Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Measurement of the information system project success of the higher education institutions in Indonesia: a pilot study

This paper presents a pilot study to validate quantitatively an information system IS project success model. In terms of its continual research, the model was evaluated qualitatively using focus group study FGS conducted earlier in the research. This study was also aimed to explain an IS project success performance and its factors that affect the project implementation in the sampled institution. Despite that the findings and its recommendations can only be considered in the context of the pilot study, this research had highlighted the complementary, completeness, and comprehensiveness of the model validation through mixed-methods approach. Such findings had become the main contribution of this study, among others, that is to fill the gap in the literature of the lack of comprehensive detail of model validation through mixed-methods.
Discovering water use activities for smart metering

Smart water meter systems are large scale wireless sensor networks: water meters installed in thousands of house-holds, collect hourly measurements that are reported over a wireless network to a central database. This paper introduces a new method for activity discovery in real-world, hourly water meter readings. The method addresses the following constraints: 1) observations are unlabelled and so unsupervised learning of activity types is required, 2) only automatically collected readings are used, and 3) coarse-grained hourly readings mask sub-hourly concurrent and sequential activities. Automatic rule-based labelling is combined with hierarchical clustering. New criteria are introduced for evaluating the quality of discovered activity clusters. We demonstrate the utility of our activity discovery and evaluation methods using a real-world case study of over 35,000 example days from a smart water meter trial in the inland Western Australian town of Kalgoorlie Boulder. The results show that the new method is able to discover meaningful and significant activity patterns from coarse-grained hourly readings.
Using Non-Parametric Kernel to Segment and Smooth Images Simultaneously

Piecewise constant and piecewise smooth Mumford-Shah (MS) models have been widely studied and used for image segmentation. More complicated than piecewise constant MS, global Gaussian intensity distribution within each partitioned region has also been studied. However, all these frameworks are limited in power and robustness in finding objects whose interiors have high noise level and/or complex multi-modal intensity distribution. To overcome these drawbacks,we propose a non-parametric kernel based model which is able to simultaneously segment and smooth images without adding extra smoothing terms. At each point within each partitioned smooth region, a Gaussian kernel with mean the intensity of the given to-be-segmented image at this point and a small local variance depending on the location is applied to create a nonparametric intensity statistics approximation. To save computation, a quadratic kernel involving simple calculation could replace the Gaussian kernel that involves expensive exponential calculation. We demonstrate the superiority of proposed model over other models by showing segmentation results from various images with different levels and types of noise.
Early detection of abnormal left atrial-left ventricular-arterial coupling in preclinical patients with cardiovascular risk factors: evaluation by two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography.

AIMS Data are lacking on the left atrial (LA)-left ventricular (LV)-arterial coupling for evaluating the functional abnormalities in the left heart disease, whereas LA-LV or LV-arterial coupling has been recognized. This study was designed to earlier detect the abnormal LA-LV-arterial coupling using two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography (2DSTE) in patients with cardiovascular risk factors and no overt cardiovascular disease. METHODS AND RESULTS We studied 30 age-matched healthy individuals and 64 preclinical patients with cardiovascular risk factors, who measured carotid arterial intima-media thickness and stiffness β by M-mode ultrasonography, and strain and strain rate of the LA and LV walls by 2DSTE. The stiffness β and LA volume index (LAVI) were greater in the patient group than in the control group. However, the peak systolic LV longitudinal strain, peak systolic and early diastolic LV longitudinal strain rates, peak systolic and early diastolic LA strains and strain rates, and peak atrial systolic LA strain rate were lower in the patient group. There were correlations between the stiffness β and the age, pulse pressure, LAVI, peak early diastolic LV longitudinal strain rate, and all LA strains and strain rate variables. Multivariate regression analysis indicated that peak early diastolic LV longitudinal strain rate and peak LA strain rate during ventricular systole are defined as strong predictors related to stiffness β. CONCLUSION Impaired LA and LV relaxation in the longitudinal direction are early signs of abnormal LA-LV coupling related to arterial stiffness in preclinical patients with cardiovascular risk factors. 2DSTE enables the quantitative assessment of the LA and LV function, and can be considered a sensitive tool for detecting the abnormal LA-LV-arterial coupling.
TID, SEE and radiation induced failures in advanced flash memories

We report on TID and SEE tests of multi-level and higher density flash memories. Standby currents and functionality tests were used to characterize the response of radiation induced failures. The radiation-induced failures can be categorized as following: SEU read errors during irradiation, stuck-bit read errors verified post-irradiation, write errors, erase failures, multiple upsets, and single-event latch up.
Infant-directed speech and the evolution of language

0.1 Introduction Language is an extremely complex phenomenon and evolutionary accounts of it are therefore often considered problematic. Previous work by the author has been concerned with finding mechanisms that could simplify the way by which language has evolved. One such factor is self-organisation in a population, as explored in e.g. de Boer (2000, 2001b). However, in this paper another mechanism is explored, one that is based on bootstrapping. It is investigated whether speech might be easier to learn if infants are first confronted with an easier-to-learn version, called infant directed speech. For work on self-organisation, readers are referred to Oudeyer's chapter in this volume. Infant-directed speech is the special way of speaking that is used when caretakers address infants. One can think of several reasons why this should be the case, and this paper investigates one of them: it could be that infant-directed speech facilitates learning and transfer of language across generations. The learning of unbounded, productive communication systems (such as human language) turns out to be an extremely hard problem. It can be proven mathematically that even relatively simple examples of productive communication systems cannot be learned with complete accuracy. Gold (1967) has shown that this is the case for context-free grammars. Although, of course, the class of context-free languages cannot be equated with human languages, linguists agree that learning human language is at least as hard a problem. Compounding the problem of learning human language is the fact that most of the linguistic utterances humans produce consist of rapid, casual speech in which articulation is reduced and words are concatenated. Also, a lot of language only makes sense if the context is known. Finally, many words, expressions and grammatical constructions occur extremely infrequently. This is known as the poverty of the stimulus (e.g. Chomsky 1968, but see also Pullum 1996). How children manage to learn their native language is still very much an open question. Different theories exist as to how children tackle the task of learning language. Most of these theories agree that children have a bias towards learning human languages. Note that the term bias is used here in its broadest sense. Bias as I use it only means that some things are learned more easily than others. Within linguistics there is a strong debate about the form of this learning bias. One extreme position postulates that there is a very detailed, language specific bias …
Correlations between Mid-Infrared, Far-Infrared, Hα, and FUV Luminosities for Spitzer SWIRE Field Galaxies

We present and analyze the correlations between mid-infrared (MIR), far-infrared (FIR), total-infrared (TIR), Hα, and far-UV (FUV) luminosities for star-forming galaxies, composite galaxies, and AGNs, based on a large sample of galaxies selected from the Spitzer SWIRE fields. The MIR luminosities of star-forming galaxies are well correlated with their Hα, TIR, and FUV luminosities, and we rescaled the MIR-derived SFR formulae according to the above correlations with differences less than 15%. We confirm the recent result by Calzetti and coworkers that the combined observed H α + 24 μm luminosities L(H αobs + 24 μm) possess very tight correlation with the extinction-corrected Hα luminosities L(Hαcorr) for star-forming and even for dwarf galaxies, and show that the combined L(H αobs + 8 μm [dust]) are also tightly correlated with L(Hαcorr) for the above sample galaxies. Among all the L(MIR)-L(FIR) correlations for star-forming galaxies, the L(24 μm) versus L(70 μm) and L(8 μm[dust]) versus L(160 μm) are the tightest and also nearly linear. The former could be related to young massive star formation, while the latter might be relevant to diffuse dust emissions heated by old stellar populations. Composite galaxies and AGNs have higher MIR-to-Hα/MIR-to-FUV luminosity ratios than star-forming galaxies, nevertheless their correlations among MIR, FIR, and TIR luminosities are completely following those of star-forming galaxies.
Screening for Major Depression in Private Practice

Background Several studies have compared the 16-item self-report version of the Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology (QIDS-SR16) with other depression scales, but none has used a sample of patients from a single, large, private psychiatric practice. This study compared ratings from 175 outpatients on the QIDS-SR16, the 17-item Carroll Depression Rating Scale (CDRS-SR17, a self-report modification of the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression), and the thirteen depression items from the Symptom Check List-90 (SCL-D13). The Mini version of the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV (MiniSCID) served as a “gold standard” for assessing depression. Methods Basic item and scale statistics were obtained using classical test theory. Dimensionalities were obtained using factor analysis. Test information functions obtained from the Samejima item response theory model provided additional reliability-like results. This model was also used to compare patients classified as depressed versus nondepressed on the basis of the MiniSCID. Additional validity information was assessed comparing: (a) ANOVA effect sizes, (b) receiver operating characteristic curves, (c) univariate logistic regression, (d) the MANOVA, and (e) multivariate logistic regression. Results The QIDS-SR16 was found to be related most strongly to the MiniSCID diagnoses. The SCL-D13, however, was the most reliable of the three scales (α=0.91). It was the most sensitive to differences in depression for all but the most depressed patients, for whom the CDRS-SR17 was the most sensitive. The QIDS-SR16 was the most valid based on four different analyses (effect size/ANOVA, univariate logistic regression/ROC analysis, MANOVA, and multivariate logistic regression), although only slightly more so. The QIDS-SR16 was found to be unidimensional; its items cover only the nine diagnostic symptom domains used to characterize a DSM-IV-TR major depressive episode. Conclusions All three measures performed satisfactorily, but there are clearly defined advantages to using the QIDS-SR16, as, by its very design, it assesses the core symptoms of depression and does not require a clinician. (Journal of Psychiatric Practice 2009;15:87-94)
Cloning and expression in Escherichia coli of the Alcaligenes eutrophus H16 poly-beta-hydroxybutyrate biosynthetic pathway

The poly-beta-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) biosynthetic pathway from Alcaligenes eutrophus H16 has been cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli. Initially, an A. eutrophus H16 genomic library was constructed by using cosmid pVK102, and cosmid clones that encoded the PHB biosynthetic pathway were sought by assaying for the first enzyme of the pathway, beta-ketothiolase. Six enzyme-positive clones were identified. Three of these clones manifested acetoacetyl coenzyme A reductase activity, the second enzyme of the biosynthetic pathway, and accumulated PHB. PHB was produced in the cosmid clones at approximately 50% of the level found in A. eutrophus. One cosmid clone was subjected to subcloning experiments, and the PHB biosynthetic pathway was isolated on a 5.2-kilobase KpnI-EcoRI fragment. This fragment, when cloned into small multicopy vectors, can direct the synthesis of PHB in E. coli to levels approaching 80% of the bacterial cell dry weight.
Plasma catecholamines during sustained isometric exercise.

SUMMARY 1. Plasma catecholamine, haemodynamic and metabolic responses to sustained isometric exercise were studied in eight healthy subjects, who maintained handgrip at the 30% level of maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) for as long as possible. 2. The sustained handgrip was accompanied by a significant increase in plasma noradrenaline (NA) and adrenaline (A) concentrations. 3. The increase in plasma NA during handgrip was greater than that associated with heavy dynamic work involving large muscle groups. 4. The results suggest that the known haemodynamic responses to static effort are related to a powerful activation of the adrenergic system, which may result from a reflex mechanism initiated in the exercising muscles.
Use of green fluorescent protein‐based reporters to monitor balanced production of antifungal compounds in the biocontrol agent Pseudomonas fluorescens CHA0

Aims: To develop reporter constructs based on stable and unstable variants of the green fluorescent protein (GFP) for monitoring balanced production of antifungal compounds that are crucial for the capacity of the root‐colonizing Pseudomonas fluorescens strain CHA0 to control plant diseases caused by soil‐borne pathogenic fungi.
The consultation and relational empathy (CARE) measure: development and preliminary validation and reliability of an empathy-based consultation process measure.

BACKGROUND Empathy is a key aspect of the clinical encounter but there is a lack of patient-assessed measures suitable for general clinical settings. OBJECTIVES Our aim was to develop a consultation process measure based on a broad definition of empathy, which is meaningful to patients irrespective of their socio-economic background. METHODS Qualitative and quantitative approaches were used to develop and validate the new measure, which we have called the consultation and relational empathy (CARE) measure. Concurrent validity was assessed by correlational analysis against other validated measures in a series of three pilot studies in general practice (in areas of high or low socio-economic deprivation). Face and content validity was investigated by 43 interviews with patients from both types of areas, and by feedback from GPs and expert researchers in the field. RESULTS The initial version of the new measure (pilot 1; high deprivation practice) correlated strongly (r = 0.85) with the Reynolds empathy measure (RES) and the Barrett-Lennard empathy subscale (BLESS) (r = 0.63), but had a highly skewed distribution (skew -1.879, kurtosis 3.563). Statistical analysis, and feedback from the 20 patients interviewed, the GPs and the expert researchers, led to a number of modifications. The revised, second version of the CARE measure, tested in an area of low deprivation (pilot 2) also correlated strongly with the established empathy measures (r = 0.84 versus RES and r = 0.77 versus BLESS) but had a less skewed distribution (skew -0.634, kurtosis -0.067). Internal reliability of the revised version was high (Cronbach's alpha 0.92). Patient feedback at interview (n = 13) led to only minor modification. The final version of the CARE measure, tested in pilot 3 (high deprivation practice) confirmed the validation with the other empathy measures (r = 0.85 versus RES and r = 0.84 versus BLESS) and the face validity (feedback from 10 patients). CONCLUSIONS These preliminary results support the validity and reliability of the CARE measure as a tool for measuring patients' perceptions of relational empathy in the consultation.
Hfq Virulence Regulation in Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli O157:H7 Strain 86-24

ABSTRACT Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli O157:H7 (EHEC) causes bloody diarrhea and hemolytic-uremic syndrome. EHEC encodes the sRNA chaperone Hfq, which is important in posttranscriptional regulation. In EHEC strain EDL933, Hfq acts as a negative regulator of the locus of enterocyte effacement (LEE), which encodes most of the proteins involved in type III secretion and attaching and effacing (AE) lesions. Here, we deleted hfq in the EHEC strain 86-24 and compared global transcription profiles of the hfq mutant and wild-type (WT) strains in exponential growth phase. Deletion of hfq affected transcription of genes common to nonpathogenic and pathogenic strains of E. coli as well as pathogen-specific genes. Downregulated genes in the hfq mutant included ler, the transcriptional activator of all the LEE genes, as well as genes encoded in the LEE2 to -5 operons. Decreased expression of the LEE genes in the hfq mutant occurred at middle, late, and stationary growth phases. We also confirmed decreased regulation of the LEE genes by examining the proteins secreted and AE lesion formation by the hfq mutant and WT strains. Deletion of hfq also caused decreased expression of the two-component system qseBC, which is involved in interkingdom signaling and virulence gene regulation in EHEC, as well as an increase in expression of stx2AB, which encodes the deadly Shiga toxin. Altogether, these data indicate that Hfq plays a regulatory role in EHEC 86-24 that is different from what has been reported for EHEC strain EDL933 and that the role of Hfq in EHEC virulence regulation extends beyond the LEE.
Aspirin and clopidogrel hyporesponsiveness and nonresponsiveness in patients with coronary artery stenting

Patients undergoing coronary artery stenting receive an antiplatelet regimen to reduce the risk of antithrombotic complications. Current guidelines recommend the use of acetyl salicylic acid (aspirin) and clopidogrel as evidenced by large clinical trials. There has been a concern about variable responses of patients to aspirin and clopidogrel which may predispose them to subacute stent thrombosis or late stent thrombosis. Up to 25% of patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) were found to have hyporesponsiveness or resistance to clopidogrel which may predispose them to recurrent events. Dual antiplatelet regimen is a standard therapy in these patients and there is always a concern about variable responses to aspirin and clopidogrel predisposing them to acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Prevalence of this hyporesponsiveness or resistance may be due to noncompliance, genetic mutations, co-morbid situations and concomitant use of other drugs. This issue is of considerable importance in the era of coronary drug eluting stents when a long-term dual antiplatelet regimen is needed. This paper is a review for clinicians taking care of such patients with hyporesponsiveness or nonresponsiveness to dual antiplatelet regimen.
Modular Transport of Postsynaptic Density-95 Clusters and Association with Stable Spine Precursors during Early Development of Cortical Neurons

The properties of filopodia and spines and their association with the postsynaptic density (PSD) protein PSD-95 were studied during early development of cultured cortical neurons using time-lapse confocal microscopy. Neurons were transfected with recombinant PSD-95 constructs fused to green fluorescent protein (GFP) for, on average, either 8 d in vitro (DIV) or 14 DIV. We find that, during 1 hr of imaging, filopodia and spines bearing PSD-95/GFP clusters are significantly more stable (i.e., do not turnover) than those lacking clusters. When present within a spine precursor, a PSD-95/GFP cluster appeared to nucleate a relatively stable structure around which filopodium–spine membranes can move. Although processes bearing clusters were generally stable, in 8 DIV neurons, we observed that a subset (∼10%) of PSD-95/GFP clusters underwent rapid modular translocation between filopodia–spines and dendritic shafts. We conclude that, during early synaptic maturation, prefabricated PSD-95 clusters are trafficked in a developmentally regulated process that is associated with filopodial stabilization and synapse formation.
Tadalafil for Endometrial Growth in Clomiphene Citrate stimulated cycles in an IUI programma: A pilot study

Aim of the study The objective of this study was to assess the impact of tadalafil on endometrial growth, the uterine artery pulsatility index (PI) and the uterine artery resistance index (RI) in patients under clomiphene ovarian stimulation for intrauterine insemination (IUI). Methods This randomized crossover study included 30 patients with a normal endometrium over 53 cycles, and 46 of those cycles in 23 patients were included in the analysis. In group A the patients were under 100 mg clomiphene daily for five days (2-6) and 5 mg tadalafil daily for 7 days (4-10). For Group B (control) the patients only received clomiphene. Measurements of the endometrium, PI, RI and estradiol determinations were taken on cycle days 4, 8 and 10. Results We observed a better endometrial growth in Group A compared to Group B: 7.5 ± 2.1 mm vs 5.5 ± 1.2 mm, P < 0.0002 and 8.9 ± 1.8 mm vs 6.3 ± 1.8 mm, P < 0.0002 on days 8 and 10, respectively. Additionally, a progressive decrease in the RI was observed in Group A but not in Group B from day 8 (0.77 ± 0.15 vs 0.85 ± 0.18, P = 0.059) to day 10 (0.74 ± 0.20 vs 0.87 ± 0.14, P < 0.017). However, no differences were observed in PI or serum estradiol between Group A and Group B. Conclusion The use of tadalafil improved endometrial growth in patients under clomiphene ovarian stimulation with no significant effect on the uterine artery Pulsatility Index and serum estradiol.