Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Impact of Customer Satisfaction on Customer Loyalty and Intentions to Switch: Evidence from Banking Sector of Pakistan

Top performing financial institutions always look into the needs and demands of their customers in order to survive and compete successfully in today’s dynamic corporate environment. That is the reason why organizational researchers from all around the globe have continuously emphasized on the importance of customer satisfaction, loyalty and retention. The current research study attempts to find the impact of customer satisfaction on customer loyalty and intentions to switch. The data were collected from 120 customers visiting the banks counters and had an account with banks serving in Pakistan. The collected data then analyzed using the Microsoft Excel and SPSS 16. The results of the study revealed that customer satisfaction was positively correlated with customer loyalty and negatively correlated with customer intentions to switch. Some recommendations for future research are also made.
Depression and disease progression in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: A comprehensive meta-regression analysis

Depression in people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a fatal and progressive neurodegenerative disorder, is a serious issue with important clinical consequences. However, physical impairment may confound the diagnosis when using generic questionnaires. We conducted a comprehensive review of literature. Mean scores from depression questionnaires were meta-regressed on study-level mean time since onset of symptoms. Data from 103 studies (3190 subjects) indicate that the Beck Depression Inventory and, to a lesser degree, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale are influenced by the time since symptom onset, strongly related to physical impairment. Our results suggest that widely used depression scales overestimate depression due to confounding with physical symptoms.
Channel division based on foreground segmentation in multi-view distributed video coding

In this paper, a channel division based on accurate side information generation method is investigated if it can improve the coding efficiency of multi-view distributed video coding (MDVC). Each block in a side information frame is taken among those of inter-view or intra-view key frames based on foreground segmentation, and the characteristics of virtual channel noise for the generated fused side information is investigated. Based on the magnitude of average SAD of each block, a block is assigned to a certain channel, and Laplacian channel parameters for each channel is estimated for MDVC decoding. Simulation result shows that side information fusion based on foreground segmentation helps to improve coding efficiency in MDVC. However, channel division does not always enhance the coding efficiency, but it should be designed considering the level of channel errors and the accuracy of side information.
Oscillations in microtubule polymerization: the rate of GTP regeneration on tubulin controls the period.

The essential reactions involved in the oscillatory kinetics of microtubule polymerization have been investigated. The rate of GDP dissociation from tubulin decreased cooperatively upon increasing tubulin concentration above 20 microM, consistent with the formation of GDP oligomers whose dissociation is rate limiting in nucleotide exchange. The apparent rate constant for nucleotide exchange at high tubulin concentration was 0.02 s‐1 at 37 degrees C, which is the exact value needed in previous theoretical simulations to obtain oscillations with the real period of 70‐80 s. A glass filter assay separating microtubules from oligomers and tubulin allowed nucleotide bound to non‐microtubular tubulin during the oscillations to be monitored. In agreement with nucleotide exchange data, tubulin‐bound GDP was found to oscillate in antiphase with microtubules. By varying the concentration of an enzymatic GTP‐regenerating system, we could demonstrate that the period of the oscillations is directly controlled by the rate at which GTP is regenerated on tubulin, and oscillations can be observed under conditions where the dissociation of oligomers is no longer rate limiting. The possible physiological significance of GTP‐regenerating systems in establishing synchrony in a microtubule population is evoked. The present data confirm and extend the model that we previously proposed to account for the oscillations.
Oxidative stress and galactose-deficient IgA1 as markers of progression in IgA nephropathy.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES We assessed the activation of the oxidative stress pathway in patients with IgA nephropathy (IgAN), while evaluating the classic marker of the disease (galactose-deficient serum IgA1). DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS Sera from 292 patients and 69 healthy controls from Italy and the United States were assayed for advanced oxidation protein products (AOPPs), free sulfhydryl groups on albumin (SH-Alb), and IgA1 with galactose-deficient hinge-region O-glycans (Gd-IgA1). Gd-IgA1 was detected by binding to Helix aspersa agglutinin (HAA) and expressed as total Gd-IgA1 or as degree of galactose deficiency relative to a standard Gd-IgA1 myeloma protein (%HAA). RESULTS Sera from IgAN patients showed higher levels of Gd-IgA1, %HAA, and AOPPs, but lower levels of SH-Alb in comparison to that from healthy controls. Serum levels of AOPPs significantly correlated with serum Gd-IgA1 and %HAA. The relationship between these biomarkers and clinical features at sampling and during follow-up was assessed in 62 patients with long-term follow-up. AOPPs and %HAA correlated with proteinuria at sampling and independently associated with subsequent proteinuria. Levels of AOPPs correlated with rate of decline in renal function after sampling. The combination of a high level of AOPPs and a high level of %HAA associated with decline in estimated GFR. CONCLUSIONS Serum levels of aberrantly glycosylated IgA1 are elevated and oxidative stress pathways are activated in patients with IgAN; the intensity of the stress correlated with expression and progression of the disease. We speculate that oxidative stress may modulate the nephrotoxicity of aberrantly glycosylated IgA1 in IgAN.
Evidence for non‐enzymatic glycosylation of Escherichia coli chromosomal DNA

We have recently shown that the process of non‐enzymatic glycosylation (glycation) takes place in Escherichia coli under physiological conditions and affects both recombinant and endogenous bacterial proteins. In this study, we further demonstrate that E. coli chromosomal DNA is also subjected to glycation under physiological growth conditions. The E. coli DNA accumulates early glycation (Amadori) products as proven by the nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) reduction assay. It showed also immunoreactivity to a monoclonal antibody raised against N∈‐(carboxymethyl)lysine and fluorescent properties indicative of modifications with advanced glycation end‐products. Two types of fluorophores were detected in the E. coli DNA with excitation maxima at 360 nm and 380 nm and emission maxima at 440 nm and 410 nm. Using the NBT reduction assay, fluorescence spectroscopy and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay we revealed that glycation adducts accumulate in DNA predominantly in the stationary phase of growth, although they could be detected also in exponential‐phase cells. Besides on the growth phase, the extent of DNA glycation depends also on the nutrient broth composition being more extensive in rich media. Thiamine was found to inhibit both DNA glycation and spontaneous point mutations as judged by the decreased rate of the argE3 to Arg+ reversions in the E. coli strain AB1157.
Transcriptional Regulation in Liver and Testis Associated with Developmental and Reproductive Effects in Male Zebrafish Exposed to Natural Mixtures of Persistent Organic Pollutants (POP)

Persistent organic pollutants (POP) occur as mixtures in nature and it is difficult to predict the toxicity of such mixtures based on knowledge about toxicity and mechanisms of action for single compounds. The present knowledge on the combined toxic effects and modes of actions of exposure to mixtures is limited. Thus, the scientifically based hazard and risk assessment of POP requires analytical and toxicological data from studies with environmental mixtures of POP. The application of genome wide transcription profiling in toxicology, in combination with classical endpoints, will improve the current understanding of the mechanisms of toxic processes. Furthermore, gene expression data may be useful in establishing new hypothesis and discovering new biomarkers for known toxicity as well as not yet recognized toxicity endpoints. In the present study, developmental and reproductive effects of lifelong exposure to environmental relevant concentrations of two natural mixtures of POP were investigated using classical and molecular methods in a controlled zebrafish model. The mixtures used were extracted from burbot (Lota lota) liver originating from freshwater systems in Norway: one mixture with high levels and one mixture with background levels of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBD), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB), and DDT. The concentration of POP in the zebrafish ranged from levels detected in wild fish from Lake Mjøsa, to concentrations reported in human and wildlife populations. Phenotypic effects observed in both exposure groups included (1) reduced survival, (2) earlier onset of puberty, (3) increased male/female sex ratio, and (4) differences in body weight at 5 mo of age. Interestingly, genome-wide transcription profiling showed changes in regulation of genes involved in endocrine signaling and growth. The transcriptomics changes included (1) key regulator genes for steroid and thyroid hormone functions (cga, ncoa3), (2) insulin signaling and metabolic homeostasis (pik3r1, pfkfb3, ptb1), and (3) p53 activation (mdm4). The effects observed in the experimental zebrafish model raise the question of whether chemical pollution represents a risk to the reproductive health of wild fish inhabiting the freshwater system.
Broadcasting with a battery limited energy harvesting rechargeable transmitter

We consider the minimization of the transmission completion time with a battery limited energy harvesting transmitter in a two-user AWGN broadcast channel. The transmitter has fixed number of packets for each receiver and energy is modeled to arrive (be harvested) at the transmitter at random instants. The battery at the transmitter has a finite storage capacity, hence energy may overflow without being utilized for data transmission. We derive the optimal offline transmission policy that minimizes the time by which all of the data packets are delivered to their respective destinations. We analyze the structural properties of the optimal transmission policy using a dual problem. We find the optimal total transmit power sequence by a directional water-filling algorithm. We prove that there exists a cut-off power level such that if the allocated power is lower than this level, then only the stronger user is served in that epoch; otherwise, the power above this level is allocated to the weaker user. Based on these properties, we propose an algorithm that gives the globally optimal offline policy. The proposed algorithm uses directional water-filling repetitively.
Optimized Excitation Signals for MIMO Frequency Response Function Measurements

Many different excitation signals can be chosen for the nonparametric frequency response function measurements of a linear multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) system. In the presence of output noise they will result in different signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) of the frequency response function measurements. In this paper, these effects are analyzed and compared for three classes of multisine excitations: random multisines, approximately orthogonal random multisines, and orthogonal random multisines, taking also into account the crest-factor minimization. It is shown that the orthogonalization of the inputs yields an essential increase in the measured SNR
Abstract Description of System Application and Hardware Architecture for Hardware/Software Code Generation

The deployment of a system application over a hardware architecture is a costly phase in the design process. This cost increases when dealing with complex applications in terms of computation requirements and exchange of data and for advanced architectures with complex and configurable communication infrastructures. The usage of abstract models for application, architecture and mapping is a key element for automatic hardware/software code generation and for the final deployment. In this paper, we present languages for abstract modeling of application, architecture, meta-mapping and mapping and we introduce a code generation flow. The use of those models allows the extraction and exploitation of architectural and application information for specific code generation to a target platform. A case study of modeling and deploying a complex 4G telecommunication application on a heterogeneous and multi core platform is presented.
Psychosoziale Aspekte der Lebensbedingungen von Frauen und Männern im mittleren Lebensalter

The main purpose of this contribution is the description of living conditions and the as¬ sociated psycho-social aspects in a sample of mid-aged persons. 1015 persons of two age groups (40-45 resp. 50-55 years) were interviewed. These two groups were com¬ pared with regard to the amount and nature of perceived transitions, and regarding their social networks, and their physical and psy¬ chological well-being. Special care was given to the better understanding of gender differences. Our sample is representative for the urban population in Switzerland. Our results show that the majority of our sample is married and has on average 1-2 children. Most of the 40-45 years olds still live with one ore more children in the same household, whereas in the group of the 50-55 years olds this is only the case for half of them. The fact that with advancing age peo¬ ple are more and more confronted with the death of their parents, is reflected in an age-correlated decrease of the persons having one or both parents still alive. Conceming the availability of social networks it can be said, that women have better social network than men do (this under a quantitative and qualitative point of view).
Predictors of Success of Methotrexate in the Treatment of Ectopic Pregnancy : A New Perspective

Objectives: Methotrexate is commonly used in the treatment of ectopic pregnancy. Outcomes with a suboptimal drop in human chorionic gonadotrophic (hCG) level are unknown. This study aimed to determine the optimal cutoff value for hCG drop in detecting treatment success, to investigate the predictors of success, and to evaluate outcome following a single dose of methotrexate as treatment of ectopic pregnancy. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted of 182 patients with ectopic pregnancy treated with methotrexate. Outcomes included resolution of hCG or further surgical intervention. The optimal cutoff value for hCG drop in prediction of treatment success was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Results: The success rate was 79.1%. The cutoff value for hCG drop between day 4 and day 7 for prediction of success following a single dose of methotrexate was 3.34%, with a positive predictive value of 91.67%. Compared with subjects with initial hCG level of <1000 IU/L, there was a significant reduction in success for those with initial hCG levels ranging from 1000 to 3999 IU/L (odds ratio=0.184; p=0.02), 4000 to 4999 IU/L (odds ratio=0.116; p=0.03), and ≥5000 IU/L (odds ratio=0.057; p=0.01). Conclusions: Pretreatment hCG level and hCG drop between day 4 and day 7 are good predictors of success following methotrexate treatment. With a high positive predictive value for success, conservative management with serial hCG monitoring may be considered when drop in hCG level between day 4 and day 7 is ≥3.34%. Hong Kong J Gynaecol Obstet Midwifery 2016; 16(1):73-8
DEFINING A VIABLE MULTIMEDIA COURSEWARE ENGINEERING PRACTICE

Multimedia courseware that is well designed can facilitate and promote very positive and deep learning experiences for end users. There are many issues surrounding the development and use of effective educational software systems that will produce these types of meaningful learning activities. One of the biggest problems encountered is the disjointed relationship between what a client wants or expects and what is in fact realistic. Related to this are factors such as cost and quality. By examining various attributes of common courseware products and their associated engineering concepts, tools and practices, we can better understand how to put engineering systems in place through examples and best practices that will increase efficiency, effectiveness and accuracy, and reduce time to delivery ratios. This paper discusses the product and process, and various management strategies. I use the term ‘approach’ in the title so as not to raise expectations about establishing a rigid framework for the industry as a whole.
Nociceptin inhibits calcium channel currents in a subpopulation of small nociceptive trigeminal ganglion neurons in mouse

1 The effects of nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) and opioid receptor agonists on voltage‐activated calcium channel currents (ICa) were examined in acutely isolated mouse trigeminal ganglion neurons using whole‐cell patch‐clamp recordings. These effects were correlated with responses of the neurons to capsaicin and binding of Bandeiraea simplicifolia isolectin B4 (IB4). 2 Trigeminal neurons were divided into two populations based on the presence (type 2) or absence (type 1) of a prominent T‐type ICa. N/OFQ potently (EC50 of 19 nm) inhibited high‐voltage‐activated (HVA) ICa in most (82 %) small (capacitance < 12 pF) type 1 neurons, but few (9 %) larger (> 12 pF) type 1 neurons. N/OFQ inhibited ICa in few (23 %) type 2 cells, and did not affect the T‐type ICa in any cell. 3 The μ‐opioid agonists DAMGO and morphine inhibited ICa in most type 1 neurons, more often (95 %versus 77 %) in the small cells. The inhibition of ICa by DAMGO and morphine was more efficacious in small versus large type 1 neurons. μ‐Opioids did not inhibit ICa in type 2 neurons. 4 Most small type 1 neurons were sensitive to capsaicin (93 %) and bound IB4 (86 %). Fewer larger type 1 neurons responded to capsaicin (30 %) or bound IB4 (58 %). Type 2 neurons did not respond to capsaicin, although some bound IB4 (35 %). 5 Thus, N/OFQ preferentially inhibits HVA ICa in a subpopulation of small nociceptive trigeminal ganglion neurons that is also highly sensitive to μ‐opioid agonists.
A Review: Curvature Approximation on Triangular Meshes

330 Abstract-This paper reviews the previously available methods to estimate the curvatures, both discrete and continuous for triangulated surface. Many applications such as surface segmentation, surface smoothing, surface reconstruction, and registration require the accurate estimation of curvature at the vertices of the triangulated surface. For the estimation of the curvature, several different schemes have been proposed which are discussed in the literature. We examine implementation procedures for each technique and discuss its advantages and disadvantages in terms of accuracy, cost and time. Some recent research results are also included and discussed in this paper.
Salivary Testosterone Levels Under Psychological Stress and Its Relationship with Rumination and Five Personality Traits in Medical Students

Objective The purpose of this study was to evaluate the salivary testosterone levels under psychological stress and its relationship with rumination and five personality traits in medical students. Methods A total of 58 medical students, who wanted to participate in the final exam, were selected by simple random sampling. Two months before the exam, in the basal conditions, the NEO Inventory short form, and the Emotional Control Questionnaire (ECQ) were completed. Saliva samples were taken from students in both the basal conditions and under exam stress. Salivary testosterone was measured by ELISA. Data was analyzed using multivariate analysis of variance with repeated measures, paired samples t-test, Pearson correlation and stepwise regression analysis. Results Salivary testosterone level of men showed a significant increase under exam stress (p<0.05). However, a non-significant although substantial reduction observed in women. A significant correlation was found between extroversion (r=-0.33) and openness to experience (r=0.30) with salivary testosterone (p<0.05). Extraversion, aggression control and emotional inhibition predicted 28% of variance of salivary testosterone under stress. Conclusion Salivary testosterone reactivity to stress can be determined by sexual differences, personality traits, and emotional control variables which may decrease or increase stress effects on biological responses, especially the salivary testosterone.
Redefining the tonotopic core of rat auditory cortex: Physiological evidence for a posterior field

Previous physiological studies have identified a tonotopically organized primary auditory cortical field (AI) in the rat. Some of this prior research suggests that the rat, like other mammals, may have additional fields surrounding AI. We, therefore, recorded in the Sprague‐Dawley rat extracellular responses of single neurons throughout AI, and continued posteriorly to verify the existence of a posterior field (P) and to compare the neuronal properties in the two regions. Acoustic stimuli, including tones, bandpass noise, broadband noise, and temporally modulated stimuli, were delivered dichotically via sealed systems. Consistent with previous findings, AI was characterized by an anterior‐to‐posterior tonotopic progression from high to low frequencies (ranging from >40 kHz to <1 kHz). A frequency reversal at the posterior border of AI marked entry into a second core tonotopic region, P, with progressively higher frequencies encountered further posteriorly, up to a point (approximately 8 kHz) where cells were no longer tone responsive. Nevertheless, bandpass noise was an effective stimulus in P, enabling characterization of cells up to 15 kHz. Compared with AI, the frequency tuning of response areas was relatively broader in P, the response latency was often longer and more variable, and the response magnitude was more commonly a nonmonotonic function of stimulus level. In both fields, most neurons were binaurally influenced. The presence of multiple auditory cortical fields in the rat is consistent with auditory cortical organization in other mammals. Moreover, the response properties of P relative to AI in the rat also resemble those found in other mammals. Finally, the physiological data suggest that core auditory cortex (temporal area TE1) is composed not only of AI as previously thought, but also of at least two other subdivisions, P and an anterior field (A). Furthermore, our physiological characterization of TE1 reveals that it is larger than suggested by previous anatomical characterizations. J. Comp. Neurol. 453:345–360, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.