Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Visual Outcomes, Quality of Vision, and Quality of Life of Diffractive Multifocal Intraocular Lens Implantation after Myopic Laser In Situ Keratomileusis: A Prospective, Observational Case Series

Purpose. To report visual performance and quality of life after implantation of a bifocal diffractive multifocal intraocular lens (MIOL) in postmyopic laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) patients. Methods. Prospective, observational case series. Patients with prior myopic LASIK who had implantation of Tecnis ZMA00/ZMB00 MIOL (Abbott Medical Optics) at Hong Kong Sanatorium and Hospital were included. Postoperative examinations included monocular and binocular distance, intermediate and near visual acuity (VA), and contrast sensitivity; visual symptoms (0–5); satisfaction (1–5); spectacle independence rate; and quality of life. Results. Twenty-three patients (27 eyes) were included. No intraoperative complications developed. Mean monocular uncorrected VA at distance, intermediate, and near were 0.13 ± 0.15 (standard deviation), 0.22 ± 0.15, and 0.16 ± 0.15, respectively. Corresponding mean values for binocular uncorrected VA were 0.00 ± 0.10, 0.08 ± 0.13, and 0.13 ± 0.10, respectively. No eyes lost >1 line of corrected distance VA. Contrast sensitivity at different spatial frequencies between operated and unoperated eyes did not differ significantly (all P > 0.05). Mean score for halos, night glare, starbursts, and satisfaction were 1.46 ± 1.62, 1.85 ± 1.69, 0.78 ± 1.31, and 3.50 ± 1.02, respectively. Eighteen patients (78%) reported complete spectacle independence. Mean composite score of the quality-of-life questionnaire was 90.31 ± 8.50 out of 100. Conclusions. Implantation of the MIOL after myopic LASIK was safe and achieved good visual performance.
DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT A Approved for Public Release Distribution Unlimited 20000926 032

Previous HCI-studies have compared usability evaluation methods quantitatively without supplementing these data with detailed qualitative data about how analysts actually learn and use methods. In contrast, we present two diary-based case studies that describe the processes of two novice analysts who learned about and applied the Cognitive Walkthrough (CW; Lewis, et al., 1990) to the specification of a multimedia authoring system. Results show that the two analysts easily learned to use CW but also that they found the technique tedious to use. Moreover, CW was neither reliable when comparing the two analysts' processes and outcomes to each other, nor accurate when comparing the analysts' problem predictions to results from usability tests applied to a running system. We examine these data in detail, searching for possible causes of the observed reliability and accuracy. Based on these analyses, we suggest three changes to CW method to improve its accuracy and two changes to improve its reliability. Further, we recommend developing a tool to reduce the tedium and integrate our suggested improvements to CW. This research was sponsored in part by the National Science Foundation Award #IRI-9457628. The views and conclusions contained herein are those of the authors and should not be interpreted as representing the official policies or endorsements, either expressed or implied, of the NSF or the U.S. Government.
A Comparative Study on Alexithymia in Depressive, Somatoform, Anxiety, and Psychotic Disorders among Koreans

Objective Little is known about the characteristic differences in alexithymic construct in various psychiatric disorders because of a paucity of direct comparisons between psychiatric disorders. Therefore, this study explored disorder-related differences in alexithymic characteristics among Korean patients diagnosed with four major psychiatric disorders (n=388). Methods Alexithymic tendencies, as measured by the Korean version of the 20-item Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20K), of patients classified into four groups according to major psychiatric diagnosis were compared. The groups consisted of patients with depressive disorders (DP; n=125), somatoform disorders (SM; n=78), anxiety disorders (AX; n=117), and psychotic disorders (PS; n=68). Results We found that substantial portions of patients in all groups were classified as having alexithymia and no statistical intergroup differences emerged (42.4%, 35.9%, 35.3%, and 33.3% for DP, SM, PS, and AX). However, patients with DP obtained higher scores in factor 2 (difficulties describing feelings) than those with SM or AX, after adjusting for demographic variables. Conclusion These findings suggest that alexithymia might be associated with a higher vulnerability to depressive disorders and factor 2 of TAS-20K could be a discriminating feature of depressive disorders.
A new regulatory mechanism for bacterial lipoic acid synthesis

Lipoic acid, an essential enzyme cofactor, is required in three domains of life. In the past 60 years since its discovery, most of the pathway for lipoic acid synthesis and metabolism has been elucidated. However, genetic control of lipoic acid synthesis remains unclear. Here, we report integrative evidence that bacterial cAMP‐dependent signaling is linked to lipoic acid synthesis in Shewanella species, the certain of unique marine‐borne bacteria with special ability of metal reduction. Physiological requirement of protein lipoylation in γ‐proteobacteria including Shewanella oneidensis was detected using Western blotting with rabbit anti‐lipoyl protein primary antibody. The two genes (lipB and lipA) encoding lipoic acid synthesis pathway were proved to be organized into an operon lipBA in Shewanella, and the promoter was mapped. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays confirmed that the putative CRP‐recognizable site (AAGTGTGATCTATCTTACATTT) binds to cAMP‐CRP protein with origins of both Escherichia coli and Shewanella. The native lipBA promoter of Shewanella was fused to a LacZ reporter gene to create a chromosome lipBA‐lacZ transcriptional fusion in E. coli and S. oneidensis, allowing us to directly assay its expression level by β‐galactosidase activity. As anticipated, the removal of E. coli crp gene gave above fourfold increment of lipBA promoter‐driven β‐gal expression. The similar scenario was confirmed by both the real‐time quantitative PCR and the LacZ transcriptional fusion in the crp mutant of Shewanella. Furthermore, the glucose effect on the lipBA expression of Shewanella was evaluated in the alternative microorganism E. coli. As anticipated, an addition of glucose into media effectively induces the transcriptional level of Shewanella lipBA in that the lowered cAMP level relieves the repression of lipBA by cAMP‐CRP complex. Therefore, our finding might represent a first paradigm mechanism for genetic control of bacterial lipoic acid synthesis.
Gait and gait-related activities and fatigue in Parkinson's disease: What is the relationship?

Purpose. To explore the relationship between gait and gait-related activities and fatigue in Parkinson's disease (PD). Method. Twenty people with idiopathic PD (12 male, 8 female; mean age 64.6 ± 7.96) and 10 age, sex and education matched controls (6 male, 4 female; mean age 63.5 ± 7.03) wore an activity monitor for approximately 24 h, from which the percentage time walking and standing, the number of periods of walking greater than 10 sec were derived. Prior to monitoring, levels of fatigue (Multi-dimensional Fatigue Index, MFI) were evaluated. Results. Activity data related to gait were compared for the waking hours of the day, reflected by the period between 6 am and 10 pm. Overall, PD subjects demonstrated reduced activity compared to controls, however there was no significant difference between PD and controls for the percentage time spent walking (p = 0.149), standing (p = 1.0) or engaged in periods of walking that were greater than 10 sec (p = 0.059). Significantly greater levels of fatigue were experienced by PD subjects in all MFI domains compared to controls (physical p = 0.001; activity p = 0.001; general p = 0.001; mental p = 0.028; motivation p = 0.024). There was no clear association between activity and fatigue in PD subjects. Conclusions. Evidence of increased fatigue is not supported by evidence of significantly decreased levels of activity in PD subjects. The relationship between activity and fatigue therefore remains unclear, highlighting the complex nature of the relationship between these factors. Further work is required to increase our understanding of the impact of fatigue on gait and gait-related activity so that improved management can be explored.
Regional odontodysplasia: Report of an unusual case involving mandibular arch

Regional odontodysplasia (RO) is a rare developmental anomaly involving both mesodermal and ectodermal components in primary or permanent dentition. It affects the maxilla and the mandible or both; however, maxilla is more commonly involved. This article reports the case of 33-month-old boy who came with the chief complaint of delayed eruption of mandibular teeth. Findings of clinical and radiographic examination were consistent with those of RO. Maxillary dentition was unaffected. Clinical and radiographic features and treatment options are discussed.
Sliding manipulation of rigid bodies on a controlled 6-DoF plate

We model the full dynamics of a rigid part in three-point frictional sliding contact with a flat rigid six-degree-of-freedom (6-DoF) plate. When the plate moves periodically, we show the part’s dynamics are well approximated by a first-order system represented by an asymptotic velocity field that maps part configurations in SE(2) to unique velocities (linear and angular) in ℝ2 . The form of the asymptotic velocity field depends on the plate’s motion, the location and friction coefficient of each contact point, and the inertial properties of the part. Asymptotic velocity vectors in the field approximate the part’s cycle-averaged velocity at each configuration and are independent of time or the system’s initial state. For the special case of a rigid part with infinitesimal thickness, we prove that asymptotic velocities are always unique and well defined. With the ability to program arbitrary periodic plate motions, part manipulation reduces to finding plate motions that generate asymptotic velocity fields to accomplish desired tasks. Several fields useful for manipulation tasks (e.g. sensorless part alignment) are verified in simulation and experiment.
Charity, Incentives, and Performance

We propose that donating profits to charity may improve firm performance through reduced moral hazard and increased effort in incomplete contract environments. This proposition is tested and confirmed in an incomplete contract principal-agent laboratory experiment where principals’ profits are donated to charity. The results show that both principals and agents have higher earnings in treatments where principals are working on behalf of a charity. Only in the charity treatments do agents respond positively to the effort levels suggested by the principals, and do higher requested levels of effort result in higher principal earnings.
Optimal trajectory planning for an omni-directional mobile robot with static obstacles: a polynomial based approach

This paper presents a polynomial based optimal trajectory planning for an omni-directional mobile robot in presence of static obstacles with considering a limitation on velocity and acceleration of the robot. First, optimal trajectory planning problem is formulated as an optimal control problem which minimize a cost function of states and control efforts respect to constraints of the problem. To solve this optimal control problem, a state parameterization method is used. In fact, state variables of system are approximated by polynomial functions of time with unknown coefficients. Thus optimal control problem converts to a constraint optimization problem which is too easier than original optimal control problem. Then the polynomials coefficients are computed such that satisfy all the problem requirements and constraints. Simulation results show effectiveness of the proposed method under different situations.
Selective method for reduction of Oximes to amines in the presence of Cu nanoparticle

The selective reduction of oximes with sodium borohydride (NaBH4) in the presence of nano Cu and charcoal was investigated. Cu nanoparticles are widely used as catalysts; efficacious catalyst: copper and copper alloy nanometer feature high efficacy and selectivity, and can be used as catalyst in some reactions. We have shown that NaBH4 in the presence of charcoal is an efficient protocol for the reduction of oximes. Reduction reactions were carried out in EtOH (5 mL) as solvent under reflux condition at 70–80oC. The product amines were obtained in high to excellent yields. The stereo-chemistry of the reduction by using nano Cu is distinctively different from the other methods.
Cdk1 promotes cytokinesis in fission yeast through activation of the septation initiation network

Although Cdk1 inhibits cytokinesis, it is shown that Cdk1 promotes an initial step by phosphorylating and promoting Byr4 removal from spindle pole bodies in metaphase. Because Byr4 inhibits the septation initiation network (SIN), Cdk1 helps prime the onset of cytokinesis by promoting the development of SIN asymmetry in concert with Plo1 kinase.
ADAM-10 Protein Is Present in Human Articular Cartilage Primarily in the Membrane-bound Form and Is Upregulated in Osteoarthritis and in Response to IL-1α in Bovine Nasal Cartilage

The objective of our study was to determine the tissue distribution and localization of ADAM-10 protein in human and bovine cartilage and the changes it undergoes with cartilage degeneration seen in osteoarthritis (OA) and under the influence of interleukin-1 (IL-1). Human normal and OA articular cartilage and bovine nasal cartilage cultured in the presence of IL-1α were processed for histology and immunohistochemistry. ADAM-10 protein was extracted from human cartilage and analyzed by Western blotting using anti-ADAM-10 antibodies. Fluor S Image analyzer and Quantity One software program were applied to quantify the total amount of ADAM-10. ADAM-10 protein was detected in both human and bovine cartilage. The strongest immunostaining was found in the cytoplasm and/or cell membranes of the superficial and upper middle layer of normal adult human cartilage, in the clusters and fibrillated areas of OA cartilage, and in IL-1α-stimulated bovine nasal cartilage. The distribution of ADAM-10 protein in bovine nasal cartilage was dependent on the length of exposure to IL-1 α and corresponded to the areas of proteoglycan depletion. By Western blotting analysis of human cartilage, ADAM-10 was primarily detected in the membrane-enriched fraction and its levels were increased in degenerated and OA cartilage compared to normal cartilage. The results of this study suggest that ADAM-10 might be an important factor associated with cartilage degenerative processes. (J Histochem Cytochem 49:1165–1176, 2001)
Mitochondrial Nucleotide Variability in Invasive Populations of the Root Weevil Diaprepes abbreviatus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) of Florida and Preliminary Assessment of Diaprepes sp. from Dominica

Abstract Diaprepes abbreviatus (L.) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) is a root weevil introduced into the United States from the Caribbean in 1964. It is associated with >300 plants, including citrus, sugarcane, and potatoes. D. abbreviatus is widespread in Florida, and it has recently been detected in limited areas of California and Texas. The purpose of this research is to evaluate the utility of 16S ribosomal (16S rRNA) and cytochrome oxidase I (COI) mitochondrial markers for the delineation of genetic populations of D. abbreviatus in Florida and for the characterization of patterns of dispersion among these populations. We also assessed these markers as genetic tools for the clarification of taxonomic uncertainties in specimens from Dominica (Lesser Antilles). We analyzed 111 weevils from six Florida populations and six specimens from Dominica. In Florida, we found three haplotypes with only one haplotype in each population. Florida haplotypes differed by one to three nucleotide substitutions, possibly the result of a recent divergence from one source population or three different introductions from closely related populations from the Caribbean. In contrast, specimens from Dominica showed a high genetic variability with three 16S haplotypes and six unique COI haplotypes, delineating two mitochondrial clades. We show that these mitochondrial markers are useful for phylogeographic studies of D. abbreviatus.
Annotating a Russian corpus of conceptual metaphor: a bottom-up approach

This work presents the tentative version of the protocol designed for annotation of a Russian metaphor corpus using the rapid annotation tool BRAT. The first part of the article is devoted to the procedure of "shallow" annotation in which metaphor-related words are identified according to a slightly modified version of the MIPVU procedure. The paper presents the results of two reliability tests and the measures of inter-annotator agreement obtained in them. Further on, the article gives a brief account of the linguistic problems that were encountered in adapting MIPVU to Russian. The rest of the first part describes the classes of metaphorrelated words and the rules of their annotation with BRAT. The examples of annotation show how the visualization functionalities of BRAT allow the researcher to describe the multifaceted nature of metaphor related words and the complexity of their relations. The second part of the paper speaks about the annotation of conceptual metaphors (the "deep" annotation), where formulations of conceptual metaphors are inferred from the basic and contextual meanings of metaphor-related words from the "shallow" annotation, which is expected to make the metaphor formulation process more controllable.
Delineation of polar localization domains of Agrobacterium tumefaciens type IV secretion apparatus proteins VirB4 and VirB11

Agrobacterium tumefaciens transfers DNA and proteins to a plant cell through a type IV secretion apparatus assembled by the VirB proteins. All VirB proteins localized to a cell pole, although these conclusions are in dispute. To study subcellular location of the VirB proteins and to identify determinants of their subcellular location, we tagged two proteins, VirB4 and VirB11, with the visual marker green fluorescent protein (GFP) and studied localization of the fusion proteins by epifluorescence microscopy. Both GFP‐VirB4 and GFP‐VirB11 fusions localized to a single cell pole. GFP‐VirB11 was also functional in DNA transfer. To identify the polar localization domains (PLDs) of VirB4 and VirB11, we analyzed fusions of GFP with smaller segments of the two proteins. Two noncontiguous regions in VirB4, residues 236–470 and 592–789, contain PLDs. The VirB11 PLD mapped to a 69 amino acid segment, residues 149–217, in the central region of the protein. These domains are probably involved in interactions that target the two proteins to a cell pole.
Threesomes, Degenerates, and Love Triangles

The 3SUM problem is to decide, given a set of n real numbers, whether any three sum to zero. It is widely conjectured that a trivial O(n<sup>2</sup>)-time algorithm is optimal and over the years the consequences of this conjecture have been revealed. This 3SUM conjecture implies Ω(n<sup>2</sup>) lower bounds on numerous problems in computational geometry and a variant of the conjecture implies strong lower bounds on triangle enumeration, dynamic graph algorithms, and string matching data structures. In this paper we refute the 3SUM conjecture. We prove that the decision tree complexity of 3SUM is O(n<sup>3/2</sup> √/log n) and give two subquadratic 3SUM algorithms, a deterministic one running in O(n<sup>2</sup>/(log n/ log log n)<sup>2/3</sup>) time and a randomized one running in O(n<sup>2</sup> (log log n)<sup>2</sup>/ log n) time with high probability. Our results lead directly to improved bounds for k-variate linear degeneracy testing for all odd k ≥ 3. The problem is to decide, given a linear function f(x<sub>1</sub>, . , x<sub>k</sub>) = α<sub>0</sub> + Σ<sub>1≤1≤k</sub> α<sub>i</sub>x<sub>i</sub> and a set A ⊂ ℝ, whether 0 ∈ f(A<sup>k</sup>). We show the decision tree complexity of this problem is O(n<sup>k/2</sup> √log n). Finally, we give a subcubic algorithm for a generalization of the (min, +)-product over real-valued matrices and apply it to the problem of finding zero-weight triangles in weighted graphs. We give a depth-O(n<sup>5/2</sup> √log n) decision tree for this problem, as well as an algorithm running in time O(n<sup>3</sup>(log log n)2/ log n).
The gender congruency effect in bare noun production in Spanish

Previous research in syntactic gender congruency effects has indicated that German and Dutch speakers exhibited priming effects in the production of noun phrases (La Heij, Mak, Sander & Willeboordse 1998; Schriefers 1993; Schriefers & Teruel 2000), whereas speakers of Spanish and Italian showed no such effects (Miozzo & Caramazza 1999; Costa, SebastiánGallés, Miozzo & Caramazza 1999). Until recently, the production of bare nouns had only been examined in Dutch (La Heij, et al. 1998) and no effect was found. It was concluded that gender information is only accessed when specifically required for the selection of agreement morphemes. Cubelli, Lotto, Paolieri, Girelli, and Job (2005), however, found an inhibitory gender congruency effect for bare noun production in Italian. The goal of the current experiment was to determine if such an effect could be elicited in Spanish. The current experiment examined the production of bare nouns and noun phrases (NPs) by native Spanish speakers within the picture-word interference paradigm, in which subjects named a picture accompanied by a distractor word which was either gender congruent or incongruent with the target. Congruency effects were determined by naming latencies. An analysis of the data showed that there was no gender congruency effect in bare noun production. Naming latencies in the two conditions were virtually identical (f (1,15) = 0.017, p < 0.90). In addition, separate analyses were performed on target words of each gender (masculine and feminine) and no gender specific effect was found. As predicted, there were no congruency effects for NP production. The fact that, in bare noun production, Spanish behaves like Dutch rather than Italian indicates that there is a critical difference between Spanish and Italian relating to gender access.