Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Numerical Characterization of Piezoceramics Using Resonance Curves

Piezoelectric materials characterization is a challenging problem involving physical concepts, electrical and mechanical measurements and numerical optimization techniques. Piezoelectric ceramics such as Lead Zirconate Titanate (PZT) belong to the 6 mm symmetry class, which requires five elastic, three piezoelectric and two dielectric constants to fully represent the material properties. If losses are considered, the material properties can be represented by complex numbers. In this case, 20 independent material constants are required to obtain the full model. Several numerical methods have been used to adjust the theoretical models to the experimental results. The continuous improvement of the computer processing ability has allowed the use of a specific numerical method, the Finite Element Method (FEM), to iteratively solve the problem of finding the piezoelectric constants. This review presents the recent advances in the numerical characterization of 6 mm piezoelectric materials from experimental electrical impedance curves. The basic strategy consists in measuring the electrical impedance curve of a piezoelectric disk, and then combining the Finite Element Method with an iterative algorithm to find a set of material properties that minimizes the difference between the numerical impedance curve and the experimental one. Different methods to validate the results are also discussed. Examples of characterization of some common piezoelectric ceramics are presented to show the practical application of the described methods.
Acidification of the intimal fluid: the perfect storm for atherogenesis

Atherosclerotic lesions are often hypoxic and exhibit elevated lactate concentrations and local acidification of the extracellular fluids. The acidification may be a consequence of the abundant accumulation of lipid-scavenging macrophages in the lesions. Activated macrophages have a very high energy demand and they preferentially use glycolysis for ATP synthesis even under normoxic conditions, resulting in enhanced local generation and secretion of lactate and protons. In this review, we summarize our current understanding of the effects of acidic extracellular pH on three key players in atherogenesis: macrophages, apoB-containing lipoproteins, and HDL particles. Acidic extracellular pH enhances receptor-mediated phagocytosis and antigen presentation by macrophages and, importantly, triggers the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines from macrophages through activation of the inflammasome pathway. Acidity enhances the proteolytic, lipolytic, and oxidative modifications of LDL and other apoB-containing lipoproteins, and strongly increases their affinity for proteoglycans, and may thus have major effects on their retention and the ensuing cellular responses in the arterial intima. Finally, the decrease in the expression of ABCA1 at acidic pH may compromise cholesterol clearance from atherosclerotic lesions. Taken together, acidic extracellular pH amplifies the proatherogenic and proinflammatory processes involved in atherogenesis.
Toward the Model of University Image: The Influence of Brand Personality, External Prestige, and Reputation

Although the concepts of image and reputation have been increasingly emphasized in the fields of public relations and marketing, the association of these 2 concepts has not been empirically studied within the public relations domain. Furthermore, although significant research into corporate image has been established, relatively less image research has been conducted on service-oriented organizations such as universities. The purpose of this study is to assess the impact of institutional image and image-related constructs on students' supportive attitude, which represents the student's commitment to and identification with the organization. After identifying the components that construct corporate image, the study examines the relationships among these constructs under the concept of corporate image. It also attempts to analyze the impact of this image in order to understand its influence on student recruitment, and to describe the strategic implications for university communication management. Structural equation modeling was used to analyze data obtained from a survey of 1,642 university students. The result of statistical analysis is provided with a proposed model of university image.
Gain/loss of poly(Glu50Tyr50)/poly(Glu60Ala30Tyr10) responsiveness in the bm12 mutant strain

The development of inbred strains of mutant mice has proven useful in ascribing specific gene functions to particular genetic loci within the regions and subregions of the H-2 complex. The B6.C-H-2bm12 (bm12) strain is of particular interest in that, compared to parental C57Bl/6Kh (B6) mice, it bears a presumptive single gene mutation altering the Ab beta chain encoded by the I-A subregion. Our data show that bm12 mice have gained the ability to respond to poly(Glu50Tyr50)(GT) and have lost the ability to make plaque-forming cell or delayed-type hypersensitivity responses to the closely related copolymer, poly(Glu60Ala30Tyr10)(GAT), although retaining the ability to mount a GAT-specific T cell proliferative response. This is in sharp contrast to the parental B6 strain, which is a GT nonresponder and a GAT responder. Thus, this study is the first to report the establishment of responder status as a consequence of mutation. Possible mechanisms accounting for the gain/loss of GT/GAT responsiveness in the context of a two-step helper T cell model are discussed.
Analysis of morphological markers of chromosomal instability in ascitic fluid

Chromosomal instability (CI) plays a major role in the carcinogenesis. Micronuclei, nuclear budding, chromatin bridges,and multipolar mitoses are the morphological markers of CI and have never been studied in routine cytological specimens. Aims of the study is to analyze the significance of morphological markers of CI in malignant and benign ascitic fluid smears. A total of sixty benign and 40 malignant ascitic fluid samples were selected for this study. All the cases with malignant ascitic fluid showed histopathological evidence of malignancy in ovary and omentum. Chromatin bridges, multipolar mitosis (MPM), micronuclei and nuclear budding were counted in 1000 cells in representative May Grunwald Giemsa (MGG) stained smears. The CI markers were correlated with the cytological diagnosis of effusion. The mean number of micronuclei, nuclear budding, chromatin bridge and multipolar mitoses found in malignant effusions were 13.2611. 79, 10.1067. 07, 2.5362. 67, 1.964. 5, respectively. The mean number of micronuclei, nuclear budding, anaphase bridges, and MPM found in benign effusion cases were 0.566761. 07934, 0.516761. 33, 0.66760. 25, and 0, respectively. The student t test showed significant differences between malignant and benign ascitic fluid samples for each marker of CI. This is the first comprehensive study of morphological markers of CI in ascitic fluid smears. This study has shown strong correlation between markers of CI and cytological diagnosis of malignancy. In future, the knowledge of these markers can be applied to diagnose malignancy in suspected cases of effusion in difficult situations. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2015;43:855–858. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Efficacy of Urtoxazumab (TMA-15 Humanized Monoclonal Antibody Specific for Shiga Toxin 2) Against Post-Diarrheal Neurological Sequelae Caused by Escherichia coli O157:H7 Infection in the Neonatal Gnotobiotic Piglet Model

Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) is the most common cause of hemorrhagic colitis and hemolytic uremic syndrome in human patients, with brain damage and dysfunction the main cause of acute death. We evaluated the efficacy of urtoxazumab (TMA-15, Teijin Pharma Limited), a humanized monoclonal antibody against Shiga toxin (Stx) 2 for the prevention of brain damage, dysfunction, and death in a piglet EHEC infection model. Forty-five neonatal gnotobiotic piglets were inoculated orally with 3 × 109 colony-forming units of EHEC O157:H7 strain EDL933 (Stx1+, Stx2+) when 22–24 h old. At 24 h post-inoculation, piglets were intraperitoneally administered placebo or TMA-15 (0.3, 1.0 or 3.0 mg/kg body weight). Compared to placebo (n = 10), TMA-15 (n = 35) yielded a significantly greater probability of survival, length of survival, and weight gain (p <0.05). The efficacy of TMA-15 against brain lesions and death was 62.9% (p = 0.0004) and 71.4% (p = 0.0004), respectively. These results suggest that TMA-15 may potentially prevent or reduce vascular necrosis and infarction of the brain attributable to Stx2 in human patients acutely infected with EHEC. However, we do not infer that TMA-15 treatment will completely protect human patients infected with EHEC O157:H7 strains that produce both Stx1 and Stx2.
Patterns of Attribution of Control and Individual Psychosocial Competence

This study examined the relationships among a variety of loci of control and individual psychosocial competence measures through nomothetic and idiographic methods. 133 congregation members drawn from 12 suburban congregations participated in the study. Correlational analyses pointed to considerable independence among the loci of control. However, through a cluster analysis, groups of members manifesting different patterns of attribution of control were identified. The patterns themselves were conceptually meaningful. Furthermore, members of the clusters held significantly different characteristics of psychosocial competence. Yet, as elements of the cluster, neither internal nor external loci themselves had consistently positive or negative implications for members' competence. Rather the significance of the loci appeared to lie in their configuration with each other. Thus, this study highlights the relevance of examining individual frameworks of causal attribution whose elements operate interactively as well as independently.
Metabolic effects of static magnetic fields on streptococcus pyogenes

This study aimed to develop a simple experimental system utilising bacterial cells to investigate the dose responses resulting from exposures to static magnetic flux densities ranging from 0.05 to 0.5 T on viability, bacterial metabolism and levels of DNA damage in Streptococcus pyogenes. Exposure of S. pyogenes to a field of 0.3 T at 24 °C under anaerobic conditions resulted in a significant (P < 0.05) decrease in growth rate, with an increased mean generation time of 199 ± 6 min compared to the control cells at 165 ± 6 min (P < 0.05). Conversely, exposure to magnetic fields of 0.5 T significantly accelerated the growth rate at 24 °C compared to control cells, with a decreased mean generation time of 147 ± 4 min (P < 0.05). The patterns of metabolite release from cells incubated in phosphate buffered saline (PBS) at 24 °C and exposed to different magnetic flux densities (0.05–0.5 T) were significantly (P < 0.05) altered, compared to non‐exposed controls. Concentrations of metabolites, with the exception of aspartic acid (r = 0.44), were not linearly correlated with magnetic flux density, with all other r < 0.20. Instead, “window” effects were observed, with 0.25–0.3 T eliciting the maximal release of the majority of metabolites, suggesting that magnetic fields of these strengths had significant impacts on metabolic homeostasis in S. pyogenes. The exposure of cells to 0.3 T was also found to significantly reduce the yield of 8‐hydroxyguanine in extracted DNA compared to controls, suggesting some possible anti‐oxidant protection to S. pyogenes at this field strength. Bioelectromagnetics 28:439–445, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A computerized magnetic resonance imaging study of corpus callosum morphology in schizophrenia

Synopsis The hypothesis tested was that, in schizophrenia, corpus callosum size would be reduced, particularly in the region responsible for communication between both temporal lobes. This is supported by knowledge of: (a) anatomical homotopicity and functional specialization of fibres within the corpus callosum; (b) evidence linking structural and functional deficits of the corpus callosum and left temporal lobe with schizophrenia; and (c) that temporal lobe neuronal fibres pass through the middle region of the corpus callosum. Brain area and corpus callosum areas, widths and length were measured on mid-sagittal MRI scans using a computer outlining method. Scans from 30 schizophrenics and 44 normal subjects were compared. Mid-sagittal brain area, corpus callosum area, length and anterior widths were reduced in the schizophrenic group compared with controls. A significant area difference between schizophrenics and controls was seen in the mid-corpus callosum which communicates between the temporal lobes, including the superior temporal gyri. In schizophrenics, corpus callosum area reduction was not accounted for by brain area shrinkage alone. Differences between the two groups were accounted for by comparisons between males only. These findings support the hypothesis and the possibility that localized abnormalities of bilaterally connected brain regions might have secondary effects on their homotopically distributed fibres within the corpus callosum.
The impact of locus of control on job stress, job performance and job satisfaction in Taiwan

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationships between locus of control and the work‐related behavioral measures of job stress, job satisfaction and job performance in Taiwan.Design/methodology/approach – Subjects were drawn from a pool of accounting professionals who completed a questionnaire made up of valid and reliable instruments that measured each of the variables studied.Findings – The findings indicate that one aspect of an accountants' personality, as measured by locus of control, plays an important role in predicting in the level of job satisfaction, stress and performance in CPA firms in Taiwan. Individuals with a higher internal locus of control are more likely to have lower levels of job stress and higher levels of job performance and satisfaction.Practical implications – The results indicate that locus of control plays an important role in the overall effectiveness of accountants, even in a non‐western culture like Taiwan.Originality/value – This was a study of a non‐Wes.
Expression of TCR-Vβ peptides by murine bone marrow cells does not identify T-cell progenitors

Germline transcription has been described for both immunoglobulin and T‐cell receptor (TCR) genes, raising questions of their functional significance during haematopoiesis. Previously, an immature murine T‐cell line was shown to bind antibody to TCR‐Vβ8. 2 in absence of anti‐Cβ antibody binding, and an equivalent cell subset was also identified in the mesenteric lymph node. Here, we investigate whether germline transcription and cell surface Vβ8. 2 expression could therefore represent a potential marker of T‐cell progenitors. Cells with the TCR phenotype of Vβ8. 2+Cβ− are found in several lymphoid sites, and among the lineage‐negative (Lin−) fraction of hematopoietic progenitors in bone marrow (BM). Cell surface marker analysis of these cells identified subsets reflecting common lymphoid progenitors, common myeloid progenitors and multipotential progenitors. To assess whether the Lin−Vβ8. 2+Cβ− BM subset contains hematopoietic progenitors, cells were sorted and adoptively transferred into sub‐lethally irradiated recipients. No T‐cell or myeloid progeny were detected following introduction of cells via the intrathymic or intravenous routes. However, B‐cell development was detected in spleen. This pattern of restricted in vivo reconstitution disputes Lin−Vβ8. 2+Cβ− BM cells as committed T‐cell progenitors, but raises the possibility of progenitors with potential for B‐cell development.
Studying International Students: Adjustment Issues and Social Support.

This study investigated international student adjustment issues and needs for social support while pursuing higher education in the United States. Data were obtained from individual interviews. Results indicate that international students experienced significant challenges in adjusting to academic stress, cultural differences, and language challenges within the U.S. higher education system. Adjustments to academic demands tended to present the greatest difficulty for international students. Friends and family were the preferred sources to seek help for personal issues. Students felt that providing academic and cultural orientation programs would be helpful to assist international students in making a successful transition to life in the United States.
Effect of Bhramari Pranayama on response inhibition: Evidence from the stop signal task

Context: Response inhibition is a key executive control processes. An inability to inhibit inappropriate actions has been linked to a large range of neurologic and neuropsychiatric disorders. Aims: Examine the effect of Bhramari Pranayama (Bhpr) on response inhibition in healthy individuals. Settings and Design: Thirty-one male students age ranged from 19-31 years from a residential Yoga University, Bengaluru, India were recruited for this study. We used a randomized self as control within-subjects design. Participants were counterbalanced randomly into two different experimental conditions (Bhpr and deep breathing (DB)). Materials and Methods: Response inhibition has been measured using a standard tool Stop Signal Task (SST). Each session lasted for 50 min with 10 min for the experimental conditions, preceded and followed by 20 min of assessment. The primary outcome measure was stop signal reaction time (SSRT), an estimate of the subject's capacity for inhibiting prepotent motor responses. Additional measures of interest were the probability of responding on stop signal trials, P (r | s) and mean RT to go stimuli. Results: The mean probability of responding on stop signal trials (P (r | s)) during Bhpr and DB are close to 50%, indicating reliable SSRT. Paired sample t-tests showed a significant decrease (P = 0.024) in SSRT after Bhpr session, while the DB group did not show any significant change. Further, t-tests show that the go RT increased significantly after Bhpr (P = 0.007) and no other changes/differences were observed. Conclusions: Bhpr enhanced response inhibition and cognitive control in nonclinical participants.
Statistical multiplexing for neural nanonetworks in case of neuron specific faults

Although nanonetworking is in its infancy, a wide range of appealing application areas especially in human healthcare field draws the attention of both the medical and scientific communities. Many neurological diseases like paralysis are caused by the interruption of spike propagation due to the malfunctioning neurons in the signaling pathway where the spikes are carried. In this paper, we propose a neuron specific statistical multiplexing scheme to substitute a faulty sensory neural pathway with a neighboring functional one. Since the spikes are stereotyped events and they have no addressing information, we developed an addressing scheme utilizing the spikes themselves. The performance achieved by the proposed technique is analyzed in terms of the percentage of the spikes transmitted under various scenarios. We also compared the results obtained with the previously proposed TDMA based multiplexing schemes. The proposed statistical multiplexing based technique has lower implementation complexity than the previously introduced TDMA based techniques. Additionally, we evaluated the performance of the proposed technique when a priority mechanism is employed. The concept of multiplexing spikes to substitute a faulty neural pathway with a functional pathway reveals new opportunities in neuronal communication and may pave the way to the real healthcare applications of nanonetworking in the near future.
Effect of iron supplementation during lactation on maternal iron status and oxidative stress: A randomized controlled trial.

We examined the effect of iron-containing prenatal vitamin-mineral supplements taken postpartum on biomarkers of iron status and oxidative stress. Lactating women (n = 114) were randomly assigned to consume daily one iron-free prenatal vitamin-mineral supplement plus either 27 mg of iron or placebo for approximately 3.5 months. The placebo group took the tablets between meals, while those given iron took the tablets either with (Fe-W) or between meals (Fe-B). Blood and urine samples were collected before and after the supplementation period to analyze hemoglobin (Hb), ferritin, hepcidin, transferrin saturation (TfSat), total plasma iron, and biomarkers of oxidative stress (isoprostane and 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG)) and inflammation (C-reactive protein (CRP) and alpha-1-acid glycoprotein (AGP)). There was a trend toward a greater change in Hb among women in the Fe-B group compared to placebo (+2.5 vs. -3.7 g/L, respectively, p = 0.063). When the iron groups were combined, there was a greater change in Hb (+1.4 g/L) compared to placebo (p = 0.010). There were trends toward greater changes in TfSat (p = 0.087) and total plasma iron (p = 0.065) in the iron groups compared to placebo, yet no significant differences between the three groups in change in hepcidin (p = 0.291), isoprostane (p = 0.319), or 8-OHdG (p = 0.659), nor in change in ferritin among those with elevated CRP at baseline (60% of women; p = 0.946); among those without elevated CRP (40% of women), ferritin increased more in the iron groups compared to placebo (p = 0.001). Iron consumption during lactation moderately increased iron status, particularly among women without elevated CRP, and increased Hb, but did not significantly increase oxidative stress.
To punish or rehabilitate revisited: an analysis of the purpose/goals of state correctional statutes, 1991–2002

This article offers a comparison of the mandated purpose clauses and statutory requirements of all 50 state correctional departments between 1991 and 2002. The study seeks to answer four questions: (1) Do the majority of states still mandate rehabilitation as a correctional goal? (2) Have the number of states mandating both punishment and rehabilitation changed over the past decade? (3) If changes have occurred, which states amended their statutes, and (4) what changes did they make? Results indicate that rehabilitation is still a primary concern, but various states have incorporated language concerning custody/control along with rehabilitation over the past decade.
Predictors of images towards the ‘Other’: a comparative study between Jordanian and Greek pre‐service teachers

The present study examined the perceptions of Jordanian and Greek pre‐service teachers (N = 489) towards the ‘Other’ as well as towards tolerance and intolerance. Frequencies, t‐tests and one‐way analysis of variance, as well as multiple regression analyses, were performed for the data analysis. The results show that although the two national/religious groups differ in terms of fears based on their religious views, when country substitutes religion there are no significant differences. Although differences were found with respect to nationalistic perceptions and global‐mindedness perceptions (globalism), no statistically significant differences were found between the two groups in terms of tolerance and intolerance perceptions. Non‐school books and television played an important role in developing perceptions of tolerance and intolerance.