of E. coli endotoxin-induced acute lung injury in the ex vivo perfused human lung

Recent studies have suggested that bone marrow-derived multipotent mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) may have therapeutic applications in multiple clinical disorders including myocardial infarction, diabetes, sepsis, and hepatic and acute renal failure. Here, we tested the therapeutic capacity of human MSCs to restore alveolar epithelial fluid transport and lung fluid balance from acute lung injury (ALI) in an ex vivo perfused human lung preparation injured by E. coli endotoxin. Intra-bronchial instillation of endotoxin into the distal airspaces resulted in pulmonary edema with the loss of alveolar epithelial fluid transport measured as alveolar fluid clearance. Treatment with allogeneic human MSCs or its conditioned medium given 1 h following endotoxin-induced lung injury reduced extravascular lung water, improved lung endothelial barrier permeability and restored alveolar fluid clearance. Using siRNA knockdown of potential paracrine soluble factors, secretion of keratinocyte growth factor was essential for the beneficial effect of MSCs on alveolar epithelial fluid transport, in part by restoring amiloride-dependent sodium transport. In summary, treatment with allogeneic human MSCs or the conditioned medium restores normal fluid balance in an ex vivo perfused human lung injured by E. coli endotoxin.
Mainstreaming the Disability Equality Duty and the Impact on Public Authorities' Working Practices

Implemented as part of the 2005 amendments to the Disability Equality Act, the Disability Equality Duty (DED) placed new and important demands on public sector bodies. All such organisations are required to develop policies and working practices which actively promote the equality of disabled people as employees, consumers or visitors. The promotion of equality has to be proactive as opposed to reactive and must be mainstreamed into the normal day-to-day activities of organisational working practices. Whilst the DED follows on from the framework of previous anti-discrimination legislation set in place over the last 15 years, it represents a significant change in equality legislation and demands that public sector bodies instigate fundamental changes in their approach towards disability. This article reports on the initial stages of the implementation process of the DED across a range of public sector organisations in England, focussing in particular on how this policy has impacted on mainstreaming. Discussion shows that although organisations show awareness of mainstreaming and its implications for disability equality, there is limited evidence to suggest that the public sector has fully embraced this agenda.
Exploring business growth and eco innovation in rural small firms

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore eco innovation in rural small firms. It looks at the motivations of rural small business owners for eco innovation and the extent to which rurality is important. Owner-managers’ perceptions of how eco innovation had, or would, contributed to growth in the future are also explored. Design/methodology/approach – This is a qualitative study involving micro-level exploration of eight growth-oriented rural small firms and their implementation of eco innovation. These case studies involved semi-structured interviews, observation of practices in the firm and review of documentation and web-based materials. Findings – Within each of the case study businesses, eco innovation involved changing business processes to reduce waste and to reduce the amounts of raw materials consumed. Rurality was described as very important due to closeness to the impacts of climate change and firms’ visibility within their local communities. Although none of the businesses identified g.
Modeling of Wind Turbines Based on Doubly-Fed Induction Generators for Power System Stability Studies

This paper deals with modeling of the doubly-fed induction generator (DFIG) and the corresponding converter for stability studies. To enable efficient computation, a reduced-order DFIG model is developed that restricts the calculation to the fundamental frequency component. However, the model enhancement introduced in this paper allows the consideration of the alternating components of the rotor current as well, which is necessary for triggering the crowbar operation. Suitable models are presented for the rotor and grid side converters as well as the dc-link, taking into account all four possible operating modes. The proposed model for speed and pitch angle control can be used when wind and rotor speed variations are significant. Simulation results are presented for model verification purposes and also for demonstrating the dynamic behavior of a large offshore wind farm connected through a long undersea cable to the high voltage grid.
Accounting Valuation and Cost of Equity Capital Dynamics

type="main"> This paper provides a selective survey of Ohlson and Vuolteenaho-type accounting valuation models. The focus is on the valuation, return, and cost of capital dynamics of these models. Emphasis is placed primarily on variations of these models that incorporate risk aversion, parameter uncertainty, and/or time-varying costs of equity. Empirical papers that address the dynamics of these models are also surveyed.
What's Mine is Yours?: The Influence of Male and Female Incomes on Patterns of Household Expenditure

This paper uses microdata from the 1992 Statistics Canada Family Expenditure Survey to provide evidence that male and female incomes do not always exert identical influences on household expenditures. The novelty of the paper lies in its demonstration that, while incomes may be pooled for some categories of consumption (e.g., housing), the income pooling hypothesis must be rejected for others. The authors also go beyond simply rejecting the pooling hypothesis to ask how male versus female income is used. Their results stress the on-going importance of traditional gender roles. For example, the authors find that expenditures on child care increase only with women's incomes--higher male income is not associated with higher expenditure on child care even when both spouses are full-time, full-year paid workers. Copyright 1998 by The London School of Economics and Political Science
Iterative Receiver for Mobile MIMO-OFDM Systems Using ICI-Aware List-Update MIMO Detection

In mobile multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) - orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) communication systems, inter-carrier interference (ICI) and inter-antenna interference (IAI) are two crucial factors that can significantly affect detection performance. Conventionally, ICI and IAI are handled sequentially by ICI mitigation and MIMO detection. This paper proposes a novel iterative receiver where soft information, computed from a list of MIMO symbol vectors and associated ICI assumptions, is interchanged between the "ICI-aware" list-update MIMO detector and a forward error correction (FEC) decoder. Furthermore, by exploiting the difference between tentative ICI-inducing symbol vectors, we propose a low-complexity delta-ICI method for list update. Simulation results show that the proposed iterative MIMO-OFDM receiver in high-mobility channels can achieve similar detection performance as that of a MIMO-OFDM receiver in stationary (ICI-free) channels.
Stealing from the past: Globalisation, strategic formation and the use of indigenous intellectual property in the biotechnology industry

Biotechnology has proven itself to be one of the most promising and volatile sectors in the world economy. From genetic engineering to the mapping of human cell lines, biotechnology is now a multibillion dollar venture. As a result the trade in biological specimens has increased, with researchers continually seeking new sources for specimens. The goal of our research is to explore two fundamental questions related to the biotechnology industry: (1) what has been the driving force behind the relatively recent explosive growth in the biotechnology industry; (2) what has been the impact on the developing world - which houses the natural resources that are the bases for many of these new biotechnology discoveries? We argue that globalisation has pushed governments, biotechnology firms and universities into strategic alliances that have unfairly included another partner in the creation of these new products: the developing world.
Intra Industry Trade, Fiscal Policy and Terms of Trade of Pakistan: A Long Run Analysis Using ARDL Technique

This study investigates long run relationship between Intra Industry Trade, fiscal policy and Terms of Trade of Pakistan. Considering the intention, time series data having time span from 1972 to 2014 is chosen. Data is collected through various sources like World Development Indicators, Handbook of Statistics on Pakistan Economy (2010) and Economic Survey of Pakistan (2014 – 15). After observing mixed stationary results of the variables [I(0), I(1)] using Augmented Dickey Fuller test, autoregressive and distributed lag model technique is applied for the analysis. For estimating elasticities of terms of trade with respect to the variables, log – log form of the model is utilized. The study reveals Intra Industry Trade, Real Gross Capital Formation and Real Government Expenditure as significant causes of improving Terms of Trade of Pakistan. On the other side, Terms of Trade of Pakistan is deteriorated due to real Gross Domestic Product and Real Foreign Direct Investment.
A Randomized Pilot Study of a Phone-Based Mindfulness and Weight Loss Program

ABSTRACT This study evaluated the feasibility and efficacy of integrating mindfulness training into a phone-based weight loss program to improve outcomes in those with high levels of emotional eating. Participants were 75 enrollees into an employer-sponsored weight loss program who reported high levels of overeating in response to thoughts and feelings. Seventy-five overweight and obese participants (92% female, 65% Caucasian, aged 26 to 68 years) were randomized to the new mindfulness weight loss program (n = 50) or the standard behavioral weight loss program (n = 25). Both programs consisted of 11 coaching calls with health coaches and registered dietitians with supplemental online materials. Satisfaction, engagement, and percent weight lost did not significantly differ for intervention vs. control at six months. Intervention participants had significantly better scores at six-month follow-up on mindful eating, binge eating, experiential avoidance, and one mindfulness subscale. Exploratory analyses showed that improvements on several measures predicted more weight loss in the intervention group. This pilot study found that integrating mindfulness into a brief phone-based behavioral weight loss program was feasible and acceptable to participants, but did not produce greater weight loss on average, despite hypothesized changes in mindful eating. Only one third of intervention participants reported participating in mindfulness exercises regularly. Mechanisms of change observed within the intervention group suggest that for adults with high levels of emotional eating those who embrace mindful eating and meditation may lose more weight with a mindfulness intervention.
Decision making in effective supply chain collaboration: a fuzzy AHP approach

Effective supply chain (SC) collaboration requires strategic planning. It requires not only technological change, but to a great extent also operational and organisational changes, where human factors, skills and managing change play as important a role as the technology itself. There are many factors that support the effective SC collaboration known as SC collaboration enablers (SCCEs). The expert interview was conducted to identify perceptions of the most significant SCCEs. The purpose of this paper is to identify the SCCEs that significantly affect SC collaboration. In this study, a fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (FAHP) approach has been used for rankings of these SCCEs. This study has attempted to identify the significant and justifiable SCCEs for effective SC collaboration. The findings of this research may be used for developing a confirmation-based ranking of SCCEs.
Flexible circuit and sensor arrays fabricated by monolithic silicon technology

A novel monolithic batch fabrication method produces arrays of silicon islands containing conventional integrated-circuit components and supported by a flexible polyimide substrate. Islands are interconnected by photolithographically defined gold leads embedded in the polyimide. Because no bonding pads are necessary at island boundaries, lead density between islands is at least twice that available using hybrid techniques. The technology has been used to fabricate thermohaeter arrays for temperature profile measurement during hypertherminal treatment of cancer. An array consists of 20 silicon islands; each island contains one p-n diode, which is used as a thermometer. These linear arrays are 1 mm wide by 0.4 mm thick, with 20-µm-wide by 1-µm-thick gold interconnects on 40-µm centers. The flexible array technology is currently being modified to fabricate two-dimensional arrays of micromechanical sensors for robotic and biomedical uses.
To Go or Not to Go: Emigration from Germany

Abstract This study analyses the qualitative aspects of emigration from Germany, taking account of economic and non-economic reasons. The reported willingness to emigrate from Germany in the German Socio-Economic Panel (GSOEP) is explained for men and women by three groups of variables: individual characteristics, household characteristics and regional characteristics. It transpires that the educational background and West German residency positively affect the willingness to emigrate, whereas German nationality, age and the family situation are mostly negatively correlated with it.