Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Interfering of the Reelin/ApoER2/PSD95 Signaling Axis Reactivates Dendritogenesis of Mature Hippocampal Neurons

Reelin, an extracellular glycoprotein secreted in embryonic and adult brain, participates in neuronal migration and neuronal plasticity. Extensive evidence shows that reelin via activation of the ApoER2 and VLDLR receptors promotes dendrite and spine formation during early development. Further evidence suggests that reelin signaling is needed to maintain a stable architecture in mature neurons, but, direct evidence is lacking. During activity‐dependent maturation of the neuronal circuitry, the synaptic protein PSD95 is inserted into the postsynaptic membrane to induce structural refinement and stability of spines and dendrites. Given that ApoER2 interacts with PSD95, we tested if reelin signaling interference in adult neurons reactivates the dendritic architecture. Unlike findings in developing cultures, the presently obtained in vitro and in vivo data show, for the first time, that reelin signaling interference robustly increase dendritogenesis and reduce spine density in mature hippocampal neurons. In particular, the expression of a mutant ApoER2 form (ApoER2‐tailless), which is unable to interact with PSD95 and hence cannot transduce reelin signaling, resulted in robust dendritogenesis in mature hippocampal neurons in vitro. These results indicate that reelin/ApoER2/PSD95 signaling is important for neuronal structure maintenance in mature neurons. Mechanistically, obtained immunofluorescent data indicate that reelin signaling impairment reduced synaptic PSD95 levels, consequently leading to synaptic re‐insertion of NR2B‐NMDARs. Our findings underscore the importance of reelin in maintaining adult network stability and reveal a new mode for reactivating dendritogenesis in neurological disorders where dendritic arbor complexity is limited, such as in depression, Alzheimer's disease, and stroke. J. Cell. Physiol. 232: 1187–1199, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
An overview of pulse compression and power flow in the upgraded Z pulsed power driver

The Z pulsed power driver [1] at Sandia National Laboratories is used to develop high energy density z-pinch x-ray sources for inertial confinement fusion research and radiation effects testing, and to drive megabar pressures in material samples for equation of state studies. The entire pulsed power system is in the process of being replaced, improving reliability and increasing the energy delivered to the load.
Morphology of layer III pyramidal neurons is altered following induction of LTP in sensorimotor cortex of the freely moving rat

The organization of specific cortical connections can be altered by sensory and motor experience. These changes are believed to result from activity‐dependent changes in synaptic connectivity, similar to those induced in the hippocampus by high‐frequency stimulation in long‐term potentiation (LTP) experiments. If similar mechanisms are involved, then neocortical LTP induction may induce some of the same morphological changes that are seen following learning. We induced LTP in the contralateral sensorimotor cortex by repeated, daily tetanization of the corpus callosum in chronically implanted, freely moving rats. Anatomical results showed that the LTP induction was associated with alterations in dendrite morphology and increased spine density. These changes are qualitatively and quantitatively similar to those commonly observed in studies in which rats are housed in complex environments. The similarity of results following exposure to complex environments and after LTP induction in the neocortex may indicate a reliance on the same cellular mechanisms in both situations. Synapse 37:16–22, 2000. © 2000 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The Impact of Sarbanes-Oxley on Bank CEO and Director Compensation

This study examines the impact of Sarbanes-Oxley on CEO compensation and director compensation for banks. The presence of pre-SOX regulation in the banking industry, particularly, FIRREA and FDICIA, suggests that SOX may affect banks differently than other industries. Specifically, this study examines the changes in the trends for CEO compensation and for director compensation for banks over time. The results indicate that compensation for directors and CEOs has changed for all firms over time, but the sign and the significance of the change varies with respect to the type of compensation. Additionally, the differences in director/CEO compensation for banks and industrial firms have also changed over time. Whether or not the changes in the gap between compensation for banks and industrials is a consequence of banks being financial firms or banks being regulated firms varies depending on the type of compensation. The results show that bank directors are paid more cash compensation, more total compensation, and less in levels but not proportions of equity-based compensation after SOX when compared to before SOX levels. Additionally, all forms of compensation are lower for banks than non-banks after SOX. Director cash, equity, and total compensation increased for all firms from before to after SOX. There is no significant change in the difference of any form of director compensation from before to after SOX. Similar to the director compensation results, the results for CEO compensation indicate that bank CEOs are paid less cash compensation, less total compensation, and less in levels of equity-based compensation and less in percent of equity after SOX. Additionally, the level of equity compensation and total compensation are lower for banks than non-banks after SOX. However, there is no difference in cash or percent equity compensation between banks and nonv banks after SOX. The results suggest that the gap between bank CEO compensation and industrial CEO compensation for equity and total compensation is widening and it may be driven by the fact that banks are financial firms. The evidence also supports the notion that the widening gap between CEO compensation between banks and industrials may be driven by bank regulation.
Elevated Urinary Matrix Metalloproteinase-7 Detects Underlying Renal Allograft Inflammation and Injury

Background The urinary CXC chemokine ligand (CXCL)10 detects renal transplant inflammation noninvasively, but has limited sensitivity and specificity. In this study, we performed urinary proteomic analysis to identify novel biomarkers that may improve the diagnostic performance of urinary CXCL10 for detecting alloimmune inflammation in renal transplant patients. Methods In preliminary studies, adult renal transplant patients with normal histology (n = 5), interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy (n = 6), subclinical (n = 6) and clinical rejection (n = 6), underwent in-depth urine protein compositional analysis with LC-MS/MS, and matrix metalloproteinase-7 (MMP7) were identified as a potential candidate for the diagnosis of renal allograft inflammation. Urine MMP7 performance was then studied in a larger, prospective adult renal transplant population (n = 148 urines from n = 133 patients) with matched surveillance/indication biopsies. The diagnostic performance of urinary MMP7 and CXCL10 in combination was next evaluated using concordance (C-) statistics, net reclassification improvement and integrated discrimination improvement indices, to determine whether it was better than CXCL10 alone. Results Urinary MMP7:creatinine (Cr) was lower in normal transplants compared to those with inflammation: glomerulonephritis (P = 0.009), viral nephropathies (P = 0.002), interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy and inflammation (P = 0.04), borderline (P = 0.08), subclinical (P = 0.01) and clinical rejection (P = 0.0006), and acute tubular necrosis (P < 0.0001). Urinary MMP7:Cr and CXCL10:Cr significantly distinguished noninflamed from inflamed biopsies (area under the curve, 0.74 and 0.70, respectively). The addition of urinary MMP7:Cr to CXCL10:Cr improved the diagnostic performance for subclinical and clinical inflammation/injury by integrated discrimination improvement (P = 0.002) and net reclassification improvement (P = 0.006) analyses. Conclusions Urinary MMP7:Cr improves the overall diagnostic performance of urinary CXCL10:Cr for distinguishing normal histology from subclinical and clinical inflammation/injury, but not subclinical inflammation alone.
Single-Feed Dual-Band Single/Dual-Beam U-Slot Antenna for Wireless Communication Application

A dual-band single-layer single-feed dual-band U-slot antenna, with linear polarization and single/dual-beam radiation pattern, is proposed for WLAN [2.40-2.4835 GHz and 5.15-5.35 GHz (indoor)] systems. The impedance bandwidths (|S11| <; -10 dB) of 7.3% and 12.7% are achieved at central frequencies 2.40 and 5.25 GHz, respectively. The lower band radiation pattern is a single broadside beam and the peak gain is 6.3 dBi at 2.40 GHz. The higher band radiation pattern is dual-beam and the peak gains are 7.7 dBi and 7.2 dBi for different beams at 5.25 GHz. The simulated results and the measured ones are in good agreement.
Board of directors : The role of networks

Board composition and role in corporate governance have been under close scrutiny both in the academic and "civil" worlds. Independence has been advocated as a way to reinforce the board’s power over the managers. However, the empirical literature does not find convincing results to support this view. The first chapter of this dissertation offers a survey of these results and of two other strands of the literature that could be used to explain conflicting results. On the one hand, it presents findings on how social connections can affect corporate governance. On the other hand, it outlines the main results of information aggregation and conformity effects in committees. The object of this dissertation is to study how these play a part on boards and more specifically how they affect a CEO’s election. Indeed, people commonly think that CEOs get appointed not only because of their talent or ability but also because of their social connections. The second chapter explores this intuition from a theoretical perspective, using a static Bayesian game. Directors want to elect the best candidate but they also want to vote for the winner. In that context, results show that, when no candidate is part of the network, boards with a network perform better in electing the right candidate. On the other hand, it becomes detrimental for stockholders if one candidate is part of the network. The network has power over the results of the election and limits the power of the future CEO. The third chapter explores the role of network in the election process from an empirical perspective using a unique database FIBEN of over 12000 firms, built at the
Online service quality dimensions and their relationships with satisfaction: A content analysis of customer reviews of securities brokerage services

This exploratory research intends to extend our understanding of service quality and customer satisfaction within the setting of online securities brokerage services. Based upon conceptual frameworks from the areas of services marketing and information systems management, the authors uncovered 52 items across 16 major service quality dimensions by content analysis of 740 customer reviews. The results indicate that primary service quality dimensions leading to online customer satisfaction, with the exception of ease of use, are closely related to traditional services while key factors leading to dissatisfaction are tied to information systems quality. In addition, major drivers of satisfaction and dissatisfaction are identified at the sub‐dimensional level. Theoretical contribution and managerial implications of the findings are further discussed.
Removal of High Concentrations of the Anesthetic Gas Nitrous Oxide Using Nonthermal Plasma Combined With an Adsorbent

Nitrous oxide (N<sub>2</sub>O) is commonly used as an anesthetic gas in hospitals. It is a greenhouse gas and should therefore be removed to limit pollution. As nonthermal plasma has low electron density, it has been considered effective for the treatment of low concentrations of gas. Moreover, N<sub>2</sub>O is extremely stable in the troposphere, and is therefore difficult to decompose. In this study, a system to remove high concentrations of N<sub>2 </sub>O using nonthermal plasma along with an adsorbent was investigated. A surface discharge plasma reactor was employed to decompose N<sub>2</sub>O gas. This gas simulated the waste gas from the anesthetic equipment used in operating theatres. Because of its high concentration, the decomposition of N<sub>2</sub>O afforded the mononitrogen oxides, nitric oxide, and nitrogen dioxide (NO<sub>x</sub> = NO + NO<sub>2</sub>), respectively. The generated NO<sub>x</sub> was adsorbed by the adsorbent. As a result, an N<sub>2</sub>O decomposition efficiency of 66% was achieved with air-based 12.8% N<sub>2</sub>O at a flow rate of 1.1 L/min and a plasma reactor input power of 375 W. Furthermore, 0.4% NO and 1.0% NO<sub>2</sub> were generated during N <sub>2</sub>O decomposition. Both gases were removed by the adsorbent. It was confirmed by the previous studies that the adsorbed NO<sub>x</sub> was decomposed by N<sub>2</sub> plasma. It was demonstrated that the removal of high concentration of N<sub>2</sub>O could be accomplished by using a system that combines nonthermal plasma with an adsorbent. In practice, much higher volumes of N<sub>2</sub>O can be removed, without NO<sub>x</sub> formation, in a setup that involves a series of plasma reactors with recirculation, followed by an NO<sub>x</sub> reduction system with N<sub>2</sub> plasma.
Frequencies of HBV, HCV, HIV, and Syphilis Markers Among Blood Donors: A Hospital-Based Study in Hodeidah, Yemen

Purpose: This study aimed to determine the frequency rates of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and syphilis among blood donors. Methods: Physically fit persons aged 18 – 48 years who came for blood donation at the blood bank unit of the military hospital in Hodeidah, Yemen (MHH) from November 2008 to October 2010 were screened using standard diagnostic (SD) reagents. Based on the results, donors with clinical anemia and with history of jaundice were excluded. Results: A total of 1,483 male donors (96 % semi-voluntary and 4 % replacement donors) with a mean age of 24.3 years were enrolled in this study. The frequencies of HBV, HCV, HIV and syphilis in the samples were 2.35, 0.79, 0.14, and 0.34 %, respectively. Compared with the first year, the decrease in HBV and HCV positive cases and the increase in HIV and syphilis positive cases in the second year were not statistically significant (p = 0.91, p = 0.74, p = 0.72, and p = 0.92, respectively). Conclusion: While the frequency rate of transfusion-transmitted infections (TTIs) is low, it remains a major problem in blood transfusion. Proper protocol should be applied in selecting and screening donors to safeguard the health of people receiving blood transfusions. Keywords : Transfusion-transmitted infections, Blood donors, Human immunodeficiency virus, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Syphilis
Low CSF GABA in parkinsonian patients who respond poorly to therapy or suffer from the “on‐off” phenomenon

The γ‐aminobutyric acid concentration in cerebrospinal fluid was measured by radioreceptor assay in 23 parkinsonian patients (“good responders” and “poor responders” to drug therapy, “on‐off” state) and 11 age‐matched control subjects. Mean concentrations were similar but significantly lower in the poor responders and the “on‐off” state than in the good responders and control subjects. Patients who show good response to drug therapy appear to have a normal level of GABAergic activity that is not altered by drug therapy.
The risks, threats and opportunities of disintermediation

During the 1990s the “information age” spawned a new breed of enterprises devising business models unheard of previously. One aspect of this changing business environment has been the trend in disintermediation observed in many industries. Where many recent papers see disintermediation as a phenomenon related to online transactions, this paper defines it more broadly as the removal or a weakening of an intermediary within a supply chain. This paper attempts to explain why disintermediation of distributors/import agents often occurs at the growth phase of a product's lifecycle, highlighting possible opportunities and outcomes for distributors threatened by disintermediation. The paper uses a downturn in a company's fortune to illustrate the case and to provide a potentially generic analytical tool for small distributors that will almost inevitably face a conflict of interests with their suppliers, which leads to disintermediation pressure.
Assessment of the impact of point source pollution from the Keiskammahoek Sewage Treatment Plant on the Keiskamma River - pH, electrical conductivity, oxygen- demanding substance (COD) and nutrients

The treatment performance of the Keiskammahoek Sewage Treatment Plant (KSTP), was assessed in terms of pH, conductivity, and COD and nutrients removal from the influent. The contributions from this and other smaller point sources in the town to the se parameters in the receiving Keiskamma River were determined by simultaneously monitoring the parameters in the river over a period of about 1 month. The COD and orthophosphate in effluents exceed the SA Effluent Quality Standards for these parameters in effluents to be discharged into a river. Also, significant pollution of the receiving Keiskamma River was indicated for orthophosphate, COD and NH 4 -N.
Business model ambidexterity and technological innovation performance: evidence from China

ABSTRACT By applying an ambidexterity perspective to the business model context, this study examines the effects of efficiency and novelty – two conflicting business model design themes – on technological innovation performance and the relationship between these themes as it relates to enhancing technological innovation performance. From an analysis of data on 173 Chinese manufacturing firms, it is found that both efficiency and novelty themes are positively related to technological innovation performance; the combined dimension (CD) of business model ambidexterity (the interaction between efficiency and novelty themes) is positively related to technological innovation performance; and the balance dimension (BD) of business model ambidexterity (the balance between efficiency and novelty themes) positively moderates the relationship between CD and technological innovation performance.
Axial length variability in cataract surgery.

OBJECTIVE To determine the mean axial length and biometric measures in patients undergoing cataract surgery and further compare the variability of axial length between the gender and with age. STUDY DESIGN Cross-sectional observational study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY Eye Unit I, Department of Ophthalmology, Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences, Hyderabad, Pakistan from January 2010 to December 2012. METHODOLOGY All patients referred for cataract surgery were assessed. The study included 886 eyes which were straightforward cataract cases with no other ocular problem. The data was collected for axial length, keratometric values and Intra-Ocular Lens (IOL) power prior to cataract surgery. The collected data was then analyzed using SPSS version 19 for windows software. RESULTS Gender based comparison showed significant difference in age, axial length, keratometric values and IOL power between the two groups (p=0.000). 86% of the eyes had an axial length between 21.00 mm and 23.99 mm. In univariate analysis there was significant (p=0.000) relation between overall age and axial length. The keratometric values ranged between 36.75 D and 52.50 D. Majority of the IOL powers ranged between 20.00 D and 23.00 D. CONCLUSION The mean axial length of patients undergoing cataract surgery was 22.96 ± 1.04 mm, was comparable to Indian and Chinese population but shorter than the Western population. Females had shorter axial lengths, similar to other studies. Axial length was positively associated with age among the females, the cause of which is yet to be determined.
The Relation of Narcissism and Self-Esteem to Conduct Problems in Children: A Preliminary Investigation

Investigated several possible models to explain the seemingly discrepant relations between self-esteem and conduct problems, as both low self-esteem and exaggerated levels of self-esteem, thought to be captured by narcissism, have been associated with aggressive and antisocial behavior. Our sample consisted of 98 nonreferred children (mean age = 11.9 years; SD = 1.68 years) recruited from public schools to oversample children at risk for severe aggressive and antisocial behavior. Results indicated that certain aspects of narcissism (i.e., those indicating a need to be evaluated well by, and obtain status over, others) were particularly predictive of maladaptive characteristics and outcomes such as low self-esteem, callous-unemotional (CU) traits, and conduct problems. In addition, the relation between narcissism and conduct problems was moderated by self-esteem level, such that children with relatively high levels of narcissism and low self-esteem showed the highest rates of conduct-problem symptoms.
Effect of Mergers on the Corporate Performance of Acquirer and Target Companies in India

Mergers and acquisition becomes the major force in the changing environment. The policy of liberalisation, decontrol and globalisation of the economy has exposed the corporate sector to domestic and global competition. To determine the success of a merger, it is to be ascertained if there is financial gain from mergers. The present study is limited to a sample of companies listed in BSE which underwent merger during the period of 2002-2005. It is proposed to compare the performance of the acquirer and target companies before and after the period of mergers by using ratio analysis and t-test during the study period of three years. The study found that the shareholders of the acquirer companies increased their financial performance after the merger event.
Thermoelectric module construction for low temperature gradient power generation

Energy related carbon dioxide emissions are the largest contributors to greenhouse gasses [1]. Thermoelectric power generation that exploits natural temperature differences between the air and earth can be a zero-emission replacement to small stand-alone power sources. Maximizing the temperature drop across the module is crucial to achieving optimal output power. An equation relating output power to thermoelectric module parameters is derived. In addition, several configurations are investigated experimentally. Output power shows a significant dependence on module surface area. In the setups tested, one side of the thermoelectric module was thermally coupled to the earth, while the other side was left exposed to air. This paper evaluates three 110hour experiments. The surface area of the exposed side was varied by a factor of about 15 without changing the area covered by thermoelectric elements. The output power shows a direct dependence on exposed surface area and changes by about a factor of 25. Nomenclature S surface area of module A cross sectional area covered by elements KA thermal conductivity of air Ke thermal conductivity of elements ρ resistivity of elements q heat transfer through module q’ heat transfer from module to air U heat transfer coefficient TA air temperature TC cold side temperature TH hot side temperature L element length α Seebeck coefficient Rtot. total thermal resistance of module N number of elements