Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Pointing in multi-disciplinary medical meetings

In this paper a field study of using laser-pointing during multi-disciplinary medical meetings is presented. The pointing behaviour adopted by radiologists and surgeons to communicate about and collaboratively analyse patient data such as CT images today is illustrated based on field observations of pre-operative meetings. In a field test, laser-pointers were introduced in pre-operative meetings. How the dialogue and gesturing changed compared to meetings where laser-pointers were not present were investigated. Results from our study show that the multi-disciplinary medical meetings are clearly affected by the introduction of laser-pointer devices and we believe that the participants would benefit from a future gesturing tool if it was carefully designed. The implementation of an application that provides touch feedback in three dimensions of the anatomical structure of blood vessels as well as tumours is described and related to our results.
Causes of Salvadoran migration to the United States.

Underlying causes of Salvadoran migration to the United States are conflict related but controversy continues over whether the immediate motivations are political or economic. Information from the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service on department of origin of Salvadorans apprehended between 1982 and 1985 and from news accounts of Salvadoran political violence and economic setbacks are used to determine correlations between migration and political and economic factors. Results suggest that economic setbacks are more important than political violence. (EXCERPT)
Application specific Anonymization and Privacy – Preserving Access Control Mechanism for Relational data

Access Control Mechanisms (ACM) are used to ensure that only authorized information is available to users. However, sensitive information can still be misused by authorized users to compromise the privacy of consumers. The concept of privacy-preservation for sensitive data can require the enforcement of privacy policies or the protection against identity disclosure by satisfying some privacy requirements. Anonymity techniques can be used with an access control mechanism to ensure both security and privacy of the sensitive information. The privacy is achieved at the cost of accuracy and imprecision is introduced in the authorized information under an access control policy. The proposed system is an integrated framework of achieving both privacy and security is proposed though the integration of Access Control Mechanism with Privacy Preservation Technique to prevent the authorized user from misusing the sensitive information with some accuracy loss of data due to the application of privacy preserving technique. The access control policies define selection predicates available to roles while the privacy requirement is to satisfy the k-anonymity or l-diversity. An additional constraint that needs to be satisfied by the PPM is the imprecision bound for each selection predicate. The proposed system applies the application specific anonymization.
Policy Advice in Multi-Level Governance Systems: Sub-National Policy Analysts and Analysis

Despite the existence of a large body of literature on policy analysis, empirical studies of the work of policy analysts are rare, and in the case of analysts working at the sub-national level in multi-level governance systems, virtually non-existent. Many observers decry the lack of even such basic data as how many policy analysts work in sub-national government, on what subjects, and with what effect. This is true in many countries, for example, the U.S., Germany, and Canada, all federal systems with extensive sub-national governments but where what little empirical work exists focuses on government at the national level. In most cases, in justifying their observations and conclusions observers rely on only one or two quite dated works, on very partial survey results, or on anecdotal case studies and interview research. This article reports the findings of a 2008–2009 survey aimed specifically at examining the background and training of provincial policy analysts in Canada, the types of techniques they employ in their jobs, and what they do in their work on a day-by-day basis. The resulting profile of sub-national policy analysts presented here reveals several substantial differences between analysts working for national governments and their sub-national counterparts, with important implications for training and for the ability of nations to accomplish their long-term policy goals.
Acute Cardiovascular Effects of Apelin in Humans: Potential Role in Patients With Chronic Heart Failure

Background— Apelin, the endogenous ligand for the novel G protein–coupled receptor APJ, has major cardiovascular effects in preclinical models. The study objectives were to establish the effects of acute apelin administration on peripheral, cardiac, and systemic hemodynamic variables in healthy volunteers and patients with heart failure. Methods and Results— Eighteen patients with New York Heart Association class II to III chronic heart failure, 6 patients undergoing diagnostic coronary angiography, and 26 healthy volunteers participated in a series of randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies. Measurements of forearm blood flow, coronary blood flow, left ventricular pressure, and cardiac output were made by venous occlusion plethysmography, Doppler flow wire and quantitative coronary angiography, pressure wire, and thoracic bioimpedance, respectively. Intrabrachial infusions of (Pyr1)apelin-13, acetylcholine, and sodium nitroprusside caused forearm vasodilatation in patients and control subjects (all P<0.0001). Vasodilatation to acetylcholine (P=0.01) but not apelin (P=0.3) or sodium nitroprusside (P=0.9) was attenuated in patients with heart failure. Intracoronary bolus of apelin-36 increased coronary blood flow and the maximum rate of rise in left ventricular pressure and reduced peak and end-diastolic left ventricular pressures (all P<0.05). Systemic infusions of (Pyr1)apelin-13 (30 to 300 nmol/min) increased cardiac index and lowered mean arterial pressure and peripheral vascular resistance in patients and healthy control subjects (all P<0.01) but increased heart rate only in control subjects (P<0.01). Conclusions— Acute apelin administration in humans causes peripheral and coronary vasodilatation and increases cardiac output. APJ agonism represents a novel potential therapeutic target for patients with heart failure.
A new and simple method for the correct localization of the intra‐aortic balloon: the celiac artery Doppler ultrasound

1. Ertug Z, Yegin A, Ertem S, Sahin N, Hadimioglu N, Dosemec IL, Erman M. Comparison of two different techniques for brachial plexus block: infraclavicular versus axillary technique. Acta Anaesthesiol Scand 2005; 49: 1035–9. 2. Ilfeld BM, Le LT, Ramjohn J, Loland VJ, Wadhwa AN, Gerancher JC, Renehan EM, Sessler DI, Shuster JJ, Theriaque DW, Maldonado RC, Mariano ER. The effects of local anesthetic concentration and dose on continuous infraclavicular nerve blocks: a multicenter, randomized, observer-masked, controlled study. Anesth Analg 2009; 108: 345–50. 3. Sandhu NS, Capan LM. Ultrasound-guided infraclavicular brachial plexus block. Br J Anaesth 2002; 89: 254–9. 4. Mariano ER, Loland VJ, Bellars RH, Sandhu NS, Bishop ML, Abrams RA, Meunier MJ, Maldonado RC, Ferguson EJ, Ilfeld BM. Ultrasound guidance versus electrical stimulation for infraclavicular brachial plexus perineural catheter insertion. J Ultrasound Med 2009; 28: 1211–8. 5. Mariano ER, Sandhu NS, Loland VJ, Bishop ML, Madison SJ, Abrams RA, Meunier MJ, Ferguson EJ, Ilfeld BM. A randomized comparison of infraclavicular and supraclavicular continuous peripheral nerve blocks for postoperative analgesia. Reg Anesth Pain Med 2010; 36: 26–31.
Combining fine‐needle aspiration and flow cytometric immunophenotyping in evaluation of nodal and extranodal sites for possible lymphoma: A retrospective review

The relatively recent evaluation of nodal and extranodal sites for malignant lymphoma by combining fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) and flow cytometric immunophenotyping (FCI) techniques has resulted in a most rapid, accurate method. Our study represents a comprehensive retrospective review of in vivo applications of these techniques to cases suspicious for malignant lymphoma. We report our findings, which support the usefulness of these techniques, particularly in diagnosis and staging of primary and recurrent B‐cell lymphomas (BCL). The findings of necrosis and numerous polymorphonuclear cells in cases with a previous history of BCL demand tissue biopsy. Initial diagnosis of BCL by FNA and FCI may obviate tissue biopsy. Diagn. Cytopathol. 16:200–206, 1997. © 1997 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
p15RS/RPRD1A (p15INK4b-related Sequence/Regulation of Nuclear Pre-mRNA Domain-containing Protein 1A) Interacts with HDAC2 in Inhibition of the Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway*

Background: p15RS/RPRD1A inhibits Wnt/β-catenin signaling by recruiting HDAC2. Results: p15RS interacts with HDAC2 and enhances the occupancy of HDAC2 to promoters of Wnt-targeted genes, keeping histone3 in a deacetylated state. Conclusion: p15RS cooperates with HADC2 in the inhibition of Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Significance: p15RS/HDAC2 is a novel co-repressor in the regulation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling. We previously reported that p15RS (p15INK4b-related sequence), a regulation of nuclear pre-mRNA domain containing protein, inhibited Wnt signaling by interrupting the formation of the β-catenin·TCF4 complex. However, how p15RS functions as an intrinsic repressor to repress transcription remains unclear. In this study, we show that p15RS, through a specific interaction with HDAC2 (histone deacetylase 2), a deacetylase that regulates gene transcription, maintains histone H3 in a deacetylated state in the promoter region of Wnt-targeted genes where β-catenin·TCF4 is bound. We observed that histone deacetylase inhibitors impair the ability of p15RS in inhibiting Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Depletion of HDAC2 markedly disabled p15RS inhibition of Wnt/β-catenin-mediated transcription. Interestingly, overexpression of p15RS decreases the level of acetylated histone H3 in the c-MYC promoter. Finally, we demonstrate that p15RS significantly enhances the association of HDAC2 and TCF4 and enhances the occupancy of HDAC2 to DNA, resulting in the deacetylation of histone H3 and the failure of β-catenin interaction. We propose that p15RS acts as an intrinsic transcriptional repressor for Wnt/β-catenin-mediated gene transcription at least partially through recruiting HDAC2 to occupy the promoter and maintaining deacetylated histone H3.
Nature conservation and sustainable development: towards an integrated and holistic strategy for project design and implementation

This paper addresses the design and implementation of projects that aim at contributing to nature conservation and sustainable development. By presenting the Lak Integrated Conservation and Development Project and analyzing two central concepts - biodiversity and sustainable development - we show that preconceived ideas about links between activities and their impact, which are not verified in the local context, have little chance of success. The recommendation to start with various diagnostic activities is important, but as long as no direction is given on how to structure such activities, it can easily lead to an accumulation of information and no clear picture of how to proceed. One solution could be the application of an integrated and holistic strategy, the Interactive Learning and Action approach, which systematically addresses and integrates different types of knowledge and simultaneously enhances an interactive and participatory change process.
Prevalence and risk factors for refractive errors in an adult inner city population.

PURPOSE To estimate the prevalence of refractive errors among adult black and white Americans and to identify risk factors associated with these refractive errors. METHODS Refractive error was measured in a population-based sample of black and white adults age 40 or older residing in east Baltimore from 1985 through 1988. Aphakic eyes were excluded from analysis. RESULTS The prevalence of myopia varied from 10.5% among black men 80 years and older to 42.1% among white women 40 to 49 years of age. Hyperopia ranged from 11.8% among black men 40 to 49 years to 68.1% among white men 80 years of age and older. Astigmatism ranged from 15.8% to 45.2%, and anisometropia ranged from 2.8% to 8.1%, depending on age, race, and gender. Black persons had less myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, and anisometropia than did white persons. Myopia (< -0.5 diopter [D] spherical equivalent) declined with age, whereas hyperopia (> +0.5 D), astigmatism (> 0.5 D of cylinder), and anisometropia (> 1.0 D between eyes) increased with age. Myopia increased with increasing years of education, although this association was stronger for white persons than for black persons and among younger subjects. Hyperopia declined with increasing years of education, and this association was stronger among younger than older subjects. Education was not associated with astigmatism or anisometropia. CONCLUSIONS Black persons had lower rates of refractive error than did white persons, except for hyperopia prevalence, which was comparable in black and white women. Refractive errors are common among adult inner city Americans, but rates vary substantially by age, race, gender, and education levels.
Role of acid sphingomyelinase and IL-6 as mediators of endotoxin-induced pulmonary vascular dysfunction

Background Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is frequently observed in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and it is associated with an increased risk of mortality. Both acid sphingomyelinase (aSMase) activity and interleukin 6 (IL-6) levels are increased in patients with sepsis and correlate with worst outcomes, but their role in pulmonary vascular dysfunction pathogenesis has not yet been elucidated. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the potential contribution of aSMase and IL-6 in the pulmonary vascular dysfunction induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Methods Rat or human pulmonary arteries (PAs) or their cultured smooth muscle cells (SMCs) were exposed to LPS, SMase or IL-6 in the absence or presence of a range of pharmacological inhibitors. The effects of aSMase inhibition in vivo with D609 on pulmonary arterial pressure and inflammation were assessed following intratracheal administration of LPS. Results LPS increased ceramide and IL-6 production in rat pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) and inhibited pulmonary vasoconstriction induced by phenylephrine or hypoxia (HPV), induced endothelial dysfunction and potentiated the contractile responses to serotonin. Exogenous SMase and IL-6 mimicked the effects of LPS on endothelial dysfunction, HPV failure and hyperresponsiveness to serotonin in PA; whereas blockade of aSMase or IL-6 prevented LPS-induced effects. Finally, administration of the aSMase inhibitor D609 limited the development of endotoxin-induced PH and ventilation-perfusion mismatch. The protective effects of D609 were validated in isolated human PAs. Conclusions Our data indicate that aSMase and IL-6 are not simply biomarkers of poor outcomes but pathogenic mediators of pulmonary vascular dysfunction in ARDS secondary to Gram-negative infections.
The Effects of an E-marketing Orientation on Performance on Turkish Exporter Firms

This article aims to examine strategic orientations' effects on firms' performance in emerging economies such as Turkey. Strategic orientation directly affects all organizational activities and behaviors. Strategic orientations such as market orientation (MO), e-marketing orientation (EMO), entrepreneurial orientation (EO), and technology orientation (TO) are evaluated in this study. EMO is explained, along with its components and effect on firm performance, financial performance (FP), and marketing performance (MP). EMO has two components: Philosophical E-marketing Orientation (EMO-ph) and Behavioral E-marketing Orientation (EMO-behv). The research hypotheses are tested using data collected from 144 exporting firms in Turkey. The results show that the direct effect of TO on FP is significant; one of MO's components and EO directly affect marketing performance. The findings provide direction for future strategic orientations research.
Relation between economic disadvantage and psychosocial morbidity in children.

OBJECTIVE To examine the relation between low income and child psychosocial morbidity cross-sectionally and longitudinally. DESIGN Cross-sectional survey with follow-up. SETTING Ontario. PARTICIPANTS Children aged 4 to 16 years from families selected by means of stratified, clustered and random sampling of 1981 Canada Census data. Results were based on the responses of 2503 children interviewed in 1983 and 1076 re-interviewed in 1987. OUTCOME MEASURES Prevalence rates of psychiatric disorders, poor school performance and social impairment. RESULTS There was a significant relation between low income and psychosocial morbidity, with a threshold at an income level of less than $10,000. Poor children 4 to 11 years of age were at greater risk of morbidity than poor children 12 to 16, but there were no significant age differences. Logistic regression revealed that low income and noneconomic factors (low maternal education and family dysfunction) shared significant independent influences on the prevalence of psychosocial morbidity. CONCLUSIONS Low income is strongly associated with psychosocial morbidity in children. Both economic and noneconomic factors showed independent influences on morbidity. These findings have important clinical, scientific and policy implications.
Contemporary tourism issues in Asia Pacific journals 1989-1996: a thematic perspective

Reviews articles published in three Asia Pacific‐based tourism journals: the Journal of Tourism Studies, Tourism Recreation Research and the Asia Pacific Journal of Tourism Research. Identifies five tourism themes relating to articles published over an eight year period from 1989‐1996. These are: tourist markets, tourist flows, tourism development, sustainable tourism development and social, economic and cultural impacts of tourism.
Exact real computer arithmetic with continued fractions

We introduce a representation of the computable real numbers by continued fractions. This deals with the subtle points of undecidable comparison an integer division, as well as representing the infinite 1/0 and undefined 0/0 numbers. Two general algorithms for performing arithmetic operations are introduced. The algebraic algorithm, which computes sums and products of continued fractions as a special case, basically operates in a positional manner, producing one term of output for each term of input. The transcendental algorithm uses a general formula of Gauss to compute the continued fractions of exponentials, logarithms, trigonometric functions, as well as a wide class of special functions. A prototype system has been implemented in LeLisp, and the performance of these algorithms is promising.
ABC: adopters, supporters, deniers and unawares

Purpose – Despite the great interest in activity based costing (ABC), companies seem to be reluctant to adopt it. Our research aims at examining the rate of adoption of ABC by Greek companies that belong to all three sectors of the Greek economy, i.e. manufacturing, retail and services, as well as investigating the reasons that influence a firm's decision to change its current cost accounting system.Design/methodology/approach – An empirical survey via questionnaires was conducted during 2003 on a sample of 88 Greek leading companies and four company categories were identified in respect to their perceptions towards ABC (ABC adopters, ABC supporters, ABC deniers and ABC unawares). Findings – Our findings indicate that ABC diffusion in Greece is quite satisfactory. Furthermore, we present evidence that firms that have implemented ABC (ABC adopters) have experienced multidimensional management facilitating benefits from the system. However, the adequacy of resources was found to be the variable that is posit.
Protein-protein interactions within paramyxoviruses identified by native disulfide bonding or reversible chemical cross-linking

Analysis of native disulfide-bonded protein oligomers in paramyxoviruses showed that some viral proteins are consistently present as covalent complexes. In isolated Sendai virus the hemagglutinating protein HN is present in homodimeric and homotetrameric forms, and the minor nucleocapsid protein P exists partly as a monomer and partly as a disulfide-linked homotrimer. Similar disulfide-linked complexes were observed in Newcastle disease virus (strain HP-16), in which HN exists as a homodimer and some of the major nucleocapsid protein NP exists as a homotrimer. Noncovalent intermolecular interactions between proteins were studied with the reversible chemical cross-linkers dimethyl-3,3'-dithiobispropionimidate and methyl 3-[(p-azidophenyl)dithio]propionimidate, which contain disulfide bridges and a 1.1-nm separation between their functional groups. The same results were achieved with both reagents. The conditions of preparation, isolation, and storage of the viruses affected the protein-protein interactions observed upon cross-linking. Homooligomers of the glycoprotein F, the matrix protein M, and the major nucleocapsid protein NP were produced in both Sendai and Newcastle disease viruses after mild cross-linking of all viral preparations examined, but NP-M heterodimer formation in both viruses was most prevalent in early harvest preparations that were cross-linked soon after isolation. The ability of NP and M to form a heterodimer upon cross-linking indicates that the matrix protein layer lies in close proximity (within 1.1 nm) to the nucleocapsid in the newly formed virion. Some noncovalent intermolecular protein interactions in Sendai and Newcastle disease viruses, i.e., those leading to the formation of F, NP, and M homooliogmers upon cross-linking, are more stable to virus storage than others, i.e., those leading to the formation of an NP-M heterodimer upon cross-linking. The storage-induced loss of the ability of NP and M to form a heterodimer is not accompanied by any apparent loss of infectivity. This indicates that some spacial relationships which form during virus assembly can alter after particle formation and are not essential for the ensuing stages of the infectious process.
In-sourcing, Outsourcing, and the Growth of Contingent Labour as Evidence of Flexible Employment Strategies

There is a growing body of piecemeal evidence that an increasing number of wellestablished companies are developing radically new staffing policies, based on the strategic use of contract labour companies, and justified on the basis of cost reduction in the face of growing competition. Using evidence from labour force survey data, interviews with senior human resource managers, and the preliminary results of a case study of a contract labour agency, this article assesses the evidence of such growth in labour contracting and the extent to which it reflects human resource strategies increasingly linked to business strategy. It is concluded that, although the picture is far from uniform, trends and case evidence support the contention that the strategic use of segmented labour force strategies among major employers has developed strongly in the 1990s and is likely to continue.