Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Optical Spectroscopy of a Flare on Barnard’s Star

We present optical spectra of a flare on Barnard’s star. Several photospheric and chromospheric species were enhanced by the flare heating. An analysis of the Balmer lines shows that their shapes are best explained by Stark broadening rather than chromospheric mass motions. We estimate the temperature of the flaring region in the lower atmosphere to be ≥8000 K and the electron density to be ∼1014 cm−3, similar to values observed in other dM flares. Because Barnard’s star is considered to be one of our oldest neighbors, a flare of this magnitude is probably quite rare.
Drosophila Clueless Is Highly Expressed in Larval Neuroblasts, Affects Mitochondrial Localization and Suppresses Mitochondrial Oxidative Damage

Mitochondria are critical for neuronal function due to the high demand of ATP in these cell types. During Drosophila development, neuroblasts in the larval brain divide asymmetrically to populate the adult central nervous system. While many of the proteins responsible for maintaining neuroblast cell fate and asymmetric cell divisions are known, little is know about the role of metabolism and mitochondria in neuroblast division and maintenance. The gene clueless (clu) has been previously shown to be important for mitochondrial function. clu mutant adults have severely shortened lifespans and are highly uncoordinated. Part of their lack of coordination is due to defects in muscle, however, in this study we have identified high levels of Clu expression in larval neuroblasts and other regions of the dividing larval brain. We show while mitochondria in clu mutant neuroblasts are mislocalized during the cell cycle, surprisingly, overall brain morphology appears to be normal. This is explained by our observation that clu mutant larvae have normal levels of ATP and do not suffer oxidative damage, in sharp contrast to clu mutant adults. Mutations in two other genes encoding mitochondrial proteins, technical knockout and stress sensitive B, do not cause neuroblast mitochondrial mislocalization, even though technical knockout mutant larvae suffer oxidative damage. These results suggest Clu functions upstream of electron transport and oxidative phosphorylation, has a role in suppressing oxidative damage in the cell, and that lack of Clu’s specific function causes mitochondria to mislocalize. These results also support the previous observation that larval development relies on aerobic glycolysis, rather than oxidative phosphorylation. Thus Clu’s role in mitochondrial function is not critical during larval development, but is important for pupae and adults.
A potential therapeutic strategy for chronic lymphocytic leukemia by combining Idelalisib and GS-9973, a novel spleen tyrosine kinase (Syk) inhibitor

Agents that target B-cell receptor (BCR) signaling in lymphoid malignancies including idelalisib (GS-1101) and fostamatinib which inhibit the delta isoform of PI3 kinase (PI3Kd) and spleen tyrosine kinase (Syk) respectively have shown significant clinical activity. By disrupting B-cell signaling pathways, idelalisib treatment has been associated with a dramatic lymph node response, but eradication of disease and relapse in high risk disease remain challenges. Targeting the BCR signaling pathway with simultaneous inhibition of PI3Kd and Syk has not yet been reported. We evaluated the pre-clinical activity of idelalisib combined with the novel and selective Syk inhibitor GS-9973 in primary peripheral blood and bone marrow Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) samples. Both PI3Kd and Syk inhibition reduced CLL survival and in combination induced synergistic growth inhibition and further disrupted chemokine signaling at nanomolar concentrations including in bone marrow derived and poor risk samples. Simultaneous targeting of these kinases may significantly increase clinical activity.
A quantitative study on student perception of campus climate for diversity at a predominantly white institution

iv List of Tables . v Chapter I: Introduction . 1 Statement of the Problem . 2 Purpose of the Study . 2 Significance of the Study . 3 Assumptions and Limitations . 3 Operational Definitions . 4 Research Questions . 5 Overview of the Study . 5 Chapter II: Literature Review . 7 Introduction . 7 Theoretical Impact of Diversity . 9 Allport’s Intergroup Contact Theory . 11 Astin’s Theory of Peer-Group Effects . 11 Gurin’s Take on Diversity . 12 Critical Race Theory (CRT). 12 Recent Study . 13 Benefits of Diversity . 13 Benefits for Individuals.13 Benefits to the Campus Climate . 15
The Effect of Multimedia Computer Assisted Instruction and Learning Style on Learning Achievement

The main purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of multimedia computer assisted instruction on student learning achievement using the high school curriculum entitled "molecules that dominate secret of life" from high school biology. The results show that when compared to traditional models of instruction, students using the multimedia computer assisted instruction model scored significantly better in learning achievement assessments. Secondly, the study also discussed the combined effect of instruction model and learning style on student learning achievement. The results show that students exposed to a converging learning style with traditional instruction perform significantly better than those exposed to three other learning styles. Nonetheless, students exposed to these same three other learning styles performed better when exposed to the multimedia computer assisted instruction model. As a result, under the influence of multimedia instruction, students exposed to the four learning styles (Diverger, Assimilator, Converger, and Accommodator) do not shown any significant difference.
International forest carbon sequestration in a post-Kyoto agreement

Given the size of the global carbon pool in forest vegetation, the potential climatic effects of natural and anthropogenic changes in forests are enormous. Therefore, forest carbon management must be an important element of any international agreement on climate change. In this regard, the Kyoto Protocol has proven ineffective, in part, due to its emphasis on project-based evaluation and the absence of a mechanism for compensating avoided deforestation. We consider alternative ways to include forest carbon management within the framework of an international climate treaty. We conclude that project-by-project accounting, as under the Clean Development Mechanism of the Kyoto Protocol, is fundamentally flawed due to problems with additionality, leakage, and permanence. We find that national-level accounting linked to an emissions trading program offers much more promise. Under the national inventory (NI) approach, nations conduct periodic inventories of their entire forest carbon stock. The measured stock is compared to a negotiated baseline stock to determine the number of credits to redeem (or debits to cover) in the permit market. The NI approach is more comprehensive than, and addresses some of the incentive problems with, recent proposals for compensating reductions in tropical deforestation (e.g., REDD). For the NI approach to succeed, it must be feasible to conduct regular and reliable national forest inventories for a large group of countries. If current measurement technologies are inadequate, we recommend that an input-based approach be used in the interim until the measurement challenges are overcome. International Forest Carbon Sequestration in a Post-Kyoto Agreement Andrew J. Plantinga and Kenneth R. Richards
Enthusiasts or Trapped? Relations between Organizational Commitment Profiles, Organizational Citizenship Behavior and Life Satisfaction

The aim of this article is to investigate the relationship between organizational commitment profiles and organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) and life satisfaction. To complete these goals three studies were conducted. The research involved the cultural adaptation of the internationally accepted standard Organizational Commitment Questionnaire and the development of the Organizational Citizenship Behavior Questionnaire. The first study (N=40) focused on the validation of translation and cultural adaptation of the Organizational Commitment Questionnaire (Meyer & Allen, 1991, 1997). The second study (N=222) was aimed at confirming the factor structure and psychometric properties of the Organizational Commitment Questionnaire – Polish version. In the third study (N=42) the Organizational Citizenship Behavior Questionnaire was obtained. In the next study (N=503) the main research hypotheses were examined. Five clusters were identified using k-means cluster analysis. These were labeled: Non-committed, Neutrals, Enthusiasts, Trapped and Devoted. Analysis of variance results indicated that Enthusiasts and Devoted demonstrated the highest levels of OCB and high levels of life satisfaction. The Non-committed profile showed the lowest level of OCB combined with low levels of life satisfaction.
The Expressive Power of Stratified Logic Programs with Value Invention

The expressive power of the family wILOG(? )of relational query languages is investigated. The languages are rule based, with value invention and stratified negation. The semantics for value invention is based on Skolem functor terms. We study a hierarchy of languages based on the number of strata allowed in programs. We first show that, in presence of value invention, the class of stratified programs made of two strata has the expressive power of the whole family, thus expressing the computable queries. We then show that the language wILOG? of programs with nonequality and without negation expresses the mono- tone computable queries, and that the language wILOG1/2, ? of semipositive programs expresses the semimonotone computable queries.
Study on item and test analysis of multiple choice questions amongst undergraduate medical students

Background: Item analysis is the process of collecting, summarizing and using information from students’ response to assess the quality of test items. However it is said that MCQs emphasize recall of factual information rather than conceptual understanding and interpretation of concepts. There is more to writing good MCQs than writing good questions. The objectives of the study was to assess the item and test quality of multiple choice questions and to deal with the learning difficulties of students, identify the low achievers in the test. Methods: The hundred MBBS students from Government medical college were examined. A test comprising of thirty MCQs was administered. All items were analysed for Difficulty Index, Discrimination Index and Distractor Efficiency. Data entered in MS Excel 2007 and SPSS 21 analysed with statistical test of significance. Results: Majority 80% items difficulty index is within acceptable range. 63% items showed excellent discrimination Index. Distractor efficiency was overall satisfactory. Conclusions: Multiple choice questions with average difficulty and also having high discriminating power with good distracter efficiency should be incorporated into student’s examination.
Electroacupuncture Promotes Post-Stroke Functional Recovery via Enhancing Endogenous Neurogenesis in Mouse Focal Cerebral Ischemia

To investigate the question of whether electroacupuncture (EA) promotes functional recovery via enhancement of proliferation and differentiation of neuronal stem cells (NSCs) in ischemic stroke, EA stimulation with 2 Hz was applied at bilateral acupoints to Baihui (GV20) and Dazhui (GV14) in middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) mice. EA stimulation improved neuromotor function and cognitive ability after ischemic stroke. EA stimulation resulted in an increase in the number of proliferated cells, especially in the subventricular zone (SVZ) of the ipsilateral hemisphere. Although a very limited number of NSCs survived and differentiated into neurons or astrocytes, EA treatment resulted in a significant increase in the number of proliferative cells and differentiated cells in the hippocampus and SVZ of the ipsilateral hemisphere compared to MCAO mice. EA stimulation resulted in significantly increased mRNA expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Protein levels of these factors were confirmed in the ipsilateral hippocampus and SVZ by immunohistochemical and Western blotting analyses. Expression of phosphorylated phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase, BDNF, and VEGF-mediated down-stream were enhanced by EA stimulation in newly formed neuroblasts. These results indicate that EA treatment after ischemic stroke may promote post-stroke functional recovery by enhancement of proliferation and differentiation of NSCs via the BDNF and VEGF signaling pathway.
Anaerobic Degradation of Benzene, Toluene, Ethylbenzene, and o-Xylene in Sediment-Free Iron-Reducing Enrichment Cultures

ABSTRACT Monoaromatic hydrocarbons such as benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene (BTEX) are widespread contaminants in groundwater. We examined the anaerobic degradation of BTEX compounds with amorphous ferric oxide as electron acceptor. Successful enrichment cultures were obtained for all BTEX substrates both in the presence and absence of AQDS (9,10-anthraquinone-2,6-disulfonic acid). The electron balances showed a complete anaerobic oxidation of the aromatic compounds to CO2. This is the first report on the anaerobic degradation of o-xylene and ethylbenzene in sediment-free iron-reducing enrichment cultures.
Older workers: stereotypes and occupational self-efficacy

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationship between organizational age stereotypes and occupational self-efficacy. First, the authors intend to test the measurement invariance of Henkens’s (2005) age stereotypes scale across two age group, respectively, under 50 and 50 years and older. Then, the moderator role of age groups in the relationship between age stereotypes and occupational self-efficacy is investigated. Design/methodology/approach The survey involved a large sample of 4,667 Italian bank sector’s employees. Findings The results show the invariance of the three dimensional structure of organizational stereotypes towards older workers scale: productivity, reliability and adaptability. Furthermore, the moderation is confirmed: the relationship between organizational age stereotypes and occupational self-efficacy is significant only for older respondents. Research limitations/implications Future studies should aim to replicate the findings with longitudinal designs. Practical implications The study suggests the importance to emphasize the positive characteristics of older workers and to reduce the presence of negative age stereotypes in the workplace, especially in order to foster the occupational self-efficacy of older workers. Originality/value The findings are especially relevant in view of the lack of evidence about the relationship between age stereotypes and occupational self-efficacy.
Disordered Gambling: The Effects of a Brief, Online Cognitive Intervention in an Australian Sample

Cognitive processes, in particular, erroneous beliefs surrounding gambling outcomes and abilities, are thought to play an important role in the development and maintenance of disordered gambling behaviours. The current study investigated the impact of erroneous gambling-related cognitions on gambling severity and intentions to gamble, trialling a brief, online cognitive intervention designed to reduce gambling-related cognitions and intentions to gamble. One hundred and twenty one participants were randomly allocated to either an educational intervention condition or an alternative intervention (control condition). Participants in the educational intervention condition showed larger reductions in gambling-related cognitions than did participants in the control condition. The educational intervention significantly reduced erroneous cognitions from pre to post treatment, with effectiveness of the intervention increasing in those exhibiting more severe gambling behaviours.
Inhibition of Human Drug Transporter Activities by the Pyrethroid Pesticides Allethrin and Tetramethrin

Pyrethroids are widely-used chemical insecticides, to which humans are commonly exposed, and known to alter functional expression of drug metabolizing enzymes. Limited data have additionally suggested that drug transporters, that constitute key-actors of the drug detoxification system, may also be targeted by pyrethroids. The present study was therefore designed to analyze the potential regulatory effects of these pesticides towards activities of main ATP-binding cassette (ABC) and solute carrier (SLC) drug transporters, using transporter-overexpressing cells. The pyrethroids allethrin and tetramethrin were found to inhibit various ABC and SLC drug transporters, including multidrug resistance-associated protein (MRP) 2, breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP), organic anion transporter polypeptide (OATP) 1B1, organic anion transporter (OAT) 3, multidrug and toxin extrusion transporter (MATE) 1, organic cation transporter (OCT) 1 and OCT2, with IC50 values however ranging from 2.6 μM (OCT1 inhibition by allethrin) to 77.6 μM (OAT3 inhibition by tetramethrin) and thus much higher than pyrethroid concentrations (in the nM range) reached in environmentally pyrethroid-exposed humans. By contrast, allethrin and tetramethrin cis-stimulated OATP2B1 activity and failed to alter activities of OATP1B3, OAT1 and MATE2-K, whereas P-glycoprotein activity was additionally moderately inhibited. Twelve other pyrethoids used at 100 μM did not block activities of the various investigated transporters, or only moderately inhibited some of them (inhibition by less than 50%). In silico analysis of structure-activity relationships next revealed that molecular parameters, including molecular weight and lipophilicity, are associated with transporter inhibition by allethrin/tetramethrin and successfully predicted transporter inhibition by the pyrethroids imiprothrin and prallethrin. Taken together, these data fully demonstrated that two pyrethoids, i.e., allethrin and tetramethrin, can act as regulators of the activity of various ABC and SLC drug transporters, but only when used at high and non-relevant concentrations, making unlikely any contribution of these transporter activity alterations to pyrethroid toxicity in environmentally exposed humans.
LINGUISTIC ANALYSIS OF STUTTERING PATTERNS OF BILINGUAL STUTTERERS

Linguistic analysis of Bilingual Stutterer's speech has been attempted here. The method consisted of collecting large sample of speech and analyzing it for the linguistic differences in the stuttering patterns, between the two languages studied. The results are suggestive that stuttering may be purely a motor phenomenon. Several new areas of research in the field have been suggested.
Comparison of Surgical Outcomes between Robotic and Laparoscopic Gastrectomy for Gastric Cancer: The Learning Curve of Robotic Surgery

Purpose Laparoscopic gastrectomy is a widely accepted surgical technique. Recently, robotic gastrectomy has been developed, as an alternative minimally invasive surgical technique. This study aimed to evaluate the question of whether robotic gastrectomy is feasible and safe for the treatment of gastric cancer, due to its learning curve. Materials and Methods We retrospectively reviewed the prospectively collected data of 100 consecutive robotic gastrectomy patients, from November 2008 to March 2011, and compared them to 282 conventional laparoscopy patients during the same period. The robotic gastrectomy patients were divided into 20 initial cases; and all subsequent cases; and we compared the clinicopathological features, operating times, and surgical outcomes between the three groups. Results The initial 20 robotic gastrectomy cases were defined as the initial group, due to the learning curve. The initial group had a longer average operating time (242.25±74.54 minutes vs. 192.56±39.56 minutes, P>0.001), and hospital stay (14.40±24.93 days vs. 8.66±5.39 days, P=0.001) than the experienced group. The length of hospital stay was no different between the experienced group, and the laproscopic gastrectomy group (8.66±5.39 days vs. 8.11±4.10 days, P=0.001). The average blood loss was significantly less for the robotic gastrectomy groups, than for the laparoscopic gastrectomy group (93.25±84.59 ml vs. 173.45±145.19 ml, P<0.001), but the complication rates were no different. Conclusions Our study shows that robotic gastrectomy is a safe and feasible procedure, especially after the 20 initial cases, and provides a satisfactory postoperative outcome.
Adaptive Value and Costs of Physiological Plasticity to Soil Moisture Limitation in Recombinant Inbred Lines of Avena barbata

Costs are hypothesized to constrain the evolution of adaptive phenotypic plasticity, but they have been difficult to quantify because strong selection should eliminate costly genotypes from natural populations. However, recent studies suggest that crosses between natural populations can recover these genotypes. We determined the adaptive value and costs of, as well as the genetic variation for, physiological and morphological plasticity to soil water limitation in Avena barbata recombinant inbred lines (RILs) created by crossing mesic and xeric ecotypes. All traits were plastic, and plasticity in stomatal limitation of photosynthesis and photosynthetic rate before and at reproduction was adaptive. However, we detected a significant cost of plasticity only for stomatal conductance at reproduction, and the mean cost for all traits of A. barbata RILs was at least 50% smaller than costs previously estimated using RILs. In addition, heritabilities for plasticity were <0.1 and were significant only for photosynthesis at reproduction and leaf mass per unit area. Our results suggest that costs are less likely to constrain the evolution of adaptive plasticity in A. barbata than genetic variation for plasticity.
Marketing Effectiveness of the Nanjing Youth Olympic Games: Implications for Physical Activity.

Despite a successful inaugural hosting of the Summer YOG in Singapore 2010 and the Winter YOG in Innsbruck (2012), prior research shows many individuals worldwide still lack awareness of this event, especially in the target markets of youth, adolescents, and young adults. This study sought to determine the level of awareness of the YOG, in comparison to other international sport festivals in the young adult market, among a group of Kinesiology students. A 24-item survey was developed based on prior YOG research surveys with the addition of comparative questions related to the 2012 London Olympic Games (LOG) and the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympic Games (WOG), including event logo identification. Marketing effectiveness for the YOG was examined by analyzing the perceptions and awareness of the YOG, WOG, and LOG from a sample of Midwest university sport and exercise science students (n = 286, M age = 19.8, SD = 3.24 years, 58% male and 42% female). These Kinesiology students were surveyed during the period corresponding to the 2014 Nanjing YOG. Primary research questions focused on personal awareness (M = 2.07, SD = 1.42) and public awareness (M = 2.14, SD = 1.12) of the 2014 YOG, 2014 WOG (logo recognition: M = 3.31, SD = 1.78) and 2012 LOG (logo recognition: M = 3.41, SD = 0.86) through Likert-type scaling from not aware (1), to totally aware (7). Secondary research questions focused on likeliness to attend YOG events in Nanjing, China (M = 1.37, SD = 0.91), to watch YOG events on television (M = 2.51, SD = 1.66), and to follow YOG events on social media (M = 2.19, SD = 1.48). Despite the fact that the YOG was in progress when this survey was administered, students’ awareness and willingness to engage in the events was extremely low, indicating a need for event organizers to focus on more successful and effective marketing to the targeted audience of youth and young adults.