Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Revisiting Types and Risk Factors for Thyroid Malignancy in a State Endemic of Iodine Deficiency Goiter

Introduction: We have realized that recent rise in incidence of thyroid malignancy is partly because of incidental findings of cancer after resection for benign goiters. Therefore, we aim to reanalyze risk factors for thyroid malignancy in those patients who underwent primary thyroid surgery at Breast and Endocrine Surgical Unit, Department of Surgery, Hospital Raja Perempuan Zainab II, Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia. Materials and methods: Retrospective review in our database found 699 patients who had undergone thyroid surgeries between June 2007 and December 2014. According to the final histopathological report of resected specimen, these patients, operated for goiter, were divided into two groups: Thyroid malignancy group and nonmalignancy group. Logistic regression analysis was used to estimate the risk of age, duration and weight of resected specimen for having thyroid malignancy. Results: The mean value for age was 43.5 years [standard deviation (SD) = 14.0); duration of neck swelling was 5.9 months (SD = 6.7); and weight of resected specimen was 157 gm (SD = 161.0). Around 26.9% cases had thyroid malignancy (n = 188), about 77.13% cases had papillary thyroid carcinoma and 17.6% had follicular thyroid carcinoma. Age associates with risk for malignancy (p < 0.001), but duration of neck swelling (p = 0.513) and weight of resected specimen (p = 0.955) do not relate with this. With an increase of 1 year of age, the odds to have thyroid malignancy increase for 2%. This is equivalent with 14.4% increase in cancer for every 5-year increase in age. Conclusion: Our study has found that increasing age is the only associated factor for risk of thyroid malignancy. When managing elderly patients who has clinically benign goiter, differential diagnosis of thyroid cancer need be considered as well.
Modeling permafrost thaw and ecosystem carbon cycle under annual and seasonal warming at an Arctic tundra site in Alaska

Permafrost thaw and its impacts on ecosystem carbon (C) dynamics are critical for predicting global climate change. It remains unclear whether annual and seasonal warming (winter or summer) affect permafrost thaw and ecosystem C balance differently. It is also required to compare the short‐term stepwise warming and long‐term gradual warming effects. This study validated a land surface model, the Community Atmosphere Biosphere Land Exchange model, at an Alaskan tundra site, and then used it to simulate permafrost thaw and ecosystem C flux under annual warming, winter warming, and summer warming. The simulations were conducted under stepwise air warming (2°C yr−1) during 2007–2011, and gradual air warming (0.04°C yr−1) during 2007–2056. We hypothesized that all warming treatments induced greater permafrost thaw, and larger ecosystem respiration than plant growth thus shifting the ecosystem C sink to C source. Results only partially supported our hypothesis. Climate warming further enhanced C sink under stepwise (6–15%) and gradual (1–8%) warming scenarios as followed by annual warming, winter warming, and summer warming. This is attributed to disproportionally low temperature increase in soil (0.1°C) in comparison to air warming (2°C). In a separate simulation, a greater soil warming (1.5°C under winter warming) led to a net ecosystem C source (i.e., 18 g C m−2 yr−1). This suggests that warming tundra can potentially provide positive feedbacks to global climate change. As a key variable, soil temperature and its dynamics, especially during wintertime, need to be carefully studied under global warming using both modeling and experimental approaches.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Histopathological Visualization of Human Dural Lymphatic Vessels

In this protocol, we describe a method to visualize and map dural lymphatic vessels in-vivo using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ex-vivo using histopathological techniques. While MRI protocols for routine imaging of meningeal lymphatics include contrast-enhanced T2-FLAIR and T1-weighted black-blood imaging, a more specific 3D mapping of the lymphatic system can be obtained by administering two distinct gadolinium-based MRI contrast agents on different days (gadofosveset and gadobutrol) and subsequently processing images acquired before and after administration of each type of contrast. In addition, we introduce methods for optimal immunostaining of lymphatic and blood vessel markers in human dura mater ex-vivo.
The Life-Course Dynamics of Goal Pursuit and Goal Adjustment: A Two-Process Framework

A dual-process framework is proposed for understanding how the self-system negotiates the conflicting demands of ensuring a stable pursuit of goals and plans while adjusting to changes that affect their attainability. The model distinguishes two basic modes of reducing discrepancies between desired and factual situations or developmental outcomes: The assimilative mode comprises intentional efforts to modify the actual situation in accordance with personal goals, whereas the accommodative mode engages mechanisms that promote the adjustment of goals to constraints and changes in action resources. Differential conditions, underlying cognitive mechanisms, as well as life-course implications of these regulatory modes are specified. Empirical findings are presented that illustrate the explanatory scope of the model and its implications for well-being, efficacy, and successful aging. ≈ 2002
Third-party logistics (3Pls) provider selection via Fuzzy AHP and EDAS integrated model

In the global competitive environment, companies not only improve the quality of service and increase the efficiency, they also decrease the cost by means of third-party logistics (3PLs). 3PLs, therefore, is an important strategy for companies desiring to gain a competitive advantage and 3PLs provider selection plays a critical role for the success of outsourcing. Nevertheless, the level of uncer­tainty in the selection process is relatively high and need to be carefully considered. Hence, in order to select a proper 3PLs provider, integration of the Fuzzy AHP and Evaluation based on Distance from Average Solution (EDAS) has offered a novel integrated model, in which Fuzzy AHP is used for calculating priority weights of each criteria and EDAS is employed to achieve the final ranking of 3PLs providers. Besides, in order to demonstrate the applicability of the proposed model, it is validated by a case study. Cost together with quality, and professionalism are found to be the most important factors for 3PLs provider selection. Consequently, the advantage of this model is that it is simple to apprehend and easy to apply. The use of the proposed model leads to the selection of suitable alternative successfully in other selection problems. First published online: 23 Apr 2017
The Role and Impact of ICT on Economy Growth

Use of information to the discretion of the prediction of economic growth driven by investments in the Information and Communication Technology(ICT). This paper discuss on the use of ICT that contributes to the economic growth and how it being measured. Prediction analysis resulting to empirical studies and research had been carried out between ICT and economic growth found there is both mixed results depending on the methodology of the research engaged and geographical landscape or situation that should be considered. The analysis of estimates reveal a significant impact on economic growth of investments in ICT towards specific region implies whereby countries seek to enhance their economic growth, they need to implement specific policies that facilitate investment in ICT. A proposed future research has been made in this paper that could help to ensure the role and impact of ICT to spur the economy growth with the continuing trend that is growing is also given.
Sharp Corner/Edge Recognition in Domestic Environments Using RGB-D Camera Systems

This brief proposes a sharp corner/edge detection and evaluation scheme for RGB-D camera-based domestic applications. The proposed approach first preprocesses the original depth map of objects in domestic environments captured by an RGB-D camera system and then uses the recovered depth map to recognize sharp corners/edges on objects and calculate their sharpness. Furthermore, the approaching speed of a mobile manipulator equipped with the system is derived, and the threat of detected sharp corners/edges is evaluated. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first work that explores sharp corner/edge detection and evaluation in the literature. Simulation results demonstrated that the proposed algorithm can effectively identify dangerous sharp corners/edges in domestic environments.
Racial influences associated with weight-related beliefs in African American and Caucasian women.

This study examines African American and Caucasian women's perception of how race affects their weight. Structured focus groups that used the nominal group technique (NGT) were conducted with four groups of African American women (n = 30) and four groups of Caucasian women (n = 30). Participants generated responses to the question, "How does being a Black/White woman affect your weight? " The African American groups generated 48 unique ideas, including unhealthy food preparation, poor food selection habits, lack of exercise, stress, increased risk of chronic diseases, and associated medical costs; the Caucasian groups produced 32 responses, including distorted expectations of perfect body type, success depended on thinness and beauty, social pressures, media, and men's preferences. Results suggest that the African American women focused on food choices and health consequences while the Caucasian women emphasized body size and aesthetics. The observed differences support a need for culturally specific interventions that promote good eating patterns and healthy body shapes.
Single-channel and two-channel methods for land surface temperature retrieval from DAIS data and its application to the Barrax site

In this paper, a methodology using a single-channel and a two-channel method is presented to estimate the land surface temperature from the DAIS (Digital Airborne Imaging Spectrometer) thermal channels 74 (8.747 µm), 75 (9.648 µm), 76 (10.482 µm), 77 (11.266 µm), 78 (11.997 µm) and 79 (12.668 µm). The land surface temperature retrieved with both methods has been validated over the Barrax site (Albacete, Spain) in the framework of the DAISEX (Digital Airborne Imaging Spectrometer Experiment) field campaigns. Prior to the validation an analysis of the DAIS data quality has been performed in order to check the agreement between in situ data and the values extracted from the DAIS images supplied by the DLR (German Optoelectronic Institute). Suitable differences between in situ and DAIS data have been found. To solve this problem a linear re-calibration of the DAIS thermal channels has been applied using two ground calibration points (bare soil and water). For the land surface temperature retrieved, rms deviations of 0.96 K using a single-channel method and 1.46 K using a two-channel method with the DAIS thermal channels 77 and 78 have been obtained considering re-calibrated data.
Western Caribbean sea surface temperatures during the late Quaternary

Mg/Ca ratios in the planktonic foraminifera Globigerinoides ruber from Colombian Basin core ODP 999A suggest that Caribbean sea surface temperatures (SSTs) were from 2.1 to 2.7°C colder than the present during the last three glacial maximums. In comparison, faunal derived SSTs (SIMMAX method) show that August SSTs in the Caribbean varied <2°C over the past 360 kyr, whereas February SSTs varied between 21.0°C and 26.5°C. Changes in the Mg/Ca‐SST record contain a strong 23 kyr periodicity, suggesting the Mg/Ca‐SST record reflects a warm season weighted SST average rather than an annual mean SST. Combining several dissolution indices, we identify brief periods of decreased carbonate preservation in our record and show that MIS 11 stands out as the most intensive dissolution cycle in the Caribbean over the last 460 kyr. Comparison of Caribbean SST change with a similar estimate of tropical SST variability in the western Pacific over the past 360 kyr reveals shifts in the east‐west tropical SST gradient that are coeval with glacial‐interglacial climate change and consistent both with a southward migration of the glacial ITCZ and with a glacial El Niño‐like mode of tropical circulation.
Histone deacetylase inhibitors suppress thymidylate synthase gene expression and synergize with the fluoropyrimidines in colon cancer cells

Despite recent therapeutic advances, the response rates to chemotherapy for patients with metastatic colon cancer remain at ∼50% with the fluoropyrimidine, 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU), continuing to serve as the foundation chemotherapeutic agent for the treatment of this disease. Previous studies have demonstrated that overexpression of thymidylate synthase (TS) is a key determinant of resistance to 5‐FU‐based chemotherapy. Therefore, there is a significant need to develop alternative therapeutic strategies to overcome TS‐mediated resistance. In this study, we demonstrate that the histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) vorinostat and LBH589 significantly downregulate TS gene expression in a panel of colon cancer cell lines. Downregulation of TS was independent of p53, p21 and HDAC2 expression and was achievable in vivo as demonstrated by mouse xenograft models. We provide evidence that HDACi treatment leads to a potent transcriptional repression of the TS gene. Combination of the fluoropyrimidines 5‐FU or FUdR with both vorinostat and LBH589 enhanced cell cycle arrest and growth inhibition. Importantly, the downstream effects of TS inhibition were significantly enhanced by this combination including the inhibition of acute TS induction and the enhanced accumulation of the cytotoxic nucleotide intermediate dUTP. These data demonstrate that HDACi repress TS expression at the level of transcription and provides the first evidence suggesting a direct mechanistic link between TS downregulation and the synergistic interaction observed between HDACi and 5‐FU. This study provides rationale for the continued clinical evaluation of HDACi in combination with 5‐FU‐based therapies as a strategy to overcome TS‐mediated resistance. © 2009 UICC
The CryoCapsule: Simplifying Correlative Light to Electron Microscopy

Correlating complementary multiple scale images of the same object is a straightforward means to decipher biological processes. Light microscopy and electron microscopy are the most commonly used imaging techniques, yet despite their complementarity, the experimental procedures available to correlate them are technically complex. We designed and manufactured a new device adapted to many biological specimens, the CryoCapsule, that simplifies the multiple sample preparation steps, which at present separate live cell fluorescence imaging from contextual high‐resolution electron microscopy, thus opening new strategies for full correlative light to electron microscopy. We tested the biological application of this highly optimized tool on three different specimens: the in vitro Xenopus laevis mitotic spindle, melanoma cells over‐expressing YFP‐langerin sequestered in organized membranous subcellular organelles and a pigmented melanocytic cell in which the endosomal system was labeled with internalized fluorescent transferrin.
Characterization of the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic interaction between gamma-hydroxybutyrate and ethanol in the rat.

It has been reported that ethanol enhances the hypnotic effect of gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB). In order to clarify the nature of this interaction we studied the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of combinations of GHB and ethanol in rats. Intraperitoneal injections of the GHB precursor gamma-butyrolactone (300 mg/kg) together with ethanol (3000 mg/kg) (n = 4) resulted in a longer "sleeping time" than the sum of the individual times (n = 8). Pharmacokinetic analysis of GHB concentrations with a two-compartment model with Michaelis-Menten (M-M) elimination in rats receiving a bolus of GHB (400 mg/kg, i.v.) in addition to steady-state ethanol concentrations (300-3000 microg/ml) (n = 12) or saline (n = 15) showed no marked differences in the area under the curve. The nature of the pharmacodynamic interaction was studied using isobolographs and an interaction model for the loss of the startle and righting reflex and a reaction to a painful tail clamp in rats receiving combinations of steady state concentrations of ethanol (1000-3000 microg/ml) and GHB (200-1400 microg/ml). For the righting reflex, synergy was observed at high ethanol concentrations (>2000 microg/ml) and additivity at lower concentrations. For the startle reflex, it was antagonistic at ethanol concentrations below 1000 microg/ml, and additivity was seen at higher concentrations. For the tail clamp reaction, a slight but significant antagonism was found at all combined concentrations. It is concluded that ethanol prolongs the sleeping time induced by GHB in the rat, which may not be due to a pharmacokinetic interaction. Pharmacodynamic interactions between GHB and ethanol in the rat occur, and the nature varies with the reflex studied and the concentration of ethanol used.
Changes in the control of skin blood flow with exercise training: where do cutaneous vascular adaptations fit in?

Heat is the most abundant byproduct of cellular metabolism. As such, dynamic exercise in which a significant percentage of muscle mass is engaged generates thermoregulatory demands that are met in part by increases in skin blood flow. Increased skin blood flow during exercise adds to the demands on cardiac output and confers additional circulatory strain beyond that associated with perfusion of active muscle alone. Endurance exercise training results in a number of physiological adaptations which ultimately reduce circulatory strain and shift thermoregulatory control of skin blood flow to higher levels of blood flow for a given core temperature. In addition, exercise training induces peripheral vascular adaptations within the cutaneous microvasculature indicative of enhanced endothelium‐dependent vasomotor function. However, it is not currently clear how (or if) these local vascular adaptations contribute to the beneficial changes in thermoregulatory control of skin blood flow following exercise training. The purpose of this Hot Topic Review is to synthesize the literature pertaining to exercise training‐mediated changes in cutaneous microvascular reactivity and thermoregulatory control of skin blood flow. In addition, we address mechanisms driving changes in cutaneous microvascular reactivity and thermoregulatory control of skin blood flow, and pose the question: what (if any) is the functional role of increased cutaneous microvascular reactivity following exercise training?
Maternal antenatal anxiety and behavioural/emotional problems in children: a test of a programming hypothesis.

BACKGROUND Previous animal investigations link antenatal stress with a range of persistent behavioural abnormalities in the offspring. The current study examined if the effect was also found in humans through middle childhood. METHODS The current study is based on the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC), a prospective, community-based study that has followed a cohort of women from pregnancy. Self-report measures of maternal anxiety and depression were assessed at repeated intervals in pregnancy and the postnatal period. Children's behavioural/emotional problems were assessed by parent report at age 47 and 81 months. Information on obstetric and psychosocial factors was obtained at several points in pregnancy and the postnatal period. RESULTS Children whose mothers experienced high levels of anxiety in late pregnancy exhibited higher rates of behavioural/emotional problems at 81 months of age after controlling for obstetric risks, psychosocial disadvantage, and postnatal anxiety and depression (for girls, OR = 1.91, 95%CI = 1.26-2.89; for boys, OR = 2.16, 95%CI = 1.41-3.30). Furthermore, the effect at 81 months was comparable to what was previously obtained at 47 months, suggesting the kind of persistent effect proposed in the animal literature. CONCLUSIONS There is evidence that antenatal stress/anxiety has a programming effect on the fetus which lasts at least until middle childhood.
Analysis of paraaortic lymph node involvement in pancreatic carcinoma

Lymph node status is a key prognostic factor for pancreatic carcinoma. The paraaortic lymph nodes are the highest level of lymph nodes that can be resected safely in the abdomen for pancreatic and other gastrointestinal tumors. The pattern of paraaortic lymph node involvement and its relation with other lymph node groups were analyzed and the significance of this information relative to surgical therapy examined.
Tyrosine hydroxylase-based DNA-vaccination is effective against murine neuroblastoma.

BACKGROUND The disruption of self-tolerance against neuroblastoma is the ultimate goal of an effective DNA-vaccine. PROCEDURE Here we demonstrate the induction of a protective immunity against syngeneic murine NXS2 neuroblastoma in A/J mice, following vaccination with tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) derived antigens. Oral gene delivery was accomplished using an attenuated strain of Salmonella typhimurium as a carrier harboring vectors encoding for mTH antigens. RESULTS Vaccination was effective in protecting animals from a lethal challenge with wild-type NXS2 tumor cells. CONCLUSIONS These results provide the first evidence of the TH self antigen being recognized by T-cells and demonstrate that a TH-based DNA vaccine is a potentially useful immunotherapeutic strategy for neuroblastoma.
SURVEY OF ETHICAL BEHAVIOR IN ACCOUNTING PROFESSION

Certified public accounting is a profession whose members are independent practitioners or members of firms rendering services in three broad areas: auditing, taxes, and management services. ' In order to perform effectively selected tasks, professions rely on a certain amount of autonomy given by society. Along with the privilege of autonomy goes the responsibility of self-regulation. Any profession which fails to regulate effectively the professional behavior of its members risks the loss of its autonomy.2 As a profession, certified public accounting has the task of regulating the professional behavior of its members. The objective of this paper is to report findings on the ethical behavior of Certified Public Accountants.
Globalization and Institutions

This volume investigates the relationship between economic globalization and institutions, or global governance, challenging the common assumption that globalization and institutionalization are essentially processes which exclude each other. Instead, the contributors to this book show that globalization is better perceived as a dual process of institutional change at the national level, and institution building at the transnational level. Rich, supporting empirical evidence is provided along with a theoretical conceptualization of the main actors, mechanisms and conditions involved in trickle-up and trickle-down trajectories through which national institutional systems are being transformed and transnational rules emerge.