Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Fast Action of Neuroactive Steroids on Plasma Membrane Calcium Pump in PC12 Cells

Calcium ions are essential to proper neurotransmission. Impairment in cytosolic Ca2+ concentration and Ca2+ signaling disturbs neuronal activity, leading to pathological consequences. In cells, a high‐affinity plasma membrane calcium pump (PMCA) keeps free Ca2+ in the nanomolar range. Among four genes encoding the enzyme, PMCA2 and 3 are primary in excitable cells. To elucidate the relationship between PMCAs' composition and susceptibility for neurosteroid regulation, we obtained PC12 cells with suppressed neuron‐specific isoforms and analyzed the effect of selected steroids on Ca2+ uptake. Our results indicate that hormones affected Ca2+ transport activity and that this effect depended on both PMCA isoform composition and steroid structure.
Intrinsic connections of the retrohippocampal region in the rat brain: III. The lateral entorhinal area

This paper describes the retrohippocampal projections of individual layers of the lateral entorhinal area as studied by the method of anterograde transport of the lectin Phaseolus vulgaris leucoagglutinin (PHA‐L) in the rat. As in the medial entorhinal area (EA), (Köhler, '86a) PHA‐L injections restricted to individual layers of the lateral EA resulted in labeling of sparse projections to the subicular complex (e.g., subiculum, pre‐ and parasubiculum), whereas projections to the perirhinal area and piriform cortex were prominent. All PHA‐L injections resulted in the labeling of axons projecting longitudinally within the entorhinal area, in both dorsal and ventral directions, albeit the ventral projections were the most prominent ones.
A comparison of liver protein induction in postmenopausal women during oral and percutaneous oestrogen replacement therapy

Summary. Two groups of postmenopausal women with climacteric symptoms were investigated during unopposed cyclic replacement therapy with tablets of micronized 17β‐oestradiol (2 mg daily) and percutaneous 17β‐oestradiol (3 mg daily). The resultant serum levels of 17β‐oestradiol, total oestrone and three liver proteins: sex‐hormone‐binding globulin (SHBG), pregnancy‐zone protein (PZP) and caeruloplasmin were followed. In both groups similar levels of serum 17β‐oestradiol (ca 500 pm) were recorded, while the increase of total oestrone was much more pronounced after oral treatment. During oral therapy the serum levels of all three proteins showed a marked increase after the first cycle and the levels then remained stable. In contrast, protein levels were unchanged during percutaneous treatment, in spite of the highly increased concentrations of circulating oestrogens. This observation is important as several side‐effects of oestrogen therapy may be related to liver function.
EVALUATION OF TALENT MANAGEMENT ON EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE IN BEVERAGE INDUSTRY: CASE OF DELMONTE KENYA LIMITED

Talent management practice within organization is an international human resource strategy that seeks to identify, develop, deploy and retain talented and high potential employees. Although talent management practice may be applied in Kenyan companies, they can only contribute optimally to business performance if both top management and employees are aligned to its objectives and implementation in the organization. The main objective of the study was to evaluate the impact of talent management on employee performance. The specific objectives of the study were to determine the effect of talent retention on employees’ performance in beverage industry and to assess how talent attraction impacts on the employees’ performance . The study adopted a descriptive research design in which the target population was all the 2,500 employees of Del Monte Kenya. The study used stratified sampling method to select 83 employees according to their job cadres. Data was collected using questionnaires and structured interviews. Descriptive statistics such as the standard deviation, percentages and frequency distribution were used. The study also used inferential statistics mainly the regression analysis to test relationship between the dependent and the independent variables. The finding was presented using tables. The study established that the job retention motivated the employees of Del Monte leading to ultimate performance. The study further established that attraction through attractive packages enhanced the performance of employees of Del Monte. There was clear demonstration that talent management directly influenced employee performance. The study recommended that the management should ensure the work environment was attractive to the employees so as to motivate them, management needs to maintain competitive packages for the employees to retain its most valuable talents for enhanced employee performance, and progression plan in the organization should also be enhanced to improve the morale of employees thus leading to better performance. Key Words: Talent Management, Employee Performance, Delmonte Kenya Limited
Self-Interference-Threshold-Based MIMO Full-Duplex Precoding

The full-duplex (FD) single-user multiple-input–multiple-output (SU-MIMO) sum-rate maximization problem leads to a nonconvex optimization problem. In this paper, we introduce a maximum self-interference threshold (SIT) constraint to the sum-rate maximization problem to transform the problem into a convex optimization problem and develop the SIT-based FD precoding (FDP-SIT) algorithm. In particular, the FDP-SIT algorithm consists of an inner loop that assumes fixed threshold values and an outer loop that optimizes each node's threshold values. Illustrative examples show how the proposed FDP-SIT algorithm can provide a tradeoff between the separate and joint FDP algorithms. As well, the measured data-based results suggest that the FDP-SIT algorithm can offer increased sum rates when low cancelation power is used.
Resting state functional connectivity is associated with cognitive dysfunction in non-demented people with Parkinson's disease.

BACKGROUND Parkinson's disease (PD) can result in cognitive impairment. Executive dysfunction often appears early, followed by more widespread deficits later in the course of the disease. Disruption of parallel basal ganglia thalamo-cortical loops that subserve motor and cognitive function has been described in PD. However, there is emerging evidence that the default mode network, a cortical network that is active at rest with reduced activation during task performance, may also play a role in disease related cognitive decline. OBJECTIVE To determine the relative contribution of the executive control and default mode networks to parkinsonian executive dysfunction in medicated non-demented patients. METHODS We used BOLD fMRI to measure resting state functional connectivity in the executive control and default mode (DM) networks, and examined switching, processing speed, working memory/attention and motor performance in 14 medicated non-demented PD participants and 20 controls. RESULTS Performance on neuropsychological measures was similar across groups. Functional connectivity was not different across disease conditions in the executive control network. DMN functional connectivity was decreased in the PD group, specifically between posterior cingulate, medial prefrontal, and inferior parietal nodes. Greater DMN functional connectivity was associated with faster processing speed in the PD group. CONCLUSIONS The continuous relationship between DMN disconnection and executive task performance indicates a possible biological contributor to parkinsonian cognitive deficits. The dynamics of executive control network change may be different than that of the DMN, suggesting less sensitivity to early cognitive deficits.
Requirement of JNK-Mediated Phosphorylation for Translocation of Group IVA Phospholipase A2 to Phagosomes in Human Macrophages1

Eicosanoids are a broad family of lipids that play a critical role in host defense against bacterial and fungal infections. The first enzyme in the metabolic pathway for the generation of eicosanoids is group IVA phospholipase A2, also known as cytosolic phospholipase A2α (cPLA2α). During phagocytosis, cPLA2α has been found to translocate to the phagosome, although the molecular mechanism involved in such a translocation has not been elucidated. By using enhanced GFP-tagged proteins we show in this work that a nonphosphorylatable cPLA2α mutant (S505A) does not translocate to the phagosomes, but a mutant that mimics phosphorylation on Ser505 (S505E) does it so readily. During phagocytosis, endogenous cPLA2α is phosphorylated at Ser505, and inhibitors of JNK, but not of other related kinases such as p38 or the extracellular-regulated kinases 1 and 2, completely block such a phosphorylation. Inhibition of JNK activity also inhibits the translocation of cPLA2α to phagosomal membranes, as well as arachidonic acid release to the extracellular medium. Moreover, the S505E mutant makes the enzyme refractory to JNK inhibition, translocating normally to phagosomal membranes. Collectively, these data support a key role for JNK-mediated cPLA2α phosphorylation at Ser505 in the sequence of events leading to translocation and activation of the enzyme to phagosomal membranes in human macrophages.
Associations Between Game Use and Cognitive Empathy: A Cross-Generational Study

Adolescence is a sensitive period of time for developing social abilities such as cognitive empathy. Thus, social experiences in this time period are more influential in forming the social abilities than during other periods in life. Video games are agent-based media in which game players carry out their own action in a mediated world whose rules are predefined by algorithms. This means that game players do not have to engage their cognitive empathy when playing games. Thus, prolonged use of video games during adolescence can result in the underdevelopment of cognitive empathy. This survey from three age groups (adolescents aged 16-19, adults aged 37-41, elders aged 58-62) demonstrated that only among adolescents was the amount of time spent in game play negatively associated with cognitive empathy. The findings of this study can contribute to understanding the nature of video game play and its negative effects by focusing on the manner of media use rather than the messages in media, and focusing on cognitive empathy, which has rarely been examined.
Perceived Stakeholder Role Relationships and Adoption of Seismic Hazard Adjustments1

This study examined the relationships among perceived stakeholder characteristics, risk perceptions, respondent characteristics, and self-reported adoption of 16 seismic hazard adjustments by residents in areas of high and medium seismic risk. Seven stakeholder types, ranging from the federal government to the respondents themselves, were rated on three characteristics—seismic hazard knowledge, trustworthiness, and responsibility for taking action to protect households. Respondents rated their hazard knowledge as higher than that of peers, indicating optimistic bias. However, they also rated their hazard knowledge as lower than that of authorities and the news media—confirming that there are limits to optimistic bias. Partial correlation analyses indicated that perceived stakeholder characteristics influenced hazard adjustment by both central and peripheral routes to behavioral change. Paradoxically, respondents’ adoption of hazard adjustments was more strongly correlated with the perceived characteristics of peers, even though these were rated lower on hazard knowledge, trustworthiness, and protection responsibility. Although the effects were marginally significant, perceived stakeholder characteristics were related to respondents’ characteristics (location, gender, and ethnicity). This suggests risk communicators should consider tailoring their choice of sources as well as the content of their messages to different audience segments.
Incidence of radiation-induced insufficiency fractures of the female pelvis: evaluation with MR imaging.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to assess the incidence, time of appearance, and evolution of radiation-induced insufficiency fractures of the female pelvis with MR imaging. SUBJECTS AND METHODS Eighteen women (nine premenopausal and nine postmenopausal) with advanced cervical carcinoma were studied prospectively with MR imaging. The examinations totaled 216 and were scheduled before radiation therapy, three times during radiation therapy, and eight times after radiation therapy. T1-weighted and short inversion time inversion recovery images were obtained. The images were evaluated by two radiologists in consensus. The criterion for fracture was edema, indicated by an area of high signal intensity on short inversion time inversion recovery images and corresponding low signal intensity on T1-weighted images. CT scans (n = 61) and bone scans (n = 58) were used to confirm each diagnosis of fracture. RESULTS Sixteen (89%) of 18 patients (seven premenopausal and nine postmenopausal) showed findings compatible with insufficiency fractures. Thirteen patients had more than one lesion. The first fracture was detected between 3 and 12 months after the end of radiation therapy. During the study, the fractures associated with edema subsided without treatment in 41 (79%) of 52 lesions in 15 (94%) of 16 patients. Fractures were confirmed with additional imaging in all 16 patients (CT in 14 patients and bone scanning in nine patients). CONCLUSION Radiation-induced insufficiency fractures were frequently seen in premenopausal and postmenopausal women within 12 months after radiation therapy. Multiple fractures developed within 24 months. Twenty-one percent of the lesions healed during the observation period of 30 months.
Effect of Anti-inflammatory (IL-4, IL-10) Cytokine Genes in Relation to Risk of Cervical Carcinoma

Objectives:Cervical cancer is rated the second most common malignant tumor globally and is etiologically linked to human papillomavirus infection. Interleukin-4 (IL-4) and IL-10 are cytokines with anti-inflammatory properties. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship of different alleles of IL-4 and IL-10 genes with risk of cervical cancer among passive smokers and users of oral contraceptives. Materials and Methods:We investigated the association of cervical cancer with 2 anti-inflammatory cytokine genes IL-4 and IL-10 using a case-control study. The study sample comprised 200 cases of cervical cancer and an equal number of matched controls who were investisgated by variable number of tandem repeat and Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism analysis. Results:In this study we observed that the Rp1/Rp2 genotype of IL-4 marginally increased the risk of developing cervical cancer [odds ratio (OR), 1.3; 95% confidence intervals (CI), 0.45-3.64; P=0.8]. In case of passive smokers we also found a marginal increase in the risk for cervical cancer with AC and combined AC+CC genotypes (OR, 1.7; 95% CI, 0.90-3.34; P=0.1; and OR,1.7; 95% CI, 0.90-3.17; P=0.1, respectively). However, a nonsignificant association was observed between use of oral contraceptives and risk of cervical cancer with anti-inflammatory cytokine genotypes. Conclusions:This study suggests that passive smokers among North Indian women having IL-4 Rp1/Rp2 and IL-10 (AC) genotypes had an increased risk for developing cervical cancer.
Broad-and narrow-beam attenuation of 500- to 1,400-kilovolt x-rays in lead and concrete

There have been numerous papers over the past 10 years dealing with X-ray protection in the range from 500 to 2,000 kv [1 to 6]. The data from these papers differ somewhat, because the conditions of the experiments were not always the same and therefore cannot be readily correlated. Part of this has been attributed to differences in the high-voltage wave form and inherent filtration for the several experimental arrangements used. Preliminary data [1 to 6] have indicated that the size of the irradiated area of the barrier may also be an important variable, but the magnitude and limits for this have not been explored quantitatively. The present report will deal with different sized beams of X-rays produced by direct-current potentials of 500, 600, 800, 1,000, and 1,400 kv with a transmission target. Barriers of lead and concrete will be considered. Concrete has been generally accepted in the energy range above about 500 kv where space is not important, because it is structurally self-supporting and relatively inexpensive. However, for applications requiring a minimum of thickness for a given protection, lead is still the most popular. In the voltage range under consideration, X-rays are principally absorbed by the photoelectric and the Compton processes, since pair production is still relatively unimportant, even in lead for 1,400 kv. All of the photoelectric
The role of integrated customer relationship management in generating and using knowledge in service industry: A study on commercial banks of Bangladesh

Customer relationship management (CRM) has become a topic of utmost importance to researchers and practitioners in recent years. However, the literature reveals that CRM is commonly conceptualized as a software package and/or technology without an in-depth understanding of the issues of integrating people, processes and technology across the organizational context. This limited focus has resulted in a shortfall in delivering strategic value and fostering durable customer relationships. Customer relationship management (CRM), as an emerging concept, will remain underdeveloped until its key dimensions have been explored and implemented. The existing literature rarely sheds light on the multidimensionality of CRM and its impact on CRM success, and thus lacks a theoretically grounded and empirically validated multidimensional model of CRM. With this backdrop, the present study aims to develop a research model that conceptualizes CRM as a multidimensional and integrated concept. To address the equivocal effect of CRM, this study further advances the research through investigating the role of mediating variables on the CRM–CRM success (CRMS) link. This thesis develops and validates an integrated multidimensional CRM model (ICRM) grounded on the resources-based view (RBV) and knowledge-based view (KBV). The ICRM model includes CRM-specific resources, namely, customer orientation, customercentric management system, CRM technology and CRM people. The literature suggests that CRM, as a cross-functional process, focuses on maintaining and enhancing relationships with customers. The previous literature also reveals that the organization’s ability to generate customer knowledge depends on its ability to combine knowledge about and knowledge from customers. This research thus proposes relationship maintenance and customer knowledge generation as outcomes of ICRM and also antecedents of CRM success. This study further explores and tests the mediating role of relationship maintenance and customer knowledge generation. The constructs and their hypothesized relationships in the model are conceptualized based on an extensive literature survey and also by examination through the lens of RBV and KBV. As customer relationship management processes and practices are context-specific, the constructs and variables of the initial research model are contextualized and validated through a qualitative field study. This research adopts the ‘mixed method’ approach embracing both qualitative and quantitative research methods. In the qualitative phase, data are collected from 11 relationship managers and/or customer service managers from different banks
Do economic policy decisions affect stock market development in Ghana

The Efficient Market Hypothesis proposes that macroeconomic policy actions do not influence stock market development but the Tobin’s q theory argues otherwise. This paper uses the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) technique to investigate the impact of macroeconomic policy on the development of the Ghana Stock Exchange for the period 1991-2011. The paper finds government revenue and exchange rate reduce stock market development. A policy mix identified was that, the outcomes of government expenditure and government borrowing interest rate exert no influence on stock market development. For equity investors not to easily transfer their investments in response to changes in macroeconomic policies among others, the study recommends good macroeconomic management. Keywords : Stock Market Development, Macroeconomic policy, Government spending, ADRL, Ghana, West Africa
Radially Biased Axial Magnetic Bearings/Motors for Precision Rotary-Axial Spindles

Unlike traditional position holding thrust magnetic bearings, electromagnetic actuators can be advantageously used as both an axial bearing and an in-feed motor in precision machine tools that require only millimeter axial stroke. This paper presents the working principle, design, and analysis of radially biased electromagnetic actuators for precision rotary-axial spindle applications. The analysis results indicate that the radially biased actuator design can offer eight times higher load capacity and 16 times higher force-to-power ratio than conventional horseshoe-type thrust bearings. Experimental results from the constructed rotary-axial spindle prototype demonstrate 5000-N load capacity, 340-N/μm dynamic stiffness, and 1.5-mm axial stroke with 10-nm motion resolution.
Permeability of Group Boundaries

The perceived possibility of movement between groups, referred to as permeability of group boundaries, is considered a key factor in explaining intergroup relations. However, so far, permeability has been conceptualized in different ways and there exists no validated measure. Integrating different conceptualizations, we developed a scale distinguishing membership permeability (e.g., a person changing from one sport team to another) versus status permeability (e.g., a person acquiring a higher social status). Scale validation occurred across samples representing five lower status groups (older adults, women, obese, lower educated, ethnic minorities). Our scale was related to central indicators of intergroup relations such as self-reported intergroup attitudes (e.g., identification) and endorsement of behavioral strategies (individual mobility, collective action). Moreover, it distinguished permeability characteristics of different types of social groups. The scale provides a novel theoretical conceptualization of permeability and can be used to examine levels and correlates of permeability perceptions across social groups.
Integral terminal sliding mode control for uncertain nonlinear systems

A novel methodology for designing nonsingular terminal sliding mode controller (TSMC) for a class of uncertain nonlinear systems is introduced. The system states can be guaranteed to reach a integral terminal sliding surface in finite time and then converge to the origin in finite time, while the singularity problem is eliminated. Compared with many existing works on nonsingular TSMC, the proposed method exhibits three attractive features: (1) the switching gain is only required to be designed greater than the bound of the disturbances; (2)when using boundary layer to alleviate chattering, for constant or eventually constant disturbances, zero steady-state error can be achieved; and (3) can be applied to higher order systems directly. Simulation results are presented to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.