Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Uncertainty propagation of phase contrast-MRI derived inlet boundary conditions in computational hemodynamics models of thoracic aorta

Abstract This study investigates the impact that uncertainty in phase contrast-MRI derived inlet boundary conditions has on patient-specific computational hemodynamics models of the healthy human thoracic aorta. By means of Monte Carlo simulations, we provide advice on where, when and how, it is important to account for this source of uncertainty. The study shows that the uncertainty propagates not only to the intravascular flow, but also to the shear stress distribution at the vessel wall. More specifically, the results show an increase in the uncertainty of the predicted output variables, with respect to the input uncertainty, more marked for blood pressure and wall shear stress. The methodological approach proposed here can be easily extended to study uncertainty propagation in both healthy and pathological computational hemodynamic models.
Mesenchymal Stem Cells Support Migration, Extracellular Matrix Invasion, Proliferation, and Survival of Endothelial Cells In Vitro

We investigated effects of the paracrine factors secreted by human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) on endothelial cell migration, extracellular matrix invasion, proliferation, and survival in vitro. Human mesenchymal stem cells were cultured as a monolayer or as three‐dimensional aggregates in hanging drops (hMSC spheroids). We performed analysis of paracrine factors in medium conditioned by a monolayer of hMSCs and hMSC spheroids. Concentrations of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), basic fibroblast growth factor, angiogenin, procathepsin B, interleukin (IL)‐11, and bone morphogenic protein 2 were increased 5–20 times in medium conditioned by hMSC spheroids, whereas concentrations of IL‐6, IL‐8, and monocyte hemoattractant protein‐1 were not increased. Concentrations of VEGF and angiogenin in medium conditioned by hMSC spheroids showed a weak dependence on the presence of serum, which allows serum‐free conditioned medium with elevated concentrations of angiogenic cytokines to be obtained. Medium conditioned by hMSC spheroids was more effective in stimulation of umbilical vein endothelial cell proliferation, migration, and basement membrane invasion than medium conditioned by a monolayer of hMSCs. This medium also promotes endothelial cell survival in vitro. We suggest that culturing of hMSCs as three‐dimensional cellular aggregates provides a method to concentrate proangiogenic factors secreted by hMSCs and allows for reduction of serum concentration in conditioned medium. Our data support the hypothesis that hMSCs serve as trophic mediators for endothelial cells.
Consumer and Merchant Adoption of Mobile Payment Solutions

As payments by mobile phones are an enabling technology, the adoption of mobile payments is believed to significantly influence the successful emergence of electronic and mobile commerce. In recent years, several mobile payment solutions have been launched, including the Mobipay in Spain, Moxmo in The Netherlands, M-pay in UK, and Pan-European SimPay. With the exception of mobile service purchases, however, consumer and merchant acceptance of these solutions has remained marginal. We discuss consumer and merchant adoption of mobile payments and suggest drivers and barriers for this adoption. We also describe potential mobile payment application areas and identify areas in which mobile payments have the highest and lowest possibility to succeed. The information is based on extensive research conducted among Finnish consumers and merchants. The relevance of the results to other markets also is considered briefly in the discussion section of this chapter.
The Effects of Dynamic Capabilities on Value-Based Pricing and Export Performance

Abstract In this study, we examine the influence of different components of dynamic capabilities on value-based pricing and export performance. We develop a research model investigating the three component factors of dynamic capabilities, that is, adaptive capability, absorptive capability, and innovative capability, and their respective influence on value-based pricing and export performance. Furthermore, we hypothesize a relationship between value-based pricing and export performance. Building upon a sample of 172 Austrian CEOs and marketing managers, we test our hypotheses through structural equation modeling using partial least squares. The results reveal that a firm’s adaptive capability and innovative capability both positively influence value-based pricing. Furthermore, our results show that adaptive capability has a positive influence on export performance. The relationship between value-based pricing and export performance could not be supported. Hence, we conclude that a firm’s adaptive capability plays a central role in international pricing and leads to enhanced export performance.
Neuroinflammation in the pathophysiology of Parkinson's disease: Evidence from animal models to human in vivo studies with [11C]‐PK11195 PET

Increasing evidence suggests that neuroinflammation is an active process in Parkinson's disease (PD) that contributes to ongoing neurodegeneration. PD brains and experimental PD models show elevated cytokine levels and up‐regulation of inflammatory‐associated factors as cyclo‐oxygenase‐2 and inducible nitric oxide oxidase. Antiinflammatory treatment reduced neuronal degeneration in experimental models. In this review, we summarize the place of neuroinflammation in the pathophysiology of PD. In vivo PET studies are discussed. These methods provide a means to monitor in vivo potential clinical relevance of antiinflammatory treatment strategies in PD. © 2007 Movement Disorder Society
Evaluation of the usefulness of efficiency of the accounting information system

The efficiency of any accounting information system can be maintained if there is a sound internal control system. In any accounting information environment, the qualities of internal controls adaptation affect operations and management and in turn influence internal control system. Internal control is ensures the achievement of operational goals and performance. Therefore the aim of this study is to evaluate the usefulness and appraise the efficiency of accounting information system, looking at the criteria that need to be present in any accounting information to be efficient which are proper documentation, cost effectiveness, internal and external audit, extent of disclosure, separation of other operations from accounting and good internal control system. The study also shows that internal control helps in preventive control, detective control, corrective controls, general control and application control. Qualitative method of data collection was used. Thus, the study recommends that organizations should adopt the use of efficient accounting information system because accounting information is essential for effective decision making process and adequate information is possible if accounting information systems are run efficiently. Accounting information systems ensures that all levels of management get sufficient, adequate, relevant and true information for planning and controlling activities of the business organization.
Etanercept added to background methotrexate therapy in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: continued observations.

OBJECTIVE To observe the long-term safety and efficacy of combination therapy with etanercept and methotrexate in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and to determine whether the addition of etanercept allowed reductions in methotrexate or corticosteroid dosages while maintaining a clinical response. METHODS Patients with RA who received methotrexate plus etanercept in a previous randomized, placebo-controlled trial were offered the opportunity to enroll in an open-label extension study for further evaluation of treatment with etanercept and methotrexate. RESULTS Seventy-nine of the 89 patients in the original blinded study enrolled in the extension study, and 65 of these patients continue in the study. Patients have received etanercept therapy for up to 47 months (median 44 months). The types and rate of adverse events noted during the extension trial were similar to those observed in the controlled trial. At the 3-year assessment, 77% of the 57 patients available for evaluation met American College of Rheumatology 20% (ACR20) criteria for improvement in RA, 47% met the ACR50 criteria, and 23% met the ACR70 criteria. Of the 36 patients assessed at 3 years in the extension study, 30 (83%) were able to decrease their dosages of corticosteroids, and 20 (56%) were able to discontinue corticosteroid therapy. At 3 years, the dosage of methotrexate was decreased in 41 of 66 patients (62%), and methotrexate therapy was discontinued in 19 patients (29%). CONCLUSION In this observational continuation study, the addition of etanercept to background methotrexate provided sustained clinical benefit over a median period of 44 months. With etanercept therapy, there were trends toward dosage reduction or discontinuation of methotrexate and corticosteroids, without apparent worsening of ACR response rates. Compared with the controlled trial, no increases in the rate of adverse events were observed.
Modeling 13C Breath Curves to Determine Site and Extent of Starch Digestion and Fermentation in Infants

Background The colon salvages energy from starch, especially when the capacity of the small intestine to digest it is limited. The aim of this study was to determine the site and relative extent of starch digestion and fermentation in infants. Methods Thirteen infants (10 male and 3 female infants), median age 11.8 months (range, 7.6–22.7 months), were fed a starchy breakfast containing 13C-labeled wheat flour after an overnight fast. Duplicate breath samples were obtained before breakfast and every 30 minutes for 12 hours. Breath 13CO2 enrichment was measured using isotope ratio mass spectrometry, and results were expressed as percentage dose recovered (PDR) for each 30 minutes. The PDR data were analyzed and mathematically modeled assuming either a constant estimate of CO2 production rate or adjusted for physical activity. Results Mean ± SD cumulative 13C PDR (cPDR) at 12 hours was 21.3% ± 8.4% for unadjusted data and 26.5% ± 11.6% for adjusted data. A composite model of two curves fit significantly better than a single curve. Modeling allowed estimation of cPDRs of small intestine (17.5% ± 6.5% and 22.7% ± 9.3% for unadjusted and adjusted data, respectively) and colon (4.6% ± 2.9% and 6.3% ± 5.4%). Conclusions Modeling of 13CO2 enrichment curves after ingestion of 13C-enriched wheat flour is an attractive means to estimate the contribution of the upper and lower gut to starch digestion and fermentation.
Information Percolation, Momentum, and Reversal

We propose a rational model to explain time-series momentum. The key ingredient is word-of-mouth communication, which we introduce in a noisy rational expectations framework. Word-of-mouth communication accelerates information revelation through prices and generates momentum. Social interactions allow investors with heterogeneous trading strategies — contrarian and momentum traders — to coexist in the marketplace. As a result, momentum is not completely eliminated, although a significant proportion of investors trade on it. We also show that word-of-mouth communication spreads rumors and generates price run-ups and reversals. Our theoretical predictions are in line with several empirical findings.
Regulating European Clouds: The New European Data Protection Framework

Cloud Computing is a diverse research area that encompasses many aspects of sharing software and hardware solutions, including computing and storage resources, application runtimes or complex application functionalities. In the supply of any goods and services, the law gives certain rights that protect the consumer and provider, which also applies for Cloud Computing. This new technology also moves functions and responsibilities away from local ownership and management to a third-party provided service, and raises several legal issues, such as data protection, which require this service to comply with necessary regulation. In this chapter the author investigates the revised legislation of the European Union resulting in the General Data Protection Regulation, which will be used to set up the new European Data Protection Framework. The author gathers and summarizes the most relevant changes this regulation brings to the field of Clouds, and draws relations to the previous legislation called the Data Protection Directive currently in force.
Ontogeny of the Haemopoietic System: Yolk Sac Origin of In Vivo and In Vitro Colony Forming Cells in the Developing Mouse Embryo *

Summary. The mouse yolk sac has been shown to contain in‐vivo colony forming cells capable of producing granulocytic, megakaryocytic and erythroid spleen colonies; in‐vitro colony forming cells producing granulocytic and mononuclear‐macrophage colonies in agar; and cells capable of repopuiating the lymphoid and myeloid tissue of lethally irradiated hosts. Similar haemopoietic precursor cells were also demonstrated in the blood at the time of initiation of the circulation and in the early embryonic liver.
Demonstration of hepatitis B e antigen in the core of Dane particles.

Dane particles were isolated in a large scale from plasma of asymptomatic carriers of hepatitis B surface antigen. The core of Dane particles was exposed by treatment with NP-40 and 2-mercaptoethanol. The antigenicity of hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) was not detected on the surface of Dane particles or of their cores. However, when Dane particle cores were treated with Pronase, some activity of HBeAg was liberated from them as a small molecule. When the cores were further treated with SDS, they revealed a high activity of HBeAg, indicating that HBeAg existed in the core of Dane particles in a cryptic form, which can be exposed by treatment with proteolytic enzyme or SDS. Dane particles and their cores were subjected to polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in SDS. After electrophoresis, the gel was cut into two halves, and each half was determined for polypeptide composition and for HBeAg activity. Both of Dane particles and their cores disclosed two peaks of HBeAg activity associated with molecules with a size of 19,000 and 45,000 daltons. These two polypeptides were the major constituents of the cores. Dane particles revealed several polypeptides in addition to the HBeAg polypeptides, which were identified as hepatitis B surface antigen components. On the basis of the results obtained, HBeAg is an integral component of Dane particles, the presently accepted hepatitis B virions. These results provide the basis for the close correlation between HBeAg and Dane particles in the serum of persons infected with hepatitis B virus.
Pharmacokinetic evaluation of teriflunomide for the treatment of multiple sclerosis

Introduction: Teriflunomide is an immunomodulatory drug that received FDA approval for the treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS) in September 2012. Its primary mode of action is inhibition of dihydroorotate dehydrogenase which inhibits the proliferation of activated T cells, but it also has a number of other actions that may be important contributors to its efficacy in MS. Areas covered: This review covers a basic pathophysiology of MS and the current treatment options, including a discussion of the needs for additional treatments. The main focus of the review is the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of teriflunomide, including a brief comparison with the disease-modifying antirheumatic drug leflunomide. The authors discuss the clinical efficacy and toxicity profile of teriflunomide and make some comparisons with treatments that are currently, or soon to be available. Expert opinion: While teriflunomide is no more effective than a number of other agents that are used in the treatment of MS, it has a favorable side-effect profile and the convenience of once a day oral administration. As such, it is likely to be a popular agent in the treatment of MS over the next 5 years.
A balance of fellowship and science: a model for RACS Regional Committee Annual Scientific Meetings

dents. New patient cases relevant to someone’s projects are alerted to the person concerned by colleagues or students (e.g. a student sending a short message to a supervisor, providing a new patient’s name and admission number); a digital camera or a smart phone is used to shoot images whenever appropriate and feasible; and research ideas that cross one’s mind are recorded in a smart phone, a small notebook, or a slip of paper at any time, including during the short breaks between operations and at each section’s monthly/biweekly research meetings. This cadre of diligent orthopaedic surgeons working in a Level 3-Grade A hospital in East China resembles clinician researchers/ scientists, to use Anglo-American terminology. Yet the time for research is not officially counted into these hard-pressed Chinese surgeons’ workload. It is likely the most research-active doctors in the more reputable specialty departments in other major hospitals in the country are in a similar situation of juggling between the hardship of being responsible doctors and productive researchers at the same time. As a possible contrast to the situation in the Anglo-American context where the workforce of clinicians conducting research has been reportedly dwindling, clinician researchers in China may be growing in number.
Partnerships in Supply Chain Management

This chapter considers one of the most important collaborations, namely that of partnership. In recent year's sophisticated and demanding consumer lead severe global competition between companies. So many companies seek to coordinate cross-firm activities and work mutually over time to produce outstanding performance. The main objective of the companies is to reach higher performance than would be achieved by managing individually. For any supply chain in the competitive environment, widening the boundaries of the firm via partnership formation would be the remedy and partnership creates a synergistic business environment for both sides. The objective of the chapter is to present a comprehensive and integrated view of the literature on all aspects of partnership.
Voltage and frequency dependence of the microscopic displacement of water trees in silicone rubber

Understanding of the fundamental causes of water treeing appears to have eluded the dielectrics community for several decades. In part, this may be the result of most of the evidence relevant to the phenomenon coming from statistical studies. Such studies often provide contradictory data, presumably as a result of uncontrolled variables and large random fluctuations. Relatively few “trends”, such as the reduction in time to treeing as a function of applied frequency, are well accepted. The idea behind the present study was to make microscopic measurements of functional relationships relevant to water treeing. To the degree that this endeavor has been successful, these relationships may be useful in testing basic theories of water treeing. The measurements undertaken as part of this study clearly indicate that the force on the tip of a water-filled needle-shaped void is proportional to the square of the applied voltage.
An artificial neural network approach for remaining useful life prediction of equipments subject to condition monitoring

Accurate equipment remaining useful life prediction is critical to effective condition based maintenance for improving reliability and reducing overall maintenance cost. An artificial neural network (ANN) based method is developed for achieving more accurate remaining useful life prediction of equipment subject to condition monitoring. The ANN model takes the age and multiple condition monitoring measurement values at the present and previous inspection points as the inputs, and the life percentage as the output. Techniques are introduced to reduce the effects of the noise factors that are irrelevant to equipment degradation. The proposed method is validated using real-world vibration monitoring data.
Stress among medical students in a Thai medical school

This study aimed to determine the prevalence and sources of stress among Thai medical students. The questionnaires, which consisted of the Thai Stress Test (TST) and questions asking about sources of stress, were sent to all medical students in the Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Thailand. A total of 686 students participated. The results showed that about 61.4% of students had some degree of stress. Seventeen students (2.4%) reported a high level of stress. The prevalence of stress is highest among third-year medical students. Academic problems were found to be a major cause of stress among all students. The most prevalent source of academic stress was the test/exam. Other sources of stress in medical school and their relationships are also discussed. The findings can help medical teachers understand more about stress among their students and guide the way to improvement in an academic context, which is important for student achievement.
PERSPECTIVES AND OBSTACLES OF THE SHAREHOLDER ACTIVISM IMPLEMENTATION: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF CIVIL AND COMMON LAW SYSTEMS

The paper outlines shareholder activism development in common law and civil law countries and identifies features of these legal systems that create preconditions and obstacles for shareholder activism. Our findings show that tendencies of shareholder activism depend on the type of the legal system, but also vary within the countries that share the same legal system. Thus, we conclude that the type of legal system is not the chief determinant of shareholder activism. A comparative analysis of shareholder activism in Germany and Ukraine (civil law countries) and the USA and the UK (common law countries) shows that the system of domestic corporate regulation, development of the stock market, companies’ capitalization and corporate governance influence the development of shareholder activism in equal measure. JEL topics: G34, K22, G23
Predicting Reading Success in a Multilevel Schoolwide Reading Model

Despite recent research findings that implicate a long list of student variables that predict reading success or failure, these predictor variables have not been considered in the context of contemporary models of multitiered schoolwide reading intervention. This longitudinal, retrospective study follows 668 kindergarten and first-grade students identified as at risk for later reading difficulties through third grade. Key predictor variables were examined to determine their validity for predicting initial status and growth on oral reading fluency, third-grade oral reading fluency, and third-grade performance on a standardized test of reading. Results are provided in light of the instructional model provided. Implications for instruction and assessment are discussed.
Active Learning in the Online Classroom

Active Learning in the Online Classroom The popularity of online classes has become more popular as a way to expand educational opportunities. Hospitality and tourism management programs in general require students to participate in internships so the flexibility of taking online courses is appealing. There has been evidence that there are certain strategies that are more effective in an online environment, just as there are those that are more effective in a face to face environment. Active learning is a tool that has been used in the face to face classroom and has been incorporated in the online learning environment. Active learning tactics have been defined as those that involve “students in doing things and (have the students) think about the things they are doing”. Students have to take an active role in the online environment where as in the face to face classroom they can “hide”. Inherently online learning requires the student to be a more active participant. The level of success in an online classroom can be improved upon if the instructor has a solid knowledge of how to facilitate active learning using current classroom tools.