Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Extracellular matrix‐blood composite injection reduces post‐traumatic osteoarthritis after anterior cruciate ligament injury in the rat

The objective of this study was to determine if an injection of a novel extracellular matrix scaffold and blood composite (EMBC) after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury would have a mitigating effect on post‐traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA) development in rat knees. Lewis rats underwent unilateral ACL transection and were divided into three groups as follows: (1) no further treatment (ACLT; n = 10); (2) an intra‐articular injection of EMBC on day 0 (INJ0; n = 11); and (3) an intra‐articular injection of EMBC on day 14 (INJ14; n = 11). Ten additional animals received capsulotomy only (n = 10, SHAM group). The OARSI histology scoring of the tibial cartilage and micro‐CT of the tibial epiphysis were performed after 35 days. The ratio of intact/treated hind limb forces during gait was determined using a variable resistor walkway. The OARSI cartilage degradation sum score and total degeneration width were significantly greater in the ACLT group when compared to the INJ0 (p = 0.031, and p = 0.005) and INJ14 (p = 0.022 and p = 0.04) group. Weight bearing on the operated limb only decreased significantly in the ACLT group (p = 0.048). In the rat ACL transection model, early or delayed injection of EMBC ameliorated the significant decrease in weight bearing and cartilage degradation seen in knees subjected to ACL transection without injection. The results indicate that the injection of EMBC may slow the process of PTOA following ACL injury and may provide a promising treatment for PTOA. © 2015 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 34:995–1003, 2016.
You’re doing what? Students’ experiences of advice from a New Zealand university

This case study explores student perceptions and experiences of advising at a New Zealand university. It considers the implications arising from the students’ responses and also investigates the influence of students’ demographic characteristics on perceptions of advice. Both first‐ (n = 191) and final‐ (n = 171) year cohorts of students were surveyed to determine why they chose particular courses, what advice they received and how aware they were of various support services. Although students were happy overall with the advice received, many had little or no expectations of the type of advice they should be receiving. The main sources of advice were the University enrolment pack, family and University School’s Liaison Officers. Academic advisers were less well used as a source of advice, even during later years of study. Advisers need to be educated about particular advising issues related to first‐generation students, part‐time students and international students. Many students had a career path in mind so it is important to provide holistic developmental academic advice that includes future career options.
Embedded entertainment with smart projectors

The popularity of today's flat-panel liquid-crystal and plasma TV displays shows that emerging trends favor large-screen displays. Another display type may soon conquer the entertainment market, however: video projectors have experienced an enormous metamorphosis during the past decade. These devices now offer admirable cost reductions and performance increases, and they can generate images much larger than the devices themselves. The screens on which they project their images, however, require a large area. Smart projectors, on the other hand, allow a correct projection onto many arbitrary existing surfaces, such as papered walls or curtained windows.
Face Cluster Radiosity

An algorithm for simulating diffuse interreflection in complex three dimensional scenes is described. It combines techniques from hierarchical radiosity and multiresolution modelling. A new face clustering technique for automatically partitioning polygonal models is used. The face clusters produced group adjacent triangles with similar normal vectors. They are used during radiosity solution to represent the light reflected by a complex object at multiple levels of detail. Also, the radiosity method is reformulated in terms of vector irradiance and power. Together, face clustering and the vector formulation of radiosity permit large savings. Excessively fine levels of detail are not accessed by the algorithm during the bulk of the solution phase, greatly reducing its memory requirements relative to previous methods. Consequently, the costliest steps in the simulation can be made sub-linear in scene complexity. Using this algorithm, radiosity simulations on scenes of one million input polygons can be computed on a standard workstation.
INDIVIDUALISM – COLLECTIVISM AS PREDICTORS OF EMPLOYEE ATTITUDES TOWARDS UNION MEMBERSHIP : AN EMPIRICAL STUDY OF EMPLOYEES OF BPO SECTOR IN INDIA

Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) sector is thriving in India but before the IteS market can really open out beyond the call centre model of business, sparks of trade unionism are now visible in the BPO and call centre industry in India. Nevertheless, there is a widely held view that important changes are occurring in the character of employee attitudes and it is argued that employees’ collectivist work orientations are in decline. This study investigates to what extent employee from BPO industries is going to get involved in unions. Drawing on data from survey of BPO industries in India, this paper explores the attitudes of employees towards union membership and identifies the determinants of this attitude. At first using Triandis (1995) framework of horizontal and vertical individualism-collectivism, the sample employees’ cultural orientation was measured. Next, consistent with some previous researches a measurement approach was employed that assessed individualism and collectivism as discrete measurements of organizational levels. Finally, test was done to detect whether the dimensions of I-C (HI, VI, HC, and VC) and organizational individualism and collectivism (OI and OC) are valid determinants of employees’ attitude towards union membership. The influence of interaction of vertical and horizontal I-C with OI and OC on attitude towards union membership was also measured. Analysis indicated that HI and VI predicted attitude with greater significance compared to HC and VC; and OC significantly predicted the attitude while OI could not. The 1 order interaction of HI with OI and OC was able to make significant influence on attitude, and so is the interaction of VC with OI, whereas 2 order interaction of VI with OI with OC was found to be able to make an influence on employees’ attitude. Identification of influence of 1 order and 2 order interactions of variables can help organizations diagnose their employees’ culture and identify potential levers for organizational change efforts in terms of true organizational culture change and employees’ perception change. Author
Region-Specific Responses of Adductor Longus Muscle to Gravitational Load-Dependent Activity in Wistar Hannover Rats

Response of adductor longus (AL) muscle to gravitational unloading and reloading was studied. Male Wistar Hannover rats (5-wk old) were hindlimb-unloaded for 16 days with or without 16-day ambulation recovery. The electromyogram (EMG) activity in AL decreased after acute unloading, but that in the rostral region was even elevated during continuous unloading. The EMG levels in the caudal region gradually increased up to 6th day, but decreased again. Approximately 97% of fibers in the caudal region were pure type I at the beginning of experiment. Mean percentage of type I fibers in the rostral region was 61% and that of type I+II and II fiber was 14 and 25%, respectively. The percent type I fibers decreased and de novo appearance of type I+II was noted after unloading. But the fiber phenotype in caudal, not rostral and middle, region was normalized after 16-day ambulation. Pronounced atrophy after unloading and re-growth following ambulation was noted in type I fibers of the caudal region. Sarcomere length in the caudal region was passively shortened during unloading, but that in the rostral region was unchanged or even stretched slightly. Growth-associated increase of myonuclear number seen in the caudal region of control rats was inhibited by unloading. Number of mitotic active satellite cells decreased after unloading only in the caudal region. It was indicated that the responses of fiber properties in AL to unloading and reloading were closely related to the region-specific neural and mechanical activities, being the caudal region more responsive.
Toll-like receptor 3 and geographic atrophy in age-related macular degeneration.

BACKGROUND Age-related macular degeneration is the most common cause of irreversible visual impairment in the developed world. Advanced age-related macular degeneration consists of geographic atrophy and choroidal neovascularization. The specific genetic variants that predispose patients to geographic atrophy are largely unknown. METHODS We tested for an association between the functional toll-like receptor 3 gene (TLR3) variant rs3775291 (involving the substitution of phenylalanine for leucine at amino acid 412) and age-related macular degeneration in Americans of European descent. We also tested for the effect of TLR3 Leu and Phe variants on the viability of human retinal pigment epithelial cells in vitro and on apoptosis of retinal pigment epithelial cells from wild-type mice and Tlr3-knockout (Tlr3(-/-)) mice. RESULTS The Phe variant (encoded by the T allele at rs3775291) was associated with protection against geographic atrophy (P=0.005). This association was replicated in two independent case-control series of geographic atrophy (P=5.43x10(-4) and P=0.002). No association was found between TLR3 variants and choroidal neovascularization. A prototypic TLR3 ligand induced apoptosis in a greater fraction of human retinal pigment epithelial cells with the Leu-Leu genotype than those with the Leu-Phe genotype and in a greater fraction of wild-type mice than Tlr3(-/-) mice. CONCLUSIONS The TLR3 412Phe variant confers protection against geographic atrophy, probably by suppressing the death of retinal pigment epithelial cells. Since double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) can activate TLR3-mediated apoptosis, our results suggest a role of viral dsRNA in the development of geographic atrophy and point to the potential toxic effects of short-interfering-RNA therapies in the eye.
Post-Cervical Decompression Parsonage-Turner Syndrome Represents a Subset of C5 Palsy: Six Cases and a Review of the Literature: Case Report

BACKGROUND: Approximately 5% of cervical decompression cases are complicated by postoperative weakness. Parsonage-Turner syndrome (PTS) or neuralgic amyotrophy is known to be precipitated by surgery and unrelated to technical or structural issues. Our practice has seen a number of cases of PTS after cervical decompression surgery. In this case report, we discuss a series of such patients, highlighting the commonalities with the more frequently diagnosed C5 palsy. We conclude with our management algorithm. CLINICAL PRESENTATION: Six patients with post-cervical decompression PTS were referred to our institution during a 32-month period. All patients were examined physically, radiographically, and electromyographically and were followed for up to 2 years or until symptoms resolved. Conservative management was the rule, and surgical intervention, including nerve releases and nerve reconstruction, was undertaken in select circumstances. In the majority of patients (4 of 6 patients), pain management and physical therapy alone were used and achieved eventual resolution of pain and recovery of motor strength. The other 2 patients required adjunctive surgical procedures to maximize their outcomes. CONCLUSION: PTS accounts for a subset of patients experiencing postoperative weakness after cervical decompression operations. Although it is at times difficult to arrive at this diagnosis, an understanding of the history of PTS, among other causes of postoperative weakness, allows a structured approach to these patients. An evidence-based approach to management helps provide the best outcome for a given patient.
Boine Snake Phylogeny and Research Cycles

Kluge, A.G. 1991. Bozne snake phylogeny and research cycles. Misc. Publ. Mus. Zool. , Univ. Michigan, 178:l-58, 14 figs. A cladistic analysis of 79 morphological characters delimits the following group and subgroups of snakes, collectively referred to as boines, on the best-fitting hypothesis of relationships: (Candoia (Corallus (Boa (Epicrates, Eunectes)))). This hierarchy obtains under either the assumption of character state additivity or nonadditivity. Xenoboa is synonymized with Corallus in order to maintain the monophyly of the latter taxon, and Acrantophis and Sanzinia are placed in the synonymy of Boa. The latter action makes the taxonomy more informative by reducing the number of monotypic genera, and it also emphasizes a South America-Madagascar vicariance hypothesis. The general nature of research cycles in phylogenetic inference and their importance in reaching a consensus hypothesis are discussed. In particular, the individuality of the ingroup and the relationships of its most inclusive taxa are emphasized. That boine monophyly and the basal dichotomies within that group are strongly corroborated are expected to impact significantly on the next round of research on the higher classification of snakes.
Development of a technique for contrast radiographic examination of the gastrointestinal tract in ball pythons (Python regius).

OBJECTIVE To develop a technique for radiographic evaluation of the gastrointestinal tract in ball pythons (Python regius). SAMPLES 10 ball python cadavers (5 males and 5 females) and 18 healthy adult ball pythons (10 males and 8 females). PROCEDURES Live snakes were allocated to 3 groups (A, B, and C). A dose (25 mL/kg) of barium sulfate suspension at 3 concentrations (25%, 35%, and 45% [wt/vol]) was administered through an esophageal probe to snakes in groups A, B, and C, respectively. Each evaluation ended when all the contrast medium had reached the large intestine. Transit times through the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine were recorded. Imaging quality was evaluated by 3 investigators who assigned a grading score on the basis of predetermined criteria. Statistical analysis was conducted to evaluate differences in quality among the study groups. RESULTS The esophagus and stomach had a consistent distribution pattern of contrast medium, whereas 3 distribution patterns of contrast medium were identified in the small intestine, regardless of barium concentration. Significant differences in imaging quality were detected among the 3 groups. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Radiographic procedures were tolerated well by all snakes. The 35% concentration of contrast medium yielded the best imaging quality. Use of contrast medium for evaluation of the cranial portion of the gastrointestinal tract could be a reliable technique for the diagnosis of gastrointestinal diseases in ball pythons. However, results of this study may not translate to other snake species because of variables identified in this group of snakes.
Ethical attitudes and ethical behavior: are managers role models?

Ethical attitudes and ethical behavior in organizations may have substantial ramifications on a firm’s operation. This study investigates whether or not managers are perceived by employees to exhibit ethical attitudes and ethical behavior and thereby being their role models. A sample of 111 employees within the finance department of a major municipality who are exposed to unethical behavior responded to a structured questionnaire concerning ethical and unethical episodes. There were three major findings: first, consistently perceived ethical behavior is lower than perceived ethical attitudes of the employee, his peers and of his managers; second, self‐enhancing bias exists; and third, managers do not exhibit an ethical role model in the organization. Implications for human resource management and policies are discussed.
The Acculturation of Immigrants to U.S. Organizations

Questionnaires from 277 Muslim immigrants revealed that most were more inclined to retain their original national culture for their private and/or social lives than to adopt the U.S. national culture. In contrast, most accepted U.S. organizational cultures. Collectivism, religious beliefs and practices, gender, education, and years lived in the United States related to acculturation to the U.S. national culture; national acculturation, collectivism, and perceived discrepancy in work cultures related to acculturation to U.S. organizational cultures. The practical implications of these findings for managers are discussed along with recommended directions for future research.
VOCABULARY SIZE IN CHILDREN WITH DOWN SYNDROME : THE EFFECT OF HEART DEFECTS , HOSPITALIZATION , HEARING IMPAIRMENT , AND PARENTAL CONCERNS by BRITTANY HESS Under the Direction of Dr

Children with Down Syndrome (DS) experience cognitive delays with language being one of the most impaired domains. Exploring the effects of congenital heart defects (CHD), hospitalization, hearing impairment, and parental concern can provide a more precise view of factors affecting language development. Participants were 49 children with DS, 22 to 54 months of age. Expressive and receptive vocabulary size was obtained using a word count with the MacArthur Communication Development Inventory (MCDI). Medical information was obtained from the child’s medical file. Results showed expressive vocabulary was marginally significantly different between children with DS and no CHD, a CHD that did not require surgery, and a CHD that did require surgery, such that children with a CHD requiring surgery had the smallest vocabulary. Children had significantly more health problems when they had a CHD that required surgery. Expressive and receptive vocabularies were significantly smaller for children with hearing impairment. INDEX WORDS: Down syndrome, Congenital heart defects, Language VOCABULARY SIZE IN CHILDREN WITH DOWN SYNDROME: THE EFFECT OF HEART DEFECTS, HOSPITALIZATION, HEARING IMPAIRMENT, AND PARENTAL CONCERNS
A preliminary investigation into the prevalence and prediction of problematic cell phone use

Background and aims: Likening mobile phone use dependency to the classification of excessive behaviors may be necessarily equivalent in seriousness to previously established addictions such as problematic computing or excessive gambling. The aim of the study explores into the behavior of excessive use of mobile phones as a pathological behavior. Methods: Two studies investigated criteria for problematic mobile phone usage by examining student (Study 1, N = 301) and nonstudent (Study 2, N = 362) responses to a set of adapted mobile phone addiction inventories. Study 1 investigated cell phone addiction inventories as constructs designed to measure problematic cell phone use. Additionally, Study 2 sought to predict age, depression, extraversion, emotional stability, impulse control, and self-esteem as independent variables that augment respondents’ perceptions of problematic use. Results: The results from Study 1 and Study 2 indicate that 10 to 25% of the participants tested exhibited problematic cell phone usage. Additionally, age, depression, extraversion, and low impulse control are the most suitable predictors for problematic use. Conclusions: The results of the two studies indicate that problematic mobile phone use does occur and ought to be taken seriously by the psychological community. Presently, there is limited data providing conclusive evidence for a comprehensible categorization of cell phone addiction, as well as a unified explanatory model specific to problematic mobile phone use. Studies such as this one may contribute substantial findings, adding scientific significance, and offering a valuable submission for the ongoing progress of creating intervention frameworks relative to “virtual addictions”.
A Lightweight Skeleton Construction Algorithm for Self-Organizing Sensor Networks

Although, current technology enables an inexpensive massive production of sensors, it raises numerous challenges on the protocols needed to interact with these sensors efficiently. Several techniques have been proposed to address each of these challenges individually (i.e. localization, clustering, routing, aggregation . etc). Instead of solving each of these problems individually facing the same common challenges with each problem, we propose to construct what we call a network skeleton that is constructed immediately after network deployment and provides a topology that makes the network more tractable. The skeleton provides sensors with coarse localization information that enables them to associate their sensory data with the geographic location in which the data was measured. Moreover, it promotes a geographic routing scheme that simplifies data communication across the network through skeleton sensors. By hypothetically tiling the deployment area using identical hexagons, the construction algorithm clusters sensors based on their locations into hexagons. Skeleton sensors are chosen to be the closest sensors to the centers of these hexagons. Simulation results show that the accuracy of the proposed protocol to establish the skeleton is sufficient to make the approach applicable for most WSN applications.
When children have problems

English In this comparative study of parents' help-seeking approaches, immigrants from the former Soviet Union indicated a lower level of willingness to help and different rationales for seeking help from both formal and informal sources than did Israeli-born parents. French Cette étude comparée sure les stratégies de demande d'aide pour les enfants en difficulté démontre que les immigrants des anciennes républiques de l'Union Soviétique sont moins enclins à rechercher de l'aide que les parents de nationalité israélienne et que leurs motifs diffèrent auprès des sources formelles ou informelles d'aide. Spanish En un estudio comparativo sobre los padres que buscan ayuda cuando sus hijos tienen problemas, los inmigrantes de la antigua Unión Soviética indicaron menor nivel de buena voluntad para ayudar -- y diferente racionalidad en la búsqueda de fuentes formales e informales -- que los padres nacidos en Israel.
NKT‐associated markers and perforin in hyperplastic thymuses from patients with Myasthenia gravis

Immunohistochemical expression of natural killer T (NKT) cell–associated markers (Vα24 and CD56) and perforin in relation to CD44–highly positive (CD44high) cells was studied in hyperplastic thymuses from patients with myasthenia gravis (MG) whose symptoms dramatically improved after thymectomy and compared with non‐MG control thymuses. In the control thymuses, Vα24‐positive (Vα24+) and CD56‐positive (CD56+) cells were sparsely distributed in the medullary area only. In contrast, in hyperplastic MG thymus, Vα24+ and CD56+ cells were more frequent in connective tissue, appeared to have penetrated the thymic parenchyma, and most coexpressed CD44high. Perforin‐positive cells were not present in the control thymus, but were in the connective tissue and perilobular cortical areas in the hyperplastic MG thymus. Most of these perforin‐positive cells were CD44high and were located near blood vessels. They appeared to have migrated directly from the vascular system and penetrated the thymic parenchyma. Some perforin‐positive cells coexpressed Vα24, CD56, or both. These findings suggest that in this particular type of MG thymus, NKT‐like cells may have increased via a CD44‐ and perforin‐mediated mechanism, leading to an imbalance in the immune system that favored an antibody‐mediated autoimmunity against the acetylcholine receptor. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Muscle Nerve 24: 1359–1364, 2001