Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Exciton-polariton relaxation in ZnSe single crystals.

We report the temperature dependence of the 1s-exciton energy and damping in a ZnSe single crystal. The measurement has been performed using a two-photon, frequency-resolved, nonlinear technique that provides accurate data and avoids complications due to spatial dispersion effects and high excitation levels. From the fit of the experimental data it is possible to determine the contribution to the relaxation due to various exciton-phonon interactions and due to impurities. The measured damping rates are compared with theoretical values reported in the literature
Urban Growth and Subcenter Formation: A Trolley Ride from the Staples Center to Disneyland and the Rose Bowl

There have been long-term trends of urbanization and sustained growth across developed and developing countries over the past two centuries. Not only have more cities formed, but the leading metropolises have grown larger, with a number of peripheral subcenters developing over time. Conventional models of urban growth are limited, in that commuting cost and congestion eventually result in decreasing returns in a monocentric city as population becomes very large. In our paper, we construct an endogenous growth model with dynamic interactions between spatial agglomeration and urban development. In contrast with the conventional endogenous urban growth framework, our paper models explicitly the underlying growth-driven mechanism, namely location- dependent knowledge spillovers. Our contribution allows endogenous development of subcenters to offset diminishing returns from urban congestion, thus permitting sustained city growth.
Synaptic interactions increase optic flow specificity

Representations of optic flow are encoded in fly tangential neurons by pooling the signals of many retinotopically organized local motion‐sensitive inputs as well as of other tangential cells originating in the ipsi‐ and contralateral half of the brain. In the so called HSE cell, a neuron involved in optomotor course control, two contralateral input elements, the H1 and H2 cells, mediate distinct EPSPs. These EPSPs frequently elicit spike‐like depolarizations in the HSE cell. The synaptic transmission between the H2 and the HSE cell is analysed in detail and shown to be very reliable with respect to the amplitude and time‐course of the postsynaptic potential. As a consequence of its synaptic input, the HSE cell responds best to wide‐field motion, such as that generated on the eyes when the animal turns about its vertical body axis. It is shown that the specificity of the HSE cell for this type of optic flow is much enhanced if rapid membrane depolarizations, such as large‐amplitude EPSPs or spike‐like depolarizations, are taken into account rather than the average membrane potential.
The Relationship Between Perceived Empathy and Empathetic Action in Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Empathy is linked with positive social outcomes and is important in the healthy functioning of society. Much of what we learn about emotions and appropriate behavior comes from what is exhibited by those closest to us. Parents are vital in facilitating the healthy development of empathy in their children. Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) have been found to have deficits in displaying empathy. However, there is limited research on how raising a child with ASD can influence the parent’s empathetic behavior. It also remains unclear whether self-report measurements of empathy accurately assess an individual’s empathetic behavior. The goal of the current study was to examine the relationship between parent empathy and having a child with ASD and the discrepancies between parent empathy self-report and parent empathetic action during parent-child interaction. The influence of different variables such as parental well-being and the severity of the child’s ASD symptoms were examined. Participants included 22 typically developing children and 19 children diagnosed with ASD and their caregivers. Results indicated that parents of children with ASD were more likely to display higher degrees of empathy with their children but were negatively influenced by their level of depressive symptoms as well as their child’s deficits related to motivation. Child affect was found to be influential in both the typically developing and ASD cohorts. In general, self-report did not appear to be representative of the parent’s empathetic action during the parent-child interaction however, parents of children with ASD who scored higher in personal distress tended to respond with higher degrees of empathy.
Molecular recognition between oligopeptides and nucleic acids. DNA sequence specificity and binding properties of an acridine‐linked netropsin hybrid ligand

The binding to DNA of a mixed function ligand (NETGA) is described, in which a potential intercalating group, an acridine moiety, is incorporated at the carboxyl terminus of the minor groove binding oligopeptide netropsin skeleton. Scatchard analysis of absorption data provided evidence of two modes of binding to DNA with K1 = 9.1 × 105 M−1 at low r values (0.003–0.1), and a binding site size n = 10, indicative of binding of both moeities. At high binding ratios (>0.1), K2 = 0.9 × 105 M−1 and n = 5 corresponding to external binding. Complementary strand MPE footprinting on a pBR322 restriction fragment showed NETGA binds to 5′‐AAAT like netropsin. It causes enhanced cleavage by MPE, particularly at G‐C rich sequences and remote from the preferred binding sites. Viscometry measurements provided evidence for biphasic modes of the two binding portions of NETGA. Fluorescence polarization and linear dichroism measurements were in accord with distinct modes of interaction of the acridine (intercalation) and oligopeptide (minor groove binding) portions of NETGA. LD measurments of NETGA indicate that the oligopeptide moiety (netropsin‐like) has an orientation typical of minor groove binders, whereas the degree of intercalation of the acridine group is decreased by association of the oligopeptide moiety.
Does Manager’s Perceived Competition Affect the Capital Structure Decisions of Malaysian Firms? A Text Mining Approach on the Chairman’s Statement

This study examines the validity of the limited liability effect theory using the ex-ante measure of competition as a framework for analysing the capital structure determinants of Malaysian firms. The limited liability theory argues that, given the tougher competitive environment, debt has a limited liability effect; hence, debt induces managers to pursue more risky projects. Despite its consistency with the underpinning model, the majority of studies that test the validity of the limited liability effect theory use ex-post measures for competition instead of ex-ante measures. This study endeavours to fill this gap in the literature by introducing a new variable construct for competition utilizing a text mining approach on the chairman? s statement. The findings suggest that manager? s perceived competition has a positive relationship with the changes in a firm? s leverage. Thus, this study confirms the limited liability effect theory in the context of a developing country.
On Parsimonious Explanations of Production Relations

This paper examines three bodies of macroscopic evidence that are relevant to testing the classical theory of production. No one of these bodies of evidence offers any persuasive support for the classical theory. Fits to data of the Cobb-Douglas and ACMS functions appear to be artifactual, the data actually reflecting the accounting identity between values of inputs and outputs. Similarly, there is little or no support for the U-shaped long-run cost curve, the data on firm size distributions being better explained by the Gibrat hypothesis and constant costs. Finally, observed distributions of executive salaries are explainable in simple sociological terms, without recourse to classical theory.
Markov random field and Gaussian mixture for segmented MRI-based partial volume correction in PET

In this paper we propose a segmented magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) prior-based maximum penalized likelihood deconvolution technique for positron emission tomography (PET) images. The model assumes the existence of activity classes that behave like a hidden Markov random field (MRF) driven by the segmented MRI. We utilize a mean field approximation to compute the likelihood of the MRF. We tested our method on both simulated and clinical data (brain PET) and compared our results with PET images corrected with the re-blurred Van Cittert (VC) algorithm, the simplified Guven (SG) algorithm and the region-based voxel-wise (RBV) technique. We demonstrated our algorithm outperforms the VC algorithm and outperforms SG and RBV corrections when the segmented MRI is inconsistent (e.g. mis-segmentation, lesions, etc) with the PET image.
Diagnosis and management of primary sclerosing cholangitis

Preamble This guideline has been approved by the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases and represents the position of the Association. These recommendations provide a data-supported approach. They are based on the following: (1) formal review and analysis of the recentlypublished world literature on the topic (Medline search); (2) American College of Physicians Manual for Assessing Health Practices and Designing Practice Guidelines1; (3) guideline policies, including the AASLD Policy on the Development and Use of Practice Guidelines and the American Gastroenterological Association Policy Statement on Guidelines2; and (4) the experience of the authors in the specified topic. Intended for use by physicians, these recommendations suggest preferred approaches to the diagnostic, therapeutic and preventative aspects of care. They are intended to be flexible, in contrast to standards of care, which are inflexible policies to be followed in every case. Specific recommendations are based on relevant published information. To more fully characterize the available evidence supporting the recommendations, the AASLD Practice Guidelines Committee has adopted the classification used by the Grading of Recommendation Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) workgroup with minor modifications (Table 1). 3 The strength of recommendations in the GRADE system are classified as strong (class 1) or weak (class 2). The quality of evidence supporting strong or weak recommendations is designated by one of three levels: high (level A), moderate (level B), or low-quality (level C).
Tubulin-tyrosine Ligase (TTL)-mediated Increase in Tyrosinated α-Tubulin in Injured Axons Is Required for Retrograde Injury Signaling and Axon Regeneration*

Background: Axon regeneration following nerve injury depends on retrograde injury signals. Results: An increased tyrosinated α-tubulin level at the injury site is required for the retrograde transport of injury signals and timely activation of a pro-regenerative program. Conclusion: An injury-induced increase in tyrosinated α-tubulin is important for axon regeneration. Significance: Deciphering the mechanisms regulating the retrograde transport of injury signals is crucial for our understanding of regenerative mechanisms in peripheral neurons. Injured peripheral neurons successfully activate a pro-regenerative program to enable axon regeneration and functional recovery. The microtubule-dependent retrograde transport of injury signals from the lesion site in the axon back to the cell soma stimulates the increased growth capacity of injured neurons. However, the mechanisms initiating this retrograde transport remain poorly understood. Here we show that tubulin-tyrosine ligase (TTL) is required to increase the levels of tyrosinated α-tubulin at the axon injury site and plays an important role in injury signaling. Preventing the injury-induced increase in tyrosinated α-tubulin by knocking down TTL impairs retrograde organelle transport and delays activation of the pro-regenerative transcription factor c-Jun. In the absence of TTL, axon regeneration is reduced severely. We propose a model in which TTL increases the levels of tyrosinated α-tubulin locally at the injury site to facilitate the retrograde transport of injury signals that are required to activate a pro-regenerative program.
CONTROLLED DELIVERY OF NITRIC OXIDE INHIBITS LEUKOCYTE MIGRATION AND PREVENTS VASOSPASM IN HAPTOGLOBIN 2‐2 MICE AFTER SUBARACHNOID HEMORRHAGE

OBJECTIVECerebral vasospasm is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) occurs. The haptoglobin 2-2 genotype likely increases the risk for developing posthemorrhagic vasospasm, but potential treatments for vasospasm have never been tested in an animal model of this genotype. We used the nitric oxide (NO) donor diethylenetriamine (DETA)/NO incorporated into ethylene/vinyl acetate (EVAc) polymers to evaluate the efficacy of controlled NO repletion in a haptoglobin 2-2 mouse basilar artery SAH model. METHODSMice were randomized to 3 groups: autologous blood injection and empty polymer implantation into the subarachnoid space (n = 16); blood injection and 30% DETA/NO–EVAc implantation (n = 20); and sham operation (n = 19). At 24 hours after surgery, activity level was assessed on a 3-point scale, and basilar arteries were processed for morphometric measurements. Leukocyte extravasation was assessed by immunohistochemistry (n = 12). RESULTSTreatment with controlled release of NO from DETA/NO–EVAc polymers after SAH resulted in a significant increase in basilar artery lumen patency (73.3% ± 4.3% versus 96.5% ± 4.3%, mean ± standard error of the mean; P = 0.01), a significant improvement in activity after experimental SAH (2.14 ± 0.14 versus 2.56 ± 0.10 points; P = 0.025), and a significant decrease in extravasated leukocytes (21 ± 4.55 versus 6.75 ± 3.77 leukocytes per high-power field, untreated versus treated mice; P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONTreatment with controlled release of NO prevented posthemorrhagic vasospasm in haptoglobin 2-2 mice, and mitigated neurological deficits, suggesting that DETA/NO–EVAc would be an effective therapy in patients with a genotype that confers higher risk for vasospasm after SAH. In addition to smooth muscle relaxation, inhibition of leukocyte migration may contribute to the therapeutic mechanism of NO.
WHAT MOTIVATES CONSUMERS TO PARTAKE IN CYBER SHILLING?

The prevalence of online reviews has grown in recent years as more customer-firm interactions occur on the internet. Included in this progression is cyber shilling (users writing false reviews, either positive or negative; endorsements about products/services for profit without using or buying them; and/or users utilizing false identities to promote the products/services of a company for profit). Factors that motivate individuals to partake in cyber shilling were tested in this study using a survey of 1,752 United States (U.S.) consumers. Results indicated that: (1) perceived betrayal increased desire for revenge and reduced brand love; however, it did not lead to involvement in cyber shilling; (2) desire for revenge was negatively related to brand love; (3) both desire for revenge and brand love had an impact on cyber shilling behavior; and (4) willingness to be involved in cyber shilling increased when some sort of reward was received.
Optic Nerve Sheath Fenestration: Current Preferences in Surgical Approach and Biopsy

Purpose:Optic nerve sheath fenestration (ONSF) has evolved since its inception in 1872. Surgical approaches include a lateral orbitotomy, a medial orbitotomy, or a superomedial lid crease. The actual fenestration can be done with slits or a window excision with biopsy. Each variation has its advantages and disadvantages. We describe the current preferences in surgical approach and biopsy for ONSF and examine the value of biopsy in patients who have undergone ONSF. Design:Eight-question survey and retrospective, noncomparative case review. Subjects:All American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons (ASOPRS) members are invited to participate in a survey and ONSFs from 1998 to 2013 at the University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics. Methods:Data from the survey was analyzed and patient records were reviewed. Main outcome measures:Preferred surgical approach, type of fenestration, and biopsy results. Results:Sixty-four percent of responding ASOPRS members (150/236) have not performed an ONSF in the last year. One third of that group has performed an ONSF in the last 5 years. Fifty-nine percent perform a medial; 10%, a lateral and 31%, a superomedial approach. Seventy-three percent perform a window fenestration, and about half of those surgeons send the specimen for pathologic evaluation. Anecdotally, some biopsies from surgeons who were surveyed have revealed new diagnoses. In a chart review of 90 cases of ONSF, no biopsy gave an unexpected result. Conclusion:The medial approach for ONSF is most common in our respondents; however, the superomedial lid crease incision is gaining popularity for its efficiency and elegance. Three quarters of surgeons remove a window and a quarter fenestrate with slits. Optic nerve sheath biopsy has limited diagnostic value. In the absence of any evidence to suggest a diagnosis other than idiopathic intracranial hypertension, the usefulness of biopsy during fenestration is low.
Characterization of an amphioxus Wnt gene, AmphiWnt11, with possible roles in myogenesis and tail outgrowth

Summary: The full‐length sequence and developmental expression of an amphioxus Wnt gene (AmphiWnt11) are described. A phylogenetic analysis of all known full‐length Wnt11 sequences indicates that a gene duplication occurred at the base of the vertebrate Wnt11 clade. The developmental expression domains of AmphiWnt11 resemble those of Wnt11 homologs in vertebrates. The earliest detectable expression is transiently associated with the dorsal lip of the blastopore. At the neurula stage, AmphiWnt11 is expressed in myotomal muscle cells; however, AmphiWnt11 transcription is not associated with metameric pre‐patterning prior to morphological segmentation. Finally, in amphioxus and the vertebrates, Wnt11 homologs are expressed in anteroventral ectoderm and in association with the tailbud and the tail fin. Thus, in amphioxus and lower vertebrates, the posterior expression of Wnt11 may be involved in tail fin outgrowth, and this ancient genetic program might have been co‐opted at least in part for lateral appendage development during vertebrate evolution. genesis 27:1–5, 2000. © 2000 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cancer detection using infrared hyperspectral imaging

During the last few decades, many studies have been performed on the early detection of cancer using noninvasive or minimally invasive techniques in lieu of traditional excisional biopsy. Early detection can make an immense difference because cancer treatment is often simpler and more effective when diagnosed at an early stage. Cancer detecting methods may help physicians to diagnose cancer, to dissect the malignant region with a safe margin, and to evaluate the tumor bed after resection. In this paper, the advanced hyperspectral imaging system has been assessed using infrared wavelengths region for tumor detection. We were able to identify an appropriate wavelength region for cancer detection, spatially resolved images, and highlight the differences in reflectance properties of cancerous versus non‐cancerous tissues. The capability of this instrument was demonstrated by observing gastric tumors in 10 human subjects. The spectral signatures were extracted and evaluated in cancerous and non‐cancerous tissues. Processing means with the standard deviation of the spectral diagram, support vector machine, and first derivatives and integral of in spectral diagram were proposed to enhance and detect the cancerous regions. The first derivatives in spectral region between 1226–1251 nm and 1288–1370 nm were proposed as criteria that successfully distinguish between non‐cancerous and cancerous tissue. The results of this study will lead to advances in the optical diagnosis of cancer. (Cancer Sci 2011; 102: 852–857)
Behavioral monitoring of DUI offenders with the Alcohol Ignition Interlock Recorder.

AIMS To evaluate patterns of blood alcohol concentration (BAC) and driving logged on the ignition interlock recorder and to assess whether this event record is a useful outcome measure for a behavioral intervention. DESIGN Descriptive analyses of recorder data and multivariate analysis of the predictors of high BACs associated with a motivational intervention for driving-under-the-influence (DUI) offenders using an interlock. SETTING Two interlock service centers in Alberta, Canada. PARTICIPANTS 1309 first-time and multiple DUI offenders who agreed to participate during interlock installation. INTERVENTION A human-services (supportive guidance) intervention based on motivational interviewing and pragmatic counseling was delivered to interlock users in Calgary, but not to interlock users in Edmonton, Canada. MEASUREMENTS This report summarizes the patterns and predictors of BAC warnings (0.02-0.039%) (20-39 mg/dl) and failures (> or = 0.04) (> or = 40 mg/dl) from more than 3 million in-vehicle breath tests. Data come from three sources: driver records, questionnaires and the interlock. FINDINGS From the beginning to the end of the interlock use period, there was a significant linear decline in the proportion of positive BAC driving to total driving. After controlling for prior offenses, demographics and reported drinking levels, offenders in the intervention site (Calgary) were less likely to have recorded fail BACs than were offenders in the control site (Edmonton). The temporal patterns of BAC fails with the interlock mimic the high-risk periods for DUI arrests and alcohol-involved fatal crashes. CONCLUSIONS The interlock successfully blocks drinking and driving during high-risk periods. Preliminary recorder data suggest the services intervention may be affecting DUI behavior.
Preclinical Characterization of BI 201335, a C-Terminal Carboxylic Acid Inhibitor of the Hepatitis C Virus NS3-NS4A Protease

ABSTRACT BI 201335 is a hepatitis C virus (HCV) NS3-NS4A (NS3 coexpressed with NS4A) protease inhibitor that has been shown to have potent clinical antiviral activity. It is a highly optimized noncovalent competitive inhibitor of full-length NS3-NS4A proteases of HCV genotypes 1a and 1b with Ki values of 2.6 and 2.0 nM, respectively. Ki values of 2 to 230 nM were measured against the NS3-NS4A proteases of HCV genotypes 2 to 6, whereas it was a very weak inhibitor of cathepsin B and showed no measurable inhibition of human leukocyte elastase. BI 201335 was also shown to be a potent inhibitor of HCV RNA replication in vitro with 50% effective concentrations (EC50s) of 6.5 and 3.1 nM obtained in genotype 1a and 1b replicon assays. Combinations of BI 201335 with either interferon or ribavirin had additive effects in replicon assays. BI 201335 had good permeability in Caco-2 cell assays and high metabolic stability after incubation with human, rat, monkey, and dog liver microsomes. Its good absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) profile in vitro, as well as in rat, monkey, and dog, predicted good pharmacokinetics (PK) in humans. Furthermore, drug levels were significantly higher in rat liver than in plasma, suggesting that distribution to the target organ may be especially favorable. BI 201335 is a highly potent and selective NS3-NS4A protease inhibitor with good in vitro and animal ADME properties, consistent with its good human PK profile, and shows great promise as a treatment for HCV infection.