Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Test prediction and performance in a classroom context.

This study focused on students' ability to predict and postdict test performance in a classroom context. Ninety-nine undergraduate students participated during a semester-length course in which the relation between self-assessment and performance was stressed. Research questions were (a) Can students accurately predict test performance? (b) Does accuracy vary with performance? (c) Does prediction accuracy increase over multiple tests? and (d) Do prior performance and predictions of performance influence subsequent predictions? High-performing students were accurate, with accuracy improving over multiple exams. Low-performing students showed moderate prediction accuracy but good postdiction accuracy. Lowest performing students showed gross overconfidence in predictions and postdictions. Judgments of performance were influenced by prior judgments and not prior performance. Performance and judgments of performance had little influence on subsequent test preparation behavior.
Ancient origin of a deletion in human BST2/Tetherin that confers protection against viral zoonoses

Bone marrow stromal antigen 2 (BST2)/Tetherin is an antiviral factor that blocks the release of enveloped virions from infected cells. Recent data suggest that efficient BST2 antagonism was a prerequisite for the global spread of HIV/AIDS. Most simian immunodeficiency viruses (SIVs), including the direct precursors of HIV, use their Nef protein to antagonize BST2 of their respective host species. Human BST2, however, contains a five amino acid deletion in its cytoplasmic domain that confers resistance to Nef. Thus, this antiviral factor constitutes a major barrier to effective zoonotic transmissions of SIVs to humans. Here, we show that this protective deletion has already been present in Neanderthal and Denisovan BST2 and thus evolved at least 800,000 years ago. This ancient origin helps to explain why effectively spreading zoonotic transmissions of SIVs to humans have been rare, although SIVs are widespread in African nonhuman primates and humans must have been exposed to these viruses many times. Hum Mutat 32:1243–1245, 2011. ©2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Document image segmentation using discriminative learning over connected components

Segmentation of a document image into text and non-text regions is an important preprocessing step for a variety of document image analysis tasks, like improving OCR, document compression etc. Most of the state-of-the-art document image segmentation approaches perform segmentation using pixel-based or zone(block)-based classification. Pixel-based classification approaches are time consuming, whereas block-based methods heavily depend on the accuracy of block segmentation step. In contrast to the state-of-the-art document image segmentation approaches, our segmentation approach introduces connected component based classification, thereby not requiring a block segmentation beforehand. Here we train a self-tunable multi-layer perceptron (MLP) classifier for distinguishing between text and non-text connected components using shape and context information as a feature vector. Experimental results prove the effectiveness of our proposed algorithm. We have evaluated our method on subset of UW-III, ICDAR 2009 page segmentation competition test images and circuit diagrams datasets and compared its results with the state-of-the-art leptonica's page segmentation algorithm.
Evolutionary conservation, diversity and specificity of LTR-retrotransposons in flowering plants: insights from genome-wide analysis and multi-specific comparison.

The availability of complete or nearly complete genome sequences from several plant species permits detailed discovery and cross-species comparison of transposable elements (TEs) at the whole genome level. We initially investigated 510 long terminal repeat-retrotransposon (LTR-RT) families comprising 32370 elements in soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr. ). Approximately 87% of these elements were located in recombination-suppressed pericentromeric regions, where the ratio (1.26) of solo LTRs to intact elements (S/I) is significantly lower than that of chromosome arms (1.62). Further analysis revealed a significant positive correlation between S/I and LTR sizes, indicating that larger LTRs facilitate solo LTR formation. Phylogenetic analysis revealed seven Copia and five Gypsy evolutionary lineages that were present before the divergence of eudicot and monocot species, but the scales and timeframes within which they proliferated vary dramatically across families, lineages and species, and notably, a Copia lineage has been lost in soybean. Analysis of the physical association of LTR-RTs with centromere satellite repeats identified two putative centromere retrotransposon (CR) families of soybean, which were grouped into the CR (e.g. CRR and CRM) lineage found in grasses, indicating that the 'functional specification' of CR pre-dates the bifurcation of eudicots and monocots. However, a number of families of the CR lineage are not concentrated in centromeres, suggesting that their CR roles may now be defunct. Our data also suggest that the envelope-like genes in the putative Copia retrovirus-like family are probably derived from the Gypsy retrovirus-like lineage, and thus we propose the hypothesis of a single ancient origin of envelope-like genes in flowering plants.
Analyst Forecasts, Executive Incentives, and Property-Liability Insurer Reserve Errors

This paper examines whether property-liability insurers manage their loss reserves to meet or beat the analysts’ consensus forecast. We find evidence that suggests they do. We then investigate the market reaction to beating the forecast and whether it differs if the firm under-reserves. Consistent with prior research, we find the market rewards firms for beating the target. However, the market penalizes firms that beat the target if they inflate their earnings by under-reserving. Finally, we examine whether managerial compensation is associated with the incentive to manage reserves to meet or beat the forecast. We find CEOs equity incentives, specifically pay-performance sensitivity and the sensitivity of compensation to increases in the firm's stock price, are connected with the extent firms manage loss reserves to meet or beat analyst forecasts.
Multilevel Influences on Voluntary Workplace Green Behavior: Individual Differences, Leader Behavior, and Coworker Advocacy

Drawing on a multilevel model of motivation in work groups and a functionalist perspective of citizenship and socially responsible behaviors, we developed and tested a multilevel model of voluntary workplace green behavior that explicates some of the reasons why employees voluntarily engage in green behavior at work. For a sample of 325 office workers organized into 80 work groups in three firms, we found that conscientiousness and moral reflectiveness were associated with the voluntary workplace green behavior of group leaders and individual group members. Furthermore, we found a direct relationship between leader green behavior and the green behavior of individual subordinates as well as an indirect relationship mediated by green advocacy within work groups. Our theory and findings shed new light on the psychological and social conditions and processes that shape voluntary workplace green behavior in organizational settings and suggest implications for organizations striving to improve their social responsibility and environmental sustainability.
Genetic divergence in wild population of endangered yellowtail catfish Pangasius pangasius (Hamilton-Buchanan, 1822) revealed by mtDNA

Abstract Pangasius pangasius, an endangered freshwater fish species, is an important component of capture fishery from Indian rivers. Samples collected through commercial catches from three riverine populations were analyzed with cytb (307 bp) and ATPase6&8 (842 bp) regions for population variation and differentiation. The sequences of the both the mitochondrial regions revealed high haplotype and low nucleotide diversity. Shallow genetic diversity based on ATPase6&8 was observed, however its haplotypes network clearly indicated two distinct mitochondrial lineages. Mismatch distribution suggested population bottlenecks followed by expansion in Mahanadi population. The present study indicated the ATPase6&8 to be a potential mitochondrial marker for studying the population sub-structuring in the wild population of P. pangasius.
Types of political participation: A multidimensional analysis

Abstract. Studies of political participation have traditionally differentiated conventional from non-conventional, legal from illegal, modes of participation. In this paper we to develop a more complex scheme, using the technique of multidimensional scaling (MDS). We look at the perceptions that individuals hold about different forms of political participation that range from voting to armed violence and include other legal or illegal manifestations. The results show the existence of two meaningful underlying dimensions. The first relates to ‘within-system’versus ‘out-of-system’activities; the second relates to ‘progressive’versus ‘conservative’activities. A cluster analysis is then used to develop a typology of political participation.
First detection of plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance in the community setting and in hospitalized patients in Switzerland.

1. Eckert C, Gautier V, Arlet G. DNA sequence analysis of the genetic environment of blaCTX-M genes. J Antimicrob Chemother 2006; 57: 14–23. 2. Canton R, Coque TM. The CTX-M b-lactamase pandemic. Curr Opin Microbiol 2006; 9: 466–75. 3. Partridge SR, Hall RM. In34, a complex In5 family class 1 integron containing orf513 and dfrA10. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2003; 47: 342–9. 4. Valverde A, Canton R, Galan JC et al. In117, an unusual In0-like class 1 integron containing CR1 and blaCTX-M-2 and associated with a Tn21-like element. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2006; 50: 799–802. 5. Arduino SM, Roy PH, Jacoby GA et al. blaCTX-M-2 is located in an unusual class 1 integron (In35) which includes Orf513. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2002; 46: 2303–6. 6. Jarlier V, Nicolas MH, Fournier G et al. Extended broad-spectrum b-lactamases conferring transferable resistance to newer b-lactam agents in Enterobacteriaceae: hospital prevalence and susceptibility patterns. Rev Infect Dis 1988; 10: 867–78. 7. Toleman MA, Bennett PM, Walsh TR. ISCR elements: novel gene-capturing systems of the 21st century? Microbiol Mol Biol Rev 2006; 70: 296–316.
“They Always Call Me an Investment”

In the past 20 years, Latinas have begun to outperform Latinos in high school completion and college enrollment, tracking the overall “gender reversal” in college attainment that favors women. Few studies have examined what factors contribute to Latinas’ increasing educational success. This article focuses on gender differences in college-going behavior among a cohort of 50 Latino/a college aspirants in the San Francisco East Bay Area. Through 136 longitudinal interviews, I examine trends in Latinos/as’ postsecondary pathways and life course decisions over a two-year period. Findings suggest evidence for gendered familism, in which gender and racial/ethnic beliefs intersect to differentially shape Latinos/as’ attitudes, behaviors, and college choices. Gendered familism encouraged Latinas to seek a four-year degree as a means of earning independence, while Latinos expressed a sense of automatic autonomy that was not as strongly tied to educational outcomes.
Neuronal Production of Transthyretin in Human and Murine Alzheimer's Disease: Is It Protective?

Transthyretin (TTR), a systemic amyloid precursor in the human TTR amyloidoses, interacts with β-amyloid (Aβ) in vitro, inhibits Aβ fibril formation, and suppresses the Alzheimer's disease (AD) phenotype in APP23 mice bearing a human APP gene containing the Swedish autosomal dominant AD mutation. In the present study, we show that TTR is a neuronal product upregulated in AD. Immunohistochemical analysis reveals that, in contrast to brains from non-demented age-matched individuals and control mice, the majority of hippocampal neurons from human AD and all those from the APP23 mouse brains contain TTR. Quantitative PCR for TTR mRNA and Western blot analysis show that primary neurons from APP23 mice transcribe TTR mRNA, and the cells synthesize and secrete TTR protein. TTR mRNA abundance is greatly increased in cultured cortical and hippocampal embryonic neurons and cortical lysates from adult APP23 mice. Antibodies specific for TTR and Aβ pulled down TTR/Aβ complexes from cerebral cortical extracts of APP23 mice and some human AD patients but not from control brains. In complementary tissue culture experiments, recombinant human TTR suppressed the cytotoxicity of soluble Aβ aggregates added to mouse neurons and differentiated human SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells. The findings that production of Aβ, its precursor, or its related peptides induces neuronal TTR transcription and synthesis and the presence of Aβ/TTR complexes in vivo suggest that increased TTR production coupled with interaction between TTR and Aβ and/or its related peptides may play a role in natural resistance to human AD.
Deguelin Induces Apoptosis by Targeting Both EGFR-Akt and IGF1R-Akt Pathways in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Cancer Cell Lines

Deguelin, a rotenoid compound from the African plant Mundulea sericea (Leguminosae), has been shown to possess antitumor activities but the exact role for the growth factor receptor mediated signaling pathway in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is currently still unclear. In the present study, we investigated the effect of deguelin on epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF1R) pathways in HNSCC cell lines. Flowcytometric analysis revealed accumulation of annexin V positivity in deguelin-treated cells, showing that deguelin induced apoptosis. The deguelin-induced apoptosis was accompanied by the reduction of constitutive phosphorylated levels of IGF1R, Akt, and extracellular signal-regulated kinase1/2 (ERK1/2). LY294002-mediated inhibition of phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase, which is an upstream effector for Akt activation, increased cleavage of poly(ADP-ribosyl) polymerase (PARP) but ERK inhibition by U0126 did not. Deguelin inhibited both IGF-1- and EGF-induced Akt activation. These results showed that deguelin possessed antitumor effect by targeting Akt in dual axis such as EGFR and IGF1R signaling pathways and suggested that it provides an applicable therapeutic strategy for HNSCC patients.
Problem-based and experiential learning: Engaging students in an undergraduate physical education module

The aim of this study was to employ a combined problem-based learning (PBL) and experiential learning theory (ELT) methodology as a means of engaging students on an undergraduate physical education (PE) and sport pedagogy module. Focus groups were conducted to investigate the students’ and tutors’ responses to the teaching approach. The results indicated that the method of teaching was associated with students feeling confident about their critical knowledge and understanding of contemporary issue in PE, their presentation and discussion skills, and a positive engagement with the module. Overall the approach was highly beneficial to the student learning experience.
Alternative Splicing in the Pore-Forming Region of shakerPotassium Channels

We have cloned cDNAs for the shaker potassium channel gene from the spiny lobster Panulirus interruptus. As previously found in Drosophila, there is alternative splicing at the 5′ and 3′ ends of the coding region. However, in Panulirus shaker, alternative splicing also occurs within the pore-forming region of the protein. Three different splice variants were found within the P region, two of which bestow unique electrophysiological characteristics to channel function. Pore I and pore II variants differ in voltage dependence for activation, kinetics of inactivation, current rectification, and drug resistance. The pore 0 variant lacks a P region exon and does not produce a functional channel. This is the first example of alternative splicing within the pore-forming region of a voltage-dependent ion channel. We used a recently identified potassium channel blocker, κ-conotoxin PVIIA, to study the physiological role of the two pore forms. The toxin selectively blocked one pore form, whereas the other form, heteromers between the two pore forms, and Panulirus shal were not blocked. When it was tested in thePanulirus stomatogastric ganglion, the toxin produced no effects on transient K+ currents or synaptic transmission between neurons.
Arthroscopic Treatment for Anterior Impingement Exostosis of the Ankle: Application of Three-Dimensional Computed Tomography

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the operative results of excision of anterior impingement exostoses of the ankle. Preoperative three-dimensional computed tomography (3DCT) was used to make the diagnoses. The authors evaluated 16 ankles of 16 patients who underwent arthroscopic resection of the osteophytes of their anterior distal tibia or dorsal talus. They were followed up for 24–51 months. All 16 patients had 3DCT preoperatively, which allowed the authors to determine the exact location, shape, size, and number of the osteophytes. All of the osteophytes were resected using arthroscopic techniques. At the time of the most recent follow-up, the mean AOFAS score was 80.5 ± 4.9 points at preoperation, and 97.0 ± 3.7 points at the most recent follow-up. There were significant differences between the pre- and postoperative AOFAS scores and those of the most recent follow-up period for each group (p < .0001). It is necessary to clarify the location, size, shape, and number of all of the osteophytes preoperatively using 3DCT, and to then resect them all.
Heparin-induced Thrombocytopenia Presenting With Deep Venous Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism Successfully Treated With Rivaroxaban: Clinical Case Report and Review of Current Experiences

Abstract: Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is a life or limb-threatening thrombotic thrombocytopenia. HIT is traditionally treated with factor-IIa inhibitors such as bivalirudin, lepirudin, or argatroban. However, these agents usually require parenteral administration and are not generally available in all countries. Recently, several experiences with novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs) administration to treat HIT had been reported. NOACs generally offer advantages such as consistent and predictable anticoagulation, oral administration with good patient compliance, and a good safety profile. We report a case of HIT with severe thrombotic complications successfully treated with rivaroxaban and discuss the current knowledge about the use of NOACs for the treatment of this potentially fatal thrombocytopenia.
The Severe Mini-Mental State Examination: A New Neuropsychologic Instrument for the Bedside Assessment of Severely Impaired Patients With Alzheimer Disease

The bedside and office assessment of cognitive abilities in moderately to severely impaired patients with Alzheimer disease could be enhanced by a well-standardized instrument. The authors' group has developed such an instrument (i.e., Severe Mini-Mental State Examination; SMMSE) to assess this population. Based on the Folstein Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), the SMMSE, which totals 30 points, was designed to briefly assess cognitive domains relatively preserved in moderate to severe Alzheimer disease. One hundred eighty-two patients with possible or probable Alzheimer disease were administered both the MMSE and SMMSE. Performances on the SMMSE and MMSE were found to correlate significantly only when MMSE fell below 9 points (p < 0.0001). However, as performance on the MMSE approached floor levels, patients continued to score at half maximal levels on the SMMSE. Functional staging with the Clinical Dementia Rating Scale and the Global Deterioration Scale also were found to significantly correlate with performance on the SMMSE (p < 0.001). Test–retest performance on both the SMMSE and MMSE was relatively stable over a period of 5 months. Inter-rater reliability of the SMMSE was excellent. These results suggest that the SMMSE has both construct and criterion validity for assessing severely impaired Alzheimer disease patients. Our results also suggest that the SMMSE may be a useful instrument for assessing severely impaired patients at the bedside and in the office.
Relation between metabolic syndrome and sleep duration in Japan: a large scale cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE Previous research suggests that sleep duration is related to metabolic syndrome, based on Western criteria. However, the criteria for metabolic syndrome vary among countries and populations. We therefore evaluated the relationship between sleep duration and the presence of metabolic syndrome in Japan. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 44,452 apparently healthy individuals aged 20 years or older who underwent annual health checkup the Center for Preventive Medicine at St. Luke's International Hospital in 2008. Participants were divided into 4 groups according to their average reported nightly sleep duration (<6 hours, 6-6.9 hours, 7-7.9 hours, ≥8 hours). Based on criteria by the Japan Society for the Study of Obesity, we identified individuals with metabolic syndrome. Multivariable logistic regression was used to explore the relationship adjusting for age, gender, alcohol consumption, current smoking, past medical history, and level of physical activity. RESULTS The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 8.7% (3,876/44,452; 95% CI, 8.5-9.0%). The mean age of participants was 44.8 years (SD, 12.8) and 49.5% were male. Those with sleep duration less than 6 hours were more likely to meet metabolic syndrome criteria (OR=1.42; 95% CI=1.20-1.68) than those with longer sleep duration (≥8 hours). CONCLUSION Short sleep duration is associated with the presence of metabolic syndrome despite the difference between Japanese and Western criteria.
An Analysis of the Temporal Features of Ejective Consonants

Abstract This paper reports some temporal measurements of glottalic ejective consonants. Measurements of pre-release silence before stops, the time from consonant release to vowel onset, and the post-release silent interval are obtained and submitted to analyses of variance. Also several interesting properties emerge from the study. First, the silent interval between release of consonant and vowel onset is an important factor relating to the characterization of voice onset time. Second, F2 and F3 transitions do not regularly appear in the beginning of the vowel nucleus as a cue for place of articulation.
‘Sensing with’ photography and ‘thinking with’ photographs in research into teenage girls' hanging out

In this paper, I approach photography as a multisensory practice that can deepen participant engagement in youth research. I argue that this engagement opens up possibilities for embodied reflection. I focus on the creative potential of both ‘sensing with’ photography and the event of ‘thinking with’ photographs by discussing two inter-connected methods: photo-walks and photo-talks. The insights are based on my research into the ways in which teenage girls live and hang out with their urban environments. My thinking draws on writings within material or ‘post-human’ geographies, non-representational theory and participatory research.