Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Practitioner papers: Customer segmentation in fashion retailing: A conjoint study

The key purpose of this paper is to examine the principal dimensions involved in store‐choice decisions and to discuss the trade‐off consumers make in their judgments between salient variables. The process of conjoint analysis is considered, in the first section of the paper, as a means to understanding the behavioural dimensions of customer segmentation. The second section explores this link, with reference to recent research undertaken with a multiple menswear fashion retailer. Respondents were interviewed to elicit their preferred ‘bundle’ of store‐choice attributes, which they felt influenced them in their choice of where to shop. In the third section of the paper, an attempt is made to evaluate the trade‐offs involved in the choice process.
Genetic deletion of Cyp26b1 negatively impacts limb skeletogenesis by inhibiting chondrogenesis

Cyp26b1, a retinoic acid (RA)-metabolising enzyme, is expressed in the developing limb bud, and Cyp26b1−/− mice present with severe limb defects. These malformations might be attributable to an RA-induced patterning defect; however, recent reports suggest that RA is dispensable for limb patterning. In this study, we examined the role of endogenous retinoid signalling in skeletogenesis using Cyp26b1−/− mice and transgenic mice in which Cyp26b1 is conditionally deleted under control of the Prrx1 promoter beginning at ~E9.5 (Prrx1Cre+/Cyp26b1fl/fl). We found that the limb phenotype in Prrx1Cre+/Cyp26b1fl/fl mice was less severe than that observed in Cyp26b1−/− animals and that a change in retinoid signalling contributed to the difference in phenotypes. We systematically examined the role of endogenous RA signalling in chondrogenesis and found that Cyp26b1−/− cells and limb mesenchymal cells treated with a CYP inhibitor, are maintained in a pre-chondrogenic state, exhibit reduced chondroblast differentiation and have modestly accelerated chondrocyte hypertrophy. Furthermore, Cyp26b1−/− mesenchyme exhibited an increase in expression of genes in a closely related tendogenic lineage, indicating that retinoid signals in the limb interfere with differentiation and maintain progenitor status. Together, these findings support an important function for RA in regulating the behaviour of mesenchymal progenitors, and their subsequent differentiation and maturation.
Bacterial adherence to polystyrene: a replica method of screening for bacterial hydrophobicity

A simple replica method is described for the rapid identification of colonies of bacteria which adhere to polystyrene. A correlation was found between the adherence of bacterial strains to polystyrene and cell surface hydrophobicity, suggesting the use of this technique in screening for cell surface mutants and in the isolation of hydrophobic bacteria from nature.
The customer economics of internet privacy

The World Wide Web has significantly reduced the costs of obtaining information about individuals, resulting in a widespread perception by consumers that their privacy is being eroded. The conventional wisdom among the technological cognoscenti seems to be that privacy will continue to erode, until it essentially disappears. The authors use a simple economic model to explore this conventional wisdom, under the assumption that there is no government intervention and privacy is left to free-market forces. They find support for the assertion that, under those conditions, the amount of privacy will decline over time and that privacy will be increasingly expensive to maintain. The authors conclude that a market for privacy will emerge, enabling customers to purchase a certain degree of privacy, no matter how easy it becomes for companies to obtain information, but the overall amount of privacy and privacy-based customer utility will continue to erode.
Growth inhibition of Candida albicans by rabbit alveolar macrophages

Normal rabbit alveolar macrophages were infected in vitro with Candida albicans. Early after infection, germ tube formation of phagocytized C. albicans was inhibited in contrast to extracellular (nonphagocytized) C. albicans. Over and 8-h period, plate counts of C. albicans incubated with alveolar macrophages revealed a decrease in colony-forming units in contrast to C. albicans alone. In addition, an assay was developed which specifically measured C. albicans [3H]leucine incorporation in the presence of alveolar macrophages. Using this assay, we observed a 71 to 93% inhibition of macromolecular synthesis in C. albicans when incubated with alveolar macrophages. Autoradiographic studies showed that the inhibition of leucine incorporation was restricted to the ingested Candida.
Pancreatic fistula after pancreaticoduodenectomy: the conservative treatment of choice.

BACKGROUND A pancreatic fistula (PF) is the most common complication after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD), and its reported incidence varies from 2% to 28%. The aim of the present study was to analyse the treatment of a complicated PF comparing the surgical approach with conservative techniques. METHODS From January 2000 through to August 2006, 121 patients were submitted for PD. The study consisted of 70 men and 47 women, with a median age of 60 years (SD +/- 12). The main indications for PD were pancreatic duct carcinoma in 52 patients (44.5%), ampullary carcinoma or adenoma in 18 (15.4%) and islet cell tumour in 11 (9.4%). Reconstruction by pancreatogastrostomy was performed in 65 patients (55.6%), and pancreatojejunostomy in 52 patients (44%). RESULTS Thirty-five patients (30%) developed a PF. Amongst these, 20 were managed conservatively and 14 were reoperated. These two groups of patients were compared with patients without a PF for analysis. There was no significant difference in the mean age, the gender ratio, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification, surgical time and blood replacement, number of associated procedures, vascular resection and type of reconstruction between the three groups. There were five post-operative deaths (4.2%), three patients (21.4%) in the surgical treatment group (P < 0.01). Mean total number of complications (P= 0.02) and mean length of hospital stay (P < 0.001) were greater in the surgical group. The medium delay between the pancreatic resection and reoperation was 10 days (range, 3-32 days). Completion splenopancreatectomy was required in five patients whereas conservative treatment including debridement and drainage was applied in nine patients. CONCLUSION The surgical approach for a PF is associated with a higher mortality and morbidity. There is no advantage in performing completion pancreatectomy (CP) instead of extensive drainage as a result of the same mortality and morbidity rates and the risk of endocrine insufficiency. In cases of complicated PF, radiological or surgical conservative treatment is recommended.
Connexin 26 is abnormally expressed in bladder cancer.

PURPOSE Connexin 26 is the major gap junction protein in urothelial and mammary epithelial cells, and a putative tumor suppressor gene. We evaluated connexin 26 expression in normal urothelium and in bladder cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 40 formalin fixed, paraffin embedded bladder tumors and 5 normal urothelial specimens were analyzed by immunohistochemistry. Two observers visually scored connexin 26 expression in these specimens. RESULTS Normal urothelium expressed connexin 26 in a punctate staining pattern with limited expression in the basal layer. Decreased connexin 26 expression was observed in 28 of 40 tumors (70%). Connexin 26 was diffusely expressed in 5 of 18 low grade, noninvasive tumors (28%), whereas loss of expression was observed in heterogeneous (30% to 70% positive staining) or extensive (less than 30% positive staining) fashion in 8 (44%) and 5 (28%), respectively. Seven of 22 high grade or invasive tumors (32%) showed diffuse connexin 26 expression, whereas expression was decreased in a heterogeneous or extensive pattern in 9 (41%) and 6 (27%), respectively. Intracytoplasmic localization of connexin 26 was also observed. CONCLUSIONS Expression of connexin 26 is altered in bladder cancer. These aberrant patterns of connexin 26 expression may contribute to the malignant phenotype of this disease.
Tietz syndrome: unique phenotype specific to mutations of MITF nuclear localization signal

To the Editor: Microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) is a member of the basic helix-loop-helix leucine zipper family of transcription factors that regulate the development and maintenance of melanocytes and the biosynthetic pathway of melanin (1). Mutations in MITF lead to Waardenburg syndrome type 2A (WS2A) (2), an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by variable degrees of sensorineural hearing loss and patchy regional distribution of hypopigmentation including heterochromia of the iris, a white forelock, and spotty hypopigmentation. On rare occasions, mutations in MITF lead to the Tietz syndrome (TS) (3), which is distinguishable from WS2 in that TS is characterized by much severer phenotypes with generalized, rather than patchy, hypopigmentation and complete hearing loss (4). So far, only two families with TS have been published. Both these families have undergone molecular analyses: one family had a missense mutation (Asn210Lys) and the other had a 3-bp in-frame deletion [del (R217)] (3, 5). In this study, we present the results of molecular and histological studies conducted on a patient with typical TS. The proband was a 24-year-old woman with generalized pigment loss and congenital complete sensorineural hearing loss. Since her birth, she exhibited blue eyes’ and fair skin. The patient gradually developed freckles in sun-exposed regions at the age of 3 years. Her development was normal, except for her speech. Upon physical examination, she exhibited a generalized hypopigmentation of the skin, blue iridis and blond hair and eyebrows. Fundoscopic examination revealed lack of retinal pigmentation (Fig. 1). Based on these physical findings, she was diagnosed as having TS. Direct sequencing of the polymerase chain reaction products revealed a heterozygous 3-bp in-frame deletion in exon 7 of MITF, leading to a single amino acid deletion del (R217). The mutation was identical to that reported by Amiel et al. (3). Skin biopsy specimens were obtained from hypopigmented regions and hyperpigmented regions (i.e. freckles) on her leg and were processed for examination using light and electron microscopy (Fig. 2). The results are summarized in Table 1. The virtual lack of interfamilial variability among the two previously reported TS families and the present case establishes TS as a clinically recognizable entity (Table 2). The severity of the TS phenotype, compared with that of WS, may be explained from a stoichiometric standpoint: (i) the MITF protein functions as a homodimer, (ii) the mouse mi del (R217) MITF protein can interact with either the wild-type protein or itself when present in the cytoplasm, and (iii) dimers containing the mutant protein cannot be transported from the cytoplasm into the nucleus (6).
Neurotrophic regulation of muscle cholinesterase: effects of botulinum toxin and denervation

1. In order to determine the role of acetylcholine (ACh) transmission in neurotrophic regulation of muscle cholinesterase (ChE), the effects of botulinum toxin treatment were compared with those of denervation, in terms of two fractions of muscle ChE. The sternocleidomastoid muscles of rats were either denervated or injected with botulinum toxin. After 7 days the muscles were frozen, and sequential sections were assayed for acetylcholinesterase activity. By this method, the ChE activity of end‐plates (EPChE) and non‐end‐plate regions (background ChE, BChE) were separately determined.
Analysis of Spino‐pelvic Sagittal Alignment in Young Chinese Patients with Lumbar Disc Herniation

Few studies have concentrated on the sagittal alignment of lumbar disc herniation (LDH), especially the parameters of the pelvis, and controversy exists about whether pelvic morphology is involved in the pathogenesis of LDH. The present study analyzed the characteristics of the sagittal alignment in young Chinese LDH patients and explored the impact of pelvic morphology on the pathogenesis of LDH.
Relationships between Genetic Variations of PNPLA3, TM6SF2 and Histological Features of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Japan

Background/Aims It is important to determine the noninvasive parameters of histological features in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The aim of this study was to investigate the value of genetic variations as surrogate markers of histological features. Methods The parameters that affected the histological features of NAFLD were investigated in 211 Japanese patients with biopsy-proven NAFLD. The relationships between genetic variations in PNPLA3 rs738409 or TM6SF2 rs58542926 and histological features were analyzed. Furthermore, the impact of genetic variations that affected the pathological criteria for the diagnosis of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) (Matteoni classification and NAFLD activity score) was evaluated. Results The fibrosis stage of PNPLA3 GG was significantly more progressive than that of CG by multiple comparisons. Multivariate analysis identified PNPLA3 genotypes as predictors of fibrosis of stage 2 or more, but the impact tended to decrease at stage 3 or greater. There were no significant differences among the histological features of the three genotypes of TM6SF2. PNPLA3 genotypes partly affected the definition of NASH by the NAFLD activity score, but TM6SF2 genotypes did not affect the definition of NASH. Conclusions In Japanese patients with biopsy-proven NAFLD, PNPLA3 genotypes may partly affect histological features, including stage of fibrosis, but the TM6SF2 genotype does not affect histological features.
Impact of Graphene Interface Quality on Contact Resistance and RF Device Performance

This letter demonstrates the importance of the graphene/metal interface on the ohmic contacts of high-frequency graphene transistors grown by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) on copper. Using an Al sacrificial layer during ohmic lithography, the graphene surface roughness underneath the ohmic contacts is reduced by fourfold, resulting in an improvement in the contact resistance from 2.0 to 0.2-0.5 kΩ·μm. Using this technology, top-gated CVD graphene transistors achieved direct-current transconductances of 200 mS/mm, maximum on current densities in excess of 1000 mA/mm, and hole mobilities ~ 1500-3000 cm<sup>2</sup>/(V·s) on silicon substrates. Radio-frequency device performance yielded an extrinsic current-gain cutoff frequency <i>f</i><sub>T</sub> of 12 GHz after pad capacitance de-embedding resulting in an <i>f</i><sub>T</sub> - <i>L</i><sub>G</sub> product of 24 GHz·μm.
Suspect Height Estimation Using the Faro Focus3D Laser Scanner

At present, very little research has been devoted to investigating the ability of laser scanning technology to accurately measure height from surveillance video. The goal of this study was to test the accuracy of one particular laser scanner to estimate suspect height from video footage. The known heights of 10 individuals were measured using an anthropometer. The individuals were then recorded on video walking along a predetermined path in a simulated crime scene environment both with and without headwear. The difference between the known heights and the estimated heights obtained from the laser scanner software were compared using a one‐way t‐test. The height estimates obtained from the software were not significantly different from the known heights whether individuals were wearing headwear (p = 0.186) or not (p = 0.707). Thus, laser scanning is one technique that could potentially be used by investigators to determine suspect height from video footage.
Location decision-making processes of internationalising firms: a multiple case study investigation

Research into the location decision of Australian international firms was primarily directed toward investigating motivations of Australian investors for setting up their foreign direct investments (FDI) in specific foreign countries. Nevertheless, the strategic decision-making process concerning the selection of a beneficial foreign country for either Australian or Western Australian international operations has been neglected in the existing literature; hence, an evident and significant gap was identified. Therefore, the current exploratory investigation used an interpretive paradigm to examine ‘how do Western Australian internationalising firms arrive at a beneficial foreign location choice for their international operations and hence attain successful international expansion. As an attempt to provide rich and deep insights into managerial actions and procedures, as well as critical success factors, that should be considered in effective international location decision-making process to attain a beneficial foreign location choice, five empirical comparative in-depth case studies excluding a pilot case study were purposefully selected from among sixteen potential Western Australian firms which established manufacturing and service operations abroad. Furthermore, seven international location decision-making processes were examined within these five cases through relying on several data sources: in-depth face to face interviews, short telephone and follow-up interviews and questionnaire instrument as primary data sources besides field notes, documents review when available and internet sources as secondary data sources. Two main stages of analysis were undertaken in the current research, namely, within and cross-case analyses.
Response profiles to amino acid odorants of olfactory glomeruli in larval Xenopus laevis

Glomeruli in the vertebrate olfactory bulb (OB) appear as anatomically discrete modules receiving direct input from the olfactory epithelium (OE) via axons of olfactory receptor neurons (ORNs). The response profiles with respect to amino acids (AAs) of a large number of ORNs in larval Xenopus laevis have been recently determined and analysed. Here we report on Ca2+ imaging experiments in a nose–brain preparation of the same species at the same developmental stages. We recorded responses to AAs of glomeruli in the OB and determined the response profiles to AAs of individual glomeruli. We describe the general features of AA‐responsive glomeruli and compare their response profiles to AAs with those of ORNs obtained in our previous study. A large number of past studies have focused either on odorant responses in the OE or on odorant‐induced responses in the OB. However, a thorough comparison of odorant‐induced responses of both stages, ORNs and glomeruli of the same species is as yet lacking. The glomerular response profiles reported herein markedly differ from the previously obtained response profiles of ORNs in that glomeruli clearly have narrower selectivity profiles than ORNs. We discuss possible explanations for the different selectivity profiles of glomeruli and ORNs in the context of the development of the olfactory map.
Optimal acquisition and pricing policies for remanufacturing systems with initial investment

The problem of used product (core) acquisition is an important issue in remanufacturing. In traditional models, remanufacturing systems are assumed to be well-established. However, remanufacturing systems in most developing countries are imperfect and remanufacturers need to make huge initial investments to improve the remanufacturing systems. It is therefore suggested that the effects of initial investment cannot be neglected. In this paper, an acquisition and pricing problem in imperfect remanufacturing systems is studied. The problem is firstly formulated as a two-period nonlinear programming model, and the closed forms of the optimal solution are presented based on Karush-Kuhn-Tucker conditions. Next, the multi-period acquisition and pricing problem, and the effects of the initial investment are discussed. Finally, the conclusions are testified by numerical examples. The results show that with the remanufacturing system improved, the remanufacturer will increase investment and acquire more cores.
A Three-Phase Interleaved DC–DC Converter With Active Clamp for Fuel Cells

In this paper, a three-phase interleaved dc-dc converter with an active clamp and three-phase pulsewidth modulation (PWM) method are proposed. The proposed converter has a three-phase interleaved boost converter, which consists of three input inductors, three active clamp switches, three-phase high frequency transformer, and diode rectifiers. Interleaved operation of a three-phase boost converter reduces overall ripple current, which is imposed into fuel cells and realizes smaller sized filter components, increasing effective operating frequency, and leading to higher power density. Each output current of the three-phase boost converter is combined by the three-phase transformer and flows in the continuous conduction mode, which leads to a reduction of rms current through switches and transformer windings. A peak efficiency of above 95% is achieved by a reduction in the conduction losses resulted by continuous current conduction and switching losses reduced by the action of active clamp branches, as well. The proposed converter and three-phase PWM strategy are analyzed, simulated, and implemented in hardware. Experimental results are presented to verify the feasibility of the proposed converter.
An Analysis of Farmers' Supplying Willingness to Participate Rural Public Goods

1024 samples of households in Inner Mongolia,Ningxia,Shandong provinces in rural China were used,and based on examples of small-scale irrigation systems,we introduced social trust factor and also took income level difference into consideration,this paper applied contingency table to analyze the mechanism of farmers' supplying willingness to participate rural public goods provision.The results showed that,farmers' willingness to participate in the supply of small-scale irrigation systems is only 65%,among which 68% tend to participate in the form of investment.Social trust is significantly and positively related to the farmers' willingness to participate,however,the association of income level and fanners' willingness to participate is weaker.Farmers of high social trust level tend to participate in the form of labor supply,while farmers of higher income level tend to participate in die form of capital supply.
Active Harmonic Filtering Using Current-Controlled, Grid-Connected DG Units With Closed-Loop Power Control

The increasing application of nonlinear loads may cause distribution system power quality issues. In order to utilize distributed generation (DG) unit interfacing converters to actively compensate harmonics, this paper proposes an enhanced current control approach, which seamlessly integrates system harmonic mitigation capabilities with the primary DG power generation function. As the proposed current controller has two well-decoupled control branches to independently control fundamental and harmonic DG currents, local nonlinear load harmonic current detection and distribution system harmonic voltage detection are not necessary for the proposed harmonic compensation method. Moreover, a closed-loop power control scheme is employed to directly derive the fundamental current reference without using any phase-locked loops (PLL). The proposed power control scheme effectively eliminates the impacts of steady-state fundamental current tracking errors in the DG units. Thus, an accurate power control is realized even when the harmonic compensation functions are activated. In addition, this paper also briefly discusses the performance of the proposed method when DG unit is connected to a grid with frequency deviation. Simulated and experimental results from a single-phase DG unit validate the correctness of the proposed methods.