Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The association between skin autofluorescence and mean deviation in patients with open-angle glaucoma

Background It has been suggested that local and systemic oxidative stress levels are causal risk factors for glaucoma. Aim To evaluate the effect of age on the role of systemic oxidative stress in open-angle glaucoma (OAG). Methods This study included 502 eyes of 251 Japanese patients with OAG. Systemic oxidative stress was assessed with skin autofluorescence (SAF), an indicator of advanced glycogen end products. We selected the youngest and oldest patients by quartile (≤58 and ≥74 years old, respectively) and determined the univariate correlation between SAF and mean deviation (MD) of the visual field in both eyes of each group. We also investigated the association between SAF and glaucoma in the youngest group with a logistic regression analysis. Results The younger subjects with OAG with high SAF had significantly lower better-eye MD than the younger subjects with normal SAF (p<0.01), but the older subjects had similar better-eye MD regardless of SAF level. Furthermore, SAF was negatively correlated with MD in the youngest subjects (better eye: r=−0.35, p<0.01, worse eye: r=−0.28, p=0.02), but not in the older subjects. Finally, mixed-effects regression analysis showed that SAF contributed to the MD in the younger patients with OAG (p=0.01). Conclusions We found that the relationship between systemic oxidative stress and visual field loss was strongest in relatively young patients with OAG, suggesting that the potential benefit of antioxidant therapies to combat systemic oxidative stress might be dependent on the age of the patient.
3-D Reconstruction Algorithm of Flame Based on Inversion Calculation of Thermal Radiation

This paper presents the design, method, and evaluation of a 3-D field reconstruction of a combustion flame. Three images under three different wavelengths were captured together using charge-coupled device cameras, which were specially processed by filters. Three sets of data about the value of radiation under different wavelengths were transformed from the images that were obtained according to the law of thermal radiation and derivation. For a pixel point in flame image, its irradiance can be expressed as the accumulation of the emissive power from luminous flame with different temperatures along the rays through the pixel. Then, through the calculation of the thermal radiation inversion based on the data from pixels in images, the 3-D temperature field of the flame is obtained and displayed. Experimental tests were done using candle flame to evaluate the effectiveness of the system. Ultimately, this method can restore the temperature distribution of the flame temperature field effectively. Compared with other methods, such as the two-color pyrometric method, the device of this method can get synchronous monochromatic images under three different wavelengths, the beams of which were through a beam splitter at the same time to avoid the errors of spatiotemporal matching. Else, we can reproduce the validity and efficiency of temperature field using the reconstruction algorithm that is built on improved simulated annealing algorithm.
Does Auditing Deter Potentially Fraudulent Earnings Management? An Experimental Investigation

Effective audits are claimed to not only enhance the detection of fraud but also the deterrence of fraud in the first place. To focus on whether auditing has a deterrence effect separate from the detection effect, we design an experiment that isolates the deterrence effect from the detection effect. The experiment with 96 senior corporate managers features changes in audit procedures that would increase the likelihood of fraud being detected in the other divisions of the company but not in the focal manager’s division. Indeed, audit attention is reduced in the focal manager’s division due to a planned rotation in audit procedures that results in less substantive tests of details and more substantive analytical procedures in the focal manager’s division. We find that focal managers commit less potentially fraudulent earnings management in their own division when the nature of evidence collected changes towards increased probative value in the other managers’ divisions, but not when there is an increase in the extent of evidence collected employing the same audit tests. We also find that changing the nature of audit evidence collected results in more of a reduction in potentially fraudulent earnings management than the increased extent of audit evidence does, due to the auditor being perceived as more unpredictable under evidence nature changes than evidence extent changes. Overall our findings demonstrate that auditing has deterrence effects separate from an audit’s detection effects and that enhancements in deterrence are associated with the increased unpredictability of the audit procedures.
Unpacking Functional Alliance Portfolios: How Signals of Venture Viability Affect New-Venture Outcomes

This article investigates how alliance portfolio composition affects young firms’ outcomes. Drawing on signaling theory, we propose how alliance portfolio composition — number, functional domains (R&D, manufacturing, and marketing), and single-purpose or multi-purpose nature of alliances within the portfolio — may affect a firm’s likelihood of achieving a liquidity event (IPO or acquisition). We study 8,600 U.S.-based, VC-backed firms during the period of 1990 to 2002 from 10 industry sectors. We find that alliance portfolios (to a certain extent) increase a firm’s liquidity event likelihood. Further, firms with heterogeneous alliance portfolios, including portfolios emitting greater efficiency signals versus endorsement signals, are more likely to experience an IPO versus acquisition. Our findings lend support to the value of multi-function alliances within portfolios.
Functional characterization and sequence analysis of choline dehydrogenase from escherichia coli

Choline dehydrogenase catalyzes the oxidation of choline to glycine betaine via betaine aldehyde as intermediate. Biotechnological applications of glycine betaine in transgenic plant improvement have been shown to have enhanced tolerance towards hypersalinity and freezing. It can also restore and maintain osmotic balance of living cells under stress. In this study, choline dehydrogenase (betA) gene from E. coli was cloned and homologously expressed in E. coli M15 (pREP4). The recombinant enzyme was purified by column chromatography using DEAE Sepharose. The purified enzyme showed a fourfold increase in the activity of choline dehydrogenase enzyme with choline as substrate and phenazine methosulfate as electron acceptor, compared to the control strain. The betA gene sequence reported in this study contains several base substitutions with that of reported sequences in GenBank, resulting in the altered amino acid sequences of the translated proteins.
Role of Project Delivery Systems in Infrastructure Improvement

Despite a recent resurgence of alternative project delivery methods, many within the construction industry continue to misunderstand the characteristics and implications of each system. Until misperceptions are clarified, project delivery systems will remain underutilized as a tool to improve the efficiency and to reduce the cost of delivering public infrastructure facilities and services. Project delivery systems offer owners choice in their search for value in infrastructure cost, quality, service and technology, but they cannot provide this choice if they continue to be misunderstood. Accordingly, the intent of this paper is to clarify each delivery system's characteristics and its potential role in infrastructure improvement by contrasting: design-bid-build, design-build, design-build-operate, build-operate-transfer and contracted operations & maintenance; specific case examples are included to highlight key considerations and elements of each system. In addition, the paper describes an ongoing research initiative to develop case studies that examine procurement strategies and practices where alternative delivery methods are utilized. These cases will underpin the formation of procurement and contract models designed to preserve public interests and to attract private sector participation in the public procurement process. By systematically reviewing solicitation processes, analyzing contract conditions and monitoring long-term performance, this research will increase the ability of owners, engineers and planners to think logically about project configuration and procurement by elucidating successful strategies for insuring transparency, promoting competition, allocating risks and aligning incentives.
Exploring repurchase intention in a performing arts context: who comes? And why do they come back?

Factors such as reduced government spending, increased competition from expanding entertainment markets and shrinking audiences have all placed excess pressure on the ability of performing arts organisations to make ends meet. Many performing arts organisations operate as not-for-profit organisations, so rely heavily on the combined efforts of corporate sponsors, government funds and ticket sales to support the organisation. In order to survive in the market economy, the current strategies need to incorporate a thorough understanding of the drivers of return purchase intent to maximise ticket sales in this setting. The purpose of this paper is to examine consumers’ experience of a general performing arts experience to identify the predictors of positive repurchase intention so marketing efforts can focus on drawing consumers to return. Experiential service settings, such as the performing, arts are suggested to challenge more traditional service marketing and management theory that repurchase intention is driven by value, service quality and customer satisfaction alone. It is suggested that in an experiential setting a complex anthology of predictors including the need for affect and goal directed emotional attainment must be considered. Much of the research conducted in this setting approaches the field from an artistic discipline. In contrast, this research approaches the performing arts from a service marketing and management paradigm. By doing this, a set of services strategies applicable to the performing arts will become evident. Exploratory investigation was undertaken with 26 candidates. In-depth qualitative interviews, using open-ended questioning, were conducted to draw thick description of consumer opinion. The findings reported indicate that in this setting, functional factors, especially value and service qualities, are extremely important to candidates when deciding to repurchase. Factors such as emotional attainment and show experience, which have been the primary focus of current performing arts organisations’ strategic focus, were found to play a lesser role in overall intent to repurchase. The paper identifies some conceptual target segments evolving from this research. Importantly, these findings are applicable to the performing arts but may have implications for other non-profit service organisations, such as fine arts and museums.
Entrepreneurial, market, and learning orientations and international entrepreneurial business venture performance in South African firms

Purpose – This study examines the interrelationships between aspects of entrepreneurial, market, and learning orientations, and international entrepreneurial business venture (IEBV) performance.Design/methodology/approach – Data were collected from 396 entrepreneurs and 143 senior managers from early stage, growth‐oriented firms in the Republic of South Africa. These firms had an international focus in that 20 per cent began exporting from their inception and the remaining 80 per cent either began exporting within three years of inception or planned to export within three years of inception. Given the multidimensional nature of IEBV performance, structural equation modeling (AMOS) was used to test the measurement and substantive models.Findings – Results indicate that IEBV performance is positively related to the innovativeness component of an entrepreneurial orientation (EO), a market orientation, and a learning orientation. Contrary to expectations, the communications aspect of EO is inversely related t.
Tn916 insertional inactivation of multiple genes on the chromosome of Streptococcus mutans GS-5

Streptococcus mutans GS-5 was transformed with the Escherichia coli plasmid pAM150 containing the cloned streptococcal transposon Tn916. Southern blot analyses with the tetracycline-resistant determinant of Tn916 showed that Tn916 was inserted into the chromosome of S. mutans at a variety of different sites. Tn916 insertions resulted in the inactivation of genes that code for various steps in the biosynthesis of several different amino acids. Two auxotrophs which contained a single copy of Tn916 were shown to revert to prototrophy at frequencies of about 10(-8). All of the revertant prototrophs were susceptible to tetracycline, indicating regeneration of the functional gene by excision of Tn916.
The Cosmic History of Star Formation

Major advances in observational astronomy over the past 20 years have revolutionized our view of cosmic history, transforming our understanding of how the hot, smooth, early universe evolved into the complex and beautiful universe of stars and galaxies in which we now live. I describe how astronomers have used a range of complementary techniques to map out the rise and fall of star formation over 95% of cosmic time, back to the current observational frontier only ~500 million years after the Big Bang.
Brand community of convenience products: new forms of customer empowerment – the case “my Nutella The Community”

Purpose – To analyse the power that a virtual brand community exerts over a brand of a mass‐marketed convenience product. To draw implications about the strategy that a company can employ facing this power shift. To track emerging trends in virtual brand communities applied to convenience product (as opposed to niche or luxury goods). Design/methodology/approach – Case study of the web community “my Nutella The Community” promoted by the firm Ferrero in Italy. The study applied multiple methods and was conducted through interviews with key informants, netnography and document analysis.Findings – The virtual community that gathers around a convenience product brand shows a new form of sociality and customer empowerment: it is not based on interaction between peers, but more on personal self‐exhibition in front of other consumers through the marks and rituals linked to the brand. The company should play the role of non‐intrusive enabler of these personal expressions, reducing its control over the brand's mea.
Communication processes of students with cerebral palsy in digital learning environments

This study aimed to identify possible contributions of using Digital Learnig Environments for the communication processes of students with cerebral palsy. The subjects used Digital Learnig Environments, including the Eduquito and a social network. From the mediation and virtual contact with other children, the dimensions we observed were reading and writing, oral language, and social development. The results showed that children began to virtually interact with other children and understand and use new concepts and new technologies. There was an evolution in the written language as well as a decrease in the production of misspelled words during the research.
Impaired Association of Retinal Degeneration-3 with Guanylate Cyclase-1 and Guanylate Cyclase-activating Protein-1 Leads to Leber Congenital Amaurosis-1*

Background: Defects in the function of guanylate cyclase 1 (GC1) cause Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA) type 1. Results: GC1, GCAP1, and RD3 form a complex in the endoplasmic reticulum that targets GC1 to outer segments. Conclusion: A subset of LCA1 is caused by impaired formation of the RD3-GC1-GCAP1 complex. Significance: Understanding the molecular interaction of RD3 with GC1 and GCAP1 has potential therapeutic benefits for LCA1. One-fifth of all cases of Leber congenital amaurosis are type 1 (LCA1). LCA1 is a severe form of retinal dystrophy caused by loss-of-function mutations in guanylate cyclase 1 (GC1), a key member of the phototransduction cascade involved in modulating the photocurrents. Although GC1 has been studied for some time, the mechanisms responsible for its regulation and membrane targeting are not fully understood. We reported earlier that retinal degeneration 3 (RD3) protein interacts with GC1 and promotes its targeting to the photoreceptor outer segments (POS). Here, we extend our studies to show a direct association between RD3 and guanylate cyclase activating protein 1 (GCAP1). Furthermore, we demonstrate that this functional interaction is important for GC1 targeting to POS. We also show that most LCA1-causing mutations in GC1 result in lost GC1 interaction with RD3 or GC1 being targeted to the plasma membrane. Our data suggest that GC1, GCAP1, and RD3 form a complex in the endoplasmic reticulum that targets GC1 to POS. Interruption of this assembly is likely the underlying mechanism for a subset of LCA1. This study offers insights for the development of therapeutic strategies to treat this severe form of blindness.
Corporate Break-ups and Information Asymmetry: A Market-Microstructure Analysis

The major contribution of this paper is to utilise the direct measures of informed trading and information asymmetry developed in the market microstructure literature to provide rich insights into how the information environment changes during and after a corporate break-up. The paper analyses all corporate break-ups over the eleven-year period 1995-2005. We find that the information asymmetry faced by investors reduces significantly as a result of the break-up. However, this reduction takes place not at the time of the announcement or its "completion", but after it has been fully consummated. We also find that not all informed investors are equally affected. In particular, informed investors who generate their information advantage by skilled processing of market-wide information, become more important relative to the traditional insider with private firm-specific information. This potentially explains why financial advisors promote break-ups among their corporate clients as they are likely beneficiaries. Finally, we find that the positive stock-market reaction to break-up announcements is significantly related to reductions in information asymmetry. Given the extant evidence of information asymmetry being a priced risk factor, this finding helps to reconcile some of the existing explanations for corporate break-ups.
Commonsense Reasoning in a Deeper Way: By Discovering Relations between Predicates

: One of the biggest drawbacks of nowadays AI reasoning systems is their lack of commonsense. To address the issue, some commonsense knowledge bases and a bunch of reasoning mechanisms with them have been developed to tackle this problem. However, most of them concentrate on the relation between entities ( e.g. , “cat” and “ﬁsh”), but few discuss the relation between predicates ( e.g. , “angry” and “shout”), which fall into a deeper level of commonsense. To the end, in this paper, we develop a commonsense reasoning framework, which focuses on this type of commonsense knowledge. More speciﬁcally, ﬁrst we give a formal deﬁnition of this kind of commonsense. Then we construct a set of knowledge by extending the predicate set of ConceptNet, and apply information extraction technique to capture them from corpus. Finally, to evaluate our framework, we conduct experiments against a part of the Winograd Schema Challenge, which, its author claimed, is an alternative of Turing Test. The result of our experiments conﬁrms the effectiveness of our framework.
Ovine Leukocyte Microparticles Generated by the CentriMag Ventricular Assist Device In Vitro

Ventricular assist devices (VADs) are a life-saving form of mechanical circulatory support in heart failure patients. However, VADs have not yet reached their full potential due to the associated side effects (thrombosis, bleeding, infection) related to the activation and damage of blood cells and proteins caused by mechanical stress and foreign materials. Studies of the effects of VADs on leukocytes are limited, yet leukocyte activation and damage including microparticle generation can influence both thrombosis and infection rates. Therefore, the aim was to develop a multicolor flow cytometry assessment of leukocyte microparticles (LMPs) using ovine blood and the CentriMag VAD as a model for shear stress. Ovine blood was pumped for 6 h in the CentriMag and regular samples analyzed for hemolysis, complete blood counts and LMP by flow cytometry during three different pump operating conditions (low flow, standard, high speed). The high speed condition caused significant increases in plasma-free hemoglobin; decreases in total leukocytes, granulocytes, monocytes, and platelets; increases in CD45+ LMPs as well as two novel LMP populations: CD11bbright /HLA-DR- and CD11bdull /HLA-DR+ , both of which were CD14- /CD21- . CD11bbright /HLA-DR- LMPs appeared to respond to an increase in shear magnitude whereas the CD11bdull /HLA-DR+ LMPs significantly increased in all pumping conditions. We propose that these two populations are released from granulocytes and T cells, respectively, but further research is needed to better characterize these two populations.
Corridor transport observatory guidelines

The Northern Corridor, connecting East Africa to the World through the port of Mombasa, is one of the oldest corridor authorities in Africa, as it was established in 1985. Throughout its years of existence, it has been a source of ideas and knowledge that contributed to the thinking on trade facilitation. To a large extent, it is the birthplace of the concept of corridor transport observatory, and through successive models and revisions, it helped shape what transport observatories are. Transport Observatories emerged as the result of the efforts made over the years to address the specific challenges faced by landlocked developing countries. Most of these countries rely heavily on overseas markets as outlets for their productions and as source for their imports, but for that, they must transit through a coastal country. They are at a disadvantage when it comes to competing on equal terms with other economies for integrating into the world market. The handicaps attached to that remoteness are well known and many: a longer time to import or export, a time rarely predictable, higher costs, with sometimes a double toll when input into production must also be imported. Moreover, little can be done by the landlocked countries alone to improve the conditions of crossing transit countries. Indeed, transit trade flows may even be considered as a nuisance or even a threat when similar economies are competing for similar markets.
The Interaction Between National Culture and Organizational Culture in Accounting Firms: Some Evidence from the Pacific Rim

ABSTRACT In the current era of rapid globalization, accounting firms are increasingly expanding their international operations. As a result, an increasingly important issue is the extent to which the home-country organizational cultures can, and should be, transplanted to the operations in other national settings. Prior studies by Soeters and Schreuder (1988) and Pratt, Mohrweis and Beaulieu (1993) have examined the relation between accounting firms' home-country organizational cultures and those of the foreign countries in which they operate. Both studies have found that the home-country organizational cultures are exported, at least to some extent. Both also have suggested that employee selection is more potent than training and socialization as a means to accomplish this objective. The current study extends the empirical analysis to an important Asian culture—the Chinese. Data were collected from a sample of 201 ethnically Chinese employees of independent domestic accounting firms and U.S. affiliates o.