Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A new columnar CsI(Tl) scintillator for iQID detectors

A 1650 μm thick columnar CsI(Tl) scintillator for upgrading iQID detectors, which is a high-resolution photon-counting gamma-ray and x-ray detector recently developed at the Center for Gamma-Ray Imaging (CGRI), has been studied in terms of sensitivity, spatial resolution and depth-of-interaction effects. To facilitate these studies, a new frame-parsing algorithm for processing raw event data is also proposed that has more degrees of freedom in data processing and can discriminate against a special kind of noise present in some low-cost intensifiers. The results show that in comparison with a 450 μm-thickness columnar CsI(Tl) scintillator, the 1650 μm thick CsI(Tl) scintillator provides more than twice the sensitivity at the expense of some spatial resolution degradation. The depth-of-interaction study also shows that event size and amplitude vary with scintillator thickness, which can assist in future detector simulations and 3D-interactionposition estimation.
Intercultural Marketing and Communications: An Implementation on Housing In Turkey, Czech Republic and Russia

As "a source of energy " for economic surge, innovation always was an important factor in economic development (SCHUMPETER, 2012) and therefore, was a popular topic for academic research. In the light of actual economic problems such as globalisation, increased migration and multiculturalism, the modern economic innovation literature would benefit from knowledge of migrants' overall cultural characteristics and migrant consumers' cultural preferences particularly.
Maximizing flap survival in a prefabrication model using exogenous and endogenous bFGF: A new approach

Flap prefabrication is dependent on the neovascular response that occurs between the implanted arteriovenous pedicle and the recipient tissue. Augmentation of this neovascular response with angiogenic growth factors would maximize flap survival and minimize the interval between pedicle implantation and flap rotation. Maximizing the biologic activity of endogenous growth factors would likewise positively impact upon flap survival. This study examined the role of basic fibroblast growth factor, a known potent angiogenic growth factor, on flap survival in a rabbit ear prefabrication model. Sucrose octasulfate, a substance that binds basic fibroblast growth factor, stabilizes it, and protects it from degradation, was also studied to determine its impact on flap survival. Flap survival was increased using basic fibroblast growth factor, sucrose octasulfate, and the two substances combined together. The use of substrates designed to maximize the biologic activity of endogenous growth factors, rather than relying on the artificial addition of exogenous growth factors, represents a new approach in the search for methods that will improve flap survival. © 1997 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. MICROSURGERY 17:176–179 1996
High serum levels of B‐lymphocyte stimulator are associated with clinical–pathological features and outcome in classical Hodgkin lymphoma

B‐lymphocyte stimulator (BLyS) acts as survival factor for B lymphocytes. As Hodgkin and Reed‐Sternberg (HRS) cells express receptors through which BLyS promotes their growth and chemotherapy resistance, we investgated whether this molecule was increased in sera from patients with classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) and whether it correlates with clinical‐pathological features and outcomes. Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure soluble BLyS (sBLyS) in sera from 87 patients and 33 donors; higher levels were detected in patients (mean ± standard error 4493·9 ± 264·9 pg/ml vs. 2687·0 ± 200·9 pg/ml; P < 0·0001). Levels above the median value (4242·0 pg/ml) were associated with age ≥45 years (P = 0·042), advanced stages of disease (P = 0·005), systemic symptoms (P = 0·014) and extranodal involvement (P = 0·009). Five‐year failure‐free survival (FFS) of patients with sBLyS below or equal to median levels was 88·6% as compared to 65·1% of those with levels above the median (P = 0·009). Statistical analyses confirmed the prognostic significance of sBLyS (P = 0·046). When patients were analysed according to variables associated with high levels, sBLyS showed an independent predictive power in terms of FFS. Our findings support the involvement of BLyS in cHL pathogenesis. The association between high serum levels and an inferior FFS indicates that sBLyS is a possible prognostic predictor with a potential significance as a therapeutic target.
The isolation of mutants of Aspergillus flavus and A.parasiticus with altered aflatoxin producing ability.

Mutations affecting the production of aflatoxin might be useful in studying its biosynthesis, and in understanding the wide variation in aflatoxigenicity of fungal strains isolated from nature. Two methods of isolating mutants of Aspergillus in which aflatoxin production is attenuated or lost are presented. In one method mutants are selected on the basis of altered fluorescence under ultraviolet light. The second method utilizes a mutant strain which produces aflatoxin and an orange-red mycelial pigment not detected in the wild type. Unpigmented mutants derived from this strain exhibit lowered or lost aflatoxigenicity.
Broadband RF Power Amplifier Design Methodology Using Sequential Harmonic Characterization

Radio Frequency Power Amplifier (RFPA) amplifies the communication signals to the required power level for transmission. It is the most power consuming stage in a transceiver chain; consequently, any improvement in terms of dissipated power and efficiency of the power amplifier affects the overall power budget of the transmitter. Also, efficient performance of the RF power amplifier over extended ranges of frequency is one of the most challenging areas in implementing multi-band transmitter systems. In this thesis, a design methodology for multi-octave RF power amplifiers is presented based on the proposed sequential harmonic characterization. Compared to the conventional method, a more optimal performance is achieved using the proposed technique. To validate the proposed method, a broadband multi-octave power amplifier prototype was designed and fabricated using a Cree GaN HEMT device that exhibits drain efficiency of 53% 64% across 0.7 – 4.0 GHz corresponding to the fractional bandwidth of 140%.
UvA-DARE ( Digital Academic Repository ) Automated dialogue generation for behavior intervention on mobile devices

Communication in the form of dialogues between a virtual coach and a human patient (coachee) is one of the pillars in an intervention app for smartphones. The virtual coach is considered as a cooperative partner that supports the individual with various exercises for a behavior intervention therapy. To perform its supportive behavior, the coach follows a certain interaction model and its requirements, such as alignment, mutual commitment and adaptation. In this paper, we propose E-Coach MarkUp Language (ECML), a standard XML specification for scripting discourses that define how the virtual coach maintains a dialogue with a coachee following the interaction model. The format of the language allows messages to be tailored at a fine-grained level. Each sentence is synthesized based on the inferred goals of the coaching process and the current beliefs of the user, incorporating everything that has been said previously in the conversation. The design enables inexpensive implementation on mobile devices for a flexible, seamless coaching dialogue. With expert-based evaluations, we validated the language using scenarios on implemented ECML in the field of insomnia therapy. © 2014 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. Peer-review under responsibility of the Program Chairs.
Correlation between the 37-Item Mental Test Score and Abbreviated 10-Item Mental Test Score by Psychogeriatric Day Patients

Groups of organically and functionally mentally ill psychogeriatric day patients were assessed by the 37-item Roth-Hopkins test and the abbreviated ten-item Roth-Hopkins test. The scores correlated highly, correlation being equally good for both diagnostic groups. Among the functionally ill and the mild organically ill, scores improved between first and second test. The quicker, better tolerated ten-item test is a useful test of mental impairment for psychogeriatric patients in the community, as well as in institutional care.
Impact Of International Financial Reporting Standards On Accounting Practices Harmonization Within European Union -Particular Case Of Intangible Assets-

This paper is meant to study the impact of IFRS on accounting practicesharmonization, by measuring the degree in which different companies from Europe use samemethods when reporting their intangible assets. Therefore, the objective of the research is todemonstrate the existence of harmonizing tendencies between European Union member states, as aresult of IFRS adoption. The methodology implies Herfindahl Index computation for a sample of 51listed companies that develop their activity in five European countries. The results suggest theinfluence of International Financial Reporting Standards on accounting practices, as there isevidence of high harmonization level for intangible assets. Many of the analysed situationsrecorded if not maximum harmonizing values at least visible tendencies to harmonize accountingpractices.
Immunoconglutinin and complement changes in children with acute nephritis.

Immunoconglutinin and electrophoretically altered forms of complement are detectable only after the fall in complement levels in acute nephritis, and may occur even when the fall is not noted. The delay between the postulated initiating streptococcal infection and the development of immunoconglutinin is longer than would be expected. The immunopathological significance of these findings is discussed.
1. ACCOUNTING DISCLOSURE, SOCIAL LEARNING AND CORPORATE REPUTATION: EVIDENCE FROM THAI LISTED FIRMS

This study aims at examining the influences of accounting disclosure on corporate reputation of Thai listed firms via moderating effects of social learning. Accounting disclosure, social learning and corporate reputation are the independent variable, moderating variable and dependent variable of the study respectively. Here, 114 Thai listed firms were chosen as the sample. The results indicate that accounting disclosure has a significant positive effect on corporate reputation and social learning has an important positive impact on corporate reputation. Surprisingly, social learning does not moderate the accounting disclosure-corporate reputation relationships. It is not a moderator of the aforementioned relationships. Thus, further study may consider finding practical reasons why it is so by reviewing extensive literature, or collecting a larger sample, for example. Potential discussion of the research results is implemented. Theoretical and managerial contributions are explicitly provided. Conclusion, suggestions and directions for the future research are highlighted.
Suppression of Glycogen Synthase Kinase Activity Is Not Sufficient for Leukemia Enhancer Factor-1 Activation*

Glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK) can be regulated by different signaling pathways including those mediated by protein kinase Akt and Wnt proteins. Wnt proteins are believed to activate a transcription factor leukemia enhancer factor-1 (LEF-1) by inhibiting GSK, and Akt was shown to phosphorylate GSK and inhibit its kinase activity. We investigated the effect of an activated Akt on the accumulation of cytosolic β-catenin and LEF-1-dependent transcription. Although the activated Akt, mAkt, clearly inhibited the kinase activity of GSK, mAkt alone did not induce accumulation of cytosolic β-catenin or activate LEF-1-dependent transcription. On the contrary, coexpressed Wnt-1 and Frat activated LEF-1 but did not show significant inhibition of GSK-mediated phosphorylation of a peptide substrate. However, mAkt could act synergistically with Wnt-1 or Frat to activate LEF-1. In addition, the interaction of GSK for Axin appeared to decrease in the presence of mAkt, whereas the interaction for Frat remained unchanged. Consistently, a GSK mutant with substitution of a Phe residue for residue Tyr-216, which showed one-fifth of kinase activity of the wild-type GSK, exhibited a reduced association for Axin than the wild-type GSK. These results suggest that inhibition of GSK kinase activity is not sufficient for activation of LEF-1 but may facilitate the activation by reducing the interaction of GSK for Axin. The additional mechanism for LEF-1 activation may require dissociation of GSK from Axin as Frat facilitates the dissociation of GSK from Axin.
Cardiovascular response to insertion of Brain's laryngeal mask

This study was designed to investigate the cardiovascular effects related to insertion of the Brain laryngeal mask airway and to compare these effects with those after insertion of a Guedel oral airway. Arterial pressure and heart rate in 100 patients were measured using an Ohmeda 2300 Finapres arterial pressure monitor. Arterial pressure decreased significantly (p < 0.001) and heart rate increased significantly (p < 0.001) after induction of anaesthesia with 2.5 mg/kg of propofol. A significant increase in arterial pressure (p < 0.02) and in heart rate (p < 0.001) followed insertion of the laryngeal mask and the Guedel airway, with no difference between the two groups at any time. The changes in arterial pressure and heart rate returned to ‘at insertion’ levels within 60 seconds of the stimulus.
Home Zone: Improving the quality of life in residential streets

Before the necessity of using vehicles arises as the main way of transportation, traffic was very calm in cities. Streets were areas for learning where children explored environments around them (Roger, 2002; Mackey, 2008; Carver et al., 2008). As usage of vehicles increased, particularly after World War II, streets lost their main role as a multi-use space where different types of activities used to take place. Appleyard (1983) declares that in many communities, streets are overdesigned for the traffic that they have to carry. This not only changes the face of cities, but also it imposes heavy damages to social, cultural, and environmental aspects of residents’ lives (Ben-Joseph, 1995). In his investigations from 1960 to 1981 on residential streets, Appleyard finds out that social interactions among residents living in heavy traffic streets are lesser than one third of those of residents living in low traffic streets. This illustrates the impacts of traffic on human lives (Appleyard, 1981) (See Figure 1). Harmful effects of over-number vehicles on streets force urban designers and planners to find a solution in order to reduce traffic influences on human lives (DFT, 2006). Pedestrians and vehicles have been side by side for a long time on streets. With regards to their relationships four patterns are recommended (Gehl, 1985): Privilege of vehicles over pedestrians (vehicle-oriented) Full Separation of vehicles and pedestrians Privilege of pedestrians over vehicles (pedestrian-oriented) Vehicles removal Advantages and disadvantages of these patterns can be found at Table 1. According to the table and also considering the impossibility of vehicles removal from human life, it seems that the most logical and
Assessment of hypoxia and TNF-α response by a vector with HRE and NF-kappaB response elements

Hypoxia and inflammatory cytokine activation (H&I) are common processes in many acute and chronic diseases. Thus, a single vector that responds to both hypoxia and inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-α, is useful for assesing the severity of such diseases. Adaptation to hypoxia is regulated primarily by hypoxia inducible transcription factor (HIFα) nuclear proteins that engage genes containing a hypoxia response element (HRE). Inflammation activates a multitude of cytokines, including TNF-α, that invariably modulate activation of the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kB) transcription factor. We constructed a vector that encompassed both a hypoxia response element (HRE), and a NF-kappaB responsive element. We show that this vector was functionally responsive to both hypoxia and TNF-α, in vitro and in vivo. Thus, this vector might be suitable for the detection and assessment of hypoxia or TNF-α. Assessment of hypoxia and TNF-α response by a vector with HRE and NF-kappaB response elements
Trust‐based commitment: multidimensional consumer‐brand relationships

Purpose – To propose and test a multi‐dimensional model of relationship commitment defined by personal and functional connections which are, in turn, driven by trust and satisfaction.Design/methodology/approach – A model is proposed to define relationship constructs better within marketing practice and to evaluate the relationships between these constructs. Structural equation modeling was employed to validate the model using data from two case studies.Findings – Satisfaction is antecedent to trust, but primarily contributes to functional connections. Personal connections, on the other hand, stem from trust. The relative strengths of personal and functional connections determine the nature and outcomes of relationship commitment. This trust‐based model is statistically superior to previous models and explains customer‐brand relationships much more extensively.Research limitations/implications – The primary limitation of this research is that it explores only two product/service categories, potentially lim.
Authenticated Key Agreement Protocol Based on a Matrix Group and Polynomial Ring over a Finite Field

Alongside encryption and signatures, key agreement is one of the fundamental issues in modern cryptography and its security is the main concern in cloud computing and World Wide Web-based applications. In this paper, a novel type of more secure 3-pass key agreement protocol is proposed based on a recently proposed matrix-based key agreement protocol of Roma n czuk and Ustimenko. By the hash-and-sign approach and immediate use of new session key, explicit key authentication, forward secrecy and bit security are achieved simultaneously. Cryptanalysis also shows that it is immune to the man-in-the-middle attack while matrix entries from a commutative ring provide an advantageous hiding mechanism.
Comparison of U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Composting Council microbial detection methods in finished compost and regrowth potential of Salmonella spp. and Escherichia coli O157:H7 in finished compost.

Bacterial pathogens may survive and regrow in finished compost due to incomplete thermal inactivation during or recontamination after composting. Twenty-nine finished composts were obtained from 19 U.S. states and were separated into three broad feedstock categories: biosolids (n=10), manure (n=4), and yard waste (n=15). Three replicates of each compost were inoculated with ≈ 1-2 log CFU/g of nonpathogenic Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp. , and E. coli O157:H7. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) protocols and U.S. Composting Council's (USCC) Test Methods for the Examination of Composting and Compost (TMECC) were compared to determine which method recovered higher percentages of inoculated E. coli (representing fecal coliforms) and Salmonella spp. from 400-g samples of finished composts. Populations of Salmonella spp. and E. coli O157:H7 were determined over 3 days while stored at 25°C and compared to physicochemical parameters to predict their respective regrowth potentials. EPA Method 1680 recovered significantly (p=0.0003) more inoculated E. coli (68.7%) than TMECC 07.01 (48.1%) due to the EPA method using more compost in the initial homogenate, larger transfer dilutions, and a larger most probable number scheme compared to TMECC 07.01. The recoveries of inoculated Salmonella spp. by Environmental Protection Agency Method 1682 (89.1%) and TMECC 07.02 (72.4%) were not statistically significant (p=0.44). The statistically similar recovery percentages may be explained by the use of a nonselective pre-enrichment step used in both methods. No physicochemical parameter (C:N, moisture content, total organic carbon) was able to serve as a sole predictor of regrowth of Salmonella spp. or E. coli O157:H7 in finished compost. However, statistical analysis revealed that the C:N ratio, total organic carbon, and moisture content all contributed to pathogen regrowth potential in finished composts. It is recommended that the USCC modify TMECC protocols to test larger amounts of compost in the initial homogenate to facilitate greater recovery of target organisms.
MR imaging with ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxide particles in experimental soft-tissue infections in rats.

PURPOSE To investigate the feasibility of macrophage magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in rats by using an experimental soft-tissue infection model. MATERIALS AND METHODS Thirteen rats with unilateral calf-muscle infection were imaged with a 4.7-T MR imager at an early chronic stage of infection (day 4 before contrast material injection, days 4-7 after injection). Eleven animals were imaged before and 3 and 24 hours after intravenous application of ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxide (USPIO), and eight animals were additionally imaged 48 hours and three animals 72 hours after USPIO application. Two infected rats served as controls. T1- and T2-weighted spin-echo and T2*-weighted gradient-echo sequences were applied. All animals were sacrificed, and histopathologic findings were correlated with findings on MR images. Electron microscopy was performed in two rats. For quantitative analysis, signal intensities on T2*-weighted images and T2 values on T2 maps were measured within regions of interest, and the temporal variation was analyzed by using the signed rank test. RESULTS Visualization of USPIO-loaded macrophages was most sensitive with a T2*-weighted sequence. USPIO distribution pattern and quantitative analysis of T2 and T2* effects 3 hours after USPIO application were significantly different (P <.05) from those at 24 and 48 hours, reflecting the dynamic transit of the particle accumulation from the intravascular to the intracellular compartment by means of macrophage phagocytosis. Local signal intensity alterations could be correlated with iron-loaded macrophages at histopathologic examination. CONCLUSION Activated macrophages in acute soft-tissue infection can be labeled with USPIOs and detected with MR imaging because of susceptibility effects.
IT Services: Costs, Metrics, Benchmarking and Marketing

Unleashing the Power of Integrated Service DeliveryHarris Kern's Enterprise Computing Institute Solutions for IT ProfessionalsDelighting IT customers: the real-world, start-to-finish guideIT Services is the first 100% customer-focused guide to satisfying the consumers of your company's IT services - and building the loyalty your IT organization needs. In this book, three leading IT professionals present a fully integrated, comprehensive approach to service delivery in today's global, distributed environments.You'll discover how to establish processes, service and cost models, performance measurements, and "stretch" goals that achieve clear business benefits-and then transform those goals into reality. Proven results, benchmarks, and case studies - not just theory! Linking goal-setting, process development, and metrics to the goals of the enterprise - step-by-step Gaining buy-in from management, internal customers, and external suppliers Building stable, predictable and cost-effective application support infrastructures Structuring support services for maximum effectivenessApplicable to both in-house and outsourced operations, IT Services offers a total roadmap for executives building enterprise-wide operations centers; practical help for managers seeking to deliver cost-effective support; and invaluable insight for IT "customers" who need to know what they can expect from their technology professionals.