Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Radiation effects and anelastic loss in germanium-doped quartz.

5-MHz resonators were fabricated from germanium-doped cultured quartz and were /sup 60/Co irradiated at room temperature. The quartz has a relatively low aluminum-impurity concentration, 0.5 ppm, and the aluminum is lithium compensated. Oscillator frequency offsets . delta.f/f and resonator anelastic loss spectrum Q/sup -1/ were measured and show an increase and subsequent decrease as a function of dose, known as radiation bleaching. At low irradiation levels, . delta.f/f decreases with increasing dose, reaches at 50 krad a minimum of -4 x 10/sup -7/, reverses and increases with additional dose, and at 1 Mrad it recovers to -1.2 x 10/sup -7/. (1 radequivalent100 ergs/g.) These values are surprisingly large in comparison with other lithium-compensated high-quality quartz. Resonator irradiation induces a Q/sup -1/ peak centered at 246 K, which also bleaches with radiation. At 246 K the Q value is 2.25 x 10/sup 6/, decreases with irradiation, reaches at 50 krad a minimum of 0.65 x 10/sup 6/, and recovers at 350 krad to 1.5 x 10/sup 6/. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) measurements show Al hole, and germanium C and A centers, Ge(C)-Li and Ge(A)-Li, neutral defects of a trapped electron localized on a substitutional Ge site and stabilized by an adjacent Li/sup +/more » ion. All three EPR spectra also radiation bleach at doses above 50 krad. This strongly suggests that the Ge(C)-Li defect is associated with the 246-K loss peak. The activation energy of the Q/sup -1/ peak is E = 0.22 eV, the corresponding relaxation time tau/sub 0/ = 8 x 10/sup -13/ sec, and the peak anneals at 555 K. « less
Performance of Five Food Regimes on Anopheles gambiae Senso Stricto Larval Rearing to Adult Emergence in Insectary

Background Rearing of Anopheles gambiae s.s mosquitoes in insectary with quality cheap food sources is of paramount importance for better and healthy colony. This study evaluated larval survival and the development rate of aquatic stages of An.gambiae s.s under five food regimes; tetramin fish food (a standard insectary larval food), maize pollen, Cerelac, green filamentous algae and dry powdered filamentous algae. Methods Food materials were obtained from different sources, cerelac was made locally, fresh filamentous algae was taken from water bodies, dry filamentous algae was ground to powder after it was dried under shade, and maize pollen was collected from the flowering maize. Each food source type was used to feed three densities of mosquito larvae 20, 60, and 100 in six replicates each. Larval age structure was monitored daily until pupation and subsequently adult emergence. Tetramin was used and taken as a standard food source for An. gambiae s.s. larvae feeding in Insectary. Results Larval survivorship using maize pollen and Tetramin fish food was statistically insignificant (P = 0.564). However when compared to other food regime survivorship was significantly different with Tetramin fish food performing better than cerelac (P<0.001), dry algae (P<0.001) and fresh algae (P<0.001). The pupation rates and sex ratio of emerging adults had significant differences among the food regimes. Conclusion The findings of this study have shown that maize pollen had closely similar nutritional value for larval survivorship to tetramin fish food, a standard larvae food in insectary. Further studies are required to assess the effect of food sources on various life traits of the emerged adults.
Generational perceptions and their influences on organizational commitment

Purpose – This study aims to investigate the existence of delimitations more suited to the emergence of generations in Brazil, and to assess generational perceptions on constructs of the work environment and their influences on organizational commitment. Design/methodology/approach – The perceptions of 102,540 respondents employed by 394 organizations were classified into nine constructs. The methodology used entailed an initial confirmatory factorial analysis, which was undertaken to investigate the validity of the proposed measurement model. Regression analyses were applied to test the relationship between work environment and commitment. Findings – The results highlight that the Baby Boomer generation attributed more value to the meaning of work and corporate social responsibility. Meaning of work, learning and development were given a high level of importance in the results for Generation X. Generation Y values learning and development, relationships with co-workers and Work-life balance more than the.
Social Workers' Personal Spiritual Characteristics and Their Conceptualizations of Spirituality and Religion

Abstract Do social workers' personal spiritual characteristics affect their conceptualizations of spirituality and religion? In light of growing professional interest in spirituality and religion, we attempt to answer this question using a mixed methods approach in conjunction with a nationally representative sample of NASW-affiliated graduate students (N = 303). The results suggest that respondents' faith tradition, orthodoxy, and degree of spiritual motivation have a relatively minor effect upon how they defined (1) spirituality, (2) religion, and (3) their understanding of the relationship between spirituality and religion. We conclude by discussing the implications of the findings and suggesting avenues for further research.
The association of bone mineral density and parathyroid hormone with serum magnesium in adult patients with sickle-cell anaemia

Introduction Bone disorders including osteopenia and osteoporosis are a frequent cause of morbidity in sickle-cell disease (SCD). Magnesium (Mg) regulates some biological processes important in bone remodelling. We aimed to investigate whether serum Mg levels (sMg) may have an impact on bone mineral density (BMD) in sickle-cell anaemia (SCA). Material and methods Sixty adults with SCA in steady-state and 20 age- and race-matched healthy blood donors were included in the study. The BMD was evaluated with respect to minerals and biochemical indices of bone metabolism. Multivariate analysis was performed to determine the factors influencing BMD. Results The mean sMg concentration was 0.64 ±0.06 (reference range 0.7-1.2 mmol/l) for 34% of the population, and 0.86 ±0.08 mmol/l for 66%. There were significant differences between Mg groups and controls in BMD, phosphorus (PO4), parathyroid hormone (PTH) (p = 0.011, p = 0.011 and p = 0.0001 respectively) and osteocalcin (OC) (p = 0.030) levels. The sMg was found to be associated positively with serum calcium (Ca), PTH and OC (r = 0.585; r = 0.436; r = 0.351 respectively, all at p < 0.05), and negatively with PO4 (r = –0.312; p < 0.05). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that only PTH (p < 0.05) was an independent factor for BMD. Moreover, it identified sMg, OC, and CTX as independent factors for PTH (all p < 0.05). Conclusions These results indicate that serum Mg may be a co-contributing factor in causing low BMD. However, other possible aetiologies including decreased PTH and increased bone turnover certainly play a role. Based on the present data, it is prudent to monitor sMg routinely in this patient population and treat the condition whenever possible.
The Ruptured Supervisory Alliance and Its Repair: On Supervisor Apology as a Reparative Intervention

In what ways do supervisors repair the ruptured supervisory alliance? In this article, that question is considered, with focus given to one rupture repair intervention: Supervisor apology. Apology/forgiveness theory and research are integrated with current thinking about supervision alliance rupture and repair. Using the recent conflict transformation research of Kirchhoff and colleagues (Kirchhoff, Strack, & Jager, 2009; Kirchhoff, Wagner, & Strack, 2012) as a building block, the 10 elements of apology are examined vis-à-vis the supervisory situation, and the applicability of the concepts of simple and complete apology for supervision alliance rupture repair are presented. Eight statements that link apology and forgiveness with supervision alliance rupture and repair conceptualization are proposed, and a case example that communicates the reparative effectiveness of supervisor apology is described. Supervisor rupture identification and repair is viewed as being an important competency that involves a supporting knowledge base, skill set, and values core.
Emotional response patterns and sense of presence during video games: potential criterion variables for game design

We investigated the emotional response patterns and sense of presence elicited by video games with different characteristics (i.e., Tetris, Super Monkey Ball 2, Monkey Bowling 2, and James Bond 007: NightFire) among 37 undergraduates. We also examined the moderating influence of the sensation seeking and self-forgetfulness traits on the responses. Participants self-reported their emotional responses, defined in terms of joy, pleasant relaxation, anger, fear, and depressed feeling, and sense of presence. The results showed that games with different characteristics elicit differential emotional response patterns, and the engagement elicited by the games varies as a function of the Sensation Seeking trait of the player. Measuring emotional response patterns may have practical implications for game design, given that they give information on the game characteristics that maximize entertainment and pleasure, and may potentially be used in pre-testing different versions of the games.
IgG Avidity ELISA Test for Diagnosis of Acute Toxoplasmosis in Humans

Serum samples, 100 in the total number, were collected from different laboratories in Tehran, Iran and tested for anti-Toxoplasma specific IgG and IgM antibodies using indirect immunofluorescent antibody test (IFAT). Using the IgG (chronic) and IgM (acute) positive samples, the IgG avidity test was performed by ELISA in duplicate rows of 96-well microtiter plates. One row was washed with 6 M urea and the other with PBS (pH 7.2), then the avidity index (AI) was calculated. Sixteen out of 18 (88.9%) sera with acute toxoplasmosis showed low avidity levels (AI≤50), and 76 out of 82 (92.7%) sera in chronic phase of infection showed high avidity index (AI>60). Six sera had borderline ranges of AI. The results showed that the IgG avidity test by ELISA could distinguish the acute and chronic stages of toxoplasmosis in humans.
on Human B Cell Differentiation 3 DModulatory Effects of 1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin

1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D 3 (1,25(OH) 2 D 3 ) can modulate immune responses, but whether it directly affects B cell function is unknown. Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, especially those with antinuclear Abs and increased disease activity, had decreased 1,25(OH) 2 D 3 levels, suggesting that vitamin D might play a role in regulating autoantibody production. To address this, we examined the effects of 1,25(OH) 2 D 3 on B cell responses and found that it inhibited the ongoing proliferation of activated B cells and induced their apoptosis, whereas initial cell division was unimpeded. The generation of plasma cells and postswitch memory B cells was signiﬁcantly inhibited by 1,25(OH) 2 D 3 , although the up-regulation of genetic programs involved in B cell differentiation was only modestly affected. B cells expressed mRNAs for proteins involved in vitamin D activity, including 1 (cid:1) -hydroxylase, 24-hydroxylase, and the vitamin D receptor, each of which was regulated by 1,25(OH) 2 D 3 and/or activation. Importantly, 1,25(OH) 2 D 3 up-regulated the expression of p27, but not of p18 and p21, which may be important in regulating the proliferation of activated B cells and their subsequent differentiation. These results indicate that 1,25(OH) 2 D 3 may play an important role in the maintenance of B cell homeostasis and that the correction of vitamin D deﬁciency may be useful in the treatment of B cell-mediated autoimmune disorders. The Journal of Immunology, 2007, 179: 1634–1647.
An Exploratory Study of Physical Abuse–Related Shame, Guilt, and Blame in a Sample of Youth Receiving Child Protective Services: Links to Maltreatment, Anger, and Aggression

Maladaptive processing of self-conscious emotions (shame, absence of guilt) and externalized attributions (blame) are thought to impair social functioning and contribute to problems with anger and aggression. However, researchers generally focused on dysfunctional traits (i.e., shame-, guilt-, and blame-proneness) rather than emotions and attributions that are generated by traumatic events, such as childhood abuse. Using self-report data from a larger study of adolescents receiving child protective services, we explored correlates of physical abuse–related shame, guilt, blame toward the abuser, and blame toward others. In bivariate analyses, shame and blame were found to be interlinked and associated with different forms of abuse, emotional neglect, hostility, and pent-up anger, but not with outwardly expressed anger and physical aggression. Female gender and emotional abuse emerged as the strongest contributors in two continuation ratio ordinal regression models predicting shame; physical abuse did not contribute predictive power to one model, and severe physical abuse offered only a marginal contribution to the other. In a third model, neither shame, nor absence of guilt, nor a Shame × Guilt interaction term was found to contribute to the prediction of aggression; male gender was a marginal predictor. Child welfare planners and practitioners should consider the impact of interconnected emotions and attributions related to maltreatment, particularly emotional abuse. If left untreated, these often-invisible injuries might lead to problems later in life.
Economical analysis and innovative solutions for grid connected PV plants

The world total photovoltaic (PV) installed capacity is growing very quickly, due to both government incentives and increased environmental concerns. This situation calls for the realization of large, grid-connected ldquoindustrialrdquo PV plants, aimed at delivering energy to the grid. However, the cost/kWh of PV energy is still quite high. This paper reports some of the most promising research approaches currently in progress on new PV materials and devices, focusing on the reduction of PV generation cost expected from the technological implementation of such research. Because of their large size, industrial PV plants could have different characteristics compared to the small ones that, with few exceptions, have been realised until now. This problem is analyzed with the aim of providing a set of recommendations and guidelines for proper design of industrial PV plants, mainly concerning the choice of the power electronic conditioning systems and the use of simulation-aided design tools.
Engaging and informing students through group work

The aim of this action research was to explore the benefits of group work as a tool for engaging students with introductory material. It was the researcher’s expectation that group work, would provide a means of reducing cognitive load (Kirschner, Sweller & Clark, 2006) and encouraging on task behaviour (Wentzel & Watkins, 2002). This would result in a positive impact on students engagementwith, and understanding, of introductory material necessary for progressing on to more complex issues covered at Level 5 of a psychology course. The implication of these research findings on future group work and other aspects of teaching practice are discussed.
Learning Probabilistic Models for Visual Motion

A fundamental goal of computer vision is the ability to analyze motion. This can range from the simple task of locating or tracking a single rigid object as it moves across an image plane, to recovering the full pose parameters of a collection of nonrigid objects interacting in a scene. The current state of computer vision research, as with the preponderance of challenges that comprise “artificial intelligence”, is that the abilities of humans can only be matched in very narrow domains by carefully and specifically engineered systems. The key to broadening the applicability of these successful systems is to imbue them with the flexibility to handle new inputs, and to adapt automatically without the manual intervention of human engineers. In this research we attempt to address this challenge by proposing solutions to motion analysis tasks that are based on machine learning. We begin by addressing the challenge of tracking a rigid object in video, presenting two complementary approaches. First we explore the problem of learning a particular choice of appearance model—principal components analysis (PCA)—from a very limited set of training data. However, PCA is far from the only appearance model available. This raises the question: given a new tracking task, how should one select the most-appropriate models of appearance and dynamics? Our second approach proposes a data-driven solution to this problem, allowing the choice of models, along with their parameters, to be learned from a labelled video sequence. Next we consider motion analysis at a higher-level of organization. Given a set of trajectories obtained by tracking various feature points, how can we discover the underlying non-rigid structure of the object or objects? We propose a solution that models the observed sequence in terms of probabilistic “stick figures”, under the assumption that the relative joint angles between sticks can change over time, but their lengths and connectivities are fixed. We demonstrate the ability to recover the invariant structure and the pose of articulated objects from a number of challenging datasets.
Trends in the geographic distribution of human embryonic stem-cell research

Abstract Human embryonic stem-cell (hESC) research offers substantial potential benefits but has generated politically influential controversies and, in the United States, funding restrictions. Some observers fear the United States has been falling behind nations more permissive in this field, but policy debate has remained largely anecdotal. This study reports citation data indicating that the share of hESC research publications credited to the United States in the six years following the introduction of key technologies was significantly less than in five less contentious biomedical-research areas. The United States share of hESC publications fell sharply in 2003 and remained near this reduced level in 2004. Putative explanations are reviewed and several implications discussed.
Excess Female Mortality in Nineteenth-Century England and Wales

Sex differences in mortality among historical populations are an intriguing yet neglected issue. In mid-nineteenth-century England and Wales, although women and girls enjoyed an overall longevity advantage, they tended to die at higher rates than males at ages when modern life tables show female advantage. We use multilevel modeling to analyze these sex differences in mortality. We identify significant regional variation, related to local demographic conditions, economic structure, and the nature of female employment. But some regional variation remains unexplained, suggesting the need for further investigation.
Programmable Ligand Detection System in Plants through a Synthetic Signal Transduction Pathway

Background There is an unmet need to monitor human and natural environments for substances that are intentionally or unintentionally introduced. A long-sought goal is to adapt plants to sense and respond to specific substances for use as environmental monitors. Computationally re-designed periplasmic binding proteins (PBPs) provide a means to design highly sensitive and specific ligand sensing capabilities in receptors. Input from these proteins can be linked to gene expression through histidine kinase (HK) mediated signaling. Components of HK signaling systems are evolutionarily conserved between bacteria and plants. We previously reported that in response to cytokinin-mediated HK activation in plants, the bacterial response regulator PhoB translocates to the nucleus and activates transcription. Also, we previously described a plant visual response system, the de-greening circuit, a threshold sensitive reporter system that produces a visual response which is remotely detectable and quantifiable. Methodology/Principal Findings We describe assembly and function of a complete synthetic signal transduction pathway in plants that links input from computationally re-designed PBPs to a visual response. To sense extracellular ligands, we targeted the computational re-designed PBPs to the apoplast. PBPs bind the ligand and develop affinity for the extracellular domain of a chemotactic protein, Trg. We experimentally developed Trg fusions proteins, which bind the ligand-PBP complex, and activate intracellular PhoR, the HK cognate of PhoB. We then adapted Trg-PhoR fusions for function in plants showing that in the presence of an external ligand PhoB translocates to the nucleus and activates transcription. We linked this input to the de-greening circuit creating a detector plant. Conclusions/Significance Our system is modular and PBPs can theoretically be designed to bind most small molecules. Hence our system, with improvements, may allow plants to serve as a simple and inexpensive means to monitor human surroundings for substances such as pollutants, explosives, or chemical agents.
Arguments for and against financial literacy education: where to go from here?

Currently, everyone is brandishing financial literacy education as the answer to the global personal financial crisis. However, there are a few advocates against financial literacy education. There is contention whether financial literacy education actually leads to effective financial behaviours. The purpose of this theoretical article is to state the various arguments for and against financial literacy education and suggest possible guidelines for interventions by governments and institutions in an effort to increase financial well-being. There are no easy answers to this complex problem and financial illiteracy should not be presented as the sole culprit. Basic financial literacy education is needed to manage day-to-day finances; however, specialist areas such as investments and retirement planning should be left to professionals. It is suggested that financial literacy education should focus not only on cognitive factors but also on non-cognitive and affective factors that might override rational decision making.
Penetrating arterioles are a bottleneck in the perfusion of neocortex

Penetrating arterioles bridge the mesh of communicating arterioles on the surface of cortex with the subsurface microvascular bed that feeds the underlying neural tissue. We tested the conjecture that penetrating arterioles, which are positioned to regulate the delivery of blood, are loci of severe ischemia in the event of occlusion. Focal photothrombosis was used to occlude single penetrating arterioles in rat parietal cortex, and the resultant changes in flow of red blood cells were measured with two-photon laser-scanning microscopy in individual subsurface microvessels that surround the occlusion. We observed that the average flow of red blood cells nearly stalls adjacent to the occlusion and remains within 30% of its baseline value in vessels as far as 10 branch points downstream from the occlusion. Preservation of average flow emerges 350 μm away; this length scale is consistent with the spatial distribution of penetrating arterioles. We conclude that penetrating arterioles are a bottleneck in the supply of blood to neocortex, at least to superficial layers.