Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An Inductively Derived Model of Leader-Initiated Relationship Building with Virtual Team Members

This paper seeks to add to the nascent research literature on virtual teams and virtual team leadership by investigating the issues facing virtual team leaders as they implement and lead virtual teams. In particular, the way in which leaders develop relationships with their virtual team members is explored. A research framework involving action learning was instituted, with data collection and analysis based on grounded theory approaches. In all, seven virtual team leaders from a variety of New Zealand organizations took part in the study. The data showed very clearly that the leaders considered it essential to build some level of personal relationship with their virtual team members before commencing a virtual working relationship. A unifying framework of three interrelated theoretical steps, which illustrates how a virtual leader builds relationships with virtual team members, is introduced. These three steps are assessing conditions, targeting level of relationship, and creating strategies. This study is the first to identify the steps a virtual team leader undertakes when building relationships with virtual team members. The implications for virtual team practice and research are discussed.
Institute for Mathematical Physics on the Superselection Theory of the Weyl Algebra for Diffeomorphism Invariant Quantum Gauge Theories on the Superselection Theory of the Weyl Algebra for Diffeomorphism Invariant Quantum Gauge Theories

Much of the work in loop quantum gravity and quantum geometry rests on a mathematically rigorous integration theory on spaces of distributional connections. Most notably, a diffeomorphism invariant representation of the algebra of basic observables of the theory, the Ashtekar-Lewandowski representation, has been constructed. This representation is singled out by its mathematical elegance, and up to now, no other diffeomorphism invariant representation has been constructed. This raises the question whether it is unique in a precise sense. In the present article we take steps towards answering this question. Our main result is that upon imposing relatively mild additional assumptions, the AL-representation is indeed unique. As an important tool which is also interesting in its own right, we introduce a C *-algebra which is very similar to the Weyl algebra used in the canonical quantization of free quantum field theories.
Phenomena of electrical memory effects on the device level and their relations

Whereas the requirements of communication systems become more stringent, the impacts of memory effects on linearity and efficiency become more noticeable. Memory effects in a communication system arise from several sources. In power amplifier circuits, memory effects are caused by DC supply voltage circuits, matching networks and power devices (transistors). Memory effects of power devices are required to be described accurately by the device model, since these effects can have significant impacts on output power, efficiency and linearity of the circuit. In this paper, different phenomena of device-level memory effects and their relations will be discussed.
Dynamic-phasor-based nonlinear modelling of AC islanded microgrids under droop control

Droop controlled inverters are widely used in islanded microgrids to interface distributed energy resources and to provide for the loads active and reactive powers demand. In this scenario, an important issue is to assess the stability of the microgrids taking into account the network and currents dynamics that are also affected by the control parameters. This paper shows how a dynamic phasor approach can be used to derive a closed loop model of the microgrid and then to perform an eigenvalues analysis that highlights how instabilities arise for suitable values of the frequency droop control parameter. Further, it is shown that the full order system is well approximated by a reduced order system which captures the inverters phase and line currents dynamics.
The European Registry on Cushing's syndrome: 2-year experience. Baseline demographic and clinical characteristics.

OBJECTIVE The European Registry on Cushing's syndrome (ERCUSYN) is designed to collect prospective and follow-up data at EU level on Cushing's syndrome (CS). DESIGN AND METHODS Baseline data on 481 CS patients (390 females, 91 males; mean age (±s.d.): 44±14 years) collected from 36 centres in 23 countries, including new patients from 2008 and retrospective cases since 2000. Patients were divided into four major aetiologic groups: pituitary-dependent CS (PIT-CS) (66%), adrenal-dependent CS (ADR-CS) (27%), CS from an ectopic source (ECT-CS) (5%) and CS from other aetiologies (2%). RESULTS Proportion of men in the ECT-CS group was higher than in the other groups (P<0.05). The ADR-CS group was older than the PIT-CS (P<0.05). Prevalence of hirsutism (92%) and diabetes (74%) in ECT-CS was higher than in the other groups (P<0.05 and P<0.01 respectively). PIT-CS had more skin alterations, menstrual irregularities and hirsutism than ADR-CS (P<0.01). Reduced libido was more prevalent in men than women (P<0.01). Prevalence of spine osteoporosis was higher in men than women (P<0.05), and males had more vertebral and rib fractures than females (52 vs 18% for vertebrae; P<0.001 and 34 vs 23% for ribs; P<0.05). ECT-CS consulted a diabetologist more frequently than ADR-CS (P<0.05), while a gynaecologist was consulted more often by women with PIT-CS or ADR-CS than with ECT-CS (P<0.05). Overall, weight gain was more common in women than men (P<0.01). CushingQoL and EuroQoL visual analogue scale scores did not differ between the groups. CONCLUSIONS The ERCUSYN project demonstrates a heterogeneous clinical presentation of CS at a European level, depending on gender and aetiology.
Vitamin D3 Treatment Decreases Frequencies of CD16-Positive and TNF-α-Secreting Monocytes in Asthmatic Patients

Background: Previously, we demonstrated that glucocorticoid (GC) treatment of asthmatic patients resulted in decreasing frequencies of monocyte subsets expressing CD16 and capable of releasing TNF-α. Here, we wished to analyze whether the active form of vitamin D, i.e. vitamin D<sub>3</sub>, referred to as 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D<sub>3</sub> [1,25-(OH)<sub>2</sub>D<sub>3</sub>] can exert GC-like proapoptotic effects on CD16-positive monocytes and thus decrease the proinflammatory potential of these cells. Finally, we set out to investigate whether the addition of 1,25-(OH)<sub>2</sub>D<sub>3</sub> would facilitate the use of lower doses of GC without decreasing their anti-inflammatory properties. Methods: Peripheral blood mononuclear cells collected from healthy individuals and asthmatic patients were cultured with 1,25-(OH)<sub>2</sub>D<sub>3</sub> and/or varying doses of GC in the presence or absence of caspase inhibition. The cells were either directly stained for extracellular markers or prestimulated with lipopolysaccharide for the assessment of intracellular cytokine production and then analyzed by flow cytometry. Results: We found that 1,25-(OH)<sub>2</sub>D<sub>3</sub> alone (and in combination with GC) decreased the frequency of CD14++CD16+ and CD14+CD16++ monocytes from asthmatic patients and significantly diminished TNF-α production by the monocytes. With regard to the CD14+CD16++ subset, the monocyte-depleting effects of 1,25-(OH)<sub>2</sub>D<sub>3</sub> were abrogated in the presence of pan-caspase inhibitor, suggesting a proapoptotic mechanism of 1,25-(OH)<sub>2</sub>D<sub>3</sub> action. Interestingly, we found that a combined treatment of 1,25-(OH)<sub>2</sub>D<sub>3</sub> and GC allowed for a 5-fold reduction of the GC dose while maintaining their anti-inflammatory effects. Conclusions: This study has revealed novel immunomodulatory properties of 1,25-(OH)<sub>2</sub>D<sub>3</sub> directed against monocyte subsets capable of TNF-α production. In addition, our data suggest that the introduction of 1,25-(OH)<sub>2</sub>D<sub>3</sub> to anti-inflammatory therapy would possibly allow for the use of lower doses of GC.
Effect of Atmosphere and Temperature on Wear, Friction, and Transfer of Polyimide Films

Friction and wear experiments conducted on polyimide films bonded to 440 C stainless steel disks indicated that a wear transition (from high wear to low wear) accompanied the friction transition (from high friction to low friction). The transition was found to be atmospheric dependent as well as temperature dependent. Wear rate calculations indicated that, at temperatures above the transition, wear could be up to 600 times less than at temperatures below the transition. Transfer to metallic riders was also investigated and found to be considerably different at temperatures above and below the transition. Presented as an American Society of Lubrication Engineers paper at the ASLE/ASME Lubrication Conference in Boston, Massachusetts, October 5–7, 1976
Ultrastructural and immunocytochemical study of lamina II islet cells in rat spinal dorsal horn

In order to compare the ultrastructure of GABA‐immunoreactive and nonimmunoreactive islet cells in lamina II of the rat dorsal horn, a combined ultrastructural and immunocytochemical study of nine Golgi‐stained neurones was performed. Cell bodies of these neurones were tested with antiserum to GABA, and in most cases with antiserum to glycine, while parts of the cell body and dendritic tree were examined with the electron microscope. Four of the neurones had cell bodies that were immunoreactive with GABA antiserum, and 2 of these were also glycine‐immunoreactive, while 2 were not. Cell bodies of the remaining five neurones were not immunoreactive with GABA antiserum, nor, in the 3 cases tested, with glycine antiserum. Three of the GABA‐immunoreactive cells possessed vesicle‐containing dendrites and were presynaptic at dendrodendritic synapses, whereas no vesicles were observed in the dendrites of any of the neurones that were not GABA‐immunoreactive. The axon of one of the nonimmunoreactive cells was found with the electron microscope. It gave rise to boutons that contained round agranular vesicles and a few dense‐cored vesicles. Three synapses formed by this axon were identified and all were asymmetric. No obvious differences were detected in the types of profile that were presynaptic to GABA‐immunoreactive and nonimmunoreactive cells.
Surface current balance and thermoelectric whistler wings at airless astrophysical bodies: Cassini at Rhea

Sharp magnetic perturbations found by the Cassini spacecraft at the edge of the Rhea flux tube are consistent with field‐aligned flux tube currents. The current system results from the difference of ion and electron gyroradii and the requirement to balance currents on the sharp Rhea surface. Differential‐type hybrid codes that solve for ion velocity and magnetic field have an intrinsic difficulty modeling the plasma absorber's sharp surface. We overcome this problem by instead using integral equations to solve for ion and electron currents and obtain agreement with the magnetic perturbations at Rhea's flux tube edge. An analysis of the plasma dispersion relations and Cassini data reveals that field‐guided whistler waves initiated by (1) the electron velocity anisotropy in the flux tube and (2) interaction with surface sheath electrostatic waves on topographic scales may facilitate propagation of the current system to large distances from Rhea. Current systems like those at Rhea should occur generally, for plasma absorbers of any size such as spacecraft or planetary bodies, in a wide range of space plasma environments. Motion through the plasma is not essential since the current system is thermodynamic in origin, excited by heat flow into the object. The requirements are a difference of ion and electron gyroradii and a sharp surface, i.e., without a significant thick atmosphere.
Communication and Coordination in the Virtual Office

As information technology becomes more pervasive, the structure of the traditional work environment is changing. A number of alternatives are emerging where work is performed at remote locations. Existing work practices and managerial strategies are often not appropriate in this environment. In particular, traditional office communication with coworkers and management, which is often dependent on physical proximity, is disrupted. In this study, individual satisfaction with office communication in the telecommuting and conventional work environments is compared through a study of telecommuters and a comparison group of non-telecommuters in nine firms. We investigate the influence of certain organizational factors, such as job characteristics, IT support, and coordination methods, on satisfaction with office communication in the two work environments. We find telecommuters report higher satisfaction with office communication. Our findings indicate that task predictability, IT support, and electronic coordination have similar influences for both groups. We discuss implications of these findings for research and practice.
Extended-release niacin/laropiprant significantly improves lipid levels in type 2 diabetes mellitus irrespective of baseline glycemic control

Background The degree of glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) may alter lipid levels and may alter the efficacy of lipid-modifying agents. Objective Evaluate the lipid-modifying efficacy of extended-release niacin/laropiprant (ERN/LRPT) in subgroups of patients with T2DM with better or poorer glycemic control. Methods Post hoc analysis of clinical trial data from patients with T2DM who were randomized 4:3 to double-blind ERN/LRPT or placebo (n=796), examining the lipid-modifying effects of ERN/LRPT in patients with glycosylated hemoglobin or fasting plasma glucose levels above and below median baseline levels. Results At Week 12 of treatment, ERN/LRPT significantly improved low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, and lipoprotein (a), compared with placebo, with equal efficacy in patients above or below median baseline glycemic control. Compared with placebo, over 36 weeks of treatment more patients treated with ERN/LRPT had worsening of their diabetes and required intensification of antihyperglycemic medication, irrespective of baseline glycemic control. Incidences of other adverse experiences were generally low in all treatment groups. Conclusion The lipid-modifying effects of ERN/LRPT are independent of the degree of baseline glycemic control in patients with T2DM (NCT00485758).
Clinical Use of Cancer Biomarkers in Epithelial Ovarian Cancer

Objective To present an update of the European Group on Tumor Markers guidelines for serum markers in epithelial ovarian cancer. Methods Systematic literature survey from 2008 to 2013. The articles were evaluated by level of evidence and strength of recommendation. Results Because of its low sensitivity (50–62% for early stage epithelial ovarian cancer) and limited specificity (94–98.5%), cancer antigen (CA) 125 (CA125) is not recommended as a screening test in asymptomatic women. The Risk of Malignancy Index, which includes CA125, transvaginal ultrasound, and menopausal status, is recommended for the differential diagnosis of a pelvic mass. Because human epididymis protein 4 has been reported to have superior specificity to CA125, especially in premenopausal women, it may be considered either alone or as part of the risk of ovarian malignancy algorithm, in the differential diagnosis of pelvic masses, especially in such women. CA125 should be used to monitor response to first-line chemotherapy using the previously published criteria of the Gynecological Cancer Intergroup, that is, at least a 50% reduction of a pretreatment sample of 70 kU/L or greater. The value of CA125 in posttherapy surveillance is less clear. Although a prospective randomized trial concluded that early administration of chemotherapy based on increasing CA125 levels had no effect on survival, European Group on Tumor Markers state that monitoring with CA125 in this situation should occur, especially if the patient is a candidate for secondary cytoreductive surgery. Conclusions At present, CA125 remains the most important biomarker for epithelial ovarian cancer, excluding tumors of mucinous origin.
Learning with Drones: Flying Windows for Classroom Virtual Field Trips

Fieldwork is widely considered as a vital part of undergraduate science and sustainability education. Virtual field trips (VFT) provide the possibility for students to participate in field trips from remote locations through live conferencing. In this study, we will examine whether drone-based virtual field trips can maintain the advantages of VFT and also address some of their shortcomings in order to become a viable alternative to real field trips. For the purpose of the study, participants in a course for Education for Sustainability of a Primary Education Department were randomly assigned in two groups. 26 students in the first group made a predetermined visit to a city while a second group of 15 students followed their route through the city by watching a live broadcasted video from a drone in the university lab. Students supported that the two approaches are of equivalent value with each one having its own advantages and problems. Students indicated that drone-based VFT offered an enjoyable and intriguing learning way and provided some advantages over the actual field trips, like the more detailed view in higher altitudes and a better overview of the field under examination, both important elements of fieldwork. Nevertheless, drone-base VFT do not offer adequate details of the field in the human-eye level and do not convey the non-visual and aural feelings of being in the place.
A Practical Approach for Producing Hydrophobic and Elastic Aerogels by Ambient Pressure Drying

Hydrophobic and elastic aerogels derived from methyltrimethoxysilane (MTMS) precursor were prepared by ambient pressure drying under various processing conditions, and their morphology and physical and mechanical properties were characterised and evaluated. The results of this study demonstrated that for inherently hydrophobic gels like MTMS based gels, high temperature ageing is a practical and effective means to reduce volume shrinkage and produce low bulk density monolithic aerogels at ambient pressure, without the need of any solvent exchange and surface modification. By using this simple method, we were able to produce an aerogel with a bulk density as low as 0.064g/cm3. The results also revealed a significant difference from that previously reported in the literature.
A regional assessment of white-tailed deer effects on plant invasion

Analyses deriving insights from 23 research sites across the northeastern and east central US reveals that white-tailed deer lower native plant diversity and increase the fraction of the plant community made up of non-native species. Particularly, deer increase the abundance of the invasive plants garlic mustard and Japanese stiltgrass. Deer are known to avoid eating these species in favour of more palatable ones, thereby indirectly facilitating the success of the non-native invasives. Managing deer abundance has implications for forest plant communities. By maintaining lower deer densities, native plants likely will be better sustained and invasions of unpalatable non-native plants limited.
Cooperative Multihop AF Relay Protocol for Medium-Voltage Power-Line-Access Network

This paper proposes a cooperative multihop amplify-and-forward (AF) relay protocol for a medium-voltage (MV) power-line access network. The relay transmission scheme is a promising protocol since it provides enhanced network channel capacity which exploits cooperative diversity by combining the relayed signal and the direct signal. We propose a new signaling model for the cooperative multihop AF relay protocol and derive a closed-form expression of the channel capacity. The channel capacity of the proposed protocol is analyzed over the MV power-line channel and noise models. Numerical simulations show that the proposed protocol introduces a notable capacity increase compared to conventional multihop schemes.
White Matter Perivascular Spaces on Magnetic Resonance Imaging: Marker of Cerebrovascular Amyloid Burden?

Background and Purpose— We investigated the relationship between magnetic resonance imaging-visible centrum semiovale perivascular spaces (CSO-PVS), a biomarker of impaired interstitial fluid drainage, and positron emission tomography–based amyloid-&bgr; burden across a wide range of cerebrovascular amyloid deposition. Methods— Thirty-one nondemented subjects (11 probable cerebral amyloid angiopathy patients and 10 healthy subjects ≥60 years; 10 older individuals, <60 years) had brain magnetic resonance imaging and Pittsburgh compound B-positron emission tomography. CSO-PVS was evaluated on T2-magnetic resonance imaging using a 4-point scale. The association between Pittsburgh compound B and CSO-PVS was assessed in linear regression. Results— In multivariable analyses adjusted for age, microbleeds and white matter hyperintensities, whole cortex Pittsburgh compound B binding was associated with CSO-PVS degree both as continuous (coefficient, 0.11; 95% confidence interval, 0.01–0.22; P=0.040) and as dichotomous variable (coefficient, 0.27; 95% confidence interval, 0.11–0.44; P=0.002). The median Pittsburgh compound B retention was higher in high versus low CSO-PVS degree (P=0.0007). Conclusions— This pilot study suggests a possible association between cerebrovascular amyloid deposition and CSO-PVS, with potential pathophysiological implications.
Complete Genome Sequence of Escherichia coli BW25113

ABSTRACT Escherichia coli BW25113 is the parent strain of the Keio collection comprising nearly 4,000 single-gene deletion mutants. We report the complete 4,631,469-bp genome sequence of this strain and the key variations from the type strain E. coli MG1655.
A Transmission Scheduling for Data-Gathering Wireless Sensor Networks

In this paper we present a transmission scheduling protocol for data-gathering Wireless Sensor Networks (WSN). We focus on the delivery performance in term of overall Packet Receive Ratio (PRR) at the sink node. In order to reduce the energy consumption and increase the overall delivery performance, elaborated scheduling algorithm is applied to the transmission and relaying of data packets, based on a beacon-broadcasting global synchronization. We tested the protocol using CiNet nodes, which is built on IEEE 802.15. 4 compliant radio modules CC2420 and Jennic JN5148, and obtained significant delivery improvement in multihop scenarios. This protocol is suitable for energy-hungry data gathering wireless sensor networks in which the sensor nodes use a short time window for radio activities in order to save energy.