Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Changes in leadership appraisal as a function of the stress of a simulated panic situation.

Research by Mintz and Kelley, Condry, Dahke, and Hill left unresolved the question of what level of personal threat leads to group incoordination of "panic behavior. " The present study set out to resolve this issue and to explore the additional relationship between leadership and behavior in the panic situation. The dependent variables were Likert-type questionnaire items designed to investigate the level of responsibility attributed to a leader by members of a group as a function of four variables: (a) two levels of stress (threat of shock or of small monetary loss); (b) two levels of leadership authority (elected or appointed); (c) two conditions of leadership ("me-last" or "me-first"); and (d) group success or failure. The specific questions were adapted from earlier pilot work by Sulzer and Sisti. One hundred and forty-four males were run in this 2 X 2 X 2 X 2 factorial design with a nonfactorial control group. The task setting, which required subjects to retrieve their wooden cones through the same hole, was designed to be analogous to the kind of situation that would occur in a theater fire where only one narrow exit existed. The results support the contention of Kelley that group incoordination (panic) increases under personal threat. Additional results were: (a) Leaders facilitated achieving the goal of safe exit; (b) elected leaders were given more responsibility and were seen as more competent than appointed leaders, but only when the stress is comparatively low, as otherwise the difference in evaluation narrows and reverses; and (c) success or failure seems to have had little effect on the leader's evaluation by the group.
Constraints on magnetic fluctuation energies in the plasma sheet

Magnetic field and plasma observations from magnetotail passes of the AMPTE/IRM satellite are used to study the low‐frequency magnetic fluctuation energy density as a function of several local plasma parameters. Two statistical constraints on this quantity are found, one a function of proton pressure, one a function of proton flow speed, suggesting that ion‐driven electromagnetic instabilities may contribute to the observed fluctuations.
Lipid signalling in pathogenic fungi

In recent years, the study of lipid signalling networks has significantly increased. Although best studied in mammalian cells, lipid signalling is now appreciated also in microbial cells, particularly in yeasts and moulds. For instance, microbial sphingolipids and their metabolizing enzymes play a key role in the regulation of fungal pathogenicity, especially in Cryptococcus neoformans, through the modulation of different microbial pathways and virulence factors. Another example is the quorum sensing molecule (QSM) farnesol. In fact, this QSM is involved not only in mycelial growth and biofilm formation of Candida albicans, but also in many stress related responses. In moulds, such as Aspergillus fumigatus, QSM and sphingolipids are important for maintaining cell wall integrity and virulence. Finally, fungal cells make oxylipins to increase their virulence attributes and to counteract the host immune defences. In this review, we discuss these aspects in details.
Printed annular metasurface for omnidirectional dual-pol leaky-wave antennas

A printed annular metasurface (PAM) consisting of suitably designed concentric ring slots etched in a metal screen is proposed to realize two-dimensional leaky-wave antennas (LWAs) operating on a pair of azimuthally independent TM and TE cylindrical leaky modes. The metasurface, used as a superstrate for a grounded dielectric slab, is designed to obtain the desired wavenumbers for the two leaky modes. These are excited independently by means of a vertical coaxial probe and a horizontal microstrip loop, thus allowing for radiation of an omnidirectional conical beam with given beam angle and polarization. Theoretical and numerical investigations are presented, including an ad-hoc moment-method approach for the calculation of the antenna far-field patterns.
Segregation of serotonin 5‐HT2A and 5‐HT3 receptors in inhibitory circuits of the primate cerebral cortex

An emerging concept of cortical network organization is that distinct segments of the pyramidal neuron tree are controlled by functionally diverse inhibitory microcircuits. We compared the expression of two serotonin receptor subtypes, the G‐protein‐coupled 5‐hydroxytryptamine2A receptors and the ion‐channel gating 5‐HT3 receptors, in cortical neuron types, which control these microcircuits. Here we show, using light and electron microscopic immunocytochemical techniques, that 5‐HT2A receptors are segregated from 5‐HT3 receptors in the macaque cerebral cortex. 5‐HT2A receptor immunolabel was found in pyramidal cells and also in GABAergic interneurons known to specialize in the perisomatic inhibition of pyramidal cells: large and medium‐size parvalbumin‐ and calbindin‐containing interneurons. In contrast, 5‐HT3 label was only present in small GABA‐, substance P receptor‐, and calbindin‐containing neurons and in medium‐size calretinin‐containing neurons: interneurons known to preferentially target the dendrites of pyramidal cells. This cellular segregation indicates a serotonin‐receptor‐specific segmentation of the GABAergic inhibitory actions along the pyramidal neuron tree. J. Comp. Neurol. 417:337–348, 2000. © 2000 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Analysis of approximation and uncertainty in optimization

We study a series of topics involving approximation algorithms and the presence of uncertain data in optimization. On the first theme of approximation, we derive performance bounds for rollout algorithms. Interpreted as an approximate dynamic programming algorithm, a rollout algorithm estimates the value-to-go at each decision stage by simulating future events while following a heuristic policy, referred to as the base policy. We provide a probabilistic analysis of knapsack problems, proving that rollout algorithms perform significantly better than their base policies. Next, we study the average performance of greedy algorithms for online matching on random graphs. In online matching problems, vertices arrive sequentially and reveal their neighboring edges. Vertices may be matched upon arrival and matches are irrevocable. We determine asymptotic matching sizes obtained by a variety of greedy algorithms on random graphs, both for bipartite and non-bipartite graphs. Moving to the second theme of uncertainty, we analyze losses resulting from uncertain transition probabilities in Markov decision processes. We assume that policies are computed using exact dynamic programming with estimated transition probabilities, but the system evolves according to different, true transition probabilities. Given a bound on the total variation error of estimated transition probability distributions, we derive a general tight upper bound on the loss of expected total reward. Finally, we consider a randomized model for minmax regret in combinatorial optimization under cost uncertainty. This problem can be viewed as a zero-sum game played between an optimizing player and an adversary, where the optimizing player selects a solution and the adversary selects costs with the intention of maximizing the regret of the player. We analyze a model where the optimizing player selects a probability distribution over solutions and the adversary selects costs with knowledge of the player’s distribution. We show that under this randomized model, the minmax regret version of any polynomial solvable combinatorial problem is polynomial solvable, both for interval and discrete scenario representations of uncertainty. Thesis Supervisor: Patrick Jaillet Title: Dugald C. Jackson Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
Cell Surface Glycoprotein PZR Is a Major Mediator of Concanavalin A-induced Cell Signaling*

PZR is an immunoglobulin superfamily cell surface protein containing a pair of immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibitory motifs. As a glycoprotein, PZR displays a strong association with concanavalin A (ConA), a member of the plant lectin family. Treatment of several cell lines with ConA caused tyrosine phosphorylation of a major cellular protein. Immunoblotting and immunoprecipitation studies indicated that this protein corresponded to PZR. Tyrosine phosphorylation of PZR was accompanied by recruitment of SHP-2 and was inhibited by PP1, a selective inhibitor of the Src family tyrosine kinases. Furthermore, c-Src was constitutively associated with PZR and was activated upon treatment of cells with ConA. Moreover, tyrosine phosphorylation of PZR was markedly enhanced in v-Src-transformed NIH-3T3 cells and was predominant inEscherichia coli cells co-expressing c-Src. Expression of an intracellular domain-truncated form of PZR in HT-1080 cells affected cell morphology and had a dominant negative effect on ConA-induced tyrosine phosphorylation of PZR, activation of c-Src, and agglutination of the cells. Together, the data indicate that PZR is a major receptor of ConA and has an important role in cell signaling via c-Src. Considering the various biological activities of ConA, the study of PZR may have major therapeutic implications.
THE FUTURE OF RESIDENTIAL PARKING

The objectives of this research were to investigate how parking problems in residential areas might be affected by the growth in car ownership forecast by the Department of Transport, to explore possible solutions. Although national statistics on parking are somewhat fragmentary, they provide overall estimates of the supply of residential parking space and the demand for it, and, in combination with car ownerhship forecasts a broad brush picture of future developments. Interviews with officers of a sample of local authorities, indicated what were their most pressing parking concerns, and what policies were being developed to counter current problems, and how development standards were being applied to new residential areas. Surveys in a number of residential areas with typical parking problems provided estimates of amounts of actual and potential parking space, both on-street and on private property. Details of household size, car ownership, and parking were collected from residents, and opinions were sought on parking difficulties, and possible responses to increasing difficulties. Relationships between demand density, parking difficulty and behaviour were investigated, and estimates made of the effects of conversion of all potential space to parking. The possibilities of a market in residential off-street parking are also explored. (A)
Bulimia: Independence of Antibulimic and Antidepressant Properties of Desipramine

The purpose of this study was to identify variables useful for predicting a positive response to the tricyclic antidepressant desipramine, amongst bulimic subjects. Using a randomized double-blind cross-over design, 24 normal weight bulimics completed a 15-week protocol in which they received either desipramine (150 mg/day)for six weeks, no drug for three weeks, followed by placebo for six weeks, or the reverse sequence. At weeks 0, 2, 4, 6, 9, 11, 13, and 15, each subject was assessed using the EDI, SCL-90, POMS and binge records. The DST, Diagnostic Interview Schedule (DIS), and a personal and family medical-psychiatric history questionnaire were administered at initial assessment, while plasma desipramine levels were obtained at weeks 4 and 13. Responders were defined in terms of both binge frequency reduction, and decrease in depressive symptoms. In the sample of 24 subjects, desipramine was significantly more effective than placebo in reducing the frequency of weekly hinging and vomiting, as well as causing a reduction in the fatigue scale of the POMS. No significant effect of the drug was obtained on the EDI or the SCL-90. In terms of reduction in binge frequency, seven responders were identified; another seven were found to be borderline responders, while 10 were labeled as non-responders. The three groups did not differ in terms of their initial scores on the SCL-90, POMS, DST, DIS results, or psychological subscales of the EDI. However, responders were found to have lower EDI bulimia subscale scores, but a higher frequency of purging episodes than were non-responders. Eight patients were identified as borderline responders with respect to depressive symptoms. They differed from depression non-responders in that they had abnormal DST results, and were more likely to report a family history of depression. These results indicate that the predictors of the antibulimic effect of desipramine in bulimia are independent of its antidepressant properties.
Molecular basis for regionally specific action of ethanol on gamma-aminobutyric acidA receptors: generalization to other ligand-gated ion channels.

The present investigation provides evidence that there is neuroanatomical specificity for ethanol enhancement of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-induced inhibition in mammalian brain and that the expression of a specific GABAA isoreceptor is associated with this regional action of ethanol. Ethanol enhanced responses to iontophoretically applied GABA in the medial septum, inferior colliculus, substantia nigra reticulata, ventral pallidum and the diagonal band of Broca. In contrast to these results, responses to GABA applied to cells in the lateral septum, ventral tegmental area and the hippocampus were not affected by ethanol. In those brain regions where ethanol enhanced responses to GABA, a high concentration of zolpidem binding was found, whereas zolpidem binding was much lower or absent in brain regions where ethanol did not enhance GABA. These observations support the hypothesis that ethanol enhances GABA within specific regions of brain by affecting a GABAA receptor with specific structural components. From data obtained with in situ hybridization, there was a strong relationship between the regional distribution of zolpidem binding and the expression of specific mRNAs for the alpha-1, beta-2 and gamma-2 GABAA receptor subunits at sites where ethanol enhanced responses to GABA. The mRNA for the long and short variants of the gamma-2 subunit were found in brain regions both sensitive and insensitive to the action of ethanol on GABA-induced inhibition. These data were not able to address whether the gamma-2 long variant in combination with the alpha-1 and beta-2 subunits is essential for ethanol enhancement of responses to GABA. However, the observation that the long version of the gamma-2 subunit is present in brain areas where ethanol did not affect GABA function suggests that the presence of the long variant of the gamma-2 subunit alone is not sufficient for ethanol's action to enhance responses to GABA. Rather it is concluded that the appropriate combination of GABAA receptor subunits is critical for this action of ethanol. Because the GABAA receptor belongs to a superfamily of ligand-gated ion channels, the action of ethanol was examined on responses to agonists acting on receptors linked to other ion channels. As noted for GABA, local application of ethanol altered responses to NMDA, nicotine and glycine when applied to some, but not all, neurons. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Effects of Thyroid Function upon Insulin Secretion

Insulin secretion provoked by glucose in the pancreas of the rat is not modified by addition of thyroxine to the incubation media. Secretion of insulin is reduced (by 34 per cent) by prior thyroidectomy and restored to normal after administration of thyroxine (15 μg./kg. body weight) in vivo to thyroidectomized rats. These changes occur despite normal insulin content of the pancreatic tissue. Treatment of normal rats by higher doses of thyroxine (2,000 μg./kg.) causes marked reduction (ca 40 per cent) of both pancreatic insulin content and secretion. These alterations suggest that thyroid hormones may exert a delicately balanced influence upon islet function in a chronic process.
In Harsh - and Slack Times: How Does Firm Performance Affect the Intensity and the Direction of External Technology Sourcing?

Despite our understanding of the importance of external technology sourcing, we know little about what leads firms to become more open to sourcing external technologies. To elucidate this question, we draw upon the behavioral theory of the firm, and propose that sourcing external technologies is sensitive to how managers evaluate organizational performance relative to aspirations. We develop several propositions linking whether a firm is in "harsh times" — i.e. performing below its aspiration level — or in "slack times" — i.e. performing above its aspiration level — to both the intensity and the direction of its search for external technologies. This paper not only sheds light into how performance affects a firm’s search for external technologies, but also reveals important boundary conditions that influence how a firm manages its broader set of R&D activities.
Impact of Timing of Admission and Microvascular Reconstruction on Free Flap Success Rates in Traumatic Upper Extremity Defects

Abstract Background Despite a growing body of knowledge, the timing of microsurgical reconstruction for the upper extremity remains a controversial topic. Most of the available literature deals with lower extremity reconstruction and the few reports on microsurgical reconstruction of the upper extremity are mostly concerned with infection rates and rarely consider thrombosis and changes in coagulation parameters. Methods We performed a retrospective review of all free flaps performed for upper extremity reconstruction at our institution from 2000 to 2010. Only acute, isolated traumatic defects of the upper extremity requiring a free flap for reconstruction were included in this study. A review of medical records was performed to assess, among others, comorbidities, timing of reconstruction, and platelet levels. Results A total of 41 patients were included in this study, 70% of whom were male. Mean age at the time of surgery was 40.8 ± 15.4 years. Patients who were directly referred to our hospital underwent reconstruction significantly faster than those who were transferred secondarily (p = 0.0001). The number of surgical revisions as well as the flap loss rate was higher in patients undergoing reconstruction more than 1 week after trauma (p = 0.09 and 0.033, respectively). A significantly higher platelet count was seen in the patients undergoing delayed reconstruction (p = 0.002). Conclusion In our study, early microsurgical reconstruction of the upper extremity yielded better results in terms of lower rates of surgical revisions and flap loss. This might be partly because of a trauma-induced thrombocythemia, with a maximum level of platelets in the 2nd week post trauma. We, therefore, advocate a timely coverage of these defects along with an anticoagulatory regimen including some form of platelet inhibition.
Temperature monitoring in newborns : A comparison of thermometry and measurement sites

Newborns have poor thermal stability and therefore infants are extremely vulnerable to body temperature variations. The purpose of choosing a temperature site in neonates is to minimise the effect of extraneous variables such as environment, on the readings. Moreover, the most accurate, least invasive and obtrusive method should be chosen. Traditional, low-tech mercury-glass thermometers are no longer acceptable. This study sought to examine the effect of age, weight, sex, race and ambient temperature on body temperature in newborns and also to compare the level of agreement and relationship between temperature readings from DataTherm, SolarTherm devices and mercury-glass and hard-wire Mallinckrodt devices.
Rhizophora mucronata var. alokii – a new variety of mangrove species from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India (Rhizophoraceae)

Abstract Rhizophora mucronata var. alokii (Rhizophoraceae), a new variety of Rhizophora from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India, is described and illustrated. The new variety is remarkable in having four stamens, laterally folded leaves, a short peduncle, thick leathery petals, and a four-sided ovary with a sessile style. A key for the species of Rhizophora of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is also provided.
Antecedents of Corporate Reputation in the Hotel Industry: The Moderating Role of Transparency

In this study, we developed a theoretical framework in which corporate social responsibility, corporate ability, customer trust and satisfaction, and corporate reputation by considering the influence of transparency as a moderator. The proposed hypotheses were empirically tested using data collected from 487 U.S. consumers via structural equation modeling. The results indicated that perceived corporate social responsibility and corporate ability significantly affected overall customer satisfaction and trust. In turn, customer trust and satisfaction have positive effects on perceptions about corporate reputation. Lastly, this study found that transparency as a significant moderator. This research will contribute to the development of a robust and comprehensive theoretical model that integrates existing frameworks and concepts within the hotel industry.
Universality of the Stochastic Airy Operator

We introduce a new method for studying universality of random matrices. Let Tn be the Jacobi matrix associated to the Dyson beta ensemble with uniformly convex polynomial potential. We show that after scaling, Tn converges to the stochastic Airy operator. In particular, the top edge of the Dyson beta ensemble and the corresponding eigenvectors are universal. As a byproduct, these ideas lead to conjectured operator limits for the entire family of soft edge distributions. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Direct Modification of Microcrystalline Cellulose with Ethylenediamine for Use as Adsorbent for Removal Amitriptyline Drug from Environment

Cellulose derivatives have been widely used as adsorbents for the removal of micropollutants such as drugs, dyes, and metals, due to their abundance, low cost and non-contaminating nature. In this context, several studies have been performed searching for new adsorbents (cellulose derivatives) efficient at contaminant removal from aqueous solutions. Thus, a new adsorbent was synthesized by chemical modification of cellulose with ethylenediamine in the absence of solvent and applied to the adsorption of amitriptyline (AMI) in aqueous solution. The modification reaction was confirmed by X-ray Diffraction (XRD), elemental analysis, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Thermogravimetry/Differential Scanning Calorimeter (TG/DSC), solid state Nuclear Magnetic Resonance of 1H and 13C (1H-NMR and 13C-NMR). Moreover, the effectiveness of reaction was confirmed by computational calculations using Density Functional Theory (DFT) at level B3LYP/6-31G(d). This adsorption process was influenced by pH, time, concentration, temperature and did not show significant changes due to the ionic strength variation. Through these experiments, it was observed that the maximum adsorption capacity of AMI by CN polymer at 298 K, 300 min, and pH 7 was 87.66 ± 0.60 mg·g−1.
A Trade Liberalization in International Dairy Markets

International dairy industries remain among the most distorted agricultural sectors. Dairy average bound tariffs remain among the highest of all agricultural commodities, and dairy trade is characterized by a large number of megatariffs and tariff-rate quotas (TRQs). The objective of our study is to examine how the international dairy markets might respond to policy changes under various assumptions, using a partial equilibrium, multiple-commodity, multiple-region model of agricultural policy and trade. Our results indicate that liberalization will reduce supplies, increase dairy trade, and raise world prices.