Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of Moderating Variables on Product Managers' Behavior

This study examined the moderating effects of role autonomy, need for affiliation, and tolerance of ambiguity on the relationships between role pressures of conflict and ambiguity and personal outcomes of job satisfaction, job-related tension, and perceived performance. Data from 166 product managers indicate that role autonomy and need for affiliation do have moderating effects unlike tolerance of ambiguity. Managerial implications are discussed.
Online neuro-fuzzy CANFIS hidden-node teaching

On-line first-order backpropagation (BP) has been widely employed for optimizing a multi-layer neural network and a fuzzy neural network. When BP is applied to a TSK fuzzy system, the interpretability of fuzzy rules may be lost. We describe a simple and effective remedy for the loss by casting the posed optimization problem into a general Bolza-type optimal-control mold so as to include stage costs on top of the terminal cost; this is what we called the (on-line) hidden-node teaching. Our on-line learning scheme turns out to be useful not only in optimizing a large model, a so-called CANFIS neuro-fuzzy modular network, but also in enhancing its generalization capacity. The fundamental concept is that each (local) expert network is supervised individually by hidden-node teaching for minimizing a stage cost while all local-expert modules are encouraged to cooperate in reducing the terminal cost simultaneously. Furthermore, we show how to construct a CANFIS modular network in order to alleviate the so-called curse of dimensionality that frequently hampers the design of fuzzy systems. In simulation, our concepts have been demonstrated in the letter recognition benchmark problem as well as in small regression and XOR-classification tasks.
Modeling and Simulation of Organic Photodetectors for Low Light Intensity Applications

In this paper, we investigate the dynamic response of two different bulk heterojunction organic photodetectors over a large illumination and frequency range. To our knowledge, there is no similar study that includes the nW/cm2 regime. Photocurrent transient measurements reveal that the interlayer at the hole-extracting electrode is critical for the device performance under ultralow illumination. Furthermore, we observe a nonlinear cutoff frequency behavior over the illumination range, which we attribute to interface-related phenomena. We perform a detailed simulation study of the transient response for the measured samples. Making use of a drift diffusion model that also takes into account charge trapping and detrapping effects, both in bulk and at material interfaces, we are able to successfully reproduce the measured transients. Based on our simulations, we propose an explanation for this effect: it can be attributed to the interplay between the potential landscape seen by the charge carriers and to the presence of a large concentration of interface trap states, as well as of fixed interface charges. The importance of smart interface engineering as a key factor for device optimization is also highlighted.
Analysis of Financial Time Series

This book provides a broad, mature, and systematic introduction to current financial econometric models and their applications to modeling and prediction of financial time series data. It utilizes real-world examples and real financial data throughout the book to apply the models and methods described. The author begins with basic characteristics of financial time series data before covering three main topics: Analysis and application of univariate financial time series The return series of multiple assets Bayesian inference in finance methods Key features of the new edition include additional coverage of modern day topics such as arbitrage, pair trading, realized volatility, and credit risk modeling; a smooth transition from S-Plus to R; and expanded empirical financial data sets. The overall objective of the book is to provide some knowledge of financial time series, introduce some statistical tools useful for analyzing these series and gain experience in financial applications of various econometric methods.
Nuclear Localization Signals of the E-Cadherin Transcriptional Repressor Snail

The E-cadherin transcriptional repressor, Snail, plays a critical role in driving the epithelial-mesenchymal transition programs that mark gastrulation as well as invasion of cancer cells. Recent data suggest that Snail is phosphorylated by GSK3-β, resulting in β-TRCP-mediated ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation. Accordingly, Wnt signaling inhibits Snail phosphorylation, and consequently increases Snail protein levels. In the present study, we examine the function of nuclear localization motifs embedded within the Snail sequence. A typical bipartite nuclear localization signal (NLS) motif is located at the N-terminal of Snail, where it overlaps with the SNAG domain (residues 8–16), while a basic cluster NLS motif is found proximal to zinc finger domains (residues 151–152). Mutational inactivation of these NLS signals resulted in decreased levels of nuclear and total Snail protein as well as attenuated Snail repressor activity on an E-cadherin promoter construct, suggesting that NLS motifs are essential for proper function. In the presence of GSK3 inhibitor LiCl, the cytoplasmic levels of the NLS mutants increased, suggesting that cytosolic Snail undergoes rapid phosphorylation and degradation. Given the highly conserved nature of the Snail NLS motifs (from Xenopus to human), these results indicate that nuclear localization signals regulate Snail expression and subcellular localization via GSK3-β-dependent phosphorylation.
Assessing Infant Breastfeeding Beliefs Among Low-Income Mexican Americans

Focus groups were conducted with low-income, pregnant women and new mothers receiving services from the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC program) along with their male partners and their mothers. All participants were Hispanics of Mexican American origin. The topics for the focus-group discussions were breastfeeding beliefs and perceptions. All participants were aware of the benefits of breastfeeding. Participants identified time, embarrassment, and pain as barriers to breastfeeding; discussed decision-making efforts regarding breastfeeding; identified cultural beliefs related to breastfeeding; and discussed the lack of care-provider support for breastfeeding.
Prediction of motor disorders in multiple sclerosis using muscle change structure assessment.

INTRODUCTION The neuropathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS) lesions has been explained by several mechanisms, which emphasize the unpredictable nature of these lesions. The aim of this study is to present the neuromuscular changes in MS at the patients without gait or motor disorders using a noninvasive method named tensiomyography (TMG). PATIENTS AND METHODS The studied group included a number of seven MS patients without clinically detected gait disorders, with mean age of 33.28 years (min. 22 years-max. 60 years), diagnosed with progressive multiple sclerosis with relapses - three patients and with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). They have been evaluated using clinical, functional scales for evaluation and neuromuscular assessment using TMG parameters (displacement Dm, contraction time - Tc, delay time - Td, supporting time - Ts, relaxation time - Tr), for rectus femoris (mRF). RESULTS The group with MS patients recorded functional asymmetries with higher values in the left lower limb. We determined Tc values lower than the minimum normally required, which meant that in the group with MS there was an increase in the percentage of type II fibers. Other TMG parameters show important difference between left and right side even if they do not have gait disorders. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS These patients with MS underwent modifications in their muscle tone, muscle strength and other changes related to the presence or absence of muscle atrophy. The muscle tone could be affected by the muscle atrophy or hypertrophy. In conclusion, this type of assessment performs the non-invasive assessment of contractile properties of the muscles, without the integration of the tendon properties, joint mechanics or connective tissue in the mechanical response to muscle deformation produced by electrical stimulation.
DNA-Containing Exosomes Derived from Cancer Cells Treated with Topotecan Activate a STING-Dependent Pathway and Reinforce Antitumor Immunity

Danger-associated molecular patterns derived from damaged or dying cells elicit inflammation and potentiate antitumor immune responses. In this article, we show that treatment of breast cancer cells with the antitumor agent topotecan (TPT), an inhibitor of topoisomerase I, induces danger-associated molecular pattern secretion that triggers dendritic cell (DC) activation and cytokine production. TPT administration inhibits tumor growth in tumor-bearing mice, which is accompanied by infiltration of activated DCs and CD8+ T cells. These effects are abrogated in mice lacking STING, an essential molecule in cytosolic DNA–mediated innate immune responses. Furthermore, TPT-treated cancer cells release exosomes that contain DNA that activate DCs via STING signaling. These findings suggest that a STING-dependent pathway drives antitumor immunity by responding to tumor cell–derived DNA.
Auditory Perception and Speech Discrimination After Cochlear Implantation in Patients with Connexin 26 (GJB2) Gene-Related Deafness

Hypothesis: Auditory perception and speech discrimination among pediatric cochlear implantees may vary because of underlying deafness etiology, including connexin 26 (GJB2) gene-related deafness. Background: Preliminary data suggest pathologic changes due to GJB2 mutations do not affect the spiral ganglion cells, which are stimulated by the cochlear implant. The survival of the spiral ganglion cells is believed to be an important determinant of outcome after surgery. Patients with GJB2-related deafness may therefore have enhanced prospects for good speech discrimination after implantation. Methods: In an observational cohort study, GJB2 mutation analysis was performed using polymerase chain reaction amplification and direct sequencing on 31 prelingually deaf pediatric cochlear implantees, of which there were 30 with nonsyndromic deafness of unknown etiology, and one with keratitis-ichthyosis-deafness syndrome. Speech discrmination was assessed prospectively when they had reached postoperative year 3 using the IOWA Matrix Level B Sentences test and Glendonald Auditory Screening Procedure (GASP), with both patients and assessors blind to GJB2 status. Results: Eleven patients had GJB2-related deafness and 20 patients had GJB2-unrelated deafness. IOWA Matrix scores were higher in patients with GJB2-related deafness but did not reach statistical significance. However, GASP scores were statistically significantly higher in patients with GJB2-related deafness (median word score, 92%; median sentence score, 80%), compared with those of patients with GJB2-unrelated deafness (median word score, 63%; median sentence score, 45%; word score, p = 0.037; sentence score, p = 0.045). Ordinal logistic regression analysis on IOWA Matrix and GASP sentence scores found better statistically significant scores in patients with GJB2-related deafness (p < 0.05) after adjustment for confounding variables. Conclusion: Pediatric cochlear implantees with GJB2-related deafness appear to have equal or better speech discrimination compared with a group of prelingually deaf children with deafness of unknown etiology.
De-Anonymizing Live CDs through Physical Memory Analysis

Traditional digital forensics encompasses the examination of data from an offline or “dead” source such as a disk image. Since the filesystem is intact on these images, a number of forensics techniques are available for analysis such as file and metadata examination, timelining, deleted file recovery, indexing, and searching. Live CDs present a serious problem for this investigative model, however, since the OS and applications execute in a RAM-only environment and do not save data on non-volatile storage devices such as the local disk. In order to solve this problem, we present a number of techniques that support complete recovery of a live CD’s in-memory filesystem and partial recovery of its deleted contents. We also present memory analysis of the popular Tor application, since it is used by a number of live CDs in an attempt to keep network communications encrypted and anonymous.
Inducible Gene Expression Using an Autoregulatory, Tetracycline‐Controlled System

The protocols in this unit describe the transfection of adherent cells and the testing of resultant clones for inducible transactivator or target gene protein expression. Stably transfected fibroblast cell lines expressing transactivator and target gene(s) can be derived by first cotransfecting pTet‐tTAk and a plasmid encoding a selectable marker and obtaining stable lines with inducible transactivator expression. These lines are subsequently stably cotransfected with plasmids encoding the target gene(s) and a second selectable marker. The procedure may also be used to cotransfect pTet‐tTAk with the target gene‐encoding plasmid(s) and a single selectable marker plasmid. A support protocol describes methods to test stably transfected cell lines for inducible gene expression, for transient transfection and induction of tet‐regulated plasmids, and for detection of the tTAk gene in cells (or transgenic mice).
An outline of the synthesis and properties of silicon nanowires

We consider some of the significant aspects of Silicon nanowires (NWs), referring to their various modes of fabrication and their measured properties. Lithographic patterning as well as individual NW synthesis, e.g., through chemical vapor deposition based processes, has been utilized for their fabrication. It is seen that the properties of these nanostructures, to a large extent, are determined by the enhanced surface area to volume ratio and defects play a relatively major role. A diminished size also brings forth the possibility of quantum confinement effects dictating their electronic and optical properties, e.g., where NWs can possess a direct energy gap in contrast to the indirect bandgap of bulk Si. While new challenges, such as enhanced Ohmic contact resistance, carrier depletion–which can severely influence electrical conduction, and surface passivation abound, there also seem to be exciting opportunities. These include, e.g., high sensitivity sensors, nanoelectromechanical systems, and reduced thermal conductivity materials for thermoelectrics. Much preliminary work has been done in these areas as well as investigating the possible use of Si NWs for transistor applications, photovoltaics, and electrochemical batteries etc., all of which are briefly reviewed.
Body Mass Index and Its Association with Clinical Outcomes for Advanced Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer Patients Enrolled on Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Clinical Trials

Introduction: Obesity increases the risk of death from many adverse health outcomes and has also been linked with cancer outcomes. The impact of obesity on outcomes of advanced non–small-cell lung cancer patients is unclear. Methods: The authors evaluated the association of body mass index (BMI) and outcomes in 2585 eligible patients enrolled in three consecutive first-line trials conducted by the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group. BMI was categorized as underweight (BMI < 18.5 kg/m2), normal weight (BMI: 18.5 to < 25 kg/m2), overweight (BMI: 25 to < 30 kg/m2), and obese (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2). In addition to analyzing overall and progression-free survival, reasons for treatment discontinuation were also assessed by BMI group. Results: Of the patients enrolled, 4.6% were underweight, 44.1% were normal weight, 34.3% of patients were classified as overweight, and 16.9% were obese. Nonproportional hazards existed for obese patients relative to the other three groups of patients, with a change in overall survival hazard occurring at approximately 16 months. In multivariable Cox models, obese patients had superior outcomes earlier on study compared with normal/overweight patients 0.86 (HR=0.86, p=0.04; 95% CI: 0.75–0.99), but later experienced increased hazard (HR=1.54, p< 0.001; 95% CI: 1.22–1.94), indicating a time effect while undergoing treatment. Conclusion: Data from these three trials suggest differential outcomes associated with BMI, and additional studies of the mechanisms underlying this observation, as well as dietary and lifestyle interventions, are warranted to help optimize therapy.
PCR-Based DNA Amplification and Presumptive Detection of Escherichia coli O157:H7 with an Internal Fluorogenic Probe and the 5′ Nuclease (TaqMan) Assay

ABSTRACT Presumptive identification of Escherichia coli O157:H7 is possible in an individual, nonmultiplexed PCR if the reaction targets the enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC)eaeA gene. In this report, we describe the development and evaluation of the sensitivity and specificity of a PCR-based 5′ nuclease assay for presumptively detecting E. coli O157:H7 DNA. The specificity of the eaeA-based 5′ nuclease assay system was sufficient to correctly identify all E. coliO157:H7 strains evaluated, mirroring the previously described specificity of the PCR primers. The SZ-primed,eaeA-targeted 5′ nuclease detection assay was capable of rapid, semiautomated, presumptive detection of E. coliO157:H7 when ≥103 CFU/ml was present in modified tryptic soy broth (mTSB) or modified E. coli broth and when ≥104 CFU/ml was present in ground beef-mTSB mixtures. Incorporating an immunomagnetic separation (IMS) step, followed by a secondary enrichment culturing step and DNA recovery with a QIAamp tissue kit (Qiagen), improved the detection threshold to ≥102 CFU/ml. Surprisingly, immediately after IMS, the sensitivity of culturing on sorbitol MacConkey agar containing cefeximine and tellurite (CT-SMAC) was such that identifiable colonies were demonstrated only when ≥104 CFU/ml was present in the sample. Several factors that might be involved in creating these false-negative CT-SMAC culture results are discussed. The SZ-primed,eaeA-targeted 5′ nuclease detection system demonstrated that it can be integrated readily into standard culturing procedures and that the assay can be useful as a rapid, automatable process for the presumptive identification of E. coli O157:H7 in ground beef and potentially in other food and environmental samples.
LSU Digital Commons LSU Digital Commons Behavioral and physiological plasticity: Rapid changes during Behavioral and physiological plasticity: Rapid changes during social ascent in an African cichlid fish social ascent in an African cichlid fish

In many vertebrates, reproduction is regulated by social interactions in which dominant males control access to females and food. Subordinate males that displace dominant individuals must rapidly adopt behavioral and physiological traits of the higher rank to gain reproductive success. To understand the process of phenotypic plasticity during social ascent, we analyzed the temporal expression pattern of dominance behaviors and circulating androgen levels when socially-suppressed males of an African cichlid fish Astatotilapia burtoni ascended in status. These experiments tested a prediction of the ‘challenge hypothesis’ that, during periods of social instability, male androgen levels are higher than during socially stable times. We found that socially and reproductively suppressed males perform territorial and reproductive behaviors within minutes of an opportunity to ascend in status, and that animals switch from initial expression of territorial behaviors to more reproductive behaviors during territory establishment. Following this rapid response, social stability may be achieved within 1–3 days of social ascent. Consistent with predictions of the ‘challenge hypothesis’, circulating 11-ketotestosterone (11-KT) levels were elevated within 30 min following social opportunity, coincident with increased aggressive behavior. However, territorial behaviors and serum 11-KT levels were then dissociated by 72 hrs after social ascent, suggesting either rapid social stability and/or increased physiological potential for androgen production. This behavioral and physiological plasticity in male A. burtoni suggests that perception of social opportunity triggers a suite of quick changes to facilitate rapid transition towards reproductive success, and reveals important features of social ascent not previously recognized.
A data-driven PID control system using particle swarm optimisation

Most of process systems such as chemical plants are considered as non-linear systems. The global linear approximation for the systems with the strong non-linearities might cause the large modelling error. It is then difficult to obtain the good control performance, even if the controllers are suitably designed based on the models. In this paper, a design method of the PID control system with the data-driven modelling function has been proposed. In the proposed method, local linear models are designed with the multiple datasets selected from the database when needed. Also, the time-variant system parameters are automatically adjusted by using the particle swarm optimisation. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed method is numerically evaluated through applications to the non-linear systems and the time-variant systems.
Compensated SAW Yarn Tension Sensor

The measurement and control of yarn tension is important in textile technology. This paper presents a two channel architecture surface acoustic wave yarn tension sensor, which is able to provide a sensitivity about two times bigger than the previous one. The design and the fabrication of the devices are also presented. A mathematical analysis shows that the output frequency of the sensor varies linearly with the yarn tension. To test the performance of the sensor, an experiment is carried out to obtain the output frequencies in different yarn tension. The results show that the sensor has a sensitivity of 8234 Hz/N (80.75 Hz/gf), and the sensor is capable of measuring a range of 0-0.196 N (20 gf) yarn tension with a relative error of 2% and a hysteresis error of 3%.
A Study of Intracranial Volume in Apert Syndrome

The present study was undertaken to characterize the intracranial volume in patients with Apert syndrome. Radiographic and CT-based techniques for measuring intracranial volume were found to show close correlation when validated in dry normal adult skulls. A standard-deviation score of intracranial volume, determined from CT scans in 20 patients with Apert syndrome from birth to 30 years of age, was calculated with reference to a normative database of age- and sex-matched controls. Analysis of the data showed no significant difference in standard-deviation score between Apert patients with or without ventriculomegaly, before or after cranial vault surgery, or between male and female patients. The mean standard-deviation score among all Apert CT scans compared with normative data was 3.1, which was highly significant (p < 0.001). However, the growth curves showed no significant difference in intracranial volume between Apert and normal patients below 3.5 months of age. In summary, intracranial volume in Apert syndrome is within normal range at birth but increases to greater than 3 standard deviations above normal after 3.5 months of age, a finding independent of cranial vault surgery.