Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Manager support predicts turnover of professionals in India

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine how the support managers provide to employees affects the employees' sense of intrinsic reward, personal commitment, perceived career success, and retention.Design/methodology/approach – A large‐scale employee survey wss conducted of 28 organizational entities in India involving 9,301 randomly identified employees yielding 4,811 respondents (54 percent response rate) supported by employee interviews following the survey.Findings – Using a hypothesis‐driven, path analytic‐regression approach, the managerial support of employees had significant direct and indirect effects on perceived career success and retention one year later. Intrinsic rewards and personal commitment mediated these relationships.Practical implications – Managers may play a much greater role in employee retention than the literature often suggests. Key manager practices include showing personal interest, holding career discussions, acknowledging employee contributions, using a system of em.
Accumulation of GABAergic Neurons, Causing a Focal Ambient GABA Gradient, and Downregulation of KCC2 Are Induced During Microgyrus Formation in a Mouse Model of Polymicrogyria

Although focal cortical malformations are considered neuronal migration disorders, their formation mechanisms remain unknown. We addressed how the γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic system affects the GABAergic and glutamatergic neuronal migration underlying such malformations. A focal freeze-lesion (FFL) of the postnatal day zero (P0) glutamic acid decarboxylase–green fluorescent protein knock-in mouse neocortex produced a 3- or 4-layered microgyrus at P7. GABAergic interneurons accumulated around the necrosis including the superficial region during microgyrus formation at P4, whereas E17.5-born, Cux1-positive pyramidal neurons outlined the GABAergic neurons and were absent from the superficial layer, forming cell-dense areas in layer 2 of the P7 microgyrus. GABA imaging showed that an extracellular GABA level temporally increased in the GABAergic neuron-positive area, including the necrotic center, at P4. The expression of the Cl– transporter KCC2 was downregulated in the microgyrus-forming GABAergic and E17.5-born glutamatergic neurons at P4; these cells may need a high intracellular Cl– concentration to induce depolarizing GABA effects. Bicuculline decreased the frequency of spontaneous Ca2+ oscillations in these microgyrus-forming cells. Thus, neonatal FFL causes specific neuronal accumulation, preceded by an increase in ambient GABA during microgyrus formation. This GABA increase induces GABAA receptor-mediated Ca2+ oscillation in KCC2-downregulated microgyrus-forming cells, as seen in migrating cells during early neocortical development.
‘They think it’s all Dover!’ Popular newspaper narratives and images about the English football team and (re)presentations of national identity during Euro 2012

The 2012 UEFA European Football Championship (‘Euro 2012’) – Europe’s quadrennial football bonanza was held in Poland and the Ukraine between June 8th and July 1st. Occurring between Elizabeth II’s Diamond jubilee and the London 2012 Olympic Games, the eyes of the media were fixated on the pride and joy of English football, its men’s national team. With national consciousness at an all-time high, articles in England’s tabloid, ‘red-top,’ daily national newspapers The Sun and Daily Mirror were tracked for three weeks as they lavished their attentions on the national pastime. Their coverage of the English team reflected a heightened consciousness of English national identity. Drawing on Guibernau’s strategies for creating and uniting citizens around a collective national identity, this study examined how England’s popular media presented and represented England’s national identity to reflect the real and imagined versions of Englishness during this major sporting event.1 By focusing on The Sun and Daily Mirror’s narratives about, and images of, the English team during the Euro 2012 tournament, this paper focuses on how English national identity ebbed and flowed during a time of seismic change within the country. Shaped by an inductive textual analysis, this paper shows how the press fluctuated between optimistic notions of the present and future English national identity and traditional ‘olde England’ in an almost formulaic fashion.
Multifrequency VLBA monitoring of 3C 273 during the INTEGRAL Campaign in 2003 - I. Kinematics of the parsec scale jet from 43 GHz data

In this first of a series of papers describing polarimetric multifrequency Very Long Baseline Array (VLBA) monitoring of 3C 273 during a simultaneous campaign with the INTEGRAL γ-ray satellite in 2003, we present 5 Stokes I images and source models at 7 mm. We show that a part of the inner jet (1-2 milliarcsec from the core) is resolved in a direction transverse to the flow, and we analyse the kinematics of the jet within the first 10 mas. Based on the VLBA data and simultaneous single-dish flux density monitoring, we determine an accurate value for the Doppler factor of the parsec scale jet, and using this value with observed proper motions, we calculate the Lorentz factors and the viewing angles for the emission components in the jet. Our data indicates a significant velocity gradient across the jet with the components travelling near the southern edge being faster than the components with more northern path. We discuss our observations in the light of jet precession model and growing plasma instabilities.
Because Pigs Can Fly: Sexuality, race and the geographies of difference in Shyam Selvadurai's Funny Boy

This article explores the ways that the popular diasporic novel Funny Boy, set in Sri Lanka but written from Canada by an exiled Sri Lankan born Tamil, intervenes in the country's contemporary geographies of difference. The novel itself explores a Tamil boy's struggle to negotiate life in Sinhala-dominated Colombo while also coming to terms with his emergent same-sex desire. By focusing specifically on the writing of two familiar middle-class Sri Lankan spaces central to the novel's narrative—the family home and the school—the article shows how these everyday geographies regulate and normalise carnal desire in a society which still operates anti-homosexual legislation. It also suggests how the erosion of the meanings of these familiar spaces is a tactic central to the main protagonist's sexual liberation. By reading these sexualised geographies through the polemic racialised Sinhala/Tamil divisions in contemporary Sri Lankan society, the paper shows how the novel makes an important political intervention in contemporary Sri Lankan politics where devolution and federal solutions to recent civil unrest have produced territorialised geographies of difference that prescribe ‘places for races’. By evoking the Funny Boy's fictive and sexualised geographies of exclusion and resistance, this article unsettles the logic that binds intra-racial solidarity, its cognate geographical modelling, and instead highlights the exclusions that exist at all levels in Sri Lankan society. Amma held up her hand to silence us. ‘That's an order,’ she said. ‘Why? ’ I asked, ignoring her gesture. ‘Why do I have to play with the boys? ’ ‘Why? ’ Amma said. ‘Because the sky is so high and pigs can't fly, that's why. ’ (Selvadurai, 1995, pp.18–19)
Optimal randomized algorithms for multipacket and cut through routing on the mesh

Presents a randomized algorithm for the multipacket (i.e. k-k) routing problem on an n*n mesh. The algorithm completes with high probability in at the most kn+O(k log n) parallel communication steps, with a constant queue size of O(k). The previous best known algorithm takes 5/4 kn+O(kn/f(n)) steps with a queue size of O(k f(n)) (for any 1<or=f(n)<or=n). The authors also present a randomized algorithm for the cut through with partial cuts model permutation routing problem for the mesh that completes in at the most kn+O(k log n) steps, with a constant queue size of O(k), where k is the number of flits that each packet is divided into. The previous best result was also randomized and had a time bound of kn+O(kn/f(n)) with a queue size of O(k f(n)) (for any 1<or=f(n)<or=n). The two algorithms presented are optimal with respect to queue size. The time bounds are within a factor of two of the only known lower bound. <<ETX>>
Cochlear Implants in Special Cases: Deafness in the Presence of Disabilities and/or Associated Problems

The aim of the present study is to construct a reference model with the indication for the attitude, the requirements and the resources needed in order to be able to deal with deafness in the presence of disabilities or associated problems. The study group consisted of 13 adults and 18 children affected by profound deafness, with associated problems and disabilities, who were implanted with Clarion® and Med-El® devices. Selection criteria for candidacy to cochlear implantation and counselling, hospitalization, fitting and speech therapy/rehabilitation are described. Findings were assessed evaluating: (i) use of acoustic feedback, on the ground of Erber's model; (ii) self-sufficiency: assessed by a questionnaire; and (iii) social and family relationships: qualitative judgment based on direct observation, analysis of drawings and structured interviews with family teachers and therapists. The whole group showed benefit from cochlear implantation, with particular satisfaction for post-lingual deaf-blind adults, as well as for subjects with associated psychopathologies and mental retardation. In conclusion, cochlear implants can improve life quality in profoundly deaf subjects with associated disabilities, increasing both listening and communication skills as well as self-sufficiency while family and social relationships tend to remain stable.
Frequent shopping by men and women increases survival in the older Taiwanese population

Background Active ageing is a key to healthy ageing; shopping behaviour is an economically relevant activity of the elderly. Methods Analysis was based on the NAHSIT 1999–2000 dataset. A total of 1841 representative free-living elderly Taiwanese people were selected and information included demographics, socioeconomic status, health behaviours, shopping frequencies, physical function and cognitive function. These data were linked to official death records. Cox proportional hazard models were used to evaluate shopping frequency on death from 1999–2008 with possible covariate adjustment. Results Highly frequent shopping compared to never or rarely predicted survival (HR 0.54, 95% CI 0.43 to 0.67) with adjustment for physical function and cognitive function and other covariates HR was 0.73 (95% CI 0.56 to 0.93). Elderly who shopped every day have 27% less risk of death than the least frequent shoppers. Men benefited more from everyday shopping than women with decreased HR 28% versus 23% compared to the least. Conclusion Shopping behaviour favourably predicts survival. Highly frequent shopping may favour men more than women. Shopping captures several dimensions of personal well-being, health and security as well as contributing to the community's cohesiveness and economy and may represent or actually confer increased longevity.
Hippo transducer TAZ promotes epithelial mesenchymal transition and supports pancreatic cancer progression

Transcriptional co-activator with PDZ binding motif (TAZ) is a transducer of the Hippo pathway and promotes cancer development and progression. In the present study, we sought to determine the roles and underlying mechanisms of elevated expression and activation of TAZ in pancreatic cancer development and progression. The mechanistic role of TAZ and Hippo signaling in promotion of pancreatic cancer development and progression was examined using cell culture, molecular biology, and mouse models. The relevance of our experimental and mechanistic findings was validated using human pancreatic tumor specimens. We found that TAZ expression was markedly higher in pancreatic tumors than in normal pancreatic tissue. Further analysis of the correlation of TAZ expression with tissue microarray clinicopathologic parameters revealed that this expression was positively associated with tumor differentiation. Also, TAZ expression was higher in pancreatic cancer cell lines than in pancreatic ductal epithelial cells. TAZ activation in pancreatic cancer cells promoted their proliferation, migration, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Further mechanistic studies demonstrated that aberrant expression and activation of TAZ in pancreatic cancer cells resulted from suppression of the expression of Merlin, a positive regulator upstream of the Hippo pathway, and that the oncogenic function of TAZ in pancreatic cancer cells was mediated by TEA/ATTS domain transcription factors. Therefore, TAZ functioned as an oncogene and promoted pancreatic cancer epithelial-mesenchymal transition and progression. TAZ thus may be a target for effective therapeutic strategies for pancreatic cancer.
Baicalein significantly protects human retinal pigment epithelium cells against H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress by scavenging reactive oxygen species and downregulating the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-9 and vascular endothelial growth factor.

PURPOSE Age-related macular degeneration is a leading cause of blindness in the elderly. At a later stage, neovascular or exudative age-related macular degeneration can lead to severe central vision loss that is related to aging-associated cumulative oxidative stress of the human retinal pigment epithelium (hRPE) cells. Early prevention with antioxidants is mandatory. The aim of this study was to determine whether and how baicalein can act as an antioxidant. METHODS The methods used included lactate dehydrogenase, 2′,7′-dichloro-fluorescein diacetate, or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to measure cell viability, oxygen free radical levels, or the levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)/matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), respectively. RESULTS H₂O₂ dose-dependently reduced the cell viability of hRPE cells. This negative effect was dose-dependently (with a lower effect at 20µM) and significantly counteracted by pretreatment with baicalein (50µM). Treatment with H₂O₂ significantly stimulated the formation of oxygen free radicals. This increase was dose-dependently and significantly blunted by baicalein. Further, treatment with a sublethal dose of H₂O₂ was associated with an upregulation in the levels of VEGF and MMP-9. The increases in these proteins were also dose-dependently (with a lower effect at 20µM) and significantly (50µM) blunted by pretreatment with baicalein. CONCLUSION This study supports an antioxidative role for baicalein whereby it protects hRPE cells against H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress by downregulating the levels of VEGF and MMP-9, which are increased by H₂O₂.
Phase I and pharmacokinetic study of irinotecan administered as a low-dose, continuous intravenous infusion over 14 days in patients with malignant solid tumors.

PURPOSE To evaluate the feasibility of administering irinotecan as a continuous intravenous infusion for 14 to 21 days. PATIENTS AND METHODS Patients with solid tumors refractory to standard therapy received continuous infusions of irinotecan by means of an ambulatory infusion pump. The starting dosage was 12.5 mg/m(2)/d for 14 days every 3 weeks. After identification of the maximum-tolerated dose for the 14-day infusion schedule, the protocol was amended to prolong the infusion duration to 17 and 21 days. Pharmacokinetics of irinotecan and SN-38 and its glucuronide were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography and noncompartmental modeling. RESULTS Thirty-three patients received 85+ courses. At the first dose level (12.5 mg/m(2)/d), cumulative grade 3 or 4 diarrhea and grade 3 or 4 neutropenia occurred in three of five patients. At a dosage of 10 mg/m(2)/d, 14-day administration resulted in grade 4 diarrhea in two of six patients and one episode of grade 4 vomiting occurred, whereas with 17-day administration, one episode of grade 3 nausea and two episodes of grade 3 or 4 diarrhea were observed in six patients. Increasing the number of days of infusion to 21 days was not feasible because of cumulative diarrhea. Hematologic toxicity was rare. The mean metabolic SN-38 area under the curve/irinotecan area under the curve ratio was 16% +/- 6% compared with 3% to 5% after short infusion schedules involving therapeutic dosages. Partial responses were observed in two patients with extraovarian and colorectal cancer. CONCLUSION The recommended dosage is 10 mg/m(2)/d for 14 days, repeated every 3 weeks. Enhanced metabolism of irinotecan to SN-38 may explain in part the low recommended dose for this schedule.
A Test of the Theory of Planned Behavior to Predict Physical Activity in an Overweight/Obese Population Sample of Adolescents From Alberta, Canada

Purpose. To examine the utility of the theory of planned behavior (TPB) for explaining physical activity (PA) intention and behavior among a large population sample of overweight and obese adolescents (Alberta, Canada), using a web-based survey. Secondary objectives were to examine the mediating effects of the TPB constructs and moderating effects of weight status. Methods. A subsample of 427 overweight and 133 obese participants (n = 560), completed a self-administered web-based questionnaire on health and PA behaviors, including assessment of attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioral control (PBC), and intention to participate in regular PA. Structural equation models were examined using AMOS 17.0. Results. Overall, 62% of the variance in intention was accounted for by attitude, subjective norm, and PBC; whereas 44% of the variance in PA behavior was explained by PBC and intention. When examining the TPB separately in overweight and obese subsamples, 66% and 56% of the variance for PA intention was explained for overweight and obese subsamples, respectively; and 38% and 56% of the variance in PA behavior were accounted for in the overweight and obese subsamples. Overall, attitude was the strongest predictor of PA intention, whereas PBC was the strongest predictor for PA behavior. Intention was not predictive of PA behavior. Conclusions. These results provide partial support for the utility of TPB in explaining PA behavior in a sample of overweight and obese adolescents. In particular, strong associations regarding attitude and PBC were evident across each subsample. These findings have implications for tailoring PA programs in this population.
SHORT COMMUNICATION Relationship between body-mass index and serum folate concentrations in pregnant women

Department of Preventive Medicine, Seoul NationalUniversity College of Medicine, Seoul, KoreaThe concentration of micronutrients impacts fetal development and pregnancy outcome and has been suggested to benegatively correlated with the body-mass index (BMI). We evaluated the relationship between BMI and the serum folateconcentration in 802 and 660 Korean pregnant women in mid- and late pregnancy, respectively, who participated in amulticenter prospective study. There was a significant negative correlation between BMI value and the serum folateconcentration at mid- and late pregnancy (P for trend 0.001 and 0.024, respectively). A general linear model confirmed thiscorrelation at both time points after adjusting for gestational age and total folate intake. These findings are important as theserum folate concentration is a rate-limiting factor for placental folate transport to the fetus, and an inadequate folate supplymay cause various malformations.EuropeanJournalofClinical Nutrition(2012) 66,136–138;doi:10.1038/ejcn.2011. 160;published online21September 2011
Comparison of Testing Environments with Children for Usability Problem Identification

This paper report the results of an empirical study which was carried out to investigate the effect of testing environment on the results of usability evaluation process. The study involved 54 school children from India in the age range of 11-13 years. Children were asked to perform books searching tasks with International Children's Digital Library (ICDL). Children's activities with ICDL were captured by using CamStudio, an open source screen capturing software. The effect was quantified in terms of number of usability problems identified by the children when they were tested in various testing environments. The results are indicative that field testing with children can be a viable solution in terms of reduced time taken to complete the given tasks and reduced frustration levels reported by the children during the tests.
Reflex versus tonic vagal activity as a prognostic parameter in patients with sustained ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation.

BACKGROUND The autonomic nervous system has been demonstrated to play a decisive role in the genesis of sudden cardiac death. The loss of protective vagal reflexes, in particular, appears to be associated with an increased incidence of malignant ventricular tachyarrhythmias. Two clinically applicable methods for assessment of cardiac autonomic control have been developed: determination of heart rate variability and evaluation of baroreflex sensitivity. METHODS AND RESULTS To compare the potential predictive value of both methods, two groups of patients were studied. Group 1 comprised 14 postinfarction patients who had experienced at least one episode of ventricular fibrillation or sustained ventricular tachycardia and who were studied after this event. Group 2 consisted of 14 postinfarction patients without tachyarrhythmic events after their infarct. Both groups were carefully matched with respect to age, sex, infarct location, extent of coronary artery disease, left ventricular ejection fraction, blood pressure, and heart rate at rest. Heart rate variability was assessed from 24-hour Holter recordings, and baroreflex sensitivity was determined by means of the phenylephrine method. Indices of heart rate variability were not significantly different between the two groups (SD of the mean RR interval, 84 +/- 30 milliseconds versus 103 +/- 20 milliseconds; proportion of adjacent RR intervals > 50 milliseconds different, 2.8 +/- 3.2% versus 5.0 +/- 4.1% in group 1 versus 2). Baroreflex sensitivity, however, showed a striking difference: Group 1 patients had a mean value of 1.75 +/- 1.63 ms/mm Hg compared with 9.17 +/- 5.40 ms/mm Hg in group 2 (P = .0002). Eleven of 14 group 1 patients had a baroreflex sensitivity < or = 3.0 ms/mm Hg. By contrast, only 1 of 14 group 2 patients had such a depressed value. CONCLUSIONS The results of this study indicate that postmyocardial infarction patients who develop life-threatening ventricular tachyarrhythmias, compared with carefully matched postinfarction patients without major arrhythmic episodes, differ strikingly in terms of baroreflex sensitivity but not in terms of heart rate variability. This finding may have implications for the risk stratification of postinfarction patients and may lead to a differential therapeutic strategy based on autonomic testing.