Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Playing Virtual Power Games: Micro-Political Processes in Inter-Organizational Networks

Although virtual organizations and networks have been studied, there is still need for research regarding their inner dynamics and the mechanisms of leadership and governance. This paper investigates micro-political processes i.e. informal actions of individual actors to gain power and exert influence, which is a well-researched concept in traditional organizations with respect to inter-organizational networks. This study investigates structures and strategies of power within virtual networks. Results show that micro-political tactics known from research in traditional organizations are used in inter-organizational settings. Additional micro-political tactics, specific to virtual networks, are identified. The latter are related to the use of information and communication technology (ICT). A second quantitative study surveyed 359 members of inter-organizational networks on their use of micro-political tactics. Results confirm that micro-political strategies are widely used in virtual networks. The degree of virtuality was associated with the use of certain tactics. Possible implications for the structure and governance of virtual networks and the design of the technology that is used to support virtual cooperation are discussed.
Extremely high concentration of folates in premature newborns.

OBJECTIVES Extremely high concentration of folates in premature newborns: case reports. BACKGROUND Folates are a group of water soluble compounds, which are important for metabolic processes in human body. These are important during periods of rapid cell growth. The most accurate indicator of long-term folate level status in the body is the determination of red blood cell (RBC) folate concentrations. The optimal level of RBC folate is not known in neonatal period. Authors discuss the reasons for extremely high level of RBC folate concentrations. METHODS In our work we present the cases of two premature newborns with extremely high level of RBC folate concentrations, which were analyzed immunochemically on the first day of life and after six weeks of life. RESULTS In both cases we measured RBC folate concentrations on the 1st day of life. After 6 weeks we found extremely high RBC folate concentration level (5516.67 ng/ml) in the first case after RBC transfusions. In second case after two months of life the RBC folate concentration level was doubled (2335.1 ng/ml) until 24 hours after RBC transfusion compared to levels after birth. CONCLUSION The normal range of RBC folate values vary in newborns. The upper limit of daily dose of folic acid in pregnancy and neonatal period is not known. On the other hand it is an easily excreted water-soluble vitamin but in premature newborn it can lead to the disruption of metabolic balance and slow its degradation. Some factors can have an impact on RBC folate concentration. Blood transfusion can be one of the main influences on RBC folate concentration. To clarify these mechanisms further studies are required (Ref. 29).
The way it really happened: Competing narratives in the political process of technological change

Corporate narratives concerning technological change are often constructed around a linear event sequence that presents the organization in a positive light to internal and external observers. These narratives often sanitize the change process, and present data from which commentators can formulate neat linear prescriptions on how to implement new technology. In contrast, this article draws on processual-contextual theoretical perspectives to argue that technological change is a more complex political process represented by multiple versions of events which compete with each other for dominance as definitive change accounts. It also calls for an analysis of narratives over time (before, during and after change) in seeking to demonstrate the analytical significance of identifying and unpacking the multiple interpretive frameworks that are utilized in organizational struggles over technology and change at work. These struggles draw attention to the ways in which power is exercised through the construction and management of compelling stories that shape change. It is the contribution of these stories (competing narratives) to understanding the political process of technological change, that is the focus of this article.
Anal Sphincter Size Measured by Endosonography in Healthy Volunteers

The anal sphincter muscles consist of the circular internal and external sphincters together with the sling-shaped associated puborectalis muscle. Ten men, 10 women with no vaginal deliveries, and 10 women with one or more vaginal deliveries were studied with anal endosonography using a 7 MHz multiplanar endoprobe. The thickness of the internal sphincter and the thickness, length, and cross-sectional area of the external sphincter were measured and related to age, sex, and parity. Reproducibility was assessed by similar measurements on different days in 10 volunteers. Anal sphincter size was the same in men and women and was not affected by the number of child births. Internal sphincter muscle thickness increased with age. Anal manometry and electromyography with an anal sponge were performed in all volunteers but the results did not correlate to any of the anal sphincter dimensions. Our conclusion is that although there are some limitations, endosonography can be used to determine the size of the anal sphincter muscles.
Neurotic Symptoms in the Postacute Phase of Schizophrenia

To assess the presence and importance of neurotic and depressive symptoms in the posthospital phase of schizophrenia, two samples of schizophrenic and nonschizophrenic patients were studied. The first sample consisted of 278 chronic patients and the second sample consisted of 284 relatively early phase, less chronic, patients. The following results emerged, a) Surprisingly high levels of neurotic/depressive symptoms are found in both schizophrenic and nonschizophrenic patients during the posthospital phase, b) Nonschizophrenic patients experience an equal or greater degree of neurotic symptom discomfort than schizophrenics, and any differences do not reach statistically significant levels, c) Neurotic/depressive symptoms seems to be one key area in which schizophrenics do not function more poorly during the posthospital phase than nonschizophrenic patients, d) The results cut across different social classes, different institutional settings, and different levels of chronicity. These data suggest that neurotic and depressive symptoms may play a greater role in the posthospital functioning of both chronic and nonchronic psychiatric patients than has heretofore been recognized.
Passive Reaction Analysis for Grasp Stability

In this paper, we focus on the following problem in multifingered robotic grasping: assuming that an external wrench is being applied to a grasped object, will the contact forces between the hand and the object, as well as the hand joints, respond in such a way to preserve quasi-static equilibrium? In particular, we assume that there is no change in the joint torques being actively exerted by the motors; any change in contact forces and joint torques is due exclusively to passive effects arising in response to the external disturbance. Such passive effects include, for example, joints that are driven by highly geared motors (a common occurrence in practice) and thus do not back drive in response to external torques. To account for nonlinear phenomena encountered in such cases, and which existing methods do not consider, we formulate the problem as a mixed-integer program used in the inner loop of an iterative solver. We present evidence showing that this formulation captures important effects for assessing the stability of a grasp employing some of the most commonly used actuation mechanisms. Note to Practitioners—Once a grasp of a given object has been chosen, our method has multiple possible applications. First, it can be used to determine how the choice of a preload (i.e., the torques applied to the joints as the grasp is created) affects the stability of the grasp. Second, once a preload has been chosen, our method can be used to determine which external disturbances can be resisted solely through passive effects, without further changes to the commands sent to the motors. We believe this approach is particularly relevant for the large family of grasping devices that are not equipped with tactile or proprioceptive sensors, and are thus unable to sense external disturbances or to control joint torques, but are still effective thanks to passive resistance effects.
Chlorpyrifos‐based insecticides induced genotoxic and cytotoxic effects in the ten spotted live‐bearer fish, Cnesterodon decemmaculatus (Jenyns, 1842)

Mortality, genotoxicity, and cytotoxicity of the 48% chlorpyrifos (CPF)‐based formulations Lorsban* 48E® and CPF Zamba® were evaluated on Cnesterodon decemmaculatus (Jenyns, 1842) (Pisces, Poeciliidae) under laboratory conditions. Induction of micronucleus (MN) and alterations in the erythrocyte/erythroblast frequencies were employed as end points for genotoxicity and cytotoxicity, respectively. For Lorsban* 48E®, mean values of 0.13 and 0.03 mg/L were determined for LC50 at 24 and 96 h, respectively, and these concentrations reached mean values of 0.40 and 0.21 mg/L for CPF Zamba®. Mortality values increased as a positive linear function of the CPF Zamba® concentrations, but not for Lorsban* 48E® concentrations. There was no significant relationship between mortality and exposure time within the 0–96 h period for both formulations. LC50 values indicated that the fish were seven fold more sensitive to Lorsban* 48E® than to CPF Zamba®. Lorsban* 48E® within the concentration range of 0.008–0.025 mg/L increased MN frequency at both 48 and 96 h of treatment. Similar results were also observed when fish were exposed to 0.052–0.155 mg/L of CPF Zamba®, regardless of the exposure time. Cellular cytotoxicity was found after Lorsban* 48E® and CPF Zamba® treatments for all concentrations and time exposures, estimated by a decrease in the frequency of mature erythrocytes and a concomitant enhanced frequency of erythroblasts in circulating blood. Furthermore, our results demonstrated that Lorsban* 48E® and CPF Zamba® should be considered as CPF‐based commercial formulations with marked genotoxic and cytotoxic properties. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 29: 1390–1398, 2014.
The CRHR1 gene: a marker for suicidality in depressed males exposed to low stress

The risk of suicide, which causes about 1 million deaths each year, is considered to augment as the levels of stress increases. Dysregulation in the stress response of the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenocortical (HPA) axis, involving the corticotrophin‐releasing hormone (CRH) and its main receptor (CRHR1), is associated with depression, frequent among suicidal males. Here we have analyzed single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in these genes, in family trios with suicide attempter offspring (n = 542), by using the transmission disequilibrium test both in a two‐staged screening/replication sample design and in detailed reanalysis in the entire sample. Stratification based on the levels of lifetime stress showed reproducible association and linkage of an SNP in the CRHR1 gene (rs4792887) to suicide attempters exposed to low levels of stress (P = 0.002), among whom most males were depressed (P = 0.001). The identified allele may represent a part of the genetic susceptibility for suicidality by increasing HPA axis activity upon exposure to low levels of stress.
Viral Protein U (Vpu)-Mediated Enhancement of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Particle Release Depends on the Rate of Cellular Proliferation

ABSTRACT Viral protein U (Vpu) is a 17-kDa phosphoprotein that enhances the release of viral particles from human immunodeficiency virus type 1-infected cells. This study shows that the effect of Vpu on efficient particle release depends on the rate of cell proliferation. Cells arrested by contact inhibition, chemical arresting agents, or terminal differentiation (i.e., macrophages) all exhibited a striking dependence on Vpu for efficient particle release, as shown by examination of particle production from transfections with full-length clones, infections, and the vaccinia virus expression system. In contrast, actively proliferating cells did not exhibit enhanced particle release with Vpu expression. This study demonstrates the necessity of Vpu for efficient viral particle release from quiescent cells.
Tumours of the Eyelid-A Histopathological Study of 86 Cases in a Tertiary Hospital .

Background and aim Eyelid oncology is of growing importance whose early diagnosis saves the visual system. Overview of eyelid tumours guides ophthalmologists to design for optimal therapy. We carried out the study to assess the incidence of eyelid neoplasms with respect to age, sex, location and histopathological type. Materials and methods Retrospectively we studied 86 cases of eyelid tumours from September 2008 to march 2011, carried out through histopathological confirmation. Results A total of 138 cases of ocular neoplasms were seen, among which eyelid tumours accounted the maximum with 86 cases (62.31%). The most common age group affected was between 51-60 yrs (23.25%). Benign tumours accounted for 45(52.3%) cases and malignant tumours were encounted in 41(47.7%) cases. Among the benign tumours capillary hemangioma was the commonest tumour with 14 cases. Sebaceous cell carcinoma was commonest malignant tumour seen in 17(47.7%) cases followed by basal cell carcinoma 11 cases(26.8%) and squamous cell carcinoma in 9(21.9%) cases. Few rare tumours like mucinous eccrine carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma with angiosarcoma, embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma and malignant melanoma of the eyelid were also seen. Conclusion Benign and malignant tumours were seen almost equally with sebaceous cell carcinoma been the most common malignant tumour similar to that seen various studies conducted in India, though basal cell carcinoma is the most common malignant eyelid tumour worldwide. This variation might be due to geographical and environmental factors.
Role of liver-infiltrating CD3+CD56+ natural killer T cells in the pathogenesis of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

Background/Aims Natural killer T (NKT) cells have been recently reported to concern with various lipid disorders. The role of NKT cells in the hepatic lipid disorder, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), has, however, not yet been clarified. To assess the role of NKT cells in the pathogenesis of NAFLD, we analyzed the composition and function of liver-infiltrating cells isolated from liver biopsy specimens of patients with NAFLD. Methods Specimens from 62 patients with NAFLD were studied, and 54 specimens among them reacted immunohistochemically with monoclonal antibodies against various surface markers. Moreover, using flow cytometry, we analyzed surface markers and intracytoplasmic cytokines of intrahepatic CD3+CD56+ cells in 12 patients among them. Results Among the various populations of liver-infiltrating cells, only the numbers of CD56+ cells were significantly increased as NAFLD disease activity (NAFLD activity score, NAS) increased. Furthermore, expression of CD1d, a ligand for NKT cells, was also increased in NAFLD as NAS increased. Flow cytometric analysis showed that most CD56+ cells were V&agr;24+ NKT cells, which produced more IFN-&ggr; and IL-4 as NAS increased. Conclusion Intrahepatic CD3+CD56+ NKT cells are increased in NAFLD as NAS increased. These cells may enhance disease activity through cytokine production after the recognition of lipid antigens presented with CD1d in livers of NAFLD.
On certain peculiar diseases of old age

Alois Alzheimer presented the famous case of the disease which bears his name in 1906 at a meeting of the Southwest German Psychiatrists. This was published as a paper in 19061 and 1907.2 At least two English translations of this have appeared (Jarvik & Greenson 1987, Bick 1986). In 1910 Kraepelin gave the disease its eponymous title and his possible motives have been discussed elsewhere by Berrios.3 The 1907 paper is however extremely brief and although
Point of care testing in acute coronary syndromes: when and how?

Despite advances in their treatment, acute coronary syndromes (ACS) continue to carry significant mortality and morbidity[1]. Identifying higher risk patients, and hence selecting those who would most benefit from more aggressive therapies, forms an integral approach to ACS management and outcome[1 2]. Such stratification of patients on admission (near-point testing) is based on patient-specific variables which have been shown in randomised controlled trials (RCT) and observational databases to be associated with mortality. The logistic regression of these variables on clinical outcomes to generate scores of risk has sought to help physicians identify patients for whom tailored therapy would offer a reduction in mortality risk.
From Financial to Real Economic Crisis: Evidence from Individual Firm-Bank Relationships in Germany

What began as a financial crisis in the United States in 2007-2008 quickly evolved into a massive crisis of the global real economy. We investigate the importance of the bank lending and firm borrowing channel in the international transmission of bank distress to the real economy - in particular, to real investment and labor employment by nonfinancial firms. We analyze whether and to what extent firms are able to compensate for the shortage in loan supply by switching banks and by using other types of financing. The analysis is based on a unique matched data set for Germany that contains firm-level financial statements for the 2004-2010 period together with the financial statements of each firm's relationship bank(s). We use instrumental variable estimations in first differences to eliminate firm- and bankspecific effects. The first stage results show that banks that suffered losses due to proprietary trading activities at the onset of the financial crisis reduced their lending more strongly than non-affected banks. In the second stage, we find that firms whose relationship banks reduce credit supply downsize their real investment and labor employment significantly. This effect is larger for firms that are unable to provide much collateral. We document that firms partially offset reduced credit supply by establishing new bank relationships, using internal funds, and issuing new equity.
Restoration of Central Macular Pigment Dip with Dietary RR Zeaxanthin Supplementation in Patients with AMD

The central macula lutea (fovea) contains the highest density of cone photoreceptors, responsible for detailed and color vision in the central 2-3° of the visual field. AMD is the leading cause of permanent vision impairment in aging Western populations, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimating that 1.8 million Americans over age 40 have AMD and another 7.3 million Americans have large drusen, which places them at a high risk of developing AMD [1]. Research demonstrates that the relationship between MPOD and central retinal thickness has a strong positive correlation [2], and additional studies show that reduced MPOD is associated with a higher risk of developing AMD [3]. Heterochromatic flicker photometry has been used to measure the spatial profile of MPOD, with two predominant profile types emerging: typical exponential/peaked profile or atypical “central dip” profile [4]. The MARS study by Dietzel et al. [5] found 19.8% of subjects possess this central dip profile, meaning they demonstrate a significantly lower MPOD at retinal eccentricities of 0°, 0.25°, and 0.5° but significantly higher MPOD at 1° and 2° when compared to subjects with no central dip. Concordance between pairs of eyes was labeled as highly significant [5]. The underlying cause of this central dip profile is not well understood, though research showing a higher incidence in certain ethnic populations suggests a genetic link [6,7]. The three primary risk factors for MPOD central dip have been identified as the same three primary risk factors for AMD: age, smoking, and elevated BMI [4,8]. Macular pigment is composed of three carotenoids: lutein (L), RR zeaxanthin (Z), and RS meso-zeaxanthin (Mz). These three molecules are collectively known as xanthophyll carotenoids or macular carotenoids. L and Z have both been wellstudied and are found in many vegetables regularly consumed by humans such as spinach, broccoli, kale, and bell peppers [9]. The role of Mz is not as well understood: it has recently been found in the human food chain in the skin of a handful of species of fish, but only in trace quantities. Research has shown that Mz can be enzymatically derived from L [10], though the relative roles of endogenous Mz isomerization versus dietary consumption of Mz in retinal health remain unstudied (Figure 1-3).
Effects of the cyclin D1 polymorphism on lung cancer risk--a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND Cyclin D1 (CCND1) is critical in the transition of the cell cycle from G1 to S phases and unbalanced cell cycle regulation is a hallmark of carcinogenesis. A number of studies conducted to assess the association between CCND1 G870A polymorphism and susceptibility to lung cancer have yielded inconsistent and inconclusive results. In the present study, the possible association above was assessed by a meta-analysis. METHODS Eligible articles were identified for the period up to November 2011. Pooled odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) were appropriately derived from fixed effects or random-effects models. Sensitivity analysis excluding studies whose genotype frequencies in controls significantly deviated from the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE) was performed. RESULTS Ten case-control studies with a total of 10,548 subjects were eligible. At the overall analysis the CCND1 870A allele appeared to be associated with elevated lung cancer risk (for allele model, pooled OR=1.24, 95% CI: 1.08-1.44, P=0.004; for homozygous model, pooled OR=1.45, 95% CI: 1.14-1.84, P=0.003; for recessive model, pooled OR=1.29, 95% CI: 1.06-1.58, P=0.013; for dominant model, pooled OR=1.33, 95% CI: 1.08-1.65, P=0.009). Subgroup analyses by ethnicity and sensitivity analysis further pointed to associations, particularly in Asians. CONCLUSION This meta-analysis suggests that the A allele of CCND1 G870A polymorphism confers additional lung cancer risk.