Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Association of fluorescein anterior corneal mosaic and corneal K-structures by in vivo laser confocal microscopy in patients with keratoconus

Objective To report the in vivo laser confocal microscopy findings of corneas with keratoconus, with special attention to abnormality of Bowman’s layer and sub-Bowman’s fibrous structures (Kobayashi-structures [K-structures]). Methods Sixteen keratoconic eyes in 8 consecutive patients with keratoconus (4 males, 4 females, mean age, 41.1 years) were included in this study. Slit-lamp biomicroscopic photos were taken with or without fluorescein staining. The existence of anterior corneal mosaic (ACM) after eyelid rubbing under fluorescein staining was documented. In vivo laser confocal microscopic examinations were performed for all patients in both the central cone and the peripheral cornea to examine the existence of K-structures. Results According to the Amsler–Krumeich scale, the eyes were graded as follows: stage 1 (n=3), stage 2 (n=1), stage 3 (n=1), and stage 4 (n=11). ACM was observed in 7 eyes (61.1%) in the cone area and 16 eyes (100%) in the peripheral cornea among all keratoconic eyes enrolled in this study. In addition, K-structures were observed in the 7 eyes (61.1%) and 16 eyes (100%) in the peripheral cornea among all keratoconic eyes. The presence of the K-structures was completely matched (100%) with the presence of ACM in both the central cone and the peripheral cornea. In 11 eyes with stage 4 keratoconus, ACM and K-structure was absent in 9 eyes (81.8%) in the cone area. On the contrary, in 5 eyes with mild-to-moderate keratoconus (grade 1 to 3), ACM and K-structure was present in all eyes (100%) in the cone area. The absent ratio of ACM and K-structures in the cone area was significantly higher in stage 4 severe keratoconus compared to mild-to-moderate keratoconus (grade 1 to 3) (Fisher, P=0.005). Conclusion The existence of ACM and K-structures in both the central cone and the peripheral cornea showed perfect accord in patients with keratoconus, indicating a strong association of ACM and K-structures in patients with keratoconus. With the progress of the keratoconus, it seemed that ACM and K-structure progressively disappeared, suggesting Bowman’s layer abnormalities due to keratoconus. Further study in larger groups of patients with keratoconus is required to fully understand the significance of ACM/K-structures in keratoconic eyes and their association with Bowman’s layer.
THE INFORMATION OVERLOAD PHENOMENON: THE INFLUENCE OF BAD - AND (IR) RELEVANT INFORMATION

Almost every knowledge worker can relate to feelings of Information Overload (IO), but in reality the phenomenon is not well understood. IO can be critical for individuals and organizations. Despite intensive research during the last decades this complex scientific discipline lacks comprehensive research for parts of the possible impact factors. This research presents a conceptual framework and some variables to the type of information. A case study approach has been conducted to examine the relationship between bad-, irrelevant- and relevant information with IO. The research found out that too much bad information as well as relevant information has a positive effect on IO. The contribution to the field of IO research is a better understanding of the concept and the impact of the type of information to IO.
Neoplastic Transformation of Human Small Airway Epithelial Cells Induced by Arsenic

Human small airway epithelial cells (SAECs) previously immortalized with human telomerase reverse transcriptase (h-TERT) were continuously treated with sodium arsenite at a dose of 0.5 µg/mL in culture for up to 6 months. Arsenic-treated cells progressively displayed an increase in transformed phenotype including enhanced growth saturation density, plating efficiency, and anchorage-independent growth and invasion capability compared with their nontreated control cells. To determine whether arsenic-induced cell transformation was associated with genomic instability, treated and control cells were also analyzed for micronuclei formation. A 4.8-fold increase in micronuclei incidence in arsenic-treated cells was detected in conjunction with increased N-phosphonacetyl-l-aspartate (PALA)-resistant characteristics. In addition, arsenic-treated cells showed an increase in c-H-ras, c-myc, and c-fos protein expression relative to controls. The change in oncoprotein expression correlated with a decrease in wildtype p53 expression and hyperphosphorylated retinoblastoma. Taken together, these results strongly suggest that h-TERT immortalized human small airway epithelial cells underwent step-wise transformation after inorganic arsenic treatment.
Diffusion-weighted MRI in acute subcortical infarction.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Conventional imaging lacks sensitivity and specificity for the detection of early subcortical cerebral infarction. The purposes of our study were (1) to determine the accuracy of diffusion-weighted (DW) MRI for early subcortical infarction and (2) to determine the efficacy of DW MRI for differentiating acute from nonacute subcortical infarctions when conventional MR demonstrates multiple infarctions. METHODS Thirty-nine patients with clinically diagnosed acute subcortical infarction and 17 control subjects were imaged with both conventional and DW MRI from 7 hours to 4 days (mean, 2.0 days) after onset of symptoms. All images were read blinded to specific clinical findings. In all cases, the precise neuroanatomic locations of lesions were noted. These lesions were subsequently correlated by an experienced stroke neurologist to determine whether their locations correlated to the patients' symptoms. RESULTS The accuracy of DW MRI for acute subcortical infarction was 94.6%. In 4 of 39 cases, the acute infarction was not detected on conventional MRI. In 24 of 39 cases, conventional MRI showed the acute lesion as well as multiple other subcortical lesions. In each of these 24 cases, the DW MRI showed a single lesion to be acute, and in all 24 cases, that lesion corresponded to the patients' acute symptoms. CONCLUSIONS DW MRI has very high accuracy for acute subcortical infarction and can differentiate acute from nonacute lesions. These data have significant implications in guiding patient management and patient selection for clinical trials.
The CD3 zeta cytoplasmic domain mediates CD2-induced T cell activation

CD2-mediated T lymphocyte activation requires surface expression of CD3- Ti, the T cell receptor (TCR) for antigen major histocompatibility complex protein. Given the importance of CD3 zeta in TCR signaling, we have directly examined the ability of the CD3 zeta cytoplasmic domain to couple CD2 to intracellular signal transduction pathways. A cDNA encoding a chimeric protein consisting of the human CD3 zeta cytoplasmic domain (amino acid residues 31-142) fused to the CD8 alpha extracellular and transmembrane domains (amino acid residues 1-187) was transfected into a CD2+CD3-CD8- variant of the human T cell line Jurkat. The resulting transfectants expressed the CD8 alpha/CD3 zeta chimeric receptor at the cell surface in the absence of other TCR subunits. Stimulation of these transfectants with anti-T11(2) + anti- T11(3) monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) initiated both a prompt cytosolic free calcium ([Ca2+]i) rise and protein tyrosine kinase activation. Stimulation with either intact anti-T11(2) + anti-T11(3) mAbs or purified F(ab')2 fragments resulted in interleukin 2 (IL-2) secretion. In contrast, control cell lines transfected with a cDNA encoding wild- type CD8 alpha, and thus lacking surface expression of the CD3 zeta cytoplasmic domain, failed to show any [Ca2+]i rise, protein tyrosine kinase activation, or IL-2 secretion after identical stimulation. These data directly establish the CD3 zeta cytoplasmic domain as a necessary and sufficient component of the CD3-Ti complex involved in T lymphocyte activation through CD2. Moreover, they show that CD2 signaling can function in the absence of Fc receptors.
A modified constant-Q transform for audio signals

The paper proposes a new transform for musical audio signals. The new transform, so-called modified constant-Q fast filter bank (mCQFFB), yields a log-like description in the frequency domain with improved frequency response when compared to the standard DFT. The improved frequency response of the mCQFFB is achieved by interpreting the sliding-DFT (sDFT) as a multi-stage filter bank, and substituting the sDFT basic filter in this description by a higher-order filter with improved characteristics. The logarithmic spectral scale of the mCQFFB is achieved by the adequate resampling of a chosen channel filter. We also discuss implementation issues related to the mCQFFB and exemplify its application to the analysis of musical signals.
The Role of Self-Efficacy in a Musical Performance Examination: An Exploratory Structural Equation Analysis

The study reported here investigated cognitive mediational processes in the context of a music performance examination. The prime purpose was to focus on an aspect of musical learning - graded music examinations - that has hitherto received little research attention. The sample consisted of 332 instrumentalists who were completing Trinity College, London, graded, externally assessed performance examinations. Analysis of survey data was carried out using structural equation modelling. The analysis suggested that, in motivational terms, and consistent with research carried out in other academic contexts, self-efficacy was the best predictor of actual performance. The authors conclude that whilst practice plays a vital part in the development of a musician’s capacity to perform well, it should not be considered in isolation from motivational and related variables.
Development of the Social Efficacy and Social Outcome Expectations Scale

The current study developed an 18-item scale measuring individuals’ social expectations in relationships related to their efficacy expectations (Subscale 1) and outcome expectations (Subscale 2) based on Bandura’s self-efficacy theory. Results from exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, using an undergraduate sample (N = 486), revealed strong psychometric evidence for this scale.
The Emotional Cost of Humanity

Although mind perception is a basic part of social interaction, people often dehumanize others by denying them mental states. Many theories suggest that dehumanization happens in order to facilitate aggression or account for past immorality. We suggest a novel motivation for dehumanization: to avoid affective costs. We show that dehumanization of stigmatized targets (e.g., drug addicts) relative to nonstigmatized targets is strongest for those who are motivated to avoid emotional exhaustion. In Experiment 1, participants anticipated more exhaustion from helping, and attributed less mind to, a stigmatized target and anticipated exhaustion partially mediated the influence of stigma on mind attribution. Experiment 2 manipulated anticipated exhaustion prior to an empathy plea and revealed that the influence of stigma on mind attribution was only present when people anticipated high levels of emotional exhaustion.
Repression of the Staphylococcus aureus Accessory Gene Regulator in Serum and In Vivo

ABSTRACT Subgenomic DNA microarrays were employed to evaluate the expression of the accessory gene regulator (agr locus) as well as multiple virulence-associated genes in Staphylococcus aureus. Gene expression was examined during growth of S. aureus in vitro in standard laboratory medium and rabbit serum and in vivo in subcutaneous chambers implanted in either nonimmune rabbits or rabbits immunized with staphylococcal enterotoxin B. Expression of RNAIII, the effector molecule of the agr locus, was dramatically repressed in serum and in vivo, despite the increased expression of secreted virulence factors sufficient to cause toxic shock syndrome (TSS) in the animals. Statistical analysis and clustering of virulence genes based on their expression profiles in the various experimental conditions demonstrated no positive correlation between the expression of agr and any staphylococcal virulence factors examined. Disruption of the agr locus had only a minimal effect on the expression in vivo of the virulence factors examined. An effect of immunization on the expression of agr and virulence factors was also observed. These results suggest that agr activation is not necessary for development of staphylococcal TSS and that regulatory circuits responding to the in vivo environment override agr activity.
Antecedents and outcomes of psychological contract fulfillment : an empirical study conducted in India

Although human resources have been positioned as a key enabler for gaining and maintaining competitive advantage for organisations, the processes through which such advantage is achieved are poorly understood. As the psychological contract is considered a central construct in studying the employee-organisation relationship, this thesis proposes that it is likely to be an important mechanism explaining the relationship between HRM practices and employee outcomes. A framework in which psychological contract fulfillment acts as a mediator of the relationship between both human and structural agents (HRM practices, frontline management leadership behaviour and co-worker support) and employee outcomes (affective commitment, job satisfaction, intention to quit and absenteeism) is proposed and empirically tested. Theories of social exchange, organisational support, signalling and social information processing are used to explain these relationships. Data were collected through a staff survey based on 1,051 frontline employees employed in 35 private-sector work units in India. The proposed model was tested using PLS-SEM. A unique methodological contribution of this thesis is the treatment of high performance work systems and psychological contract fulfilment (facet) as formative constructs. The results largely support the proposed theoretical framework. Specifically, HRM practices, frontline management leadership behaviour and co-worker support had significant positive relationships with psychological contract fulfillment. In turn, psychological contract fulfillment was found to be positively linked to affective commitment and job satisfaction and negatively related to intention to quit and absenteeism. Moreover, the results provide substantial support for the partial mediation hypotheses, thus psychological contract fulfillment is an important conduit of the relationships between the three antecedents and employee outcomes. This thesis also considered two-way and three-way interactive associations among HRM practices, frontline management leadership behaviour and co-worker support while predicting psychological contract fulfillment. A significant positive interaction effect was observed for HRM practices and co-worker support, and a negative interaction effect between frontline management leadership behaviour and co-worker support. Thus, where co-worker support was high, the effects of HRM practices on psychological contract fulfillment was stronger. Whereas, co-worker support reduced the effects of frontline management leadership behaviour on psychological contract fulfillment, thus acted as a substitute. Keywords: Psychological contract fulfillment, HRM practices, Frontline management leadership behaviour, Co-worker support, Employee Outcomes, PLS-SEM, India
Hierarchical Surface Patterns of Nanorods Obtained by Co‐Assembly with Block Copolymers in Ultrathin Films

The tailored integration of inorganic nanoparticles as functional building blocks in photovoltaic, optical, electronic, and sensing devices [ 1 , 2 ] requires facile bottom-up self-assembly strategies that allow control of the morphology of the nanoparticle ensemble. [ 3 ] This is of particular interest in the case of anisotropically shaped nanorods, where the collective properties of the assembly strongly depend on rod alignment and internal organization. [ 1 , 4 ] The self-organization property of block copolymers (BCPs) [ 5 ] has been successfully harnessed to direct spherical nanoparticles to preferred copolymer domains. [ 6 , 7 ] However, current knowledge of the phase behavior of rod-shaped nanoparticle/BCP assemblies is limited mostly to bulk composites, [ 8 – 11 ]
Hidradenitis suppurativa: viewpoint on clinical phenotyping, pathogenesis and novel treatments

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is an inflammatory, debilitating follicular skin disease with recurring flare‐ups. The painful, deep‐seated, inflamed lesions in the inverse areas of the body cause severe discomfort, and hence, serious psycho‐social and economic costs. HS is common, but often misdiagnosed and mechanistically poorly understood. Furthermore, HS is notoriously difficult to treat resulting in a high unmet medical need. To provoke debate, rational experimentation and initiate strategic studies, we here present a concise viewpoint on seven topics: the diagnosis of HS, the role of mechanical friction, the critical importance of accurate clinical subgrouping, smoking and obesity, the role of bacteria, and our comprehensive view on HS pathogenesis with a central role for keratin clearance, and novel treatment approaches.
Arthritic Manifestations in Regional Enteritis *

Arthritis occurred in 4 5 per cent. of 600 patients with regional enteritis reviewed by Van Patter, Bargen, Dockerty, Feldman, Mayo, and Waugh (1954). Ford and Vallis (1959) described four cases of arthritis in regional enteritis and suggested that it was similar in nature to the arthritis associated with ulcerative colitis (Bywaters and Ansell, 1958). The present study was undertaken to investigate further the incidence and pattern of arthritis in patients suffering from chronic regional enteritis.
THE END OF SCIENCE : FACING THE LIMITS OF KNOWLEDGE IN THE TWILIGHT OF THESCIENTIFIC AGE

Four years ago John Horgan, then a senior staff writer for Scientific American, published in that journal “The Death of Proof”, a piece that claimed that “video proofs” were transforming mathematics. Among other things,“The Death of Proof” suggested that Wiles’s announced resolution of Fermat’s Last Theorem might be a “splendid anachronism”, one of the last great formal proofs. As it turns out, Horgan’s ten-page mathematics-aswe-knew-it-is-over article was merely a finger exercise for a full-scale requiem for science—the book under review here. The bulk of The End of Science consists of a series of interviews, some originally done for Scientific American, linked together by the thesis that science as we know it is coming to an end because it is close to achieving its goal, explaining nature. Horgan credits his agent for turning an amorphous idea into a marketable proposal. The agent is pretty good. The book has been widely publicized, and Horgan has appeared on the high-toned TV and radio talk shows. Short pieces based on The End of Science have appeared in magazines and newspapers, including the New York Times and the International Herald Tribune. Horgan writes in a sly and entertaining manner, often taking the imagined reader’s side against scientists whom he portrays as blinded by their own success and ambition. There is little serious explanation of scientific ideas in the book. Nonetheless, it must be taken seriously. Writers like Horgan and books like The End of Science influence the public image of science.
‘Spatial’ relationships? Towards a reconceptualization of embedded ness

The concept of embeddedness has gained much prominence in economic geography over the last decade, as much work has been done on the social and organizational foundations of economic activities and regional development. Unlike the original conceptualizations, however, embeddedness is mostly conceived of as a ‘spatial’ concept related to the local and regional levels of analysis. By revisiting the early literature on embeddedness in particular the seminal work of Karl Polanyi and Mark Granovetter and critically engaging with what I will call an ‘overterritorialized’ concept, a different view on the fundamental categories of embeddedness is proposed. This reconceptualization then is illustrated using the poststructuralist metaphor of a rhizome to interpret the notion of embeddedness and its applicability to different geographical scales.
Particle Swarm Optimization for photovoltaic model identification

This paper proposes a comprehensive modeling and parameters extraction method of solar photovoltaic module based on the Particle Swarm Optimization algorithm. The characteristic curves of photovoltaic panel are obtained by using only the information provided by the manufacturer data-sheet, avoiding the need to carry out experimental data. The performance and the accuracy of the proposed method are evaluated by applying the one-diode model and the results are compared with those obtained by the well-known Lambert W function. The proposed method shows a higher performance.
An analysis of purchase intentions toward organic food on health consciousness and food safety with/under structural equation modeling

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the influences of natural content, food safety concern, health consciousness, and subjective knowledge on attitudes towards organic food and purchase intentions. Design/methodology/approach – Samples are collected in Taiwan from April to May 2014 with a total of 252 returned effective questionnaires. The data are analyzed by structural equation modeling. Findings – The results show that food safety concern and subjective knowledge have a significantly positive impact on attitudes towards organic food and purchase intentions, and natural content has a significantly positive effect on attitudes towards organic food. Moreover, it also shows that health consciousness and attitudes towards organic food have a significantly positive effect on purchase intentions. This study has found that subjective knowledge of organic food, health consciousness, and food safety concern are important factors impacting organic food purchase intentions. Practical implications.
The Influence of Gratitude in Physical, Psychological, and Spiritual Well-Being

This study examines the influence of gratitude on physical, psychological, and spiritual well-being. First, we describe what gratitude is and review the most representative psychological studies dealing with gratitude, focusing on the implications of gratitude for health. Furthermore, following the recent theory proposed by Seligman (2012) on the understanding of happiness and psychological well-being, these studies form part of the new horizon of psychological well-being where gratitude plays a part. The present study shows that an increase in the feeling of and disposition towards gratitude can favor well-being and personal health.
Timing and Torque Involvement in the Organisation of a Rapid Forearm Flexion

The study was designed to determine whether the magnitude of force and the timing of force are response parameters involved in the organisation of a rapid forearm flexion to a target. The magnitude of torque and the timing of torque were manipulated independently through manipulations of the total moment of inertia and movement time, and the effect of these manipulations on premotor and motor reaction times was observed. Planned comparison analyses revealed that premotor and motor reaction times increased when a movement, which required the same magnitude of torque as in a fast movement, was performed slower. However, premotor and motor reaction times were not affected when movements were performed at the same speed, but differed with respect to the magnitude of torque required. These results indicate that a different timing requirement in the forthcoming movement is associated with a corresponding change in the amount of central processing time required. Therefore, the timing of torque appears to be a parameter of the movement that is organised in advance of movement execution. However, a change in the specification for the magnitude of torque does not affect the amount of time needed to organise the movement.