Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Jumping Ship: The Diffusion of Strategy Abandonment

This paper is part of my doctoral dissertation at Stanford University. I am grateful for the advice of James G. March, William P. Barnett, and Joel Podolny, the comments of Michael T. Hannan, Pamela Haunschild, Christine Oliver, David Strang, Nancy Brandon Tuma, and anonymous reviewers for ASQ, and the editorial assistance of Linda Pike. Financial support from the Stanford Center of Organizations Research, the Norwegian School of Economics and Business Administration, the Richard D. Irwin Foundation, and the Spencer Foundation is gratefully acknowledged. This paper focuses on organizations' abandonment of strategy, which may be driven jointly by contagion qnd competition from other organizations. This paper treats both explanations but emphasizes contagion. I argue that strategy abandonment is contagious because the future performance of current and alternative strategies is highly uncertain, causing decision makers to examine the actions of other organizations in the industry for clues to the correct action. Contagion from organizations easily observed by the focal organization is stronger than contagion from other organizations, causing corporate links across markets to become important routes for the contagion of strategy abandonment. This theory is tested on a sample of radio stations abandoning a strategy and is supported by evidence that contagion of abandonment occurs through the influence of an organization's social reference groups. '
Prevalence and Psychological Impact of Chinese Elder Abuse

This study examined the prevalence of elder abuse of Chinese in Hong Kong and also assessed its impact on their psychological functioning. A total of 355 (120 males, 235 females) elderly Chinese residing in Hong Kong responded to a questionnaire administered individually. Results indicated prevalence rates of 2% for physical abuse and 20.8% for verbal abuse. These rates were higher than those reported by a telephone survey of similar respondents. Rates did not differ significantly for men and women. Data from the General Health Questionnaire showed that abused elders, as compared with nonabused elders, scored significantly higher on overall psychological distress. Abused participants were also significantly more dependent on their caregivers than nonabused participants. This difference did not, however, predict the level of psychological distress after accounting for physical abuse and verbal abuse.
Service climate and employee well being in higher education

Abstract A growing emphasis on the discourse of ‘student as customer’ has increased the salience of the concept of service climate in universities and anecdotal evidence suggests that this may have placed increased pressure on staff. This study investigated the relationship between service climate and psychological well being in a sample of 340 university staff. Questionnaire data was analysed using structural equation modelling showed that a positive service climate was negatively related to job-induced tension and positively related to job satisfaction. Job-induced tension also mediated the effects of service climate on psychological dysfunction and job satisfaction. Implications for management of university stakeholder relationships and directions for future research are discussed.
Enabling Intelligent Content Discovery on the Mobile Internet

The mobile Internet is a massive opportunity for mobile operators and content providers, but despite significant improvements in handsets, infrastructure, content, and charging models, mobile users are still struggling to access and locate relevant content and services. The core of this so-called content discovery problem is the navigation effort that users must invest in browsing and searching for mobile content. In this paper we describe one successfully deployed solution, which uses personalization technology to profile subscriber interests in order to automatically adapt mobile portals to their learned preferences. We present summary results, from our deployment experiences with more than 40 mobile operators and millions of subscribers around the world, which demonstrate how this solution can have a significant impact on portal usability, subscriber usage, and mobile operator revenues.
Cellular and immunological basis of the host-parasite relationship during infection with Neospora caninum

Neospora caninum is an apicomplexan parasite that is closely related to Toxoplasma gondii, the causative agent of toxoplasmosis in humans and domestic animals. However, in contrast to T. gondii, N. caninum represents a major cause of abortion in cattle, pointing towards distinct differences in the biology of these two species. There are 3 distinct key features that represent potential targets for prevention of infection or intervention against disease caused by N. caninum. Firstly, tachyzoites are capable of infecting a large variety of host cells in vitro and in vivo. Secondly, the parasite exploits its ability to respond to alterations in living conditions by converting into another stage (tachyzoite-to-bradyzoite or vice versa). Thirdly, by analogy with T. gondii, this parasite has evolved mechanisms that modulate its host cells according to its own requirements, and these must, especially in the case of the bradyzoite stage, involve mechanisms that ensure long-term survival of not only the parasite but also of the host cell. In order to elucidate the molecular and cellular bases of these important features of N. caninum, cell culture-based approaches and laboratory animal models are being exploited. In this review, we will summarize the current achievements related to host cell and parasite cell biology, and will discuss potential applications for prevention of infection and/or disease by reviewing corresponding work performed in murine laboratory infection models and in cattle.
Distribution of relevant documents in domain-level aggregates for topic distillation

In this paper, we study the distribution of relevant documents in aggregates, formed by grouping the retrieved documents according to their domain. For each aggregate, we take into account its size, and a measure of the correlation between its incoming and outgoing hyperlinks. We report on a preliminary experiment with two TREC topic distillation tasks, where we find that larger aggregates, or those aggregates with correlated hyperlinks, are more likely to contain relevant documents. This result shows that the distribution of domain-level aggregates is potentially useful for finding relevant documents.
Beta-amyloid oligomers: recent developments

Abstract Recent studies point to a critical role of soluble β-amyloid oligomers in the pathogenesis of one of the most common neurodegenerative diseases, Alzheimer's disease (AD). Beta-amyloid peptides are cleavage products of a ubiquitously expressed protein, the amyloid precursor protein. Early studies suggested that accumulation of extracellular β-amyloid aggregates are the most toxic species causing synaptic dysfunction and neuronal loss in particular regions of the brain (neurobiological features underlying cognitive decline of the AD patients). In recent years, a shift of pardigm occurred, and now there is accumulating evidence that soluble oligomeric forms of the peptide are the most toxic to neuronal cells. In this review, we discuss recent findings on the toxic effects of amyloid-β oligomers, their physico-chemical properties and the possible pathways of their formation in vitro and in vivo.
A Robust Active Queue Management Algorithm for Wireless Network

Active Queue Management (AQM) has been extensively studied in the context of wired Internet. In this paper, we propose an AQM algorithm for a bottleneck node with wireless link. Specifically, we propose a robust controller design method that maintains the queue length close to an operating point. We treat capacity variation as an external disturbance and design the controller using H∞ control techniques. This results in the controller being robust to changes in the design parameters of the system, while it meets the performance objectives. We also consider the effect of round trip time in our model. Our method of incorporating the delay into the discretized model simplifies controller design.
A Classification Method to Distinguish Cell-Specific Responses Elicited by Current Pulses in Hippocampal CA1 Pyramidal Cells

The suprathreshold electrophysiological responses of pyramidal cells have been grouped into large classes such as bursting and spiking. However, it is not known whether, within a class, response variability ranges uniformly across all cells or whether each cell has a unique and consistent profile that can be differentiated. A major difficulty when comparing suprathreshold responses is that slight variations in spike timing in otherwise very similar traces render traditional metrics ineffective. To address these issues, we developed a novel distance measure based on fiducial points to quantify the similarity among traces with trains of action potentials and applied it together with classification techniques to a set of in vitro patch clamp recordings from CA1 pyramidal cells. We tested if responses to repeated current stimulation of a given cell would cluster together yet remain distinct from those of other cells. We found that depolarizing and hyperpolarizing current pulses elicited responses in each cell that clustered and were systematically distinguishable from responses in other cells. The fiducial-point distance measure was more effective than other methods based on spike times and voltage-gradient phase planes. Depolarizing traces were more reliably differentiated than hyperpolarizing traces, and combining both scores was even more effective. These results suggest that each CA1 pyramidal cell has unique properties that can be detected and quantified with methods discussed here. This uniqueness may be due to slight variations in morphology or membrane channel densities and kinetics, or to large, coordinated variations in these elements. Ascertaining the actual sources and their degree of variability is important when constructing network models of neural function to ensure that key mechanisms are robust in the face of variations within these ranges. The analytical tools presented here can assist in constructing detailed cell models to match experimental records to elucidate the sources of electrophysiological variability in neurons.
Do Raters Agree More on Observable Items?

When providing performance ratings, it is commonly assumed that raters agree more on rating items that are behaviorally based and observable than on items that are vague and less behaviorally based. This study empirically investigated the relationships between agreement among raters, raters' perceptions regarding their difficulty in providing ratings, and expert assessments of the behavioral observability of each item. The results, based on 611 raters in two studies conducted in different locations, suggest that contrary to common expectations, rater agreement can increase as raters' reported rating difficulty increases and as behavioral observability decreases. Explanations and implications are discussed.
Performance evaluation of fuzzy classifier systems for multidimensional pattern classification problems

We examine the performance of a fuzzy genetics-based machine learning method for multidimensional pattern classification problems with continuous attributes. In our method, each fuzzy if-then rule is handled as an individual, and a fitness value is assigned to each rule. Thus, our method can be viewed as a classifier system. In this paper, we first describe fuzzy if-then rules and fuzzy reasoning for pattern classification problems. Then we explain a genetics-based machine learning method that automatically generates fuzzy if-then rules for pattern classification problems from numerical data. Because our method uses linguistic values with fixed membership functions as antecedent fuzzy sets, a linguistic interpretation of each fuzzy if-then rule is easily obtained. The fixed membership functions also lead to a simple implementation of our method as a computer program. The simplicity of implementation and the linguistic interpretation of the generated fuzzy if-then rules are the main characteristic features of our method. The performance of our method is evaluated by computer simulations on some well-known test problems. While our method involves no tuning mechanism of membership functions, it works very well in comparison with other classification methods such as nonfuzzy machine learning techniques and neural networks.
The error‐minimization‐based rezone strategy for arbitrary Lagrangian‐Eulerian methods

The objective of the Arbitrary Lagrangian‐Eulerian (ALE) methodology for solving multidimensional fluid flow problems is to move the computational mesh, using the flow as a guide, to improve the robustness, accuracy and efficiency of a simulation. The main elements in the ALE simulation are an explicit Lagrangian phase, a rezone phase in which a new mesh is defined, and a remapping (conservative interpolation) phase, in which the Lagrangian solution is transferred to the new mesh. In most ALE codes, the main goal of the rezone phase is to maintain high quality of the rezoned mesh. In this article, we describe a new rezone strategy which minimizes the L2 norm of the solution error and maintains smoothness of the mesh. The efficiency of the new method is demonstrated with numerical experiments. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq, 2005
Macrophage activation through CCR5‐ and CXCR4‐mediated gp120‐elicited signaling pathways

Macrophages are major targets for infection by human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV‐1). In addition to their role as productive viral reservoirs, inappropriate activation of infected and uninfected macrophages appears to contribute to pathogenesis. HIV‐1 infection requires initial interactions between the viral envelope surface glycoprotein gp120, the cell‐surface protein CD4, and a chemokine receptor CCR5 or CXCR4. Besides their role in HIV‐1 entry, CCR5 and CXCR4 are G protein‐coupled receptors that can activate multiple intracellular signaling pathways. HIV‐1 gp120 has been shown to activate signaling pathways through the chemokine receptors in several cell types including lymphocytes, neurons, and astrocytes. In some cell types, these consequences may cause cellular injury. In this review, we highlight our data demonstrating diverse signaling events that occur in primary human macrophages in response to gp120/chemokine receptor interactions. These responses include K+, Cl–, and nonselective cation currents, intracellular Ca2+ increases, and activation of several kinases including the focal adhesion‐related tyrosine kinase Pyk2, mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPK), and phosphoinositol‐3 kinase. Activation of the MAPK leads to gp120‐induced expression of chemokines such as monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 and macrophage‐inflammatory protein‐1β and the proinflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor α. These responses establish a complex cytokine network, which may enhance or suppress HIV‐1 replication. In addition, dysregulation of macrophage function by gp120/chemokine receptor signaling may contribute to local inflammation and injury and further recruit additional inflammatory and/or target cells. Targeting these cellular signaling pathways may have benefit in controlling inflammatory sequelae of HIV infection such as in neurological disease.
Evaluation of CD44 and CD133 as cancer stem cell markers for colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major cause of cancer-related mortality in the world. Recently, a number of studies have demonstrated that cancer stem cells (CSCs) present in colorectal cancer tissues, are responsible for resistance to conventional therapies. Therefore, effective recognition of CSCs is of great importance. In the present study, to explore the potential characterizations of CSCs by the expression of specific cell surface markers such as CD133 and CD44, we screened six CRC cell lines using western blotting, immunofluorescence and flow cytometry. SW620, one of the six cell lines analyzed, was sorted into four subpopulations by fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS). The capability of colony formation, proliferation rate, apoptosis, drug resistance, as well as their migratory and invasion potential were detected. The results revealed that the combination of CD44 and CD133 correlates with the features of CSCs in SW620 cells. CD44 positive cells showed more robust colony formation, higher proliferation, less spontaneous apoptosis, a higher resistance to drug-induced cell death, and were enriched after drug treatment. Among CD44 positive SW620 cells, the CD133 negative subpopulation was more migratory and invasive, which means that CD44+CD133− correlates with most of features proposed for CSCs. Overall, the data presented herein showed that CRCs have a wide range of expression for CD44 and CD133; it is unlikely the CSCs can be characterized by any single marker or the same set of markers for all colon cancer cells. For SW620 cells, the CSCs are likely represented by the CD44+CD133− surface marker. This finding of CSC markers represented by one positive and one negative is in line with CSCs in other tumors, such as CD34+CD38− for acute myeloid leukemia; CD44+CD24− for breast and pancreatic tumors. The absence of surface molecule(s) on CSCs will make it even more difficult to track and target this group of minority cells.
‘It’s a girl thing!’ Do boys engage in relational aggression? Exploration of whether strategies to educate young people about relational aggression are relevant for boys

Relational aggression is often perceived as a female issue. Less is known about relational aggression in adolescent boys. This study examines whether the issues associated with relational aggression in girls are similar for boys to determine whether an intervention designed for girls would be relevant for boys. Focus group discussions illustrate that boys engage in relational aggression and that it appears to be lined to maintaining power and status amongst their friendship groups. After the intervention the boys reported having a greater understanding of relational aggression, in particular the effects of exclusion. They reported that conflict resolution and managing anger were difficult for them to do. They admitted that some of the techniques might be useful, but were less sure about whether they would use them. They expressed a desire to explore anger management in more detail. It seemed the lessons were more suitable for the older boys as they had the developmental and intellectual capacity to engage with the topic. Implications and limitations of this study are discussed.
“Unknown Genome” Proteomics

We present here a new approach that enabled the identification of a new protein from a bacterial strain with unknown genomic background using a combination of inverted PCR with degenerate primers derived from N-terminal protein sequences and high resolution peptide mass determination of proteolytic digests from two-dimensional electrophoretic separation. Proteins of the sulfate-reducing bacterium Desulfotignum phosphitoxidans specifically induced in the presence of phosphite were separated by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis as a series of apparent soluble and membrane-bound isoforms with molecular masses of ∼35 kDa. Inverted PCR based on N-terminal sequences and high resolution peptide mass fingerprinting by Fourier transform-ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry provided the identification of a new NAD(P) epimerase/dehydratase by specific assignment of peptide masses to a single ORF, excluding other possible ORF candidates. The protein identification was ascertained by chromatographic separation and sequencing of internal proteolytic peptides. Metal ion affinity isolation of tryptic peptides and high resolution mass spectrometry provided the identification of five phosphorylations identified in the domains 23–47 and 91–118 of the protein. In agreement with the phosphorylations identified, direct molecular weight determination of the soluble protein eluted from the two-dimensional gels by mass spectrometry provided a molecular mass of 35,400 Da, which is consistent with an average degree of three phosphorylations.
Exploring Pre-service ESL Teachers' Interpretation of Second Language Motivation

Although many second language (L2) teachers identify motivating their students as an important challenge, few education programs focus on raising pre-service teachers’ awareness of the role that motivation plays in L2 learning. There is little consideration of the beliefs and assumptions that most teachers hold about why learners demonstrate varying degrees of involvement in classroom activities and what factors could account for this variation. This exploratory study investigated how six pre-service teachers in an initial pedagogy course in a Canadian university perceived L2 motivation and how they interpreted L2 learners' participation/non-participation. The participants wrote five journal entries over the ten weeks of a practicum during which they facilitated ESL lessons for adult learners. The first journal entry acted as a narrative since it required the participants to reflect on their previous L2 learning experiences. The other writing prompts were designed to elicit their interpretation of L2 motivation. Additional data were collected through interviews and stimulated recall sessions during which the participants watched video-recordings of their ESL lessons and reflected on their students’ participation/non-participation, as well as on classroom events and task types that might affect the learners' willingness to participate. Lastly, during a group meeting, the participants discussed topics and stimulus materials relevant to the notion of motivation. The findings that emerged from the data suggest that the multi-faceted and complex construct of L2 motivation was mainly ambiguous and under-recognized by the participants. This calls for raising critical awareness of such sensitive notions through teacher education programs.
Energy Dissipation of Compression Members in Concentrically Braced Frames: Review of Experimental Data

Design and detailing requirements of seismic provisions for concentrically braced frames ~CBF! were specified based on the premise that bracing members with low KL/ r and b/ t will have superior seismic performance. However, relatively few tests investigate the cyclic behavior of CBF. It is legitimate to question whether the compression member of CBF plays as significant a role as what has been typically assumed explicitly by the design provisions. In this paper, the existing experimental data are reviewed to quantify the extent of hysteretic energy achieved by bracing members in compression in past tests, and the extent of degradation of the compression force upon repeated cycling loading. Although it is recognized that many parameters have an influence on the behavior of braced frames, the focus of this paper is mostly on quantifying energy dissipation in compression and its effectiveness on seismic performance. Based on the experimental data review from previous tests, it is found that the normalized energy dissipation of braces having moderate KL/ r s80- 120d do not have significantly more normalized energy dissipation in compression than those having a slenderness in excess of 120. The normalized degradation of the compression force envelope depends on KL/ r and is particularly severe for W-shaped braces.