Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Supervisory Feedback: Alternative Types and Their Impact on Salespeople's Performance and Satisfaction

A fourfold typology of supervisory feedback is developed by crossing the locus of feedback (output vs. behavior) with the valence of feedback (positive vs. negative) provided to salespeople. Findings from an empirical study suggest that positive feedback serves an informational and a motivational function and has a significant effect on salespeople's performance and satisfaction. In contrast, negative feedback serves an informational function, but not a motivational function, and improves performance to a relatively small extent. Further, whereas positive output feedback is found to have the strongest total effect on performance, positive behavioral feedback appears to have the strongest total effect on satisfaction. Interestingly, neither negative output feedback nor negative behavioral feedback seems to reduce salespeople's satisfaction with supervisors. Finally, contrary to expectations, salespeople's acceptance of supervisory feedback does not appear to moderate these relationships in general.
Parallel Processing of Substrate Correlates with Greater Functional Stability in Methanogenic Bioreactor Communities Perturbed by Glucose

ABSTRACT Parallel processing is more stable than serial processing in many areas that employ interconnected activities. This hypothesis was tested for microbial community function using two quadruplicate sets of methanogenic communities, each set having substantially different populations. The two communities were maintained at a mean cell residence time of 16 days and a mean glucose loading rate of 0.34 g/liter-day in variable-volume reactors. To test stability to perturbation, they were subjected to an instantaneous glucose pulse that resulted in a 6.8-g/liter reactor concentration. The pattern of accumulated products in response to the perturbation was analyzed for various measures of functional stability, including resistance, resilience, and reactivity for each product. A new stability parameter, “moment of amplification envelope,” was used to compare the soluble compound stability. These parameters indicated that the communities with predominantly parallel substrate processing were functionally more stable in response to the perturbation than the communities with predominantly serial substrate processing. The data also indicated that there was good replication of function under perturbed conditions; the degrees of replication were 0.79 and 0.83 for the two test communities.
Multimodal templates for real-time detection of texture-less objects in heavily cluttered scenes

We present a method for detecting 3D objects using multi-modalities. While it is generic, we demonstrate it on the combination of an image and a dense depth map which give complementary object information. It works in real-time, under heavy clutter, does not require a time consuming training stage, and can handle untextured objects. It is based on an efficient representation of templates that capture the different modalities, and we show in many experiments on commodity hardware that our approach significantly outperforms state-of-the-art methods on single modalities.
Intestinal Macrophage/Epithelial Cell-Derived CCL11/Eotaxin-1 Mediates Eosinophil Recruitment and Function in Pediatric Ulcerative Colitis1

Clinical studies have demonstrated a link between the eosinophil-selective chemokines, eotaxins (eotaxin-1/CCL11 and eotaxin-2/CCL24), eosinophils, and the inflammatory bowel diseases, Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis (UC). However, the cellular source and individual contribution of the eotaxins to colonic eosinophilic accumulation in inflammatory bowel diseases remain unclear. In this study we demonstrate, by gene array and quantitative PCR, elevated levels of eotaxin-1 mRNA in the rectosigmoid colon of pediatric UC patients. We show that elevated levels of eotaxin-1 mRNA positively correlated with rectosigmoid eosinophil numbers. Further, colonic eosinophils appeared to be degranulating, and the levels positively correlated with disease severity. Using the dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced intestinal epithelial injury model, we show that DSS treatment of mice strongly induced colonic eotaxin-1 and eotaxin-2 expression and eosinophil levels. Analysis of eosinophil-deficient mice defined an effector role for eosinophils in disease pathology. DSS treatment of eotaxin-2−/− and eotaxin-1/2−/− mice demonstrated that eosinophil recruitment was dependent on eotaxin-1. In situ and immunofluorescence analysis-identified eotaxin-1 expression was restricted to intestinal F4/80+CD11b+ macrophages in DSS-induced epithelial injury and to CD68+ intestinal macrophages and the basolateral compartment of intestinal epithelial cells in pediatric UC. These data demonstrate that intestinal macrophage and epithelial cell-derived eotaxin-1 plays a critical role in the regulation of eosinophil recruitment in colonic eosinophilic disease such as pediatric UC and provides a basis for targeting the eosinophil/eotaxin-1 axis in UC.
Acromial and scapular spine fractures after reverse total shoulder arthroplasty

Acromial and scapular spine fractures after reverse total shoulder arthroplasty occur predominantly as a result of bony insufficiency secondary to patient and intra-operative technical factors. The spectrum of the pathology can range from a stress reaction to an undisplaced or displaced fracture. Prompt diagnosis of these fractures requires a high suspicion in the postoperative patient with a clinical presentation of acute onset of pain along the acromion or scapular spine and/or deterioration of shoulder function. Conventional shoulder radiographs are frequently unreliable in identifying these fractures, especially if they are undisplaced. Computed tomography (CT) and/or single photon emission computed tomography/CT scans are useful imaging modalities for obtaining a definitive diagnosis. Early diagnosis and non-operative treatment of a stress reaction or undisplaced fracture is essential for preventing further displacement and potential disability. The management of displaced fractures is challenging for the orthopaedic surgeon as a result of high rates of mal-union or non-union, decreased functional outcomes, and variable results after open reduction and internal fixation. Strategies for preventing these fractures include optimizing the patient’s bone health, correct glenoid baseplate screw length and position, and avoiding excessive deltoid tension. Further research is required to identify the specific patient and fracture characteristics that will benefit from conservative versus operative management.
Antioxidant availability of turmeric in relation to its medicinal and culinary uses

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) has been used in Indian cooking, and in herbal remedies. Its possible mechanism of action was examined in terms of antioxidant availability during actual cooking conditions and in therapeutic applications using standardized extracts. The assays involve different levels of antioxidant action such as oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC), radical scavenging abilities using 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picryl hydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2′‐azobis‐3‐ethylbenzthiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid (ABTS), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and protection of membranes examined by inhibition of lipid peroxidation besides the content of phenols and total ﬂavonoids. The aqueous and ethanol extracts of two major preparations of turmeric, corresponding to its use in cooking and medicine, showed signiﬁcant antioxidant abilities. In conclusion, the studies reveal that the ability of turmeric to scavenge radicals, reduce iron complex and inhibit peroxidation may explain the possible mechanisms by which turmeric exhibits its beneﬁcial effects in relation to its use in cooking and medicine. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quantitative Strategic Planning of General Office of Sports and Youth in Regard to Championship Sport Using QSPM in Kermanshah

Since the 50s, methods and protocols of resistance training for human beings have been discussed. Different equipment is proposed for rodent resistance training seeking similarity to human practice. Many studies are compared without taking into consideration the animal adaptation period, training induced stress status, type of equipment structure and training protocols used. This review aimed to discuss factual issues about Vertical climbing equipment, protocols, strength testing, cellular and molecular responses from resistance trained rodents. We verified the existence of a variety of vertical training equipment and protocols. Many outcomes were studied and shown to be effective through ladder climbing experimentation. Even so, cellular and molecular responses might be quite different regarding voluntary and non-voluntary studies. Finally, it has been shown that there is still the need for a more accurate control of the variables of training, such as intensity and volume, the number of load testing sessions and familiarization process, and others, approaching its findings to data recorded in humans.
Re: Germline BRCA1 mutations and a basal epithelial phenotype in breast cancer.

Foulkes et al. (1) reported that the expression of cytokeratin 5/6, indicating a basal epithelial phenotype, was statistically significantly associated with germline BRCA1 mutations in estrogen receptor (ER)and erbB2-negative invasive breast cancers. It has recently been shown that the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is often expressed in basal-type (“stem”) cells of the breast (2), extending the phenotype of basal cells to ER/erbB2/EGFR breast cells. We examined the expression of EGFR by immunohistochemistry in the invasive breast cancers from 21 proven carriers of BRCA1 germline mutations and five proven carriers of BRCA2 germline mutations, as well as from a control group of 430 invasive breast cancers from patients unselected for a family history of breast cancer. Only clear membrane staining for EGFR was considered as overexpression. Of the 21 BRCA1-related breast cancers, 14 (67%) showed EGFR overexpression, 19 (90%) were ER negative, and 17 (81%) were erbB2 negative. Eleven (52%) of 21 tumors were ER/erbB2/EGFR . All five (100%) breast cancers in BRCA2 mutation carriers showed EGFR overexpression, four (80%) were ER negative, and three (75%) of four were erbB2 negative (one could not be characterized). Two (50%) of four tumors were ER/erbB2/EGFR . In the control group of 430 tumors, EGFR overexpression was found in only 70 (16%), and only 28 (7%) of 422 tumors were ER/erbB2/EGFR . (Eight tumors could not be characterized for both proteins.) EGFR overexpression was statistically significantly higher in breast cancers in BRCA1 (P .001, two-sided Fisher’s exact test) and BRCA2 (P .001) mutation carriers than in the control tumors. Also, the full ER/erbB2/EGFR phenotype was statistically significantly more frequent in BRCA1/2 mutation carriers (P .001). The high frequency of EGFR overexpression fits with the poor prognosis for patients with hereditary breast cancer, but the underlying mechanism is yet unclear. Amplification of EGFR seems to be very rare in invasive breast cancer (Buerger H, unpublished data). Further, by comparative genomic hybridization, amplification at the EGFR locus was not observed (3). Genetic alterations in an expression-regulating CA repeat in the first intron of the EGFR gene (4) have not yet been studied in hereditary breast cancer. In two gene expression studies in hereditary breast cancer (5,6), increased EGFR mRNA expression was not observed, indicating that EGFR expression is probably largely posttranscriptionally regulated. We conclude that invasive breast carcinomas in patients with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 germline mutation show a high frequency of EGFR overexpression, compatible with the previously (7) established predominantly basal phenotype (ER/erbB2) of these cancers and their aggressive clinical behavior. Thus, we urge further investigation into the mechanisms of EGFR overexpression and into new preventive strategies through EGFR targeting.
The effect of body condition score and body weight of Merghoz goats on production and reproductive performance.

Two experiments were performed to determine the effect of body condition score (BCS) on Merghoz goats’ performance. In the first experiment, 80 goats (2-4 years old, 27-43 kg), and in the second experiment, 28 Merghoz goats (2-3 years old, 26-39 kg) were divided to 4 treatments groups according to their BCS (2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.5). The number of kids born per kidding, kilogram kids born per goat mating, pregnancy period and kid’s birth weight were determined. Blood samples to monitor the changes of blood follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) concentrations were collected from goats, two weeks before expected kidding data and on kidding day. Blood metabolites such as glucose, total protein, albumin and globulin were determined. The results of the first experiment indicated that BCS=3.0 had a significant effect on the kilogram kids born per kilogram goat. Similarly, the kids born per kilogram goat were affected by BCS. The results of the 2nd experiment also indicated that goats with BCS = 3.0 (32-36 kg) had better performance in kids born per goat at mating and birth weight of kids was significantly affected by BCS of their dams. There was a significant effect of BCS on plasma FSH concentration in goats with BCS more than 3.0. In conclusion, BCS had a significant effect on kilogram kids born per goat, birth weight of kids and FSH concentration at mating and a score of 3.0 at mating time could optimize profitability of Merghoz goats and their kids.
Periodic chronic myelogenous leukaemia: spectral analysis of blood cell counts and aetiological implications

Of 24 published clinical reports of periodic chronic myelogenous leukaemia (PCML), 21 had sufficient data to analyse for periodicity, and 12 showed significant periodicity ( p 0.05) using the Lomb periodogram. Leucocyte oscillations had periods T ranging from 37 to 83 d. When data were also reported for platelets and reticulocytes there was no significant difference between their periods and those of the leucocytes. These data and their analysis provide strong circumstantial evidence for a haemopoietic stem cell origin of PCML. Namely, the known chromosomal changes in CML patients may, on occasion, also be accompanied by a destabilization resulting in an oscillatory efflux into the leucocyte, platelet and erythrocytic pathways.
Identification of transmitter systems and learning tag molecules involved in behavioral tagging during memory formation

Long-term memory (LTM) consolidation requires the synthesis of plasticity-related proteins (PRPs). In addition, we have shown recently that LTM formation also requires the setting of a “learning tag” able to capture those PRPs. Weak training, which results only in short-term memory, can set a tag to use PRPs derived from a temporal-spatial closely related event to promote LTM formation. Here, we studied the involvement of glutamatergic, dopaminergic, and noradrenergic inputs on the setting of an inhibitory avoidance (IA) learning tag and the synthesis of PRPs. Rats explored an open field (PRP donor) followed by weak (tag inducer) or strong (tag inducer plus PRP donor) IA training. Throughout pharmacological interventions around open-field and/or IA sessions, we found that hippocampal dopamine D1/D5- and β-adrenergic receptors are specifically required to induce PRP synthesis. Moreover, activation of the glutamatergic NMDA receptors is required for setting the learning tags, and this machinery further required α-Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II and PKA but not ERK1/2 activity. Together, the present findings emphasize an essential role of the induction of PRPs and learning tags for LTM formation. The existence of only the PRP or the tag was insufficient for stabilization of the mnemonic trace.
p53 Binds Telomeric Single Strand Overhangs and t-Loop Junctionsin Vitro *

The interaction of p53 with a human model telomere in vitro was examined by electron microscopy. p53 demonstrated a sequence-independent affinity for telomeric DNA in vitro, localizing to the 3′ single strand overhang and the t-loop junction both in the presence and absence of associated TRF2. Binding was not observed above background along the duplex telomeric repeats. However, the efficiency of TRF2-catalyzed t-loop formation on the model DNA was increased 2-fold in the presence of p53 although a variety of single strand or Holliday junction-binding proteins did not facilitate t-loop formation. These results suggest that p53 has an active role in telomere maintenance and structure through association with the t-loop junction.
Grateful recounting: do differences in participants' writing impact well-being?

Studies have shown gratitude treatments to successfully enhance well-being in participants. Of these treatments, the ones most frequently used are what Watkins (2014) referred to as grateful recounting tasks. These tasks generally involve participants writing down things in their life that they are grateful for. While some studies have found this task to be effective at enhancing well-being, others have had mixed results. A possible avenue for helping to understand these inconsistencies is that participants likely differ in how they write in these tasks. Using a grateful recounting treatment completed in a previous study (Watkins, Uhder, & Pichinevskiy, 2015), participants’ grateful listings were measured along six writing dimensions: human benefactors, interpersonal benefits, benefactor span, gratitude expression, specificity, and surprise. Watkins et al. (2015) found this task, compared to a placebo and pride condition, to significantly enhance wellbeing in participants at three post treatment assessments (immediately post treatment, one week post treatment, and five weeks post treatment). It was predicted that scores on each of the six dimensions would be positively associated with the increases in participants’ well-being found in Watkins et al. (2015). Results indicated that gratitude expression, specificity, and surprise scores were positively correlated with increases in well-being immediately post treatment. These findings provide partial support that differences on these dimensions may moderate the effectiveness of grateful recounting tasks.
A Novel CBT Web Course for the Substance Abuse Workforce: Community Counselors’ Perceptions

This article describes (a) a Web-based course for substance abuse counselors on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and (b) the evaluation of a prototype module from the Web-based course to determine the feasibility of the e-learning program for a community-based counselor audience. The course is part of a unique study that trains counselor-supervisor teams to increase the transfer of learned skills to the agency. Following curriculum design, the authors sought counselor reactions to the prototype module on strengths/limitations of the design, functionality, and effectiveness. Results showed that counselors learned new information, found this format effective compared to other training, and wanted to complete a full CBT Web course. Counselors’ evaluation led to content and technology changes: the authors added and segmented material aimed at the advanced, more theoretically oriented counselor, and housed these topics behind an “advanced concept” graphics button; added seven screens to accommodate text broken into smaller units; and increased the difficulty of the end-of-module quiz.
Anastomotic Strictures after Esophageal Atresia Repair: Incidence, Investigations, and Management, Including Treatment of Refractory and Recurrent Strictures

Improved surgical techniques, as well as preoperative and postoperative care, have dramatically changed survival of children with esophageal atresia (EA) over the last decades. Nowadays, we are increasingly seeing EA patients experiencing significant short- and long-term gastrointestinal morbidities. Anastomotic stricture (AS) is the most common complication following operative repair. An esophageal stricture is defined as an intrinsic luminal narrowing in a clinically symptomatic patient, but no symptoms are sensitive or specific enough to diagnose an AS. This review aims to provide a comprehensive view of AS in EA children. Given the lack of evidence-based data, we critically analyzed significant studies on children and adults, including comments on benign strictures with other etiologies. Despite there is no consensus about the goal of the luminal diameter based on the patient’s age, esophageal contrast study, and/or endoscopy are recommended to assess the degree of the narrowing. A high variability in incidence of ASs is reported in literature, depending on different definitions of AS and on a great number of pre-, intra-, and postoperative risk factor influencing the anastomosis outcome. The presence of a long gap between the two esophageal ends, with consequent anastomotic tension, is determinant for stricture formation and its response to treatment. The cornerstone of treatment is endoscopic dilation, whose primary aims are to achieve symptom relief, allow age-appropriate capacity for oral feeding, and reduce the risk of pulmonary aspiration. No clear advantage of either balloon or bougie dilator has been demonstrated; therefore, the choice is based on operator experience and comfort with the equipment. Retrospective evidences suggest that selective dilatations (performed only in symptomatic patients) results in significantly less number of dilatation sessions than routine dilations (performed to prevent symptoms) with equal long-term outcomes. The response to dilation treatment is variable, and some patients may experience recurrent and refractory ASs. Adjunctive treatments have been used, including local injection of steroids, topical application of mitomycin C, and esophageal stenting, but long-term studies are needed to prove their efficacy and safety. Stricture resection or esophageal replacement with an interposition graft remains options for AS refractory to conservative treatments.
Effects of authority structures and gender on interaction in same-sex task groups

In this paper we examine the possible effects of the social composition of authority structures on interaction in same-sex task groups in organizations. We derive predictions about the effects of authority structures and gender on group members' task and positive socioemotional behavior from two theoretical explanations: status characteristics theory (SCT) and its extension, and the socialization/normative approach. To test the predictions, we compare members' behaviors in all-male and all-female groups in a male-dominated coeducational college and all-female groups in a female-dominated women's college. Contrary to several often-cited previous studies, we find few gender differences between same-sex groups in task and positive socioemotional behavior. Women and men in same-sex groups have similar rates of active task behaviors, directive behaviors, positive socioemotional behaviors, and passive task behaviors; these findings support the original formulation of status characteristics theory. Two gender differences emerge, however, providing some support for the socialization/normative approach: Women have higher rates ofagreements than men, and men have higher rates of counterarguments. Finally, the social composition of authority structure has little effect on group members' task and socioemotional behavior in these organizational settings.