Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Nicotine acts in the anterior cingulate, but not dorsal or ventral hippocampus, to reverse ethanol‐induced learning impairments in the plus‐maze discriminative avoidance task

The current study examines the role of the dorsal and ventral hippocampus, and anterior cingulate in the interactive effects of ethanol and nicotine on learning, anxiety and locomotion in the plus‐maze discriminative avoidance task, which allows dissociation of drug effects on each behaviour. At training, time spent in each of the arms of the elevated plus‐maze was recorded for 5 minutes. Each time that the mouse entered the aversive enclosed arm, a light and white noise were turned on. At testing, no cues were turned on and time spent in each arm was recorded for 3 minutes. The effects of systemic ethanol (1.0 or 1.4 g/kg) and nicotine (0.35 µg/0.50 µl/side) infused into the anterior cingulate, dorsal and ventral hippocampus were examined, as were the interactive effects of systemic ethanol (1.0 g/kg) and nicotine (0.09 mg/kg) with the high‐affinity nicotinic receptor antagonist dihydro‐beta‐erythroidine (DHβE) (18.0 µg/0.50 µl/side) infused into the anterior cingulate. Ethanol dose dependently decreased anxiety, increased locomotion, and decreased learning. Anterior cingulate‐infused nicotine decreased anxiety and reversed ethanol‐associated learning deficits. Anterior cingulate‐infused DHβE blocked reversal of ethanol‐induced learning deficits by systemic nicotine. Dorsal hippocampus‐infused nicotine reversed ethanol‐induced anxiolysis and hyper‐locomotion (1.4 g/kg) but produced no behavioural changes in ethanol‐naïve mice. Ventral hippocampus‐infused nicotine enhanced anxiolysis associated with 1.4 g/kg ethanol, but had no other effects. The anterior cingulate is necessary and sufficient for nicotine reversal of ethanol‐induced learning deficits. In addition, the anterior cingulate, dorsal hippocampus and ventral hippocampus may mediate drug‐induced changes in anxiety.
From Security to Mobility: Generalized Investments in Human Capital and Agent Commitment

This paper considers the impacts of different investments in human capital (firm-specific versus generalized investments) on employee commitment to the firm. The resource-based literature has stressed that only firm-specific human capital is likely to generate organizational rents, since those assets are more likely to be inimitable, rare, and therefore a better basis for sustained competitive advantage. Generalized investments in human capital (i.e., investments in capabilities that people can transfer and deploy to other firms or settings) are to be avoided. However, observing lessons from the literature on psychological contracts and organizational commitment, we argue that generalized investments may have value for the firm through their effects on worker commitment to the firm. The gain in worker commitment is valuable to firms given the fragile state of the contemporary employment relation, in which the lack of job security is likely to breed diminished employee commitment. This is particularly a concern for employment relations consisting of externalized labor (i.e., contract work or selfemployed professionals operating as agents of the firm), in which agent commitment is vital but likely to be more scarce. In this paper we focus on the externalized workers (independent agents) of two insurance firms in addressing these issues. A sample of 237 agents shows support for the benefits of generalized investments on agent commitment, questioning conventional wisdom that such investments should be avoided. We also examine the impact of relation-specific investments and other key antecedents on agent commitment, concluding that a mixture of strategic investments in human capital should be considered, taking into account their impacts on the firm-worker psychological contract. We also examine the impact of agent commitment on agent performance in this context, finding committed agents do provide greater value to the insurer.
A study of the impact and application of cause-corporate brand alliance on Taiwans tourist amusement industry

The use of CRM as a marketing platform, which can not only increase financial gains, but also enhance the company’s image of bearing social responsibility, and hence its reputation, is studied. The purpose of this study is to mainly investigate the effects of pre-image (pre-reputation) of the corporation (cause) and alliance fit to the cause on the alliance, as well as on the new image (post-reputation) that are formed toward both partners as a consequence of the alliance. In addition, this study also employs consumer social responsibility and gender as moderators to further explore the changes of these postulated causal paths in the conceptual model. The empirical results show that (1) attitudes toward the cause-corporate brand alliance (CCBA) will positively influence the post-image of the corporation, post-reputation of the cause, and service quality of the corporation; (2) pre-reputation of the cause and alliance fit will have significant and positive effects on attitudes toward the CCBA; (3) gender plays a vital moderating role in the CRM campaign. The managerial implications for marketing managers and limitations are discussed. Key words: Corporate brand image, cause-corporate brand alliance, alliance fit, service quality, consumer social responsibility.
Tracking the Reflexivity of the (Dis)Engaged Citizen

The relationship between governments and citizens in many contemporary democracies is haunted by uncertainty, and sociologists face the task of listening effectively to citizens' own reflections on this uncertain relationship. This article reflects on the qualitative methodology of a recently completed U.K. project that used a combination of diary and multiple interviews/focus groups to track over a fieldwork period of up to a year citizens' reflections on their relationship to a public world and the contribution to this of their media consumption. In particular, the article considers how the project's multiple methods enabled multiple angles on the inevitable artificiality and performative dimension of the diary process, resulting in rich data on people's complex reflections on the uncertain position of the contemporary citizen.
Intestinal goblet cell mucus release. II. In vivo stimulation by antigen in the immunized rat.

We previously reported that the infusion of certain soluble immune complexes stimulated mucus release from the rat small intestine in vivo. The present studies sought to evaluate the response of the intestine of normal and immunized rats to the infusion of antigen alone. One hour after the intraduodenal infusion of antigen, small intestinal washings were obtained and analyzed for the presence of 35S-labeled, high m.w. glycoprotein of goblet cell origin. The amount of goblet cell glycoprotein released was estimated from the radioactivity present in the void volume of a Sepharose 4B gel filtration column. The release of goblet cell mucus was enhanced by antigen stimulation in orally immunized animals. The discharge of goblet cell mucus was not increased after antigen infusion in animals immunized by the i.p. route despite the induction of high levels of serum antibody. The inability to demonstrate release of mucus after antigen challenge in systemically immunized rats suggests that the amount or the type(s) of antibody required at the mucosal surface is produced only after oral immunization.
New service development: a stakeholder perspective

Purpose – To increase understanding of both the process of new service development (NSD) and the nature of services as delivered to customers.Design/methodology/approach – Four qualitative, exploratory case studies encompassing public (health) and private (financial) sector service organisations.Findings – Managers select stakeholder groups for involvement in NSD attributing stakeholder salience, centrality to the process and power to influence the final service design. Customers are “dormant” stakeholders, thought to lack the knowledge/experience to contribute meaningfully to NSD. Their interests and needs are channelled through other stakeholders.Research limitations/implications – The research is confined to two service industries based on a key informant approach; thus generalisability to other industries may be limited.Practical implications – Multiple stakeholder involvement places a growing emphasis on the need for NSD managers to be skilled in managing complex, multi‐layered and multi‐faceted proc.
A circularly polarized antenna array with integrated calibration probes

In this contribution internal calibration probes for circularly polarized patch antenna arrays are proposed. The probe network replicates the patch's natural mode of operation and thereby enables a precise calibration that incorporates finite array effects and mutual coupling. Furthermore, the approach allows for online monitoring which is of major importance for active arrays. The probes can be integrated with single feed circularly polarized microstrip antennas that use perturbations such as truncated corners. The feasibility of this calibration technique is demonstrated by measurements on a 4 by 1 array.
Evidence that user-generated content that produces engagement increases purchase behaviours

ABSTRACT The use of social media environments that enable consumers to engage with a brand publicly is of increasing interest to marketers. In particular, contests in which consumers create user-generated content (UGC) offer the potential of actively engaging consumers with a brand and thereby directly affecting consumer purchases. This research demonstrates that prompting consumers to create UGC that engages consumers in actively thinking about or elaborating on a personal goal that is relevant to a brand does affect actual buying decisions. It shows that the impact of this engagement via content elaboration is not accounted for by mere participation in the social media activity or rewards offered to participants. The research adds to the growing literature on the importance of consumer engagement and validates the link between engagement and actual purchase behaviours.
Comparing respondents of e‐mail and mail surveys: understanding the implications of technology

The utilization of the Internet and Internet marketing for marketing research has received considerable attention. Although there is a growing body of research devoted to this issue little has been done to explore the impact of Internet technology, e‐mail users’ on‐line skills and experience, on their choice of the new survey medium. This study is based on a sample of 122 responses from UK marketing executives using e‐mail and mail questionnaire surveys respectively. The research instrument included measures of respondents’ extent of e‐mail use, their general knowledge of online communications and their time of using the Internet. Some significant impact of these factors has been identified. The empirical evidence supports the hypotheses that the use of e‐mail survey methods is positively connected with high technology awareness and extensive e‐mail use. The findings imply that proper survey planning and administration are important for Internet‐based marketing surveys and suggest the existence of certain user patterns among different Internet user populations.
Endoscopic inter laminar management of lumbar disease

Discectomy for lumbar disc provides faster relief in acute attack than does conservative management. Long-term results of open, microscopy-, and endoscopy-assisted discectomy are same. Early results of endoscopy-assisted surgery are better as compared to that of open surgery in terms of better visualization, smaller incision, reduced hospital stay, better education, lower cost, less pain, early return to work, and rehabilitation. Although microscopic discectomy also has comparable advantages, endoscopic-assisted technique better addresses opposite side pathology. Inter laminar technique (ILT) and trans foraminal technique (TFT) are two main endoscopic approaches for lumbar pathologies. Endoscopy-assisted ILT can be performed in recurrent, migrated, and calcified discs. All lumbar levels including L5-S1 level, intracanalicular, foraminal disc, lumbar canal and lateral recess stenosis, multiple levels, and bilateral lesions can be managed by ILT. Migrated, calcified discs, L5-S1 pathology, lumbar canal, and lateral recess stenosis can be better approached by ILT than by TFT. Most spinal surgeons are familiar with anatomy of ILT. It can be safely performed in foramen stenosis and in uncooperative and anxious patients. There is less risk of exiting nerve root damage, especially in short pedicles and in presence of facet osteophytes as compared to TFT. On the other hand, ILT is more invasive than TFT with more chances of perforations of the dura matter, pseudomeningocele formation, and cerebrospinal fluid fistula in early learning curve. Obtaining microsurgical experience, attending workshops, and suitable patient selection can help shorten the learning curve. Once adequate skill is acquired, this procedure is safe and effective. The surgeon must be prepared to convert to an open procedure, especially in early learning curve. Spinal endoscopy is likely to achieve more roles in future. Endoscopy-assisted ILT is a safer alternative to the microscopic technique.
The Illegitimacy of Successful Product Innovation in Established Firms

This paper reports on a theory building effort to understand the persistent difficulties with successful product innovation in large, established firms. Drawing on an institutional approach, we suggest that the constituent activities of effective product innovation either violate established practice or fall into a vacuum where no shared understandings exist to make them meaningful. Product innovation, therefore, is illegitimate. This means that to enhance their innovative abilities, managers must weave the activities of product innovation into their institutionalized system of thought and action, not merely change structures or add values. We use insights from 134 innovators to identify the different ways that product innovation is illegitimate, and to consider alternate ways to overcome these problems. Exploratory results suggest that successful product innovators experience as many instances of illegitimacy as others, but creatively reframed their activities more often to legitimate their work. We conclude with some new insights for why barriers to innovation exist in large, established firms, and how those barriers can be managed.
Resource Provision for the Implementation of National Teachersâ€™ Institute (NTI), Kaduna, Distance Learning Programme in South-South, Nigeria

Educational resources constitute input into the educational systems that determine largely the implementation of educational programmes and invariable objectives attainment. Using document analysis and checklist, this study examined the extent to which resources are provided for effective implementation of National Teachers’ Institute (NTI), Kaduna, Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) by Distance Learning System (DLS) programme in the South- South geo-political zone, Nigeria. This was considered in terms of quantity and quality of the available human recourses and the availability, adequacy and relevance of material resources for the programme. Findings indicate that though there were enough course tutors for the programme, the quality was not commensurate to the needs of the programme. The print media (modules) used for instructional delivery were available, adequate and relevant to the demands of the programme. The study recommends more qualified course tutors to be provided by the institute for effective teaching and implementation of the NTI, NCE DLS in the South-South Zone, Nigeria.
The market for audit services in Bangladesh

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide a comprehensive analysis of the audit services market in Bangladesh. It explores the trend in audit fees over a period of 14 years and shows that in real terms audit fees have actually been declining although in nominal terms it appears otherwise. The study aims to expand the domain of audit fee literature by determining audit concentration in the market and thereby showing how the market is not dominated by the so‐called Big Four firms. The paper also examines the degree of inside ownership as a possible determinant of audit fees.Design/methodology/approach – The paper employs a multivariate analysis of estimating audit fees against mainly client‐specific attributes. It computes Helfindahl Index to measure audit concentration in the market.Findings – Results from the multivariate analysis show that the degree of inside ownership inversely affects audit fees. Client size and their multinational affiliation have a significant positive effect on audit fees.
Do corporate social responsibility clauses work? A contractor perspective

The 'triple bottom line' of sustainable development, (Dyllick and Hockerts, 2002), amalgamates economic, environmental and social considerations relating to construction. However, literature suggests that the corporate social responsibility (CSR) element has much potential to be improved upon (Eadie et al., 2011). This paper indicates that construction contractors perceive CSR clauses to have only a slightly positive effect to society. Specific clauses may be better suited to achieving the needs of the contract area and the current wording of UK clauses can be interpreted as restricting employment from target areas. There is belief that the contract prequalification process via a questionnaire (PQQ) concentrates it social criteria mainly on health and safety requirements. The perceived extent of internal and external benefits of CSR practices are investigated, with workforce and community issues, respectively, ranking the best. However, the perceived value for money (VFM) from a contractor perspective of such practices is poor and, therefore, is a major obstacle to motivation for improving performance beyond requirements. This paper extends current thinking by providing suggestions as to how to measure the impact of CSR through key performance indicators.
Takeover Likelihood Models for UK Quoted Companies

This paper estimates takeover likelihood models for UK quoted companies. For a sample of 643 UK nonfinancial quoted companies over the period 1989-96, we find that the probability of being a takeover target is increasing in leverage and incidence of takeover speculation and decreasing in pre-bid performance, size and age since listing.
Cabergoline treatment of risperidone-induced hyperprolactinemia: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND D(2) blockers, including the atypical antipsychotic risperidone, induce hyper-prolactinemia in a significant number of patients treated. The endocrine and sexual side effects related to hyperprolactinemia significantly impair tolerability and compliance in patients, including those with a good response to risperidone. This pilot study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of a low dose of cabergoline, a D(2) agonist, in the treatment of risperidone-induced hyperprolactinemia. METHOD Nineteen male and female DSM-IV-defined schizophrenic patients who were clinical responders to risperidone but were suffering from symptomatic hyperprolactinemia were treated with cabergoline, 0.125 to 0.250 mg/week for 8 weeks. Plasma prolactin level was assessed at baseline and at the end of the study. Data were collected from January 2002 to April 2003. RESULTS After cabergoline treatment, the mean decrease in plasma prolactin levels was statistically significant (p <.05) for the total sample, and 11 patients showed remission of clinical signs with prolactin values within the normal range. No side effect was observed or reported, and the patients' psychopathology was unchanged. CONCLUSIONS Results suggest that low-dose cabergoline treatment of risperidone-induced hyperprolactinemia may be safe and clinically effective in a relevant number of patients.
Plant TOR signaling components

Cell growth is a process that needs to be tightly regulated. Cells must be able to sense environmental factors like nutrient abundance, the energy level or stress signals and coordinate growth accordingly. The Target Of Rapamycin (TOR) pathway is a major controller of growth-related processes in all eukaryotes. If environmental conditions are favorable, the TOR pathway promotes cell and organ growth and restrains catabolic processes like autophagy. Rapamycin is a specific inhibitor of the TOR kinase and acts as a potent inhibitor of TOR signaling. As a consequence, interfering with TOR signaling has a strong impact on plant development. This review summarizes the progress in the understanding of the biological significance and the functional analysis of the TOR pathway in plants.
Transient expression of LIM‐domain transcription factors is coincident with delayed maturation of photoreceptors in the chicken retina

In the retina of warm‐blooded vertebrates, photoreceptors are specified many days before the onset of synaptogenesis and the expression of photopigments. The factors that regulate the maturation of photoreceptors in the developing retina remain unknown. We report here that photoreceptors transiently express LIM‐domain transcription factors during the development of the chicken retina. We examined the differentiation of photoreceptors through the normal course of embryonic development and at the far periphery of the postnatal retina, where the differentiation of photoreceptors is slowed and persists across a spatial gradient. In the embryonic retina, we find visinin‐positive photoreceptors that transiently express Islet2 and Lim3 starting at E8 and ending around E15, but persisting in far peripheral regions of the retina through the first 2 weeks of postnatal development. During early stages of photoreceptor maturation, there is coincident and transient expression of the LIM‐domain factors with axonin1, a cell surface glycoprotein that is a member of the immunoglobulin superfamily. Coincident with the downregulation of Islet2 and Lim3, we find the upregulation of calbindin, red/green opsin, rhodopsin, and a synaptic marker in the outer plexiform layer (OPL; dystrophin). In the periphery of the postnatal retina, photoreceptors that express Islet2, Lim3, and axonin1 do not overlap with photoreceptors that express calbindin, red/green opsin, rhodopsin, and dystrophin. We propose that Islet2 and Lim3 may promote the expression of genes that are involved in the early stages of differentiation but may suppress the expression of genes that are required in the mature photoreceptors. J. Comp. Neurol. 506:584–603, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The impact of media fragmentation on audience targeting: An empirical generalisation approach

With increasing fragmentation, advertisers are choosing media based upon their ability to deliver specific target markets to maximise return on media expenditure. In doing so, they rely upon the claims of media providers (whether in part or in full) about how their audiences differ from those of competing offerings. In this paper we consider just how successful media have been at attracting specialist audiences. We seek empirical generalisation by including a very broad range of audience member characteristics, multiple media types, two countries and three years of data in our analysis. We find that while there are some differences in the audiences that competing media deliver, these differences are largely inconsequential when (a) considered in light of the audience differentiation claims made by the media themselves and (b) that implicit in the audience targeting concept is the notion that media audiences are highly segmented. This research will challenge advertisers' entrenched assumptions about audience targeting and provide useful benchmarks for advertisers who place any credence on media selling propositions.