Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Notice of RetractionThe Reason of Heterogeneous Firm in SME Cluster in China

With the cluster development, heterogeneous firm has formed gradually. According to the practice of SME cluster in China, this paper explores the causes and inevitability of heterogeneous firm formation in SME cluster. Factors of production have been classified into two major groups: material and innovation, using the Cobb-Douglas production function, the paper demonstrates that firm size changing will bring the changing of input, which lead to the essential difference between the firms.
Toxicity, Allergenicity and Carcinogenicity: Some Hope for Innovative Cosmeceutical Products?

The safety of cosmetic and cosmeceutical products has been questioned by several independent experts. A plethora of ingredients, additives and preservatives, used in their preparation are indeed allergenic, toxic, mutagenic and carcinogenic. Despite warnings from Dr. David Suzuki and others a few years ago, little has been done by authorities or the industry to improve the safety of these products. Some companies have instead begun proposing dermatological creams and serums composed of natural ingredients. However the safety profile of those newer products for the intended indication remains generally to be determined clearly. Authorities such as the US Food and Drug Administration, Health Canada and European Medicines Agency should be asked to implement new rules to improve regulations before approval and commercialization of cosmetic and cosmeceutical products that include so-called ‘natural’ ingredients or not.
A SURVEY ON SECURE SHARING AND AUDITING PROCESS USING PRIVACY PRESERVING TOOL IN CLOUD DATA

The advent of the cloud computing makes storage outsourcing becomes a rising trend that promotes the secure remote data auditing a hot topic that appeared within the analytical literature. Some analysis has contemplated the problem of security and economical public information integrity auditing for shared dynamic information. However, these schemes are a unit still not secure against the collusion of cloud storage server and revoked cluster users throughout user revocation in the practical cloud storage system. During this paper, we have a tendency to discover the collusion attack within the existing theme and supply associate economical public integrity auditing theme with secure cluster user revocation primarily based on vector commitment and verifier-local revocation cluster signature. The overall security in cloud and experimental analysis show that compared with its relevant themes in our scheme is additionally secure and economical [13].
An Analytical Approach for Voice Capacity Estimation Over WiFi Network Using ITU-T E-Model

To ensure customer satisfaction and greater market acceptance, voice over Wi-Fi networks must ensure voice quality under various network parameters, configurations and traffic conditions, and other practical effects, e.g., channel noise, and capturing effects. An accurate voice capacity estimation model considering these factors can greatly assist network designers. In the current work, we propose an analytical model to estimate voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) capacity over Wi-Fi networks addressing these issues. We employ widely used ITU-T E-model to assess voice quality and VoIP call capacity is presented in the form of an optimization problem with voice quality requirement as a constraint. In particular, we analyze delay and loss in channel access and queue, and their impacts on voice quality. The proposed capacity model is first developed for a single hop wireless local area network (WLAN) and then extended for multihop scenarios. To model real network scenario closely, we also consider channel noise and capture effect, and analyze the impacts of transmission range, interference range, and WLAN radius. In absence of any existing call capacity model that considers all the above factors concomitantly, our proposed model will be extremely useful to network designers and voice capacity planners.
Minimum clinically important improvement for the incremental shuttle walking test

Background: The incremental shuttle walking test (ISWT) is used to assess exercise capacity in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and is employed as an outcome measure for pulmonary rehabilitation. This study was designed to establish the minimum clinically important difference for the ISWT. Methods: 372 patients (205 men) performed an ISWT before and after a 7-week outpatient pulmonary rehabilitation programme. After completing the course, subjects were asked to identify, from a 5-point Likert scale, the perceived change in their exercise performance immediately upon completion of the ISWT. The scale ranged from “better” to “worse”. Results: The mean (SD) age was 69.4 (8.4) years, forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) 1.06 (0.53) l and FEV1/forced vital capacity (FVC) ratio 50.8 (18.1)%. The baseline shuttle walking test distance was 168.5 (114.6) m which increased to 234.7 (125.3) m after rehabilitation (mean difference 65.9 m (95% CI 58.9 to72.9)). In subjects who felt their exercise tolerance was “slightly better” the mean improvement was 47.5 m (95% CI 38.6 to 56.5) compared with 78.7 m (95% CI 70.5 to 86.9) in those who reported that their exercise tolerance was “better” and 18.0 m (95% CI 4.5 to 31.5) in those who felt their exercise tolerance was “about the same”. Conclusion: Two levels of improvement were identified. The minimum clinically important improvement for the ISWT is 47.5 m. In addition, patients were able to distinguish an additional benefit at 78.7 m.
A High‐Content Assay for Biosensor Validation and for Examining Stimuli that Affect Biosensor Activity

Biosensors are valuable tools used to monitor many different protein behaviors in vivo. Demand for new biosensors is high, but their development and characterization can be difficult. During biosensor design, it is necessary to evaluate the effects of different biosensor structures on specificity, brightness, and fluorescence responses. By co‐expressing the biosensor with upstream proteins that either stimulate or inhibit the activity reported by the biosensor, one can determine the difference between the biosensor's maximally activated and inactivated state, and examine response to specific proteins. We describe here a method for biosensor validation in a 96‐well plate format using an automated microscope. This protocol produces dose‐response curves, enables efficient examination of many parameters, and unlike cell suspension assays, allows visual inspection (e.g., for cell health and biosensor or regulator localization). Optimization of single‐chain and dual‐chain Rho GTPase biosensors is addressed, but the assay is applicable to any biosensor that can be expressed or otherwise loaded in adherent cells. The assay can also be used for purposes other than biosensor validation, using a well‐characterized biosensor as a readout for effects of upstream molecules. © 2014 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
National HER2 testing program for breast cancer patients in Argentina.

10566 Background: In Argentina, before 2003 few pathologists performed HER2 testing, using different non-standardized Inmuno-Histo-Chemical (IHC) methods with dubious and non-reproducible results and also leaving some parts of the country without HER2 diagnosis Objective: HER2 has a key role in breast cancer management, so the aim of the study was to settle a National HER2 testing Program to permit access to standardized HER2 detection all over the country, and whenever possible, to determine hormonal receptors. METHODS In August 2003, 13 pathologists formed a cooperative group and created a national framework to train and set HER2 diagnostic centres in each country region. A coordinator responsible for coaching and evaluating centres and two technical consultants in charge of quality control and technique standardization were designated. In February 2004, the program was launched. Tumors were received from 82 oncologists and breast surgeons, using a private courier created "ad hoc". HER2 was analyzed by IHC test between February 2004 and November 2005 and performed using policlonal antibody anti Her 2 (DAKO), microwave antigenic recovery, detection system EnVision (Dako) and developed with diaminobenzidine. Results were interpreted as HercepTest guidelines. ER/PR were screened by IHC analyses. RESULTS 2285 HER2 tests were performed: HER2 was over-expressed (score 3+) in 18% of tumors (408). 136 (6%) samples were score 2+, 407 (18%) score 1+ and 1334 (58%) score 0. In 1532/2285 (67%) of tumor specimens ER and PR status could be determined. CONCLUSIONS Founding HER2 National Program allowed access to HER2 testing all over the country with a standardized and reproducible technique. HER2 prevalence in our sample (18%) is similar to those previously published. Although international algorithms recommend FISH assay to HER2 2+ tumors, our Program can not afford it. ER/PR expression were decreased significantly in HER2 3+ vs. HER2 - tumors: 53% vs. 64%: p = 0.002. HER2 3+ were associated with higher levels ER/PR: 38% vs. 24% in HER2 - tumors (p < 0.001). [Table: see text] No significant financial relationships to disclose.
Mental well-being in school-aged children in Europe: associations with social cohesion and socioeconomic circumstances

Mental well-being is fundamental to good quality of life. Happy and confi dent children are most likely to grow into happy and confi dent adults, who in turn contribute to the health and well-being of nations (1). Emotional health and well-being in young people have implications for self-esteem, behaviour, attendance at school, educational achievement, social cohesion and future health and life chances (2).
Developmental airway cell biology. The "normal" young child.

There is increasing awareness in the research community that events in early childhood have a profound influence on the expression of respiratory disease in later life, but is there any value in studying airway cells from healthy children? Why not use the extensive body of information about airway cells derived from adult volunteers? Adults are easy to recruit, whereas ingenious and time-consuming ways of sampling the lower airways of children must be devised to overcome ethical problems. Even if there are developmental changes, could these be defined in animal models? There are several reasons why children must be studied. First, research published within the last 5 yr clearly shows that there are major changes in immunocompetent and inflammatory cells during normal human development. Second, there are significant species differences in the release of mediators by immunocompetent cells. Third, age-associated changes in human airway cells are a result of complex interactions between genetic and environmental factors. It is therefore impossible to model the combination of even a handful of potential variables, for example, frequency of colds, exposure to lipopolysaccharide, nutritional state, and age. The technique of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) before elective surgery, initially developed to overcome the ethical problems of sampling cells from normal children, is uniquely suited to studying large numbers of individuals (the mean number of children per study is currently more than 50). It is now possible to tease out the independent effects of environmental stimuli on airway cell function. Clues to the relevant factors have been provided by epidemiological research. For example, having older siblings reduces the risk of aeroallergen sensitization (1). This association, if true, must also be associated with an effect on immune function at the cellular level. The goal of pediatric airway cell research is therefore not just to generate normal values for comparison with established disease, but to focus on the critical functional mechanisms that protect the normal lung from developing disease. Although the lung of the young child may seem to be particularly vulnerable to a range of environmental insults (2), this does not necessarily reflect immaturity of airway cell function. Young children may have more respiratory infections not because of a defect in microbial killing by cells, but because their immunoglobulin repertoire is not fully developed. Similarly, early childhood may seem to be the vulnerable period for antigen sensitization, not because of a possible immaturity in the ability of alveolar macrophages (AMs) to suppress pulmonary immune cells (3), but because it is the period when the lung is first exposed to antigen. These considerations are important, because a true developmental immaturity of airway cell function may be amenable to accelerated maturation by exposure to an appropriate environmental factor (e.g., exposure to traditional farms) (4), or an anthroposophic lifestyle (5).
Clinical Features Affecting Final Adult Height in Patients With Pediatric-Onset Crohn's Disease

BACKGROUND. Growth failure is a recognized complication of pediatric-onset Crohn's disease, but there are few data on final adult height. OBJECTIVE. Our purpose with this work was to determine adult height and the clinical features that influence long-term growth impairment. METHODS. We retrospectively studied 123 patients with Crohn's disease (65 male and 58 female) who had reached adult height. All of the case subjects were diagnosed before age 16.0 years. Heights were converted to SD scores and univariate analysis performed of factors postulated to influence final height, that is, interval from onset of symptoms to diagnosis, prepubertal onset of symptoms, gender, jejunal disease present at diagnosis, systemic steroid therapy, intestinal surgery, and midparental height SD scores. Significant univariate factors were additional analyzed in regression models. RESULTS. Mean height deficit at diagnosis was −0.50 SD scores, which improved to −0.29 SD scores at final height. Mean final height compared with target height, calculated from parental height, was −2.4 cm (range: −20.0 to 9.0 cm). Nineteen percent of the case subjects achieved a final height >8.0 cm below target height. The length of the interval between symptom onset and diagnosis correlated negatively with height SD scores at diagnosis. Height SD scores at diagnosis were related to final height SD scores, independent of midparental height. The presence of jejunal disease was negatively related to final height. CONCLUSIONS. Mean final adult height showed a modest deficit compared with target height, but in one fifth of patients, final height was significantly less than target height. Earlier diagnosis and improved treatment of jejunal disease would be likely to improve final height.
Incidence of Type I diabetes among children and young adults (0– 29 years) in the province of Badajoz, Spain during 1992 to 1996

In this study, we determine the incidence of Type I (insulin‐dependent) diabetes mellitus in the 0–29‐y‐old group in Badajoz (the largest and least developed province of Spain). We test for differences in incidence by age at diagnosis, time cluster and sex. Diabetes clinics and periodic review of hospital administration data provided the primary source of ascertainment. The secondary independent data source was based on registries of local Diabetic Associations and guarantee cards of blood glucose meters. Data were collected retrospectively in the period 1992–95 and prospectively for 1996. During the 5‐y period (1992–96), 186 new cases of Type I diabetes were identified. Completeness of ascertainment was 95%. Average annual incidence (95% CI) for the 0–14, 15–29 and 0–29‐y‐old groups was 17.6/100,000 (14.5−21.2), 8.8/100,000 (6.9–11.1) and 12.8/100,000 (11–14.7). The highest age‐specific annual incidence rate was found in the 10–14 age group: 23.4/100,000 (17.6–30.4). The incidence in males (14.7/100,000/y) was higher than in females (10.7/100,000/y). There was a seasonal onset pattern, with the highest incidence in autumn and winter. October was the month with the highest number of new cases (29/186). The province of Badajoz has a moderately high incidence of Type I diabetes in 0–14‐y‐old children, similar to that found in other more developed and densely populated regions of Spain. These data contradict the hypothesis of a decrease in the incidence of the disease from north to south over Europe.
Marine Planktonic Archaea Take Up Amino Acids

ABSTRACT Archaea are traditionally thought of as “extremophiles,” but recent studies have shown that marine planktonic Archaea make up a surprisingly large percentage of ocean midwater microbial communities, up to 60% of the total prokaryotes. However, the basic physiology and contribution of Archaea to community microbial activity remain unknown. We have studied Archaea from 200-m depths of the northwest Mediterranean Sea and the Pacific Ocean near California, measuring the archaeal activity under simulated natural conditions (8 to 17°C, dark and anaerobic) by means of a method called substrate tracking autoradiography fluorescence in situ hybridization (STARFISH) that simultaneously detects specific cell types by 16S rRNA probe binding and activity by microautoradiography. In the 200-m-deep Mediterranean and Pacific samples, cells binding the archaeal probes made up about 43 and 14% of the total countable cells, respectively. Our results showed that the Archaea are active in the uptake of dissolved amino acids from natural concentrations (nanomolar) with about 60% of the individuals in the archaeal communities showing measurable uptake. Bacteria showed a similar proportion of active cells. We concluded that a portion of these Archaea is heterotrophic and also appears to coexist successfully with Bacteria in the same water.
Relevant Research Areas in IT Service Management: An Examination of Academic and Practitioner Literatures

: Practitioners and academics alike have highlighted that information systems (IS) research may currently have limited use and value to practitioners. Further, research provides examples of positive links between management practices prevalent in the media and their influence on societal views. We focus on increasing relevance of future academic research to practitioners by identifying sources of misalignment between practitioner and academic literatures on the topic of information technology service management (ITSM) and by developing a possible research agenda to address these misalignments. We employ an entity annotator and keyword analysis to compare the main topics evident in academic and practitioner literatures on ITSM and focus on those salient in practitioner literature. Our results suggest that the topics of framework co-implementation, regulations, ITSM tools, gamification, and cloud computing all present fertile grounds for relevant research in ITSM and IS more broadly. Thus, our paper offers a unique way for academics to understand how they can best assist practitioners while increasing the relevance of academic research.
Conditional Dynamic Mutual Information-Based Feature Selection

With emergence of new techniques, data in many fields are getting larger and larger, especially in dimensionality aspect. The high dimensionality of data may pose great challenges to traditional learning algorithms. In fact, many of features in large volume of data are redundant and noisy. Their presence not only degrades the performance of learning algorithms, but also confuses end-users in the post-analysis process. Thus, it is necessary to eliminate irrelevant features from data before being fed into learning algorithms. Currently, many endeavors have been attempted in this field and many outstanding feature selection methods have been developed. Among different evaluation criteria, mutual information has also been widely used in feature selection because of its good capability of quantifying uncertainty of features in classification tasks. However, the mutual information estimated on the whole dataset cannot exactly represent the correlation between features. To cope with this issue, in this paper we firstly re-estimate mutual information on identified instances dynamically, and then introduce a new feature selection method based on conditional mutual information. Performance evaluations on sixteen UCI datasets show that our proposed method achieves comparable performance to other well-established feature selection algorithms in most cases.
TDP‐43 mutation in familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disorder. Accumulating evidence has shown that 43kDa TAR‐DNA–binding protein (TDP‐43) is the disease protein in ALS and frontotemporal lobar degeneration. We previously reported a familial ALS with Bumina bodies and TDP‐43‐positive skein‐like inclusions in the lower motor neurons; these findings are indistinguishable from those of sporadic ALS. In three affected individuals in two generations of one family, we found a single base‐pair change from A to G at position 1028 in TDP‐43, which resulted in a Gln‐to‐Arg substitution at position 343. Our findings provide a new insight into the molecular pathogenesis of ALS. Ann Neurol 2008;63:538–542
Distribution patterns of Buarremon Brush-finches (Emberizinae) and interspecific competition in Andean birds

AI•STRACT. --Two species of Andean brush-finches, Buarremon (formerly Atlapetes) torquatus and B. brunneinuchu$, show an interdigitating pattern of distribution in the Andes that we interpret as the result of competition between them. Plotting 590 specimen localities by latitude and elevation reveals that the two species have complementary, parapatric distributions with minimal overlap. More importantly, where only one species occurs, that species usually occupies the entire elevational range in that region. Furthermore, the usual relative position of the two species, with B. torquatus at high and B. brunneinuchus at low elevations, is reversed in two regions. These "natural experiments" suggest hat elevational limits are unlikely to be governed in these two species by autecological factors and that interspecific competition is the process most likely to generate such a pattern. However, our re-evaluation of other data interpreted to support the prevalence of interspecific ompetition in determining elevational limits of other Andean birds suggests that its role has not been properly resolved. Received 28 June 1993, accepted 24 October 1993.
Quality of life, job satisfaction and their related factors among nurses working in king Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Purpose: To assess Quality of Life, job satisfaction and their related factors among nurses working in King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Material and methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 268 nurses, 2014/2015. A validated, confidential data collection sheet was utilized. It contained the World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF), and Job Descriptive Index/Job in General (JDI/JIG) scales. Results: The majority of nurses (83.5%) perceived their general QOL as very good and good. Age, marital status, having children, nationality, income, education, residence, working experience, department and shift time were associated with QOL domains (p < 0.05). Similarly, working experience, income, shifts, working in inpatient and surgical departments were associated with job satisfaction. Positive correlations were found between job satisfaction and different QOL domains, and between different JDI/JIG subscales together. Conclusion: Improvement of the modifiable factors as nurses’ income and shift time is needed for better QOL and job satisfaction.
Experimental investigation of RZ-8DPSK at 3/spl times/10.7 Gb/s

We experimentally determine the required OSNR and dispersion tolerance of RZ-8DPSK at 32.1 Gb/s. We show a 1 dB dispersion tolerance of 600 ps/nm and an OSNR penalty of 6.7 dB compared to RZ-8DQPSK at the same symbol rate.