Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Impact of Psychological Capital on Job Performance in the Banking Sector in Sri Lanka

Job performance of the employees is one of the central constructs which plays a crucial role in achieving organizational performance. The concept of psychological capital (PsyCap) has given much attention in the recent past as a new approach to enhance the job performance of the employees. However, the extent of the impact between PsyCap and job performance has not been investigated in Sri Lankan context. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of PsyCap of employees on their job performance in the banking sector in Sri Lanka.The data were randomly collected from a sample of 176 managers and 357 non-managerial employees in the banking sector in Sri Lanka. A questionnaire was administered among the employees to measure their PsyCap and job performance. The collected data were analyzed using correlation coefficient and regression analysis. The results of the study indicated that PsyCap had significantly and positively correlated with job performance. Therefore it is recommended to improve the overall employees’ PsyCap in order to increase employees’ job performance.
Branched‐chain amino acids protect against dexamethasone‐induced soleus muscle atrophy in rats

We investigated the utility of branched‐chain amino acids (BCAA) in dexamethasone‐induced muscle atrophy. Dexamethasone (600 μg/kg, intraperitoneally) and/or BCAA (600 mg/kg, orally) were administered for 5 days in rats, and the effect of BCAA on dexamethasone‐induced muscle atrophy was evaluated. Dexamethasone decreased total protein concentration of rat soleus muscles. Concomitant administration of BCAA reversed the decrease. Dexamethasone decreased mean cross‐sectional area of soleus muscle fibers, which was reversed by BCAA. Dexamethasone increased atrogin‐1 expression, which has been reported to play a pivotal role in muscle atrophy. The increased expression of atrogin‐1 mRNA was significantly attenuated by BCAA. Furthermore, dexamethasone‐induced conversion from microtubule‐associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3)‐I to LC3‐II, which is an indicator of autophagy, was blocked by BCAA. These findings suggest that BCAA decreased protein breakdown to prevent muscle atrophy. BCAA administration appears to be useful for prevention of steroid myopathy. Muscle Nerve, 2010
Factors that affect the food choices made by girls and young women, from minority ethnic groups, living in the UK.

BACKGROUND Lower birth weight, often found in infants from minority ethnic groups, may be partly because of the disproportionate representation of ethnic minority groups in low-income areas. To develop an intervention, to improve the nutritional intake of young women from populations at risk of low-birth-weight babies, which would be culturally sensitive and well received by the intended recipients, a community development approach was used to investigate factors that might influence food choice and the nutritional intake of girls and young women from ethnic minority groups. METHODS Focus group discussions were conducted across the UK, to explore factors that might affect the food choices of girls and young women of African and South Asian decent. The data was analysed using deductive content analysis (Qual. Soc. Res., 1, 2000, 1). Discussions were around the broad themes of buying and preparing food, eating food and dietary changes, and ideas for an intervention to improve diet. RESULTS The focus group discussions indicated that all the communities took time, price, health and availability into consideration when making food purchases. The groups were also quite similar in their use of 'Western' foods which tended to be of the fast food variety. These foods were used when there was not enough time to prepare a 'traditional' meal. CONCLUSION Many issues that affect the food choice of people who move to the UK are common within different ethnic groups. The idea of a practical intervention based on improving cooking skills was popular with all the groups.
Effect of Feed Restriction on Energy Metabolism and Methane Emission in Goats

This study examined the effect of feed restriction on methane emission and energy metabolism in goats. Fifteen female goats of about ~ 1 year old, avg. body weight (BW) 12.59±0.60 kg were randomly divided into three groups of 5 each in a completely randomized design and randomly allocated to Control, RF-I and RF-II treatments. The goats of control group were fed total mixed ration ad libitum as per the predicted requirement, while in group RF-I and RF-II goats were fed 12.5 and 25 percent restricted diets, respectively of predicted requirements for 90 days. The methane emission in experimental goats was measured using open circuit respiration calorimetry. Methane emission (Ld-1, Lkg-1 W 0.75) by goats was significantly (P<0.01) higher in control group followed by RF-I and RF-II, respectively. The methane emission (Lkg-1 DMI) did not differ significantly (P>0.05) among various treatment groups, however, methane emission (as percent (DOMI) was significantly (P<0.01) lower in RF-II as compared to control group. Losses of energy methane, faecal and urine energy (kcald-1) were significantly (P<0.01) higher in control group followed by RF-I and RF-II, respectively. Metabolizability was significantly (P<0.01) higher in RF-II group as compared to RF-I and control. The heat production (kcal d-1) was significantly (P<0.01) lower in goats fed 12.5 and 25 percent restricted diets as compared to ad libitum. It may be concluded that feed restriction considerably reduced methane emission and improved the energy utilization efficiency in goats.
Thrombospondin-1 (TSP1)-null and TSP2-null mice exhibit lower intraocular pressures.

PURPOSE Thrombospondin-1 (TSP1) and TSP2 are matricellular proteins that have been shown to regulate cytoskeleton, cell adhesion, and extracellular matrix remodeling. Both TSP1 and TSP2 are found in the trabecular meshwork (TM). In cadaver eyes with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), TSP1 is increased in one third of patients. We hypothesized that TSP1 and TSP2 participate in the regulation of intraocular pressure (IOP). Methods. IOPs of TSP1-null, TSP2-null mice, and their corresponding wild-type (WT) mice were measured using a commercial rebound tonometer. Fluorophotometric measurements assessed aqueous turnover. Central corneal thickness (CCT) was measured by optical coherence tomography. Iridocorneal angles were examined using light microscopy (LM), immunofluorescence (IF), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). RESULTS Average IOPs of TSP1-null and TSP2-null mice were 10% and 7% less than that of the corresponding WT mice, respectively. CCTs were 6.5% less in TSP1-null mice (P < 0.05) and 1.1% less in TSP2-null mice (P > 0.05). Fluorophotometric measurements suggest that aqueous turnover rates in TSP1-null and TSP2-null mice are greater than those of WT mice. LM of the TSP1-null and TSP2-null iridocorneal angles reveals morphology, which is indistinguishable from that of their corresponding WTs. IF revealed possible concurrent underexpression of TSP2 in TSP1-null mice and of TSP1 in TSP2-null mice. TEM revealed larger collagen fibril diameters in TSP1-null and TSP2-null mice compared with WTs. CONCLUSIONS TSP1-null and TSP2-null mice have lower IOPs than their WT counterparts. The rate of aqueous turnover suggests that the mechanism is enhanced outflow facility. An alteration in the extracellular matrix may contribute to this finding.
Ultrasound-guided injection of the maxillary nerve in the horse.

REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY Infiltration of the equine maxillary nerve with local anaesthetic can be useful for both diagnostic and surgical procedures. The deep location and proximity of the nerve to surrounding vascular and orbital structures make an accurate, complication-free injection a challenge using traditional techniques reliant upon surface anatomical landmarks. OBJECTIVES To develop an ultrasound-guided injection technique of the maxillary nerve in equine cadavers and to evaluate its efficacy and potential for complications in vivo. STUDY DESIGN Descriptive cadaver anatomical and clinical study. METHODS The relevant anatomy of the pterygopalatine fossa was reviewed in 6 cadaver heads from mature horses of a range of ages, breeds and genders. In an additional 13 cadaver heads, ultrasound-guided injection of 0.2 ml New Methylene Blue dye was performed on both left and right maxillary nerves (n = 26 attempts) in the pterygopalatine fossa. An independent observer dissected the area and recorded the number of times that dye successfully contacted the nerve, along with inadvertent penetration of other structures. The procedure was then performed on 8 clinical cases undergoing a variety of standing surgical procedures on the head. RESULTS Dye was successfully deposited in contact with the nerve during all attempts on cadaver heads, with no penetration of the orbital cone, deep facial vein and maxillary artery or associated branches. In a single cadaver, a unilateral gas artefact in the masseter muscle prohibited an injection attempt. Analgesia of the maxillary nerve was achieved in <15 min in all clinical cases, with complete loss of ipsilateral cutaneous sensation over the rostral face. No gross or ultrasonographic abnormalities were detected following the procedure. CONCLUSIONS Using ultrasonographic landmarks of the pterygopalatine fossa, local anaesthetic can be deposited around the maxillary nerve without the inadvertent penetration of adjacent vital structures. POTENTIAL RELEVANCE The technique allows for vascular structures to be visualised and avoided, which is currently not possible using traditional blind approaches.
Using matrices to model symbolic relationship

We describe a way of learning matrix representations of objects and relationships. The goal of learning is to allow multiplication of matrices to represent symbolic relationships between objects and symbolic relationships between relationships, which is the main novelty of the method. We demonstrate that this leads to excellent generalization in two different domains: modular arithmetic and family relationships. We show that the same system can learn first-order propositions such as (2, 5) ∈ +3 or (Christopher, Penelope) ∈ has_wife, and higher-order propositions such as (3, +3) ∈ plus and (+3, -3) ∈ inverse or (has_husband, has_wife) ∈ higher_oppsex. We further demonstrate that the system understands how higher-order propositions are related to first-order ones by showing that it can correctly answer questions about first-order propositions involving the relations +3 or has_wife even though it has not been trained on any first-order examples involving these relations.
The Phenotypic Heterogeneity of Human Natural Killer Cells: Presence of at least 48 Different Subsets in the Peripheral Blood

Peripheral blood natural killer (NK) cells are usually defined as a homogeneous cell population. However, NK cells show heterogeneous expression of a diversity of cell surface molecules, which might reflect the diversity of NK‐cell functions. Therefore, a more specific phenotypic definition of NK cells is necessary. In this study, we made an inventory of phenotypic subsets that are present within the peripheral blood NK‐cell population of healthy donors based on differential expression of nine cell‐surface markers. Using three‐colour flow cytometric analysis we were able to define at least 48 different CD56+ NK‐cell subsets within the peripheral blood. This phenotypic heterogeneity appeared to be stable among healthy individuals, and was also steady within CD56dim and CD56bright NK populations, indicating a possible role for these subsets in NK‐cell function or differentiation.
Does methotrexate increase the risk of varicella or herpes zoster infection in patients with rheumatoid arthritis? A systematic literature review.

OBJECTIVES Methotrexate (MTX) has become the foundation disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD) for RA. However, concern exists regarding its possible association with infectious complications including varicella zoster virus (VZV) and herpes zoster (HZ). Furthermore, no consensus exists regarding pre-MTX VZV screening or the use of VZV vaccine. METHODS We undertook systematic literature review (SLR) investigating the relationship between the use of MTX in patients with RA and VZV and HZ infection. Additionally, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, HPA, the CDC, Rheumatology societies and WHO web sites and publications were consulted. RESULTS Thirty-five studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria comprising 29 observational studies and 6 case reports. The case reports and 13 observation studies considered the association between MTX and HZ. Three of the observational studies reported a positive association although in 5 cases, patients were concurrently treated with prednisolone. Five studies concluded that there was no association between HZ and MTX. Three studies comparing the infection rates of MTX with other RA therapies found that MTX did not result in higher HZ infection rates. Three studies examining the association between HZ and MTX treatment duration failed to show a link. CONCLUSIONS No evidence exists to support an association between MTX and VZV infection in RA patients and the data regarding the role of MTX in HZ development is conflicting. The role of pre-MTX VZV screening is controversial and, as it may delay initiation of RA treatment, we suggest against VZV screening in this context.
Exosomes are fingerprints of originating cells: potential biomarkers for ovarian cancer

The past decade has seen an extraordinary explosion of research in the field of extracellular vesicles, especially in a specific type of extracellular vesicles originating from endosomal compartments, called exosomes. Exosomes are a specific subtype of secreted vesicles that are defined as small ( ∼30-120 nm) but very stable membrane vesicles that are released from a wide range of cells, including normal and cancer cells. As the content of exosomes is cell type specific, it is believed that they are a "fingerprint" of the releasing cell and its metabolic status. We hypothesized that the exosomes and their specific exosomal content (eg, microribonucleic acid) represent a precious biomedical tool and may be used as biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of malignant tumors. In addition, exosomes may modify the phenotype of the par- ent and/or target cell by transferring pro-oncogenic molecules to induce cancerous phenotype of recipient cells and contribute to the formation of the premetastatic niche. The mechanism involved in these phenomena remains unclear; however, inclusion of signaling mediators into exosomes or exosome release may reduce their intracellular bioavailability in the parent cell, thereby altering cell phenotype and their metastatic potential. The aim of this review therefore is to analyze the biogenesis and role of exosomes from tumor cells, focusing primarily on ovarian cancer. Ovarian cancer is the most lethal gynecologic cancer, and an effective early diagnosis has the potential to improve patient survival. Ovarian cancer currently lacks a reliable method for early detection, however, exosomes have received great attention as potential biomarkers and mediators of the disease.
Transient hepatic attenuation difference of lobar or segmental distribution detected by dynamic computed tomography.

Dynamic computed tomography of hepatic tumors revealed a transient attenuation difference of the liver in a lobar or segmental distribution in three cases. The difference was most prominent during the hepatogram phase. It was attributed to siphonage of arterial blood by hepatic tumors in two cases, while an increase of arterial flow induced by portal vein occlusion was inferred in the other case. Results indicate dynamic computed tomography will be usful in analysis of geometrical hemodynamics.
On Estimating and Canceling Parasitic Capacitance in Submillimeter-Wave Planar Schottky Diodes

The equivalent circuit model of a submillimeter planar diode is investigated. In particular, the parasitic finger to pad capacitance that shunts the diode junction severely degrades the performance of frequency multiplier. Therefore, precise estimation of its value is crucial to circuit design in the submillimeter wave range. In this letter, a parallel diode structure is analyzed, and symmetry is utilized to remove parasitic elements external to the finger loop. This analytical approach is verified through measurement on a 200 GHz planar diode circuit. To increase the diode junction capacitance modulation ratio, one possible solution is also suggested.
Sun's procedure for chronic type A aortic dissection: total arch replacement using a tetrafurcate graft with stented elephant trunk implantation.

The Sun’s procedure is a surgical technique that integrates total arch replacement using a tetrafurcated graft with implantation of a special stented graft in the descending aorta, as a treatment option for extensive dissections or aneurysms involving the ascending aorta, aortic arch and descending aorta (1-3). To illustrate our technique for performing the Sun’s procedure (1,2), we present a video of this approach in a 38-year-old man with chronic type A aortic dissection (Video 1). Video 1 Sun's procedure for chronic type A aortic dissection: total arch replacement using a tetrafurcate graft with stented elephant trunk implantation Clinical vignette The patient had a history of hypertension for twenty years and experienced an episode of chest and flank pain after exertion one year ago. Transthoracic echocardiogram detected dilated ascending aorta, aortic arch and descending aorta, as well as intimal flaps in the ascending aorta, and a dilated aortic root with severe regurgitation. Computed tomographic angiogram confirmed a chronic type A dissection, with the intimal tear in the ascending aorta, extending distally to the right iliac artery, and the arch vessels involved. Of note, the innominate artery was both aneurysmal and dissected for the entire length extending to the level of bifurcation. There was also a coronary anomaly, in which the left and right coronary arteries arose from the left coronary sinus. Considering the complex pathology of arch vessel involvement, innominate artery aneurysm, aortic root dilation with severe regurgitation and coronary artery anomaly, we decided to perform the Sun’s procedure, in combination with composite root replacement with a mechanical valved conduit.
Adaptation process, participation and depression over six months in first-stroke individuals and spouses

Objective : To describe changes in the adaptation process (appraisal and coping) in the six months after a first stroke and identify domains of the adaptation process related to participation and depressive symptoms for both affected individuals and spouses. Design : A short-longitudinal study where data of the two groups were collected at three times: in the first two weeks post stroke (T1), at three months (T2) and six months (T3) post stroke. Subjects : Individuals with a first stroke and spouses. Main measures: The Stress Appraisal Measure (SAM) for appraisal, Revised Ways of Coping Questionnaire (RWCQ) for coping strategies, Assessment of Life Habits (LIFE-H) for participation, and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) for depressive symptoms. Results : Mean (SD) ages of the stroke group (n = 88) and spouse group (n = 47) were 71.8 (10.8) and 69.2 (11.2) years respectively. The Threat, Challenge and Stressfulness scales of the SAM decreased significantly (P < 0.02) from T1 to T3 in both groups whereas perceived uncontrollability of the situation increased significantly (P = 0.003) for spouses in the first six months. RWCQ Rationalisation and Giving control to others scales decreased in the stroke group (P = 0.008 and 0.002 respectively) but not in the spouse group (P = 0.07 and 0.39 respectively). Several components of adaptation at T1 could explain between 18% and 27% of the variance observed in the LIFE-H and BDI at T3. Conclusion : Appraisal and coping strategies change over time. Initial adaptation could partially predict participation level and depressive symptoms six months post stroke for affected individuals as well as spouses.
Alcohol use self report in chronic back pain—relationships to psychosocial factors, function performance, and medication use

Background Context: Alcohol consumption is a known risk factor for spinal disability, but there is no data on the relationship between reported alcohol consumption and behaviours in persons who are disabled. Purpose: To determine the interaction between reported alcohol consumption, physical performance, and medication use in this group. To determine psychosocial correlates of reported alcohol consumption in this group. Methods: A retrospective review 147 men and 136 women with more than 3 months disability who underwent a multidisciplinary physical, functional and psychosocial Spine Team Assessment. Questions about alcohol consumption were related to outcome measures. Results: None of the women reported more than 5 drinks/week. Ten men reported more than 12 drinks per week. These performed significantly better on the Progressive Isoinertial Lifting Evaluation (PILE) low lift and the Functional Assessment Screening Test (FAST) 5 minute twisting test, and trended towards better performance on all other tests (the PILE high lift, all 4 other FAST components, Sorenson trunk extension test, and bicycle ergometer submaximal stress test). They had less back pain disability (Quebec p = 0.061), but no difference in depression (CESD), pain (visual analog scale) or fear (Tampa). They used fewer Non-steroidal medications, but similar narcotic medications as the others. No significant differences in the SF-36 were noted. Conclusions: This first assessment of the relationship of alcohol consumption with back pain disability suggests that women with chronic back pain disability seldom report heavy alcohol consumption. Men with back pain disability who consume large amounts of alcohol have less physical disability despite similar pain. Despite potential interactions, heavy drinkers with pain do not use fewer narcotic analgesics than light drinkers.
Platform Rules: Multi-Sided Platforms as Regulators

This paper provides a basic conceptual framework for interpreting non-price instruments used by multi-sided platforms (MSPs) by analogizing MSPs as "private regulators" who regulate access to and interactions around the platform. We present evidence on Facebook, TopCoder, Roppongi Hills and Harvard Business School to document the "regulatory" role played by MSPs. We find MSPs use nuanced combinations of legal, technological, informational and other instruments (including price-setting) to implement desired outcomes. Non-price instruments were very much at the core of MSP strategies.
Implications of adolescent development upon transracial adoptees

OF THE THESIS IMPLICATIONS OF ADOLESCENT DEVELOPMENT UPON TRANSRACIAL ADOPTEES by Anthony L. Burrow Florida International University, 2002 Miami, Florida Professor Gordon E. Finley, Major Professor The aim of the present investigation was to examine the implications of adoption status upon the adjustment of adolescents, with a focus on transracial adoptees. Based upon secondary analyses of a nationally collected data set, three levels of analyses were undertaken to investigate group differences between: (a) adoptees and non-adoptees, (b) transracially adopted adolescents and same-race adopted adolescents and, (c) specific racial groupings of adopted children and their parents across a broad range of adjustment measures. The results indicated some evidence supporting increased maladjustment of adoptees compared to their non-adopted counterparts. Yet, when comparing groups of adopted adolescents, the results suggested that racial differences between adoptees and their adoptive parents do not exacerbate developmental risks related to adjustment. Support was also found for significant age and gender influences upon adjustment variables. The implications of the findings are discussed.