Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
EFFECTS OF FIELD SIZE AND DEPTH ON PHOTONEUTRON DOSE EQUIVALENT DISTRIBUTIONS IN AN 18 MV X-RAY MEDICAL ACCELERATOR

Photoneutron (PN) dosimetry studies in high-energy X-ray medical accelerators are of high clinical and scientific interest in particular to protect patients undergoing radiotherapy. In this context, fast, epithermal and thermal PN dose equivalent distributions in different field sizes and depths in air and in a multilayer polyethylene phantom were studied. Polycarbonate track dosemeters in contact with a 10B convertor (with or without cadmium cover) when electrochemically etched were applied. PN dose equivalents in air and on the surface of the phantom are linear functions of field size. PN depth dose equivalents versus depth in air at the central axis are almost constant. Fast, epithermal and thermal PN dose equivalent responses versus depth in phantom peak respectively at 0.0, ~3.0 and ~3.0 cm while that of the sum PN dose equivalent value (3.32 ± 0.19 mSv·Gy-1) peaks at ~1 cm. These values confirm those of some studies but contract some others.
Methodology for SIP infrastructure performance testing

This paper deals with a testing method suitable for SIP infrastructure. The performance testing is an issue of research and no standardized methodology has been adopted yet. We present the main ideas of the methodology that allows for testing the keystone of SIP based infrastructure - the SIP Server - in both SIP Proxy and B2BUA (Back to Back User Agent) configurations. Our methodology has its foundations in the work of the IT Company Transnexus and these foundations have been enhanced with the ideas reflecting the nature of the SIP protocol. In addition, the entirely new methodology for benchmarking the SIP server in the B2BUA configuration has been introduced. This method utilizes one of the attributes of the B2BUA - the flow of media passing through the B2BUA - and measures the effectiveness of codec translation, which relates to the performance measured in cases without codec translation. Our approach offers the complex method for testing SIP infrastructure, which has been verified experimentally. The out-\coming results are the part of this paper together with appropriate comments and conclusions.
Executive control functions in task switching: evidence from brain injured patients.

Executive mechanisms involved in task switching were studied in 18 brain injured patients. The patients had to rapidly switch back and forth between two visual classification tasks and the analyses focused on switch costs, (i.e., performance differences between switch and no-switch trials), and on interference effects, (i.e., processing costs imposed by the presence of interfering stimulus attributes). The patients were grouped according to the side of the brain lesion. Patients with left brain damage (LBD) showed higher switch costs than patients with right brain damage (RBD). These group differences were attributable to disproportionally high switch costs in patients with LBD and language or speech disorders. This result suggests that the efficiency of suppressing internal interference from a recently activated task set depends on the availability of verbal representations of the upcoming task. Patients with RBD showed higher interference from external task sets. This effect was not affected by language or speech disorders. The overall results argue for a fractionation of executive functions to protect against interference from internal and external sources in task switching.
The significance of motivation in student-centred learning: a reflective case study

The theoretical underpinnings of student-centred learning suggest motivation to be an integral component. However, lack of clarification of what is involved in motivation in education often results in unchallenged assumptions that fail to recognise that what motivates some students may alienate others. This case study, using socio-cognitive motivational theory to analyse previously collected data, derives three fuzzy propositions which, collectively, suggest that motivation interacts with the whole cycle of episodes in the teaching–learning process. It argues that the development of the higher-level cognitive competencies that are implied by the term, student-centred learning, must integrate motivational constructs such as goal orientation, volition, interest and attributions into pedagogical practices.
The Theory and Practice of Investor Relations: A Global Perspective

Using proprietary survey data of investor relations (IR) officers from 59 countries, we uncover new stylized facts on a wide variety of IR functions, such as the firm’s interactions with brokers and investors, the formulation of its disclosure policies, and its global outreach efforts. We find that IR activities vary widely across firms, industries, and countries. They have become increasingly important, as reflected by the more frequent involvement of IR officers with senior executives on a day-to-day basis. We also find that large and complex firms receiving greater media attention engage more in IR activities. In addition, firms domiciled in countries with weaker legal protections for investors and poorer disclosure standards, those cross-listed in the stock markets that are outperforming, and those with high global media visibility invest in greater global outreach efforts with IR activities. Firms’ IR efforts to investors worldwide are associated with higher Tobin’s q valuation ratios. We interpret our findings in the context of theories and existing evidence on the role of asymmetric information and governance problems in global markets. This paper was accepted by David Simchi-Levi, finance.
Isoform‐specific knockout of FE65 leads to impaired learning and memory

FE65 is a multimodular adapter protein that is expressed predominantly in brain. Its C‐terminal phosphotyrosine interaction domain (PID) binds to the intracellular tail of the β‐amyloid precursor protein (βPP), a protein of central importance to the pathogenesis of dementias of the Alzheimer type. To study the physiological functions of FE65, we generated a line of FE65 knockout mice via gene targeting. By Western analysis with a panel of FE65‐specific antibodies, we demonstrate that the 97‐kDa full‐length FE65 (p97) was ablated in the mutant mice, and that a previously undescribed FE65 isoform with apparent molecular mass of 60 kDa (p60) was expressed in both wild‐type and mutant mice. p60 had a truncated N‐terminus and was likely to be generated through alternative translation. Expressions of the two isoforms appeared to be brain region distinct and age dependent. The p97FE65–/– mice were viable and showed no obvious physical impairments or histopathological abnormalities. However, p97FE65–/– and p97FE65+/– mice exhibited poorer performances than wild‐type mice on a passive avoidance task when tested at 14 months (P < .05). p97FE65–/– mice at 14 months also exhibited impaired hidden‐platform acquisition (P < .05) and a severe reversal‐learning deficit (P < .002) but normal visual‐platform acquisition in the Morris water maze tests. Probe trials confirmed impairments in p97FE65–/– mice in relearning of new spatial information, suggesting a hippocampus‐dependent memory‐extinction deficit. Reduced secretion of Aβ peptides was observed in primary neuronal cultures of hybrids of p97FE65–/–/βPP transgenic (Tg2576) mice. These studies suggest an important and novel function of FE65 in learning and memory. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Childhood emotional abuse, self/other attachment, and hopelessness in African-American women

ABSTRACT There is evidence that individuals emotionally abused as children endorse more hopelessness, a precursor of suicidal behavior in adulthood. However, there has been little focus on this association among African-Americans or on factors that may mediate the childhood emotional abuse (CEA) – adult hopelessness link. The present study examined whether CEA is linked to hopelessness in adulthood in African-American women suicide attempters and if adult self and other attachment models mediate this association. Participants included 116 African-American women recruited from a large, urban hospital. Results revealed that CEA had no direct effect on hopelessness in adulthood, but did have an indirect effect on hopelessness through attachment models. Bootstrapping analyses showed that higher levels of CEA were related to more negative self and other attachment models, which were then linked to higher levels of hopelessness. Implications for targeting attachment in suicide intervention programs are discussed.
Amphotericin B resistance is recessive in Chinese hamster hybrid cells

Previous studies from our laboratory have shown that Chinese hamster V79 cells mutated to high level resistance to amphotericin B have a lower cellular level of cholesterol, the target molecule for the polyene antibiotic. Two amphotericin B‐resistant (AMBR) mutants were each hybridized to their parental amphotericin B‐sensitive (AMBS) V79 cells. All the hybrids derived from AMBR/AMBS fusions were as sensitive to polyene antibiotics (amphotericin B, filipin, and pimaricin) as AMBS/AMBS hybrids. The AMBR/AMBS hybrids were found to contain cholesterol per phospholipids that is comparable to those in AMBS or AMBS/AMBS. The analysis of hybrids formed between mutant and wild‐type cells thus indicated that resistance to amphotericin B is a recessive marker, and that the cellular level of cholesterol is compensated in the AMBS/AMBR hybrids. Hybrids of AMBR and AMBR cells were all resistant, so that the three AMBR mutants all fell into a single complementation group.
Effects of light, temperature, nitrate, orthophosphate, and bacteria on growth of and hepatotoxin production by Oscillatoria agardhii strains

The effects of bacteria, temperature, light, nitrate, and orthophosphate on growth of and hepatotoxin (desmethyl-3-microcystin-RR) production by Oscillatoria agardhii strains were studied under laboratory conditions. Strains were cultivated in Z8 medium under continuous illumination. Growth was determined by measuring dry weight and chlorophyll a, while toxin was analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography. Two of the three toxic cultures studied produced more toxins in axenic than in nonaxenic cultures. High toxin production correlated with high nitrogen concentrations (test range, 0.42 to 84 mg of N per liter) and low light intensity (test range, 12 to 95 microeinsteins/m2 per s). Toxin production depended on phosphorus concentration at low levels of phosphorus (0.1 to 0.4 mg of P per liter) and higher concentrations had no additional effect. The optimum temperature for toxin production and growth of green O. agardhii was 25 degrees C. Red O. agardhii produced almost similar amounts of toxin at temperatures of 15 to 25 degrees C. The lowest toxin production by both strains was at 30 degrees C.
Estimation of genetic variance and covariance components for weaning weight in Simmental cattle.

The objectives of this study were to estimate genetic parameters for weaning weight of Simmental cattle from data without selective reporting and to examine heterogeneity of parameters with a multiple trait approach. Heterogeneity of (co)variance components (VC) by sex is accounted for in national genetic evaluations for Simmental cattle. Completely reported data were split into bull, heifer, and steer populations to obtain VC estimates. Estimates of direct-maternal genetic correlation were negative, which suggests that selective reporting was not a cause of a negative correlation in Simmental data. However, analyzing only data for males does not account for selection on females and vice versa. Heterogeneous VC for sex were evaluated by analyzing Simmental data using a multiple trait model where male and female data were treated as two traits. Estimates of heritability of direct (maternal) effects were . 19 (.07) and . 25 (.12) and estimates of the direct-maternal genetic correlation were -. 05 and -. 20 for males and females, respectively. The multiple trait model fit the data better (P < .01) than the model under the assumption of homogeneous VC.
Effect of time in lairage on caecal and carcass salmonella contamination of slaughter pigs

SUMMARY A longitudinal study of the effect of time spent in lairage on salmonellas in the caecum and on the skin surface of 450 slaughter pigs from a single producer was conducted. Pigs were tested in 6 groups at 2 abattoirs, with one-third of a group being slaughtered after 18 h, one-third after 42 h and one-third after 66 h spent in lairage. The salmonella isolation rate from caeca and carcass surfaces increased significantly with increasing time spent in lairage. Salmonellas were isolated from the caeca of 18·5% of pigs held less than 24 h in lairage, 24·1% of pigs held a further 24 h and 47·7% of pigs held for 66 h in lairage before slaughter. The salmonella isolation rates from carcasses were 9·3%, 12·8% and 27·3% for the same groups. Thirteen salmonella serotypes were isolated from the caecal contents and carcasses over the 6 weeks of the trial. One abattoir had a higher salmonella isolation rate from pigs than the other and this was probably related to lairage management. It appeared that lairage is an important factor in the manipulation of the salmonella contamination of pig carcasses.
Language-related computer use: Focus on young L2 English learners in Sweden*

Abstract This paper presents findings from a study investigating young English language learners (YELLs) in Sweden in 4th grade (N = 76, aged 10–11). Data were collected with the help of a questionnaire and a one-week language diary. The main purpose was to examine the learners’ L2 English language-related activities outside of school in general, and their use of computers and engagement in playing digital games in particular. A comparison is made between language-related activities in English, Swedish, and other languages. Another purpose was to see whether there is a relationship between playing digital games and (a) gender, (b) L1, (c) motivation for learning English, (d) self-assessed English ability, and (e) self-reported strategies for speaking English. In order to do so, the sample was divided into three digital game groups, (1) non-gamers, (2) moderate, and (3) frequent gamers (≥4 hours/week), based on diary data (using self-reported times for playing digital games in English). Results showed that YELLs are extensively involved in extramural English (EE) activities (M = 7.2 hrs/w). There are statistically significant gender differences, boys (11.5 hrs/w) and girls (5.1 hrs/w; p < .01), the reason being boys’ greater time investment in digital gaming and watching films. The girls, on the other hand, spent significantly more time on pastime language-related activities in Swedish (11.5 hrs/w) than the boys (8.0 hrs/w; p < .05), the reason being girls’ greater time investment in facebooking. Investigation of the digital game groups revealed that group (1) was predominantly female, (2) a mix, and (3) predominantly male. YELLs with an L1 other than Swedish were overrepresented in group (3). Motivation and self-assessed English ability were high across all groups. Finally, regarding the self-reported strategies, code-switching to one's L1 was more commonly reported by non- and moderate gamers than frequent gamers.
The influence of nutrition on collagen metabolism and stability

Collagen is the major connective tissue protein and accounts for about 30% of the total protein in the mammalian body. Together with proteoglycans and elastin, it forms an extracellular matrix providing structural support and a mechanism for transmitting force for virtually all organs including muscle. The collagen content of most skeletal muscles is relatively low (about 2% or less) compared to other tissues such as skin, bone and cartilage; however, collagen plays a major role in determining the textural properties of meat (Light, 1987; Bailey, 1988). The collagen characteristics related to muscle texture include tensile strength, thermal shrinkage and melting temperature, and degree of solubility under various conditions. These characteristics are a function of collagen synthesis and changes occurring after synthesis. It has been difficult to establish the relationship between nutritional factors and collagen metabolism and structure. Tinker and Rucker (1985) suggested that the intraand extracellular nature of metabolic events governing collagen synthesis, the long biological half-life of some collagen proteins, the influence of non-nutritional factors and the relationship of time to changes in collagen make elucidating the contribution of a nutritional factor(s) to collagen metabolism difficult. Nonetheless, nutritional factors do affect metabolism, synthesis and functional properties of collagen; the functional properties of collagen have a significant effect on meat texture (Light, 1987; Bailey, 1988). With efficient production of lean but tender muscle a priority, the role nutrition plays in collagen development requires attention. The objective of this presentation is to examine selected nutritional factors and the mechanisms by which they may affect synthesis, degradation, accretion, and physical properties of collagen.
Relationship between cardiopulmonary responses and isokinetic moments: the optimal angular velocity for muscular endurance

Most protocols for testing and rehabilitation for recovery and improvement of muscular endurance have been set at 180°/sec, 240°/sec, and 300°/sec. These protocols can cause confusion to clinical providers or other researchers. This study was aimed at investigating the optimal isokinetic angular speed for measuring or developing muscular endurance after assessing the relationship between cardiopulmonary responses and isokinetic moments. This study was conducted with 31 male and female college students. Graded exercise test and body composition were measured as well as the isokinetic moments of the knee muscles at three angular speeds: 180°/sec, 240°/sec, and 300°/sec. The specific isokinetic moments of knee muscles that were measured included: peak torque (PT) and total work (TW) on extensor (e) and flexor (f) of knee joints, which were denoted as ePT180, fPT180, eTW180, fTW180, ePT240, fPT240, eTW240, fTW240, ePT300, fPT300, eTW300, and fTW300 according to the three angular speeds. Spearman correlation test was used to examine the relationship between the sum means of cardiopulmonary responses and the variables of isokinetic moments. This study confirmed that the optimal angular speed for testing or training for muscular endurance was 180°/sec, which showed a stronger relationship between cardiopulmonary responses and isokinetic moments. Therefore, this angular speed is recommended for testing and training for muscular endurance of the knee joints.
Capilia test for identification of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in MGIT™-positive cultures.

BACKGROUND The performance of the Capilia test for rapid identification of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTC) in Mycobacterium Growth Indicator Tube (MGIT) positive samples with contaminating organisms is not well documented. OBJECTIVE To assess the diagnostic yield of the Capilia test in the rapid identification of MTC in MGIT-positive cultures. DESIGN A total of 459 selected sputum samples were cultured using BACTEC™ MGIT™ 960. Tubes flagged positive by the MGIT instrument (MGIT-positive) were examined for acid-fast bacilli and cording in smears, spotted on blood agar (BA), subcultured for biochemical tests and tested using the Capilia test. Based on smear and growth on BA, MGIT-positive tubes were grouped into MGIT true-positive, MGIT-positive with contamination and MGIT contamination. Performance parameters of Capilia test such as sensitivity, specificity, efficiency, and positive and negative predictive values (PPV, NPV) for each of these groups were determined against biochemical tests as gold standard. RESULTS Of the 346 MGIT-positives, respectively 233, 73 and 40 were MGIT true-positive, MGIT-positive with contamination and MGIT contamination. For the three groups, the PPV and NPV of the Capilia test were respectively 97%, 96% and 100%, and 32%, 27% and 60%. CONCLUSION In settings with high contamination of MGIT cultures, the performance of the Capilia test is diminished.
Türkiye'de Dolarizasyon Süreci ve Döviz Kuru Belirsizliği İlişkisi

Bu calismada 1989:12–2010:12 donemi ve 2001:02–2010:12 alt donemi icin Turkiye’de dolarizasyon ve doviz kuru belirsizligi arasindaki iliski Granger nedensellik testiyle arastirilmistir. Doviz kuru belirsizliginin olcumunde ustel-GARCH-ortalama (EGARCH-M) yonteminden yararlanilmistir. Granger nedensellik testi deneysel sonuclarina gore, 1989:12–2010:12 doneminde altinci gecikmeye kadar dolarizasyon ile doviz kuru belirsizligi arasinda iki yonlu iliski bulunmaktadir. Fakat dolarizasyondan doviz kuru belirsizligine dogru nedensellik iliskisi daha kuvvetlidir. Altinci gecikmeden sonra ise dolarizasyon doviz kuru belirsizligine neden olmaktadir. Bunun yaninda esnek kur politikasinin uygulandigi 2001:02–2010:12 doneminde dolarizasyon oranindan doviz kuru belirsizligine dogru tek yonlu nedensellik iliskisi gorulmektedir.
Reconsidering Response Sets, Test-Taking Attitudes, Dissimulation, Self-Deception, and Social Desirability

This paper provides a summary of an examination of three lines of personality research involving response sets, empirical keying, and social desirability. The roots of these respective constructs are traced from their origins in Wundt's laboratory through the classic works of Meehl and Hathaway and Edwards up to Cattell's current reconstructions which take the form of trait-view theory and perturbation theory. After a careful analysis of the research and theoretical formulations from these three areas, it is concluded that Cattell's (1986) perturbation theory not only provides the most comprehensive system for understanding how respondents systematically distort their responses on personality questionnaires but also provides a solid framework for multivariate studies designed to test and refine his formulations.
Comparative Study of Novel Tubular Partitioned Stator Permanent Magnet Machines

Permanent magnet (PM) tubular machines have been applied to many applications, since they offer high force density with no end winding and no net attractive force between the mover and the stator. In this paper, two novel PM tubular machines named partitioned stator interior PM (PS-IPM) and partitioned stator surface-mounted PM (PS-SPM) tubular machines are proposed. Both the proposed machines are optimized for maximum thrust force, and their electromagnetic performance has been compared. It is found that the PS-IPM tubular machine has higher thrust force capability and better magnet utilization compared with the PS-SPM tubular machine. However, due to lower cogging force, the PS-SPM tubular machine has fewer thrust force ripples. Furthermore, the effect of the cross-coupling magnetic saturation on PM flux linkage, and the d-axis and q-axis inductances for both the proposed machines is investigated. It is demonstrated that the PM flux linkage and the d-axis and q-axis inductances are affected by the cross-coupling magnetic saturation. Moreover, the force-velocity characteristics of the proposed machines are calculated and compared. It is observed that both the machines have good constant power operation capability.