Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Preserving Distributional Information in Dialogue Act Classification

This paper introduces a novel training/decoding strategy for sequence labeling. Instead of greedily choosing a label at each time step, and using it for the next prediction, we retain the probability distribution over the current label, and pass this distribution to the next prediction. This approach allows us to avoid the effect of label bias and error propagation in sequence learning/decoding. Our experiments on dialogue act classification demonstrate the effectiveness of this approach. Even though our underlying neural network model is relatively simple, it outperforms more complex neural models, achieving state-of-the-art results on the MapTask and Switchboard corpora.
Competencias del profesorado en las TIC: Influencia de factores personales y contextúales

The ICT competences of teachers remain a crucial issue for educational development. This work aims to establish a framework to specify the relations of the two elements of competence (technological and pedagogical) and analyze the influence of key personal and contextual factors. The data were collected from a questionnaire in a sample of868 teachers from primary and secondary education in Comunidad Valenciana (Spain). The results show the importance of a multivariate approach to assess the complexity of the problem. They provide an overview of the influences of different personal and contextual factors that go beyond the many contributions based on univariate approaches. This is very relevant to the development of education policies for both programs for endowments as those aimed at teacher training.
A wideband 0.18μm CMOS LNA with RC-feedback topology for UWB applications

A 0.18 μm CMOS low noise amplifier using RC-feedback topology is proposed with optimized matching, gain, noise, linearity and area for UWB applications. The IC prototype achieved 9.5 dB of average power gain, low 3.4 dB noise figure (NF), −9.2 dB input match, −13.5 dB return loss, −6 dBm of IIP3 and only 0.54 mm2 size with 15 mW power consumption. Good agreement between the simulated and measured results is found.
Modeling telecommunication systems with self-similar data traffic

In this dissertation we present a means to study queueing systems which exhibit self-similarity and long-range dependencies (LRD). The $PT\otimes\lambda$ process is created, and we illustrate this process is asymptotically self-similar and demonstrate that it exhibits LRD in its interarrival stream. Our results are significant since this is the first analytic queueing model developed and studied which exhibits self-similarity and LRD behavior in both its interarrival and counting processes. As a result, we are able to demonstrate analytically, via SM/M/1 queueing analysis, that removing LRD improves queueing performance. This is consistent with empirical studies performed on network traffic traces. We go on to analytically show that renewal processes represent performance bounds for the $(PT\otimes\lambda)/M/1$ queue. That is, the PT/M/1 queue is the upper bound for performance measurements while the M/M/1 queue is the lower bound. Finally, we explore the notion of how likely it is to observe power-tail renewal processes in real-world teletraffic scenarios.
Increased expression of nerve growth factor (NGF) and high affinity NGF receptor (p140 TrkA) in human osteoarthritic chondrocytes.

OBJECTIVE We aimed to investigate the expression of nerve growth factor (NGF) and high affinity NGF receptor (p140 TrkA) on chondrocytes from human healthy and osteoarthritic cartilage. METHODS We recruited 12 patients with osteoarthritis (OA) undergoing surgical knee replacement. Articular cartilage was split into two zones showing macroscopically and histologically the lowest (MIN) and highest (MAX) degree of osteoarthritic damage. Additional specimens of cartilage were obtained from three healthy donors. Chondrocytes were isolated by enzymatic digestion and freshly processed for NGF protein, Trk A detection and mRNA extraction. NGF-beta mRNA was determined by a reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). NGF-beta and TrkA expression was evaluated by immunofluorescence and flow cytometry analysis. RESULTS NGF-beta-specific mRNA was detected in normal and osteoarthritic chondrocytes. NGF-beta protein levels were low in normal chondrocytes, increased in MIN osteoarthritic cartilage and further enhanced in MAX osteoarthritic cartilage. Likewise, TrkA was scarcely expressed on normal chondrocytes and progressively increased on osteoarthritic chondrocytes based on the extent of anatomic damage. CONCLUSIONS This is the first study showing that human chondrocytes synthesize NFG-beta and express on their surface the high affinity NGFR (p140 TrkA). Of note, NGF-beta and TrkA were upregulated in osteoarthritic chondrocytes suggesting a role of NGF in the pathophysiology of OA. We can speculate that NGF, like other growth factors, stimulates chondrocyte metabolism in the osteoarthritic process.
Organizational behavior implications of the congruence between preferred polychronicity and experienced work‐unit polychronicity

This research hypothesizes that greater congruence between preferred polychronicity (the extent to which an individual prefers to be involved with several tasks simultaneously) and experienced work-unit polychronicity (the polychronic behaviors and preferences of the supervisor and co-workers) will be associated with higher levels of (1) three components of organizational commitment (willingness to exert effort, desire to remain a member of the organization, and belief in and acceptance of organizational goals), (2) the individual's perceived performance evaluation by the supervisor and co-workers, and (3) the individual's perceived fairness of the performance evaluation. Based on a sample of employed business school graduates, the results indicate that polychronic congruence is significantly related to these variables in the predicted direction. The use of polynomial regression analysis reveals additional characteristics of the relationships that would not have been available from the analysis of squared-difference scores. The findings support the position that polychronicity and other temporal variables are important factors in organizational research. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rater−ratee race effects on performance evaluation : challenging meta-analytic conclusions

The effects of rater and ratee race on performance ratings were examined by comparing data from three sources: a large-scale civilian study, a large-scale military study, and a meta-analytic study. Results from the civilian and military data converged, but they differ from the meta-analytic results and challenge the conclusion that raters generally give more favorable artings to members of their own race.
Core conflictual relationship themes in patients diagnosed with borderline personality disorder who attempted, or who did not attempt, suicide

Extant relational notions of suicidal behavior were examined in a sample of 22 psychiatric inpatients with a diagnosis of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), 11 of whom were hospitalized following a suicide attempt and 11 of whom reported no history of suicidal behavior. Relationship narratives were obtained during a psychodynamically oriented clinical interview and assessed using the Core Conflictual Relationship Theme (CCRT) coding scheme. The results did not support the relational differences of heightened dependency needs, perceived rejection by others, and subsequent anger that were hypothesized to exist between BPD persons who were hospitalized for a suicide attempt and BPD individuals who had never made an attempt. Relational patterns for both groups were similar and consistent with conventional conceptualizations of suicidal behavior and previous CCRT studies examining relational narratives among depressed psychotherapy patients. Specifically, the relational pattern most often described by all participants was a wish to be loved and understood, experiencing others as rejecting, and responding with depression and disappointment.
Risk factors for recurrent biliary obstruction following placement of self-expandable metallic stents in patients with malignant perihilar biliary stricture

Background and study aim: Self-expandable metallic stents (SEMSs) are used for palliation in patients with malignant perihilar biliary strictures. However, recurrent biliary obstruction occasionally causes cholangitis and jaundice. This study aimed to identify risk factors for recurrent biliary obstruction in such patients. Methods: Data from consecutive patients with malignant perihilar biliary strictures treated with endoscopic placement of SEMSs between 2007 and 2014 in Tohoku University Hospital were retrospectively reviewed. Risk factors for recurrent biliary obstruction were calculated using the Cox proportional hazards models (with hazard ratios [HRs] and 95 % confidence interval [95 %CIs]), and SEMS patency period was examined using the Kaplan – Meier method. SEMS patency was defined as the period between SEMS insertion and the development of recurrent biliary obstruction. Results: 104 patients were included. Median survival time was 281 days; and 85 patients died during a median follow-up period of 320 days. Recurrent biliary obstruction occurred in 35 patients. Median SEMS patency period was 549 days. Multivariable analyses showed that: compared with bile duct carcinoma, gallbladder carcinoma was associated with shorter SEMS patency (HR 8.18, 95 %CI 2.41 – 26.83); patency of left-sided SEMS was inferior to that of bilateral (HR 0.5, 95 %CI 0.32 – 0.93) and right-sided SEMS (HR 0.1, 95 %CI 0.02 – 0.65). Cholangitis before SEMS placement increased the risk of recurrent biliary obstruction (HR 11.44; 95 %CI 4.48 – 32.35) and reduced the SEMS patency period (746 vs. 210 days). Conclusion: Gallbladder carcinoma, left-sided stent placement, and cholangitis before SEMS placement are risk factors for recurrent biliary obstruction after SEMS placement.
Green's conjecture and testing linear-invariant properties

Given a set of linear equations Mx=b, we say that a set of integers S is (M,b)-free if it contains no solution to this system of equations. Motivated by questions related to testing linear-invariant properties of boolean functions, as well as recent investigations in additive number theory, the following conjecture was raised (implicitly) by Green and by Bhattacharyya, Chen, Sudan and Xie: we say that a set of integers S ⊆ [n], is ε-far from being (M,b)-free if one needs to remove at least ε n elements from S in order to make it (M,b)-free. The above conjecture states that for any system of homogenous linear equations Mx=0 and for any ε >0 there is a constant time algorithm that can distinguish with high probability between sets of integers that are (M,0)-free from sets that are ε-far from being (M,0)-free. Or in other words, that for any M there is an efficient testing algorithm for the property of being (M,0)-free. In this paper we confirm the above conjecture by showing that such a testing algorithm exists even for non-homogenous linear equations. As opposed to most results on testing boolean functions, which rely on algebraic and analytic arguments, our proof relies on results from extremal hypergraph theory, such as the recent removal lemmas of Gowers, Rodl et al. and Austin and Tao.
The Impact of Gang Formation on Local Patterns of Crime

Research has demonstrated that even after controlling for individual level attributes, individuals who join gangs commit more crimes than do nongang members. Furthermore, the offending level of gang members is higher when they report being active members of the gang. Therefore, gang membership clearly facilitates offending above and beyond individual level characteristics. But what impact does the onset of gangs have on aggregate crime patterns? By exploring levels and patterns of crime in an “emergent gang city” (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania), the authors test whether the individual level finding linking gang membership to increased offending equates to more crime at the aggregate, citywide level. They also explore the impact that gang formation has on local patterns of crime. Gangs tend to be territorial, but although many qualitative accounts describe the crime-gang relationship within the community, few empirical studies have explored how gangs shape the spatial distribution of crime in and around their territory.
Crossover effects in the theory of reasoned action: A moderating influence attempt.

Both cognitive and normative structure crossover linkages in the Fishbein and Ajzen behavioral intention model were hypothesized on the basis of nine separate predictions taken from the persuasion and false consensus literatures. In a study of new product trial behavior, a maximum likelihood estimation of the model parameters revealed that the normative structure → attitude path was robust under all data subsets, contrary to the hypothesized relationships. The findings support other recent data suggesting attitudinal dependence on social influence.
Student attitude toward physical education and physical activity: a review of measurement issues and outcomes.

This paper reviews the literature on student attitude in physical education. First, an overview of the concept of attitude is presented followed by a discussion of why we need to investigate student attitude. Next, there is a detailed discussion of issues related to attitude measurement—factors that often are problematic in research in this area. Both quantitative and qualitative tools are discussed with a particular focus on developing an instrument that has the properties of reliability and validity. The third major section of the paper presents an overview of the results of attitude research in physical education. Finally, the paper concludes with implications for research in this area.
Estimated prevalence of peripheral neuropathy and associated pain in adults with diabetes in France*

ABSTRACT Objective: To estimate the point prevalence of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) and pain associated with DPN (pDPN) in French adults with diabetes and compare severity of symptoms across demographic subpopulations. Design: The participant-administered portion of the Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument (MNSI) and selected items of the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) formed part of a computer-aided telephone survey posed to a representative, random sample of French households from March 1, 2005 to April 30, 2005. Questions from the MNSI and the BPI were used to assess the point prevalence of DPN and pDPN in French adults with self-reported diabetes. Results: The mean age of the study sample was 68 years (SD = 15), the mean duration of diabetes was 15 years (SD = 12) and 56% of participants were female. The prevalence rates of DPN and pDPN in French adults with diabetes were 11 and 8%, respectively. The average age and diabetes duration of participants with DPN and pDPN were not different from participants in the total sample. Among those participants with pDPN, 35% classified their pain as severe, 49% as moderate, and 17% as mild. The prevalence of DPN was higher in participants with type 1 diabetes (14%) than those with type 2 (9%). Among participants with DPN, 88% with severe pain received pain treatment compared to 71% with moderate pain and 58% with mild pain. The most significant limitation of this study is the lack of validation for administering only a portion of the MNSI, but other limitations include the imprecision associated with self-reported questionnaires, a survey sample that does not include participants with undiagnosed diabetes, and a bias toward elderly participants. Conclusion: This study concluded that 8% of participants with diabetes in France had pDPN.
“What Do You Say to Your Mother When Your Mother's Standing Beside You?” Birth and Adoptive Family Contributions to Adoptive Identity via Relational Identity and Relational–Relational Identity Gaps

Grounded in the communication theory of identity, the present study explores how adoptive identity—an individual's understanding of what it means to be an adopted person—is influenced by the relational layer of his or her adoptive and birth family relationships. Seven focus group interviews were conducted in which participants were prompted to engage in a dialog about their experiences as an adopted individual. Analyses revealed that adoptees' relational identity with both their adoptive and birth families contributed in meaningful ways to their adoptive identity, but these relationships at times come into conflict with one another and with the adoptees' personal layer of identity, generating relational–relational and personal–relational identity gaps.
Modified rives-stoppa repair for abdominal incisional hernias

Incisional hernias are a prevalent problem in abdominal surgery and occur in 11% of patients who undergo laparotomy. Primary suture clo-sure of incisional hernias results in a 31%-58% chance of recurrence. The addition of a pros-thetic mesh implant decreases recurrence rates to 8%-10%. Popularized in Europe by Rives and Stoppa, the sublay technique has proven to be very effective, with low recurrence rates (0%-23%) and minimal complications. The pur-pose of the study was to evaluate the experi-ence of a single surgeon at a large tertiary care center performing a modified Rives-Stoppa re-pair for abdominal incisional hernias. To do this, the records of all patients undergoing a modi-fied Rives-Stoppa incisional hernia repair be-tween January 2000 and August 2003 were ret-rospectively reviewed. Outpatient clinic notes, discharge summaries, operative reports, and laboratory data were reviewed for patient demographics, surgical data and postoperative complications. Univariate analysis was per-formed in order to identify predictors for recur-rence. During the study period, 83 patients un-derwent a modified Rives-Stoppa incisional hernia repair. Nineteen patients were excluded due to incomplete medical records. No patients required postoperative exploration for an in-tra-abdominal catastrophe. Twenty-five percent (n=16) of patients had a complication as a result of the hernia repair. Only two patients (3.1%) developed recurrent incisional hernias. History of diabetes (p=0.007) and benign prostatic hy-perplasia (p=0.000) were the only significant predictors for recurrence. The results presented here confirm that the modified Rives-Stoppa retromuscular repair is an effective method for the repair of incisional hernias. The complica-tion and recurrence rates compare favorably to results for currently popular alternative tech-niques.
Identifying the primary site of pathogenesis in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis – vulnerability of lower motor neurons to proximal excitotoxicity

There is a desperate need for targeted therapeutic interventions that slow the progression of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). ALS is a disorder with heterogeneous onset, which then leads to common final pathways involving multiple neuronal compartments that span both the central and peripheral nervous system. It is believed that excitotoxic mechanisms might play an important role in motor neuron death in ALS. However, little is known about the mechanisms by which excitotoxicity might lead to the neuromuscular junction degeneration that characterizes ALS, or about the site at which this excitotoxic cascade is initiated. Using a novel compartmentalised model of site-specific excitotoxin exposure in lower motor neurons in vitro, we found that spinal motor neurons are vulnerable to somatodendritic, but not axonal, excitotoxin exposure. Thus, we developed a model of somatodendritic excitotoxicity in vivo using osmotic mini pumps in Thy-1-YFP mice. We demonstrated that in vivo cell body excitotoxin exposure leads to significant motor neuron death and neuromuscular junction (NMJ) retraction. Using confocal real-time live imaging of the gastrocnemius muscle, we found that NMJ remodelling preceded excitotoxin-induced NMJ degeneration. These findings suggest that excitotoxicity in the spinal cord of individuals with ALS might result in a die-forward mechanism of motor neuron death from the cell body outward, leading to initial distal plasticity, followed by subsequent pathology and degeneration.
Characterization of Neutralizing Antibody Responses Elicited by Clade A Envelope Immunogens Derived from Early Transmitted Viruses

ABSTRACT The vast majority of studies with candidate immunogens based on the human immunodeficiency virus envelope (Env) have been conducted with Env proteins derived from clade B viruses isolated during chronic infection. Whether non-clade B Env protein immunogens will elicit antibodies with epitope specificities that are similar to those of antibodies elicited by clade B Envs and whether the antibodies elicited by Envs derived from early transmitted viruses will be similar to those elicited by Envs derived from viruses isolated during chronic infection are currently unknown. Here we performed immunizations with four clade A Envs, cloned directly from the peripheral blood of infected individuals during acute infection, which differed in lengths and extents of glycosylation. The antibody responses elicited by these four Envs were compared to each other and to those elicited by a well-characterized clade B Env immunogen derived from the SF162 virus, which was isolated during chronic infection. Only one clade A Env, the one with the fewer glycosylation sites, elicited homologous neutralizing antibodies (NAbs); these did not target the V1, V2, or V3 regions. In contrast, all four clade A Envs elicited anti-V3 NAbs against “easy-to-neutralize” clade B and clade A isolates, irrespective of the variable region length and extent of glycosylation of the Env used as an immunogen. These anti-V3 NAbs did not access their epitopes on homologous and heterologous clade A, or B, neutralization-resistant viruses. The length and extent of glycosylation of the variable regions on the clade A Env immunogens tested did not affect the breadth of the elicited NAbs. Our data also indicate that the development of cross-reactive NAbs against clade A viruses faces similar hurdles to the development of cross-reactive anti-clade B NAbs.
The Build-Up and Transfer of Sensorimotor Temporal Recalibration Measured via a Synchronization Task

The timing relation between a motor action and the sensory consequences of that action can be adapted by exposing participants to artificially delayed feedback (temporal recalibration). Here, we demonstrate that a sensorimotor synchronization task (i.e., tapping the index finger in synchrony with a pacing signal) can be used as a measure of temporal recalibration. Participants were first exposed to a constant delay (~150 ms) between a voluntary action (a finger tap) and an external feedback stimulus of that action (a visual flash or auditory tone). A subjective “no-delay” condition (~50 ms) served as baseline. After a short exposure phase to delayed feedback participants performed the tapping task in which they tapped their finger in synchrony with a flash or tone. Temporal recalibration manifested itself in that taps were given ~20 ms earlier after exposure to 150 ms delays than in the case of 50 ms delays. This effect quickly built up (within 60 taps) and was bigger for auditory than visual adapters. In Experiment 2, we tested whether temporal recalibration would transfer across modalities by switching the modality of the adapter and pacing signal. Temporal recalibration transferred from visual adapter to auditory test, but not from auditory adapter to visual test. This asymmetric transfer suggests that sensory-specific effects are at play.