Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Masculinities and Technologies

This special issue is concerned with the social and cultural aligning of technologies and masculinities—how it happens and how we might make sense of it. Technology is an extremely significant site of gender negotiations in relation to occupations, symbols, and identities, and gender in all these areas has an extremely significant shaping influence on the design and use of technologies. As Cynthia Cockburn has argued (1992), since technology and gender are both socially constructed and socially pervasive, we can never fully understand one without also understanding the other. By the same token, since men and masculinities are particularly prominent within gendertechnology relations, technology should be a vital strand within the field of men/masculinity studies, and masculinities should be a vital strand within the field of technology studies. Yet relationships between men/masculinities and technologies are seriously underresearched in both fields. The relative dearth of related research in men and masculinities studies is surprising given that science and technology are widely acknowledged as powerful motifs of hegemonic masculinity. Useful studies of blue-collar occupations where men work closely with technologies have been collected in a special issue of Men and Masculinities, titled “Boys and Their Toys. ” But we have not seen similar scrutiny of other sites in which men encounter technologies or of the cultural equations drawn between masculinity and technology and the roles these may play in wider gender relations. The relative dearth of research on masculinities and technologies within technology studies is surprising given the frequent acknowledgment that powerful technological roles are predominantly occupied by men who thereby have a disproportionate influence in shaping new technologies. But only recently have men/masculinities become a distinct theme of feminist technology studies (see below). We chose to compile this special issue in part to stimulate research on the topic and in part because we believe that both men/masculinities studies and feminist technology studies have much to contribute and learn from one
Action of Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone II on the Baboon Ovary1

Abstract The content, binding affinity, and bioactivity of chicken II GnRH (GnRH II) and a stable analogue of GnRH II (GnRH II analogue) in the baboon ovary were studied. Although mammalian GnRH is rapidly degraded by baboon ovarian extracts, we designed a GnRH II analogue that is stable to ovarian enzymatic degradation. This analogue binds to the ovarian membranes with high affinity (41 ± 3 nM), having 20-fold the affinity of a potent mammalian GnRH analogue. The bioactivity of GnRH II and this GnRH II analogue on the regulation of ovarian progesterone release was compared with that for a potent mammalian GnRH analogue using a baboon granulosa cell culture system. Both GnRH II and GnRH II analogue produced significant inhibition of progesterone release from the granulosa cells (P < 0.03 and P < 0.005, respectively), with a greater reduction observed using the GnRH II analogue. After 24 h in culture, this GnRH II analogue produced a 59% ± 5% inhibition of progesterone with a concentration as low as 1 nM. Maximal inhibition of 75% ± 1% was attained with 10 nM GnRH II analogue. The endogenous GnRH II content in the baboon ovary was 5–14 pmoles/g protein. The release of endogenous GnRH II from granulosa cells was observed throughout the 48 h in culture. These studies demonstrated the presence of high enzymatic activity for the degradation of mammalian GnRH in the ovary, whereas this GnRH II analogue was stable. High-affinity binding sites for this GnRH II analogue were also found. GnRH II and this GnRH II analogue can regulate progesterone production from baboon granulosa cells, suggesting that GnRH II is a potent regulator of ovarian function.
Correlation of vancomycin dosing to serum concentrations in pediatric patients: a retrospective database review.

OBJECTIVES Appropriate antimicrobial dosing maximizes therapeutic benefit while minimizing development of antimicrobial resistance. Common pediatric references recommend vancomycin dosing of 40 mg/kg/day divided every 6 to 8 hours for non-central nervous system infections, while some clinicians report utilizing higher initial doses to optimize efficacy. This study compares vancomycin serum concentrations following traditional dosing of 10 mg/kg/dose every 6 to 8 hours versus 15 to 20 mg/kg/dose every 6 to 8 hours. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective database review of vancomycin serum concentrations in pediatric patients. RESULTS Three hundred fifty-seven patients were analyzed. The mean peak concentration of the 10 mg/kg groups every 6 and every 8 hours were below 25 mg/L, whereas the mean peak concentrations of the 15 mg/ kg groups every 6 and 8 hours were within the 25-40 mg/L range (p < 0.001). The mean trough concentration of the 10 mg/kg group every 6 hours was within the 5-15 mg/L range while the 10 mg/kg group dosed every 8 hours was below target. However, the mean trough concentrations of the 15 mg/kg group dosed every 6 and 8 hours were both within the 5-15 mg/L range (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Vancomycin doses of 15 mg/kg every 6 to 8 hours produce peak and trough serum concentrations within target range more often than 10 mg/kg every 6 to 8 hours.
The appropriateness of hysterectomy. A comparison of care in seven health plans. Health Maintenance Organization Quality of Care Consortium.

OBJECTIVE To develop and test a method for comparing the appropriateness of hysterectomy use in different health plans. DESIGN Retrospective cohort study. SETTING Seven managed care organizations. PATIENTS Random sample of all nonemergency, non-oncological hysterectomies performed in the seven managed care organizations over a 1-year period. Patients who were not continuously enrolled in a plan for 2 years prior to their hysterectomy were excluded. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Proportion of women undergoing hysterectomy in each plan for inappropriate clinical reasons according to ratings derived from a panel of managed care physicians. RESULTS Overall, about 16% of women underwent hysterectomy for reasons judged to be clinically inappropriate. Only one plan had significantly more hysterectomies rated inappropriate compared with the group mean (27%, unadjusted). Adjusting for age and race did not affect the rankings of the plans and had little effect on the numeric results. CONCLUSION The rates of inappropriate use of hysterectomies are similar to those for other procedures and vary to a small degree among health plans. This information may be useful to purchasers when they consider which health plans to offer their employees.
Different large deletions of t cell receptor vβ genes in natural populations of mice*

A panel of geographically separate Mus m. domesticus and Swiss mice from several sources was screened for deletions in the T cell receptor variable (V) β locus. Four out of forty‐three strains tested show a deletion identical to or larger than the deletion previously described in SJL mice. To our knowledge, this is the first time that such important Vβ deletions are described in inbred or partially inbred wild‐derived strains of mice. On the other hand there seems to be very little polymorphism between the remaining Vβ genes. Expression of Vβ genes in peripheral and intra‐thymic T cells was tested using antibodies specific for different Vβ polypeptide chains. Flow cytometry analysis revealed a high expression of Vβ6 and Vβ17 genes in the Copacabana Swiss‐derived strain and an absence of Vβ17 expression in the WLA wild‐derived strain.
Multi Input Intervention Model for Analyzing the Impact of the Asian Crisis and Terrorist Attacks on Tourist Arrivals in Bali

The purpose of this study is to develop multi input intervention model for analyzing the impact of the Asian financial crisis and terrorist attacks Bali on the number of tourist arrivals. This research focuses mainly on the development of a model that could be used to explain the magnitude and periodic impacts of the Asian financial crisis since July 1997 and terrorist attacks referring to the Bali bombings on October 12 th 2002 and October 1 st 2005, respectively. Monthly data comprising the number of tourist arrivals in Bali via Ngurah Rai airport are used as the data for this case study. The results show that the Asian financial crisis and Bali bombings yield negative impacts on the number of tourist arrivals to Bali. Generally, the Asian financial crisis did give a negative permanent impact after a 10 month delay. The first and second Bali bombings also yield negative impacts which were direct and temporary effects. However, the first attack had longer period effect than the second, i.e. 8 and 5 months after onset attacking, respectively. In addition, this
Least squares-based lossless image coding with edge-look-ahead

In predictive image coding, the least squares (LS)-based adaptive predictor is noted as an efficient method to improve prediction result around edges. However pixel-by-pixel optimization of the predictor coefficients leads to a high coding complexity. To reduce computational complexity, we activate the LS optimization process only when the coding pixel is around an edge or when the prediction error is large. We propose a simple yet effective edge detector using only causal pixels. The system can look ahead to determine if the coding pixel is around an edge and initiate the LS adaptation to prevent the occurrence of a large prediction error. Our experiments show that the proposed approach can achieve a noticeable reduction in complexity with only a minor degradation in the prediction results
Bhattacharyya and Kshirsagar Bounds in Generalized Gamma Distribution

The generalized gamma (GG) distribution, which was described for the first time by Stacy (1962), is a popular distribution in many areas such as reliability, modeling data, actuarial studies, and applied statistics, because it is extremely flexible. The estimation of its parameters has gathered the attention of many authors such as Manning et al. (2002), Huang and Hwang (2006), and Gomes et al. (2008). In this article, we focus on the accuracy of the estimators of the parameter functions of the GG distribution, based on finding the best lower bound for the variance of the unbiased estimators. In order to do this, we obtain the general form of Bhattacharyya matrix and compare the two famous lower bounds for the variance, which are the Bhattacharyya and Kshirsagar bounds for variances of different estimators of the parameter functions such as reliability, hazard rate, mode, and median. Then we propose the suitable bounds in each case.
Magnetic structure of close-coupled inductors to improve the thermal handling capability in interleaved DC-DC converter

Interleaved DC-DC converter employing close-coupled inductors is a popular topology among other power converters topologies. Close-coupled inductors allow the power converter to achieve high power density and high efficiency. This paper proposes a novel magnetic structure of close-coupled inductors suitable for increasing the thermal handling capability. The proposed magnetic structure is combined of different magnetic materials, namely, ferrite and powder cores. The design method of the integrated close-coupled inductors are presented. Furthermore, this design method is considering the DC bias superposition characteristics, and the iron and copper losses as well. A 300W prototype is built to validate the proposed analysis. Finally, excellent heat dissipation of the proposed magnetic structure of the integrated close-coupled inductors is also reported.
Merger Motives, Trends and Post Merger Performance: Evidence from Electricity Companies in India

Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) in India are the outcome of globalization and liberalization. The factors that have triggered the volume of M&A are various economic factors like competitive environment, growth in gross domestic product, higher interest rates, and fiscal policies. Mergers and acquisitions have gained significance in the corporate world as an important growth strategy for both acquirer and target companies. M&A have mushroomed in almost all sectors like manufacturing, mining, construction sector, financial services, and services other than financial. M&A has also played an active role in the electricity sector in India. In this paper, we explore the current scenario of M&A in the Electricity sector and the factors driving the M&A. In particular, we investigated related and unrelated M&A deals, Public & Private companies gone for the deal, year wise deals, and group affiliation deals in the electricity sector. We also focused on the regulatory aspect of M&A in the electricity sector. The period of study is from 1st January 1990 to 31st December 2011. Our finding suggests that M&A in electricity is highly regulated and thus deals are made to survive in this regulated environment even though much deals are not done if compared to other sectors.
Distemper: not a new disease in lions and tigers

In light of recent canine distemper virus (CDV) epidemics, we set out to determine the historical significance of CDV infection in captive lions and tigers in Switzerland. The retrospective case material consisted of 42 lion and tiger necropsy cases from 1972 to 1992. Necropsy reports for all lions and tigers were reviewed. All existing paraffin tissues were immunohistochemically examined with a polyclonal antibody raised against CDV. The results for 19 of the 42 lions and tigers were classified as positive by immunohistochemistry; 23 results were negative or questionable. The results for four animals (three positive and one negative ) were further tested by in situ hybridization, and the results concurred with the immunohistochemistry findings. CDV infection of large cats is older and more widespread than previously thought. All large cats in captivity should be immunized even if canine distemper is not believed to be a problem for large cats in the area.
Electron energy studies with the anthracene scintillation counter.

Using a β‐ray lens spectrometer to supply electrons of a given energy, a study of the response of the anthracene scintillation counter to monoenergetic electrons has been made. It has been found that pulse height varies linearly with energy from 125 to 3200 kev but below 125 kev the pulse height varies less rapidly with energy. The differential counting rate distribution for given energy settings of the lens spectrometer were found to follow a Gaussian distribution and that on the average 3.3 kev is required to produce one effective photo‐electron at the cathode. When Morton's correction for dynode losses is applied, it is found to require 2.5 kev for the production of one photo‐electron at the cathode or that 400 electrons enter the multiplier per Mev of incident electron energy. This is in agreement with the 420 electrons per Mev obtained by direct measurement. Assuming a 10 percent photoelectric efficiency at the photo‐sensitive surface, it appears that the efficiency of anthracene for the conversion o.
CLINICAL PRESENTATION AND TREATMENT OUTCOMES OF CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS WITH LOW BACK PAIN IN PHYSICAL THERAPY

Purpose: Low back pain (LBP) is a common condition in adolescents, and a specific pathoanatomical origin for the symptoms cannot always be determined. The purpose of this work was to examine the clinical presentation and outcomes of rehabilitation for adolescents with LBP. Methods: This study was completed in three phases. Phase 1 was a retrospective review of 25 patients under the age of 18 who were seen for treatment of LBP. Information regarding the patients' diagnoses, history, examination, and outcome were collected from chart review. Phase 2 was a review of 99 patients under the age of 18 with LBP. Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) and the Modified Oswestry Questionnaire (OSW) were recorded. Phase 3 consisted of a prospective study of treatment-based classification (TBC) of 34 adolescent patients seen in physical therapy for LBP. Treatment duration and content were at the clinician's discretion. Patients completed an OSW and NPRS before and after physical therapy. Patients were classified using a TBC algorithm, and effectiveness of classification on outcome was examined. Results: In study 1, initial pain scores were lower if a specific pathology was present (P=.001). Initial pain and OSW scores were poorly correlated (r= 0.16). 44% (n=11) of patients scored under the floor value of 12% on OSW. A second examination of the OSW in study 2 concluded that OSW was moderately correlated with NPRS (0.59). Chronbach's alpha was 0.86. All 10 items in OSW appeared to load onto two latent factors. In study 3, a classification decision was able to be made with a moderate degree of reliability (0.53 (0.28, 0.79) ≤ κ ≤ 0.89 (.74, 1.0)) in all of the 34 patients. Stabilization was the most commonly prescribed treatment by clinicians. Those who were matched to their TBC classification experienced fewer numbers of visits than those who were not. Conclusions: It appears the OSW is a valid and reliable tool for assessing clinical outcome of physical therapy intervention for adolescents with LBP. These results also suggest that a TBC approach to treatment of LBP in this population may be effective for improvements in clinical outcome.
Genetic and biochemical identification of the glutamate synthase structural gene in Neurospora crassa

Neurospora crassa cells require glutamate synthase activity for growth under ammonium-limiting conditions. Despite the physiological importance of glutamate synthase, little is known about the genetics of its expression. To identify the glutamate synthase structural gene, we isolated three new mutants lacking this activity. All mutations are recessive to the wild-type allele and belong to the same complementation group as the previously described en(am)-2 (C24) mutation. Two lines of evidence indicate that en(am)-2 is the structural gene for glutamate synthase in N. crassa. The en(am)-2+ gene shows a gene dosage effect on enzyme activity, and some mutants lacking glutamate synthase activity have cross-reacting material. These data suggest that the mutations are located in the structural gene for N. crassa glutamate synthase.
Inference about population attributable risk from cross-sectional studies.

The population attributable risk (PAR) is defined as the fraction of all cases of a disease in a population due to exposure to a given risk factor. The data collected in cross-sectional surveys are used to test a formula of standard error of PAR from which a 95% confidence interval for PAR may be deduced.
The callosal system of the superior parietal lobule in the monkey

The callosal connections of the superior parietal lobule, area 5 of Brodmann, were studied in macaque monkeys (M. nemestrina and M. fascicularis) using anatomical techniques based on both anterograde and retrograde axoplasmic transport of wheat‐germ‐agglutinin‐conjugated horseradish peroxidase. From sagittal sections, two‐dimensional flattened computer reconstructions of the volumes of cortical tissue containing callosal‐projecting neurons (callosal efferent zone) and/or callosal terminal axons (callosal terminal territory) were obtained. Callosal zones were found in area 5, including the supplementary sensory area, in a limited part of area 6, i.e., in the supplementary motor area, in area 7b, in the cortex of the dorsal bank of the sylvian fissure, and in a limited part of area 7a, in the cortex of the upper third of the rostral bank of the superior temporal sulcus. Callosal neurons in all cortical areas studied, though with regional variations, predominated in layer IIIb, but were also very numerous in layers VI and V. They were rare in other cortical laminae. In the cortical regions projecting heterotopically to area 5, the tangential distribution of callosal neurons was discontinuous because of the presence of large acallosal regions. These were not observed in area 5, although here the distribution of callosal neurons waxed and waned in the tangential cortical plane. Callosal axons to and/or from area 5 crossed the midline in the posterior, presplenial part of the corpus callosum. In the superior parietal lobule they terminated in radial patches or columns, spanning layers I–IV. These columns of various width (200–2,000 μm) were separated by gaps of similar size, free of such terminals. Callosal neurons were present not only within, but also between, the callosal terminal columns. Callosal neurons located within the callosal terminal columns were, in a statistically significant, way, more numerous than those located between them. The callosal efferent zone occupied 71% of the tangential domain of area 5, whereas the callosal terminal territory occupied only 49% of it. This difference is statistically significant. The discontinuous columnar arrangement of callosal terminals and the periodic distribution of callosal neurons in the lateral part of area 5 defined three main bands of callosal connections of irregular shape which were oriented mediolaterally and ran parallel to the main architectonic borders, the border between areas 2 and 5 and that between 5 and 7.
Influencing Acquisition Performance in High-Technology Industries: The Role of Innovation and Relational Overlap

Acquisition is an important activity that enables firms to adapt their resource configurations. Acquisition literature has focused only on the levels of innovation or relational resources, the primary dimensions of organizational resource bases. The authors argue that in addition to the levels, the degree of overlap between the acquiring and target firms, in terms of innovation and relational resources, should influence acquisitions. Furthermore, they argue for the importance of the quality of the target's resources along with factors influencing the acquirer's absorptive capacity (e.g., the chief executive officer's [CEO's] functional background and the acquiring firm's marketing intensity and acquisition experience) as contingencies. Using 319 biopharmaceutical acquisitions and a random-effect regression model that accounts for unobserved heterogeneity and the endogeneity of relational and innovation overlap, the authors find that innovation overlap has a positive effect, whereas relational overlap has a negative effect, on acquisition outcomes. Furthermore, the acquirer CEO's throughput background and acquisition experience negatively moderate, whereas the target's innovation resource quality and the acquirer's marketing intensity positively moderate, the influence of innovation overlap. The target's relational resource quality and the acquirer CEO's throughput background positively moderate the influence of relational overlap.