Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Large Steps toward Small Donations: Reputational Benefits of Nominal Corporate Generosity

Cause marketing campaigns often highlight two attributes: the percent-of-proceeds from each purchase to be donated, and the maximum amount the company will donate. For example, a recent campaign by Chipotle pledged to donate 50% of its proceeds, up to $35,000, to a zoo. How do consumers process this information when forming perceptions of the brand’s generosity? We find that the percent-of-proceeds attribute is more influential because it is easier to evaluate. As a result, brands can appear highly generous without actually being highly generous (by pledging a high percent-of-proceeds and a low maximum donation). The perceived generosity induced by cause marketing campaigns that donate a high percent-of-proceeds can lead to greater desire for the brand’s products. Comparative context (provided by exposing people to multiple cause marketing campaigns) helps people evaluate the maximum donation attribute and reduces the undue influence of the percent-of-proceeds attribute.
Real-Time TaqMan PCR for Quantifying Oral Bacteria during Biofilm Formation

ABSTRACT A TaqMan PCR was developed for quantifying early colonizer microorganisms in dental biofilms. To design species-specific primers and TaqMan probes, genomic subtractive hybridization was used. This quantitative assay in combination with subtractive hybridization may be of value in the study of microbial ecosystems consisting of related species that are involved in the formation and etiology of biofilms.
Small Molecule Therapeutics Dual Targeting of Hypoxia and Homologous Recombination Repair Dysfunction in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive malignancy with poor clinical outcome and few validated drug targets. Two prevalent features of TNBC, tumor hypoxia and derangement of homologous recombination (HR) repair, are potentially exploitable for therapy. This study investigated whether hypoxia-activated prodrugs (HAP) of DNA-damaging cytotoxins may inhibit growth of TNBC by simultaneously addressing these two targets. We measured in vitro activity of HAP of DNA breakers (tirapazamine, SN30000) and alkylators (TH-302, PR-104, SN30548) in TNBC cell lines and isogenic models, and related this to measures of HR repair and expression of prodrug-activating enzymes. Antitumor activity of HAP was examined in isogenic BRCA2-knockout xenograft models and compared with platinum chemotherapy. All five HAP selectively inhibited growth of TNBC cell lines under hypoxia. Sensitivity to HAP was not strongly associated with BRCA1 genotype. However, HAP sensitivity was enhanced by suppression of HR (assessed by radiation-induced RAD51 focus formation) when BRCA1 and PALB2were knocked down in a common (MDA-MB-231) background. Furthermore, knockout of BRCA2 markedly sensitized DLD-1 cells to the clinical nitrogen mustard prodrugs TH-302 and PR-104 and significantly augmented sterilization of clonogens by these agents in xenografts, both as monotherapy and in combination with radiotherapy, but had less effect on activity of the benzotriazine di-N-oxide SN30000. PR-104 monotherapy was more effective than cisplatin at inhibiting growth of BRCA2-knockout tumors at equitoxic doses. This study demonstrates the potential for HAP of nitrogen mustards to simultaneously exploit hypoxia and HR defects in tumors, with translational implications for TNBC and other HR-deficient malignancies. Mol Cancer Ther; 13(11); 1–14. 2014 AACR.
Semiconductor Technology Trends for Phased Array Antenna Power Amplifiers

Phased array antennas, in both communications and radar systems, are increasingly being favoured over conventional mechanically-scanned systems. In their active form, particularly in military scenarios, the acronym AESA (active electronically-scanned arrays) is frequently encountered. By definition these types of antennas specifically demand a source (or sources) of microwave power. Today and forseeably into the future RF semiconductor power amplifiers (mainly MMICs) are implemented to supply the required power to each individual element in the active array. In this paper some examples of active phased arrays are reviewed-both existing and those under development. The paper presents and critiques the current state-of-the-art with suitable GaAs MMIC power amplifiers (power versus frequency, efficiency, suppliers, etc.). GaN and SiC MESFET devices and MMICs are also considered-again with references to power versus frequency, efficiency, suppliers, etc
Mental representation of morality: The endorsement pattern of moral foundations among Iranians

Rooted in the intuitionist approach to moral judgment, Moral Foundations Theory provides a reasonable coverage of moral concerns. It assumes a pluralistic first draft to the moral mind which develops under the influence of the environment and leads to cross-cultural differences in judgment of right and wrong. This study examines the mental representations of Iranians regarding morality using MFT as the framework. Participants were 172 Iranian adults. Their views on ideal society, and immoral and moral behaviors were obtained using open-ended questions which provided three different contexts to evoke morality-related conceptions. Responses were divided up into chunks and each chunk was categorized as belonging to moral foundations. A repeated measures analysis of variance was carried out with frequency of reference to foundations as the dependent variable being predicted by two within-subjects factors of question and moral foundation. Fairness, care, and sanctity were found to be the most salient moral foundations, whereas liberty and loyalty ranked last. Moreover, the interaction of question and foundation was significant. The pattern of Iranians' endorsement of foundations seems to be a blend of Western and Eastern moral profiles. The results also suggest that the pattern of reference to foundations was sensitive to semantic context. Notably, liberty, which is the recent addition to the list of moral foundations, was more easily evoked in the context of views on ideal society than within the context of questions on moral and immoral behaviors.
(Sub)-Picosecond Spectral Evolution of Fluorescence in Photoactive Proteins Studied with a Synchroscan Streak Camera System

Abstract The spectral evolution of three photoactive proteins has been investigated by measuring the fluorescence with good temporal and wavelength resolution and a high signal-to-noise ratio. Upon excitation at 400 nm wild-type (wt) PYP both at neutral pH and in the low-pH blueshifted pBdark state exhibited a strong quenching of the fluorescence, the major part of which could be described by lifetimes of about 1.7 and 7.7 ps. The remaining fluorescence decay occurred multiexponentially with lifetimes between 30 and 125 ps. Additionally, in wtPYP at neutral pH, a dynamic Stokes shift was found to occur with a time constant of about 0.25 ps. In a PYP preparation that was reconstituted with the chromophore 7-hydroxy-coumarin-3- carboxylic acid rather than the native coumaric acid, and which is therefore not capable of performing the cis-trans-isomerization that initiates the photocycle in wtPYP, the fluorescence was found to decay multiexponentially with lifetimes of 51 ps, 0.33 and 3.77 ns. Additionally, dynamic Stokes shifts were observed with time constants of about 0.1 and 3.5 ps. Upon comparison of the dynamics of this preparation with that of wtPYP the multiexponential decay with lifetimes of 1.7 and 7.7 ps found in wtPYP was attributed to photochemistry of the p-coumaric-acid chromophore. The emission from bacteriorhodopsin mutant D85S upon excitation at 635 nm decays biexponentially with estimated lifetimes of 5.2 and 19.1 ps. No dynamic Stokes shift was observed here. Four lifetimes were needed to describe the decay of the emission from the A* state in the green fluorescent protein. From a target analysis it was concluded that the longer lifetimes are accompanied by a decreasing probability of forming I*, which approaches zero with the longest A* lifetime of 1.5 ns. These observations may be explained by heterogeneity of A and by relaxation of A*. In all three systems studied, multiexponential decay of emission was present, suggesting that heterogeneity is a common feature of these chromophore protein complexes.
Design and development of a MLS based compact active suspension system, featuring air spring and energy harvesting capabilities

This paper describes the design and development of an novel Magnetic Lead Screw based active suspension system for passenger vehicles, using a new MLS topology. The design is based on performance specifications found from ISO road profiles, with a maximum harvested energy approach. By integrating the PMSM motor with the MLS, it possible to construct a very compact design with an integrated air spring. The prototype is build and frictional losses and efficiency for the MLS damper unit are measured. Additional the stall force and stall torque are measured for the build prototype to validate the developed 3D FEM model. It was concluded that the MLS damper unit was capable of delivering a mean efficiency of 80% for a full up and down stroke (+/− 48 mm).
Association of the VDR Translation Start Site Polymorphism and Fracture Risk in Older Women

We evaluated the association between the VDR translation start site polymorphism and osteoporotic phenotypes among 6698 older white women. Women with the C/C genotype had lower wrist BMD and an increased risk of wrist and all non‐spine/low‐trauma fractures. The high frequency of this variant confers a population attributable risk that is similar to several established risk factors for fracture.
The association between sexual function, pain, and psychological adaptation of men diagnosed with chronic pelvic pain syndrome type III.

INTRODUCTION Prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS) is known to have a negative impact on quality of life, especially on intimate relationships and sexual function. Information is, however, missing on the contribution of demographic and psychological variables to sexual variables. AIM. We compared the sexual function of men with CPPS to men without pain, and examined the relationship between the sexual, demographic, and psychological measures in men with CPPS. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Self-report questionnaires assessing demographic, pain, sexual function, and psychological adaptation. METHODS The sample consisted of 72 men diagnosed with CPPS and 98 men without any pain condition. Self-report questionnaires measuring demographic, pain, and sexual function were completed once at the eligibility visit by all subjects. CPPS subjects completed additional questionnaires related to pain and psychological adaptation. RESULTS CPPS subjects differed from controls by reporting significantly less frequent sexual desire or thoughts, less frequent sexual activities, less arousal/erectile function, less orgasm function, and higher frequencies of genital pain during/after intercourse. When we adjusted for age and marital status, the difference between groups remained for thoughts/desire, frequency of sexual activity, and arousal/erectile function. Analysis of factors related to sexual function in CPPS subjects included pain status and psychological adaptation. Results showed that frequency of sexual activity decreased with increasing depression, whereas arousal/erectile function decreased with increasing pain symptoms and stress appraisal. Orgasm function decreased with increasing depression and pleasure/satisfaction decreased with increasing pain symptoms, stress appraisal, and decreasing belief of a relationship between emotions and pain. CONCLUSIONS We found a differential sexual profile for men with CPPS when compared to men without pain. The results suggest that interventions addressing psychological factors affecting sexual responses should be further studied in prospective clinical trials as one possible way to improve sexual function and satisfaction in men with CPPS.
Echo Characterization Based on Maximum-Likelihood Estimation for Antenna-Measurement Correction [Measurements Corner]

Antenna measurement systems could be affected by multipath effects resulting in reflected beams that might modify the measured values. In this paper, the use of the Maximum Likelihood estimator provides the basis of several post-processing methods able to estimate the echo parameters in imperfect antenna measurements. Once the reflections are characterized, these parameters are used to correct the measured values and to retrieve the actual radiation pattern corresponding to the antenna under test. Some different techniques are proposed in order to perform such cancellation. Experimental validation is also presented to show the accuracy of the described methods.
The Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) Mission

The Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) mission is one of the first Earth observation satellites being developed by NASA in response to the National Research Council's Decadal Survey. SMAP will make global measurements of the soil moisture present at the Earth's land surface and will distinguish frozen from thawed land surfaces. Direct observations of soil moisture and freeze/thaw state from space will allow significantly improved estimates of water, energy, and carbon transfers between the land and the atmosphere. The accuracy of numerical models of the atmosphere used in weather prediction and climate projections are critically dependent on the correct characterization of these transfers. Soil moisture measurements are also directly applicable to flood assessment and drought monitoring. SMAP observations can help monitor these natural hazards, resulting in potentially great economic and social benefits. SMAP observations of soil moisture and freeze/thaw timing will also reduce a major uncertainty in quantifying the global carbon balance by helping to resolve an apparent missing carbon sink on land over the boreal latitudes. The SMAP mission concept will utilize L-band radar and radiometer instruments sharing a rotating 6-m mesh reflector antenna to provide high-resolution and high-accuracy global maps of soil moisture and freeze/thaw state every two to three days. In addition, the SMAP project will use these observations with advanced modeling and data assimilation to provide deeper root-zone soil moisture and net ecosystem exchange of carbon. SMAP is scheduled for launch in the 2014-2015 time frame.
Universal patterns and constructal law in open flow networks

Open flow network is a weighted directed graph with source and sink to depict flux distributions in the steady state of an open flow system. Energetic food webs, global trade networks, input-output networks and clickstreams, are open flow network models of energy flows, goods flows, money flows, and collective attention flows respectively. Based on the Markov chain techniques, a set of quantities, such as influx, total through-flow, dissipation flow, first-passage flow distances, and first-passage flows can be defined to characterize flows and interactions between nodes. Under this framework, some universal patterns have been found in open flow networks, such as allometric scaling law, generalized Kleiber law, dissipation law, and gravity law, etc. We suppose constructal law cannot only be applied to flow systems with explicit spatial structures like rivers, vascular networks, animal movements, but also can be applied to open flow networks without explicit spatial structures such as energetic food webs, input-output networks, and clickstreams of attention flows. We try to formulate constructal law in the open flow network framework and test it by the real data.
An empirical assessment of Lean Six Sigma Awareness in manufacturing industries: construct development and validation

Lean Six Sigma (LSS) is one of the managerial practices for organisations to achieve operational excellence. But, prior research suggests that many companies have failed in the LSS Implementation (IMP) due to lack of Lean Six Sigma Awareness (LSSA). In this study, we assess LSSA in the manufacturing industries in India. Through extant literature review, we have identified and developed four new constructs for LSSA comprising the Impact of LSS (IM), Acceptance towards LSS (ACC), top management commitment (TMC) and IMP using the three-stage technique proposed by Churchill [(1979). A paradigm for developing better measures of marketing constructs. Journal of Marketing Research, 16(1), 64–73]. Using these constructs, an online survey was conducted in manufacturing industries yielding a response rate of 65.4%. The survey results evaluated reliability, convergent validity and discriminant validity of the constructs and were found to be satisfactory. To test the model fit and hypotheses between the LSSA constructs, we used structural equation modelling (SEM). The SEM result shows that there is strong evidence to support the hypothesised model where IM has positive influences on TMC. Whereas ACC has a positive influence on both TMC and IMP, and TMC has positive influences on IMP. Based on the SEM results, it is clear that LSSA is essential for successful IMP across different manufacturing industries in India.
Characterization of proteins associating with 5’ terminus of PGHS-1 mRNA

Induction of Prostaglandin Endoperoxide H Synthase-1 (PGHS-1) gene has been previously documented in a few studies during events such as development and cellular differentiation. However, molecular mechanisms governing the regulation of PGHS-1 gene expression and contributing to changes in protein levels are poorly understood. Using the MEG-01 cell model of PGHS-1 gene induction, our laboratory has previously demonstrated that the 5’UTR and the first two exons of PGHS-1 mRNA had a significant impact on decreasing the translational efficiency of a reporter gene and suggested that the presence of a secondary structure is required for conservation of this activity. This 5’end of PGHS-1 mRNA sequence has also been shown to associate with nucleolin protein. In the current study, we set to investigate the protein composition of the mRNP (messenger ribonucleoprotein) associating with the 5’end of PGHS-1 mRNA and to identify its protein members. RNA/protein binding assays coupled with LC-MS analysis identified serpin B1 and NF45 (nuclear factor 45) proteins as potential members of PGHS-1 mRNP complex. Immunoprecipitation experiments using MEG-01 protein extracts validated mass spectrometry data and confirmed binding of nucleolin, serpin B1, NF45 and NF90. The RNA fraction was extracted from immunoprecipitated mRNP complexes and association of RNA binding proteins, serpin B1, NF45 and NF90, to PGHS-1 mRNA target sequence was confirmed by RT-PCR. Together these data suggest that serpin B1, NF45 and NF90 associate with PGHS-1 mRNA and can potentially participate in the formation a single or a number of PGHS-1 ribonucleoprotein complexes, through nucleolin that possibly serves as a docking base for other protein complex members.
Multi-user glasses free 3D display using an optical array

This paper describes the design and building of a novel stereoscopic display that does not require the wearing of special eye-wear (autostereoscopic) and employs head position tracking in order to enable a large degree of freedom of viewer movement and the display of the minimum amount of information. A stereo image pair is produced on a single liquid crystal display (LCD) by simultaneously displaying left and right images on alternate rows of pixels. Novel steering optics controlled by the output of a head position tracker is used to direct regions, referred to as exit pupils, to the appropriate viewers' eyes.
On the interface between strategy and management accounting : four essays

This paper proposes a contextual approach to explaining differences in strategic investment decision (SID) making practices. First, a systematic contextual framework is developed from the existing research literature. Then this framework’s potential for explaining differences in SID making practices is explored through 14 case studies of U.K., US and Japanese companies from both stable and dynamic business sectors. Our findings suggest substantial SID differences across our four contextual categories of market creators, value creators, refocusers and restructurers. The differences relate to the emphasis on strategic versus financial considerations, the thoroughness and rigidity of financial analysis, the attitudes towards incorporating less easily quantifiable factors and the level of hurdle rates.
Developmental Culture and Effectiveness in Nonprofit Organizations

ABSTRACT Nonprofit organizations have historically been seen as a vanguard in U.S. civil society, supplying places and spaces for innovation and change to flourish. According to the Competing Values Culture Framework (CVCF), a developmental organizational culture, characterized by innovation and risk-taking, may help organizations respond to changes in their operating environments and be more effective at boundary-spanning activities, such as fostering external support, acquiring resources, and spurring growth. Despite its importance, the culture–effectiveness relationship has not been studied sufficiently in nonprofit organizations. The exploratory study described in this article examines the links between developmental culture and nonprofit organizational effectiveness. Results suggest that nonprofit executive directors see organizational culture as more than a phenomenon to be experienced. Specifically, findings indicate that executive directors perceive there to be a positive and significant relationship between developmental culture and how effective their organization is at performing boundary-spanning activities. The practical and theoretical implications of this finding are discussed.
Software feature extraction using infrequent feature extraction

Evolution and maintenance processes are important but time consuming and expensive. It is very important to make the processes effective and efficient. A software developer can use resource like user opinion data to get information, such as user request, bug report, and user experience. It represents user needs and can be used to help allocate the necessary effort of software evolution and maintenance. The amount of user opinion data is very large and is difficult manually process them. A Recent study has tried to implement collocation finding method to extract software features from user opinion data. However, it is not able to extract non-frequently mentioned features. In this paper, we proposed an improvement for software feature extraction from user opinion data. Linguistic rules were used to complement collocation finding method. Feature pruning was also added to eliminate irrelevant features. The result shows that the proposed method is able to extract more features than collocation finding method.