Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Physiology of Framing Effects: Threat Sensitivity and the Persuasiveness of Political Arguments

Framing effects are among the most commonly studied type of political information that shapes public opinion. We advance research on differences in susceptibility to framing effects by exploring whether, and how, physiological traits condition responses to messages in the political environment. In particular, we propose that the effectiveness of a frame depends on how well that frame’s argument matches the physiological predisposition or “outlook” of the recipient. We hypothesize that individuals who possess particular traits (we focus on physiological threat sensitivity) are more likely to be persuaded by frames that trigger those predispositions. To test this claim, we replicate and extend Nelson, Clawson, and Oxley’s (1997) landmark framing experiment about political tolerance in response to a Ku Klux Klan rally. We find that participants high in threat sensitivity are more susceptible to frames that invoke physical danger, suggesting that physiological predispositions can help explain the influence of framing effects.
Exploring stance and listener alignment in public discourse

Abstract This paper discusses public speakers’ discursive use of modality markers to persuade their audiences in political discourse. Although modality has been a subject of much investigation in different research areas recently, there has been no empirical examination of their role or functions in political discourse in Lesotho. The present study aims to fill the research gap by contributing to the analysis of the social and/or institutional functions of modality markers in public speeches. Using the approach of critical discourse analysis and systemic functional linguistics, the present paper analyses the speech of the Chancellor of the National University of Lesotho, His Majesty King Letsie III, on the occasion of the university’s 70th anniversary celebration. Particular attention is paid to how the King strategically used modality markers to express his attitude, opinion, ideas, obligation, beliefs, commitment, politeness, stance, involvement and his authorial presence. The results of the qualitative analysis of the use of modality markers show how the Chancellor strategically applies these affective modal expressions beyond the linguistic level. In other words, the King’s speech reveals the ways in which speakers’ stance, attitude and their authorial presence can be strategically used to achieve certain social and/or institutional goals.
A molecular phylogeny of warbling-finches (Poospiza): paraphyly in a neotropical Emberizid genus.

We investigated the phylogenetic relationships of 12 species within a single genus of neotropical passerine (Poospiza) using 849 bp (283 codons) of the cytochrome b mitochondrial gene. We further explored evolutionary affinities of these taxa using sequence from an additional 47 thraupine (tanagers) and 7 emberizine (sparrows and buntings) genera, members of the predominantly New World family Emberizidae. Poospiza have traditionally been considered part of the emberizine radiation. However, our analyses suggest that members of this genus are more closely related to some thraupine lineages than they are to the other neotropical emberizine genera included in our study (Atlapetes, Embernagra, Melopyrrha, Phrygilus, Saltatricula, Tiaris). Although member taxa are closely related, the genus Poospiza appears to be paraphyletic with representatives of 6 thraupine genera (Cnemoscopus, Cypsnagra, Hemispingus, Nephelornis, Pyrrhocoma, Thylpopsis) interspersed among four well-supported Poospiza clades. The majority of species within this Poospiza-thraupine clade have geographic ranges that are exclusive to, or partially overlap with, the Andes Mountains. It is probable that these mountains have played an important role in driving cladogenesis within this group. Sequence divergence (transversions only; mean 4.7+/-1.3%) within the clade suggests that much of this diversification occurred within the late Miocene and Pliocene, a period coincident with major orogenic activity in central-western South America.
An extension of the localist representation theory: grandmother cells are also widely used in the brain

ON GRANDMOTHER CELLS Based on considerable neurophysiological evidence, Roy (2012) proposed the theory that localist representation is widely used in the brain, starting from the lowest levels of processing. Grandmother cells are a special case of localist representation. In this article, I present the theory that grandmother cells are also widely used in the brain. To support the proposed theory, I present neurophysiological evidence and an analysis of the concept of grandmother cells. Konorski (1967) first predicted the existence of grandmother cells (he called them “gnostic” neurons)— single neurons that respond to complex stimuli such as faces, hands, expressions, objects, and so on. The term “grandmother cell” was introduced by Jerry Lettvin in 1969 (Barlow, 1995). The notion of grandmother cells is very controversial in neuro and cognitive sciences. Barlow (2009, p. 320) claims that grandmother cells exist and “can now be recorded from and studied reliably. ” Bowers (2009) has also claimed that the brain uses grandmother cells to code for objects and concepts. However, Plaut and McClelland (2010) and Quian Quiroga et al. (2008; Quian Quiroga and Kreiman, 2010) have vigorously opposed the notion of grandmother cells in the brain.
Memory editing: Knowledge, criteria, and alignment

Within this article, a general organisational framework for this special issue of Memory is provided. The organising structure is based on a straightforward hypothesis that editing mechanisms are based on three independent constructs: knowledge, criteria, and alignment. Supporting evidence for this general framework taken from the literature generally, and this special issue of Memory specifically, is reviewed. In the concluding section, future directions for research in the area of memory editing are outlined.
Training fast mixed-signal neural networks for data classification

This work presents an incremental training approach that allows for the use of simple evolutionary algorithms to efficiently train the weights of fast mixed-signal hardware neural networks. The training strategy is tested on a set of common classification benchmark problems (E.coli, yeast, thyroid and wine) and the results are comparable to those of other investigations. They demonstrate that the used hardware neural network architecture can successfully be trained to solve real-world problems. It is also shown that the presented training strategy is suited for use in conjunction with a specialized coprocessor that speeds up evolutionary algorithms by performing the genetic operations within a configurable logic. With the ability to integrate the coprocessor into the training strategy, an important prerequisite is fulfilled to exploit the speed of the neural hardware during training.
Warthin tumor of the parotid gland: diagnostic value of MR imaging with histopathologic correlation.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The purpose of our study was to describe the MR imaging appearance of Warthin tumors multiple MR imaging techniques and to interpret the difference in appearance from that of malignant parotid tumors. METHODS T1-weighted, T2-weighted, short inversion time inversion recovery, diffusion-weighted, and contrast-enhanced dynamic MR images of 19 Warthin tumors and 17 malignant parotid tumors were reviewed. MR imaging results were compared with those of pathologic analysis. RESULTS Epithelial stromata and lymphoid tissue with slitlike small cysts in Warthin tumors showed early enhancement and a high washout rate (> or =30%) on dynamic contrast-enhanced images, and accumulations of complicated cysts showed early enhancement and a low washout ratio (< 30%). The areas containing complicated cysts showed high signal intensity on T1-weighted images, whereas some foci in those areas showed low signal intensity on short tau inversion recovery images. The mean minimum signal intensity ratios (SIRmin) of Warthin tumor on short tau inversion recovery (0.29 +/- 0.22 SD) (P < .01) and T2-weighted images (0.28 +/- 0.09) (P < .05) were significantly lower than those of malignant parotid tumors (0.53 +/- 0.19, 0.48 +/- 0.19). The average washout ratio of Warthin tumors (44.0 +/- 20.4%) was higher than that of malignant parotid tumors (11.9 +/- 11.6%). The mean apparent diffusion coefficient of Warthin tumors (0.96 +/- 0.13 x 10(-3)mm2/s) was significantly lower (P < .01) than that of malignant tumors (1.19 +/- 0.19 x 10(-3)mm2/s). CONCLUSION Detecting hypointense areas of short tau inversion recovery and T2-weighted images or low apparent diffusion coefficient values on diffusion-weighted images was useful for predicting whether salivary gland tumors were Warthin tumors. The findings of the dynamic contrast-enhanced study also were useful.
IMPLEMENTASI MODEL LEARNING CYCLE 7E PADA PEMBELAJARAN KIMIA DENGAN MATERI POKOK KELARUTAN DAN HASIL KALI KELARUTAN UNTUK MENINGKATKAN PENGUASAAN KONSEP DAN KETERAMPILAN BERPIKIR KRITIS SISWA SMA

This research aimed to describe efectivity of 7E learning cycle model on improvement students’concept mastery and critical thinking skills. This research was conducted by three phases, namely: (1) prepation phase to develop teaching materials, (2) validation and revision phase, and (3) learning implementation phase on class using one group pretest-posttest design. The results of research showed that: (1) Realization of lesson plan with mean score of 4.68 as very good category; (2) Frequency of the dominant students’activity namely teamwork was 28% with mean reliability of 80%; (3) Students’ positively respond to the learning model with main score of 3.2; (4) The concepts classical mastery was 94% and the indicator mastery was 79%; (5) The critical thinking skills classical mastery was 97%, the indicator mastery was 88%, and supported by high gain scores to students’ concept mastery and critical thinking skills. Based on the results, it was concluded that the implementation of 7E learning cycle model on the solubility and solubility product topic was effective to improve students’ the concepts mastery and critical thinking skills. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mendeskripsikan efektivitas model pembelajaran learning cycle 7E terhadap peningkatan penguasaan konsep dan keterampilan berpikir kritis siswa. Penelitian ini dilaksanakan dalam tiga tahap, yaitu: (1) tahap penyusunan perangkat pembelajaran, (2) tahap validasi dan revisi, dan (3) tahap implementasi pembelajaran di kelas dengan menggunakan rancangan one group pretest-posttest design. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa: (1) Keterlaksanaan RPP dengan nilai rata-rata 4,68 dengan kategori sangat baik; (2) Frekuensi aktivitas siswa yang menonjol adalah bekerja sama dengan tim sekelompok sebesar 28% dengan reliabilitas rata-rata 80%; (3) Respon positif siswa terhadap model pembelajaran dengan nilai rata-rata 3,2; (4) Ketuntasan klasikal penguasaan konsep 94% dan ketuntasan indikator 79%; (5) Ketuntasan klasikal keterampilan berpikir kritis 97%, ketuntasan indikator 88%, dan didukung dengan skor peningkatan yang tinggi terhadap penguasaan konsep dan keterampilan berpikir kritis siswa. Berdasarkan hasil analisis data, diperoleh kesimpulan bahwa implementasi model pembelajaran learning cycle 7E pada materi pokok kelarutan dan hasil kali kelarutan efektif untuk meningkatkan penguasaan konsep dan keterampilan berpikir kritis siswa.
Fabrication and Performance of Silicon-Embedded Permanent-Magnet Microgenerators

This paper focuses on the design, fabrication, and characterization of silicon-packaged permanent-magnet (PM) microgenerators. The use of silicon packaging favors fine control on shape and dimensions in batch fabrication and provides a path toward high rotational speeds (1Mr/min), a requirement for ultimate compactness of microgenerators. The successful silicon packaging of these microgenerators consisted of three essential elements: (1) a winding scheme allowing both nonplanar fabrication and through-wafer interconnects; (2) laminations built into the silicon for enhanced electrical performance; and (3) a balancing scheme for the heavy PM rotor to ensure its maximum performance. The devices were fabricated using bonded silicon wafers, integrated magnetics, and an electroplated metal. The mechanical strength of the 12-mm-diameter silicon-packaged PM rotors was evaluated at high rotational speeds using an external spindle drive. Speeds up to 200000 r/min were achieved prior to a mechanical rotor failure. The generators were electrically characterized, and an output power in excess of 1 W across a resistive load of 0.32 ¿ was measured at a maximum speed. A 225% power increase was also experimentally determined due to the addition of a laminated stator back iron.
Exercising older people´s brains in Costa Rica: Design principles for using information and communication technologies for cognitive activity and social interaction

ABSTRACT This study is part of a design-based research project aimed at designing a learning intervention for enabling Costa Rican older people to use information and communication technologies for cognitive activity and social interaction. Data from relevant literature, a focus group with older adults, and interviews with professionals teaching older adults how to use information and communication technologies were analyzed, in order to create context-sensitive design principles that could guide the design of learning interventions that meet the needs of older learners. The analysis derived context-sensitive design principles that include wider topics that influence the learning process, such as emotions and stereotypes related to learning about and using information and communication technologies, as well as the social support to that learning. The resulting eight design principles argue for respectful learning environments, in-depth comprehension of changes related to aging, time and space to reflect on emotions related to the learning process, and acknowledgment of participants’ individuality.
Meaning Of A Tag: A collaborative approach to bridge the gap between tagging and Linked Data

This paper introduces MOAT, a lightweight Semantic Web framework that provides a collaborative way to let Web 2.0 content producers give meanings to their tags in a machine- readable way. To achieve this goal, this approach relies on Linked Data principles, using URIs from existing resources to define these meanings. That way, users can create inter- linked RDF data and let their content enter the Semantic Web, while solving some limits of free-tagging at the same time.
Molecular Testing for Gastrointestinal Cancer

With recent advances in molecular diagnostic methods and targeted cancer therapies, several molecular tests have been recommended for gastric cancer (GC) and colorectal cancer (CRC). Microsatellite instability analysis of gastrointestinal cancers is performed to screen for Lynch syndrome, predict favorable prognosis, and screen patients for immunotherapy. The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitor has been approved in metastatic CRCs with wildtype RAS (KRAS and NRAS exon 2–4). A BRAF mutation is required for predicting poor prognosis. Additionally, amplification of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) and MET is also associated with resistance to EGFR inhibitor in metastatic CRC patients. The BRAF V600E mutation is found in sporadic microsatellite unstable CRCs, and thus is helpful for ruling out Lynch syndrome. In addition, the KRAS mutation is a prognostic biomarker and the PIK3CA mutation is a molecular biomarker predicting response to phosphoinositide 3-kinase/AKT/mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors and response to aspirin therapy in CRC patients. Additionally, HER2 testing should be performed in all recurrent or metastatic GCs. If the results of HER2 immunohistochemistry are equivocal, HER2 silver or fluorescence in situ hybridization testing are essential for confirmative determination of HER2 status. Epstein-Barr virus–positive GCs have distinct characteristics, including heavy lymphoid stroma, hypermethylation phenotype, and high expression of immune modulators. Recent advances in next-generation sequencing technologies enable us to examine various genetic alterations using a single test. Pathologists play a crucial role in ensuring reliable molecular testing and they should also take an integral role between molecular laboratories and clinicians.
Cost X-Efficiency in China's Banking Sector

Employing the stochastic frontier approach, this paper investigates cost X-efficiency in China's banking sector over the period 1985-2002. The objective is to assess whether different ownership types and banking reforms affect X-efficiency. A two-stage regression model is estimated to identify the significant variables influencing X-efficiency. The results show that on average, banks are operating 50-60% below the X-efficiency frontier. The jointstock banks are found to be more X-efficient than the state-owned commercial banks, and it appears that X-efficiency was higher during the first phase of bank reform.
Pemetrexed plus Platinum as the First-Line Treatment Option for Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

To compare the efficacy and toxicities of pemetrexed plus platinum with other platinum regimens in patients with previously untreated advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods: A meta-analysis was performed using trials identified through PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases. Two investigators independently assessed the quality of the trials and extracted data. The outcomes included overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), response rate (RR), and different types of toxicity. Hazard ratios (HRs), odds ratios (ORs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were pooled using RevMan software. Results: Four trials involving 2,518 patients with previously untreated advanced NSCLC met the inclusion criteria. Pemetrexed plus platinum chemotherapy (PPC) improved survival compared with other platinum-based regimens (PBR) in patients with advanced NSCLC (HR = 0.91, 95% CI: 0.83–1.00, p = 0.04), especially in those with non-squamous histology (HR = 0.87, 95% CI: 0.77–0.98, p = 0.02). No statistically significant improvement in either PFS or RR was found in PPC group as compared with PBR group (HR = 1.03, 95% CI: 0.94–1.13, p = 0.57; OR = 1.15, 95% CI: 0.95–1.39, p = 0.15, respectively). Compared with PBR, PPC led to less grade 3–4 neutropenia and leukopenia but more grade 3–4 nausea. However, hematological toxicity analysis revealed significant heterogeneities. Conclusion: Our results suggest that PPC in the first-line setting leads to a significant survival advantage with acceptable toxicities for advanced NSCLC patients, especially those with non-squamous histology, as compared with other PRB. PPC could be considered as the first-line treatment option for advanced NSCLC patients, especially those with non-squamous histology.
The localization of protein carboxyl-methylase in sperm tails

Protein carboxyl-methylase (PCM), an enzyme known to be involved in exocytotic secretion and chemotaxis, has been studied in rat and rabbit spermatozoa. PCM activity and its substrate methyl acceptor protein(s) (MAP) were demonstrated in the supernate after solubilization of the sperm cell membrane by detergent (Triton X-100). A protein methylesterase that hydrolyzes methyl ester bonds created by PCM was demonstrated in rabbit but not in rat spermatozoa. This enzyme was not solubilized by nonionic detergent. The specific activities of PCM in rat spermatozoa from caput and cauda epididymis were similar and lower than that found in testis. By contrast, MAP substrates were low in testis and increased in parallel with sperm maturation in the epididymis. Multiple MAP were demonstrated in spermatozoa by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The pattern of these proteins was similar in spermatozoa from different portions of the reproductive tract. Fractionation of heads and tails of rat spermatozoa on sucrose gradients indicated that PCM was found exclusively in the tail fraction, whereas MAP was detected both in head and tail fractions. The presence of all the components of the protein carboxyl-methylation system in spermatozoa and the localization of PCM and some of its substrates in the sperm tail are consistent with their involvement in sperm cell motility.
Performance-Based Funding for Community Colleges: Are Colleges Disadvantaged by Serving the Most Disadvantaged Students?

ABSTRACT Texas recently adopted a new performance-based funding (PBF) model for community colleges. Using institutional student unit record data, this study applied the metrics from this PBF model to examine enrollment outcomes among 5,900 students attending a large, racially/ethnically diverse community college system in the state. Our findings revealed stark differences in PBF apportioned to the college as a function of students' characteristics. On average, students who were Asian, age 19 or younger, pursuing academic/transfer degrees, enrolled full-time, Pell Grant recipients, and assigned to the highest-levels (i.e. closest to college-level) of developmental math procured the most PBF for the college. Conversely, African American, older adults, part-time students, GED holders, and students assigned to the lowest level of developmental math secured much less funding. To assuage undesirable consequences on institutional behavior, we recommend modifications to Texas' PBF model that could help ensure community colleges are not discouraged from serving less advantaged students.
Out of Africa: The organization of migrant smuggling across the Mediterranean

How are human smuggling operations organized? This paper presents an empirical in-depth study of the structure and activities of a smuggling ring operating between the Horn of Africa and Northern Europe via Libya. It relies on a unique set of novel data sets manually extracted from an extensive police investigation launched after the 2013 Lampedusa shipwreck, in which 366 migrants lost their lives. The evidence includes wiretapped conversations on both sides of the Mediterranean. Using a number of network analysis techniques, this paper reconstructs the structure of the ring and investigates the determinants of coordination among its actors. This paper is the first work to offer a formal network modelling of human smuggling operations. It shows that, rather than being internalized within a single organization, activities are segmented and carried out by localized and rudimentary hierarchies with a small number of high-centrality actors operating at various stages along the smuggling route. Coordination is more likely to occur vertically than horizontally, indicating that higher-level smugglers are largely independent and autonomous. There are also indications of competition among them. Finally, even in rings involved in the supply of a truly transnational commodity, the local dimension still plays a crucial role. The implications for criminal justice responses to human smuggling are discussed.