Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
[Mitochondrial tRNA(leu(UUR)) gene mutation and the decreased activity of cytochrome C oxidase in preeclampsia].

OBJECTIVE To study the effect of mitochondrial tRNA(leu(UUR)) gene mutation at nuecleotide 3243 and the activity of cytochrome C oxidase on the pathogenesis of pregnancy induced hypertension(PIH). METHODS 57 cases of PIH and 60 normal pregnancy women were detected of tRNA(leu(UUR)) nt3243A-->G mutation with the method of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and restriction fragment length polymorphism. Cytochrome C oxidase activity was measured by the rate of cyanide-sensitive oxidation of reduced cytochrome C using luminosity photographer. RESULTS Cytochrome C oxidase activity was significantly lower in the PIH group than that of controls. The mitochondrial DNA mutation at position 3243 was not found in any of the cases. CONCLUSION These results suggested that the decreased activity of cytochrome C oxidase might impair the energy production, leading to the mitochondrial dysfunction and placental dysfunction in PIH patients. Mitochondrial dysfunction may be involved in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia. The particular mutation of mitochondrial DNA may not be the common contributor of PIH.
Focus on networks, energy and the economy

A sustainable and reliable energy supply constitutes a fundamental prerequisite for the future of our society. The change to renewable sources comes with several systemic changes and includes, among others, smaller and more distributed producers as well as stronger and less predictable ﬂ uctuations. Parallel developments such as the transition from conventional producers and consumers to prosumers and the increasing number of electric vehicles add further complica-tions. These changes require to extend and upgrade currently existing power grids. Yet precisely how to achieve an effective, robustly operating ( electric ) energy system is far from being understood. This focus issue aims to contribute to a number of these upcoming challenges from the perspective of self-organization and the collective nonlinear dynamics of power grids, interacting economic factors as well as technical
Prevalence of cognitive disorders differs as a function of age in HIV virus infection

Objectives: Ten per cent of all new cases of AIDS in the United States are in persons older than 50 years. This is particularly problematical in the case of the neuropsychiatric consequences of HIV, because there are neuropsychiatric disorders which become common in older individuals in the absence of HIV. The purpose of this report is to describe the prevalence and incidence of cognitive impairment in HIV-infected individuals enrolled in a community-based study. Design: The study consisted of community-based, sentinel survey physician referrals of HIV-infected patients, with volunteer recruitment of risk-appropriate seronegative controls. One-year longitudinal follow-up study. Methods: Detailed neuropsychiatric evaluations were performed at study entry and after one year. A brief, interim visit tracked incident change. Each subject's neuropsychological test performance was classified as normal, demented, or cognitive impairment (not demented). Results: The prevalence of cognitive disorder among HIV-positive individuals over 50 years was significantly greater than in individuals younger than 50 years. Among older participants, dementia was the more common classification (23%), whereas among younger participants, a milder form of cognitive impairment was more prevalent (22%). Alcohol abuse/dependence was a significant risk factor for a disorder, whereas greater education was a protective factor. The one-year incidence of disorder in the sample overall was low (7.3%), and age was not a significant risk factor. However, HIV viral load at study entry was significantly higher among those participants who had developed cognitive impairment one year later. Conclusion: Age is a significant risk modifier for prevalent neuropsychological disorder.
Multiview human activity recognition system based on spatiotemporal template for video surveillance system

Abstract. An efficient view invariant framework for the recognition of human activities from an input video sequence is presented. The proposed framework is composed of three consecutive modules: (i) detect and locate people by background subtraction, (ii) view invariant spatiotemporal template creation for different activities, (iii) and finally, template matching is performed for view invariant activity recognition. The foreground objects present in a scene are extracted using change detection and background modeling. The view invariant templates are constructed using the motion history images and object shape information for different human activities in a video sequence. For matching the spatiotemporal templates for various activities, the moment invariants and Mahalanobis distance are used. The proposed approach is tested successfully on our own viewpoint dataset, KTH action recognition dataset, i3DPost multiview dataset, MSR viewpoint action dataset, VideoWeb multiview dataset, and WVU multiview human action recognition dataset. From the experimental results and analysis over the chosen datasets, it is observed that the proposed framework is robust, flexible, and efficient with respect to multiple views activity recognition, scale, and phase variations.
Targeting liver fibrosis: Strategies for development and validation of antifibrotic therapies

We have made striking progress in our understanding of the biochemistry and cell biology that underlies liver fibrosis and cirrhosis, including the development of strategies and agents to prevent and reverse fibrosis. However, translation of this knowledge into clinical practice has been hampered by (1) the limitation of many in vitro and in vivo models to confirm mechanisms and to test antifibrotic agents, and (2) the lack of sensitive methodologies to quantify the degree of liver fibrosis and the dynamics of fibrosis progression or reversal in patients. Furthermore, whereas cirrhosis and subsequent decompensation are accepted hard clinical endpoints, fibrosis and fibrosis progression alone are merely plausible surrogates for future clinical deterioration. In this review we focus on an optimized strategy for preclinical antifibrotic drug development and highlight the current and future techniques that permit noninvasive assessment and quantification of liver fibrosis and fibrogenesis. The availability of such noninvasive methodologies will serve as the pacemaker for the clinical development and validation of potent antifibrotic agents. (HEPATOLOGY 2009.)
The Relationship between Total Quality Management Critical Success Factors and Knowledge Sharing in a Service Industry

Total quality management (TQM), its components, techniques and principles are extensively accepted by scholars as a comprehensive philosophy for improving organizational performance (OP). Moreover, findings suggest that a prerequisite for successfully implementing TQM is exchanging knowledge in the organization. However, the number of studies addressing the mentioned issue is limited. Also, the nature of knowledge and its interactions with TQM are not properly investigated. Current study investigates the role of employees’ different forms of knowledge sharing appreciation in their tendency to use TQM critical success factors (CSFs). In order to do so, knowledge sharing was divided into two categories of explicit and tacit, and the employees of the IT department of one of the largest companies in Middle East were selected and grouped based on their knowledge sharing characteristics. Further, ten categories were identified for TQM CSFs, and the employees’ appreciation of CSFs were measured. The data were gathered through two questionnaires. Finally, the subjects were plotted and grouped using Tacit–Explicit Analysis. The results indicated that while both Tacit and Explicit knowledge sharing positively correlates with CSF appreciation, a simultaneous increase in both types can bear much fruitful positive results.
Palmitate‐Stimulated Monocytes Induce Adhesion Molecule Expression in Endothelial Cells via IL‐1 Signaling Pathway

Increased intake of saturated fatty acids (SFAs), such as palmitate (Pal), is linked to a higher risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Although recent studies have investigated the direct effects of SFAs on inflammatory responses in vascular endothelial cells, it remains unknown whether SFAs also induce these responses mediated by circulating cells. In this study, especially focused on adhesion molecules and monocytes, we investigated the indirect effects of Pal on expression and release of ICAM‐1 and E‐selectin in vascular endothelial cells. Phorbol 12‐myristate 13‐acetate (PMA)‐treated THP‐1 (pTHP‐1) cells and human monocytes were stimulated with various free fatty acids (FFAs). SFAs, but not unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs), increased interleukin (IL)‐1β secretion and decreased IL‐1 receptor antagonist (IL‐1Ra) secretion, resulting in an increase in the IL‐1β/IL‐1Ra secretion ratio. UFAs dose‐dependently inhibited the increase in IL‐1β secretion and decrease in IL‐1Ra secretion induced by Pal. Moreover, in human aortic and vein endothelial cells, expression and release of ICAM‐1 and E‐selectin were induced by treatment with conditioned medium collected from Pal‐stimulated pTHP‐1 cells and human monocytes, but not by Pal itself. The up‐regulated expression and release of adhesion molecules by the conditioned medium were mostly abolished by recombinant human IL‐1Ra supplementation. These results suggest that the Pal‐induced increase in the ratio of IL‐1β/IL‐1Ra secretion in monocytes up‐regulates endothelial adhesion molecules, which could enhance leukocyte adhesion to endothelium. This study provides further evidence that IL‐1β neutralization through receptor antagonism may be useful for preventing the onset and development of cardiovascular disease. J. Cell. Physiol. 230: 732–742, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc., A Wiley Company
Pragmatic citing and linking in electronic scholarly publishing

The transition from traditional, paper‐based publishing to electronic publishing presents many challenges for publishers and their constituents. Among the most significant are those that concern linking to articles that are available online and citing of articles that are now published online prior to (or even in lieu of) the final pagination and binding of paper issues. The solutions to these problems will have a great impact on the usability of the scholarly electronic corpus for the research community. In particular, the solutions must be easy to use, persistent, and scalable. Here we examine some pragmatic solutions (in use now) that satisfy these criteria and contrast them with other proposed solutions. The examples are drawn mainly from the experiences of the American Physical Society, but the lessons gleaned will have wide applicability.
Nonlinear waveguide nanocomposite core

We present our design of waveguides for nonlinear interactions constructed of a nonlinear core of nanoparticles within a polymer host. A homogeneous layer of nanocomposite at 1.3% volume concentration is demonstrated and also the integration of this nanocomposite layer within the waveguide. A propagation loss of 6.56 dB/cm was measured for 2×5. 3μm2 rib NL waveguide.
Talent Retention: The Pressures in Malaysia SMEs

Talents has gradually become the most important source of organization sustainability especially referring to the largest cohort in the Malaysia's workfo rce, the Generat ion Y. This study provides in-depth understanding of employee retention through the experiences of young generation in SMEs of Malaysia. The study also discusses five main pressures of retention faced by SMEs recently and aims to contribute a literature foundation in talent retention with newly constructed independent variables of personal job fit, pay and benefits, career development and work life balance while job satisfaction serves as the mediator. By conducting this study, organizat ion will be able to ascertain appropriate approaches in order to hire, retain and keep the top performers among Gen Ys. studies . Therefore, in order to fill in the gaps, this study aims to develop a mature theoretical model incorporating into the contemporary situation of Gen Ys in SM Es Malaysia. Thus, it could assist to determine cause and effect of emp loyee's perception towards factors of retention through the pressures discussed. In addition, this study will provide addit ional insight into the impact of job satisfaction as a mediating factor of pay and benefits, career development, job fit and work life balance to successfully retain the new generation of emp loyees. By conducting this study, organization will be able to ascertain appropriate approaches in order to hire, retain and keep the top performers among Gen Ys. The following discussion comprises three parts. First is to determine the pressures affecting the talent retention. Then the continuous exa min ation of a literature review to propose the theoretical framework. Lastly, the final part prevails the conclusion with several important imp lications of study.
A decision‐making model for reverse logistics in the computer industry

Purpose – This paper seeks to present a decision‐making model for manufacturers to maximize their profits in reverse logistics operations.Design/methodology/approach – A system dynamic model has been developed to complement with prior models and is validated using data collected from a computer company manufacturer handling returns with volumes transacted over a period of two years.Findings – The results from the model indicate that part replacements from suppliers are more profitable than refurbished computer parts. In addition, transportation delay and supplier delay in processing returns have a significant impact on the viability of reverse logistics regardless of return volumes.Research limitations/implications – The current model is not designed for third‐party logistics (3PL) offering reverse logistics services. However, this can be accomplished by resetting some of the parameters in the model. The other limitations are exchange rate fluctuation and product depreciation which are not incorporated in.
Dimensions of Rosenburg's Self-Esteem Scale

The dimensions of Rosenburg's scale of self-esteem (1965) were investigated via principal components and oblique factor analysis. Data from 479 students in a basic speech course yielded a two-factor solution. As the two factors appeared to identify only a response set, it was concluded the scale was unidimensional.
ASSESSING CUSTOMER ORIENTATION IN PUBLIC, NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS: A PROFILE OF OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY EXTENSION

The purpose of the study was to describe the customer orientation profile of Ohio State University Extension (OSU Extension). The sample for the study consisted of Extension personnel (n= 265) at the county level. An evaluative framework was utilized to describe the organizational customer orientation proJile infour dimensions: Definition, Sensitivity, Measurement, andlmplementation. Additionally, the level of commitment to Customer Service and attitude toward Continuous Quality Improvement (@I,) were analyzed. A mail survey was used to collect the research data. A slightly high level of customer orientation was found, portiavying the organization (OSIJ Extension) as extroverted, proactive, formal, and actionoriented. A slightly high level of commitment to customer service and a slightly positive attitude toward CQI were exhibited by OSIJ Extension personnel. A statistically signtftcant association was found between customer service andcustomer orientation, andalso between customer orientation andattitude toward CQI, job title and gender. Paraprofessionals had a higher customer orientation than professionals and support stafl Females had a higher customer orientation than males.
Rural Tourism Development in Connemara, Ireland

ABSTRACT Since the publication of the Brundtland Report, Our common future (1987), there has been a proliferation of guidelines on sustainability in rural areas at the international level that have gradually made their way to the centre of national policies. In this paper, thematic analysis is applied to establish the current situation in relation to sustainable tourism development in Connemara, a popular rural tourism destination on the west coast of Ireland. The area is economically highly dependent on tourism, and the environment plays an important role in attracting visitors. In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with representatives of organisations in the public and private sectors. The study shows little evidence of the adoption of a sustainable approach to tourism development at the local and regional levels. A key finding was lack of evidence of networking or opportunities for locals' participation in tourism decision-making. Furthermore, the apparent absence of strong leadership and a reactive approach to development were not conducive to sustainability.
Novel technetium (III)-Q complexes for functional imaging of multidrug resistance (MDR1) P-glycoprotein.

UNLABELLED Overexpression of the multidrug resistance (MDR1) P-glycoprotein (Pgp) correlates with cancer chemotherapeutic failure. Lipophilic cationic radiopharmaceuticals such as 99mTc-sestamibi, 99mTc-tetrofosmin and 99Tc-furifosmin (Tc-Q12) have been validated as transport substrates for the MDR1 Pgp and may enable functional imaging of the MDR phenotype in cancer by observing enhanced washout rates of the tracers in those tumor areas expressing Pgp. To further explore and optimize the Pgp recognition properties of Schiff base phosphine mixed-ligand complexes of the Tc-Q series of nonreducible (Tc(III) cations, a variety of Tc-Q complexes were synthesized and tested in vitro for recognition as transport substrates by the human MDR1 Pgp. METHODS Tracer assays with human drug-sensitive KB-3-1 epidermal carcinoma and MDR KB-8-5 cells expressing nonimmunodetectable and modest levels of MDR1 Pgp, respectively, were used to screen and pharmacologically characterize 37 novel 99mTc-Q analogs. RESULTS The ideal agent should have low nonspecific binding, high distinction in net uptake between drug-sensitive cells and MDR tumor cells, and high enhancement of uptake in resistant cells after treatment with an MDR modulator, indicating selective blockade of Pgp-mediated efflux of the radiotracer. Three analogs, trans-[5,5'-(1,2-ethanediyldiimino)bis(2-OEt-2-Me-4-penten-3 -one)]bis[dimethyl(3-OMe-1-propyl)phosphine]99mTc(III) (99mTc-Q63) and two trans-[bis(methyl-bis(3-OMe-1-propyl)phosphine)] analogs (99mTc-Q57 and 99mTc-Q58) displayed transport distinctions between drug-sensitive and MDR cell lines that were equal to or greater than all previously available agents. Cyclosporin A, an MDR modulator, had no significant effect in KB-3-1 cells for these 99mTc-complexes but enhanced tracer accumulations in KB-8-5 cells with IC50 values of approximately 1 microM. In contrast, the non-MDR agents methotrexate and cisplatin had no effect on accumulation of 99mTc-Q complexes and 99mTc-sestamibi in KB-8-5 cells. CONCLUSION Technetium-99m-Q57, 99mTc-Q58 and 99mTc-Q63 are avid transport substrates recognized by the human MDR1 Pgp, and have enhanced in vitro properties that may enable functional imaging of Pgp in vivo with improved signal-to-noise ratios and tissue contrast compared to currently available agents.
Linking Customer Management Effort to Customer Profitability in Business Markets

Chain-link frameworks such as the service–profit chain (SPC) are much discussed as a means to link customer profits to operational resources under the influence of vendor managers, though empirical testing to date has been limited primarily to consumer services settings. In this article, the authors adapt the SPC framework to accommodate characteristics of business markets, specifically the complex decision-making unit, strategic supplier selection, and resource allocation at the individual customer level. They also extend the SPC framework to allow for a richer description of the complex linkages between vendor effort and account profitability, namely, nonlinear linkages and differential responsiveness occasioned by customer-specific factors such as competitive context. Controlling for such factors illuminates, to some degree, why similar levels of customer management effort and/or performance can yield quite different customer profitability outcomes. The authors present an application that demonstrates how adaptation and extension of the SPC to business markets can provide vendors with (1) insights into the process that culminates in individual customer profitability and (2) useful guidelines for adapting their customer management efforts at the individual account level with an aim to improve account profitability. The results show the importance of accounting for decreasing returns to customer management effort at a given account, and they reinforce the notion of customer delight.
New directions for international retail joint venture research

Abstract This paper contends that a range of questions arising from the geographical and organizational dynamics of international retail joint ventures have been bypassed by studies in the international retail field. It argues that, despite its importance as a corporate growth strategy, comparatively less is known about the way in which retailers have employed joint ventures in international markets. Based on a review of the literature and illustrated with examples of international retail joint venturing activity, this paper reveals several gaps in our understanding of the internationalization process of retail firms. Suggestions for further research are made throughout the paper on the basis of gaps in the retailer internationalization literature.
Modelling the Stock Market using Twitter

Stock markets are driven by a multitude of dynamics in which facts and beliefs play a major role in affecting the price of a company’s stock. In today’s information age, news can spread around the globe in some cases faster than they happen. While it can be beneficial for many applications including disaster prevention, our aim in this thesis is to use the timely release of information to model the stock market. We extract facts and beliefs from the population using one of the fastest growing social networking tools on the Internet, namely Twitter. We examine the use of Natural Language Processing techniques with a predictive machine learning approach to analyze millions of Twitter posts from which we draw distinctive features to create a model that enables the prediction of stock prices. We selected several stocks from the NASDAQ stock exchange and collected Intra-Day stock quotes during a period of two weeks. We build different feature representations from the raw Twitter posts and combined them with the stock price in order to build a regression model using the Support Vector Regression algorithm. We were able to build models of the stocks which predicted discrete prices that were close to a strong baseline. We further investigated the prediction of future prices, on average predicting 15 minutes ahead of the actual price, and evaluated the results using a Virtual Stock Trading Engine. These results were in general promising, but contained also some random variations across the different datasets.