Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Management of pellucid marginal corneal degeneration with rigid gas permeable contact lenses.

PURPOSE To study the clinical performance of rigid gas permeable contact lenses (RGPCL) in patients with pellucid marginal corneal degeneration (PMCD). METHODS This retrospective study consisted of 15 patients with clinical PMCD, confirmed by videokeratography (TMS-1, Computed Anatomy, Inc., New York, NY). Information collected from the medical records included patient demographic data, uncorrected visual acuity, refraction, best-corrected spectacle visual acuity, and topographic details, including kerotometry. Twenty-seven of 30 eyes were subjected to several contact lens trials using polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) contact lenses, using a systematic and consistent approach. After successful contact lens trials, data regarding number of trials, trial time, final contact lens choice parameters, and best-corrected contact lens visual acuity were noted for each patient. During follow-up, visual acuity with RGPCLs, lens fit, and average wearing time were noted. RESULTS Fifteen patients (30 eyes) with typically inferiorly located pellucid marginal corneal degeneration were included in this study. There were 12 men and 3 women, with a mean age of 39.73 years. Twenty-seven eyes of 15 patients were identified as subjects for multiple contact lens trials, and 24 (88.8%) eyes were successfully fitted with RGPCLs. Best-corrected visual acuity of 6/12 or better with spectacles was achieved in 14 (46.66%) eyes. The average astigmatism was -8.56D, and a majority of the patients with PMCD who were in the contact lens trial had an against-the-rule astigmatism (63.3%). The mean trial time for attempted eyes (i.e., patients with PMCD who successfully underwent the contact lens trials) was 77.7 minutes, and the number of trials required to finalize the choice of contact lenses ranged between 2 and 7. The median base curve for RGP lenses was 7.57, and median diameter was 10.00 mm. Best-corrected visual acuity of 6/12 or better with the final contact lens was achieved in 95.4% of the subjects. After an average follow-up of 22.91 months, one patient was lost to follow-up, and 2 eyes required discontinuation of the contact lenses. The average wearing time among the contact lens wearers at their last follow-up visits was 9.58 hours. Final visual acuity of 6/12 or better was observed in 77.3% of eyes at the end of 22.91 months. CONCLUSION Large-diameter RGPCLs are better tolerated and lead to significant improvement in visual acuity in inferior PMCD.
Some Exploratory Models for Assessing Small Firms′ Marketing Performance (A Qualitative Approach)

Small businesses, usually under owner/ manager control, can suffer through a lack of knowledge and understanding of marketing planning practices. Often practices, if they exist at all, are founded on traditional industry practices and experiences which may not be suitable when translated into use with small businesses. Often the result is inadequate marketing and business failure. The need exists to increase the awareness of small firms to the importance of a planned approach to marketing and how marketing planning can be improved. From this, the monograph is concerned with the practical implications of how small firms actually plan their marketing. To do this, consideration is given to the characteristics of small firms, descriptions of marketing planning and the impact on marketing practice. Appropriate marketing technology transfer is also considered and three levels of transfer – self‐help information transfer, appreciation‐level marketing education input, and in‐depth marketing specific to the compan.
Modeling the Dynamics of Evaluation

We present a neural network implementation of central components of the iterative reprocessing (IR) model. The IR model argues that the evaluation of social stimuli (attitudes, stereotypes) is the result of the IR of stimuli in a hierarchy of neural systems: The evaluation of social stimuli develops and changes over processing. The network has a multilevel, bidirectional feedback evaluation system that integrates initial perceptual processing and later developing semantic processing. The network processes stimuli (e.g., an individual’s appearance) over repeated iterations, with increasingly higher levels of semantic processing over time. As a result, the network’s evaluations of stimuli evolve. We discuss the implications of the network for a number of different issues involved in attitudes and social evaluation. The success of the network supports the IR model framework and provides new insights into attitude theory.
Square Peg, Round Hole? Can Marketing-Based Concepts Such as the ‘Product’ and the ‘Marketing Mix’ Have a Useful Role in the Political Arena?

SUMMARY Over recent years, whilst there has been increasing acceptance of the existence and role of marketing in the political arena, there has also been much discussion as to the applicability of its concepts and models. This paper focuses upon issues surrounding definition of the ‘product’ and the ‘marketing mix. ’ It examines the varying definitions of the political ‘product’ and, from the perspective of elector as ‘consumer,’ offers its own. In addition it suggests that political marketers should follow the lead of their counterparts in the fields of service and social marketing and modify the marketing mix to suit the political environment in which they function. Finally, based upon existing definitions of the political ‘product’ and the criticisms of the current marketing mix frameworks, initial suggestions are made for the provision of a new political marketing mix.
An Empirical Analysis of Venture Capital Exits in Europe and the United States

This paper focuses on exits by venture capitalists from their portfolio companies. Using a unique self-collected data set, we provide new stylized facts about the venture capital industry in Europe and in the US. Although there are numerous similarities between the US and Europe, there are also important differences, in particular with respect to the duration of exit stage, the use of convertible securities, the replacement of former management and deal syndication. Much of these differences can be brought to a common denominator, namely that European venture capitalists face a less liquid market for the human resources that go into the ventures as well as for the exit opportunities. The most striking difference is with respect to the use of convertible securities, which are by far less often used in Europe as compared to the US. Overall, we show that European venture capitalists monitor less. Finally, the paper analyzes the impact of venture capital firms' characteristics and the use of different monitoring devices (stage financing, board representation, use of convertible securities and reporting of activities) on the exit route. Some aspects of close monitoring seem to significantly affect the venture's likelihood of going public.
Flavin‐based Blue‐light Photosensors: A Photobiophysics Update

This review deals with the biophysical aspects of flavin‐based photosensors, comprising cryptochromes, LOV (Light, Oxygen and Voltage) and BLUF (Blue Light sensing Using FAD) proteins. Special emphasis is given to structural issues, photocycle quantum yields and energetics, mechanism of the light‐triggered reactions, early stages in signal transduction and oligomeric states of the light sensing protein modules. For BLUF and LOV domains important parallels are emerging, despite their different α/β fold arrangement, whereas there is increasing evidence for a mechanicistic and functional splitting of the cryptochrome family.
The role of individual characteristics on consumers’ counterfeit purchasing intentions: research in fashion industry

Counterfeits are one of the most important threats for organizations that have orijinal brands as their most valuable assets. In order to increase their brands’ value, organizations make several sacrifices and ongoing investments. However, the demand for counterfeits is rising all around the world which creates negative consequences for these organizations. In this context, knowing the factors that motivates consumers to buy counterfeits is critically important. In this regard, this study focuses on the individual characteristics which are proved in the literature to have the most important role in buying counterfeits and it investigates the effects of these factors on intention to buy counterfeits. The individual characteristics that are included in the study are materialism, willingness to take risk, smart shopper self perception, value consciousness, fashion consciousness, integrity, personal gratification, status consumption. In the foreign literature, no study has that broad scope containing several variables as in this study. From the point of the Turkish literature, there are very rare studies related with this issue. These two aspects emphasize the importance and uniqueness of the study. Depending on the results of the analysis of the data consisting of 879 valid questionnaires, seven hypotheses were accepted while one was rejected. The results of the study shed light on the organizations for their marketing and branding activities aimed to prevent counterfeit usage and to increase the demand for their original brands.
Natural history and syndromic associations of orthostatic tremor: A review of 41 patients

Orthostatic tremor (OT) is a rare condition characterized by unsteadiness when standing still that is relieved when sitting or walking and is thought to arise from a central generator in the cerebellum or brainstem. OT is considered to be a distinct, discrete condition, and little is known about its demographic characteristics, natural history, associated features, and treatment response. We have reviewed these aspects in 41 OT patients fulfilling current diagnostic criteria, seen at our institution between 1986 and 2001. We classified 31 (75%) as having idiopathic “primary OT” either with (n = 24) or without an associated postural arm tremor. We found that 10 of 41 (25%) cases had additional neurological features, and we defined this group as having “OT plus” syndrome. Of these 10, 6 had parkinsonism; 4 of these had typical Parkinson's disease (PD), 1 had vascular and 1 had drug‐induced parkinsonism. Among the remaining 4 patients, 2 had restless legs syndrome (RLS), 1 had tardive dyskinesia, and 1 orofacial dyskinesias of uncertain etiology. One patient with PD and the patient with vascular parkinsonism also had RLS. Age at onset was significantly earlier in the “primary OT” (mean ± SD, 50.4 ± 15.1) than in the “OT plus” (61.8 ± 6.4; z = 2.7; P = .006) group. In 7 of the 10 “OT plus” patients, OT leg symptoms preceded the onset of additional neurological features. OT appeared to be underdiagnosed, and on average, it took 5.7 years from the initial complaints until a diagnosis was made. In general, treatment response to a variety of drugs such as clonazepam, primidone, and levodopa was poor. In most cases, OT symptoms remain relatively unchanged over the years, but in 6 of 41 cases (15%), the condition gradually worsened over the years, and in some of these cases, symptoms spread proximally to involve the trunk and arms. OT may not be a discrete disorder as commonly believed and associated features like parkinsonism present in nearly 25% of cases. Dopaminergic dysfunction may have a role in the pathophysiology of this disorder. © 2004 Movement Disorder Society
Functional Topography During Sensorimotor Activation Studied with Event‐Related Desynchronization Mapping

Event-related desynchronization (ERD) of alpha components was studied in four subjects during self-paced voluntary movements and somatosensory stimulation. EEG was recorded from 29 electrodes with a common right ear reference; local average reference derivations were calculated and used for computing ERD maps at 250-ms intervals. It was found that upper alpha components were desynchronized close to electrodes C3 and C4 overlying the primary sensorimotor cortex during voluntary movements and somatosensory stimulation. ERD started contralaterally more than 2 s before the movement and some hundreds of milliseconds before the stimulation. During the performance of unilateral movement and unilateral stimulation, ERD was bilaterally symmetric. Desynchronization of lower alpha components was found over the superior parietal cortex, clearly starting some hundreds of milliseconds after the desynchronization of upper frequency components. Therefore, the desynchronization of lower and upper alpha components reflects activation of different neuronal structures.
The Effects of Regulation Fair Disclosure on Management Forecasts

We examine management forecasts to determine whether Regulation Fair Disclosure has improved the quality and quantity of public disclosures. Management forecasts are voluntary, provide earnings guidance and are highly sought by investors and analysts. We find that the information disclosed by managers has improved in terms of frequency, specificity and verifiable information provided. We also find that Regulation Fair Disclosure has reduced information asymmetry, and information leakage prior to the release of the MEF. We find no evidence of greater returns volatility. Our results suggest that generally Regulation Fair Disclosure has achieved one of its stated goals of providing a more level playing field to all investors
Maturity onset diabetes of the young: clinical characteristics and outcome after kidney and pancreas transplantation in MODY3 and RCAD patients: a single center experience

The diabetes and renal phenotype of patients with maturity‐onset diabetes of the young (MODY) on a transplantation waiting list is not known; neither is their outcome after pancreas (PT) and/or kidney transplantation (KT). Between 2002 and 2009, we screened 50 of 150 patients referred for kidney and pancreas transplantation to the Kremlin‐Bicêtre center for HNF1B and HNF1A mutations if one or more of the following criteria was present (i) an atypical history of diabetes (ii) diabetes with at least one affected parent or two affected relatives, (iii) an absence of auto‐antibodies at diagnosis (iv) a persistent secretion of fasting C peptide (v) a personal or a family history of renal cysts or dysplasia. Their phenotype and their outcome were analyzed. Four HNF1A (MODY3) and eight HNF1B mutations [renal cysts and diabetes (RCAD)] were identified. All MODY3 patients had diabetic nephropathy, but only 50% of RCAD patients. Four patients underwent a kidney and pancreas transplantation and two a kidney transplant alone. After 4.1 ± 1.1 years of follow‐up, 83% of patients still have a functioning kidney and 75% a functioning pancreas. PT can be proposed with good results for MODY3 and RCAD patients.
Radiation exposure of hemophiliacs after radiosynoviorthesis with 186Re colloid.

UNLABELLED Very limited data are available in the literature on the doses of unwanted radiation that patients receive following treatment with radiosynoviorthesis (RSO). OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to assess the radiation exposure after RSO with (186)Re colloid in hemophiliacs. METHODS This study involved 12 hemophiliacs who were treated for hemophilic joint disease with 14 RSOs by using (186)Re colloid. Whole-body scintigrams were performed 1, 6, and 24 hours and 3 and 7 days after RSO. Measurements, using a whole-body counter, were done immediately after scintigraphy, with the treated joint protected with a lead shield. The cumulative activity of (186)Re in the body and in the lymph nodes was calculated. The distribution of (186)Re in the body was determined by using the values for small colloids as proposed by the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) Publication 53. The computer code, OLINDA/EXM (Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN), was used for the calculation of the internal dose. A constant distance of 1 m between the ankle joint and body organs, and of 0.33 m between the elbow or shoulder joint and body organs, was used to calculate the contribution of gamma radiation to the effective radiation dose. RESULTS The mean effective dose received by hemophiliacs after RSO with (186)Re colloid was 28 +/- 9 microSv/MBq of the activity injected into the joint. The patients received 0.8-3.7 mSv (1.9 +/- 0.8 mSv) owing to the leakage of (186)Re from the treated joint and its retention in the body. The highest doses were established in the spleen (26.0 +/- 10.7 mGy), the liver (17.6 +/- 7.2 mGy), and red marrow (3.0 +/- 0.8 mGy). The contribution of gamma radiation to the effective dose was less than 0.1 mSv in RSO of the ankle, 0.4 mSv in the elbow, and 0.6 mSv in the shoulder-joint treatment. The activity of (186)Re in the regional lymph nodes was noted in 4 of the 14 treatments. In these cases, the estimated average dose received by individual lymph nodes was 14.7 +/- 1.9 Gy. CONCLUSIONS RSO with (186)Re colloid is a safe treatment method. The effective dose received by patients after RSO by using (186)Re colloid is low, as are the radiation doses to the most exposed organs. If (186)Re is retained in the regional lymph nodes, the lymph node radiation dose would be high.
Temporal Dimensions of Opportunistic Change in Technology-Based Ventures

Opportunity recognition and opportunity-directed behavior are at the core of entrepreneurial efforts in both new and existing ventures. This study examines characteristics and behaviors related to future time orientation and their association with the pursuit of entrepreneurial opportunity. We find that strategic change in young technology-based ventures is associated with top management teams who are perceived as being more future-oriented. Communication patterns linking future- and present-oriented managers are also associated with strategic change. The findings of this empirical study indicate that technology-based ventures should place substantial emphasis on identifying, embracing, and widely communicating ideas that challenge the status quo. Out of this process the entrepreneurial approach is reinvigorated with new opportunities for proactive strategic change and growth. Ways in which new venture management may take steps to recognize and move proactively on emerging new opportunities are suggested.
More on pseudoscience in science and the case for psychiatric diagnosis. A critique of D.L. Rosenhan's "On Being Sane in Insane Places" and "The Contestual Nature of Psychiatric Diagnosis".

Rosenhan's 1973 article, "On Being Sane in Insane Places," was pseudoscience presented as science. Just as his pseudopatients were diagnosed at discharge as having "schizophrenia in remission", so a careful examination of this study's methods, results, and conclusions leads to a diagnosis of "logic in remission. " Rosenhan's study proves that pseudopatients are not detected by psychiatrists as having simulated signs of mental illness and that the implementation of certain invalid research designs can make psychiatrists appear foolish. These rather unremarkable findings are irrelevant to the real problems of the reliability and validity of psychiatric diagnosis and only serve to obscure them. A correct interpretation of his own data contradicts his conclusions. There are purposes to psychiatric diagnosis that Rosenhan's article ignores. His more recent suggestion that certain requirements be met prior to the adoption of a new psychiatric classification system is unrealistic.
The effects of training intensities on motor recovery and gait symmetry in a rat model of ischemia

Primary objective: This study investigated the effects of moderate and excessive gait training intensities on motor recovery in sub-acute stroke. Methods: Sprague-Dawley rats after stroke surgery were randomized into two groups: moderate training group (MTG) and excessive training group (ETG). MTG had 15 minutes of body weight support (BWS) treadmill training per session with three sessions per day on alternative days until 8 days after stroke; and in the ETG, rats had to run until they could not keep up with the treadmill speed for one session on each training day. The intramuscular EMG signal from medial gastrocnemius was used to monitor the muscle activation patterns on both unaffected and affected sides during training. Results: After 4 days post-stroke, the results showed a better recovery in the symmetry gait pattern in the MTG, but there is no such trend observed in the ETG. Moreover, the MTG has a better motor behaviour score and the affected side could bear more body weight. These results were reflected in the increase in the EMG burst duration and increase in EMG mean power frequency (MPF) drop rate on the affected side in the MTG. Conclusion: This study shows the moderate gait training intensity by avoiding muscular fatigue has better motor recovery for sub-acute stroke rehabilitation.
The Impacts of National Cultures on Customer Relational Benefit - Loyalty Link: A Study of the Chinese Community

Developing and maintaining enduring relationships with customers have been becoming a major business empha sis over the past few years. Most of previous studies f ocused on the benefits of establishing long-term custom er relationship for the firms, but the maintenance of su ccessful relationships would be affected by the benefits received by the customers too. Marketing literature sugg ested that various types of customer relational benefits (CRB) exist, and the fulfillment of these benefits predic ts the future development of the existing relationships (Bendapudi and Berry, 1997; Gwinner, Gremler, and Bit ner, 1998; Reynolds and Beatty, 1999). The research by Gwinner et al. (1998) represents the most extensive st udy of CRB, which suggested that CRB should encomp ass three factors: confidence, social and special treatmen t benefits. Recently, Hennig-Thurau et al. (2000) propo sed that consumers would stay in a relationship with a service provider that is capable of adding meaing to the ir self-concept, and the relational benefits is named as i dentity-related benefits. Until now, academic research on CRB has been conducted almost exclusively with North American consumers with few exceptions. Pattern and Smith (2000; 2001) replicated the study of Gwinner et al. (1998) in Asia and found that people from Thai considered special treatment benefits as a benefit more important than their American counterparts. Because the nature and development of relationships is highly culturally dependent, the reliance on U.S.-based research has left a large gap in our understanding of CRB in different cultures. Abundant of studies have evidenced the influence of cross-culture difference on service quality perceptions. For example, several studies discovered that service quality dimensions are affected by cultural factors (Winsted, 1997; Mattila, 1999; Liu et al., 2001; Furrer et al., 2000). Also, consumers’ expectation of service quality varied as a function of four Hefstede’s (1991) cultural dimensions (Donthu and Yoo, 1998). Although these studies did not address the crosscultural issues of relational benefits, the close bonding between service quality and relationship marketing would imply the possible influence of cultural factors on the link between CRB and customer loyalty.
Stable Determination of a Rigid Inclusion in an Anisotropic Elastic Plate

In this paper we consider the inverse problem of determining a rigid inclusion inside a thin plate by applying a couple field at the boundary and by measuring the induced transversal displacement and its normal derivative at the boundary of the plate. The plate is made by non-homogeneous linearly elastic material belonging to a general class of anisotropy. For this severely ill-posed problem, under suitable a priori regularity assumptions on the boundary of the inclusion, we prove a stability estimate of log-log type.