Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Leadership and Ethical Decision Making among Mauritian Managers

It is proposed that transformational leadership is likely to be associated with higher ethical decision making, while transactional leadership should be related to lower ethical decision making. However, little empirical research provides support for these claims. Using a structured interview schedule, data from 247 managers was collected from three established higher education institutions in Mauritius. Findings indicate that surprisingly, transformational leadership had a negative impact on ethical judgment and intention of subordinates in relation to ethical issues including bribery, nepotism, padding up of expenses’ account and political favouritism, suggesting the possibility of pseudo-transformational leadership or the influence of cultural factors. Likewise, passive and laissez-faire leadership were also negatively related to subordinates’ ethical judgment and intention with respect to the same scenarios. Implications for the study to researchers and managers as well as future research directions are discussed.
Optimal pilot-to-data power ratio for MIMO-OFDM

Orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) can be used with a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) system to improve communication quality and capacity. Pilot-symbol-aided or decision-directed channel estimation must be used to track channel variations in MIMO-OFDM systems. While pilot symbols facilitate channel estimation, they reduce the transmit energy for data symbols under a fixed total transmit power constraint. We analyze the effects of pilot-symbol-aided channel estimation on the lower bound of the capacity and derive the optimal pilot-to-data power ratio (PDPR) in MIMO-OFDM systems with three different types of pilot patterns: independent, scattered, and orthogonal. The result implies that implementing the optimal PDPR in an actual MIMO-OFDM system should prove relatively straightforward, since there is a surprisingly broad range of PDPR values over which near optimal capacity is achieved.
A Toxoplasma gondii Class XIV Myosin, Expressed in Sf9 Cells with a Parasite Co-chaperone, Requires Two Light Chains for Fast Motility*

Background: TgMyoA, a Toxoplasma gondii class XIV myosin, is an important parasite virulence factor. Results: Expression of functional TgMyoA in Sf9 cells requires co-expression with a T. gondii myosin co-chaperone. Conclusion: TgMyoA can be heterologously expressed and needs two bound light chains to propel actin at fast speeds. Significance: High yield expression of TgMyoA will enable structure-function studies and drug screening. Many diverse myosin classes can be expressed using the baculovirus/Sf9 insect cell expression system, whereas others have been recalcitrant. We hypothesized that most myosins utilize Sf9 cell chaperones, but others require an organism-specific co-chaperone. TgMyoA, a class XIVa myosin from the parasite Toxoplasma gondii, is required for the parasite to efficiently move and invade host cells. The T. gondii genome contains one UCS family myosin co-chaperone (TgUNC). TgMyoA expressed in Sf9 cells was soluble and functional only if the heavy and light chain(s) were co-expressed with TgUNC. The tetratricopeptide repeat domain of TgUNC was not essential to obtain functional myosin, implying that there are other mechanisms to recruit Hsp90. Purified TgMyoA heavy chain complexed with its regulatory light chain (TgMLC1) moved actin in a motility assay at a speed of ∼1.5 μm/s. When a putative essential light chain (TgELC1) was also bound, TgMyoA moved actin at more than twice that speed (∼3.4 μm/s). This result implies that two light chains bind to and stabilize the lever arm, the domain that amplifies small motions at the active site into the larger motions that propel actin at fast speeds. Our results show that the TgMyoA domain structure is more similar to other myosins than previously appreciated and provide a molecular explanation for how it moves actin at fast speeds. The ability to express milligram quantities of a class XIV myosin in a heterologous system paves the way for detailed structure-function analysis of TgMyoA and identification of small molecule inhibitors.
Crystal structures of the myristylated catalytic subunit of cAMP‐dependent protein kinase reveal open and closed conformations

Three crystal structures, representing two distinct conformational states, of the mammalian catalytic subunit of cAMP‐dependent protein kinase were solved using molecular replacement methods starting from the refined structure of the recombinant catalytic subunit ternary complex (Zheng, J., et al., 1993a, Biochemistry 32, 2154–2161). These structures correspond to the free apoenzyme, a binary complex with an iodinated inhibitor peptide, and a ternary complex with both ATP and the unmodified inhibitor peptide. The apoenzyme and the binary complex crystallized in an open conformation, whereas the ternary complex crystallized in a closed conformation similar to the ternary complex of the recombinant enzyme. The model of the binary complex, refined at 2.9 Å resolution, shows the conformational changes associated with the open conformation. These can be described by a rotation of the small lobe and a displacement of the C‐terminal 30 residues. This rotation of the small lobe alters the cleft interface in the active‐site region surrounding the glycine‐rich loop and Thr 197, a critical phosphorylation site. In addition to the conformational changes, the myristylation site, absent in the recombinant enzyme, was clearly defined in the binary complex. The myristic acid binds in a deep hydrophobic pocket formed by four segments of the protein that are widely dispersed in the linear sequence. The N‐terminal 40 residues that lie outside the conserved catalytic core are anchored by the N‐terminal myristylate plus an amphipathic helix that spans both lobes and is capped by Trp 30. Both posttranslational modifications, phosphorylation and myristylation, contribute directly to the stable structure of this enzyme.
Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 4 (CDK4) Expression in Pancreatic Endocrine Tumors

Background/Aims: Pancreatic endocrine tumors (PETs) occur sporadically, in association with the multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) and the von Hippel-Lindau syndromes. CDK4 is central to the cell cycle control in pancreatic β cells, and we have assessed whether CDK4 expression is deregulated in 18 human sporadic or familial PETs. Methods: Real-time quantitative PCR, immunohistochemistry, DNA sequencing, and Western blot analysis were used. Results: CDK4 mRNA was expressed in all PETs within the range of the arbitrary control. CDK4 protein was absent in normal pancreatic islets but distinctly expressed in all PETs as determined by immunohistochemistry. CDK4 expression was confirmed by Western blot analysis. No significant differences of CDK4 expression were observed between the groups of benign and malignant PETs or between tumors with or without MEN1 gene mutations. CDK4 expression was not due to gene amplification, and no mutations were identified in coding exons and RNA splice sites. c-Myc is known to be overexpressed in PETs and directly augments CDK4 expression in other cell types. Analysis of consecutive tissue sections for CDK4 and c-Myc showed overlapping homo- or heterogeneous immunostaining in all 18 PETs. Conclusion: We conclude that CDK4 and c-Myc is generally expressed in benign and malignant PETs, and regardless of MEN1 mutational status. Targeting of CDK4 may present an alternative to traditional chemotherapy of PETs in the future.
Whole-Brain DTI Assessment of White Matter Damage in Children with Bilateral Cerebral Palsy: Evidence of Involvement beyond the Primary Target of the Anoxic Insult

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Cerebral palsy is frequently associated with both motor and nonmotor symptoms. DTI can characterize the damage at the level of motor tracts but provides less consistent results in nonmotor areas. We used a standardized pipeline of analysis to describe and quantify the pattern of DTI white matter abnormalities of the whole brain in a group of children with chronic bilateral cerebral palsy and periventricular leukomalacia. We also explored potential correlations between DTI and clinical scale metrics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-five patients (mean age, 11.8 years) and 25 healthy children (mean age, 11.8 years) were studied at 3T with a 2-mm isotropic DTI sequence. Differences between patients and controls were assessed both voxelwise and in ROIs obtained from an existing DTI atlas. Clinical metrics included the Gross Motor Function Classification System, the Manual Ability Classification System, and intelligence quotient. RESULTS: The voxel-level and ROI-level analyses demonstrated highly significant (P < .001) modifications of DTI measurements in patients at several levels: cerebellar peduncles, corticospinal tracts and posterior thalamic radiations, posterior corpus callosum, external capsule, anterior thalamic radiation, superior longitudinal fasciculi and corona radiata, optic nerves, and chiasm. The reduction of fractional anisotropy values in significant tracts was between 8% and 30%. Statistically significant correlations were found between motor impairment and fractional anisotropy in corticospinal tracts and commissural and associative tracts of the supratentorial brain. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrated the involvement of several motor and nonmotor areas in the chronic damage associated with periventricular leukomalacia and showed new correlations between motor skills and DTI metrics.
Antidermatophytic Action of Resorcinol Derivatives: Ultrastructural Evidence of the Activity of Phenylethyl Resorcinol against Microsporum gypseum

In this work, we evaluated the antidermatophytic activities of three resorcinol derivatives that have a history of use in dermo-cosmetic applications to discover molecules with multiple dermatological activities (i.e., multi-target drugs), thereby reducing the cost and time necessary for new drug development. The antidermatophytic activities of the three skin lighteners were evaluated relative to the known antifungal drug fluconazole on nine dermatophytes responsible for the most common dermatomycoses: Microsporum gypseum, Microsporum canis, Trichophyton violaceum, Arthroderma cajetani, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Epidermophyton floccosum, Nannizzia gypsea, Trichophyton rubrum and Trichophyton tonsurans. Among the three tested resorcinols, only two showed promising properties, with the ability to inhibit the growth of all tested dermatophytes; additionally, the IC50 values of these two resorcinols against the nine dermatophytes confirmed their good antifungal activity, particularly for phenylethyl resorcinol against M. gypseum. Ultrastructural alterations exhibited by the fungus were observed using scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy and reflected a dose-dependent response to treatment with the activation of defence and self-preservation strategies.
Nitrous oxide increases endotracheal cuff pressure and the incidence of tracheal lesions in anesthetized patients.

UNLABELLED The pressure in air-filled endotracheal cuffs increases steadily throughout general anesthesia with nitrous oxide (N2O). High cuff pressures can be responsible for local ischemia, which may induce tracheal mucosal injury. In this study, cuff pressure was monitored in anesthetized patients, and postanesthesia endotracheal lesions were assessed by endoscopy. Sixty-five patients undergoing general anesthesia with tracheal intubation >1 h in duration were randomized into two groups. The endotracheal tube cuff was inflated to 30-40 cm H2O with air in Group 1 (n = 33) and with a gas mixture (N2O 50% in oxygen) in Group 2 (n = 32). At the time of tracheal extubation, a fiberoptic examination via the endotracheal tube was performed by an independent observer. Aspects of trachea at the level of cuff contact area were scored as 0 = normal, 1 = mucosal erythema or edema, 2 = mucosal erosion or hemorrhage, 3 = mucosal erosion or hemorrhage on both anterior and posterior tracheal walls. Cuff pressure increased throughout the procedure (P<0.01) in Group 1 and remained stable in Group 2. In Group 1, tracheal lesions in the area of the cuff were more frequent than they were in Group 2 (79% vs. 37%; P<0.001). Tracheal injury was correlated to cuff pressure (r = 0.62, P<0.001). No postoperative respiratory complication was observed in any patient. In patients anesthetized with N2O, the inflation of the tracheal tube cuff with a gas mixture of the same composition as the inhaled mixture can prevent excessive cuff pressure and reduce the incidence of tracheal injury. IMPLICATIONS In patients anesthetized with nitrous oxide, the inflation of the tracheal tube cuff with a gas mixture of the same composition as the inhaled mixture can prevent excessive cuff pressure and reduce the incidence of tracheal injury.
Cryotherapy influences joint laxity and position sense of the healthy knee joint.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the influences of cryotherapy on the anteroposterior (AP) laxity and the joint position sense of the knee. DESIGN Experimental. SETTING University hospital in Japan. PARTICIPANTS Twenty healthy volunteers (10 men, 10 women; age range, 21-28y) were analyzed. INTERVENTIONS Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES A cooling pad was applied to the knee for 15 minutes under the circulating medium at 4 degrees C. The subject's skin temperature over the anteromedial aspect of the knee was measured during the 15 minutes of cooling and again 15 minutes later. The accuracy of the knee joint position sense was evaluated before and after cooling by using a modified Skinner's method. AP displacement and anterior terminal stiffness (ATS) of the knee were obtained with a KT-2000 trade mark knee arthrometer. RESULTS Total (AP) laxity and anterior knee laxity decreased by 1.0 and 1.2mm after 15 minutes of cooling (P=.003, P=.017), respectively. ATS and inaccuracy of position sense increased by 21N/mm and 1.7 degrees (P<.001, P=.003), respectively. All parameters had normalized at 15 minutes postcooling. CONCLUSION Cooling for 15 minutes makes the knee joint stiffer and lessens the sensitivity of the position sense. These findings may be significant and should be taken into account for therapeutic programs that involve exercise immediately after a period of cooling.
Market Creation in the European Union: The Case of the Public Procurement Directives

The thesis tackles two major components of modern statehood; the creation of markets, and public procurement. The context is the European Union’s efforts to create an integrated market for public procurement as an effort to bind the notion of what it means to realise the state into a single concept within the European project. The thesis in particular studies the Tenders Electronic Daily (TED) that has been a major component of the modern version of the procurement market and constitutes a major effort to control the discursive construction of the act of procurement. The thesis concludes that through market structures there exists the opportunity for perpetuation of ideational hegemony. This may have a significant impact on the conceptualisation of statehood in modern Europe.
TECHNICAL NOTE - Robust Newsvendor Competition Under Asymmetric Information

We generalize analysis of competition among newsvendors to a setting in which competitors possess asymmetric information about future demand realizations, and this information is limited to knowledge of the support of demand distribution. In such a setting, traditional expectation-based optimization criteria are not adequate, and therefore we focus on the alternative criterion used in the robust optimization literature: the absolute regret minimization. We show existence and derive closed-form expressions for the robust optimization Nash equilibrium solution for a game with an arbitrary number of players. This solution allows us to gain insight into the nature of robust asymmetric newsvendor competition. We show that the competitive solution in the presence of information asymmetry is an intuitive extension of the robust solution for the monopolistic newsvendor problem, which allows us to distill the impact of both competition and information asymmetry. In addition, we show that, contrary to the intuition, a competing newsvendor does not necessarily benefit from having better information about its own demand distribution than its competitor has.
Clinical Relevance of Different Papillary Growth Patterns of Pulmonary Adenocarcinoma

Growth patterns of pulmonary adenocarcinoma (ADC) have high prognostic impact and are accepted as a novel classification system for this entity. However, specifically for the papillary pattern, divergent data with respect to prevalence, clinical associations, and prognostic impact have been reported. By evaluating 674 resected pulmonary ADCs containing 308 cases with a papillary component and 101 papillary predominant cases, we documented differences in the morphologic composition of papillary growth patterns and delineated 3 different types. The different types were correlated with pathologic and clinical data including survival. Type 3 papillary cases with any or predominant papillary growth were associated with extensive spread through alveolar spaces, high proliferation, higher stage, low rates of EGFR mutations, and smoking, whereas type 1 papillary tumors showed the opposite associations. The subclassification of papillary growth revealed type-specific associations for overall and disease-free survival (disease-free survival type 1: 67.1 mo, type 2: 56.8 mo, type 3: 49.9 mo, P=0.025). The presence of any papillary type 3 pattern was a predominant pattern independent predictor of worse overall survival (hazard ratio=2.5, P=0.02). For a future grading system of lung ADC, categorization of papillary growth in 1 single category might not be adequate, as this pattern contains a heterogenous mix of tumors with a divergent prognosis. We suggest that papillary pattern types should be separated to further improve the prognostic power of ADC growth pattern analysis.
A family of 2-20 GHz broadband low noise AlGaAs HEMT MMIC amplifiers

The authors describe the technology development leading to a family of high-electron-mobility transistor (HEMT) monolithic low-noise amplifiers (LNAs), and present modeled and measured performance data on LNAs covering the 2-20 GHz frequency band. These amplifiers achieve noise figures comparable to their counterpart in hybrid HEMT technology. The amplifiers are configured in a cascadable design, with simultaneous low input and output VSWR, and flat gain response. Performance results include measured and modeled data for a 2-7 GHz LNA with 2.5-dB noise figure, a 2-20-GHz distributed amplifier with 9.5-dB flat gain and 3.5-dB noise figure, and a 5-11-GHz and >3.5 balanced LNA with 10-dB gain and <2.5-dB noise figure (6-11 GHz). A preliminary temperature step-stress reliability evaluation on the discrete-process HEMT device is also presented. <<ETX>>
Administration of purified anti-L3T4 monoclonal antibody impairs the resistance of mice to Listeria monocytogenes infection

Anti-L3T4 monoclonal antibody (GK1.5) treatment significantly impaired the antilisteria resistance of mice as manifested by increased recovery of listeriae from the spleens and livers of anti-L3T4-treated mice and by greater severity of damage to the liver and other organs. Anti-L3T4-treated mice demonstrated a profound decrease in their T cell-mediated responses to Listeria monocytogenes and its products; they failed to develop delayed type hypersensitivity to soluble listeria antigens in vivo, and their spleen cells proliferated poorly in response to stimulation by either mitogens or listeria antigens in vitro. Spleen cells from control listeria-infected mice produced significant amounts of gamma interferon when stimulated with listeria antigens in vitro, whereas under the same conditions spleen cells from anti-L3T4-treated listeria-infected mice failed to produce detectable gamma interferon. Anti-L3T4 treatment resulted in a slight increase in serum colony-stimulating activity as compared with control listeria-infected mice, probably as a result of the increased bacterial burden in these animals. Despite the dramatic decrease in T-cell activities, anti-L3T4-treated mice succeeded in clearing L. monocytogenes from the spleen and liver in a manner that was only slightly delayed as compared with control listeria-infected mice. In addition, anti-L3T4-treated listeria-immunized mice exhibited a moderate degree of enhanced resistance to rechallenge with L. monocytogenes, and their spleen cells were able to transfer a limited degree of antilisteria resistance to naive recipient mice. Both of these responses, however, were diminished as compared with those of control listeria-immunized mice in the same experiments. Although these observations establish a critical role for L3T4+ cells in the development of maximal resistance to listeriosis, they also suggest that compensatory mechanisms may allow mice to develop considerable antilisteria resistance even when L3T4+ cell activities are substantially reduced.
Leadership Matters: How Hidden Biases Perpetuate Institutional Racism in Organizations

ABSTRACT Leadership sets the tone in organizations. Even with a positive view on race by leaders, powerful hidden biases and blind spots continue to persist among professionals and their organizations. Few models for organizational change are geared towards addressing institutional racism. Interpersonal and institutional cultural responsiveness can improve community engagement, work place culture, and strengthen organizations. Using the social work profession as an exemplar, this paper describes barriers to organizational and institutional change. The roles of organizational leadership and culture are discussed. Recommendations for addressing and establishing organizational change consistent with the values of inclusion and cultural diversity are provided.
Student Evaluations of Teaching Effectiveness in Higher Education

Receiving feedback from students has become the most common source in higher education in evaluation of teaching. There appears to be a widespread consensus that students’ evaluations of teaching have raised awareness of teachers about their critical role of effective teaching. The involvement of students in assessing teacher or course effectiveness inspires teachers to tailor their teaching to meet students’ preferences. On the average, there is little controversy over the use of student feedback as a data source for instructional improvement. The study aims to reveal the impact of students’ evaluations on improving the quality of teaching at a university.