Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of two activation treatments and age of blastomere karyoplasts on in vitro development of bovine nuclear transfer embryos

The yield and quality of (a) parthenogenetic blastocysts produced by two activation treatments (cycloheximide [CHX] or 6‐dimethylaminopurine [DMAP]) and (b) nuclear transfer blastocysts generated using these two activation treatments and three different ages of karyoplast derived from day 3, 4, or 5 in vitro produced donor embryos, were examined in order to define an optimal nuclear transfer protocol. The two activation protocols comprised calcium ionophore followed by either CHX or DMAP. Parthenogenetic blastocyst yields were greater (P < 0.001) following activation with DMAP than CHX (59.7 ± 5.1 vs. 31.4 ± 4.5 [mean ± SEM]). In contrast, nuclear transfer blastocyst rates per fused embryo were lower (P < 0.0001) using cytoplasts activated with DMAP. The individual rates using day 3, 4, and 5 donors and using CHX and DMAP activation treatments were 31.9 ± 5.0, 31.7 ± 6.2, 20.4 ± 7.3 and 27.8 ± 4.7, 20.1 ± 7.5, 12.7 ± 8.3, respectively. Blastocyst rate per fused embryo was negatively correlated (P = 0.0091) with the total number of blastomeres per donor embryo. Despite this inverse relationship, the calculated potential blastocyst yield per donor embryo was positively correlated (P < 0.0048) to karyoplast age. The individual potential yields on days 3, 4, and 5 and for the two activation protocols (CHX and DMAP) were 4.7 ± 0.8, 7.2 ± 1.2, 10.1 ± 2.1 and 3.8 ± 0.8, 5.5 ± 2.1, 7.3 ± 4.1, respectively. One possible explanation for the observed inverse relationship is that differentiation events during early cleavage are able to reduce the ability of the cytoplast to reprogram the transferred karyoplast and hence reduce blastocyst yields. The mechanism that mediates the differential effect of the CHX and DMAP on blastocysts yields between parthenogenetic and nuclear transfer embryos remains to be elucidated. In conclusion, the results indicate that although activation of oocytes with DMAP can produce a higher percentage of blastocysts, CHX activation is superior for use in nuclear transfer. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 60:377‐383, © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
T-cell antigen receptor V beta subsets are not preferentially deleted in AIDS.

OBJECTIVE Evidence for an HIV-1-associated superantigen (SAg) has been presented. Here we test whether targeted T cells are preferentially depleted in AIDS. DESIGN The T cell antigen receptor (TCR) V beta repertoire was compared in 44 HIV+ hemophiliac patients and in 27 controls. METHODS Eleven TCR V gene-specific monoclonal antibodies (MAb), representing approximately one-third of the V beta repertoire were used to measure T-cell numbers expressing V beta and V alpha genes in both the CD4 and the CD8 subsets by two-color immunofluorescence. RESULTS The percentage of T cells expressing these V genes could be accurately quantitated in both the CD4 and the CD8 T-cell populations and at various clinical stages of disease progression. No preferential deletion of any particular V gene subsets was detected. CONCLUSION CD4 T-cell depletion in AIDS is not V beta-selective.
A comparison of selected risk factors for unipolar depressive disorder, bipolar affective disorder, schizoaffective disorder, and schizophrenia from a danish population-based cohort.

OBJECTIVE Growing evidence of an etiologic overlap between schizophrenia and bipolar disorder has become increasingly difficult to disregard. In this study, we examined paternal age, urbanicity of place of birth, being born "small for gestational age," and parental loss as risk factors for primarily schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, but also unipolar depressive disorder and schizo-affective disorder. Furthermore, we examined the incidence of the disorders in a population-based cohort and evaluated our results in the context of the Kraepelinian dichotomization. METHOD We established a register-based cohort study of more than 2 million persons born in Denmark between January 1, 1955, and July 1, 1987. Overall follow-up began on January 1, 1973 and ended on June 30, 2005. Relative risks for schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, unipolar depressive disorder, and schizoaffective disorder (ICD-8 or ICD-10) were estimated by survival analysis, using Poisson regression. RESULTS Differences were found in age-specific incidences. Loss of a parent (especially by suicide) was a risk factor for all 4 disorders. High paternal age and urbanization at birth were risk factors for schizophrenia. Children born pre-term had an excess risk of all disorders except schizophrenia if they were born "small for gestational age. " CONCLUSIONS An overlap in the risk factors examined in this study was found, and the differences between the phenotypes were quantitative rather than qualitative, which suggests a genetic and environmental overlap between the disorders. However, large gender differences and differences in the age-specific incidences in the 4 disorders were present, favoring the Kraepelinian dichotomization.
Pengaruh Corporate Social Responsibility terhadap Perencanaan Agresivitas Pajak

This study examine the empirical association between corporate social responsibility (CSR) and aggressive tax planning. The dependent variable is used in this study is aggressive tax planning that measured using ETR (effective tax rates). The independent variable in this study is corporate social responsibility. While control variable in this study is leverage, liquidity, profitability, company size, capital intensity, and inventory intensity. This study use 55 sample (firm-years) that listed on the Jakarta Islamic Index that listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange in the period 2010-2014. Data were analyzed using multiple linier regression analysis model. The result show that did not effect that significant between CSR to aggressive tax planning.
Optical coherence tomography for optical biopsy. Properties and demonstration of vascular pathology.

BACKGROUND Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is an recently developed medical diagnostic technology that uses back-reflected infrared light to perform in situ micron scale tomographic imaging. In this work, we investigate the ability of OCT to perform micron scale tomographic imaging of the internal microstructure of in vitro atherosclerotic plaques. METHODS AND RESULTS Aorta and relevant nonvascular tissue were obtained at autopsy. Two-dimensional cross-sectional imaging of the exposed surface of the arterial segments was performed in vitro with OCT. A 1300-nm wavelength, superluminescent diode light source was used that allows an axial spatial resolution of 20 microns. The signal-to-noise ratio was 109 dB. Images were displayed in gray scale or false color, Imaging was performed over 1.5 mm into heavily calcified tissue, and a high contrast was noted between lipid- and water-based constituents, making OCT attractive for intracoronary imaging. The 20-microns axial resolution of OCT allowed small structural details such as the width of intimal caps and the presence of fissures to be determined. The extent of lipid collections, which had a low backscattering intensity, also were well documented. CONCLUSIONS OCT represents a promising new technology for imaging vascular microstructure with a level of resolution not previously achieved with the use of other imaging modalities. It does not required direct contact with the vessel wall and can be performed with a catheter integrated with a relatively inexpensive optical fiber. The high contrast among tissue constituents, high resolution, and ability to penetrate heavily calcified tissue make OCT an attractive new imaging technology for intracoronary diagnostics.
Isotropic 3D T2-weighted MR cholangiopancreatography with parallel imaging: feasibility study.

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to compare the quality of images obtained with fast 3D T2-weighted turbo spin-echo (TSE) MR cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) sequences and 1-mm isotropic voxels with the quality of conventional 2D MRCP images. SUBJECTS AND METHODS Thirty consecutively registered patients (14 women, 16 men; average age, 60.2 years; age range, 32-87 years) underwent imaging at 1.5 T with a 6-element body array coil. All imaging was performed with three MRCP techniques: free-breathing 3D T2-weighted TSE (TR/TE, 1,300/680; flip angle, 180 degrees; field of view, 250-300 mm; matrix size, 256 x 256; slice thickness, 1 mm; parallel acquisition technique factor, 2); breath-hold 3D T2-weighted TSE (same parameters as the free-breathing 3D technique); breath-hold coronal and oblique coronal thick-slab 2D TSE without parallel acquisition technique (2,800/1,100; flip angle, 150-180 degrees). Quantitative measures of image signal and contrast were evaluated by analysis of variance and paired Student's t tests. A 5-point scale (1, nondiagnostic, to 5, high diagnostic confidence) was used to compare the 3D and 2D data sets for image quality and definition of biliary and pancreatic ductal anatomic features. Friedman's nonparametric and Wilcoxon's rank sum tests were performed for statistical analysis of the qualitative assessments. RESULTS Quantitative results showed free-breathing and breath-hold 3D TSE images had significantly higher relative signal intensity and contrast than 2D TSE images (p < 0.0001). The qualitative findings showed that both free-breathing and breath-hold 3D TSE techniques gave better delineation of biliary anatomy (p < 0.0001) than the 2D technique. The overall quality of 3D images was better than that of 2D images, and 3D imaging was better at depicting pancreatic ducts, although the difference did not reach statistical significance. CONCLUSION Three-dimensional volumetric MRCP images are of superior quality and give better delineation of pancreaticobiliary anatomy than conventional 2D images and have the added advantage of multiplanar and postprocessing capabilities.
The Impact of Earnings Quality on the Stock Returns of Listed Manufacturing Companies in the Colombo Stock Exchange

The earnings of a company is a very important indicator of firm performance, since it communicates information about the value creating ability of the company to its stakeholders. It is also considered a determinant of the stock market performance of the company. However, the possibility for managers to manipulate the true earnings of a company erodes the importance of using recorded earnings information in financial statements for decision making. Earnings quality could be measured using different proxy measures, varying from traditional accrual based measures to recent real earnings based measures. The earnings quality literature contains a plethora of evidence on the impact of earnings quality measured through accrual based measures on stock returns but it does not have as much evidence on the same impact where earnings quality is measured through real earnings. Further, the literature does not have a comparative study on how different earnings quality measures provide different results in the estimation of the impact of earnings quality on stock returns. Empirical evidence on the same relationship using data from the Sri Lankan context is virtually absent in the extant literature. In this milieu, the present study examines the impact of earnings quality measured through both accrual based measures and real earnings measures on stock returns of listed manufacturing companies in Sri Lanka during the period of 2010 to 2015. The findings of the study reveal that there is no significant positive impact of earnings quality on stock returns of the firms selected for the study. This suggests that earnings quality information of the selected firms fails to win investor trust when investors make their decisions. Perhaps this may be due to the fact that earnings manipulation is evident in the Sri Lankan context. Further, the study reveals that there is no inconsistency when measuring earnings quality through competing measurements.
Collision avoidance and a looming sensitive neuron: size matters but biggest is not necessarily best

Locusts possess visual neurons that can be uniquely identified in each locust and that respond selectively to looming stimuli, giving the animal a warning of impending collision. It has been suggested that one such neuron, the lobula giant movement detector (LGMD), issues this warning by generating a peak in its response that occurs ca. 25 ms after a looming object reaches a subtense of 17° on the eye. This peak is proposed to be a trigger for escape behaviour. We use both modelling and electrophysiological techniques to show that this early peak in LGMD response is not the ‘essential functional variable’ used naturally by the locust to trigger escape, but rather results from the unnaturally large stimulus used in the previous experimental work. The natural predators of Locusta in Africa, where the locust evolved, are small birds such as the fiscal shrike Lanius collaris humeralis and the carmine bee–eater Merops nubicus, with pectoral diameters of 40–45 mm (measurements from museum specimens). Locusta in flight are less than 100 mm wing tip to wing tip. When a locust views small approaching objects, the response of the LGMD continues to increase throughout the object's approach and the locust is able to trigger escape behaviours without the LGMD response peaking prior to collision.
How a Leader Transforms Employees’ Psychological Empowerment Into Innovative Work Behavior

Businesses, especially those in urban areas, rely on innovation as the crucible of growth. Businesses must adapt to current and future conditions of their markets, consumers, and the demands of globalization. Therefore, innovation is central to a business’ success. We argue that psychological empowerment indirectly influences the relationship between transformational leadership and innovative work behavior. A transformational leader spurs their employees’ capability and efficacy. As a result, employees feel valued by the company, which encourages them to be innovative in the workplace. Thus, the employee can be innovative, without fearing the reprimand of superiors. This research surveyed 292 employees from different organization types (e.g., private sector, public sector, and nongovernmental organizations) in urban areas. The results of the study’s mediation analysis demonstrate that innovative work behavior is the outcome of the psychological empowerment from transformational leadership. Therefore, we argue that a transformational leader tends to empower their employees psychologically, which may improve employees’ ability to be more innovative at work. There are some limitations of this research (e.g., research design, adaptation of measuring instruments, and statistical remedies that have not been optimally implemented). The researchers provide suggestions regarding countermeasures for common method bias, which are outlined in the Discussion section.
Spinal Bone Density Following Spinal Fusion

Spinal bone densities were assessed in 25 patients following lumbar fusion and bracing, in an attempt to study bone remodeling by noninvaslve methods. Dual-photon densitometry was used to study specific areas of autologous bone grafts and adjacent vertebrae above the fusion mass. Measurements were made preoperatlvely and at 6-week intervals postoperatlvely. The data for the first 12 months postoperatlvely are reported here. In all patients there was at first a consistent loss in density In the vertebrae above the fusion mass, averaging 15.7%. This was followed by a gradual density increase such that by 1 year postoperatively, in 60% of the subjects, the density of these vertebrae was higher than the preoperative level. In the grafted areas, bone changes were cyclical, demonstrating a remodeling pattern consistent with that described in animal literature for graft healing and also consistent with modern bone remodeling theory. There was a general tendency toward a gradual increase in the density of the fusion mass.
Effects of Relationship Quality on Citizen Intention Use of E-government Services: An Empirical Study of E-government System

This study aims to explain the concept of relationship quality on citizen intention use of e-Government service. We have built 5 hypotheses. The result of 5 hypotheses is positive and significant impact. In building citizen relationship, we build two antecedent they are perceived e-Government usability and perceived e-Government credibility. The method we use in this research is empirical, with 366 valid respondents.
An evaluation of bera for hearing screening in high‐risk neonates

Brain stem electric response audiometry (BERA) is evaluated for early detection of hearing loss in high‐risk newborns selected from a general hospital population. They receive screening BERA in the nursery and detailed frequency‐specific BERA in the Audiology clinic, just before discharge. Three months later, testing is repeated and recommendations are made.
Research on Component Retrieval Methods

With the development of the component technology and the expansion of component library, representing and retrieving components, the two core technologies of component library management have been a focus on research hot issues in researches. Based on the present widely-used component faceted classification description method and its features, and from the different requirements and ways of component retrieval that were used by component re-users, three component retrieval ways based on browser, facet and term, the five corresponding matching models and two matching algorithms are proposed. The theoretical analysis and experimental results show that the three kinds of retrieval methods used in large-scale component library component retrieval, will meet the component reuse of various searching requirements and that these ways are feasible in retrieval efficiency.
Learning Pose Invariant and Covariant Classifiers from Image Sequences

Object tracking and detection over a wide range of viewpoints is a long-standing problem in Computer Vision. Despite significant advance in wide-baseline sparse interest point matching and development of robust dense feature models, it remains a largely open problem. Moreover, abundance of low cost mobile platforms and novel application areas, such as real-time Augmented Reality, constantly push the performance limits of existing methods. There is a need to modify and adapt these to meet more stringent speed and capacity requirements. In this thesis, we aim to overcome the difficulties due to the multi-view nature of the object detection task. We significantly improve upon existing statistical keypoint matching algorithms to perform fast and robust recognition of image patches independently of object pose. We demonstrate this on various 2D and 3D datasets. The statistical keypoint matching approaches require massive amounts of training data covering a wide range of viewpoints. We have developed a weakly supervised algorithm to greatly simplify their training for 3D objects. We also integrate this algorithm in a 3D tracking-by-detection system to perform real-time Augmented Reality. Finally, we extend the use of a large training set with smooth viewpoint variation to category-level object detection. We introduce a new dataset with continuous pose annotations which we use to train pose estimators for objects of a single category. By using these estimators' output to select pose specific classifiers, our framework can simultaneously localize objects in an image and recover their pose. These decoupled pose estimation and classification steps yield improved detection rates. Overall, we rely on image and video sequences to train classifiers that can either operate independently of the object pose or recover the pose parameters explicitly. We show that in both cases our approaches mitigate the effects of viewpoint changes and improve the recognition performance.
Contract Horizon, Severance Pay, and Turnover

The paper analyzes how boards evaluate managers that invest in firm-specific human capital and are better informed how their fit with the firm changes over time. To evaluate that fit, boards can rely on noisy firm performance or on severance pay that compensates incumbents for not trying to avoid termination. However, such "voluntary" turnover-incentives are less potent when managers' outside options are low. Thus, contracts are shorter and CEOs are judged more often on firm performance, which might appear as lack of relative performance evaluation. The model has novel implications concerning the wide-spread use of renewable fixed-term contracts, the dynamics of severance pay, contract length, and CEO age.
Opportunities afforded by the study of unmyelinated nerves in skin and other organs

Neurological practice is mainly focused on signs and symptoms of disorders that involve functions governed by myelinated nerves. Functions controlled by unmyelinated nerve fibers have necessarily remained in the background because of the inability to consistently stain, image, or construct clinically applicable neurophysiological tests of these nerves. The situation has changed with the introduction of immunohistochemical methods and confocal microscopy into clinical medicine, as these provide clear images of thin unmyelinated nerves in most organs. One obvious sign of change is the increasing number of reports from several laboratories of the pathological alterations of cutaneous nerves in skin biopsies from patients with a variety of clinical conditions. This study reviews recent methods to stain and image unmyelinated nerves as well as the use of these methods for diagnosing peripheral neuropathy, for experimental studies of denervation and reinnervation in human subjects, and for demonstrating the vast array of unmyelinated nerves in internal organs. The new ability to examine the great variety of nerves in different organs opens opportunities and creates challenges and responsibilities for neurologists and neuroscientists. Muscle Nerve 756–767, 2004
Perirhinal Cortex and its Neighbours in the Medial Temporal Lobe: Contributions to Memory and Perception

As promised in the Introduction, this Special Issue presents several recurring themes concerning the perirhinal cortex and its neighbours within the medial temporal lobe (MTL). First, although orthodoxy insists that the diverse constituents of the MTL operate as a single functional entity, several papers presented here challenge that idea, although some defend it. Second, although many experts hold that the MTL subserves memory but not perception, several papers presented here point to a role for certain MTL structures in both. Third, although some researchers have invoked “species differences” to account for discrepant findings, several papers presented here document a striking convergence of findings in humans, nonhuman primates, and rodents. We close this Special Issue by high-lighting these recurring themes, acknowledging discrepant findings and pointing to future research that might resolve some current controversies.
Positron Emission Tomography Imaging in Human Immunodeficiency Virus-1-Associated Neurocognitive Disorders: An Interesting Case and a Review of the Positron Emission Tomography Literature

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1-associated neurocognitive disorder can manifest with a variety of neurologic, cognitive, and behavioral impairments. We report a case of a 49-year-old non-HIV risk woman with an occult HIV infection who posed a diagnostic challenge as she suffered from a HIV-1-associated neurocognitive disorder with predominant motor symptoms mimicking upper motor neuron disease. Functional imaging using F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography provided evidence of involvement of several cerebral regions which exhibited a distinct pattern of relative cerebral hypermetabolism (subcortical, brainstem, and cerebellar regions) and hypometabolism (sensorimotor cortex, mesiofrontal, and mesiotemporal areas) and functionally corresponded to the clinical symptoms. The results of the positron emission tomography scan are discussed in comparison with the current positron emission tomography literature and future perspectives are illustrated.