Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Exploring the relationships between compassion at work, the evaluative perspective of positive work-related identity, service employee creativity, and job performance

Purpose This study examines whether compassion at work increases service employees’ job performance. More specifically, the purpose of this study is to show the mechanism through which experienced compassion in an organization affects the job performance of service employees. Design/methodology/approach The employees from a department store in South Korea were surveyed using a self-administered instrument for data collection. Out of 550 questionnaires, a total of 309 usable questionnaires were obtained after list-wise deletion, for a 61.6 per cent response rate. Findings The results of this study suggest that the evaluative perspective of positive work-related identity mediates the relationship between compassion at work and service employees’ job performance. In addition, the findings of this study demonstrate that there is significant mediating effect of service employee creativity on the relationship between compassion at work and job performance. Furthermore, the relationship between compassion at work and job performance was sequentially mediated by the evaluative perspective of positive work-related identity and the creativity of service employees. Research limitations/implications The common method variance in the self-reported variables imposes a need for caution in the interpretation of the findings. Future studies could avoid the problem of common method bias by, for example, using supervisor ratings of creativity and job performance. On the other hand, this study will add to the growing body of research on service marketing by highlighting the role of compassion at work to enhance service employees’ job performance. Practical implications This study offers new insight for practitioners (i.e. CEOs, top management teams, employees) by suggesting that they may promote service employees’ job performance if they pay more attention to compassionate acts in service marketing. Originality/value As services are becoming more important and harder to sell simultaneously, this study provides a new perspective to improve service employees’ job performance by examining its link with compassion at work.
Expanding the Spectrum of Attitudes Toward the Death Penalty

Overall, studies show that the majority of Americans support the use of the death penalty for murderers; however, few studies have investigated response patterns to death penalty survey questions that offer more than yes/no response options. Without a realistic understanding of Americans’ attitudes, the existence of this controversial legislation may hinge on inaccurate depictions of public opinion. The current study utilizes a college sample of students from a southern university (N = 775, average age 22) to investigate how nondichotomous response options affect our understandings of death penalty attitudes. Using independent variables that are commonly found in quantitative studies about death penalty attitudes (i.e., religiosity, biblical literalism, political attitudes, race, gender, age, southern region) as well as independent variables less commonly seen in death penalty studies (i.e., feminist identity, and student-specific variables: grade point average, freshman status, high school size, and sociology major/minor), ordinary least squares and logistic regression results indicate that examining death penalty support with nondichotomous response options reveals more nuanced results when compared to examinations of death penalty that use dichotomous response options. Policy implications are discussed.
Structural and functional characterization of two genetically related meucin peptides highlights evolutionary divergence and convergence in antimicrobial peptides

Both vertebrates and invertebrates employ α‐helical antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) as an essential component of their innate immune system. However, evolutionary relation of these immune molecules remains unresolved. Venoms, as key weapons of venomous arthropods for prey and defense, receive increasing recognition as an emerging source of such peptides. From a cDNA library prepared from the venom gland of the scorpion Mesobuthus eupeus, clones encoding precursors of two new AMPs, named meucin‐13 (IFGAIAGLLKNIF‐NH2) and meucin‐18 (FFGHLFKLATKIIPSLFQ), have been isolated. The precursor of meucins consists of a signal peptide, a mature peptide, and an acidic propeptide, in which dibasic residues as the typical processing signal are located between the mature and propeptide. Meucin‐13 is an ortholog of several previously described AMPs from scorpion venom and has also detectable sequence similarity to temporins, a large family of AMPs from frog skin, whereas meucin‐18 displays some similarity to AMPs from diverse origin including arthropod venoms, fish mast cells, and frog skins. These two meucin peptides form α‐helical structure in the presence of 50% trifluoroethanol (TFE), a membrane‐mimicking environment, as identified by circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy. This finding is further verified by their NMR structures that show a typical α‐helical amphipathic design, a structural prerequisite for cytolytic activity. Meucins exhibit extensive cytolytic effects on both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells (gram+ and gram‐ bacteria, fungi, yeasts, rabbit erythrocytes, and rat dorsal root ganglion cells) at micromolar concentrations. It is remarkable that muecin‐18 was 2‐ to > 14‐fold more potent than meucin‐13 against nearly all the cells tested. Structural differences in hydrophilic/hydrophobic balance and cationic amino acid location between two meucins could account for their differential potency. Despite these differences, commonalities at precursor organization, three‐dimensional structure, and biological function suggests that meucins are two evolutionarily related AMPs and likely originated from a common ancestor by gene duplication. Our work presented here also provides new insights into an evolutionary link among AMPs from invertebrates and vertebrates and clues for evolutionary convergence between AMPs and virus fusion domains. —Gao, B. , Sherman, P., Luo, L. , Bowie, J., Zhu, S. Structural and functional characterization of two genetically related meucin peptides highlights evolutionary divergence and convergence in antimicrobial peptides. FASEB J. 23, 1230–1245 (2009)
Egr1 and Gas6 facilitate the adaptation of HEK‐293 cells to serum‐free media by conferring enhanced viability and higher growth rates

Animal‐derived serum is an essential media supplement for mammalian cells in cell culture. For a number of reasons including cost, regulatory concerns, lot inconsistency, potential contamination with adventitious agents, and down‐stream processing it is desirable to eliminate the use of serum. Existing protocols designed to adapt cells to serum‐free media (SFM) are time‐consuming and provide little insight into how the cells adapt. To better understand the physiological responses associated with serum withdrawal and to expedite the adaptation process, a Human Embryonic Kidney‐293 (HEK‐293) cell line was propagated in 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS) and was progressively adapted to SFM and analyzed at specific serum levels by oligonucleotide microarrays. Of the differentially expressed genes two, early growth response 1 (egr1) and growth arrest specific 6 (gas6), were selected for further analysis based on their level of differential expression, overall expression patterns, and proposed functionalities. HEK‐293 cells, propagated in 10% FBS were transfected with egr1 or gas6 and then adapted to SFM. Results indicated that higher expression of either gene moderately enhanced the ability of both cell lines to adapt to SFM. Egr1 appeared to have a greater impact on adaptability than gas6. Results also indicated that specific protein production was unaltered when the expression of egr1 was increased. Flow cytometric analysis revealed increased expression of egr1 was associated with an increase in the percentage of cells in the G2/M phases. These results indicate that enhanced expression of egr1 or gas6 facilitate adaptation to SFM by improving growth and viability. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2008;99: 1443–1452. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Terahertz Frequency Performance of Double Drift IMPATT Diode Based on Opto-Sensitive Semiconductor

Terahertz characteristics of opto-sensitive InP based double drift IMPATT diode with and without optical radiation are studied and the results are compared with another opto sensitive semiconductor 4H-SiC based IMPATT at same operating frequency (0.5 THz) . The effects of parasitic series resistance on the THz frequency performance of the simulated InP based diode is also analysed. Unilluminated IMPATT diode based on 4H-SiC are found to perform better than unilluminated InP based IMPATT in terms of power output and efficiency. But, under optical illumination, the modulation of dynamic properties of double drift InP diode is found to be more prominent than that of SiC based IMPATT operating under similar condition. These studies reveal the potential of InP IMPATT as optically controlled high speed THz switch.
Biochemical features of hepatic dysfunction in Nigerians with sickle cell anaemia.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES This study seeks to document the biochemical manifestations of liver dysfunction in Nigerians with sickle cell anaemia with the aim of alerting physicians on the need to consider these changes in the overall management of the disease condition. PATIENTS AND METHODS Serum total proteins, albumin, bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine aminotransferase(ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase(AST) levels were estimated in 150 patients with sickle cell anaemia (HbSS) and 100 control (HbAA) subjects. RESULTS The serum total proteins and albumin levels were found to fall within the reference intervals in both the HbSSpatients and the controls. However, the mean bilirubin (total and conjugated) levels and the activities of alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase were significantly higher (P<0.05) in the HbSSpatients than the control subjects. CONCLUSION This study demonstrated elevated levels of serum bilirubin, ALP, ALT and AST in patients with sickle cell anaemia.
Nuclear structure as a source of cancer specific biomarkers

There are few biomarkers that have been developed which have proven clinical utility for the detection and prognosis of cancer. Cancer is diagnosed today, in large part, by examining cells under the microscope and determining the shape and texture of the nucleus. The molecular underpinnings of this hallmark of cancer are the components of the nuclear matrix. Utilizing proteomics focused on this subset of proteins, biomarkers have been identified that are specific for cancer types including prostate, colon and bladder cancer. These cancer biomarkers now serve as the basis of assays which can specifically identify individuals with cancer by sampling their blood and/or urine. In addition, these may serve as potential therapeutic targeting or imaging approaches. J. Cell. Biochem. 104: 1988–1993, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A Separator Theorem for Intersecting Objects in the Plane

Separators in graphs are instrumental in the design of algorithms, having proven to be the key technical tool in approximation algorithms for many optimization problems. In the geometric setting, this naturally translates into the study of separators in the intersection graphs of geometric objects. Recently a number of new separator theorems have been proven for the case of geometric objects in the plane. In this paper we present a new separator theorem that unies and generalizes some earlier results.
Separate transport systems for sugars and amino acids in developing rat kidney cortex.

The ability of renal cortical slices of newborn and young rats to accumulate a nonmetabolizable sugar, alpha-methylglucoside, is slight and does not reach adult capacity until 25 days of age. However, a rudimentary sugar transport system is present, as indicated by a further decrease in accumulation in the presence of phlorizin or absence of sodium ion.Amino acid uptake in immature kidney tissue is not deficient; on the contrary, the tissue took up and concentrated more glycine and lysine than adult tissue. Decreased amino acid efflux from the immature cells appears to be the explanation. Concentration dependence of amino acid uptake was the same in 5-day-old and adult tissue. These differences between the transport characteristics of a model sugar and representative amino acids during development indicate separate transport systems for the two types of substrate.
Frequency of Cannabis Use Among Primary Care Patients in Washington State

Introduction: Over 12% of US adults report past-year cannabis use, and among those who use daily, 25% or more have a cannabis use disorder. Use is increasing as legal access expands. Yet, cannabis use is not routinely assessed in primary care, and little is known about use among primary care patients and relevant demographic and behavioral health subgroups. This study describes the prevalence and frequency of past-year cannabis use among primary care patients assessed for use during a primary care visit. Methods: This observational cohort study included adults who made a visit to primary care clinics with annual behavioral health screening, including a single-item question about frequency past-year cannabis use (March 2015 to February 2016; n = 29,857). Depression, alcohol and other drug use were also assessed by behavioral health screening. Screening results, tobacco use, and diagnoses for past-year behavioral health conditions (e.g., mental health and substance use disorders) were obtained from EHRs. Results: Among patients who completed the cannabis use question (n = 22,095; 74% of eligible patients), 15.3% (14.8% to 15.8%) reported any past-year use: 12.2% (11.8% to 12.6%) less than daily, and 3.1% (2.9%–3.3%) daily. Among 2228 patients age 18 to 29 years, 36.0% (34.0% to 38.0%) reported any cannabis use and 8.1% (7.0% to 9.3%) daily use. Daily cannabis use was common among men age 18 to 29 years who used tobacco or screened positive for depression or used tobacco: 25.5% (18.8% to 32.1%) and 31.7% (23.3% to 40.0%), respectively. Conclusions: Cannabis use was common in adult primary care patients, especially among younger patients and those with behavioral health conditions. Results highlight the need for primary care approaches to address cannabis use.
A Signature of Maternal Anti-Fetal Rejection in Spontaneous Preterm Birth: Chronic Chorioamnionitis, Anti-Human Leukocyte Antigen Antibodies, and C4d

Background Chronic chorioamnionitis is found in more than one-third of spontaneous preterm births. Chronic chorioamnionitis and villitis of unknown etiology represent maternal anti-fetal cellular rejection. Antibody-mediated rejection is another type of transplantation rejection. We investigated whether there was evidence for antibody-mediated rejection against the fetus in spontaneous preterm birth. Methods and Findings This cross-sectional study included women with (1) normal pregnancy and term delivery (n = 140) and (2) spontaneous preterm delivery (n = 140). We analyzed maternal and fetal sera for panel-reactive anti-HLA class I and class II antibodies, and determined C4d deposition on umbilical vein endothelium by immunohistochemistry. Maternal anti-HLA class I seropositivity in spontaneous preterm births was higher than in normal term births (48.6% vs. 32.1%, p = 0.005). Chronic chorioamnionitis was associated with a higher maternal anti-HLA class I seropositivity (p<0.01), significant in preterm and term birth. Villitis of unknown etiology was associated with increased maternal and fetal anti-HLA class I and II seropositivity (p<0.05, for each). Fetal anti-HLA seropositivity was closely related to maternal anti-HLA seropositivity in both groups (p<0.01, for each). C4d deposition on umbilical vein endothelium was more frequent in preterm labor than term labor (77.1% vs. 11.4%, p<0.001). Logistic regression analysis revealed that chronic chorioamnionitis (OR = 6.10, 95% CI 1.29–28.83), maternal anti-HLA class I seropositivity (OR = 5.90, 95% CI 1.60–21.83), and C4d deposition on umbilical vein endothelium (OR = 36.19, 95% CI 11.42–114.66) were associated with preterm labor and delivery. Conclusions A major subset of spontaneous preterm births has a signature of maternal anti-fetal cellular and antibody-mediated rejections with links to fetal graft-versus-host disease and alloimmune reactions.
Genetic Variation in the &bgr;2 Subunit of the Voltage-Gated Calcium Channel and Pharmacogenetic Association With Adverse Cardiovascular Outcomes in the INternational VErapamil SR-Trandolapril STudy GENEtic Substudy (INVEST-GENES)

Background—Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the regulatory &bgr;2 subunit of the voltage-gated calcium channel (CACNB2) may contribute to variable treatment response to antihypertensive drugs and adverse cardiovascular outcomes. Methods and Results—SNPs in CACNB2 from 60 ethnically diverse individuals were identified and characterized. Three common SNPs (rs2357928, rs7069292, and rs61839258) and a genome-wide association study-identified intronic SNP (rs11014166) were genotyped for a clinical association study in 5598 hypertensive patients with coronary artery disease randomized to a &bgr;-blocker (BB) or a calcium channel blocker (CCB) treatment strategy in the INternational VErapamil SR-Trandolapril STudy GENEtic Substudy (INVEST-GENES). Reporter gene assays were conducted on the promoter SNP, showing association with clinical outcomes. Twenty-one novel SNPs were identified. A promoter A>G SNP (rs2357928) was found to have significant interaction with treatment strategy for adverse cardiovascular outcomes (P for interaction, 0.002). In whites, rs2357928 GG patients randomized to CCB were more likely to experience an adverse outcome than those randomized to BB treatment strategy, with adjusted hazard ratio (HR) (CCB versus BB) of 2.35 (95% CI, 1.19 to 4.66; P=0.014). There was no evidence for such treatment difference in AG (HR, 1.16; 95% CI, 0.75 to 1.79; P=0.69) and AA (HR, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.36 to 1.11; P=0.11) patients. This finding was consistent in Hispanics and blacks. CACNB2 rs11014166 showed similar pharmacogenetic effect in Hispanics, but not in whites or blacks. Reporter assay analysis of rs2357928 showed a significant increase in promoter activity for the G allele compared to the A allele. Conclusions—These data suggest that genetic variation within CACNB2 may influence treatment-related outcomes in high-risk patients with hypertension. Clinical Trial Registration—URL: http://www.clinicaltrials. gov. Unique identifier: NCT00133692.
Aspect-Oriented Race Detection in Java

In the past, researchers have developed specialized programs to aid programmers in detecting concurrent programming errors such as deadlocks, livelocks, starvation, and data races. In this work, we propose a language extension to the aspect-oriented programming language AspectJ, in the form of three new pointcuts, lock(), unlock(), and maybeShared(). These pointcuts allow programmers to monitor program events where locks are granted or handed back, and where values are accessed that may be shared among multiple Java threads. We decide thread locality using a static thread-local-objects analysis developed by others. Using the three new primitive pointcuts, researchers can directly implement efficient monitoring algorithms to detect concurrent-programming errors online. As an example, we describe a new algorithm which we call RACER, an adaption of the well-known ERASER algorithm to the memory model of Java. We implemented the new pointcuts as an extension to the AspectBench Compiler, implemented the RACER algorithm using this language extension, and then applied the algorithm to the NASA K9 Rover Executive and two smaller programs. Our experiments demonstrate that our implementation is effective in finding subtle data races. In the Rover Executive, RACER finds 12 data races, with no false warnings. Only one of these races was previously known.
Emerging Early Actions to Bend the Curve in Sub-Saharan Africa’s Nutrition Transition

Background: Sub-Saharan Africa is the last region to undergo a nutrition transition and can still avoid its adverse health outcomes. Objective: The article explores emerging responses to “bend the curve” in sub-Saharan Africa’s nutrition transition to steer public health outcomes onto a healthier trajectory. Methods: Early responses in 3 countries at different stages of food system transformation are examined: South Africa—advanced, Ghana—intermediate, and Uganda—early. By comparing these with international experience, actions are proposed to influence nutrition and public health trajectories as Africa’s food systems undergo rapid structural change. Results: Arising from rapid urbanization and diet change, major public health problems associated with overweight are taking place, particularly in South Africa and among adult women. However, public health responses are generally tepid in sub-Saharan Africa. Only in South Africa have policy makers instituted extensive actions to combat overweight and associated noncommunicable diseases through regulation, education, and public health programs. Elsewhere, in countries in the early and middle stages of transition, public health systems continue to focus their limited resources primarily on undernutrition. Related pressures on the supply side of Africa’s food systems are emerging that also need to be addressed. Conclusions: Three types of intervention appear most feasible: maternal and child health programs to simultaneously address short-term undernutrition problems while at the same time helping to reduce future tendencies toward overweigh; regulatory and fiscal actions to limit access to unhealthy foods; and modernization of Africa’s agrifood food system through job skills training, marketing reforms, and food industry entrepreneurship.
Story Perspective and Character Similarity as Drivers of Identification and Narrative Persuasion

Identification with a character is an important mechanism of narrative persuasion. In 2 studies, the impact of character similarity on identification was pitted against that of story perspective. Participants read stories in which a lawyer (Study 1) and a general practitioner (GP; Study 2) had a conflict with another character. Perspective was manipulated by describing the events as experienced and narrated by the lawyer (GP) or their opponent. In Study 1 (N = 120), 60 participants were law students, in Study 2 (N = 120) 60 were medical students. Both perspective and program of study influenced identification, which mediated the impact of perspective on attitude. If participants felt highly similar to the professional’s opponent, the mediating effect of identification was blocked.
Usage Purposes and Perceived Effects of Social Networks

This study was conducted on social network users aged 12-15 who freely use the opportunities offered by social networks with the purpose of establishing new relationships or maintaining their existing relationships. The purpose of the study is to determine the study group’s perception on the effects of social networks and whether their perceptions affect their usage purposes. In this study, the data was collected via two scales that were developed in the scope of the study. Accordingly, it was concluded that the usage purposes did not change according to sex, however; usages did change according to variables such as age, number of used sites and frequency of usage. Some significant relationships were found between the users’ perceptions on the effects of using social networks and the purposes thereof.