Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Language at War: A Critical Discourse Analysis of Speeches of Bush and Obama on Terrorism

The concept of terrorism (and antiterrorism) is a complex phenomenon that has received a lot of debate in the last decade. A highly complex phenomenon, terrorism stands at the forefront of national and international agendas. Taking on many forms, it is associated with a wide variety of groups and motivations. It has been presented in different ways, depending on who is speaking. It is against this backdrop that this paper seeks to do a Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) of speeches of Bush and Obama on terrorism. Using six speeches from Bush and Obama as the data and using a qualitative content analytical approach, it draws on van Dijk’s concept of Critical Discourse Analysis. The study reveals that Bush and Obama projected terrorism negatively while they projected anti-terrorism positively by carefully selecting emotionally charged vocabulary and expressions. The notion of power as control, mind control and context control were common features of Bush and Obama’s speeches. This study has implications for the theory of Critical Discourse Analysis and studies on terrorism.
Frequency of discontinuation of contraceptive use: results from a French population-based cohort.

BACKGROUND Despite the widespread use of highly effective contraceptive methods in France, one in every three pregnancies is unintended. Among women experiencing an unintended pregnancy leading to an abortion, half had changed their contraceptive method in the 6 months preceding the abortion, in most cases switching to a less-effective method or to no method at all. This study provides estimates of method-specific contraceptive discontinuation rates for any reason and for method-related reasons among French women. METHODS The data were drawn from the COCON survey (2000-2004), a population-based French prospective cohort, comprising a representative sample of 2863 women aged 18-44. We estimated Kaplan-Meier life-table probabilities of contraceptive discontinuation during the 4 years of follow-up and tested for differences by intrauterine device (IUD) type and pill composition. RESULTS Probabilities of contraceptive discontinuation for method-related reasons varied widely by method: IUDs were associated with the lowest probabilities of discontinuation (11% within 12 months, 30% within 4 years), followed by the pill (22% and 48%, respectively). Discontinuation rates were significantly higher for all other methods (condoms, withdrawal, fertility awareness methods and spermicides). We found no differences in discontinuation rates by the type of IUD (levonorgestrel-IUD versus copper-IUD) and increasing rates of pill discontinuation with decreasing dosage in estrogen. CONCLUSIONS Contraceptive discontinuation rates among French women are substantially lower than those reported for US women. Comparing the determinants of contraceptive discontinuation and the role of healthcare providers in helping women make these changes would improve our understanding of the reasons for such variation.
Emotional strain and organizational citizenship behaviours: A meta-analysis and review

Abstract This paper provides a qualitative review and quantitative summary of the relationship between emotional strain and organizational citizenship behaviour (OCB), and discusses five potential moderators of the strain-OCB relationship. OCB refers to discretionary behaviours that benefit organizations and their members. Emotional strain is important to consider because it has a broad impact on employee behaviours and is possibly more fundamental than other forms of strain. However, it has received less attention than aspects of job-related strain, such as job dissatisfaction. Based on the results of 29 empirical studies with 52 unique effect sizes, meta-analytic results revealed a negative relationship between strain and OCB (corrected estimate of the population correlation coefficient, ρ=−.16). Furthermore, this relationship is moderated by the type of OCB (OCB directed at the organization vs. that directed at individuals), type of organization (private vs. public), publication status (published vs. unpublished), OCB rating source (self vs. other), and type of sample (full-time employees vs. employed students). We present theoretical and practical implications of these findings, including steps that could be taken by organizations to increase OCB and to reduce emotional strain, and suggest directions for future research.
Spread of synchronous firing in longitudinal slices from the CA3 region of the hippocampus.

1. Mechanisms underlying the propagation of synchronous epileptiform activity in disinhibited hippocampal slices were examined in experimental and computer simulation studies. 2. Experiments were performed with longitudinal slices of the CA3 region. Synchronous firing was initiated by stimulating stratum radiatum fibers in the presence of picrotoxin. It propagated smoothly and without decrement at velocities close to 0.15 m/s over distances up to 10 mm. 3. In elevated extracellular calcium, neuronal firing threshold was increased and synchronous burst firing did not spread. Monophasic excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) were recorded in cells at limited distances from a stimulus in the presence of 10 mM Ca and picrotoxin. Axonal conduction velocity, estimated from EPSP latencies, was several times faster than the spread of synchronous firing. 4. EPSPs recorded in 5-7 mM Ca and picrotoxin could consist of two components. The properties of the first component were similar to those of synaptic events recorded in 10 mM Ca. The second component was of longer latency and unlike the first component was suppressed in responses to paired stimuli at interval 50-300 ms. Recordings from cells at different distances from a stimulus suggested that the second component spread further and more slowly than the first component. 5. In computer simulations the CA3 region was represented by a spatially distributed network of 9,000 excitatory neurons and 900 inhibitory cells. Individual cells and synapses had properties based on experimental data. The effects of varying synaptic strength and connectivity on the spread of activity in the model was examined. 6. When synaptic inhibition was functional in simulations, firing was restricted to a single action potential in model cells close to the stimulus, as in experiments. Synchronous burst firing spread throughout the neuronal array when fast synaptic inhibition was absent. The velocity of propagation was slower than conduction in simulated axons when synaptic contacts made by excitatory cells were spatially limited. Propagation velocity increased with increases in the spatial extent of excitatory connectivity. 7. Increasing the threshold of neurons in a region of the model network reduced the speed at which synchronous firing spread. In experiments focal application of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) elevated neuronal firing threshold and slowed the propagation of synchrony in a local region. 8. As the strength of synaptic inhibition was gradually reduced, neuronal activity spread further and faster through the simulated neuronal network. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Multihoming aware optimization mechanism

Network management includes several operations that aim to maximize Fault, Configuration, Account, Performance and Security (FCAPS) goals. Performance improvement often relies on multiple criteria, leading to NP-Hard optimisation problems. Very often, optimization mechanisms are narrowed to a specific scenario or present deployment issues due to their associated complexity. Others, despite reducing complexity, have accuracy issues that lead to the selection of non-optimal solutions. MeTHODICAL is an accurate optimisation technique for path selection in multihoming scenarios that enhances network management FCAPS goals by being flexible enough to operate on distinct scenarios, supporting different applications and services and with reduced deployment complexity.
Modifying the Effects of Social Structure

The problem of racial inequality has been the focus of a large number of investigations in recent years. The imbalance evident at the societal level is reflected at all levels from the institutional to the interpersonal. Numerous studies document inequality in desegregated schools where white children tend to receive better grades, are better &dquo;adjusted to school,&dquo; and typically complete more years of formal schooling than do black children. At the small-group level, behavioral measures of interaction and influence reveal patterns of white dominance in problem-solving groups (Katz et al., 1958; Cohen, 1972). It would be possible to document this imbalance in an almost limitless variety of settings. The applied social psychologist is, however, more interested in modifying social behavior and altering the social structures in
EULAR evidence-based recommendations for the diagnosis of knee osteoarthritis

Objective To develop evidence-based recommendations for the diagnosis of knee osteoarthritis (OA). Methods The multidisciplinary guideline development group, representing 12 European countries, generated 10 key propositions regarding diagnosis using a Delphi consensus approach. For each recommendation, research evidence was searched systematically. Whenever possible, the sensitivity, specificity and likelihood ratio were calculated for individual diagnostic indicators and a diagnostic ladder was developed using Bayes' method. Secondary analyses were undertaken to test directly the recommendations using multiple predictive models in two populations from the UK and the Netherlands. Strength of recommendation was assessed by the EULAR visual analogue scale. Results Recommendations covered the definition of knee OA and its risk factors, subsets, typical symptoms and signs, the use of imaging and laboratory tests and differential diagnosis. Three symptoms (persistent knee pain, limited morning stiffness and reduced function) and three signs (crepitus, restricted movement and bony enlargement) appeared to be the most useful. Assuming a 12.5% background prevalence of knee OA in adults aged ≥45 years, the estimated probability of having radiographic knee OA increased with increasing number of positive features, to 99% when all six symptoms and signs were present. The performance of the recommendations in the study populations varied according to the definition of knee OA, background risk and number of tests applied. Conclusion 10 key recommendations for diagnosis of knee OA were developed using both research evidence and expert consensus. Although there is no agreed reference standard, thorough clinical assessment alone can provide a confident rule-in diagnosis.
A multicentre, open-label, randomised phase III study comparing a new levonorgestrel intrauterine contraceptive system (LNG-IUS 8) with combined oral contraception in young women of reproductive age

Abstract Objectives: To compare user satisfaction and adverse events (AEs) with a levonorgestrel intrauterine system (LNG-IUS 8; average levonorgestrel release rate approximately 8 μg/24 h over the first year [total content 13.5 mg]) and a 30 μg ethinyl estradiol/3 mg drospirenone (EE/DRSP) combined oral contraceptive (COC) in a population of young women. Methods: Nulliparous and parous women (aged 18–29 years) with regular menstrual cycles (21–35 days) were randomised to LNG-IUS 8 or EE/DRSP for 18 months. The primary endpoint was the overall user satisfaction rate at month 18/end of study visit. Results: Overall, 279 women were randomised to LNG-IUS 8 with attempted placement and 281 women were randomised to EE/DRSP and took ≥1 pill; the mean age was 23.7 and 23.9 years, and 77.4% and 73.3% were nulliparous, respectively. At month 18/end of study, 82.1% and 81.9% of women, respectively, reported being ‘very satisfied’ or ‘satisfied’ with their treatment; however, significantly more LNG-IUS 8 users reported a preference to continue their treatment post-study (66.2% vs 48.8%; p = 0.0001). There were two pregnancies (one ectopic pregnancy, one spontaneous abortion) reported in the LNG-IUS 8 group and six (three live births, two spontaneous abortions, one induced abortion) in the EE/DRSP group. Conclusions: LNG-IUS 8 and EE/DRSP were associated with similarly high user satisfaction rates. However, LNG-IUS 8 users were significantly more likely to prefer to continue their contraceptive method post-study, indicating that a levonorgestrel intrauterine system is an appealing contraceptive option for young women.
Sentiment Classification of Movie Reviews

The goal of sentiment classification is to determine whether or not an author likes what he is writing about . In this paper, we explore various ways to improve upon current techniques involving subjectivity filters and information gain based feature selection. We conclude that the subjectivity filter is useful in certain cases, but needs to be explored further.
Asynchronous down-link cooperative communication scheme in Rayleigh fading wireless environment

In this paper, a down-link cooperative communication scheme is proposed using full-rate Quasi-Orthogonal Space-time Block Codes (QOSTBC), employing asynchronous mobile Decode and Forward (DF) relays in a Rayleigh fading wireless environment. The channel used is a partially-coherent relay channel (PCRC), where the first hop is non-coherent and the second is coherent. Base station broadcasts using four transmitting antennas, towards all relay nodes in range over the first hop. Each intermediate relay uses Minimum Decoding Complexity (MDC) decoder achieving linear complexity. A relay selection technique is applied, electing the best performing intermediate nodes based on the channel response and path loss due to location relative to the destination node. A power allocation technique is adopted, which ranks based on the chosen relays performance. Relays transmit over four pre-defined time slots per frame. The destination node uses a Maximum-Likelihood (ML) decoder.
Teacher Collaborative Learning and Teacher Self-Efficacy: The Case of Lesson Study

Empirical evidence suggests that successful teacher professional development programs are intensive, ongoing, and connected to practice; focused on specific subject content; and foster strong working relationships among teachers. They support teacher motivation so that the acquired skills continue to be practiced in class. These critical elements are also embedded in collaborative learning structures. Research indicates that these collaborative contexts have an impact on teacher efficacy, an outcome that has been empirically linked to improved student achievement, and teacher adaptability and adjustment. This study used a qualitative lens to examine how lesson study provided the conditions identified in effective collaborative learning structures to support teacher efficacy. It was carried out in 3 subject domains with 10 teachers in a Singapore high school. It further explored the efficacy sources that facilitated the teachers’ collaborative efforts. The authors discuss implications for staff development programs in the light of these findings.
Expression of the placental cytokines tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin 1beta, and interleukin 10 is increased in preeclampsia.

OBJECTIVE We sought to determine whether placental cytokine expression is altered in patients with preeclampsia. STUDY DESIGN Whole placental tissue was collected at cesarean delivery, and total ribonucleic acid was extracted. Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction was performed to determine cytokine expression. Product bands were quantitated by scanning densitometry, and results were expressed as a ratio of cytokine/housekeeping gene (cytokine expression index). Statistical analysis was performed by the Student t test and the Mann-Whitney U test. RESULTS Placentas from 6 patients with preeclampsia and 4 normotensive patients were analyzed. Placental expression of interleukin 1beta and interleukin 10 was greater in preeclamptic women than in normotensive subjects (median interleukin 1beta cytokine expression index, 0.675; range, 0.394-0. 953; vs 0.106; range, 0.084-0.166; P =.011; median interleukin 10 cytokine expression index, 1.042; range, 0.672-1.192; vs 0.126; range, 0.062-0.398; P <.011). Tumor necrosis factor alpha messenger ribonucleic acid was detected in placentas of preeclamptic subjects but not in normotensive control subjects. CONCLUSION Placentas from preeclamptic patients demonstrated increased expression of interleukin 1beta, interleukin 10, and tumor necrosis factor alpha. This may be in association with placental hypoxia and may contribute to the global endothelial dysfunction observed in preeclampsia.
Effects of angiogenic growth factor combinations on retinal endothelial cells.

The aim of this paper was to determine if growth factors, known to be upregulated in proliferative diabetic retinopathy, exerted combined effects on retinal endothelial cells. The authors explored the individual and collective actions of insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB), fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) and placenta growth factor (PlGF) on several parameters that reflect the angiogenic potential of endothelial cells. The effect of growth factors on cell migration and survival/proliferation was examined using primary cultures of bovine retinal endothelial cells (BREC). The authors also determined the growth factor action on capillary-like tube formation on a reconstituted basement membrane matrix and on the newly described phenomenon of secondary sprouting, in which endothelial cell colonies spontaneously survive, proliferate, migrate and invade the matrix after the original capillary-like tubes have collapsed. Sprouting cells were positive for von Willebrand factor and could aggregate into larger tubes with lumens. Incubation with VEGF+IGF-I or PlGF+FGF-2 enhanced tube stability by 40-50%, more than each growth factor alone or other combinations (5-20%). The concurrent addition of four growth factors did not improve the response seen with growth factor pairs. Surprisingly, PDGF-BB induced tube collapse. IGF-I and FGF-2 mildly enhanced BREC proliferation/survival (5-15%). However, VEGF+IGF-I or PlGF+FGF-2 increased BREC proliferation/survival by 25% under low serum conditions, whereas combinations of all four growth factors exerted a clearly synergistic effect (250% increase). PDGF-BB or FGF-2 stimulated secondary sprouting and were the only factors capable of exerting this effect alone. Even though VEGF, IGF-I or PlGF were not effective, if administered in pairs, they demonstrated increased responses. PDGF-BB was also able to enhance the effect of FGF-2+IGF-I+VEGF on BREC secondary sprouting, but not of any of them individually. No other growth factor tested was able to significantly improve the action of combinations of three other growth factors. VEGF increased cell migration in a wounded monolayer assay two-fold and PDGF-BB, 2.5 times, but other individual growth factors were ineffective. PlGF+FGF-2 enhanced cell migration more than each factor alone. VEGF+IGF-I+PlGF+FGF-2, however, increased cell migration four-fold. In summary, this study indicates that growth factors, overexpressed in diabetic retinopathy eyes, enhance the angiogenic characteristics of cultured cells (tube formation, proliferation, secondary sprouting and migration). Their effects, however, can be greatly augmented by other growth factors that alone exert little or no action. Therefore, diabetic retinal neovascularization may result from the additive or synergistic action of several growth factors.
Binary crystals in two-dimensional two-component Yukawa mixtures.

The zero-temperature phase diagram of binary mixtures of like-charge particles interacting via a screened Coulomb pair potential is calculated as a function of composition and charge ratio. The potential energy obtained by a Lekner summation is minimized among a variety of candidate two-dimensional crystals. A wealth of different stable crystal structures is identified including A, B, AB(2), A(2)B, and AB(4) structures [A (B) particles correspond to large (small) charge. ] Their elementary cells consist of triangular, square, or rhombic lattices of the A particles with a basis comprising various structures of A and B particles. For small charge asymmetry there are no intermediate crystals besides the pure A and B triangular crystals. The predicted structures are detectable in experiments on confined mixtures of like-charge colloids or dusty plasma sheets.
Neoadjuvant cetuximab, twice-weekly gemcitabine, and intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) in patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND Neoadjuvant therapy has been investigated for localized and locally advanced pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) but no standard of care exists. Combination cetuximab/gemcitabine/radiotherapy demonstrates encouraging preclinical activity in PDAC. We investigated cetuximab with twice-weekly gemcitabine and intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) as neoadjuvant therapy in patients with localized or locally advanced PDAC. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN Treatment consisted of cetuximab load at 400 mg/m(2) followed by cetuximab 250 mg/m(2) weekly and gemcitabine 50 mg/m(2) twice-weekly given concurrently with IMRT to 54 Gy. Following therapy, patients were considered for resection. RESULTS Thirty-seven patients were enrolled with 33 assessable for response. Ten patients (30%) manifested partial response and 20 (61%) manifested stable disease by RECIST. Twenty-five patients (76%) underwent resection, including 18/23 previously borderline and 3/6 previously unresectable tumors. Twenty-three (92%) of these had negative surgical margins. Pathology revealed that 24% of resected tumors had grade III/IV tumor kill, including two pathological complete responses (8%). Median survival was 24.3 months in resected patients. Outcome did not vary by epidermal growth factor receptor status. CONCLUSIONS Neoadjuvant therapy with cetuximab/gemcitabine/IMRT is tolerable and active in PDAC. Margin-negative resection rates are high and some locally advanced tumors can be downstaged to allow for complete resection with encouraging survival. Pathological complete responses can occur. This combination warrants further investigation.