Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Authentic leadership and safety consciousness: the role of psychological empowerment and psychological ownership at a South African mine

Orientation: International research on authentic leadership has been extensive; the South African mining context, however, has seen limited research on this construct. Furthermore, research on the relationship between authentic leadership, psychological empowerment, psychological ownership and safety consciousness is limited. Research purpose: The study intended to determine possible relationships and indirect effects between authentic leadership, psychological empowerment, psychological ownership and safety consciousness, as well as the mediating role of psychological empowerment and psychological ownership. Motivation for the study: Safety remains a serious challenge in South African mines. Psychological empowerment is shown to positively impact experiences of perceived control, autonomy and efficacy, all of which contribute to the development of psychological ownership, which is known to result in employee behaviours that promote the best interests of the organisation. It is clear from literature that psychological empowerment is influenced by authentic leadership. Research design, approach and method: A cross-sectional survey design was used with a census-based sample (N = 283) of supervisors from a mining company within South Africa. The Authentic Leadership Questionnaire, Measuring Empowerment Questionnaire, and Psychological Ownership Measure and Safety Consciousness Scale were administered. Main findings: Authentic leadership is positively related to the impact and competence dimensions of psychological empowerment, psychological ownership and safety consciousness. Authentic leadership has an indirect effect on psychological ownership via the impact dimension of psychological empowerment. Authentic leadership did not have an indirect effect on safety consciousness via psychological empowerment. Authentic leadership has an indirect effect on safety consciousness via psychological ownership. Authentic leadership has a direct effect on safety consciousness. Practical/managerial findings: The results provide line supervisors with insights into the effect of authentic leadership on psychological empowerment, psychological ownership and safety consciousness. Leaders/supervisors in the mining environment play a key role in promoting safety consciousness and an overall culture of safety; the results also provide supervisors with insight into the importance of authentic leadership for the development of psychological empowerment, psychological ownership and safety consciousness. Contribution/value-added: The study contributes to authentic leadership literature, within a South African context. Furthermore, the study contributes to literature by indicating the indirect effects of authentic leadership on psychological empowerment, psychological ownership and safety consciousness.
Two Point Mutations Produce Infectious Retrovirus Bearing a Green Fluorescent Protein-SU Fusion Protein

ABSTRACT Two second-site mutations in Moloney murine leukemia virus envelope surface protein (SU) were previously shown to rescue infection of two different SU mutants, a fusion-defective point mutant and a fusion-defective modified SU that exhibits weak subunit association. We report here that they also rescue infection of a third defective SU, one modified by insertion of the green fluorescent protein (GFP) between serine 6 and proline 7. GFP-SU assembled into virions and showed a strong association with the transmembrane protein (TM). However, these virions were noninfectious. GFP-SU expression was not maintained within cells, suggesting that the protein was toxic. Addition of the second-site mutations rendered the GFP-SU virus infectious and resulted in prolonged expression of the modified envelope protein. This virus showed a slight reduction in receptor binding but not in envelope protein processing, suggesting that addition of the GFP sequences results in subtle structural changes. Extrapolating these data, we see that the fundamental problem with the GFP-SU envelope protein appears to be a folding problem, suggesting that the second-site mutations rescue GFP-SU primarily by a mechanism that involves stabilizing the envelope protein structure.
Critical analysis of human progress: Its negative and positive sides in the late-capitalism

The concept of progress has characterized human society from millennia. However, this concept is elusive and too often given for certain. The goal of this paper is to suggest a general definition of human progress that satisfies, whenever possible the conditions of independence, generality, epistemological applicability and empirical correctness. This study proposes, within a pragmatic approach, human progress as an inexhaustible process driven by an ideal of maximum wellbeing of purposeful people which, on attainment of any of its goals or objectives for increasing wellbeing, then seek another consequential goal and objective, endlessly, which more closely approximates its ideal fixed in new socioeconomic contexts over time and space. The human progress, in the global, capitalistic, and post-humanistic Era, improves the fundamental life-interests represented by health, wealth, expansion of knowledge, technology and freedom directed to increase wellbeing throughout the society. These factors support the acquisition by humanity of better and more complex forms of life. However, this study shows the inconsistency of the equation economic growth= progress because human progress also generates, during its continuous process without limit, negative effects for human being, environment and society.
Fusion-based underwater image enhancement by wavelet decomposition

Underwater images suffer from poor visibility due to two main factors: one is the color attenuation caused by light absorption, and the other one is low contrast and blur caused by particles scattering existing in underwater environments. To achieve underwater image enhancement, a fusion-based strategy applied to frequency domain is proposed. The proposed fusion process involves two inputs which are represented as color corrected and contrast enhanced images extracted from original underwater image. Both the color corrected and contrast enhanced images are decomposed into low frequency and high frequency components by three-scale wavelet operator. The low frequency and high frequency components are fused via a multi-scale fusion process. The low frequency components are fused by weighted average, and the high frequency components are fused by local variance. These fused low frequency and high frequency components can be reconstructed as final enhanced image. The experimental results show that the proposed algorithm can improve the visibility of underwater images significantly. In addition, the proposed approach arrives a good result in image feature points detection and matching in underwater environments.
Glomerular Expression of Plasmalemmal Vesicle‐Associated Protein‐1 in Patients with Transplant Glomerulopathy

Transplant glomerulopathy (TG) is a prominent feature of chronic rejection that is characterized by double contours of the glomerular capillaries (GC). In this report, we demonstrate that one of the histopathological features of TG is a phenotypic change of glomerular endothelial cells which is illustrated by increased caveolae formation. To verify the endothelial changes in this disease, we examined the expression of plasmalemmal vesicle‐associated protein‐1 (PV‐1), a glycoprotein associated with plasmalemmal vesicles (caveolae), in the glomeruli of TG patients using pathologische anatomie Leiden‐endothelium (PAL‐E) antibody. Twenty‐six cases of chronic allograft nephropathy (CAN) with TG were examined, compared with 16 cases of CAN without TG, type I MPGN (4 cases), and transplant glomerulitis (8 cases). Overall, 24 of 26 (92.3%), 4 of 16 (25%), 0 of 4, 0 of 8 cases were PAL‐E‐positive for GC, respectively. Further, the extent of glomerular PAL‐E expression was positively correlated with both the grade of TG (rs= 0.72, p = 0.0003) and proteinuria (g/day) (rs= 0.51, p = 0.02). A correlation was not observed between glomerular PAL‐E positivity and peritubular capillary C4d deposits (Yetes chi = 0.23, p = 0.89). In summary, the present study demonstrates expression of PV‐1 in the GC of TG which is correlated with the grade of TG and proteinuria.
THE TEMPO OF AVIAN DIVERSIFICATION: A COMMENT ON JOHNSON AND CICERO

Abstract Johnson and Cicero (2004) claimed that inspection of a distribution of uncorrected mitochondrial DNA avian sister-taxon distances illustrated that the late Pleistocene was an important time for avian speciation. They believed this finding to be at odds with conclusions of Klicka and Zink (1997). However, both studies document recent speciation events. More germane to the discussion is what is meant by an “important” time for speciation, which we take to mean above some baseline diversification rate. We constructed a null distribution of sister-taxon distances based on a model of constant speciation and extinction rates. The empirical distribution of sister-taxon distances in Johnson and Cicero (2004) did not differ from the null model. Therefore, our analysis of Johnson and Cicero's data suggests that the late Pleistocene was no more important for avian speciation than any other time during this time period.
Artificial gills for robots: MFC behaviour in water

This paper reports on the first stage in developing microbial fuel cells (MFCs) which can operate underwater by utilizing dissolved oxygen. In this context, the cathodic half-cell is likened to an artificial gill. Such an underwater power generator has obvious potential for autonomous underwater robots. The electrical power from these devices increased proportionately with water flow rate, temperature and salinity. The current output at ambient temperature (null condition) was 32 µA and this increased by 200% (∼100 µA) as a result of a corresponding temperature increase (ΔT) of 52 °C. Similarly, the effect of increasing the water flow rate resulted in an increase in the MFC output ranging from 135% to 150%. Furthermore, the same positive effect was recorded when artificial seawater was used instead, in which case the increase in the MFC current output was >100% (from 32 to 65 µA). There was a distinct difference in the MFC performance when operated under low turbulent as opposed to high turbulent flow rates. These findings can be advantageous in the design of underwater autonomous robots.
Distal Femoral Replacement for Acute Distal Femoral Fractures in Elderly Patients

Objectives: To evaluate outcomes and complications using cemented modular distal femoral replacement in elderly patients with distal femoral fractures. Design: Retrospective chart review, case series. Setting: A Level 1 and Level 2 trauma center, both tertiary referral hospitals. Patients/Participants: Eighteen patients older than 60 years (average age 77 years) who had cemented distal femoral replacement for distal femoral fractures (comminuted, intraarticular, osteoporotic, arthritic) between 2005 and 2013. Patients with previous knee surgery were excluded. Intervention: Cemented modular distal femoral replacement. Main Outcome Measures: Implant status, complications, Knee Society Score, Musculoskeletal Tumor Society score, and Western Ontario and McMaster Osteoarthritis Index. Results: All patients were extremely or very satisfied with their outcomes. For patients with functional outcome data, Knee Society Score averaged 85.7 with a functional score of 35, Musculoskeletal Tumor Society score averaged 19.2, and Western Ontario and McMaster Osteoarthritis Index score averaged 23.1 at an average follow-up of 2.3 years. Range of motion was 1–99 degrees. Implant-related complications occurred in 2 patients (11%); one required revision to total femoral replacement because of periprosthetic fracture and the other had a deep infection that required exchange of the components. No patient had aseptic loosening or patellar maltracking. There were no perioperative deaths or late amputations. Conclusions: Cemented modular distal femoral replacement is a viable treatment option in elderly patients that permits immediate full weight-bearing, with most patients returning to preoperative functional status. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Periodontal health and relative quantity of subgingival Porphyromonas gingivalis during orthodontic treatment.

OBJECTIVE To examine periodontal changes and the relative quantity of subgingival Porphyromonas gingivalis during orthodontic treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study subjects were recruited consecutively among malocclusion patients seeking orthodontic treatment. Group A comprised 28 subjects (17.6 ± 5.68 years of age) at the beginning of orthodontic treatment, and group B comprised 20 subjects (17.8 ± 4.49 years of age) at the end of orthodontic treatment. Plaque index (Pl.I), gingival index (GI), and probing pocket depth (PPD) were measured before and after appliance placement in group A and before and after appliance removal in group B. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to quantify P. gingivalis in subgingival plaque at each time point. RESULTS There was a significant increase in Pl.I and GI during the first 3 months of appliance placement but a significant decrease in Pl.I, GI, and PPD during the first 6 months after appliance removal. The carriage and relative quantity of subgingival P. gingivalis were high at the end of orthodontic treatment, and they decreased significantly after appliance removal. The amount of subgingival P. gingivalis after appliance removal (for a period of 6 months) was higher than the amount measured before appliance placement. CONCLUSIONS Fixed orthodontic treatment is conducive to dental plaque accumulation and gingival inflammation. In our study, after removal of orthodontic appliances, periodontal health improved, and the carriage and amount of subgingival P. gingivalis decreased. Nevertheless, the amount of subgingival P. gingivalis remained high for 6 months after appliance removal, and this finding might imply a potential risk to periodontal health in certain patients.
Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Disease in Women with a History of Pregnancy Complicated by Preeclampsia or Intrauterine Growth Restriction

Objective: Women with a history of preeclampsia or intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) have an increased risk for cardiovascular disease in later life. We determined the presence of traditional and novel risk factors for cardiovascular disease in these women. Methods: We studied 256 women with a history of preeclampsia and 59 women with a history of intrauterine growth restriction. Fifty-three women with a history of uncomplicated pregnancy served as controls. We determined values for blood pressure, body mass index, concentrations of cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides and lipoprotein (a), and insulin resistance. Results: Women with a history of preeclampsia exhibited more risk factors for future cardiovascular disease such as dyslipidemia, hypertension, obesity, and increased insulin resistance compared with women with a history of uncomplicated pregnancy. Women with a history of IUGR have higher concentrations of cholesterol and show a tendency to higher BMI, higher triglyceride concentrations, and increased insulin resistance as compared with women with a history of normal pregnancy. Conclusions: Preeclampsia or IUGR may represent an early marker for increased risk for early cardiovascular disease.
The role of subscapularis muscle denervation in the pathogenesis of shoulder internal rotation contracture after neonatal brachial plexus palsy: A study in a rat model

We assessed the role of subscapularis muscle denervation in the development of shoulder internal rotation contracture in neonatal brachial plexus injury. Seventeen newborn rats underwent selective denervation of the subscapular muscle. The rats were evaluated at weekly intervals to measure passive shoulder external rotation. After 4 weeks, the animals were euthanized. The subscapularis thickness was measured using 7.2T MRI axial images. The subscapularis muscle was then studied grossly, and its mass was registered. The fiber area and the area of fibrosis were measured using collagen‐I inmunostained muscle sections. Significant progressive decrease in passive shoulder external rotation was noted with a mean loss of 58° at four weeks. A significant decrease in thickness and mass of the subscapularis muscles in the involved shoulders was also found with a mean loss of 69%. Subscapularis muscle fiber size decreased significantly, while the area of fibrosis remained unchanged. Our study shows that subscapularis denervation, per se, could explain shoulder contracture after neonatal brachial plexus injury, though its relevance compared to other pathogenic factors needs further investigation. © 2014 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 32:1675–1679, 2014.
Genetic Polymorphism in Glutathione Transferases (GST): Population Distribution of GSTM1, T1, and P1 Conjugating Activity

Glutathione transferases (GST) catalyze the conjugation of glutathione (GSH) with electrophiles, many of which may otherwise interact with protein or DNA. In select cases such as halogenated solvents, GST-mediated conjugation may lead to a more toxic or mutagenic metabolite. Polymorphisms that exert substantial effects on GST function were noted in human populations for several isozymes. This analysis focuses on three well-characterized isozymes, GSTM1, T1, and P1, in which polymorphisms were extensively studied with respect to DNA adducts and cancer in molecular epidemiologic studies. The current review and analysis focused upon how polymorphisms in these GST contributed to population variability in GST function. The first step in developing this review was to characterize the influence of genotype on phenotype (enzyme function) and the frequency of the polymorphisms across major population groups for all three GST. This information was then incorporated into Monte Carlo simulations to develop population distributions of enzyme function. These simulations were run separately for GSTM1, T1, and P1, and also for the combination of these isozymes, to assess the possibility of overlapping substrate specificity. Monte Carlo simulations indicated large interindividual variability for GSTM1 and T1 due to the presence of the null (zero activity) genotype, which is common in all populations studied. Even for GSTM1 or T1 non-null individuals, there was considerable interindividual variability with a bimodal distribution of enzyme activity evident. GSTP1 polymorphisms are associated with somewhat less variability due to the absence of null genotypes. However, in all cases simulated, the estimated variability is sufficiently large to warrant consideration of GST function distributions in assessments involving GST-mediated activation or detoxification of xenobiotics. Ideally, such assessments would involve physiologically based toxicokinetic (PBTK) modeling to assess population variability in internal dose.
Involvement of histone deacetylase at two distinct steps in gene regulation during intestinal development in Xenopus laevis

Amphibian metamorphosis is marked by dramatic thyroid hormone (T3)‐induced changes including de novo morphogenesis, tissue remodeling and organ resorption through programmed cell death. These changes involve cascades of gene regulation initiated by thyroid hormone and its receptors. Previous studies suggest that chromatin remodeling involving changes in core histone acetylation plays a fundamental role in transcriptional regulation. A basic model has been suggested where targeted histone deacetylation is involved in transcriptional repression and histone acetylation is involved in transcriptional activation. On the other hand, the developmental roles of histone acetylation remain to be elucidated. Here we demonstrate that tadpole treatment with trichostatin A, a specific potent histone deacetylase inhibitor, blocks metamorphosis. Gene expression analyses show that trichostatin A induces the release of T3‐response gene repression without affecting T3‐induction of direct T3‐response genes. However, the drug blocks the regulation of late T3‐response genes, which may be responsible for its inhibitory effects on metamorphosis. These data support a role of deacetylases in transcriptional repression by unliganded T3 receptor during premetamorphosis and another role at a downstream step of the gene regulation cascade induced by T3 during metamorphosis. Published 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
In Vitro Assessment of Dose-Dependent Platelet Activation by Polyclonal Antithymocyte Globulins: A Flow-Cytometric Analysis

Polyclonal antithymocyte globulins (ATGs) are immunosuppressive drugs widely used in transplantation and hematologic disorders. Treatment with ATGs can induce side effects such as neutropenia and thrombocytopenia because of unspecific antibodies directed against nonmyeloid cells present in these preparations. Depletion, activation, and expression of adhesion molecules on platelets in vitro were studied in the whole blood of healthy volunteers by means of flow cytometry after incubation with different doses of three polyclonal ATGs. Our data show no ATG-mediated cytotoxic activity against platelets. ATGs are able to induce activation of platelets through increased expression of P-selectin and hLAMP-1 and higher percentages of gated thrombocytes expressing these molecules. Furthermore, increased expression of hLAMP-1 presented a dose-dependent pattern. ATGs induced activation and enhanced expression of adhesion molecules in unstimulated platelets. Increased adhesion may be responsible for undesirable side effects such as thrombocytopenia and reticulopenia.
Effect of Development of Habituation to Restraint Stress on Hypothalamic Noradrenaline Release and Adrenocorticotropin Secretion

Abstract: The effect of repeated stress has been studied on noradrenaline release in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus and on adrenocorticotropin levels. Rats were stressed by 20‐min immobilization once a day for 5 days. On day 6 they were exposed to the same stress or to a different one (ether vapors for 2 min). Immobilization and ether stress increased noradrenaline release in naive rats (271 ± 43 and 197 ± 9%, respectively) and raised adrenocorticotropin levels, showing activation of the hypothalamus‐pituitary axis. Repeated daily restraint did not modify basal noradrenaline or adrenocorticotropin levels. The further immobilization session on day 6 did not change noradrenaline levels at any observation time (20–120 min). The adrenocorticotropin response was still present, although significantly reduced. In repeatedly restrained rats, exposure to ether vapors induced a maximal increase in noradrenaline level similar to that observed in naive rats, although prolonged. In these rats the adrenocorticotropin response did not differ from that in acutely stressed rats. These results suggest that habituation may develop to a stressful stimulus leading to suppression of the hypothalamic noradrenergic response and that this phenomenon is stress specific. Moreover, modifications of noradrenaline release in the paraventricular nucleus are not solely responsible for the adrenocorticotropin response during stress, suggesting that other pathways and/or neurotransmitters are involved too.