Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Intrinsic motivation for knowledge sharing - competitive intelligence process in a telecom company

Purpose Knowledge about competitive environments is a determinant factor for the success of a firm, as it may allow it to anticipate threats and opportunities in its market. This study aims to explore variables that enable or prevent an employee’s intrinsic motivation to share knowledge. It studies the collection and sharing of information that may be a signal of future competitive moves in competitive intelligence (CI) processes. Design/methodology/approach Canonical correlation was used by utilizing survey data from a company. The study was based on the self-determination theory relating intrinsic motivation to behavior. Findings The study confirms the importance of different aspects motivating knowledge sharing behavior, such as information system’s support, top management support and information feed-back. Research limitations/implications The study is limited to one company, respecting the limitations of a case study, but external validation was impossible to test. Findings showed a strong correlation of some variables with intrinsic motivation and are coherent with other studies in the knowledge sharing field. Practical implications Firms introducing knowledge sharing processes should pay attention to the importance of information system support. The relationship with people involved is also important, as in supporting their collaborations and giving feed-back to contributions. Sustaining intrinsic motivation seems a fundamental aspect to the process’ success. Originality/value The study indicates the relation of different variables of motivation with motivation. It explores knowledge sharing in a CI process, an important process in firms nowadays. It shows important aspects that ensure continuity of knowledge sharing as informational feed-back and top management support. Canonical correlation was also used, a technique not frequently explored and useful to study correlation among groups of variables.
On the use of dexamethasone‐loaded liposomes to induce the osteogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells

Stem cells have received considerable attention by the scientific community because of their potential for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. The most frequently used method to promote their differentiation is supplementation of the in vitro culture medium with growth/differentiation factors (GDFs). The limitations of that strategy caused by the short half‐life of GDFs limit its efficacy in vivo and consequently its clinical use. Thus, the development of new concepts that enable the bioactivity and bioavailability of GDFs to be protected, both in vitro and in vivo, is very relevant. Nanoparticle‐based drug delivery systems can be injected, protect the GDFs and enable spatiotemporal release kinetics to be controlled. Liposomes are well‐established nanodelivery devices presenting significant advantages, viz. a high load‐carrying capacity, relative safety and easy production, and a versatile nature in terms of possible formulations and surface functionalization. The main objective of the present study was to optimize the formulation of liposomes to encapsulate dexamethasone (Dex). Our results showed that the optimized Dex‐loaded liposomes do not have any cytotoxic effect on human bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs). More importantly, they were able to promote an earlier induction of differentiation of hBMSCs into the osteogenic lineage, as demonstrated by the expression of osteoblastic markers, both phenotypically and genotypically. We concluded that Dex‐loaded liposomes represent a viable nanoparticle strategy with enhanced safety and efficacy for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Concordance between common dry eye diagnostic tests

Aim: Large variations in results of diagnostic tests for mild to moderate dry eye are widely recognised. The purpose of this study was to assess if there was concordance between common dry eye diagnostic tests. Methods: A total of 91 subjects were recruited to the study. The tear film and ocular surface were evaluated using the phenol red thread test (PRT), tear film break-up time (TBUT), biomicroscopic examination and impression cytological assessment of conjunctival goblet cells. Dry eye symptoms were assessed using McMonnies’ dry eye questionnaire (MQ) and statistical correlations between all tests were assessed. Results: This study cohort did not include severe aqueous deficient dry eye patients as determined by the PRT. A statistically significant difference was noted between PRT results and all other tests (p⩽0.001). Only Meibomian gland pathology, MQ, reduced goblet cell density and TBUT (⩽7 s) demonstrated correlation determined by McNemar’s test. Conclusion: A correlation was found only between tests assessing lipid/mucous deficiency (Meibomian gland evaluation, goblet cell density, TBUT and MQ).
Proposed Raised Cosine FMF for Dispersion Management in Next-Generation Optical Networks

Spatial mode-division multiplexing (MDM) that exploits the emerging few-mode fiber (FMF) technology is one potential candidate for next-generation petabyte optical communication links. In this paper, we focus on the design issues and specifications of the next-generation FMF that will better enable future MDM networks. These systems suffer from two main optical fiber impairments: intermodal coupling and dispersion. In this paper, we focus on the dispersion management issues through an FMF optical link. We first define two potential differential mode group delay (DMD) management strategies, namely, sawtooth and triangular. Moreover, we propose and investigate a novel parametric refractive index profile few-mode fiber, referred to as raised cosine (RC) function, which has been extensively used in digital communication pulse shaping. We investigate the achievable DMD for a wide range of the RC shape parameter and identify the design values of a two-mode FMF fiber. We then improve the RC profile by including additional shaping parameters. This enabled us to develop one four-mode fiber (4-FMF) and one six-mode fiber (6-FMF) having particularly attractive dispersion characteristics for three kinds of FMF applications: nz-, p-, and n-DMD.
Machine learning-based detection of insertions and deletions in the human genome

Insertions and deletions (indels) make a critical but under-studied contribution to human genetic variation. While indel calling has improved significantly, it lags dramatically in performance relative to single-nucleotide variant calling, something of particular concern for clinical genomics where larger scale disruption of the open reading frame can commonly cause disease. Here, we present a machine learning-based approach to the detection of indel breakpoints. Our novel approach improves sensitivity to larger variants by leveraging sequencing metrics and signatures of poor read alignment. We use new benchmark datasets and Sanger sequencing to compare our approach to current gold standard indel callers, achieving unprecedented levels of precision and recall. We demonstrate the impact of these calling improvements by applying this tool to a cohort of patients with undiagnosed disease, generating plausible candidates in 21 out of 26 cases. We highlight the diagnosis of one patient with a 498-bp deletion in HNRNPA1 missed by traditional indel-detection tools.
Short-term and long-term efficacy of classical ketogenic diet and modified Atkins diet in children and adolescents with epilepsy: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Objectives: Classical ketogenic diet (KD) and modified Atkins diet (MAD) are two types of KD commonly used for the treatment of intractable epilepsy throughout the world. Studies have shown the efficacy of these diets. However, no systematic review and meta-analysis study has to date compared the efficacy of KD and MAD in a time trend. Therefore, the objectives of the present study were to compare the short-term and long-term efficacy of classical KD and MAD in children and adolescents with epilepsy and to determine the efficacy of classical KD and MAD at multiple time points and in a time trend. Methods: Main electronic literature databases, including MEDLINE/PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and EMBASE, were searched in November 2016. Rate difference and random effects model were used to compare the efficacy of the classical KD and MAD. Results: Overall, 70 studies were eligible for inclusion. Meta-analysis revealed a non-significant trend toward a higher efficacy of MAD at month-3 and month-6 (P > 0.05). In the classical KD group, the percentage of responder patients achieving ≥50% seizure reduction was 62, 60, 52, 42, and 46% at month-1, 3, 6, 12 and 24 and for the MAD group was 55, 47, 42, and 29% at month-1, 3, 6, and 12, respectively. Discussion: Classical KD does not differ substantially from MAD in ≥50% and ≥90% reduction of seizure frequency at month-3 and month-6. Overall, the number of patients achieving seizure freedom increases over time.
Fluoride Levels in Saliva and Plaque following the Use of High Fluoride and Conventional Dentifrices- a Triple Blinded Randomised Parallel Group Trial

Context The comparison of fluoride levels in saliva and plaque following the use of conventional, 2800 and 5000 ppm dentifrices for different time intervals up to 24 hours has not been explored. Aim The aim of the present study was to assess salivary and plaque fluoride levels at different time intervals following the use of high fluoride dentifrices. Study Design This randomised control trial was conducted on sixty adolescents between the age group of 16 and 18 years divided into three groups A, B, and C. Intervention Subjects were asked to brush the occlusal surfaces of posterior teeth with one of the dentifrices for 2 min. Unstimulated whole saliva and plaque samples were collected at different time intervals. Fluoride levels were determined using SPADNS method. Data was collected and statistically analyzed using SPSS 20 Inc. by mixed repeated measure ANOVA. Results A significant difference in fluoride levels was observed at different time intervals in both saliva (p=0.048) and plaque (p=0.03). The variance was low with time and concentration of the dentifrice used in saliva, whereas the magnitude of treatment was large for time (>0.25) but small for (<0.09) concentration in plaque. Conclusion A significant difference in fluoride levels was observed at different time intervals in both saliva and plaque among the three groups. There was a positive correlation between fluoride levels in saliva and plaque. Both high fluoride dentifrices were effective in maintaining higher intraoral fluoride levels up to 12 hours and 5000 ppm up to 24 hours compared to conventional dentifrice.
Rhenium–Osmium Isotope Measurements in Marine Shale Reference Material SBC‐1: Implications for Method Validation and Quality Control

In this study, the USGS black shale reference material SBC‐1 was investigated as a matrix‐matched reference material for both intra‐laboratory calibration and inter‐laboratory comparison of high‐precision Re‐Os dating for organic‐rich sedimentary rocks. This reference material was analysed for Re‐Os isotopic composition by three digestion protocols – inverse aqua regia, CrO3‐H2SO4 and H2O2‐HNO3. The results for SBC‐1 obtained by inverse aqua regia digestion yielded similar Re mass fractions but slightly (~ 5%) higher Os mass fractions and lower 187Os/188Os values than the CrO3‐H2SO4 and H2O2‐HNO3 digestions. The data set of inverse aqua regia digestion exhibited strong correlations in plots of 187Os/188Os vs. 1/192Os and 187Os/188Os vs. 187Re/188Os, which may signify the incorporation of detrital Re and Os into organic matter in the Re‐Os system. Similar correlations were also observed for the CrO3‐H2SO4 digestion data set, but not for that of H2O2‐HNO3. The data indicate that there is an amount of non‐hydrogenous Os in SBC‐1 and that CrO3‐H2SO4 and H2O2‐HNO3 digestions would minimise liberation of the non‐hydrogenous Os component. We propose that SBC‐1 may be a more suitable reference material to monitor the influence of detrital Re and Os on Re‐Os isochron age data, especially for samples with less organic matter and more siliceous detritus.
A new plasma-adapted hydroxyethylstarch preparation: in vitro coagulation studies using thrombelastography and whole blood aggregometry.

BACKGROUND The lack of acceptance of hydroxyethylstarch (HES) for intravascular volume replacement is most likely due to reports of abnormal coagulation. In a blinded in vitro study, we compared the effects on hemostasis of a new HES, prepared in a balanced solution, with a conventional HES preparation and Ringer's lactate solution. METHODS Blood was taken from 10 healthy young male volunteers. Blood was diluted by 10%, 30%, and 50% using either 6% HES 130/0.42 prepared in a balanced solution, a conventional nonbalanced 6% HES 130/0.4 or Ringer's lactate solution. Rotation thrombelastography, was performed after adding two activators (thromboplastin-phospholipid to monitor the intrinsic system; tissue factor to monitor the extrinsic system). Whole blood aggregometry adding adenosine diphosphate, collagen, and thrombin receptor-activating protein was used to assess changes of platelet function. RESULTS Dilution of blood (30% and 50%) resulted in clot formation time that was significantly more prolonged in the nonbalanced than in the balanced HES group. In the 50% diluted sample using the unbalanced HES, maximum clot firmness was significantly more reduced than by 50% dilution using the balanced HES. In the 50% diluent using the nonbalanced HES, adenosine diphosphate-, collagen-, and thrombin receptor activating protein-induced aggregometry was more reduced than in the balanced HES group. CONCLUSIONS A balanced HES preparation showed fewer negative effects on thrombelastographic data and platelet aggregation than a nonbalanced HES preparation, especially when using higher degrees of dilution. Future clinical studies may show a decreased influence of balanced HES solutions on coagulation.
Modelling Inter-temporal Differential Returns to Agricultural and Forestry Land Use using the Forest Investment and Valuation Estimator (FIVE)

In this paper we examine the economics of the relative return to land use in Ireland when changing from an agricultural system to forestry. To do this we have developed a cost-benefit framework to model the inter-temporal costs and benefits of forestry planting decisions relative to alternative agricultural uses for different environmental and soil conditions. We equate forest productivity to agricultural soil categories and then generate agricultural gross margins for six farm enterprises on six soil types. Using a forest valuation estimator developed for this purpose, the gross margins are included as an opportunity cost in forestry income streams on comparable sites. The results show that forestry does not compete economically with dairy enterprises on any soil type, but that forestry is more profitable than cattle and sheep across all soil types, and particularly on less productive agricultural soils.
Higher risk of neutropenia associated with piperacillin-tazobactam compared with ticarcillin-clavulanate in children.

BACKGROUND A series of cases of piperacillin-tazobactam (P/T)-associated neutropenia has been observed recently in children in our center. Because neutropenia was seldom observed in children treated with ticarcillin-clavulanic acid (T/C), we conducted a study to determine if there is an increased risk of neutropenia in children exposed to P/T in comparison with T/C. METHODS Medical records of subjects aged <18 years who received at least 1 dose of P/T or T/C between 1 January 2008 and 30 June 2011 were reviewed. RESULTS Two hundred ninety-nine episodes of treatment (65 P/T, 234 T/C) met inclusion criteria. Among those episodes, 213 had data allowing complete white blood cell count analysis and were included in the final analysis. Thirteen cases of neutropenia were observed during the study period. The average time to onset was 17.6 days and all patients were aged <13 years. Seven cases (10.8%) occurred in the P/T group and 6 (2.6%) in the T/C group (unadjusted odds ratio, 4.59; 95% confidence interval, 1.48-14.17). Although a statistically significant correlation was observed between age, treatment duration, and total dose and the development of neutropenia (r = -0.121, P = .037; r = 0.267, P < .001; r = 0.260, P < .001, respectively), this was not the case for sex, indications, neutrophil count at initiation, and concomitant drug treatments. CONCLUSIONS Although our results need to be confirmed, they suggest that children receiving long courses of therapy (>2 weeks) with P/T may be at increased risk of neutropenia, compared with T/C.
Comparison of rates of adverse events in adolescent and adult women undergoing medical abortion: population register based study

Objective To determine the risks of short term adverse events in adolescent and older women undergoing medical abortion. Design Population based retrospective cohort study. Setting Finnish abortion register 2000-6. Participants All women (n=27 030) undergoing medical abortion during 2000-6, with only the first induced abortion analysed for each woman. Main outcome measures Incidence of adverse events (haemorrhage, infection, incomplete abortion, surgical evacuation, psychiatric morbidity, injury, thromboembolic disease, and death) among adolescent (<18 years) and older (≥18 years) women through record linkage of Finnish registries and genital Chlamydia trachomatis infections detected concomitantly with abortion and linked with data from the abortion register for 2004-6. Results During 2000-6, 3024 adolescents and 24 006 adults underwent at least one medical abortion. The rate of chlamydia infections was higher in the adolescent cohort (5.7% v 3.7%, P<0.001). The incidence of adverse events among adolescents was similar or lower than that among the adults. The risks of haemorrhage (adjusted odds ratio 0.87, 95% confidence interval 0.77 to 0.99), incomplete abortion (0.69, 0.59 to 0.82), and surgical evacuation (0.78, 0.67 to 0.90) were lower in the adolescent cohort. In subgroup analysis of primigravid women, the risks of incomplete abortion (0.68, 0.56 to 0.81) and surgical evacuation (0.75, 0.64 to 0.88) were lower in the adolescent cohort. In logistic regression, duration of gestation was the most important risk factor for infection, incomplete abortion, and surgical evacuation. Conclusions The incidence of adverse events after medical abortion was similar or lower among adolescents than among older women. Thus, medical abortion seems to be at least as safe in adolescents as it is in adults.
Force display performs better than visual display in a simple 6-D docking task

A simplified docking problem is studied. The user attempts to find the potential-energy minimum in a 6-D space defined by six Hooke's-law springs attached to a manipulable object. This space has no other local minima. A pilot-controlled experiment with seven subjects, twelve trials each, showed that performance with a force display is better (p<0.01) than performance with a visual display alone, and that subjects are able to find the zero-force position more than twice as fast with a force display alone than with a visual display alone. Also described is a way of graphically representing the resultants of a set of forces and torques acting on a body. Even though the experiment shows force display to be more effective, it also shows that the simple 6-D docking task can reliably be done with this visual display alone. <<ETX>>
Regional Localization of Suspensor mRNAs during Early Embryo Development Article, publication date, and citation information can be found at www.aspb.org/cgi/doi/10.1105/tpc.010326.

We investigated gene activity within the giant embryos of the scarlet runner bean (Phaseolus coccineus) to gain understanding of the processes by which the apical and basal cells become specified to follow different developmental pathways after division of the zygote. We identified two mRNAs, designated G564 and C541, that accumulate specifically within the suspensor of globular-stage embryos. G564 mRNA accumulates uniformly throughout the suspensor, whereas C541 mRNA accumulates to a higher level within the large basal cells of the suspensor that anchor the embryo to the surrounding seed tissue. Both G564 and C541 mRNAs begin to accumulate shortly after fertilization and are present within the two basal cells of embryos at the four-cell stage. In contrast, at the same stage, these mRNAs are not detectable within the two descendants of the apical cell. Nor are they detectable within cells of the embryo sac before fertilization, including the egg cell. We used a G564/β-glucuronidase reporter gene to show that the G564 promoter is activated specifically within the basal region and suspensor of preglobular tobacco embryos. Analysis of the G564 promoter identified a sequence domain required for transcription within the suspensor that contains several copies of a conserved motif. These results show that derivatives of the apical and basal cells transcribe different genes as early as the four-cell stage of embryo development and suggest that the apical and basal cells are specified at the molecular level after division of the zygote.
Immunoglobulin plasma concentration in relation to egg laying and mate ornamentation of female barn swallows (Hirundo rustica)

In vertebrates, offspring have a relatively inefficient immune system soon after birth. Female birds transmit immunoglobulins to the egg, which can confer protection against parasites to their offspring after hatching, but allocation of immune factors can depend on the reproductive value of the offspring as affected, for example, by the quality of their father. We analyse the variation in immunoglobulin levels of female barn swallows (Hirundo rustica) during the breeding cycle in relation to the expression of a secondary sexual character of their mates. Circulating immunoglobulins peaked on approximately the day before that of laying of their first egg, but postlaying concentration was similar to the concentration well before laying. Immunoglobulin levels per unit volume of plasma were lower for females breeding late compared with those breeding early. Haematocrit of females reached an absolute minimum on the day of laying of the third egg. In males, concentration of immunoglobulins relative to other plasma proteins did not change in relation to the breeding stage. Smaller relative concentrations of immunoglobulins and haematocrit were observed in males breeding late in the season. Immunoglobulin concentration of females was positively correlated with the level of ornamentation of their mates. These results suggest that females alter their immune profile to transmit humoral factors providing immune defence against pathogens to their offspring after hatching. This enhancement of immune protection is larger when the offsprings are of relatively large reproductive value as when sired by high quality males. Alternatively, females with relatively large immunoglobulin concentration preferentially mate with the most ornamented males.