Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Belief in U.S. Government Conspiracies Against Blacks among Black and White College Students: Powerlessness or System Blame?

Black Americans are far more likely than White Americans to endorse theories about conspiracies by the U.S. government against Blacks. The present study explored the predictors of these conspiracy beliefs for 91 Black and 96 White college students. Two explanations for belief in these conspiracies were considered, one focusing on political powerless and externality of attributions and the other focusing on system blame for Blacks’ disadvantaged status. Regression analyses supported the view that belief in these conspiracy theories is related to blaming problems of Black Americans on prejudice and discrimination. Race was a powerful predictor of belief in these conspiracies even when socioeconomic status was controlled. Furthermore, the race effect was partially mediated by the system blame measure but not by political powerlessness or greater externality of attributional style. System blame was a much stronger predictor of conspiracy beliefs for Black than for White students. Conspiracy beliefs were positively associated with the racial self-esteem of Black students and negatively for White students. Clinical implications and implications for intergroup relations are discussed.
Sustained activity and release of leuprolide acetate from an in situ forming polymeric implant

The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of drug loading on the release of leuprolide acetate from an injectable polymeric implant, formed in situ, and efficacy of the released drug in suppressing serum testosterone levels in dogs for at least 90 days. An additional objective was to compare the optimum implant formulation with commercial microsphere product. Evaluated implant formulations contained 45% w/w 75/25 poly (DL-lactide-coglycolide) polymer having an intrinsic viscosity of 0.20 dL/g, dissolved in N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone. Irradiated polymer solution was mixed with leuprolide at different drug loads (3%, 4.5% and 6% w/w) prior to subcutaneous administration to dogs. Dog serum was analyzed for testosterone (RIA) and leuprolide (LC/MS/MS) levels and comparisons within the three implant formulation groups were made. Varying the drug load did not significantly affect the release of leuprolide or efficacy of the implant formulation. Thus, the 6% w/w formulation with the smaller injection volume was selected for comparison with the commercial LUPRON® Depot product, which was administered intramuscularly at a similar dosage. These comparisons of serum testosterone and leuprolide levels showed no significant difference in the pharmacologic efficacy even though drug levels were different at a number of points. This was mainly due to associated high standard deviations. Based on these studies, the 6% w/w leuprolide implant formulation was considered to be a suitable candidate for further development. Additional benefits of this system include its simple manufacturing and lower costs.
NF2: The wizardry of merlin

Neurofibromatosis type II (NF2) is an autosomal dominant cancer syndrome characterized by the formation of tumors of the nervous system, particularly schwannomas and meningiomas. The NF2 gene is also implicated in the development of sporadic schwannomas and meningiomas, as well as tumor types seemingly unrelated to the NF2 disorder, such as malignant mesotheliomas. Inactivation of NF2 occurs by a “two‐hit” mechanism, as proposed by Al Knudson, and the NF2 gene behaves as a classical tumor suppressor gene. The NF2 gene product, merlin, exhibits homology with the ezrin–radixin–moesin family of membrane–cytoskeleton‐linking proteins. During the past several years, there has been intensive investigation aimed at elucidating the mechanisms underlying merlin's functions. In this review, we summarize the involvement of NF2 inactivation in tumorigenesis. We also discuss observations implicating merlin in cell motility and cell proliferation, with a focus on recent findings linking merlin to Rac signaling. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Physical Electro-Thermal Model for the Design of Schottky Diode-Based Circuits

Thermal management has become an important issue in the design of Schottky diode-based circuits for high power applications. This work presents a physics-based numerical electro-thermal model for Schottky diodes capable of evaluating the thermal effects on the electrical performance of devices and circuits. The advantages of this model are the inclusion of temperature-dependent material parameters, the capability to calculate internal temperature distributions, and the identification of regions where heat is generated, providing useful information for device design and circuit reliability. The developed electro-thermal model is integrated into a circuit simulator in order to provide a tool which can be used to analyze, design and optimize Schottky diode-based circuits for high power operation. This tool has been validated with a 200 GHz doubler from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL-NASA). A better agreement with measurement results at high input powers is obtained with our model compared with other previous models reported in the literature due to the self-consistent implementation of the temperature-dependency of physical parameters like electron mobility and saturation velocity.
The Stellar Initial Mass Function from Turbulent Fragmentation

The morphology and kinematics of molecular clouds (MCs) are best explained as the consequence of supersonic turbulence. Supersonic turbulence fragments MCs into dense sheets, filaments, and cores and large low-density "voids," via the action of highly radiative shocks. We refer to this process as turbulent fragmentation. In this work we derive the mass distribution of gravitationally unstable cores generated by the process of turbulent fragmentation. The mass distribution above 1 M☉ depends primarily on the power spectrum of the turbulent flow and on the jump conditions for isothermal shocks in a magnetized gas. For a power spectrum index β = 1.74, consistent with Larson's velocity dispersion-size relation as well as with new numerical and analytic results on supersonic turbulence, we obtain a power-law mass distribution of dense cores with a slope equal to 3/(4 - β) = 1.33, consistent with the slope of the stellar initial mass function (IMF). Below 1 M☉, the mass distribution flattens and turns around at a fraction of 1 M☉, as observed for the stellar IMF in a number of stellar clusters, because only the densest cores are gravitationally unstable. The mass distribution at low masses is determined by the probability distribution of the gas density, which is known to be approximately lognormal for an isothermal turbulent gas. The intermittent nature of the turbulent density distribution is thus responsible for the existence of a significant number of small collapsing cores, even of substellar mass. Since turbulent fragmentation is unavoidable in supersonically turbulent molecular clouds, and given the success of the present model in predicting the observed shape of the stellar IMF, we conclude that turbulent fragmentation is essential to the origin of the stellar IMF.
Fallopian Metaplastic Papillary Tumour: An Atypical Transdifferentiation of the Tubal Epithelium?

A metaplastic papillary tumor of the Fallopian tube is an extremely uncommon condition, with odd and confusing features that make it difficult to categorize as benign or borderline. Here, we summarize all the published cases to date and document the case of a 41-year-old woman diagnosed with this alteration after her last childbirth and ensuing tubal ligation. One of the tubes was bulky and filled with a caramel-like substance encircling a blurry spot. Light microscopy detailed a slender stalk covered by eosinophilic, columnar plump cells, showing atypical nuclei and focal budding. Mitotic figures were absent. The immunohistochemistry panel was positive for pan-cytokeratin, epithelial membrane antigen, cyclin D1, and hormone receptors. Additionally, a proliferation index of less than 5% was rated using Ki-67. The true nature of this tumor (reactive vs neoplastic) is uncertain. Nonetheless, its association with pregnancy suggests an adaptive change, likely similar to the atypical transdifferentiation proposed for Arias-Stella reaction.
Alternative migratory locust phenotypes are associated with differences in the expression of genes encoding the methylation machinery

Despite the importance of locust density‐dependent polyphenism as a model system for understanding phenotypic plasticity, there is still much to be learnt about its underlying molecular control. Here we describe the first investigation into the expression of genes encoding the DNA methylation machinery in the migratory locust (Locusta migratoria). We show that the alternative solitarious and gregarious phenotypic states induced by different locust rearing densities are associated with significant differences in the expression of the target genes DNA methyltransferase 1, DNA methyltransferase 2 and methyl‐CpG‐binding domain protein 2/3. This variation was most pronounced in the embryos of solitarious vs. gregarious mothers. We mapped the embryonic methylation profiles of several intragenic regions and a Long Interspersed Nuclear Element (LINE), each of which is known to be differentially expressed between alternative locust phenotypes or has been directly implicated in phase change. LmI and three genes, adenyl cyclase‐associated binding protein 2, choline kinase alpha‐like and henna, were methylated. Our results set the stage for future studies investigating the specific role of DNA methylation in the maternal transfer of migratory locust phase polyphenism.
A University and Middle-School Partnership: Preservice Teachers' Attitudes Toward ELL Students

This article addresses the knowledge and attitudes of preservice teachers about refugee English Language Learners before and after engaging in a pen pal writing project. The results reflect positive changes in the preservice teachers' understanding of their attitudes toward refugee English Language Learners and in their understanding of the implications of teaching linguistically and cultural diverse learners.
Multi-modality point spectroscopy: Interests, development and application to in vivo diagnosis of bladder and skin cancers

Combining autofluorescence (AF) and Diffuse Reflectance (DR) spectroscopies is supposed to improve diagnosispsila accuracy of early stages of cancer (as well as precancerous stages) which is of great clinical importance. For the present study, we developed a bimodal instrumentation combining spatially resolved AF and DR spectroscopies, and evaluated its ability to distinguish between healthy, inflammatory and early stages of cancers in vivo. In order to get such tissue types, we used 2 animal models: a rat bladder orthotopic cancer model and a mice UV-irradiated skin model. The first study shows that combining AF and DR improves both sensitivity and specificity of the diagnosis compared to one modality used alone: Se = 67% (DR alone), 72% (AF alone) increases up to 78% when combining the two modalities. Preliminary results of the second study reveal that some spectroscopic criteria may help quantitative histological analysis in making the difference between acute and precancerous hyperplasia.
The Lost Cause? Examining the Southern Culture of Honor Through Defensive Gun Use

This article reconsiders the “Southern culture of honor” thesis, which has enjoyed prevalence in the social sciences since the first half of the 20th century. The bulk of researchers investigating the link among Southern residence, culture of honor, and violence have focused on attitudinal measures of violence through surveys and ethnographic experiments indicating preferences and opinions toward engaging in hypothesized violence. The current research measures respondents’ actual violent behaviors in a national survey of defensive gun use (DGU). Although the results failed to support a relationship between Southern residence and defensive gun use, respondents’ age and victimization were significant. This finding is dissonant with the historical literature that suggests that the rural Southern White male is prone to a violent defense of honor; as such, the article orients discussion around the further theoretical advancement of the culture-of-honor perspective.
Compound Multiple-Access Channels With Partial Cooperation

A two-user discrete memoryless compound multiple-access channel (MAC) with a common message and conferencing decoders is considered. The capacity region is characterized in the special cases of physically degraded channels and unidirectional cooperation, and achievable rate regions are provided for the general case. The results are then extended to the corresponding Gaussian model. In the Gaussian setup, the provided achievable rates are shown to lie within some constant number of bits from the boundary of the capacity region in several special cases. An alternative model, in which the encoders are connected by conferencing links rather than having a common message, is studied as well, and the capacity region for this model is also determined for the cases of physically degraded channels and unidirectional cooperation. Numerical results are also provided to obtain insights about the potential gains of conferencing at the decoders and encoders.
Disaster response: risk, vulnerability and resilience

The assumption of an automatic link between disaster exposure and pathological outcomes is increasingly being questioned. Recognition of the possibility of positive reactions and growth outcomes in this context necessitates the development of alternative models and, in particular, the accommodation of the resilience construct in research and intervention agenda. Reviews possible vulnerability and resilience factors and adopts a risk management framework to outline its potential for modelling the complex relationships between these variables and both growth and distress outcomes. Resilience and vulnerability is discussed at dispositional, cognitive and organisational levels. The paradigm developed here focuses attention on facilitating recovery and growth in professionals for whom disaster work and its consequences is an occupational reality.
The consensual assessment technique: An examination of the relationship between ratings of product and process creativity

Abstract: For over two decades, researchers have employed a consensual assessment technique in their investigations of creativity. Formally articulated by Amabile in 1982, this subjective rating procedure is based upon a consensual assessment of creativity: A product or response is creative to the extent that appropriate observers agree that it is creative. Although there exists a wealth of data on the reliability and construct validity of this approach, very little is known about what judges are responding to when they make assessments of product creativity. The four studies described here represent a preliminary exploration of the mechanisms underlying the consensual assessment procedure. Findings were that: (a) judges were able to reliably assess not only the creativity of a finished product but also the creativity of the process that went into producing that product; (b) ratings of process and product creativity (as well as a variety of other dimensions) tend to be highly correlated; and (c) informati.
Cyberloafing and Personality

The current study sought to expand prior research on cyberloafing by considering the impact of personality, as well as some previously unexplored situational factors. Specifically, we examined the impact of the Big Five personality factors, as well as the presence of an Internet usage policy and perceived work meaningfulness, on the amount of employee cyberloafing. Hierarchical regression analyses found that, controlling for gender and age, conscientiousness, emotional stability, and the presence of an Internet usage policy were all negatively related with cyberloafing whereas extroversion had a significant, positive relationship with cyberloafing. Implications of these findings for research and managerial practices are discussed.
The effects of polymer molecular weight on filament thinning and drop breakup in microchannels

We investigate the effects of fluid elasticity on the dynamics of filament thinning and drop breakup processes in a cross-slot microchannel. Elasticity effects are examined using dilute aqueous polymeric solutions of molecular weight (MW) ranging from 1.5×103 to 1.8×107. Results for polymeric fluids are compared to those for a viscous Newtonian fluid. The shearing or continuous phase that induces breakup is mineral oil. All fluids possess similar shear-viscosity (∼0.2 Pa s) so that the viscosity ratio between the oil and aqueous phases is close to unity. Measurements of filament thickness as a function of time show different thinning behavior for the different aqueous fluids. For Newtonian fluids, the thinning process shows a single exponential decay of the filament thickness. For low MW fluids (103, 104 and 105), the thinning process also shows a single exponential decay, but with a decay rate that is slower than for the Newtonian fluid. The decay time increases with polymer MW. For high MW (106 and 107) fluids, the initial exponential decay crosses over to a second exponential decay in which elastic stresses are important. We show that the decay rate of the filament thickness in this exponential decay regime can be used to measure the steady extensional viscosity of the fluids. At late times, all fluids cross over to an algebraic decay which is driven mainly by surface tension.
Distinct Hippocampal Time Cell Sequences Represent Odor Memories in Immobilized Rats

Previous studies have revealed the existence of hippocampal “time cells,” principal neurons in CA1 that fire at specific moments in temporally organized experiences. However, in all these studies, animals were in motion; and so, temporal modulation might be due, at least in part, to concurrent or planned movement through space or self-generated movement (path integration). Here the activity of hippocampal CA1 neurons was recorded in head-fixed and immobile rats while they remembered odor stimuli across a delay period. Many neurons selectively and reliably activated at brief moments during the delay, as confirmed by several analyses of temporal modulation, during a strong ongoing θ rhythm. Furthermore, each odor memory was represented by a temporally organized ensemble of time cells composed mostly of neurons that were unique to each memory and some that fired at the same or different moments among multiple memories. These results indicate that ongoing or intended movement through space is not necessary for temporal representations in the hippocampus, and highlight the potential role of time cells as a mechanism for representing the flow of time in distinct memories.
Strategic Alliance Structures

While strategic alliances have emerged in recent years as common and important structural vehicles for business development, surprisingly little is known about how collaborative activities are organized and administered within these governance structures. We see classic organizational scholarship as useful insofar as it both provides clear classifications that distinguish alternative intraorganizational designs and explicates how they affect the inner workings of organizations. Existing alliance classification schemes based on type of collaborative activity, partner characteristics, or legal structure, on the other hand, rarely delineate important differences of how collaborative work is organized among partners. We seek to redress this shortcoming by developing a framework of alliance structural parameters based on classic organizational design considerations. Specifically we identify and discuss five key design parameters for alliances: the structural interface between partners, the structural “intraface” within partners, and the specialization, formalization, and centralization of the alliance organization. We show how consideration of these five parameters provides a deeper understanding of alliance governance and suggest how partner organizations can achieve differential levels of connectivity and steering for their collaborative ventures.
Flood knowledge and management in Bangladesh: Increasing diversity, complexity and uncertainty

The purpose of this paper is to review and discuss the relationship between government publications and academic studies of flood management in Bangladesh. The paper reviews these literatures while also emphasizing the assumptions, objectives and national issues that have influenced modern flood management. This approach aims to engage with the evolving knowledges used to inform and to criticize flood management in one of the most flood-prone nations on earth. The analysis suggests a disconnection between government and academic knowledge, particularly concerning the characterization of government objectives within the academic discourse. The paper is divided into four periods in which the objectives, methods and understandings were fundamentally reoriented, contributing to the current discrepancy between government and academic approaches to flooding and flood management. The paper concludes with discussion of three issues related to the competing assumptions of flood risk management in Bangladesh and raises the issue of growing complexity in relation to hazards management.
Women and the family in Thailand in the midst of social change.

Despite economic and social changes in Thailand the family as a psychological unit has retained a central place for the individual. Differences between strangers and familiar people are based on commonality of place of origin. Sulameth Potter in 1977 defined Thai family structure as a modified extended family with matrilocal residence. The family is a unit that cycles repeatedly from small or nuclear to large or extended and back to small. The status of women in Thai society is still unequal to men. Women have increased their participation in the work force and many fill middle management positions but top administrative or management positions are held by men. Within the household womens position has remained much the same. Tradition has governed the role of women as without the direct means to achieve social and political goals. Norms and values emphasize the superiority of men over women both physically and emotionally. Women flourished in the art of manipulating men but lacked the stimuli and opportunity for self-improvement. Traditional Thai women are socialized into the "beauty culture" a culture that requires extensive amounts of time in grooming. During the period of concubines and polygyny women and wives developed distrust and acted as rivals for mens affection and attention. The cultural value on beauty or an easy life perpetuated womens role as a wife or a prostitute. Women hold little formal power. Buddhism relies on women for care of the monks and preparations for religious events. Fundamentalist Buddhists believe that women must suffer and learn to bear their suffering bravely in order to be born men in their next life. Women serve monks but are barred from direct contact with monks or becoming monks. Motherhood is a virtue and children are taught to feel indebted to their mothers for having given them life. Women are feared for their childbearing "potency. " Changes in family relationships are not directly determined by law. Changes in womens status involve a complex set of factors.