Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
DIAGNOSTIC AND THERAPEUTIC CHALLENGES

A 55-year-old Chinese woman was referred by the hematologists to the Eye Institute, University of Hong Kong, for further assessment due to her reduced vision and metamorphopsia since July 2011. She was diagnosed to have monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) since 2006 by the hematologists, and it has been stable without any intervention. On initial presentation to us in November 2011, she revealed a history of reduced vision in the left eye for a few months, which was gradual and with metamorphopsia. Otherwise, she did not complain of any systemic unwell other than the ocular symptoms. There was no fever or any weight loss. Her initial best-corrected visual acuity was 20/30 in the right eye and 20/200 in the left eye. The observations from examination of the anterior segment and lens were normal bilaterally. Examination of the right fundus showed a few subretinal white dots scattered in the posterior pole, associated with surrounding thin layer of subretinal fluid temporal to the disk (Figure 1). Examination of the left fundus showed a larger white grayish subretinal nodule, located superotemporal to the macular, which measured approximately 1 disk diameter in size, associated with surrounding subretinal fluid and retinal wrinkles (Figure 1). The disks looked normal, and retinal vessels appeared unremarkable. Vitreous was also clear bilaterally. Fluorescein angiogram (FA) showed leakage around the white dots bilaterally (Figure 2). Leakage was most significant at the largest subretinal nodule in the left eye. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) across the nodule in the left eye showed subretinal fluid and soft tissue corresponding to the nodule between the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and retina (Figures 3 and 4). However, OCT across the macula in both the eyes showed the presence of subretinal fluid (Figures 3 and 4). The results of full blood cell count, renal and liver function tests, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate were within normal limits. Chest x-ray findings were normal. Tuberculin skin test and search for tubercle bacilli in sputum showed negative results. Aqueous aspirate for tuberculosis polymerase chain reaction was negative bilaterally. Positron emission tomography/computed tomography was also done but failed to show any remarkable uptake anywhere in the body. In view of the atypical clinical presentation, the provisional diagnosis of “bilateral subretinal lesions” was given, and no treatment was initiated. On her latest visit in December 2011, visual acuity remained stable at 20/30 in the right eye and actually improved to 20/60 in the left eye without treatment. The amount of subretinal fluid around the nodules appeared less on OCT when compared with that on the first visit 1 month apart (Figures 3 and 4). This case is presented for discussion.
Asperosaponin VI improves the inflammatory microenvironment through the PERK pathway to promote osteogenic differentiation of periodontal ligament stem cells

Objective: To investigate whether Asperosaponin VI improves the inflammatory microenvironment through the PERK pathway to promote osteogenic differentiation of periodontal ligament stem cells. Methods: Human periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) were isolated and were divided into control group and TNF-α group. The ER stress induced by TNF-α at a concentration of 10 ng/mL was analyzed. Subsequently, PDLSCs were divided into TNF-α group, TNF-α plus 4-phenylbutyric acid (PBA) group and TNF-α plus Asperosaponin VI group. After expression of PERK siRNA by lentiviral infection, the osteogenic differentiation of PDLSCs after blocking PERK was observed. Effects of saponins VI and 4-PBA on the expression of PDLSC osteogenic genes and PERK pathway molecules in inflammatory microenvironment were analyzed by quantitative PCR and western blotting. Results: After treatment with TNF-α at 10 ng/mL, the mRNA expression of Runx2, ALP and OCN in PDLSCs was decreased, but the mRNA and protein expression of GRP78, PERK, ATF4 and CHOP were significantly increased. Furthermore, after the coculture with saponin VI at 10 μmol/L, the abundance of ALP-positive cells and the expression of ALP mRNA were significantly improved, and the mRNA and protein levels of Runx2 and OCN were also increased. Conclusion: Asperosaponin VI may restore the osteogenic differentiation ability of PDLSCs by inhibiting the activation of the PERK pathway in inflammatory conditions.
Edinburgh Research Explorer Enhancing customer loyalty

Purpose - This paper aims to simultaneously examine the moderator effects of switching costs, classified by type (relational, procedural, and financial) and direction (positive and negative), on the relationships between customer-perceived value, trust, and loyalty. Design - This study reports on quantitative data from a survey of two service contexts which vary in their degree of customer-employee contact and customization. Three hundred and sixty usable questionnaires were collected, and the data was analysed using multi-group structural equation modelling. Findings - The results demonstrate that switching costs moderate, in different ways, the relationships between customer loyalty, trust, and perceived value. Moreover, the strength of the moderator effects vary according to service type. Research limitations/implications - This study provides new insights into understanding the moderating role of switching costs; thus, it reduces inconsistencies about the direction and the strength of the moderator effect of switching costs in loyalty frameworks. Practical implications - This study helps managers choose the most effective loyalty strategy for specific service industries and perceptions of switching costs, and to look beyond their service boundaries in order to cross-fertilize strategies for handling switching costs. Originality/value - No empirical study to date has simultaneously examined the moderator effect of switching costs, classified by type and direction, on the relationships between customer-perceived value, trust, and customer loyalty across two different service contexts in a single framework.
GENOMIC ANALYSIS AND EXPRESSION INVESTIGATION OF STEROLEOSIN GENE FAMILY IN ARABIDOPSIS THALIANA

Despite having growing evidence discussing the role of steroleosins in crop plants, their systemic analysis has not been worked extensively. Therefore, bioinformatics tools were employed to study Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) steroleosin in comparison with reported Brassica napus and pine steroleosins. Based on molecular weight, eight steroleosins in Arabidopsis were divided into two groups, L-steroleosin (alkalescence) and H-steroleosin (acidity except At5g50770). Phylogeny analysis suggested that H-steroleosins in Arabidopsis are primitive. Moreover, phylogeny, protein alignment, motif analysis and gene structure analysis revealed that the reported steroleosins in B. napus are closely related to H-steroleosins. Similarly, Gene structure analysis revealed an insertion of 10 residues at the C-terminal of H-steroleosin which makes it relatively larger as compared to L-steroleosins. According to the Protein-protein interactions, Arabidopsis steroleosins are interrelated with genes involved in fatty acid biosynthesis and stress tolerance. Duplication studies suggest that among the steroleosin genes in Arabidopsis, segmental duplications are newly developed. Expression analysis suggests that H-steroleosins mainly express in seed tissue, while L-steroleosins diverge in two directions: expression or repression in all tissues. The upstream sequence analysis suggests that Arabidopsis steroleosins are involved in lipid metabolism and the brassinosteroid signaling pathways. The roles of steroleosins for stress responses are indicated by their induced expression under stress and abscisic acid treatments. Therefore, further investigations are required to evaluate the functions of steroleosins in plants.
STRUCTURAL AND TRIBOLOGICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF PULSED LASER DEPOSITED TiN THIN FILMS

Because of its high hardness and low wear rates titanium nitride (TiN) is the most widespread material for hard coatings. Thin TiN films have been deposited industrially in recent years with various deposition methods. For coating of heat sensitive materials and machine parts at low temperatures down to room temperature only a few deposition techniques can be applied. One of these is the pulsed laser deposition (PLD) method, which was used in this work for the deposition of TiN thin films on three-dimensional shaped substrates. A Nd:YAG laser of 1064 nm wavelength was applied to vaporize titanium targets in low pressure N2 atmospheres at room temperature. As substrate materials for the deposition of the TiN films a high speed tool steel (DIN 1.3343) and a corrosion resistant steel (DIN 1.4542) were used. The substrate surfaces were situated parallel (on-axis) and rectangular (off-axis) to the target surface to simulate film deposition on three-dimensional shaped tools. The films were examined by light-microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), nano-indentation and pin-on-disk tests. The results indicate, that the PLD method is suitable for deposition of crystalline, strong textured TiN films with a very low surface roughness, with an excellent adhesion to the substrates, with a high hardness and a high wear resistance.
The Politics of Magic: Fantasy Media, Technology, and Nature in the 21st Century

The 2000s have been a decade of fantasy media. Two fantasy film series begun in 2001, The Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter, have now combined to produce eight of the twenty highest-grossing films of all time (Box Office Mojo, 2008). Fantasy authors such as Neil Gaiman, Susannah Clarke, and Philip Pullman have crossed over beyond the SF/fantasy niche to produce bestselling, critically acclaimed books. And massively multiplayer role-playing games such as World of Warcraft have hooked millions of subscribers and generated entire virtual societies.
Determination of lethal concentration of copper compounds on Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus Linnaeus, 1758) larvae.

Copper is an essential element for cell organisms. However, irregularity copper level could have effect on the growth of organism. In this research, we aim at consideration of copper compounds toxicity against larvae of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus Linnaeus, 1758) by statistic assays. Four days old of test fish had an average 7.10+0.03 mm of length and 9.72+0.04 mg of fresh weight. All experiments were carried out for a period of 48 to 96 hours at 27 30oC. The number of dead fish was counted every 24 hours and the mortality rate was determined after 96 hours. The statistical data was eval a ed b Finne probit analysis method. The fish died 50% (LC50 95% confidence limits) after 48, 72, 96 hours of concentration copper chloride (CuCl2) 595.75, 231.11, 124.64 μg/L, respectively, and copper nitrate (Cu (NO3)2) 1,025.40, 588.79, 456.50 μg/L, respectively. The LC50 results clearly show that copper compounds toxicity for fish increased with increasing concentration and exposure time. The percentage of survival decreased with increasing of both copper compound concentrations and it was significantly different from control (p<0.01). This study showed that Nile tilapia larvae were more sensitive to copper chloride than copper nitrate. Further study needs the processes by which these chemicals affect biochemical changes of the fish.
ANOVA – The Effect of Outliers

This bachelor’s thesis focuses on the effect of outliers on the one-way analysis of variance and examines whether the estimate in ANOVA is robust and whether the actual test itself is robust from influence of extreme outliers. The robustness of the estimates is examined using the breakdown point while the robustness of the test is examined by simulating the hypothesis test under some extreme situations. This study finds evidence that the estimates in ANOVA are sensitive to outliers, i.e. that the procedure is not robust. Samples with a larger portion of extreme outliers have a higher type-I error probability than the expected level.
Molecular Analyses of Fecal Bacteria and Hydrodynamic Modeling for Microbial Risk Assessment of a Drinking Water Source

Safe water is a global concern, and methods to accurately monitor quality of water are vital. To assess the risks related to bacterial pathogen load in Lake Vomb that provides drinking water to the southern part of Sweden, this study combined molecular analyses of enterobacteria and bacterial pathogens in water using quantitiative real-time PCR with hydrodynamic modeling and quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA). A real-time PCR assay to detect enterobacteria was set up by primers targeting ssrA. Between February 2015 and May 2016, presence of ssrA gene copies as well as Campylobacter spp. , Salmonella spp. , and EHEC O157 DNA was analyzed by real-time PCR at several locations in the catchment of Lake Vomb and its tributaries Björkaån, Borstbäcken, and Torpsbäcken. Björkaån had the highest detected concentrations of the ssrA gene and, according to the results of hydrodynamic modeling, contributed most to the contamination of the water intake in the lake. None of the water samples were positive for genes encoding EHEC O157 and Campylobacter spp. , while invA (Salmonella spp.) was present in 11 samples. The QMRA showed that the suggested acceptable risk level (daily probability of infection <2.7 × 10−7) is achieved with a 95% probability, if the Salmonella concentrations in the water intake are below 101 bacteria/100 mL. If a UV-disinfection step is installed, the Salmonella concentration at the water intake should not exceed 106 bacteria/100 mL.
Biomimetic Nanocarriers for Enhanced Drug Diffusion in Prostate Tumors with a High Level Hyaluronan

Biomimetic Nanocarriers for Enhanced Drug Diffusion in Prostate Tumors with a High Level Hyaluronan Pelin Kansu Hao Cheng Supervisor, Ph.D. Cancer therapies aim to eliminate malignant tumor tissues that grow uncontrollably within patients. However, due to many challenges unique cancer microenvironments pose; chemotherapeutic agents have low accumulation and diffusion through the tumor tissues. Pharmacokinetics and toxicity of these therapeutic agents can be altered with engineered biomimetic nanocarriers for targeted drug delivery applications to increase the efficacy and reduce the side effects of drugs. The motivation of this project is to develop a biomimetic nanocarrier to increase drug accumulation and diffusion in tumors with high levels of hyaluronan (HA). We envision that red blood cell (RBC) membrane coated poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanocarriers with extra cellular matrix degrading enzymes (ECMDEs) on surfaces are ideal candidates for this purpose because this platform combines the advantages of various biomimetic platforms. PLGA core supports the RBC vesicle and allows sustained drug release, while the RBC vesicle provides natural camouflage within the body extending circulation time. RBC membrane surface also allows the attachment of ECMDEs to degrade tumor ECM that poses a challenge for drug distribution. For the first time RBC-PLGA nanocarriers with hyaluronidase (HAase) as the ECMDE on surfaces were successfully created. These RBC-PLGA-NPs with HAase on surfaces were shown to facilitate NP diffusion through a pericellular HA layer around prostate cancer cell line PC3, illustrating the potential of this nanocarriers for enhanced drug diffusion within tumors with
A Cautionary Note on the Long‐term Trend in Activity of the Madden‐Julian Oscillation During the Past Decades

Recent studies suggest that frequency of active phases of the Madden‐Julian Oscillation (MJO) over the Maritime Continent and western Pacific, that is, the MJO Phases 4–6 defined by the real‐time multivariate MJO (RMM) index, has increased in recent winters. A robust positive trend in MJO Phase 4–6 days during 1979–2015 winters is confirmed in this study. Our analyses, however, suggest that this trend could be exaggerated due to the blended low‐frequency variability signals in the RMM. When the winter RMM is reconstructed using anomalous fields after removing their winter mean instead of the previous 120‐day mean as for the original RMM, the robust trend in MJO Phase 4–6 days can no longer be detected. Therefore, cautions need to be exercised when applying the RMM for studies on the low‐frequency variability and climate trend in MJO activity and using the derived MJO variability to interpret associated changes in climate systems.
The mechanism by which AFDR promotes osteogenic differentiation of rat genetically modified myoblasts through the P38/ERK MAPK signaling pathways

This study aimed to explore the underlying mechanism by which Assemble flavone of rhizomadrynariae (AFDR) promotes osteogenic differentiation of genetically modified myoblasts through the P38/ERK mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways. Transfected-ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) myoblasts exposed to osteogenesis inducers were treated with blank serum, AFDR drug serum, p38 pathway inhibitor SB203580, and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway inhibitor PD98059. Osteogenic differentiation indexes, namely core binding factor A1 (Cbfα1) and Alkalische phosphatase (ALP) mRNA levels, in the groups were measured using RT-PCR; and the protein phosphorylation levels of the p38 and ERK1/2 MAPK signal pathways in each group were measured using western blot. RT-PCR results showed that the expression of osteogenesis-related factors Cbfα1 and ALP mRNA was highest in the AFDR group. The expression of Cbfα1 and ALP mRNA was significantly lower than that in the AFDR group after the addition of SB203580 or PD98059. The phosphorylation levels of the p38 and ERK1/2 proteins varied among the different inhibitor groups. Western blot showed that the p38 protein phosphorylation levels were lower in the AFDR group (P < 0.01) than in the blank serum group, while there was no obvious difference in ERK1/2 protein phosphorylation levels (P > 0.05). These data suggest that AFDR promotes osteogenic differentiation of transfected-CNTF myoblasts primarily via activation of the P38 and ERK MAPK signaling pathways, and that the increased expression of the osteogenesis-related genes Cbfα1 and ALP. AFDR is largely influenced by the ERK pathway of the MAPK pathway.
A3-PROOF OF STRUCTURE THEOREMS FOR CHEVALLEY GROUPS OF TYPES E6 AND E7 II. MAIN LEMMA

The author and Mikhail Gavrilovich proposed a geometric proof of the structure theorems for Chevalley groups of types Φ = E6,E7, based on the following fact. There are nontrivial root unipotents of type A2 stabilizing columns of a root element. In the present paper it is shown that two adjacent columns of a root element can be stabilized simultaneously by a nontrivial root unipotent of type A3. This makes it possible to prove structure theorems for Chevalley groups of types E6 and E7 and their forms, by using only the presence of split classical subgroups of very small ranks. In the present paper, which is a sequel of [43, 6] and [45], we prove the main lemma of the A3-proof for Chevalley groups G = G(Φ, R) of types Φ = E6,E7 over a commutative ring R. Thus, here we complete the proof of Theorem 2 stated in [45]. That theorem asserts that by a root type element sitting in a fundamental subgroup of type A3, one can simultaneously stabilize in a nontrivial way two adjacent columns of a root element g ∈ G, in the minimal representation V = V (ω). To put this result in context, let us recall some preceding statements in the same spirit. • In the paper [17] by the author, Eugene Plotkin, and Alexei Stepanov, it was observed that, by an element of root type sitting in a subgroup of type A5 for Φ = E6 and of type A7 for Φ = E7, one can stabilize a column of an arbitrary element g ∈ G in a minimal representation. A sketch of the proof, with a reference to computer calculations, was reproduced in [42]. In [43] we produced a complete human proof. In those papers, and in [7, 41, 46, 47], one can find a much more detailed discussion of the general context and the role of these results in the proof of the main structure theorems. • In the paper [6] by the author and Mikhail Gavrilovich, we proposed an A2-proof of the main structure theorems for Chevalley groups of types E6 and E7, based on the following fact. Commuting a noncentral root unipotent g ∈ G with an appropriate element of root type sitting in a fundamental subgroup of type A2 — in the sequel such elements are simply called elements of root type A2 — one can get a nontrivial element in the maximal parabolic subgroup of type P1 or P7, respectively. This makes it possible 2010 Mathematics Subject Classification. Primary 20G15, 20G35.
Virtual Visits as a Learning Tool for Historical Heritage in Two Specific Examples: Évora and Mérida

This paper presents an educational experience in the area of learning about Art History, in particular, about the Greco-Roman period, using an innovative resource that is available due to current technology: the virtual visit. This resource allows students to experience immersion in the reconstruction of classic monuments that have deteriorated with time. The combination of current images with this type of virtual visit provides greater ease for understanding the monuments and their function in antiquity, and it is converted into an important motivating factor in the study of this artistic period. The experience has been carried out with 1st year ESO (compulsory secondary education) and 2nd year A-level students, focusing on close context heritage elements, such as the monuments of Merida or Evora. The results obtained show an increase in the students’ interest in this artistic period due to their greater ability to understand the monuments they are studying.
Estimating Biases in Smoking Cessation: Evidence from a Field Experiment

We conduct a randomized field experiment to quantify biases that affect consumers of addictive goods: present-biased preferences, naive beliefs regarding present bias, and projection-biased beliefs over future abstinence. These biases reflect departures from the neoclassical benchmark needed to accommodate intertemporal and state-dependent prediction errors and have important theoretical and policy ramifications. Our experiment employs a new approach for remote monitoring to ensure truthful reporting of behavior and valuations, and a novel identification of subjects’ biases based on willingness to pay for future abstinence incentives that serve as partial commitment devices. We find that cigarette smokers overestimate their likelihood of future abstinence by more than 100%, consistent with partially-naive present-biased preferences. We estimate that on average smokers are present biased and only partially aware of their present bias, with substantial heterogeneity and a positive correlation between the two at the individual level. Smokers mispredict the effects of an abstinence intervention. Ex ante smokers anticipate no effect of the intervention on their future abstinence and ex post fail to recognize the intervention’s positive effect. Our estimates highlight that smokers suffer from a constellation of biases: under their own long-run preferences, smokers’ choices lead to a private welfare loss of $400 per week.
The Correlation between Apolipoprotein B Level and Inflammatory Markers in Obese

Apolipoprotein B (ApoB) levels reflect the total number potentially atherogenic particles that can predict cardiovascular risk. The purpose of this study was to assess if the ApoB in obese subjects is associated with inflammatory markers. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 80 obese patients at H. Adam Malik Hospital, Medan, Indonesia. Results: Of the 80 patients studied, the average age was 38.95 + 8.13 years old. There was a strong positive correlation between ApoB and triglycerides (r=0.44, p<0.001), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (r=0.74, p<0.001), and HOMA-IR (r=0.31, p=0.005), however not with the inflammatory markers; adiponectin (r=-0.23, p=0.41) and Chemerin (r=0.021, p=0.851). In obesity, ApoB significantly associated with lipid and insulin resistance, as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease.