Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Differences in intracerebral hemorrhage between Mexican Americans and non-Hispanic whites

Background: Mexican Americans (MAs) have higher incidence rates of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) than non-Hispanic whites (NHWs). The authors present clinical and imaging characteristics of ICH in MAs and NHWs in a population-based study. Methods: This work is part of the Brain Attack Surveillance in Corpus Christi (BASIC) project. Cases of nontraumatic ICH were identified from 2000 to 2003. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess the independent associations between ethnicity and ICH location (lobar vs nonlobar) and volume (≥30 vs <30 mL), adjusting for demographics and baseline clinical characteristics. Logistic regression was also used to determine the association between ethnicity and in-hospital mortality, adjusting for confounders. Results: A total of 149 MAs and 111 NHWs with ICH were identified. MAs were younger (70 vs 77, p < 0.001), more often male (55% vs 42%, p = 0.04), had a lower prevalence of atrial fibrillation (2.0% vs 13%, p < 0.001), and a higher prevalence of diabetes (39% vs 19%, p < 0.001). MA ethnicity was independently associated with nonlobar hemorrhage (OR 2.08, 95% CI: 1.15, 3.70). MAs had over two times the odds of having small (<30 mL) hemorrhages compared with NHWs (OR = 2.41, 95% CI: 1.31, 4.46). NHWs had higher in-hospital mortality, though this association was no longer significant after adjustment for ICH volume, location, age, and sex. Conclusions: There are significant differences in the characteristics of ICH in MAs and NHWs, with MA patients more likely to have smaller, nonlobar hemorrhages. These differences may be used to examine the underlying pathophysiology of ICH.
The Role of Agency Theory and Perceived Goal Divergence in IS Continuance: A Replication and Extension Study

Past literature recognizes the power of the well-established information systems continuance theory (ISCT) to explain information systems (IS) continuance. In this study, we integrate constructs from two additional perspectives and discuss their interdependencies with ISCT. We argue that the promising framework proposed by Sørebø et al. [1], which extends ISCT with self-determination theory (SDT), can increase its managerial relevance by adding the variables of users' perceptions of goal divergence and risk aversion, selected from agency theory. The empirical results support Sørebø et al.'s main findings and strongly support the impact of perceived goal divergence on e-learning continuance intention. By replicating and extending the main findings of the original target study, the results of the present study support the demand for an integrative perspective on IS continuance intention which includes ISCT, SDT and principal-agent theory (PAT).
Eccentric Stenosis of the Carotid Artery Associated with Ipsilateral Cerebrovascular Events

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Eccentric stenosis of the coronary artery is associated with plaque disruption and acute coronary syndrome. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether eccentric stenosis of the carotid artery contributes to cerebrovascular events. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Of 6859 patients with vascular diseases who underwent duplex carotid ultrasonography, we studied 512 internal carotid arteries in 441 patients who had a maximum area stenosis at or more than 70%, which corresponds with approximately 50% or more by the NASCET method. The maximal (A) and minimal wall thicknesses (B) were measured on cross-sectional sonography images, and an eccentricity index was calculated using the following formula: (A − B)/A. Arteries in the lowest quartile of the eccentricity index (<0.69) were defined as having a concentric stenosis, whereas the others were defined as having eccentric stenosis. The underlying clinical characteristics and plaque morphologies, as well as the occurrence of ipsilateral ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack in the preceding year, were compared between patients with eccentric and concentric stenosis. RESULTS: Patient characteristics and plaque morphology were similar between the 2 groups. Cerebrovascular events occurred more frequently ipsilaterally to the artery with eccentric stenosis (13.5%) than to the artery with concentric stenosis (5.5%; P = .013); the difference was more evident when cerebrovascular events of presumed carotid arterial origin were assessed (P = .005). After adjusting for risk factors and plaque morphology, eccentric stenosis was independently related to the presence of recent cerebrovascular events (odds ratio = 2.76; 95% confidence interval = 1.19–6.40). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with an area carotid stenosis of 70% or more, eccentric plaque was associated with a significantly increased incidence of ipsilateral cerebrovascular events compared with patients with concentric stenosis.
A Network Architecture with Virtual Path Hopping and Dynamic Virtual Path Allocation Algorithm

Connection oriented packet networks such as IP/MPLS can better meet the QoS guarantees in terms of delay jitter, bandwidth etc. required by premium traffic (PT). These connection oriented networks are more vulnerable to failures and they can be classified into link/path and degraded failures. Virtual path hopping concept eliminates all terminations of data communications due to degraded type failures detected by control plane timers. Dynamic virtual path allocation (DVPA) algorithm proposed here can achieve very fast recovery for PT from link/path failures while keeping the utilization efficiency of network resources high. This recovery time consists of two main parts; time taken to detect failures and time taken to activate the backup path (BP). DVPA algorithm virtually makes the time taken to activate the BP 'zero' for PT as it uses an active BP (ABP). Also DVPA algorithm makes sure that ABP is always occupied by best effort traffic (BET) when there are no failures, increasing the efficiency of the network. Simulation results confirm that implementing DVPA algorithm in conjunction with VPH concept in connection oriented networks can achieve a very high availability for PT in future IP/MPLS packet networks
Immunoreactivity of α‐melanocyte‐stimulating hormone, adrenocorticotrophic hormone and β‐endorphin in cutaneous malignant melanoma and benign melanocytic naevi

Melanocyte‐stimulating hormone (MSH) has been reported to enhance the experimental metastatic behaviour of melanoma cells in the mouse model. α‐MSH production and MSH receptor (melanocortin 1 receptor gene) expression have been detected in cultured normal human melanocytes and metastasized melanomas. The exact role of MSH in the metastatic behaviour of human melanoma cells is, however, not yet known. To clarify a possible role of proopiomelanocortin (POMC)‐derived peptides, including α‐MSH, in melanoma development and progression, we analysed immunohistochemically the localization of α‐MSH, adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) and β‐endorphin in various kinds of benign pigmented naevocytic lesions and malignant melanomas. Three of 21 samples of common and dysplastic naevi showed detectable α‐MSH staining in naevus cells, and five and six of 15 samples were weakly positive for ACTH and β‐endorphin staining, respectively. In melanoma samples, 24 of 45, 23 of 39 and 30 of 42 samples showed positive staining with α‐MSH, ACTH and β‐endorphin antibodies, respectively. Furthermore, staining for all three antibodies was noted to be more intense and diffuse in samples of nodular melanoma, vertically growing acral lentiginous melanoma and superficial spreading melanoma as well as metastatic lesions compared with those of naevi. Although it is yet to be determined whether or not this strong staining for POMC‐derived peptides in advanced melanoma cells indicates a role of autocrine or paracrine regulation, our results suggest a possible involvement of POMC gene products in melanoma progression.
Energy drinks and their adverse health effects: A systematic review of the current evidence

Abstract Purpose: With the rising consumption of so-called energy drinks over the last few years, there has been a growing body of literature describing significant adverse health events after the ingestion of these beverages. To gain further insight about the clinical spectrum of these adverse events, we conducted a literature review. Methods: Using PubMed and Google-Scholar, we searched the literature from January 1980 through May 2014 for articles on the adverse health effects of energy drinks. A total of 2097 publications were found. We then excluded molecular and industry-related studies, popular media reports, and case reports of isolated caffeine toxicity, yielding 43 reports. Conclusion: Energy drink consumption is a health issue primarily of the adolescent and young adult male population. It is linked to increased substance abuse and risk-taking behaviors. The most common adverse events affect the cardiovascular and neurological systems. The most common ingredient in energy drinks is caffeine, and it is believed that the adverse events are related to its effects, as well as potentiating effects of other stimulants in these drinks. Education, regulation, and further studies are required.
Phosphorylation of KSP motifs in the C‐terminal region of titin in differentiating myoblasts.

Titin is a giant structural protein of striated muscle (M(r) approximately 3000 kDa) and single molecules span sarcomeres from the M‐ to Z‐lines. We have cloned and sequenced the C‐terminal region of the titin molecule, which is an integral part of M‐lines and forms intimate contacts with the 165 and 190 kDa M‐line proteins. In contrast to the regular motif patterns of the A‐band portion of titin, the 5.7 kb of titin sequences from the M‐line show a complex structure of immunoglobulin‐C2 repeats, separated by unique interdomain insertion sequences. As a striking feature, one interdomain insertion comprises four KSP repeats analogous to the multi‐phosphorylation repeats of neurofilament subunits H and M. In vitro phosphorylation assays with expressed titin KSP sequences detect high levels of titin KSP phosphorylating kinases in developing but not in differentiated muscle. Since this kinase activity can be depleted from myocyte extracts by antibodies against cdc2 kinase and p13suc1 beads, the titin KSP kinase is structurally related to cdc2 kinase. We suggest that titin C‐terminal phosphorylation by SP‐specific kinases is regulated during differentiation, and that this may control the assembly of M‐line proteins into regular structures during myogenesis.
ChREBP Rather than USF2 Regulates Glucose Stimulation of Endogenous L-pyruvate Kinase Expression in Insulin-secreting Cells*

There is controversy whether or not upstream stimulatory factors (USF) regulate the glucose responsiveness of L-pyruvate kinase (L-PK) promoter activity in hepatocytes. It has been suggested that USF-2 is required for glucose stimulation of L-PK promoter activity in single islet β-cells and INS-1 cells (Kennedy, H. J., Viollet, B., Rafiq, I., Kahn, A., and Rutter, G. A. (1997) J. Biol. Chem. 272, 20636–20640). In the present study, the tet-on system has been employed to achieve tightly controlled and inducible expression of USF-1 and -2 and their dominant-negative mutants DN-USF-1 (ΔbTDU1) and -2 (TDU2) in INS-1 cells. Quantitative Northern blot analysis shows that neither basal level nor glucose responsiveness of endogenous L-PK mRNA is affected by overexpression of USF-1 and -2. Likewise, the L-PK expression is unaltered by dominant-negative suppression of USF function. Western blotting demonstrates that USF-1 and -2 and DN-USF-1 and -2 proteins are stably expressed in nuclear fractions of INS-1 cells. Immunofluorescence staining indicates the uniform induction of these transgene-encoded proteins in the cell nuclei. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays using the L-PK promoter segment reveal that induction of USF-1 and -2 dramatically enhances the USF binding activity, whereas DN-USF-1 and -2 abolish binding. DN-USF-1 and -2 exert their dominant-negative effect by forming non-functional heterodimers with endogenous USF proteins. Carbohydrate response element-binding protein (ChREBP) was recently shown to regulate the glucose responsiveness of the L-PK promoter activity in hepatocytes. We now report the presence of this transcription factor in rat islets and INS-1 cells. Glucose stimulates ChREBP transcription in INS-1 cells, as shown by nuclear run-on experiments. Overexpression of ChREBP in INS-1 cells using the tet-on system results in a left shift of glucose responsiveness of L-PK expression and an enhanced L-PK promoter activity. Both endogenous and doxycycline-induced ChREBP proteins bind to the L-PK promoter in a glucose-dependent manner. These unprecedented results suggest that ChREBP rather than USF mediates glucose-promoted L-PK expression in insulin-secreting cells.
Monitoring the neonatal brain: A survey of current practice among Australian and New Zealand neonatologists

Aims: There is considerable variation in the use of brain imaging and electrophysiological monitoring of encephalopathic term infants. The aims of this study were (i) to document the current practice among Australian and New Zealand neonatologists; and (ii) to identify the factors that influence local practice.
The incidence of hyperemesis gravidarum is increased among Pacific Islanders living in Wellington.

AIMS To compare the incidence of hyperemesis gravidarum among Pacific Islanders living in Wellington with nonPacific Islanders and to investigate some properties of the disorder. METHODS Data were collected on all first time admissions to Wellington Women's Hospital for hyperemesis gravidarum over a 5-year period. Women were classified as having severe hyperemesis gravidarum if abnormalities of serum electrolytes and liver function tests results were present and as less severe if these abnormalities were absent. Almost all women had ketonuria. Mantel-Haenszel odds ratios, chi 2 analysis and Fisher's 2-tailed exact test were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS The proportion of hyperemesis gravidarum patients who were Pacific Islanders was significantly increased when compared to their proportion in a control group (p < 0.01). The difference remained significant when the hyperemesis patients were divided into less and more severe. Abnormal thyroid function test results were more common among Pacific Island patients than among nonPacific Island patients. This difference was significant (p < 0.01) only in the less severe group. CONCLUSION The incidence of hyperemesis gravidarum is significantly increased among Pacific Island women (especially Samoans) living in Wellington and is often associated with abnormalities of thyroid function test results.
Posttranslational Processing of Carboxypeptidase E, a Neuropeptide‐Processing Enzyme, in AtT‐20 Cells and Bovine Pituitary Secretory Granules

Abstract: Carboxypeptidase E (CPE) functions in the posttranslational processing of peptide hormones and neurotransmitters. Like other peptide processing enzymes, CPE is present in secretory granules in soluble and membrane‐associated forms that arise from posttranslational processing of a single precursor, “proCPE. ” To identify the intracellular site of proCPE processing, the biosynthesis and posttranslational processing were investigated in the mouse anterior pituitary‐derived cell line, AtT‐20. Following a 15‐min pulse with [35S]Met, both soluble and membrane‐bound forms of CPE were identified, indicating that the posttranslational processing event that generates these forms of CPE occurs in the endoplasmic reticulum or early Golgi apparatus. The relative proportion of soluble and membrane‐bound forms of CPE changed when cells were chased for 2 h at 37°C but was unaffected when cells were chased at either 20 or 15°C, suggesting that further processing of membrane forms to the soluble form occurs in a post‐Golgi compartment. Treatment of the cells with chloroquine did not alter the relative distribution of soluble and membrane forms, suggesting that an acidic compartment is not required for this processing event. Overexpression of CPE did not influence the distribution of soluble and membrane forms of CPE, indicating that the CPE‐processing enzymes are not rate‐limiting. To examine directly CPE‐processing enzymes, bovine anterior pituitary secretory vesicles were isolated. An enzyme activity that releases the membrane‐bound form of CPE was detected in the purified secretory vesicle membranes. This enzyme, which removes the C‐terminal region of CPE, is partially inhibited by EDTA and phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride and is activated by CaCI2. Together, the data indicate that posttranslational processing of CPE occurs in secretory granules and that this activity may be mediated by a prohormone convertase‐like enzyme.
Value proposition and firm performance: segmentation of Polish online companies

The purpose of the paper was to identify approaches to value proposition in online companies and their consequences to firm performance. The paper presents a deconstructivist view on online value proposition. Based on this approach a survey of 150 Polish online firms was conducted. The research allowed to distinguished five segments of companies: suppliers of unique offerings, specialised newcomers, comprehensive incumbents, productivity enhancers and run-of-the-mill retailers. The findings contradict some results reported in other related studies, e.g., despite distinct characteristics identified segments do not show statistically significant differences in sales profit margin.
Evaluation of voxel values in mandibular cancellous bone: relationship between cone-beam computed tomography and multislice helical computed tomography.

OBJECTIVE Measurements of bone density in designed sites are important in presurgical imaging for dental implant treatment. However, the pixel or voxel values obtained from cone-beam computed tomography (CT) images are not absolute values. Hence, the relationship between voxel values obtained from cone-beam CT with a limited-volume exposure field and a flat panel detector and bone mineral densities (BMDs) obtained from multislice CT was evaluated in the mandible. MATERIAL AND METHODS A total of 16 (four males and 12 females) patients who had undergone imaging for mandibular dental implant treatment using cone-beam CT with Alphard VEGA and multislice CT were enrolled in this investigation. Cross-sectional images of cone-beam and multislice CT were reconstructed, and values of regions of interest (ROIs) in images were calculated. RESULTS A high-level correlation between voxel values of cone-beam CT and BMDs of multislice CT was observed (r=0.965). CONCLUSION It was suggested that voxel values of mandibular cancellous bone in cone-beam CT could be used to estimate bone density.
ESD device simulation in a pre-Si phase

In this paper, a novel approach that performs device simulation in the pre-Si phase to evaluate the robustness of the ESD protection device is presented. Several key parameters, such as the spacing from gate to source contact, the spacing from gate to drain contact, the length of the gate and the width of the gate are researched using the simulator MEDICI. Tunneling phenomenon is also observed and expatiated in ESD protection device. An empirical equation is derived based on the simulation to calculate the failure threshold of the device. The prediction of ESD protection circuit performance in early design phase shortens the design cycle and reduces the cost.
The rationale and evidence base for a protective role of macular pigment in age-related maculopathy

Age-related maculopathy (ARM) remains the most common cause of blind registration in people aged 50 years or over in the developed world, and its prevalence continues to rise. Although effective new treatments have become available in the recent past, these are expensive and cumbersome to the healthcare provider and to the patient, and many cases remain resistant to such therapy. There is a biologically plausible rationale whereby macular pigment, which is entirely of dietary origin, may prevent or delay the onset, or ameliorate the clinical course, of ARM. In this article, we review this rationale, and critically appraise the current evidence base germane to the use of supplements containing the macular carotenoids in patients with, or at risk of developing, ARM.
Beyond the formal/informal jobs divide: evaluating the prevalence of hybrid ‘under-declared’ employment in south-eastern Europe

To evaluate critically the recurring assumption that a job is either formal or informal, but never simultaneously both, this paper uncovers how in south-eastern Europe many formal employees receive not only a declared wage from their formal employer but also an additional undeclared (‘envelope’) wage. Reporting a 2007 EU-wide survey comprising 26,659 face-to-face interviews, some 1 in 6 (16%) formal employees in south-east Europe are found to be in these hybrid ‘under-declared’ jobs receiving on average 60% of their gross salary as an envelope wage. Uncovering how, despite this employment arrangement being unevenly distributed across countries, employee groups and businesses, it is not confined to small pockets but is ubiquitous across the south-east European labour market and beyond, the paper then concludes by discussing the implications for both policy and theory of the existence of ‘under-declared’ formal employment.
Electrokinetic remediation of metals‐contaminated sediments: a technology demonstration involving former waste lagoons

Electrokinetics (EK) is an emerging remediation technology for the in situ removal of heavy metals, volatile organic compounds, and radionuclides from soils and sediments. Naval Air Weapons Station Point Mugu, California will host an EK technology demonstration. The demonstration will consist of installing and operating an EK system, which is engineered to remove cadmium and chromium from former electroplating waste lagoons. The selected site is adjacent to and encroaches on an environmentally sensitive salt marsh are for a federally protected wildlife. The electrokinetic process will be used to mobilize and extract heavy metals from the metals‐contaminated soil by applying a low amperage direct current across an array of electrodes placed in the contaminated soil. The demonstration will focus on the effectiveness of the EK process for removing heavy metals from the tidal marsh area. The EK demonstration will be used to collect cost‐effective data necessary to address both the technical and economic feasibility of using this technology in areas where soils are porous, water is brackish, and the system is susceptible to tidal influences.
The long run, causality, and forecasting in the advertising-sales relationship

Co-integration analysis is used in a study of the advertising and sales relationship using the Lydia Pinkham data set. The series are shown to have a valid long-run relationship while Granger-causality runs in both directions. The latter is found by using a causality test involving the co-integration restrictions which seem to constitute a crucial part of such tests in the case of co-integrated variables. A comparison with previous models shows that forecasting co-integrated series is more accurate with error-correction systems, especially in the case of multi-step forecasting.