Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Behavioral factors influencing virtual knowledge sharing: theory of reasoned action

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to report the results of an exploratory investigation of the behavioral factors in relation to virtual knowledge sharing among Multimedia University students, Malaysia, based on the theory of reasoned action (TRA). Design/methodology/approach – A search and review of the existing literature was followed by an empirical test of the proposed model in the pilot study (number of participants: n=50) and the main study (n=250). Findings – Trust, anticipated reciprocal relationship and willingness to share knowledge as an individual's attitude; while identification and organizational culture acting as subjective norms, indirectly have an impact on individual's intention to share knowledge virtually. No positive relationship was discovered between the degree of competition and an individual's attitude to share knowledge; nor between collectivism and subjective norms.Research limitations/implications – The results may have been influenced by self‐selection bias, as only one uni.
Heterogeneity in local distributions of orientation-selective neurons in the cat primary visual cortex

Abstract We have employed the tetrode technique, which allows accurate discrimination of individual neuronal spike trains from multiunit recordings, in order to examine the variation of orientation selectivity among local groups of neurons. We recorded a total of 321 cells from 62 sites in area 17 of halothane-anesthetized cats; each site contained between three to ten neurons that were estimated to be less than 65 μm away from the tetrode tip. For each cell, we determined the orientation tuning in response to moving bars. Of the cells tested, 8.4% were unresponsive, 22.7% had no preferential response to any particular orientation, while 68.8% were tuned. The average difference in preferred orientation between cell pairs recorded at the same site was 10.7 deg, but the variance in preferred orientation differences differed significantly among sites. Some clusters of cells exhibited the same or nearly the same orientation preference, while others had orientation preferences that differed by as much as 90 deg. Our data demonstrate that the tuning for orientation is more heterogeneously distributed at a local level than previous studies have suggested.
CARINA OB STARS: X-RAY SIGNATURES OF WIND SHOCKS AND MAGNETIC FIELDS

The Chandra Carina Complex contains 200 known O- and B-type stars. The Chandra survey detected 68 of the 70 O stars and 61 of 127 known B0–B3 stars. We have assembled a publicly available optical/X-ray database to identify OB stars that depart from the canonical LX/Lbol relation or whose average X-ray temperatures exceed 1 keV. Among the single O stars with high kT we identify two candidate magnetically confined wind shock sources: Tr16-22, O8.5 V, and LS 1865, O8.5 V((f)). The O4 III(fc) star HD 93250 exhibits strong, hard, variable X-rays, suggesting that it may be a massive binary with a period of >30 days. The visual O2 If* binary HD 93129A shows soft 0.6 keV and hard 1.9 keV emission components, suggesting embedded wind shocks close to the O2 If* Aa primary and colliding wind shocks between Aa and Ab. Of the 11 known O-type spectroscopic binaries, the long orbital-period systems HD 93343, HD 93403, and QZ Car have higher shock temperatures than short-period systems such as HD 93205 and FO 15. Although the X-rays from most B stars may be produced in the coronae of unseen, low-mass pre-main-sequence companions, a dozen B stars with high LX cannot be explained by a distribution of unseen companions. One of these, SS73 24 in the Treasure Chest cluster, is a new candidate Herbig Be star.
Development and Testing of a Microbiological Assay To Detect Residual Effects of Disinfectant on Hard Surfaces

ABSTRACT We describe a glucuronidase bioassay for detecting residual bactericidal activity from the use of disinfectants on hard surfaces; in this assay we used formaldehyde, ethanol, isopropanol, chlorine, and a commercial preparation containing 2-bromo-2-nitro-1,3-propanediol. Chlorine and the commercial preparation showed bactericidal activity (53.5% and 98.2%, respectively) for a week after disinfection.
Modular Test System for Determination of Protection against Attacks in VoIP Networks

A VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) soft switch is essential for every IP telephony infrastructure. Frequently, it provides other services besides those related to VoIP. Very often, these switches are the target of external attackers. This article describes the system designed to test whether the targeted VoIP soft switch is sufficiently secured and protected against possible real threats. The system tests the switches for resistance to the most prevailing attacks. Based on whether the penetration is successful or not, the system assesses their overall security. The article describes applications and algorithms used by the system. The conclusion includes recommendations and principles to ensure efficient protection of a VoIP soft switch against existing threats. The system is designed as an open-source web application, allowing for access irrespective of the operation system platform, and can be extended with additional testing modules.
Comparison of the theories of reasoned action and planned behaviour

Background. Ajzen & Fishbein's (1977) theory of reasoned action and, later Ajzen's planned behaviour theory (Ajzen, 1988; Ajzen & Madden, 1986) have received great attention in the literature (e.g., Giles & Cairns, 1995). A number of researchers have attempted to explain several aspects of human behaviour (e.g., Bandura, 1997). A review of literature between 1990 and 1997 using the Psychlit and ERIC databases which pertained to the application of the theories of reasoned action and/or planned behaviour for the explanation of student study behaviour for an upcoming examination revealed one study (Clarry & Burns, 1991) in which little support for the use of the theory of planned behaviour was provided. Aims. The purpose of the present study was to examine the appropriateness of the theories of reasoned action (Ajzen & Fishbein, 1977) and planned behaviour (Ajzen & Madden, 1986) to explain student study behaviour during final examinations as pertaining to achieving a high Grade Point Average (GPA). Sample. This comprised 136 freshmen Greek students from an American undergraduate institution located in Greece. Method. A structural equation modelling analysis using EQS 4.02 (Bentler, 1992) was used to evaluate the construct validity of the theories of reasoned action and planned behaviour. In this modelling, latent variables were a function of measured variables and direct and indirect relationships were postulated in a path-analysis framework in order to explain both theories. Since the theory of reasoned action was nested within the theory of planned behaviour, a direct comparison between them was feasible. Results. Ajzen & Fishbein's (1977) theoretical framework (reasoned action) was well supported, providing a Comparative Fit Index (CFI) of . 947. The only modification between the original (Ajzen & Fishbein, 1977) and the final structural model was a direct path between motivation to comply and study behaviour. This structural model provided significant improvement over the original model providing a CFI of . 976 and a non-significant value. Further, inclusion of the perceived control constructs produced a model with acceptable fit also (CFI = .934). Conclusion. It is concluded that both theories describe well the study behaviour of students although inclusion of perceived behavioural control was not fully supported by the data.
WHEN DELIBERATION PRODUCES EXTREMISM

Abstract What are the effects of deliberation about political issues by likeminded people? An experimental investigation involving two deliberative exercises, one among self-identified liberals and another among self-identified conservatives, showed that participants' views became more extreme after deliberation. Deliberation also increased consensus and significantly reduced diversity of opinion within the two groups. Even anonymous statements of personal opinion became more extreme and homogeneous after deliberation.
An Unexpected Biotransformation Pathway for Tetrachloro-( < / , /-fra / is )-l , 2-diaminocyclohexaneplatinum ( IV ) ( Tetraplatin ) in the LI 210 Cell Line 1

Tetrachloro(</,/-frtiiw )-1,2-diaminocyclohexaneplatinum(IV) (tetraplatin) has been considered a prodrug which would be converted rapidly to dichloro(</,/-rra/u)-l,2-diaminocycIohexaneplatinum(II) |PtCl2(dach)| under physiological conditions. However, the biotransformations of tetraplatin have not been studied in detail. We have followed the intracellular biotransformations of tetraplatin and PtCl2(dach) in the 1.1210 cell line by a two-step high performance liquid chromatography separation pro cedure described previously (Mauldin et al. Cancer Res., 48:5136-5144, 1988). At early times the intracellular biotransformation pathways ap peared to be very different in tetraplatinand PtCl2(dach)-treated cells. The tetraplatin present in the medium initially was taken up preferentially by the LI 210 cells. However, no intracellular tetraplatin and very little intracellular PtCl2(dach) were found in the tetraplatin-treated cells. In stead, two previously unidentified biotransformation products predomi nated at early times. The same biotransformation products were present in cells incubated in Hank's balanced salt solution, so they most likely did not arise from extracellular reactions. The unidentified biotransfor mation products present in tetraplatin-treated cells at early times ap peared to be at the platinum(II) level of oxidation. Model reactions suggested that these compounds could have been formed by platinum(II)assisted platinum(IV) substitution reactions, followed by reduction of the platinum(IV) complex to the platinum(II) level. Thus, there appear to exist unique features of tetraplatin metabolism which are observed only when tetraplatin is taken up directly by the cell without prior reduction. These reaction products did not react with DNA and presumably repre sent an inactivation pathway.
Analysis of Age‐Related Impairments in Learning and Memory in Rodent Models

A sound demographic basis supports the increased need for animal models of memory dysfunction associated with human aging. Industrialized nations are experiencing a rapid growth in the aged segments of their populations. For example, over the last half of this century, the proportion of the U S . population over 65 years of age will grow from 8% to over 12% with projected increases up to 17% by the year 2030. ’ This trend carries the potential for proportional and absolute increases in persons suffering from some type of memory impairment. These dysfunctions can range in severity from the subtle decrements observed among healthy, elderly individuals’ to the marked deficits observed among individuals diagnosed as having senile dementia of the Alzheimer
Neonatal bacterial meningitis and dexamethasone adjunctive usage in Nigeria.

OBJECTIVE Neonatal bacterial meningitis is devastating, with attendant high mortality and neurological sequelae. We, therefore, aimed to delineate its current incidence, etiologic, clinical, laboratory spectra, and the effect of steroid therapy on the outcome. METHODOLOGY Babies admitted from 1992 to 1995 in the Special Care Baby Unit of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Maduguri, Nigeria, with bacterial meningitis were studied prospectively. Neonatal bacterial meningitis was confirmed if the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) microbiological, chemical, immunological and clinical criteria were satisfied. Detailed neurological follow-up was made. RESULT Sixty-nine cases of neonatal bacterial meningitis were encountered, (25 were early-onset, and 44 late-onset); the incidence was 6.5/1000 live births. 22 Positive CSF cultures were grown in early-onset meningitis, and 28 in late-onset disease. Low birth weight showed higher risk of bacterial meningitis and it was significantly more likely in the preterm. X2 = 24.19, p = 0.000001). Gram-negative pathogens were more isolated (28/50, 56%); Escherichia coli (11) being the commonest, while of the Gram-positive pathogens Staphylococcus aureus was most predominant overall (13/50). Concomitant blood culture was positive in 39/50 (78%), inclusive of all 22 "definite" early-onset disease. The CSF WBC was minimally raised (25-30 x 10(6)/L) in 11 (22%) of "definite" neonatal bacterial meningitis. Detection of unusual pathogens was noteworthy: N. meningitidis (2) and H. influenzae (2), contributing 0.6 and 2.2 per 1000 live births and admissions, respectively. Overall mortality was 24.6%. Of the forty survivors, 9 (22.5%) had neurological sequelae: sensorineural hearing deficit (3), hydrocephalus (2), subdural effusion (2), hemiparesis (1), afebrile (recurrent) seizure (1), and there was reduced developmental quotients at 24 months follow-up in 33. Dexamethasone therapy decreased mortality significantly; p = 0.0004. CONCLUSION The new information highlighted by this research includes the lack of Group B Streptococcus isolation, the finding of S. pneumoniae, N. meningitidis, H. influenzae and S. aureus as significant pathogens, usefulness of blood cultures in the detection of neonatal bacterial meningitis, increasing resistance of Gram-positive neonatal pathogens to cloxacillin, low CSF WBC, and the finding that the adjunctive use of dexamethasone significantly decreases case fatality and neurological sequelae.
Impact of family-supportive work variables on work-family conflict and strain: A control perspective.

The authors examined the direct and indirect effects of organizational policies and practices that are supportive of family responsibilities on work-family conflict and psychological, physical, and behavioral measures of strain. Survey data were gathered at 45 acute-care facilities from 398 health professionals who had children aged 16 years or younger at home. Supportive practices, especially flexible scheduling and supportive supervisors, had direct positive effects on employee perceptions of control over work and family matters. Control perceptions, in turn, were associated with lower levels of work-family conflict, job dissatisfaction, depression, somatic complaints, and blood cholesterol. These results suggest that organizations can take steps that can increase employees' control over family responsibilities and that this control might help employees better manage conflicting demands of work and family life
Effects of Maple (Acer) Plant Part Extracts on Proliferation, Apoptosis and Cell Cycle Arrest of Human Tumorigenic and Non‐tumorigenic Colon Cells

Phenolic‐enriched extracts of maple sap and syrup, obtained from the sugar and red maple species (Acer saccharum Marsh, A. rubrum L., respectively), are reported to show anticancer effects. Despite traditional medicinal uses of various other parts of these plants by Native Americans, they have not been investigated for anticancer activity. Here leaves, stems/twigs, barks and sapwoods of both maple species were evaluated for antiproliferative effects against human colon tumorigenic (HCT‐116, HT‐29, Caco‐2) and non‐tumorigenic (CCD‐18Co) cells. Extracts were standardized to total phenolic and ginnalin‐A (isolated in our laboratory) levels. Overall, the extracts inhibited the growth of the colon cancer more than normal cells (over two‐fold), their activities increased with their ginnalin‐A levels, with red > sugar maple extracts. The red maple leaf extract, which contained the highest ginnalin‐A content, was the most active extract (IC50 = 35 and 16 µg/mL for extract and ginnalin‐A, respectively). The extracts were not cytotoxic nor did they induce apoptosis of the colon cancer cells. However, cell cycle analyses revealed that the antiproliferative effects of the extracts were mediated through cell cycle arrest in the S‐phase. The results from the current study suggest that these maple plant part extracts may have potential anticolon cancer effects. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Distribution of SPARC during neovascularisation of degenerative aortic stenosis

Objective: To examine the hypothesis that degenerative aortic stenosis (AS) is associated with the development of blood vessels and the expression of the secreted protein, acidic and rich in cysteine/osteonectin (SPARC), a matricellular protein that is involved in ossification, the modulation of angiogenesis and the production of metalloproteinases. Methods: 30 surgically excised AS valves and 20 normal aortic valves were studied. Results: Blood vessels were detected in the aortic valves from patients with degenerative AS, whereas normal valves were avascular structures. Blood vessels in AS valves expressed endothelial nitric oxide synthase, CD34 and von Willebrand factor (vWF). Blood vessels were located in three distinct regions: near calcified nodules, under the leaflet border and in rich cellular areas forming cell islands. Blood vessels were predominantly present in early and intermediate grades of calcification. Cell islands were densely populated by CD45-positive cells where endothelial cells (CD34+, vWF+) forming cord-like structures were present. Immunoblotting detected SPARC only in AS valves and immunohistological analysis located SPARC in mature blood vessels. The proportion of blood vessels positive for SPARC was higher in valves with a lower grade of calcification. In cell islands, SPARC was distributed to mature blood vessels and to macrophages, where it co-located with matrix metalloproteinase-9, whereas no expression was detected in endothelial cells forming cord-like structures. Conclusion: The localisation of SPARC to mature blood vessels and its predominant expression in AS valves with a lower calcification grade suggest that the spatial and temporal distribution of this matricellular protein is tightly controlled to participate in the neovascularisation of AS valves.
Increased nitric oxide synthase mRNA expression in the renal medulla of water-deprived rats.

UNLABELLED Increased nitric oxide synthase mRNA expression in the renal medulla of water-deprived rats. BACKGROUND Experiments were performed to investigate whether renal nitric oxide synthase (NOS) mRNA and protein expression are responsive to the alteration of body volume. METHODS Four days of water deprivation (WD) was initiated in 16 male Wistar rats, and 16 normal rats (NC) served as the control group. Neuronal NOS (nNOS), endothelial NOS (eNOS), and inducible NOS (iNOS) mRNAs and immunoreactivity were measured by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) followed by Southern blot hybridization and immunohistochemistry, respectively. Plasma angiotensin II, vasopressin, and atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) concentrations were measured by radioimmunoassay. RESULTS The four-day WD increased plasma sodium and osmolality levels, but severely decreased daily urine sodium excretion and urine volume. Plasma angiotensin II and vasopressin concentrations were increased, but the plasma ANP level was significantly decreased in WD rats. nNOS, eNOS, and iNOS mRNA levels were increased by 5.2-, 3.3-, and 3. 4-fold in the outer medulla and 1.7-, 1.5-, and 1.8-fold in the inner medulla, whereas no significant difference was found in the renal cortex of WD rats as compared with NC rats. Additionally, immunohistochemistry revealed that the immunostaining intensity of nNOS, eNOS, and iNOS was clearly enhanced in the medullary thick ascending limb, proximal straight tubule, inner medullary collecting duct, and proximal convoluted tubule in WD rats. Kidney angiotensin II content as well as renin mRNA levels in renal cortex, outer medulla, and inner medulla in WD rats were apparently increased. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate that the increases of nNOS, eNOS, and iNOS synthesis in the kidney, particularly in the renal medulla, may have a role in the adaptation of renal function to volume depletion in the face of an increase of systemic and intrarenal vasoconstrictive substances.
16-Gy low-voltage x-ray irradiation with ranibizumab therapy for AMD: 6-month safety and functional outcomes.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE To describe the 6-month safety and preliminary efficacy outcomes of the use of 16-Gy radiation with intravitreal ranibizumab for patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD). PATIENTS AND METHODS A single treatment of a non-invasive, externally delivered low-voltage 16-Gy x-ray irradiation was administered in one session through three locations in the inferior pars plana. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) and Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) visual acuity (VA) examinations were performed at 1 week, 1 month, and monthly thereafter, with quarterly fluorescein angiography (FA). After the two initial ranibizumab injections, subsequent injections were administered according to the following criteria: VA decline of 10 ETDRS letters compared with baseline, increase of 100-μm central foveal thickness on OCT compared with baseline, the development of new submacular hemorrhage, and the development of a new area of classic choroidal neovascularization on FA. RESULTS Twenty-six patients completed a 6-month follow-up. There was no evidence of radiation retinopathy, optic neuropathy, or cataract. The mean baseline ETDRS score was 46.6 letters (range: 5 to 80; standard deviation [SD]: 21.5). At 6 months, the corresponding ETDRS score was 55.6 letters (range: 25 to 80; SD: 18.9) and the mean change in VA was 9.5 ETDRS letters (SD: 10.3). On responder analysis, 96% lost 15 or fewer ETDRS letters, 81% gained 0 or more ETDRS letters, and 50% gained 15 or more ETDRS letters. Patients received a total of 13 ranibizumab injections following two initial injections. At 6 months, patients received an average of 0.5 additional injections following the initial two mandated injections. CONCLUSION A single treatment of externally applied, non-invasive 16-Gy low-voltage x-ray therapy in conjunction with ranibizumab demonstrated an overall improvement of VA in patients with neovascular AMD at 6 months with no radiation-related adverse effects.
Making a Party Leader Less of a Party Member: The Impact of Ambivalence on Assimilation and Contrast Effects in Political Party Attitudes

The present study tested the degree to which attitudes about a political party would be influenced by the context in which the party leader was rendered cognitively accessible. A sample of British undergraduates evaluated Prime Minister Tony Blair before expressing their opinion about the Labour party. In one condition, the two items were structured such that Blair was expected to be included in participants’ representation of the party. In a second condition, the same items were structured such that Blair was expected to be excluded from participants’ representation of the party. The results supported the hypothesis that manipulating the context in which Blair was made salient would produce different effects on a subsequent judgment of the Labour party, but only among politically ambivalent respondents.
Momentum or Deceleration? Theoretical and Methodological Reflections on the Analysis of Organizational Change

Research on organizational change has consistently shown that prior change increases the probability of further change, which supports the view that repetitive momentum governs change processes. We challenge this consensus, offering theoretical arguments for the opposite: Change propensity decreases as changes accumulate. We argue that unobserved heterogeneity in the inherent change propensity of organizations has biased prior results. Analyses of three data sets yielded positive effects of prior change on further change when we used the methodology of earlier studies. However, fixed-effects models that control for heterogeneity yielded negative effects. We conclude that deceleration, not repetitive momentum, governs change processes.