Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
RATE-DEPENDENTUNDRAINED SHEAR BEHAVIOR OF SATURATEDCLAY

The paper describes results from 25 Ko consolidated-undrained triaxial compression tests on re­ sedimented Boston blue clay using a computer-automated triaxial apparatus with lubricated end platens and a midheight pore-pressure measurement device. Specimens were consolidated to four overconsolidation ratios (OCR = I, 2, 4, or 8), and for each OCR, undrained shear was performed using four axial strain rates (0.05%, 0.5%, 5%, and 50%/h). The results show that the undrained strength (su) rate sensitivity (percent increase in Su per log cycle strain rate) across the two fastest strain rates does not vary with OCR and equals about 9%. However, across the three slower rates, increases in OCR cause a consistent decrease in the rate sensitivity that reaches zero at OCR =8. For high OCR clay, increases in Su (if they occur) are caused by lower shear-induced pore pressures since the effective stress envelope at the peak strength does not vary with strain rate. For low OCR clay, increases in Su are caused by both lower shear-induced pore pressures and increases in the mobilized friction angle. A simple technique is proposed for modeling the rate dependent stress-strain curves of overcon­ solidated clay.
Kidney Stones in Transfusion-Dependent Thalassemia: Prevalence and Risk Factors

Purpose: As patients with transfusion-dependent thalassemia (TDT) are living longer, novel morbidities are being recognized. The purpose of this review is to summarize the current knowledge regarding the prevalence and risk factors of nephrolithiasis in patients with TDT. Methods: A non-systematic, narrative review of the current literature published up to August 2021 was con-ducted. Results: Nephrolithiasis has been reported in 18% - 59% of patients with TDT, which is at least twice the prevalence in the general US population. The risk factors for nephrolithiasis can be classified into behavioral (dietary and lifestyle), environmental, metabolic, disease-specific, and genetic factors. While clarifying the true prevalence of nephrolithiasis in different age groups and diagnostic categories of TDT requires further research, prevention, and management of nephrolithiasis is a growing clinical concern. Physicians should be aware of the potential increased risk of stone disease in splenectomized and diabetic patients as well as those treated with certain chelation regimens. Conclusions: The etiology of nephrolithiasis and potential TDT-specific risk factors that may put patients at greater risk are highlighted. There is insufficient evidence at this time to recommend universal screening for nephrolithiasis using ultrasound. Evidence-based recommendations on monitoring, prevention, and management of nephrolithiasis in TDT are provided.
Relationship between Social Distancing and Admissions for Cerebrovascular Accidents at a Tertiary Medical Center during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Retrospective, Community-Based Study

We evaluated the trend of admission of patients with acute cerebrovascular accidents (CVAs) during social distancing measures implemented during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) era. The data of patients admitted with transient ischemic attack, ischemic stroke, intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), and subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) to the emergency department of the Hanyang University Seoul Hospital were retrospectively analyzed. The data were compared between the pre-COVID-19 and COVID-19 periods. Poisson regression analysis was performed to evaluate changes in admission rates as a function of the year, social distancing level, and the interaction between the year and social distancing level. The number of admissions for CVAs dropped from 674 in the pre-COVID-19 period to 582 in the COVID-19 period. The decline in the number of admissions for ICH during social distancing measures was statistically significant, while the declines in SAH and ischemic stroke admissions were not. When the social distancing level was raised, admissions for CVAs dropped by 19.8%. The correlation between social distancing and decreased admissions for CVAs is a paradoxical relationship that may be of interest to the field of public health.
Physiological and Pathological Significance of Esophageal TRP Channels: Special Focus on TRPV4 in Esophageal Epithelial Cells

Transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4) is a non-selective cation channel that is broadly expressed in different human tissues, including the digestive system, where it acts as a molecular sensor and a transducer that regulates a variety of functional activities. Despite the extensive research to determine the role of this channel in the physiology and pathophysiology of different organs, the unique morphological and functional features of TRPV4 in the esophagus remain largely unknown. Ten years ago, TRPV4 was shown to be highly expressed in esophageal epithelial cells where its activation induces Ca2+-dependent ATP release, which, in turn, mediates several functions, ranging from mechanosensation to wound healing. This review summarizes the research progress on TRPV4, and focuses on the functional expression of TRPV4 in esophageal epithelium and its possible role in different esophageal diseases that would support TRPV4 as a candidate target for future therapeutic approaches to treat patients with these conditions.
Mechanotransduction in Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) Differentiation: A Review

Mechanotransduction is the process by which physical force is converted into a biochemical signal that is used in development and physiology; meanwhile, it is intended for the ability of cells to sense and respond to mechanical forces by activating intracellular signals transduction pathways and the relative phenotypic adaptation. It encompasses the role of mechanical stimuli for developmental, morphological characteristics, and biological processes in different organs; the response of cells to mechanically induced force is now also emerging as a major determinant of disease. Due to fluid shear stress caused by blood flowing tangentially across the lumen surface, cells of the cardiovascular system are typically exposed to a variety of mechanotransduction. In the body, tissues are continuously exposed to physical forces ranging from compression to strain, which is caused by fluid pressure and compressive forces. Only lately, though, has the importance of how forces shape stem cell differentiation into lineage-committed cells and how mechanical forces can cause or exacerbate disease besides organizing cells into tissues been acknowledged. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are potent mediators of cardiac repair which can secret a large array of soluble factors that have been shown to play a huge role in tissue repair. Differentiation of MSCs is required to regulate mechanical factors such as fluid shear stress, mechanical strain, and the rigidity of the extracellular matrix through various signaling pathways for their use in regenerative medicine. In the present review, we highlighted mechanical influences on the differentiation of MSCs and the general factors involved in MSCs differentiation. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the progress that has been achieved in understanding how MSCs perceive and react to their mechanical environment, as well as to highlight areas where more research has been performed in previous studies to fill in the gaps.
Exploring the association between character strengths and moral functioning

ABSTRACT We explored the relationship between 24 character strengths measured by the Global Assessment of Character Strengths (GACS), which was revised from the original VIA instrument, and moral functioning comprising postconventional moral reasoning, empathic traits and moral identity. Bayesian Model Averaging (BMA) was employed to explore the best models, which were more parsimonious than full regression models estimated through frequentist regression, predicting moral functioning indicators with the 24 candidate character strength predictors. Our exploration was conducted with a dataset collected from 666 college students at a public university in the Southern United States. Results showed that character strengths as measured by GACS partially predicted relevant moral functioning indicators. Performance evaluation results demonstrated that the best models identified by BMA performed significantly better than the full models estimated by frequentist regression in terms of AIC, BIC, and cross-validation accuracy. We discuss theoretical and methodological implications of the findings for future studies addressing character strengths and moral functioning.
Multiple identities juggling game: types of identity integration and their outcomes

ABSTRACT In order to analyze how individuals socialized into multiple cultures integrate their different socio-cultural belongings, Benet-Martinez and colleagues introduced the construct of Bicultural Identity Integration. More recently, this construct has been applied to the study of identity dynamics beyond ethnicity under the more general rubric of Identity Integration (II), and with the goal of examining how other types of self-aspects intersect with each other. This Special Issue showcases current work on II and illustrates how this approach has become an effective theoretical tool to study identity processes in different social contexts. The multiplicity of methodologies used, the differing participants’ backgrounds, and the various identity domains explored, confirm that the II framework is useful to understand the complexity of multiple identifications.
ANALISIS PEKERJAAN DENGAN PERILAKU IBU HAMIL UNTUK MELAKUKAN KUNJUNGAN ANTENATAL CARE

The occupation undertaken by women during pregnancy is one of the factors that can influence mother’s behavior in conducting Antenatal care (ANC) visit. The occupation is one of the non-financial barriers to maternity care. Limited clinic hours or incompatible working schedule to pregnant women’s working hours are the factors that obstruct pregnant women to conduct ANC visit. Aim of the study is to determine the analysis of occupation to the pregnant women’s behavior in conducting ANC visit at Kragilan village, Mojolaban District, Sukoharjo Regency. Analytic observational with a cross sectional approach was used as the research method. The study was conducted at Kragilan village, Mojolaban District, Sukoharjo Regency on December 2019. The sample used were mothers with children under 3 years as many as 62 respondents employed by non-probability sampling technique using saturated sample type. Chi square test (X 2 ) was used as the data analysis. Result of the study shows that occupation factor was not related to the pregnant women’s behavior in conducting ANC visit (p.value = 0.071 > 0.05). Working pregnant women do not have spare time to do ANC visit because they have to ask for permission from work or do not go to work, that will indirectly decrease the motivation to conduct Antenatal care visit. It can be concluded that there is no relationship between occupations to the pregnant mother’s behavior in conducting ANC visit. It is suggested for the future researcher to deepen and develop the study by exploring another factors influence ANC visit.
Canaloplasty and Trabeculotomy Combined with Phacoemulsification for Glaucoma: 12-Month Results of the GEMINI Study

Purpose To report 12-month efficacy outcomes of 360° canaloplasty and 180° trabeculotomy using the OMNI surgical system in combination with phacoemulsification in patients with mild-moderate open-angle glaucoma (OAG) and visually significant cataract. Setting Fifteen multi-subspecialty ophthalmology practices and surgery centers located in 14 US states. Design Prospective, multicenter, IRB approved study of patients treated with canaloplasty (360°) and trabeculotomy (180°). Eligible patients had cataract and mild-moderate OAG with intraocular pressure (IOP) ≤33 mmHg on 1 to 4 hypotensive medications. Unmedicated post-washout mean diurnal IOP (DIOP) ≥21 and ≤36 mmHg. Methods Medication washout preoperatively and prior to month 12 DIOP. Effectiveness outcomes were IOP and IOP lowering medication use. Safety outcomes included adverse events and secondary surgical interventions (SSIs). Evaluations at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. Results A total of 149 subjects underwent surgery and 120 were included in the final effectiveness analysis. Mean (standard deviation) unmedicated diurnal IOP was reduced from 23.8 (3.1) mmHg at baseline to 15.6 (4.0) at month 12 (−35%) and medications (before washout) were reduced from 1.8 (0.9) at baseline to 0.4 (0.9) at month 12 (−80%). At month 12, 84.2% of eyes achieved IOP reductions >20% from baseline, 80% of eyes were medication-free, and 76% of eyes achieved IOP between 6–18 mmHg inclusive. Adverse events were uncommon. Most were mild and self-limited including transient hyphema (9 of 149; 6%) and transient IOP elevations (3 of 149; 2.0%). No eyes required SSIs or experienced loss of VA that was attributable to the device or procedure. Conclusion Canaloplasty and trabeculotomy performed with the OMNI surgical system at the time of phacoemulsification significantly reduces unmedicated mean diurnal IOP and medication use 12 months postoperatively, with an excellent safety profile. This procedure should be considered for eyes with mild-moderate OAG to reduce IOP, medication burden, or both.
The effect of intellectual capital on firm performance: the mediating role of family management

Purpose This study aims to investigate the effect of intellectual capital components on firms’ performance, and also examines the influence of the mediating role of family management on such a relationship. Design/methodology/approach The hypotheses are tested using structural equation modeling for a sample of 46 Jordanian service listed firms during 2014–2019. Findings The results indicate that intellectual capital efficiency is a key factor that enables firms to achieve higher financial performance and higher market value. Human capital efficiency has a significant positive effect on firms’ profitability as measured by return on assets and earnings per share. No evidence is shown to support that family management has a mediating role on the relationship between intellectual capital and firms’ performance. Practical implications The results indicate strong evidence of the important role of intellectual capital on firm performance. Accordingly, this study recommends that the managers of service firms should continue to enhance and improve the components of intellectual capital, especially investing more in the competencies and capabilities of employees, including their skills, education and training programs to achieve competitive advantage and ensure continued success in the future, and investors to pay special attention to the components of intellectual capital to predict the performance of the firm and be able to choose the best investment opportunities. Originality/value This study provides additional insights into the literature of both intellectual capital and family businesses by analyzing data from an emerging market.
Antimicrobial Behavior and Cytotoxicity of Indocyanine Green in Combination with Visible Light and Water-Filtered Infrared A Radiation against Periodontal Bacteria and Subgingival Biofilm

The widespread increase of antibiotic resistance highlights the need for alternative treatments such as antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT). This study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial behavior and cytotoxicity of aPDT with indocyanine green (ICG) in combination with visible light (Vis) and water-filtered infrared A (wIRA). Representative periodontal bacteria (Parvimonas micra, Atopobium riame, Slackia exigua, Actinomyces naeslundii, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, and Prevotella nigrescens) and subgingival in situ biofilms from periodontal patients were treated with aPDT for 5 min. ICG was used at different concentrations (50–500 µg/mL) and the number of viable cells was determined in colony forming units (CFU). Untreated negative controls and 0.2% chlorhexidine as a positive control were also prepared. The cytotoxicity test on human keratinocytes in vitro was analyzed with the AlamarBlue assay after 5, 10, and 20 min, with four ICG concentrations, and at two temperatures (room temperature and 37 °C). The tested periodontal pathogens treated with aPDT were eliminated in a range between 1.2 and 6.7 log10 CFU, except for A. naeslundii, which was killed at a lower range. The subgingival biofilm treated with aPDT expressed significant differences to the untreated controls except for at 300 µg/mL ICG concentration. The cytotoxicity was directly related to the concentration of ICG and irradiation time. These observations raise questions concerning the use of this specific aPDT as an adjuvant to periodontal treatments due to its possible toxicity towards human gingival cells.
Sample size determination in phase I oncology trials based on selection probability of the maximum tolerated dose

Phase I oncology clinical trials are designed to evaluate the safety of test drug/s and to determine the recommended dose for subsequent trials. However, the method to determine the required number of participants (sample size) has not been sufficiently developed for these dose-finding studies. The usual approach involves time-consuming calculations using numerical experiments to establish the required sample size that will allow the determination of accurate recommended dose of the test drug/s. In this study, we propose a time-saving method to determine the sample size. This method uses an alternative index of the proportion to accurately select the recommended dose. In the numerical experiments, we compared the performances (sample size, proportion of correctly selected recommended dose, and calculation time for the determination of sample size) of the proposed method with those of the conventional method. The sample size and the proportion of correctly selected recommended dose, determined by the proposed method, were slightly different from those calculated using the conventional method. The calculation time of the proposed method was consistently shorter than that of the conventional method. These results suggest that the proposed method can be used to roughly estimate the sample size of phase I oncology studies.
Site and Mechanism of Recurrent Pontine Infarction: A Hospital-Based Follow-Up Study

Although pontine infarction is the most common subtype of posterior circulation stroke, there has been little research focusing on recurrent pontine infarction. Our study aimed to investigate the factors associated with site and mechanism of recurrent pontine infarction. Patients with acute isolated pontine infarction were enrolled and followed up for one year. Lesion topography was determined by diffusion-weighted imaging. Mechanisms were determined based on lesion topography and other vascular, cardiologic and laboratory results. A total of 562 patients with pontine infarction were included, with 67 patients experiencing recurrence during the follow-up period. Forty-one recurrences occurred at the same site as index pontine infarction (41/67, 61.2%). Results indicated that the mechanism of index pontine infarction was significantly associated with the recurrent sites (p = 0.041, OR 2.938, 95% CI 1.044–8.268), and also with the mechanisms of recurrence (p = 0.004, OR 6.056, 95% CI 1.774–20.679). Branch atheromatous disease-induced index pontine infarction was likely to recur at the same site and with the same mechanism. Moreover, if recurrence occurred at the same site, the mechanism was probably the same as that of the index stroke (p = 0.000). Our study may help physicians treat patients with pontine infarction by predicting the site and mechanism of recurrence.
A Facile and Cost-Effective Method to Prepare Biodegradable Poly(ester urethane)s with Ordered Aliphatic Hard-Segments for Promising Medical Application as Long-Term Implants

The article below describes a simple methodology to prepare cost-effective biodegradable poly(ester urethane)s (PEUs) with ordered hard segments (OHS) for medical application as long-term implants. A low-cost diurethane diol (1,4-butanediol-hexanediisocyanate-1,4-butanediol, BHB) was first designed and synthesized. Consequently, the BHB was employed as a chain extender to react with NCO-terminated poly(ε-caprolactone) to obtain PEUs. The molecular structural formats for BHB and PEUs were defined through NMR, FT-IR, and MS together with GPC, while the influence of OHS content on physical/chemical features for casted PEU films was investigated. The introduction of OHS could contribute to forming denser hydrogen-bonds, and consequently produce a compact network structure, resulting in great tensile capacity, low water absorption, and slow hydrolytic degradation rate by PEU films. PEU-2.0 films, which possessed the highest OHS content within PEUs, exhibited 40.6 MPa tensile strength together with 477% elongation at break, 4.3 wt % equilibrium water absorption and only 29.5% weight loss post-12 months’ degradation. In addition, cytotoxicity analysis of film extracts indicated that the cell viability of all PEUs containing OHS exceeded 75%, indicating good cytocompatibility. Due to outstanding tensile features, high biostability, nontoxic and absorbable degradation products and acceptable cytocompatibility, the cost-effective materials exhibited promising applications in the field of long-term implants.
Multiple Directorships and Audit Committee Effectiveness: Evidence from Effort Allocation

Recent post-SOX studies have consistently found that the presence of audit committee (AC) directors with multiple directorships is associated with lower financial reporting quality. An implicit assumption of these studies is that AC directors distribute their effort equally across all their directorships. Using a firm size-based proxy and firm risk-based (i.e. probabilities of litigation and of misstatements) proxies to measure relative directorship importance, we investigate (1) whether and how AC directors who serve on multiple AC directorships allocate their effort to different directorships unequally, and (2) whether the unequal prioritization of effort across multiple AC directorships relates to AC monitoring effectiveness. We find a positive (no) relation between the risk-based (firm size-based) directorship importance measures and AC effectiveness, suggesting that AC directors serving on multiple boards unequally allocate their effort to different directorships based on incentives related to firm risk and not to firm size. Our results have relevance for regulators, boards of directors, investors, and other stakeholders.