Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
PMAS optical integral field spectroscopy of luminous infrared galaxies - I. The atlas

In this paper we present PMAS optical (3800-7200A) IFS of the northern hemisphere portion of a volume-limited sample of 11 LIRGs. The PMAS observations typically cover the central ~5kpc and are complemented with HST/NICMOS images. For most LIRGs in our sample, the peaks of the continuum and gas (e.g., Halpha, [NII]) emissions coincide, unlike what is observed in local, strongly interacting ULIRGs. The only exceptions are galaxies with circumnuclear rings of star formation where the most luminous Halpha emitting regions are found in the rings rather than in the nuclei, and the displacements are well understood in terms of differences in the stellar populations. A large fraction of the nuclei of these LIRGs are classified as LINER and intermediate LINER/HII, or composite objects. The excitation conditions of the integrated emission depend on the relative contributions of HII regions and the diffuse emission to the line emission over the PMAS FoV. Galaxies dominated by high surface-brightness HII regions show integrated HII-like excitation. A few galaxies show slightly larger integrated [NII]/Halpha and [SII]/Halpha line ratios than the nuclear ones, probably because of more contribution from the diffuse emission. The Halpha velocity fields over the central few kpc are generally consistent, at least to first order, with rotational motions. The velocity fields of most LIRGs are similar to those of disk galaxies, in contrast to the highly perturbed fields of most local, strongly interacting ULIRGs. The peak of the Halpha velocity dispersion coincides with the position of the nucleus and is likely to be tracing mass. All these results are similar to the properties of z~1 LIRGs, and they highlight the importance of detailed studies of flux-limited samples of local LIRGs. (Abridged)
The Gender of Racial Politics and Violence in America: Lynching, Prison Rape, and the Crisis of Masculinity

Perhaps not since Gunnar Myrdal's 1944 classic An American Dilemma has a book appeared as synoptic and unsettling as The Gender of Racial Politics and Violence in America. Here William F. Pinar elucidates the great American dilemma, that peculiar institution of racial subjugation, especially its gendered - and specifically queer - psychosexual dynamics. Explicating in detail two imprinting episodes in American racial history - lynching and prison rape - Pinar argues that the gender of racial politics and violence in America is in some fundamental sense queer. This book will be of interest to students in education, cultural studies, African American studies, women's and gender studies, and history.
The implementation of operations management techniques in service organisations: An Australian perspective

Purpose – This paper seeks to present an empirical snapshot of the application of operations management (OM) activities in Australian service firms. The four key areas addressed in this study are the nature or characteristics of services, the level of importance of OM techniques, the level of importance of performance indicators, and the challenges encountered by the management of service firms.Design/methodology/approach – The empirical data for this study were drawn from 190 managers of the Australian service organisations whose primary responsibilities were related to the daily operations of the firms. The targeted service organisations encompassed various sectors including transportation, communication, banking, insurance, health care, education, wholesale, retail, and professional services.Findings – The results indicate that most services are characterised by high customer contact and a low degree of differentiation. In terms of OM activities, service delivery, customer service and quality control r.
A meta-analysis of service learning research in middle and high schools

This study examines the relationship between service learning innovations and improved academics, self-concept, and social or personal growth in middle and high school students. Meta-Analysis is employed to arrive at effect-size estimates for each construct. A historical overview of service learning is presented and a detailed description of the study selection process is provided. The data revealed a moderate relationship between service learning participation and academics, self-concept and social or personal growth in middle and high school students. The findings are presented, and some appropriate conclusions are drawn. A discussion of the implications of these findings and recommendations for future research are also provided.
Pharmacological induction of vascular extracellular superoxide dismutase expression in vivo

Pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN) treatment reduces progression of atherosclerosis and endothelial dysfunction and decreases oxidation of low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) in rabbits. These effects are associated with decreased vascular superoxide production, but the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unknown. Previous studies demonstrated that endogenous nitric oxide could regulate the expression of extracellular superoxide dismutase (ecSOD) in conductance vessels in vivo. We investigated the effect of PETN and overexpression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS++) on the expression and activity of ecSOD. C57BL/6 mice were randomized to receive placebo or increasing doses of PETN for 4 weeks and eNOS++ mice with a several fold higher endothelial‐specific eNOS expression were generated. The expression of ecSOD was determined in the lung and aortic tissue by real‐time PCR and Western blot. The ecSOD activity was measured using inhibition of cytochrome C reduction. There was no effect of PETN treatment or eNOS overexpression on ecSOD mRNA in the lung tissue, whereas ecSOD protein expression increased from 2.5‐fold to 3.6‐fold (P < 0.05) by 6 mg PETN/kg body weight (BW)/day and 60 mg PETN/kg BW/day, respectively. A similar increase was found in aortic homogenates. eNOS++ lung cytosols showed an increase of ecSOD protein level of 142 ± 10.5% as compared with transgene‐negative littermates (P < 0.05), which was abolished by Nω‐nitro‐L‐arginine treatment. In each animal group, the increase of ecSOD expression was paralleled by an increase of ecSOD activity. Increased expression and activity of microvascular ecSOD are likely induced by increased bioavailability of vascular nitric oxide. Up‐regulation of vascular ecSOD may contribute to the reported antioxidative and anti‐atherosclerotic effects of PETN.
An Initiative to Facilitate Practitioner Doctoral Students to Present at AERA.

The education doctorate is the most commonly awarded doctorate in academia. In preparation for developing and executing a piece of original research like a dissertation, doctoral students are required to take coursework in research and statistics. These courses can be considered part of a core set of competencies that doctoral students are required to master. Getting students started in their own research is a challenging goal, especially if students see the education doctorate in career enhancing, not publishing terms. We discuss an initiative launched at the University of Massachusetts Lowell to get doctoral students started on their own research early in their programs and to present papers at AERA. In the two years of the initiative, 14 doctoral students out of 28 were successful at getting acceptances at AERA. Students were surveyed regarding their impressions of the going through the AERA review process. We found that 90% students thought the review process was fair.
Intrinsic Migratory Properties of Cultured Schwann Cells Based on Single-Cell Migration Assay

The migration of Schwann cells is critical for development of peripheral nervous system and is essential for regeneration and remyelination after nerve injury. Although several factors have been identified to regulate Schwann cell migration, intrinsic migratory properties of Schwann cells remain elusive. In this study, based on time-lapse imaging of single isolated Schwann cells, we examined the intrinsic migratory properties of Schwann cells and the molecular cytoskeletal machinery of soma translocation during migration. We found that cultured Schwann cells displayed three motile phenotypes, which could transform into each other spontaneously during their migration. Local disruption of F-actin polymerization at leading front by a Cytochalasin D or Latrunculin A gradient induced collapse of leading front, and then inhibited soma translocation. Moreover, in migrating Schwann cells, myosin II activity displayed a polarized distribution, with the leading process exhibiting higher expression than the soma and trailing process. Decreasing this front-to-rear difference of myosin II activity by frontal application of a ML-7 or BDM (myosin II inhibitors) gradient induced the collapse of leading front and reversed soma translocation, whereas, increasing this front-to-rear difference of myosin II activity by rear application of a ML-7 or BDM gradient or frontal application of a Caly (myosin II activator) gradient accelerated soma translocation. Taken together, these results suggest that during migration, Schwann cells display malleable motile phenotypes and the extension of leading front dependent on F-actin polymerization pulls soma forward translocation mediated by myosin II activity.
Model matching problem for discrete-time nonlinear systems: Transfer function approach

In this paper, the model matching problem of nonlinear single-input single-output discrete-time systems is considered. Both feedforward and feedback solutions are given. The problem is studied within the transfer function approach in which the system is described by the quotient of two polynomials from the non-commutative ring of skew polynomials. In general, the feedforward solution does not always exist, therefore the subclass of nonlinear control systems is specified for which the solution exists. The feedback solution exists always. Additionally, the conditions for the existence of the proper compensator are provided. The developed theory and algorithm are illustrated on several examples.
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ORGANIZATIONAL JUSTICE AND TURNOVER INTENTION OF HOSPITAL NURSES IN IRAN

Background: Despite advances in science and technology, human resources are of the major capital for organizations. Workforce retention is required to improve organizational efficiencies. Objective: Therefore, in this study, the relationship between organizational justice (as one of the most influential factors) and turnover intention was investigated. Methods: This descriptive-analytic study was done in the Comprehensive Jame Women’s Hospital of Tehran in 2015. The statistical sample consisted of 135 nursing staff members. The data were collected using a questionnaire of Beugre’s organizational justice and analyzed by the use of Spearman’s and Anova statistical tests. Results: Averages of organizational justice was obtained to be 68.85 ± 7.67 . Among different sorts of organizational justice, the highest average score of 75.24 ± 16.68 was achieved relevant to interactional justice. A significant relationship was observed between organizational justice (r = -0.36), interactional justice (r = -0.38), and procedural justice (r = -0.36) and turnover intention, but no relation was found between turnover intention and systemic and distributive justice. Furthermore, there was no relationship between demographic variables, organizational justice, and turnover intention. Conclusion: Considering the prominent role of organizational justice in the personnel’s intention to stay or leave and due to the high costs of recruiting and training new staff, managers should pay especial attention to justice and provide their employees’ satisfaction and stability in their organizations by creating a positive mindset in them.
Exchange Rate, Monetary and Financial Issues and Policies in Asia

A decade has passed since the Asian crisis of 1997-1998 which decimated many of the regional economies. While the crisis itself led to severe economic and political consequences, its primary cause was an inappropriate mix of policies, as regional economies attempted to simultaneously maintain fairly rigid exchange rates (soft US dollar pegs) and monetary policy autonomy in the presence of large-scale capital outflows. The chapters in this volume focus on selected exchange rate, monetary and financial issues and policies that are of contemporary relevance and importance to Asia, including choice of exchange rate regimes, causes and consequences of reserve accumulation, international capital flows, macroeconomic synchronization, and regional monetary and financial cooperation.
Seventy‐five Years of Breeding Dry Bean of the Western USA

A periodic comparison of cultivars is essential to assess selection gains, determine defi ciencies, defi ne objectives, and set breeding priorities. Our objective was to assess the progress, or lack thereof, achieved in improving yield, plant type, maturity, and resistance to major bacterial, fungal, and viral diseases of dry bean of the western USA from 1918 to 1998. Twentyfi ve great northern, pink, pinto, and red cultivars were evaluated for seed yield at three locations in Idaho and for anthracnose, Bean common mosaic virus, Bean common mosaic necrosis virus, common and halo bacterial blights, Fusarium and Rhizoctonia root rots, Fusarium wilt, and white mold in Colorado, Idaho, and Washington between 1999 and 2006. Yield ranged between
EMPIRICAL DETERMINATION OF CONVECTION PARAMETERS IN WHITE DWARFS. I. WHOLE EARTH TELESCOPE OBSERVATIONS OF EC14012-1446

We report on an analysis of 308.3 hr of high-speed photometry targeting the pulsating DA white dwarf EC14012-1446. The data were acquired with the Whole Earth Telescope during the 2008 international observing run XCOV26. The Fourier transform of the light curve contains 19 independent frequencies and numerous combination frequencies. The dominant peaks are 1633.907, 1887.404, and 2504.897 μHz. Our analysis of the combination amplitudes reveals that the parent frequencies are consistent with modes of spherical degree l = 1. The combination amplitudes also provide m identifications for the largest amplitude parent frequencies. Our seismology analysis, which includes 2004–2007 archival data, confirms these identifications, provides constraints on additional frequencies, and finds an average period spacing of 41 s. Building on this foundation, we present nonlinear fits to high signal-to-noise light curves from the SOAR 4.1 m, McDonald 2.1 m, and KPNO 2 m telescopes. The fits indicate a time-averaged convective response timescale of τ0 = 99.4 ± 17 s, a temperature exponent N = 85 ± 6.2, and an inclination angle of θi = 32. °9 ± 3. °2. We present our current empirical map of the convective response timescale across the DA instability strip.
Measuring household food security status in Taraba State, Nigeria : comparing key indicators

Achieving food security, and reducing hunger as stated in the Sustainable Development Goal (SDGs), requires a comprehensive measurement for a proper identification of; the food insecure, the severity of food insecurity, the causes, and progress in reducing food insecurity. Food security is a multidimensional issue that has been difficult to measure comprehensively, given the one-dimensional focus of existing indicators. Three indicators: Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS), Dietary Diversity Score (DDS) and Coping Strategies Index (CSI), dominate the food security measurement debate, and each of these 3 has been widely used as a sole food security indicator. In light of the absence of a specific ‘composite indicator’ [a catch all measurement tool] this article tries to illustrate the strength of these key indicators in an effort to use them in a complementary manner. Identifying how the key indicators complement each other, in capturing multiple dimensions: availability, access, utilisation, stability and complex societal undertone, of food security, the study recommended bringing them together in one survey instrument to improve the comprehensiveness of food security studies. Stellenbosch University https://scholar.sun.ac.za
Stealth Properties to Improve Therapeutic Efficacy of Drug Nanocarriers

Over the last few decades, nanocarriers for drug delivery have emerged as powerful tools with unquestionable potential to improve the therapeutic efficacy of anticancer drugs. Many colloidal drug delivery systems are underdevelopment to ameliorate the site specificity of drug action and reduce the systemic side effects. By virtue of their small size they can be injected intravenously and disposed into the target tissues where they release the drug. Nanocarriers interact massively with the surrounding environment, namely, endothelium vessels as well as cells and blood proteins. Consequently, they are rapidly removed from the circulation mostly by the mononuclear phagocyte system. In order to endow nanosystems with long circulation properties, new technologies aimed at the surface modification of their physicochemical features have been developed. In particular, stealth nanocarriers can be obtained by polymeric coating. In this paper, the basic concept underlining the “stealth” properties of drug nanocarriers, the parameters influencing the polymer coating performance in terms of opsonins/macrophages interaction with the colloid surface, the most commonly used materials for the coating process and the outcomes of this peculiar procedure are thoroughly discussed.
Social identity salience shapes group-based emotions through group-based appraisals

Group-based emotions have been conceptualised as being rooted in perceivers' social identity. Consistent with this idea, previous research has shown that social identity salience affects group-based emotions, but no research to date has directly examined the role of group-based appraisals in comparison with individual appraisals. In the present studies, we measured group-based appraisals through a thought-listing procedure. In Experiment 1, we explicitly reminded people of their group identity, which led to the predicted change in group-based anger. This effect was mediated by group-based appraisals. In Experiment 2, participants either discussed a group-relevant scenario in small groups or a related topic irrelevant to the group. The group-relevant condition not only led to stronger indignation but the perceived presence of group-based appraisals was also related to participants' reports of indignation. These results provide further evidence for the importance of group-based appraisals as components of group-based emotions.
A Stochastic Hybrid Systems Framework for Analyzing Markov Reward Models

In this paper, we propose a framework to analyze Markov reward models, which are commonly used in system performability analysis. The framework builds on a set of analytical tools developed for a class of stochastic processes referred to as Stochastic Hybrid Systems (SHS). The state space of an SHS is comprised of: i) a discrete state that describes the possible conﬁgurations/modes that a system can adopt, which includes the nominal (non-faulty) operational mode, but also those operational modes that arise due to component faults, and ii) a continuous state that describes the reward. Discrete state transitions are stochastic with transition rates that are (in general) a function of time and the value of the continuous state. The evolution of the continuous state is described by a stochastic differential equation and reward measures are deﬁned as functions of the continuous state. Additionally, each transition is associated with a reset map that deﬁnes the mapping between the pre-and post-transition values of the discrete and continuous states; these mappings enable the deﬁnition of impulses and losses in the reward. The proposed SHS-based framework uniﬁes the analysis of a variety of previously studied reward models. We illustrate the application of the framework to performability analysis via analytical and numerical examples.
A Direct Brainstem–amygdala–cortical Dalarmt System for Subliminal Signals of Fear

We examined whether consciously undetected fear signals engage a collateral brainstem pathway to the amygdala and prefrontal cortex in the intact human brain, using functional neuroimaging. dBlindsightT lesion patients can respond to visual fear signals independently from conscious experience, suggesting that these signals reach the amygdala via a direct pathway that bypasses the primary visual cortex. Electro-physiological evidence points to concomitant involvement of prefrontal regions in automatic orienting to subliminal signals of fear, which may reflect innervation arising from brainstem arousal systems. To approximate blindsight in 22 healthy subjects, facial signals of fear were presented briefly (16.7 ms) and masked such that conscious detection was prevented. Results revealed that subliminal fear signals elicited activity in the brainstem region encompassing the superior colliculus and locus coeruleus, pulvinar and amygdala, and in fronto-temporal regions associated with orienting. These findings suggest that crude sensory input from the superior colliculo-pulvinar visual pathway to the amygdala may allow for sufficient appraisal of fear signals to innervate the locus coeruleus. The engagement of the locus coeruleus could explain the observation of diffuse fronto-temporal cortical activity, given its role in evoking collateral ascending noradrenergic efferents to the subcortical amygdala and prefrontal cortex. This network may represent an evolutionary adaptive neural dalarmT system for rapid alerting to sources of threat, without the need for conscious appraisal.
Impact of Viral Factors on Subcellular Distribution and RNA Export Activity of HIV-1 Rev in Astrocytes 1321N1

CNS associated cells are permissive to HIV-1 infection, but poor in virus production due to attenuated Rev activity. The temporal and the spatial distribution of Rev in human astrocyte 1321N1 and glioblastoma GO-G-CCM were monitored for explaining the reduced Rev activity and low viral production during HIV-1 infection. Rev remained localized to the nuclei of these cells upon infection, attenuating its export activity, as manifested by low copy number of RRE-containing viral-mRNA in the cytoplasm of these cells. In contrast to infection, when Rev alone was transiently expressed, it localized in the cytoplasm of 1321N1. The localization changed to the nucleus when Rev was expressed in the presence of other viral proteins through pro-viral DNA pNL4-3. This study, for the first time, revealed the impact of other HIV-1 proteins apart from host factors in regulating the subcellular localization of Rev in astrocytes and hence the fate of HIV-1 infection in these cells.
The relationship between individual investor sentiment, stock return and volatility

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of Turkish individual investor sentiment on the Istanbul Stock Exchange (ISE) and to investigate whether investor sentiment, stock return and volatility in Turkey are related. Design/methodology/approach – This study used the monthly Turkish Consumer Confidence Index, published by the Turkish Statistical Institute, as a proxy for individual investor sentiments. First, Turkish market fundamentals were regressed on investor sentiments in order to capture the effects of macroeconomic risk factors on investor sentiments. Then, it used the impulse response functions (IRFs) generated from the vector autoregression (VAR) model to examine the effect of unanticipated movements in Turkish investor sentiment to both stock returns and volatility of the ISE. Findings – The generalized IRFs from VAR shows that unexpected changes in rational and irrational investor sentiment have a significant positive impact on ISE returns. This suggests that a positive inves.