Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Identification of Selective Sweeps Using a Dynamically Adjusted Number of Linked Microsatellites

There is currently large interest in distinguishing the signatures of genetic variation produced by demographic events from those produced by natural selection. We propose a simple multilocus statistical test to identify candidate sites of selective sweeps with high power. The test is based on the variability profile measured in an array of linked microsatellites. We also show that the analysis of flanking markers drastically reduces the number of false positives among the candidates that are identified in a genomewide survey of unlinked loci and find that this property is maintained in many population-bottleneck scenarios. However, for a certain range of intermediately severe population bottlenecks we find genomic signatures that are very similar to those produced by a selective sweep. While in these worst-case scenarios the power of the proposed test remains high, the false-positive rate reaches values close to 50%. Hence, selective sweeps may be hard to identify even if multiple linked loci are analyzed. Nevertheless, the integration of information from multiple linked loci always leads to a considerable reduction of the false-positive rate compared to a genome scan of unlinked loci. We discuss the application of this test to experimental data from Drosophila melanogaster.
The Effect of Trauma Center Designation on Organ Donor Outcomes in Southern California

We sought to investigate the effect of trauma center designation on organ donor outcomes during a 5-year period. A retrospective study of the southern California regional Organ Procurement Organization database comparing trauma centers (n = 25) versus nontrauma centers (n = 171) and Level I (n = 7) versus Level II (n = 18) trauma centers between 2004 and 2008 was performed. A total of 16,830 referrals were evaluated and 44 per cent were from trauma centers. When compared with nontrauma centers (n = 171), trauma centers (n = 25) had a higher percentage of medically suitable eligible deaths (29 vs 16%, P < 0.001), total eligible deaths (22 vs 12%, P < 0.001), and eligible donors (14 vs 7%, P < 0.001). Trauma Centers had a significantly higher number of organs procured per donor (4.0 ± 1.6 vs 3.5 ± 1.6, P < 0.001), organs transplanted per donor (OTPD) (3.6 ± 1.8 vs 2.8 ± 1.8, P < 0.001), and higher organ yield (per cent 4 or greater OTPD [48 vs 31%, P < 0.001]). No significant differences were found between Level I and Level II trauma centers. Trauma centers demonstrate significantly better organ donor outcomes compared with nontrauma centers. Factors responsible for improved outcomes at trauma centers should be evaluated, reproduced, and disseminated to nontrauma centers to alleviate the growing organ shortage crisis.
Factors Influencing Trust in On-Line Shopping: A Case of Saudi Arabian Consumer Behavior

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the existence and importance of specific factors that are thought to predict the development of consumer trust in internet shopping in Saudi Arabia. A survey was conducted by using a previously validated measurement instrument that focused on a number of key constructs identified in the literature as potential trust predictors. The results provide evidence that Saudi consumers' trust in internet shopping is the result of specific factors, the first of which relates to the consumer's third party recognition, and the second of which relates to the legal framework. Although this study is based on a study done by Regina Connolly and Frank Bannister (2008) titled "Factors Influencing Irish Consumers' Trust in Internet Shopping" however, in Saudi Arabia no research work is done in this area, This research, therefore makes a valuable contribution to information system (IS) owners and marketers in Saudi Arabia as well as to information system, trust and diffusion research. The findings of this research are beneficial to online vendors who want to penetrate in markets such as Saudi Arabia.
The Effects of Employee-Initiated Peripheral Service Failures on Customers' Satisfactions with the Service Organization

This dissertation investigates how satisfaction with a service employee affects customers' overall satisfaction with a service organization following an employee-initiated service failure. Specifically, this research examines how the severity of a peripheral service failure (how the service is delivered), quality of past core service performance (basic benefits of service), and existence of past peripheral service failures impact the extent to which customers' satisfaction with an employee transfers to evaluations of the service organization. Dimensions of attribution theory are explored as a process mediating the effects of these variables on satisfaction with the employee and organization. This dissertation extends attribution theory by differentiating controllability attributions at both the employee and organizational levels, as well as introducing attributions of globality (universal across the organization versus employee or situation-specific) to marketing. Distinctions between employee and organizational-level attributions may clarify the process by which customer evaluations of employees affect organizations. The study used an experimental role-playing methodology to test the proposed conceptual model. Four-hundred forty-five (445) air travelers comprised the sample. The design for this study varied the severity of the current peripheral service failure (less severe, more severe, and no-failure), existence of past peripheral service failures (existing and not existing), and quality of past core service performance (excellent and average). Structural equation modeling using Lisrel 8.20 was used to test the proposed hypotheses. Overall, the results show that the severity of the peripheral service failure and aspects of past service history influence the attributions that customers make following peripheral service failures. These attributions, in turn, have a significant impact on customers' satisfaction with the employee and the organization. The findings also indicate that the severity of the current peripheral failure can spill over and negatively affect customers' satisfaction with the core service component. Furthermore, the results show that both aspects of customers' past service experience with an organization (existence of past peripheral service failures, quality of past core service performance) directly impact customers' overall satisfaction with the organization.
Thrombin generation in whole blood

Tappenden et al (2007) reported the measurement of thrombin generation (TG) in native blood, using a method that was not essentially different from the one that we developed for the use in platelet poor and in platelet rich plasma (Hemker et al, 2002). Even though an essentially negative result, we feel that it is a necessary contribution to this developing field to report that, for several years, we have tried to measure TG in whole blood using this method with a large number of different modifications and that we essentially failed to obtain reproducible results. When copying the experimental setup of Tappenden et al (2007) our results were never better than those shown in Fig 1. It is seen that:
Does the Level of Alignment with the Integrated Reporting Framework Reduce Information Asymmetry?

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between information asymmetry and the alignment with the Integrated Reporting (IR) framework in South Africa. Panel data regression and Welch’s t-test are used on a dataset of 64 firms listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) for the period 2013-2015. A statistically significant negative association was found to exist between the bid-ask spread and the level of alignment with the IR. Furthermore, the results suggest that the relationship between the bid-ask spread and institutional ownership is weaker for those firms with a high level of alignment with the IR framework. However, the results do not provide evidence of a reduction of information asymmetry after the adoption of IR. Rather, they suggest that companies with a better information environment are the ones following more closely the IR principles. This paper makes two contributions to the IR literature. Firstly, it refutes an assumption made by previous authors regarding the possible effect of IR on information asymmetry. Secondly, it provides a possible explanation for the differences in the level of alignment with the IR framework. This second contribution could help to explain the heterogeneity in IR quality and the tendency for ceremonial IR practice in South Africa found by previous authors. These results could be relevant for stock exchanges and regulators interested in IR.
A study of clinical, metabolic and hematological profile in infants of diabetic mothers

Background:Diabetes has long been associated with maternal and perinatal mobidity and mortality. Infants of diabetic mothers (IDMs) have higher risks for serious problems during pregnancy, delivery and early neonatal period. Abno rmal fetal metabolism during pregnancy which is complicated by maternal diabetes mellitus results in multiple neonatal sequelae. Objective: To study the clinical, metabolic and hem atological profile in infants of diabetic mothers and to compare the neonatal outcome in gest ational and pregestational (overt) diabetic mothers. Methods: 69 neonates born to diab etic mothers were enrolled in the study. Gestational age, birth weight, relevant perinatal h istory and examination findings were recorded. Blood samples were collected to perform r elevant biochemical tests and managed as per unit protocol. Echocardiography and ultrasound abdomen was done routinely in all neonates. Results: Of the 69 neonates, 71.01% (49/6 9) were born to mothers with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), while the remaining 28.99% (20/69) were born to mothers with pregestational (overt) diabetes mellitus (PGDM). 53 . 63% (37/69) of mothers had poor glycemic control. Most of the neonates (73.91% - 51 /69) were delivered by cesarean section. 88.40% (61/69) of the babies were born at term. Maj ority of them (85.50% - 59/69) were appropriate for gestational age with mean birth wei ght of 3.06±0.82kgs. Hypoglycemia was the most common metabolic abnormality seen in 73.91% (51/69) of neonates. Polycythemia was seen in 60.80% (42/69) of neonates. Congenital malformations were seen in 17.40% (12/69) of neonates, of which most of them had congenital heart disease. 11.60% (8/69) of the babies had suffered birth injuries. 5.80% (4/69) of neonates died in the early neonatal period. Occurrence of hypoglycemia, polycythemia, hyperbilirubinemia, congenital anomalies and birth injuries were significantly higher in infants born to mothers with GDM, whereas hypocalcemia and hypomagnesemia were significantly higher in infants of mothers with PGDM. Conclusions: Among the pregnancies complicated by diabetes, GDM continues to have a major contribution. Hypoglycemia and polycythemia remain the most common biochemical and hematological abnormality respectively. Congenital heart disease forms a major proportion of the congenital anomalies seen i n IDMs. Mortality rate is higher in infants born to mothers with GDM.
New Insights in Bone Biology: Unmasking Skeletal Effects of the Extracellular Calcium–Sensing Receptor

Embryonic and postnatal development of the skeleton requires the functions of the extracellular calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR). Experiments performed in mice in which expression of the extracellular calcium–sensing receptor (CaSR) was completely nullified specifically in parathyroid cells, chondrocytes, or cells of the osteoblast lineage have identified phenotypes that indicate a key role for the CaSR in embryonic development of the skeleton, postnatal bone formation, and osteoblast differentiation that are independent of the calcitropic hormone axis. These long-awaited studies further clarify the signaling relationships between the parathyroid gland, kidney, and metabolic bone disease in patients with mutations in the gene encoding the CaSR, and they provide new insights into understanding the signaling pathways involving the CaSR in skeletal cells.
A Tale of Two (Anal Fistula) Plugs: Is there a Difference in Short-Term Outcomes?

Treatment of complex anal fistulas presents an ongoing challenge to colorectal surgeons. The anal fistula plug is an attractive definitive option due to its minimal risk of incontinence, simple design, and easy application. Our objective was to compare the Cook Surgisis® AFP™ plug and the newer Gore Bio-A® plug in the management of complex anal fistulas. A retrospective chart review of patients treated with Cook and Gore fistula plugs between August 2007 and December 2009 was performed. Success was defined as closure of all external openings and absence of drainage and abscess formation. Twelve Cook patients underwent 16 plug insertions and 10 Gore patients underwent 11 plug insertions. The overall procedural success rate in the Gore group was 54.5 per cent (6 of 11) versus 12.5 per cent (2 of 16) in the Cook group. The reasons for failure were unknown in the majority of patients and plug dislodgement in two patients. Our short-term results with the Gore fistula plug suggest a higher procedural success rate in comparison to the Cook plug. Patients should be cautioned regarding potentially high failure rates; however, longer follow-up and a larger patient population are needed to confirm significant differences in fistula plug efficacy.
Keratoconus Clinical Findings According to Different Age and Gender Groups

Purpose: To evaluate topographic findings, manifest refraction in keratoconic cases, and compare those parameters with respect to age and gender. Materials and Methods: Four hundred eighty-two eyes of 248 patients (153 male and 95 female) with keratoconus were separated into 3 groups based on their ages (group 1: <21 years, group 2: 21-40 years, group 3: >40 years). Groups 1, 2, and 3 included 83, 362, and 37 eyes, respectively. All patients underwent full ocular examination and Pentacam (Oculus Optikgerate GmbH) measurement. K values (mean, steepest, and flattest), and central corneal thickness using Pentacam, and manifest refraction were analyzed by comparing the results with respect to patients' gender and ages. Results: The distribution ratios of keratoconic eyes in younger, middle, and older age groups were 17.2%, 75.3%, and 7.5%, respectively, and the distribution ratios of those of patients according to their genders were 37.8% for women and 62.2% for men. Conclusion: The present study demonstrates a clear inverse correlation between age and severity of keratoconus.
AGEING INFLUENCES THE EFFECT OF PRE-HYPOXIC ADMINISTRATION OF CLONIDINE , AN ALPHA 2-ADRENOCEPTOR AGONIST , ON POST-HYPOXIC

Physicians are confronted daily with the ischemiareperfusion phenomenon (I/R). Vascular and cardiac surgeries, tourniquet use in orthopaedic surgery, thrombolytic therapy for stroke and myocardial infarction, organ transplantation and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome are some examples. The reperfusion of an ischemic organ is essential for its viability, but it induces an endothelial dysfunction that jeopardises its post-ischemic recovery (1-3). The improvement in endothelial function during early reperfusion is an interesting target for protective strategies against I/R injuries. A previous study performed with isolated young rat aorta showed that prehypoxic administration of clonidine, an α2-adrenoceptor agonist, improves both post-hypoxic endothelium-dependent dilatation and contractility, demonstrating the local protective effect on vasomotor tone (4). These findings may partially explain the beneficial effects of α2-adrenoceptor agonism on the post-hypoxic organ’s recovery observed in vitro and in vivo (5-9). However, aging is associated with many vascular phenotypical modifications in vascular smooth muscle and the endothelium (increased endothelial dysfunction), which affect blood vessel physiology and the vascular response to vasoactive drugs, such as αand β-adrenergic agonists (10-13). Aged endothelium and vascular smooth cells have increased basal oxidative stress and decreased antioxidant cellular defence capacities, increasing susceptibility to ischemiareperfusion injuries (14, 15). Some drugs improve endothelial function and decrease hypoxia-reoxygenation. Among these, statins, or 3-hydroxy-3 methyl-glutaryl-CoA reductase inhibitors, have been demonstrated to be beneficial for endothelial function in the elderly animals and humans and to reduce ischemia-reperfusion injury (16-19). This study investigated the impact of aging on the clonidineinduced improvement in the post-hypoxic vasomotricity observed in young rats. We also investigated the effect of pretreatment with simvastatin on the clonidine effect on posthypoxic vasomotricity in old rats. JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2012, 63, 2, 165-171 www.jpp. krakow.pl
Retailers' new product acceptance decisions: incorporating the buyer‐supplier relationship perspective

Purpose – Given the increasing number of new products competing for limited shelf space, retailer acceptance of new products is crucial to both retailers and suppliers. However, limited empirical research has investigated what drives retailers to accept or decline a new product offering. Extant research on retailers' new product acceptance focuses mainly on product and market factors. Despite the growing importance of buyer‐supplier relationships in new product marketing, few studies have addressed their influence on retailers' acceptance of new products. This study aims to fill the research gap by proposing a model of retailers' new product acceptance that incorporates the buyer‐supplier relationship perspective.Design/methodology/approach – This study develops an integrated research framework assessing the determinants of retailers' acceptance of new products. Four constructs were derived from the literature on buyer‐supplier relationship marketing and new products literature to investigate their influe.
INTERFIRM COOPERATION AND STARTUP INNOVATION IN THE BIOTECHNOLOGY INDUSTRY.

This paper examines the association between interfirm cooperation and the innovation output of startup firms in the biotechnology industry. A reciprocal association is hypothesized. The results, however, show only that cooperation affects innovation, not the reverse. Several control variables are related to cooperation and innovation, especially startup size and the startup's position in the cooperative network.
Animal Science Experts’ Opinions on the Non-Technical Skills Secondary Agricultural Education Graduates Need for Employment in the Animal Science Industry: A Delphi Study

Workers in the 21st century need skills such as problem-solving and analytic, decision-making, organization and time management, risk-taking, and communication (Evers, Rush, & Berdrow, 1998;Lynch, 2000;Robinson, Garton, & Vaughn, 2007) to be employable in the workforce.Lynch (2000)posited ". there is a tremendous demand for educated people with general employability and specialized technical skills. " (p. 4). Therefore, a need exists to determine what types of skill sets are demanded of secondary high school graduates by industry because there is a "general consensus that occupational preparation. should begin sometime in high school" (p. 7).
Identification of Cellular Targets in Human Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma Using Laser Microdissection and Accurate Mass and Time Tag Proteomics*

Obtaining accurate protein profiles from homogeneous cell populations in heterogeneous tissues can enhance the capability to discover protein biomarkers. In this context, methodologies to access specific cellular populations and analyze their proteome with exquisite sensitivity have to be selected. We report here the results of an investigation using a combination of laser microdissection and accurate mass and time tag proteomics. The study was aimed at the precise determination of proteome alterations in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma ICC, a markedly heterogeneous tumor. This cancer, which is difficult to diagnose and carries a very poor prognosis, has shown an unexplained increase in incidence over the last few years. Among a pool of 574 identified proteins, we were able to report on altered abundance patterns affecting 39 proteins conforming to a variety of potential tumorigenic pathways. The reliability of the proteomics results was confirmed by Western blot and immunohistochemistry on matched samples. Most of the proteins displaying perturbed abundances had not yet been described in the setting of ICC. These include proteins involved in cell mobility and actin cytoskeleton remodeling, which may participate in the epithelial to mesenchymal transition, a process invoked in migration and invasion of cancer cells. The biological relevance of these findings was explored using a tissue microarray. An increased abundance of vimentin was thus detected in 70% of ICC and none of the controls. These results suggest that vimentin could play a role in the aggressiveness of ICC and provide a basis for the serious outcome of this cancer.
Physiological Responses during Performance within a Virtual Scenario for the Rehabilitation of Motor Deficits

Real-time physiological feedback can be used to modulate a virtual reality (VR) experience. It is not obvious, however, which parameters are most effective in achieving this such as heart rate variability and or the electrodermal response. Here we address this question by assessing the impact of the events generated by a VR based rehabilitation system on the affective state of human users. We show how the Rehabilitation Gaming System (RGS), a tool developed for the rehabilitation of motor deficits following stroke, can be enhanced using the online monitoring of bodily changes that are not under direct voluntary control. We show specific effects of the RGS on the autonomic nervous system and we propose how to use these for the modulation of the emotional state of the subject and performance.
3D Object Reconstruction with a Single RGB-Depth Image

This paper presents a fast method for acquiring 3D models of unknown objects lying on a table, using a single viewpoint. The proposed algorithm is able to reconstruct a full model using a single RGB + Depth image, such as those provided by available low-cost range cameras. It estimates the hidden parts by exploiting the geometrical properties of everyday objects, and combines depth and color information for a better segmentation of the object of interest. A quantitative evaluation on a set of 12 common objects shows that our approach is not only simple and effective, but also the reconstructed model is accurate enough for tasks such as robotic grasping.
Understanding the Role of Involvement in Customer Repurchase of the Performing Arts

This article examines a system of interrelationships including involvement, service quality for core and supplementary service, value and satisfaction to repurchase intention in a performing arts context. There is little research that examines in detail the impact of involvement on repurchase intention in this context. A survey instrument customized to the performing arts was administered to a sample of 273 past and present performing arts audience members and examined using structural equation modeling. Results indicate that while customers determine their re‐purchase intention based on both core and supplementary service quality, mediated by value and satisfaction there is a direct and positive relationship of involvement and each of the other constructs in the model. This substantiates involvement's impact at all stages of consumption and re‐purchase intent in this context.