Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Association of Filaggrin Variants with Asthma and Rhinitis: Is Eczema or Allergic Sensitization Status an Effect Modifier?

Background: Associations of variants of the filaggrin gene, i.e. FLG with asthma and rhinitis have been shown to be modulated by eczema status. However, it is unknown whether allergic sensitization status modifies this association. The aim of this study was to determine whether FLG variants need eczema and/or allergic sensitization as a necessary component to execute adverse effects on coexisting and subsequent asthma and rhinitis. Methods: In the Isle of Wight birth cohort, repeated measurements of asthma, rhinitis, eczema and allergic sensitization (documented by skin-prick tests) were taken in 1,456 children at the ages of 1, 2, 4, 10 and 18 years. Filaggrin haploinsufficiency was defined as having at least the minor allele of R501X, 2282del4 or S3247X variants. log-binomial regression models were used to test associations and statistical interactions. Results:FLG variants increased the risk of asthma [risk ratio (RR) 1.39, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.06-1.80] and rhinitis (RR 1.37, 95% CI 1.16-1.63). In the delayed-effects models, ‘FLG variants plus allergic sensitization' and ‘FLG variants plus eczema' increased the risk of subsequent asthma by 4.93-fold (95% CI 3.61-6.71) and 3.33-fold (95% CI 2.45-4.51), respectively, during the first 18 years of life. In contrast, neither eczema nor allergic sensitization in combination with FLG variants increased the risk of later rhinitis. Conclusions: Allergic sensitization and eczema modulated the association between FLG variants and asthma but not rhinitis. Our results imply that the mechanisms and pathways through which FLG variants predispose to an increased risk of asthma and rhinitis may be different.
When standards is not enough to secure interoperability and competitiveness for European exporters

Beimborn, Daniel, University of Bamberg, Feldkirchenstrase 21, 96052 Bamberg, Germany, beimborn@is-bamberg.de Joachim, Nils, University of Bamberg, Feldkirchenstrase 21, 96052 Bamberg, Germany, joachim@is-bamberg.de Muenstermann, Bjoern, University of Bamberg, Feldkirchenstrase 21, 96052 Bamberg, Germany, muenstermann@is-bamberg.de What is the impact of a Service-oriented Architecture (SOA) on the efficiency and effectiveness of business process standardization (BPS)? The contribution of this paper is the development of a research model around the impact of SOA on BPS in terms of achieving fundamental efficiency and flexibility potentials while covering both the business layer and the IT layer of the firm. Drawing on an accepted and widespread enterprise architecture model, we derive propositions that explain why and how SOA’s characteristics help to standardize business processes and how the interplay between SOA and BPS leads to an increased overall business value. Additional moderator arguments, such as the level of service granularity, the centrality of SOA governance, or Business IT alignment, are added to the research model as critical success factors of achieving business value of SOA.
When does transitioning from family to professional management improve firm performance

Using long-term data on Japanese family firms, this study explores when the transition from family to professional management leads to better performance. In order to avoid endogeneity bias, we employ propensity score matching and difference-in-differences techniques. We find evidence that firms that transition from family to professional CEOs outperform those that maintain family leadership. This performance improvement is more pronounced when (1) families maintain high ownership control but leave no family legacy behind, (2) when the transition moves from non-founder family managers to professionals, and (3) when professional managers graduated from elite universities
Clusters and Competition: New Agendas for Companies, Governments and Institutions

the company level has been dominated by what goes on inside companies. Thinking about the competitiveness of nations and states has focused on the economy as a whole, with national economic policy seen as the dominant influence. In both competition and competitiveness the role of location is all but absent. If anything, the tendency has been to see location as diminishing in importance. Globalization allows companies to source capital, goods, and technology from anywhere and to locate operations wherever it is most cost effective. Governments are widely seen as losing their influence over competition to global forces. This perspective, although widespread, does not accord with competitive reality. In The Competitive Advantage of Nations (1990), I put forward a theory of national, state, and local competitiveness within the context of a global economy. This theory gives clusters a prominent role. Clusters are geographic concentrations of interconnected companies, specialized suppliers, service providers, firms in related industries, and associated institutions (for example, universities, standards agencies, and trade associations) in particular fields that compete but also cooperate. Critical masses of unusual competitive success in particular business areas, clusters are a striking feature of virtually every national, regional, state, and even metropolitan economy, especially those of more economically advanced nations. While the phenomenon of clusters in one form or another has been recognized and explored in a range of literatures, clusters cannot be understood independently of a broader theory of competition and the influence of location in the global economy. (See the insert “Historical and Intellectual Antecedents of Cluster Theory.”) The prevalence of clusters in economies, rather than isolated firms and industries, reveals important insights into the nature of competition and the role of location in competitive advantage. Even though old reasons for clustering have diminished in importance with globalization, new roles of clusters in competition have taken on growing importance in an increasingly complex, knowledge-based, and dynamic economy. The cluster concept represents a new way of thinking about national, state, and city economies, and points to new roles for companies, governments, and other institutions striving to enhance competitiveness. The presence of clusters suggests that much of competitive advantage lies outside a given company or even outside its industry, residing instead in the locations of its business units. The odds of building a world-class mutual fund company are much higher in Boston Clusters and Competition
Distribution of the mRNA for a metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR3) in the rat brain: An in situ hybridization study

Distribution of the mRNA for a metabotropic glutamate receptor, mGluR3, which is coupled to the inhibitory cAMP cascade, was examined in the central nervous system of the adult albino rat by in situ hybridization. The hybridization signals of mGluR3 were detected not only on neuronal cells but also on many glial cells throughout the brain and spinal cord. In the neuronal cells, prominent expression of mGluR3 mRNA was seen in the thalamic reticular nucleus. Moderately labeled neurons were seen in the anterior olfactory nucleus, cerebral neo and mesocortical regions, lateral amygdaloid nucleus, ventral part of the basolateral amygdaloid nucleus, dorsal endopiriform nucleus, supraoptic nucleus, superficial layers of the superior colliculus, inferior colliculus, interpeduncular nucleus, superior olivary nuclei, and Golgi cells in the cerebellar cortex. Weakly labeled neurons were observed in the striatum, nucleus accumbens, ventral pallidum, globus pallidus, entopeduncular nucleus, lateral hypothalamic area, hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus, medial habenular nucleus, anterior pretectal nucleus, Barrington's nucleus, Nucleus O, paragenual nucleus, trigeminal sensory complex, cochlear nuclei, dorsal motor nucleus of the trigeminal nerve, dorsal cap of the inferior olive, spinal dorsal horn, and lamina X of the spinal cord. The stellate cells in the cerebellar cortex, and neurons in the deep cerebellar nuclei were also labeled weakly. The granule cell layer of the dentate gyrus, as a whole, appeared to be labeled intensely, but each of the granule cells was labeled only weakly. No significant labeling was detected in the mitral and tufted cells in the olfactory bulb, hippocampal pyramidal cells, Purkinje and granule cells in the cerebellar cortex, or somatic motoneurons. The distribution of mGluR3 mRNA in particular neurons and glial cells indicates specific roles of mGluR3 in the glutamatergic system of the central nervous system. © 1993 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
25th Anniversary Article: MXenes: A New Family of Two‐Dimensional Materials

Recently a new, large family of two‐dimensional (2D) early transition metal carbides and carbonitrides, called MXenes, was discovered. MXenes are produced by selective etching of the A element from the MAX phases, which are metallically conductive, layered solids connected by strong metallic, ionic, and covalent bonds, such as Ti2AlC, Ti3AlC2, and Ta4AlC3. MXenes combine the metallic conductivity of transition metal carbides with the hydrophilic nature of their hydroxyl or oxygen terminated surfaces. In essence, they behave as “conductive clays”. This article reviews progress—both experimental and theoretical—on their synthesis, structure, properties, intercalation, delamination, and potential applications. MXenes are expected to be good candidates for a host of applications. They have already shown promising performance in electrochemical energy storage systems. A detailed outlook for future research on MXenes is also presented.
On asymptotic stability of linear neutral delay-differential systems

The stability testing problem for linear neutral delay-differential systems is addressed. By means of the concept of spectral radius, both delay-independent and-dependent stability criteria are derived. These criteria are also extended to the neutral systems with multiple time delays. The main results proposed here are better than those reported in the literature. Compared with the several existing stability criteria, the stability robustness bounds are significantly improved. Some examples are used to show the significance of our results.
Application of support vector machines method on the classification recognition of wear mark

This paper applies the wavelet packet method to extract the characteristics of striation wear mark made by using two different types of guns to shoot the same types of bullet. By introducing the fractal dimension parameter of the profile curve, i.e. characteristic wavelet packet dimension as factor component, this paper first categorized the sample data after normalization into training sample collection, experiment sample collection and generalization sample collection. According to the basic principle of the support vector machines, SVM classification model is established by the training sample and tested by the experiment sample collection. Adjusting the value of parameter U and C frequently, this study found out an ideal parameter to establish this ideal SVM classification model. After that, the generalization sample is used to test the generalization ability of the model. The study indicates that when the characteristic wavelet packet dimension is used as sample collection, there can be a better classification of the same model of bullet shot by different types of gun. The modern scientific thought such as support the vector machine is introduced into mark examination, which will bring about new breakthrough for mark examination theories.
Intravitreal pegaptanib sodium (Macugen®) for radiation retinopathy following episcleral plaque radiotherapy

than intravitreal injection because the need was to treat an anterior chamber neovascular membrane; furthermore, intracameral injection is simpler and more comfortable for the patient. There is one previous report to our knowledge (Grisanti et al. 2006) of intracameral use of bevacizumab for treatment of neovascular glaucoma. Three patients were given 0.04 ml intracameral bevacizumab with a dramatic reduction of leakage demonstrated by iris fluoroscein angiography, which was still evident 30 days after injection. In our case, a significantly lower intracameral dose of bevacizumab resulted in rapid iris neovascularization regression. Intraocular bevacizumab, by either intravitreal or intracameral injection, can prove useful as an adjunct to glaucoma drainage surgery.
eGovernment and the digital divide

Many governments around the world are using information and communication technologies with aim to increase realiability, transparency and quality of services but also to modernize and change the way the administrations work. With development of eGovernment services, users can easily and quickly access the services they need any time they want and they already feel the benefits of these actions. However, the fact that technology is available, by itself does not imply that it is accessible to everyone. Although eGovernment has become a powerful tool that governments use to get closer to the citizens, there is still a paradox that those who most need to use the services provided by governments, are the ones that usually do not have access to these services. The term digital divide has been used since 1990s and nowdays it describes the difference in use of technology, developed as a result of lack of access, skills, or even interest in using of technology. This paper aims to analyze the potential of eGovernment implementation on the reduction (or expansion) of the digital divide.
Patient Satisfaction With Health Services In Cape Coast Metropolis , Ghana

Patients are the main users of every hospital and their care is the primary function of every hospital (Ibrahim, 2008). According to Swamy (2005) patient satisfaction is the real testimony to the efficiency of hospital administration. The new global trend in health care development requires the integration of subjective user satisfaction into the evaluation of medical service. Client satisfaction cannot be overlooked in any country and for that matter in Ghana. The practice and system of medicine have evolved over centuries. There are certain significant developments which have taken place in the health systems in recent times. Among them are the establishment of corporate hospitals equipped with the latest facilities; the advent of third-party payers (insurance companies, governments, companies); increasing awareness among patients; availability of information through the internet; higher expectations of patient care; and finally the increasing litigations by unsatisfied clients. All these factors have resulted in a challenging profile for the health care industry away from the traditional concept of a noble sector toward a service industry (Prakash, 2010). Healthcare is one of the most imperative components in human life. Disease or illness can prevent a person from performing many activities one could have easily done when healthy. Healthcare is normally defined as the management or treatment of any health problem through the services offered by medical, nursing, dental or any other health related service Abstract: Patients are key stakeholders in health care and it is extremely important to increase their satisfaction level. Patient satisfaction is a subject of great interest to health care providers and researchers alike. Since competition has increased in recent years, this exerts more pressure on health care providers to render more improved service quality to satisfy their clients. Therefore, this study sought to determine the level of satisfaction and also to examine the factors that influenced patient satisfaction with health care services provided at three health facilities in the Cape Coast Metropolis. The factors whose relationships with level of satisfaction were assessed included socio-demographic, enabling and need factors. Data were gathered from 385 randomly selected clients from the University of Cape Coast Hospital, Cape Coast Metropolitan Hospital and Ewim Polyclinic using an adapted structured questionnaire. Both descriptive and inferential statistical tools, including frequencies, percentages, Fisher’s exact test and Chi-square tests were employed to analyse the data in the SPSS. It was found that an insignificant proportion of the respondents were very satisfied with the services of these health facilities. Also, there was a significant association between waiting time, cost, environment, information disclosure expectations and patient satisfaction. The study recommended that the management of health facilities in the metropolis strive to improve upon the quality of care provided at their facilities in order to satisfy clients.
Atrial natriuretic peptide in Type 2 diabetes mellitus: response to a physiological mixed meal and relationship to renal function

Relatively few data exist on atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) characteristics in Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). Therefore, plasma immunoreactive ANP concentrations were measured before and for 4 h following the ingestion of a physiological mixed meal in 8 newly diagnosed, normotensive, normoalbuminuric, patients with Type 2 DM and 6 normotensive, non‐diabetic controls. In patients with Type 2 DM, basal plasma ANP concentrations were 4.0 ± 2.0 and not significantly changed following ingestion of the meal, with peak levels of 4.9 ± 2.8 pmol l−1. Non‐diabetic controls had higher basal plasma ANP concentrations, 8.7 ± 3.4 pmol l−1 (p < 0.05), significantly increasing to a peak of 11.9 ± 6.3 pmol l−1 at 30 min post meal. Extracellular fluid volume (ECV) was not different between diabetic patients and controls (15877 ± 2679 vs 13668 ± 1792 ml3). Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) (isotopic clearance corrected for body surface area) was elevated in diabetic patients (mean ± SD) 130 ± 39 vs 98 ± 10 ml min−1, p < 0.05). For the DM subjects, basal ANP levels were negatively correlated with GFR (rs − 0.74, p < 0.05) and effective renal plasma flow (ERPF) (rs − 0.8, p < 0.05). We conclude that patients with Type 2 DM demonstrate reduced basal plasma ANP concentrations which are inversely correlated to renal function. In contrast to non‐diabetic controls, ANP in Type 2 DM does not rise in response to feeding. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of quetiapine in the treatment of bipolar I and II depression: improvements in quality of life

Bipolar depression is associated with significant morbidity, high risk of suicide and substantial impairment of health-related quality of life (QOL), which adversely affects family/social relationships and occupational functioning. Depressive symptomatology is the primary determinant of quality of life, and there is a paucity of clinical trial data on how treatments affect quality of life. This 8-week, randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, placebo-controlled study in 542 patients with bipolar I or II depression used the Short Form of the Quality of Life Enjoyment and Satisfaction Questionnaire to assess the effect of quetiapine monotherapy, 300 or 600 mg/day, on quality of life. Quality of sleep was also measured using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Both doses of quetiapine significantly improved quality of life over baseline values in comparison with placebo, which was evident at first assessment (week 4) and continued up to week 8. The improvement in quality of life was consistent over the majority of the Short Form of the Quality of Life Enjoyment and Satisfaction Questionnaire domains, and was evident in patients classified as responders on the basis of clinical efficacy measures. Quetiapine therapy also effected a significant improvement in quality of sleep compared with placebo. Improved quality of life may enhance patient compliance, and assessment of quality of life should be incorporated into future clinical trials in bipolar depression.
A Study on the Policy for Competitive Advantage of Disability Firm

Supports the activity of the disability firm the policy which is active for is unsatisfactory. The positive promotes the activity of the disability firm from the research which sees and raises presents the politic plans for the competitive power improvement of the disability firm the fact that the economic social positions of the disabled person and with the aim.
Age-related reduction in 99Tcm-DTPA alveolar-capillary clearance in normal humans.

Age is known to reduce the efficacy of body organs and systems, even in the absence of disease. The alveolar-capillary clearance (ACC) rate is representative of the alveolar-capillary barrier's functional state. We studied 29 healthy non-smokers, who were selected after clinical and radiographic evaluation. The patients were divided into three groups based on age: Group I, < or = 30 years (n = 10); Group II, 31-55 years (n = 9); Group III, > or = 56 years (n = 10). Each patient inhaled 750 MBq 99Tcm-diethylenetriamine pentaacetate (99Tcm-DTPA) aerosol generated by a Venticis nebulizer (particles with a mean diameter of 1.1 microns) for 5 min. Forty frames of 30 s duration each were acquired and the ACC rates for the right and left lungs determined using a computer program. The mean ACC rates for the three groups were as follows: Group I, 1.31% min-1; Group II, 1.08% min-1; Group III, 0.76% min-1. The differences between Groups I and III (P < 0.001) and Groups II and III (P = 0.03) were shown to be significant. There was no significant difference between Groups I and II. Possible explanations for an age-related reduction in ACC rates include a reduction in the internal alveolar surface, the closure of the small airways, a reduction in the lung blood capillaries and a reduction in cardiac output. We conclude that there appears to be an age-related reduction in ACC rates in healthy non-smokers, even in the absence of clinically and radiographically detectable lung disease. However, larger studies are required.
The relationship between intestinal histology and function as shown by compensatory enlargement of remnant villi after midgut resection in chickens

To demonstrate the relationship between intestinal histology and function, we investigated the possibility that compensatory enlargement of villi in the chickens' remnant intestine can be induced after 50% or 80% jejunal resection as well as after 50% jejunal plus 70% ileal resection. Compared with intact control chickens, operated chickens showed an almost similar body weight, nitrogen retention, and ether extract digestibility, an improved dry matter digestibility, and a much greater absorption of protein and ether extract by the remnant jejunum and ileum. This suggests an enhanced absorptive function of the remnant intestine. In these chickens, increased value of most light microscopic parameters, increased frequency of anastomosing of each villus, and increased number of protuberated epithelial cells appeared with an increase in the intestinal resection area. This suggests that intestinal villi and epithelial cells are hypertrophied in the remnant jejunum and ileum, and that intestinal villi adapt to activated intestinal absorptive function not by increasing their numbers, but by fusing together into larger villi. These findings demonstrate that intestinal histology is intimately related to intestinal function. Anat Rec, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cochlear Implantation: Demand, Costs, and Utility

All eight categories of the PIPSL of social and psychological state were improved in MSP users after cochlear implantation, and the most prominent enhancement occurred in the areas of intensity and environmental sounds. The criteria for better performance in cochlear implant candidates could be short duration of hearing loss, younger age, and female rather than male subjects. The prelingually deaf subjects should not be ruled out in the candidacy. Periodic remapping is necessary for longer periods. Preoperative counseling for older candidates for more conservative expectations than younger ones and postoperative counseling for male users for closer attentiveness to sounds might be required. AgeaJ Onset Surgery