Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Involvement of an ABC Transporter in a Developmental Pathway Regulating Hypocotyl Cell Elongation in the Light

In the dark, plant seedlings follow the skotomorphogenetic developmental program, which results in hypocotyl cell elongation. When the seedlings are exposed to light, a switch to photomorphogenetic development occurs, and hypocotyl cell elongation is inhibited. We have manipulated the expression of the AtPGP1 (for Arabidopsis thaliana P glycoprotein1) gene in transgenic Arabidopsis plants by using sense and antisense constructs. We show that within a certain light fluence rate window, overexpression of the AtPGP1 gene under the control of the cauliflower mosaic virus 35S promoter causes plants to develop longer hypocotyls, whereas expression of the gene in antisense orientation results in hypocotyls shorter than those occurring in the wild type. In the dark, hypocotyls of transgenic and wild-type plants are indistinguishable. Because the AtPGP1 gene encodes a member of the superfamily of ATP binding cassette–containing (ABC) transporters, these results imply that a transport process is involved in a hypocotyl cell elongation pathway active in the light. The AtPGP1 transporter is localized in the plasmalemma, as indicated by immunohistochemical techniques and biochemical membrane separation methods. Analysis of the AtPGP1 expression pattern by using reporter gene constructs and in situ hybridization shows that in wild-type seedlings, AtPGP1 is expressed in both the root and shoot apices.
A framework of cooperating intrusion detection based on clustering analysis and expert system

This paper first analyzes and compares misuse detection and anomaly detection. Misuse detection can't detect new or unknown intrusion, while anomaly detection has the shortcoming on detection rate and false alarm rate. In order to overcome their respective shortcomings, we propose a framework of cooperating intrusion detection based on clustering analysis and expert system. It can meet the demand of real-time detection through clustering method and detect new or unknown intrusion. It integrates the virtues of both misuse detection and anomaly detection to improve the detection performance. Moreover it converts unknown intrusion to known intrusion, hence improves the detection accuracy and efficiency.
Urothelial bladder carcinoma in young patients is characterized by a relatively good prognosis

Abstract Introduction and aim. Urothelial bladder carcinoma (UBC) is a very rare condition in patients aged below 50 years. The aim of the study was to answer the question whether the characteristics of cancer in this group of patients differ from general UBC features. Material and methods. Altogether 2160 patients treated with primary transurethral resection due to a bladder tumor were included in the study. The mean age of the cohort was 69.1 years (range 11–100). Patients were divided into three subgroups depending on age: age <41 years (group 1), age 41–50 years (group 2), age >50 years (group 3). Sex ratio, tumor grade, and stage of disease were recorded. Results. Women constituted 18.5%, 19.2%, and 25.8% of the patients in groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively (P < 0.05). WHO grade 3 tumors were diagnosed in 0%, 8.5%, and 17.2%, respectively (P < 0.05). Non-invasive papillary carcinoma was found in 100.0%, 76.7%, and 62.7%, respectively (P < 0.05). The incidence of muscle-invasive bladder cancer was 0%, 11.0%, and 15.6%, respectively (P < 0.05). Conclusions. Pathological characteristics of UBC are dependent on the patients’ age. Being a very rare condition, UBC in young patients is characterized by a relatively good prognosis.
A Correlational Study of the Relationship Between Sense of Humor and Positive Psychological Capacities

The constructs of sense of humor (Lefcourt, 2002) and positive psychological capacities (PsyCap; Luthans, 2002a) have been heralded as important phenomenon within the growing field of positive psychology, especially within the organizational sciences. Additionally, a sense of humor has been found to be related to positive affective experiences. Leaders can develop followers’ confidence, hope, optimism and resiliency for what Avolio and Luthans (2006) called sustainable, veritable performance. The hypotheses presented and tested here will advance the theoretical and empirical discussion of leadership in organizations by linking several emerging constructs of interest, both in academe and practice. This
The Emergence of Shared Leadership in Newly Formed Teams With an Initial Structure of Vertical Leadership: A Longitudinal Analysis

The importance of high-quality leadership for team effectiveness is widely recognized, with recent viewpoints arguing shared leadership to be a more powerful predictor than vertical leadership. To identify changes in leadership structures over time, we longitudinally tracked the leadership structure of 27 newly formed teams (N = 195), all having an initial structure of vertical leadership. Our findings demonstrated that the average team leadership strengthened over the course of the 24-week project and leadership tended to become more distributed among team members. Regarding the antecedents of these changes, we found evidence that the more team members are perceived as warm or competent, the higher their perceived influence. Finally, examining the consequences of these changes, the leadership structure was found to be related with team performance in that teams with higher average leadership perceptions performed better. These findings underpin the importance of shared leadership, thereby suggesting leaders to empower their team members.
Tetrahedral mesh generation based on space indicator functions

An algorithm for the generation of tetrahedral volume meshes is developed for highly irregular objects specified by volumetric representations such as domain indicator functions and tomography data. It is based on red–green refinement of an initial mesh derived from a body‐centered cubic lattice. A quantitative comparison of alternative types of initial meshes is presented. The minimum set of best‐quality green refinement schemes is identified. Boundary conformity is established by deforming or splitting surface‐crossing elements. Numerical derivatives of input data are strictly avoided. Furthermore, the algorithm features surface‐adaptive mesh density based on local surface roughness, which is an integral property of finite surface portions. Examples of applications are presented for computer tomography of porous media. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Modulation of the inactivation of voltage-dependent potassium channels by cAMP

Modulation of voltage-dependent potassium currents can alter the shape and timing of action potentials, thereby altering neurotransmitter release. To examine the effect of a cAMP analog on potassium currents in metabolically intact cells, perforated-patch and cell-attached patch recordings were carried out using the GH4C1 pituitary cell line. A major component of voltage-dependent potassium current in these cells inactivates slowly, with a time constant of several seconds. Application of dibutyryl cAMP decreased this current at voltages positive to -10 mV and increased the rate of inactivation by approximately twofold. Single channel recordings revealed two channel types whose voltage dependence and kinetics of inactivation match those of the macroscopic current. One of these, the smaller conductance (7.5 pS) channel, was sensitive to the cAMP analog, which decreased the latency of the channel to enter a long-lasting inactivated state. Ensemble averages of the activity of this channel showed that, consistent with its effect on the macroscopic current, dibutyryl cAMP increased its rate of inactivation. Somatostatin, an agent that is known to activate a serine/threonine phosphatase in these cells, completely reversed the effect of dibutyryl cAMP on the channel, while the cyclic GMP analog, dibutyryl cyclic GMP was without effect. In contrast, the rate of inactivation of the larger conductance (approximately 19 pS) channel was not accelerated by dibutyryl cAMP. These studies indicate that different channel subtypes expressed in a single cell respond differently to elevations of cAMP, and suggest that the overall response of potassium currents to second messengers may be determined by the ratio of different channel subtypes.
Measurement of interface pressure applied by medical compression bandages

Medical compression bandages (MCBs) are widely used to treat venous leg ulcers. Interface pressure measurement devices like PicoPress® transducer are used occasionally to measure the pressure applied by MCBs to train nurses to apply MCBs with the correct pressure profile to patient's leg and for quality assurance purposes. However, most of these devices provide only single point pressure measurement. Some of them like the Medical Stocking Tester (MST) and the Oxford Pressure Monitoring MK can provide multiple points of pressure measurement simultaneously. However, the current available systems cannot map the pressures applied by MCBs to a leg at 16 or more points simultaneously. Flexible sensors like FlexiForce® seem to provide a good alternative to current pressure measurement system. This paper will report on the work carried out to compare the pressure measured using FlexiForce® force sensors with the pressures measured using PicoPress®, which is a pneumatic transducer, and FS01 force sensor, which is an ultra profile rigid MEMS force sensor. In addition, it will compare the pressures measured using the three sensing transducers with the pressures computed from the amount of extension in the MCB, which is applied to the medium which these sensors are attached to.
Characteristics of Empathy in young people measured by the Spanish validation of the Basic Empathy Scale.

BACKGROUND Empathy is a personality feature that can play a major role in predicting the emotional and social functioning of adolescents (Jolliffe & Farrington, 2006). Recent research confirms the existence of two fundamental dimensions embedded within this construct, Affective Empathy (experiencing a congruent emotional response with another person) and Cognitive Empathy (understanding rationally the emotions of another person). The Basic Empathy Scale (Jolliffe & Farrington, 2006) is an up-to-date instrument which has been reported to satisfactorily measure these two dimensions. METHOD We used a sample of 752 adolescents (339 males, 413 females) aged 14-25 who completed the Spanish adaptation of BES. RESULTS Confirmatory factor analysis showed that the Spanish adaptation of the scale had the same bi-factorial structure as the original (CFI = .93). This adaptation also showed both satisfactory reliability (Cronbach’s alpha coefficient > .92) and discriminant and convergent validity with regard to measurements of Narcissism, Psychoticism and Agreeableness. Females were found to have higher scores than males both in Affective and Cognitive Empathy. Both subscales show a direct significant correlation with age. CONCLUSIONS The evidence suggested that this revised scale possessed good psychometric properties for evaluating empathy in Spanish young people.
Assessment of the Exercise Intensity of Short Stick Exercises in Elderly Individuals

The present study was to obtain basic data for applying the short stick exercises to frail elderly individuals. A total of 20 individuals aged ≥60 years (10 men, and 10 women) with independence in activities of daily living participated in a short stick exercise program. During the exercise program, the time required and the number of times the short stick was dropped were investigated. The exercise intensity was also evaluated based on expired gas and heart rate measurements. The mean exercise intensity of the short stick exercises was 1.9 ± 0.3 metabolic equivalents (METs), equivalent to talking while standing or walking indoors. Compared to the early elderly (those aged 60 to 74 years), the late elderly (those aged ≥75 years) had a significantly higher number of stick drops and significantly lower increase in heart rate from resting to the warming-up exercise. The short stick exercises had a low exercise intensity and can be applicable to exercise interventions of the frail elderly individuals. However, in the case of the late elderly, the high frequency of short stick drops and the change in heart rate during warming up must be considered.
Central limit theorems for iterated random Lipschitz mappings

Let M be a noncompact metric space in which every closed ball is compact, and let G be a semigroup of Lipschitz mappings of M. Denote by (Yn)n≥1 a sequence of independent G-valued, identically distributed random variables (r.v.’s), and by Z an M-valued r.v. which is independent of the r.v. Yn, n≥1. We consider the Markov chain (Zn)n≥0 with state space M which is defined recursively by Z0=Z and Zn+1=Yn+1Zn for n≥0. Let ξ be a real-valued function on G×M. The aim of this paper is to prove central limit theorems for the sequence of r.v. ’s (ξ(Yn,Zn−1))n≥1. The main hypothesis is a condition of contraction in the mean for the action on M of the mappings Yn; we use a spectral method based on a quasi-compactness property of the transition probability of the chain mentioned above, and on a special perturbation theorem.
CONTROL OF SINGULARLY PERTURBED SYSTEMS UNDER ACTUATOR SATURATION

Abstract This paper addresses the stabilization problem of singularly perturbed systems subject to actuator saturation. A solution in terms of linear matrix inequalities is proposed. The saturation is represented by means of a modified sector nonlinearity. The numerical problems due to the ill conditioning of the system model are avoided using a non-decoupling strategy. Some numerical results are also included for testing the proposed methods.
An integrated model of buyer-seller relationships

Relationships in business markets are increasingly important in many companies’ operating strategies. A five-stage framework integrates the constructs most often examined in empirical relationship research with the stages of relationship development (partner selection, defining purpose, setting relationship value, and relationship maintenance). The proposed model recognized that a variable may be active at certain stages and become latent in others. Research directions are proposed and managerial implications discussed.
Reducing Alcohol-Exposed Pregnancies A Report of the National Task Force on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and Fetal Alcohol Effect

The findings and conclusions in this report are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official position of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Drinking alcohol during pregnancy can cause fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs). The term FASDs is used to define the spectrum of physical, mental, behavioral, and/or learning disabilities that can result from prenatal alcohol exposure. Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is one of the most severe outcomes of drinking alcohol during pregnancy. FASDs are preventable if women do not drink during pregnancy. Since FAS was first identified in 1973, efforts have been under way to prevent alcohol-exposed pregnancies (AEPs) and reduce the risk of FASDs. While significant progress has been made, alcohol use continues to be prevalent among women of childbearing age. Recent data show that 12% of pregnant women aged 18–44 years reported consuming alcohol during the past month, and about 2% reported binge drinking during that time. Also, 52.4% of nonpregnant women aged 18–44 years reported drinking during the past month, and 11.5% reported binge drinking. These data suggest that more work needs to be done to develop effective, evidence-based FASD prevention strategies to address the diverse needs of all women of childbearing age—those who are pregnant, who are trying to become pregnant, and who might become pregnant. Evidence for this report began with a systematic search of the literature to identify community-level FASD interventions and policies that can prevent AEPs and reduce the prevalence of physical, mental, behavioral, and learning disabilities due to prenatal alcohol exposure. This evidence, along with the findings and recommendations of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force on behavioral counseling interventions for alcohol misuse, helped lay the groundwork for the information presented in this report. The report reviews the current evidence on prevention strategies to reduce alcohol use and AEPs, provides recommendations on promoting and improving these strategies, and offers future research directions in the field of FASD prevention. It also serves as a guide for those in the research and practice fields interested in selecting and implementing effective, scientifically tested interventions for women at risk for an AEP. The report highlights the critical importance of alcohol screening using validated screening tools in identifying women at risk for alcohol misuse and AEPs. The prevention strategies described in the report are categorized using a prevention framework of …
Time‐Varying Integration in European Government Bond Markets

Bond market integration clearly changes in response to economic and financial conditions, since the level of risk aversion changes and investors require time-varying compensation for accepting a risky payoff from financial assets. In this paper we examine the dynamic behavior of European Government bond market integration using an asset pricing model based on that of Bekaert and Harvey (1995). Our sample period begins in 2004, after a period of calm and tranquility, and ends in 2009, with a significant widening of sovereign bond spreads. Our results show evidence of timevarying level of integration for all European countries and suggest that, from the beginning of the financial market tensions in August 2007, markets moved towards higher segmentation, and the differentiation of country risk factors increased substantially across countries. However, the impact of the financial and economic crisis has been much more harmful for EMU members� sovereign bond markets, since it has prompted an important backward step in their integration process.
Journeys to Engagement: Ambient Activity Technologies for People Living with Dementia

Caring for individuals with dementia living in long-term care environments requires the management of responsive behaviours (e.g., screaming, hitting, wandering), which affect 60-80% of residents with dementia. Responsive behaviours are commonly treated with antipsychotic medications, and they compromise well-being of residents as well as staff. Our multi-disciplinary team seeks to develop technological solutions to minimize agitated and aggressive behaviours by creating familiar and appropriate activities that allow residents with dementia opportunities to self-initiate (trigger), engage and interact with Ambient Activity Technologies (AATs) and Centivizers (reward-based learning). Once engaged, these technologies should provide the resident with individualized and stimulating experiences that are meaningful to the resident, facilitating the development of a calm and engaged state, thereby managing responsive behaviours (e.g., agitation and aggression) and improving quality of life. In this paper, we review the etiology of dementia and responsive behaviours to elucidate the rationale behind the design and development of AATs and Centivizers for individuals with dementia living in long-term care, using a person-centered technological approach. Our goal is to utilize technology to minimize caregiver burden and help to improve well-being related outcomes in residents, staff and family members.
GAMMA-AMINOBUTYRIC ACID AND OTHER BLOCKING COMPOUNDS IN CRUSTACEA

IN THE TWO PRECEDING PAPERS it was reported that gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) was the most active of ten blocking substances extracted from the nervous systems of lobsters and crabs. The concentrations of GABA in several peripheral nerves were measured and found to be highest in a nerve that contained only one motor and one inhibitory axon. It was natural to wonder if GABA was specifically concentrated in the inhibitory axon. In the present study, therefore, we have isolated individual axons and found, within the limits of sensitivity of our enzymic assay, that motor fibers contained no GABA while inhibitory neurons contained surprisingly high concentrations. Other blocking compounds were also extracted from separated motor and inhibitory axons, but in contrast to GABA, these are present in both neuron types, as is the precursor of GABA, glutamic acid. The current studies strongly suggest that GABA has a specific physiological role confined to inhibitory neurons.
Family functioning and gambling problems in young adulthood: the role of the concordance of values

Abstract Background: Although young adult men are at an elevated risk for gambling problems (GP), compared to adolescents and adults in general this group is still largely unresearched. The current study investigates whether family functioning, which is associated with reduced risk for GP in adolescence, also affects gambling in young adults, who are more independent than minors. It analyses the relationship between GP and two core components of family functioning, the effectiveness of problem-solving in the family and perceived concordance of values. Methods: Data came from the baseline, 12- and 24-month follow-up assessments of Munich Leisure-time Study (MLS), a longitudinal online study in young male gamblers. Young men were recruited via the Munich citizens’ registry (n = 2,693) and Facebook invites (n = 105). In total, n = 173 individuals positively screened for frequent and/or regular gambling participated in the study. The hypothesised relations between problem-solving, concordance of values and GP were investigated with a path model controlling for non-planning impulsiveness and psychological distress. Results: Higher concordance of family values was significantly related to less GP in cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses. It mediated the relation between the effectiveness of problem-solving and GP. Conclusions: While previous studies indicated good family functioning as a factor preventive of GP, the current results indicate that this association is mediated by the perceived concordance of family values. In families with effective problem-solving, common family values might facilitate recognition of and reaction to first signs of problems. Perceived discordance may lead to feelings of shame and concealment of GP.
Experimental Evidence of Observed Social Media Status Cues on Perceived Likability

Recent research addresses social media’s increasing importance to relationships and its influence on individual perceptions of self. However, understanding of the value outside observers place on social media status cues (i.e., followers, likes, etc.) in evaluating the perceived likability of others is currently underexplored. Using the theoretical lenses of social exchange and social information processing, we developed a conjoint experiment relating observers’ expected likability of social media users with variance in a social media user’s (1) number of followers and “likes”, (2) physical attractiveness, (3) and the percentage of “selfies” (self-portraits) posted. Data collected from 72 participants and 873 generated observations provided results consistent with our theory that those with more followers and “likes” have higher perceived likability. In addition, this perception was further enhanced by physical attractiveness, but diminished by the percentage of “selfies” posted. Of additional interest, we also found that likability differed by gender, age, and the amount of time spent on social media. Implications for future research are discussed.