Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
PLS marker variable approach to diagnosing and controlling for method variance

Partial least squares (PLS) path modeling has been adopted as part of the statistical toolbox of many information systems (IS) scholars, particularly when dealing with survey data. Since these data are susceptible to common method variance, several statistical approaches for diagnosing and controlling for this undesirable feature have been developed. While most of these statistical techniques are only applicable to structural equation modeling (SEM), Liang, Saraf, Hu, and Xue (2007) proposed how one of these techniques can be used with PLS analysis. Since this was the first time that a method for controlling common method variance had been made available for PLS users, the method of Liang et al. quickly gained popularity in IS journals. However, recent analysis on the Liang et all approach shows that the method does neither detect nor control for common method variance. In this paper, we propose an alternative PLS marker variable approach for analyzing data contaminated with method variance and provide simulation evidence for the validity of this new approach.
Subcortical White Matter Changes with Normal Aging Detected by Multi-Shot High Resolution Diffusion Tensor Imaging

Subcortical white matter builds neural connections between cortical and subcortical regions and constitutes the basis of neural networks. It plays a very important role in normal brain function. Various studies have shown that white matter deteriorates with aging. However, due to the limited spatial resolution provided by traditional diffusion imaging techniques, microstructural information from subcortical white matter with normal aging has not been comprehensively assessed. This study aims to investigate the deterioration effect with aging in the subcortical white matter and provide a baseline standard for pathological disorder diagnosis. We apply our newly developed multi-shot high resolution diffusion tensor imaging, using self-feeding multiplexed sensitivity-encoding, to measure subcortical white matter changes in regions of interest of healthy persons with a wide age range. Results show significant fractional anisotropy decline and radial diffusivity increasing with age, especially in the anterior part of the brain. We also find that subcortical white matter has more prominent changes than white matter close to the central brain. The observed changes in the subcortical white matter may be indicative of a mild demyelination and a loss of myelinated axons, which may contribute to normal age-related functional decline.
An analysis of the backoff mechanism used in IEEE 802.11 networks

This paper presents a simulation analysis of the backoff mechanism presented in the IEEE 802.11 standard. The obtained simulations allow us to determine the effective throughput and the mean packet delay versus offered load for different values of the contention window parameter and the number of contending stations. The choice of the CWmin and CWmax parameters was analyzed. In particular, the choice of CWmin value in dependence of the number of transmitting stations was presented. The simulation results show that the proper choice of the CW parameters has a substantial influence on the network performance.
Classical fever of unknown origin (FUO): current causes in Mexico.

BACKGROUND Causes of FUO change according to medical innovations, modifications of social circumstances, and emerging health risks. Aim. To describe the epidemiology of classical FUO, the time and procedures to achieve a definitive diagnosis, and to underline the variables useful in distinguishing FUO categories. Setting. A third-referral center in Mexico City. METHODS Patients admitted with prolonged fever were evaluated. Clinical charts of patients with classical FUO were assessed; comparisons between classical FUO categories were made. RESULTS 45 patients with 44.9 +/- 17.2 years of age, previous fever duration of 51.2 +/- 51.5 days, and 88.9% referred from other hospitals were evaluated. Nineteen patients had infectious causes; eight, neoplastic conditions; 12, inflammatory non-infectious diseases; one had another cause, and five were discharged with no etiologic diagnosis. Age, LDH levels, length of fever, and weight loss greater than 10 kg may be used to classify patients into a definite category. CONCLUSIONS Classical FUO is an unusual presentation of frequent infectious diseases; SLE is the main cause within the inflammatory non-infectious conditions, and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is the first cause of cancer. Some clinical and laboratory clues may be used to guide the study work up of patients with classical FUO.
Intertemporal Substitution and Indeterminacy of Fiscal Policy in a Growth Model of the Environment

This paper develops an endogenous growth model of the environment where pollution increases with output, and tax revenues are used by an optimizing government to maintain environmental quality in addition to spending on infrastructure. We study the secondbest (Ramsey) scal policies within a decentralized economy framework. We nd that for su¢ ciently large values of the elasticity of intertemporal substitution, there can exist multiple solutions for the scal policy instruments (tax rate, and infrastructural-to-total spending), and also the other endogenous variables. More speci cally, we derive a highgrowth and a low-growth equilibrium that are associated with di¤erent combinations of optimal policy instruments. JEL classi cation: D90, E21, E62, H31, O44, Q28.
The Effect of Growth Volatility on Income Inequality

This paper assesses the long-run effect of growth volatility on income inequality using a comprehensive panel of annual U.S. state-level data during the 1945 to 2004 period. Using the pooled mean group (PMG) estimator, we find overwhelming evidence supporting the hypothesis that larger growth volatility positively and significantly associates with higher income inequality. In addition, our key finding is robust to alternative lag structures, conditioning variables, inequality measures, volatility indicators, and time periods.
Analyzing Association Rule Mining and Clustering on Sales Day Data with XLMiner and Weka

In the era of intense competition among organizations, retaining a customer is a collaborative process. Business organizations are adopting different strategies to facilitate their customers in verity of ways, so that these customers keep on buying from them. Association Rule Mining (ARM) is one of the strategies that find out correspondence/association among the items sold together by applying basket analysis. The clustering technique is also used for different advantages like; recognizing class of most sold products, classifying customers based on their buying behavior and their power of purchase. Different researchers have provided different algorithms for both ARM and Clustering, and are implemented in different data mining tools. This paper is extended version of [4], we have compared the results of Apriori and K-Mean algorithms against their implementation in Weka and XLMiner. For this comparison we have used the transaction data of Sales Day (a super store). The results are very encouraging and also produced valuable information for sales and business improvements. We have also analyzed the data for hidden knowledge and the results showed some very interesting patterns in user buying behavior and buying timings.
Declustering of key-based partitioned signature files

Access methods based on signature files can largely benefit from possibilities offered by parallel environments. To this end, an effective <italic>declustering</italic> strategy that would distribute signatures over a set of parallel independent disks has to be combined with a synergic <italic>clustering</italic> which is employed to avoid searching the whole signature file while executing a query. This article proposes two parallel signature file organizations, Hamming Filter (<italic>HF</italic>) and Hamming <supscrpt>+</supscrpt> Filter (<italic>H<supscrpt>+</supscrpt>F</italic>), whose common declustering strategy is based on <italic>error correcting codes</italic>, and where clustering is achieved by organizing signatures into fixed-size buckets, each containing signatures sharing the same <italic>key</italic> value. <italic>HF</italic> allocates signatures on disks in a static way and works well if a correct relationship holds between the parameters of the code and the size of the file. <italic>H<supscrpt>+</supscrpt>F</italic> is a generalization of <italic>HF</italic> suitable to manage highly dynamic files. It uses a dynamic declustering, obtained through a <italic>sequence</italic> of codes, and organizes a smooth migration of signatures between disks so that high performance levels are retained regardless of current file size. Theoretical analysis characterizes the best-case, expected, and worst-case behaviors of these organizations. Analytical results are verified by experiments on prototype systems.
Mechanisms of Drug Resistance in Veterinary Oncology—A Review with an Emphasis on Canine Lymphoma

Drug resistance (DR) is the major limiting factor in the successful treatment of systemic neoplasia with cytotoxic chemotherapy. DR can be either intrinsic or acquired, and although the development and clinical implications are different, the underlying mechanisms are likely to be similar. Most causes for DR are pharmacodynamic in nature, result from adaptations within the tumor cell and include reduced drug uptake, increased drug efflux, changes in drug metabolism or drug target, increased capacity to repair drug-induced DNA damage or increased resistance to apoptosis. The role of active drug efflux transporters, and those of the ABC-transporter family in particular, have been studied extensively in human oncology and to a lesser extent in veterinary medicine. Methods reported to assess ABC-transporter status include detection of the actual protein (Western blot, immunohistochemistry), mRNA or ABC-transporter function. The three major ABC-transporters associated with DR in human oncology are ABCB1 or P-gp, ABCC1 or MRP1, and ABCG2 or BCRP, and have been demonstrated in canine cell lines, healthy dogs and dogs with cancer. Although this supports a causative role for these ABC-transporters in DR cytotoxic agents in the dog, the relative contribution to the clinical phenotype of DR in canine cancer remains an area of debate and requires further prospective studies.
Trauma-Related Altered States of Consciousness in Undergraduate Students

The four-dimensional (4-D) model of trauma-related dissociation differentiates between experiences of clinically significant distress that do versus do not intrinsically exemplify trauma-related altered states of consciousness (TRASC) often associated with childhood trauma histories. The present study investigated the hypotheses of the 4-D model in association with a relational, socioecological assessment of childhood history of familial maltreatment in young adults. Undergraduate students (n = 288) reported on childhood traumatic experiences and current psychological symptoms. Consistent with predictions of the 4-D model, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms indicative of TRASC, in comparison with distress occurring in normal waking consciousness (NWC), were: (a) endorsed less frequently, (b) coendorsed less often, and (c) more strongly correlated with total scores on the Dissociative Symptoms Scale (DSS). The strength of correlations with retrospectively self-reported early histories of childhood adversity and traumatic experience varied by the type of adverse childhood experience assessed, and also by the familial relationship with the perpetrator. Limitations of the current study and future directions are discussed.
Audiometric screening of a population with intellectual disability

Abstract Objective: Evaluation of pure-tone audiometry (PTA) in hearing screening of a population with mild to profound intellectual disability (ID). Design: PTA was performed at six frequencies at the screening level 20 dB HL. Referral criteria were threshold levels ≥ 25 dB HL at two or more frequencies for one ear or both. Study sample: 1478 participants aged 7–91 years were included. Results: 1470 (99.5%) people cooperated in screening of which 1325 (90%) could be tested on both ears at all six frequencies. A majority, 987 (66.8%), performed ordinary PTA, 234 (15.8%) conditioned play audiometry, and 249 (16.9%) behavioural observation audiometry. Six hundred and sixty-nine (45%) passed and 809 (55%) failed according to referral criteria. Of those failing, 441 (54.5%) accepted referral to clinical evaluation. Conclusions: PTA with slight modifications is applicable for screening of a population with mild to profound intellectual disability. The most challenging and time-consuming activity is to introduce the test procedure in a way that reduces anxiety and establishes trust.
Reduced Fitness of Virulent Aphis glycines (Hemiptera: Aphididae) Biotypes May Influence the Longevity of Resistance Genes in Soybean

Sustainable use of insect resistance in crops require insect resistance management plans that may include a refuge to limit the spread of virulence to this resistance. However, without a loss of fitness associated with virulence, a refuge may not prevent virulence from becoming fixed within a population of parthenogenetically reproducing insects like aphids. Aphid-resistance in soybeans (i.e., Rag genes) prevent outbreaks of soybean aphid (Aphis glycines), yet four biotypes defined by their capacity to survive on aphid-resistant soybeans (e.g., biotype-2 survives on Rag1 soybean) are found in North America. Although fitness costs are reported for biotype-3 on aphid susceptible and Rag1 soybean, it is not clear if virulence to aphid resistance in general is associated with a decrease in fitness on aphid susceptible soybeans. In laboratory assays, we measured fitness costs for biotype 2, 3 and 4 on an aphid-susceptible soybean cultivar. In addition, we also observed negative cross-resistance for biotype-2 on Rag3, and biotype-3 on Rag1 soybean. We utilized a simple deterministic, single-locus, four compartment genetic model to account for the impact of these findings on the frequency of virulence alleles. When a refuge of aphid susceptible was included within this model, fitness costs and negative cross-resistance delayed the increase of virulence alleles when virulence was inherited recessively or additively. If virulence were inherited additively, fitness costs decreased the frequency of virulence. Combined, these results suggest that a refuge may prevent virulent A. glycines biotypes from overcoming Rag genes if this aphid-resistance were used commercially in North America.
Effects of Ghrelin on Triglyceride Accumulation and Glucose Uptake in Primary Cultured Rat Myoblasts under Palmitic Acid-Induced High Fat Conditions

This study aimed to study the effects of acylated ghrelin on glucose and triglyceride metabolism in rat myoblasts under palmitic acid- (PA-) induced high fat conditions. Rat myoblasts were treated with 0, 10−11, 10−9, or 10−7 M acylated ghrelin and 0.3 mM PA for 12 h. Triglyceride accumulation was determined by Oil-Red-O staining and the glycerol phosphate dehydrogenase-peroxidase enzymatic method, and glucose uptake was determined by isotope tracer. The glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4), AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), and uncoupling protein 3 (UCP3) were assessed by RT-PCR and western blot. Compared to 0.3 mM PA, ghrelin at 10−9 and 10−7 M reduced triglyceride content (5.855 ± 0.352 versus 5.030 ± 0.129 and 4.158 ± 0.254 mM, P < 0.05) and prevented PA-induced reduction of glucose uptake (1.717 ± 0.264 versus 2.233 ± 0.333 and 2.333 ± 0.273 10−2 pmol/g/min, P < 0.05). The relative protein expression of p-AMPKα/AMPKα, UCP3, and p-ACC under 0.3 mM PA was significantly reduced compared to controls (all P < 0.05), but those in the 10−9 and 10−7 M ghrelin groups were significantly protected from 0.3 mM PA (all P < 0.05). In conclusion, acylated ghrelin reduced PA-induced triglyceride accumulation and prevented the PA-induced decrease in glucose uptake in rat myoblasts. These effects may involve fatty acid oxidation.
Simulating the recent star formation history in the halo of NGC 5128

Simulated color-magnitude diagrams are used to investigate the recent star formation history in NGC 5128. The comparison of the simulations with the observed UV color-magnitude diagram for a field in the north-eastern shell, where recent star formation is present, constrains the initial mass function (IMF) and the duration of the star formation episode. The star formation burst is still on-going or at most has stopped some 2 Myr ago. The look-back time on the main sequence is set by the incompleteness of the U-band observations at V 26, and is of the order of 50 Myr. The post main sequence phases have a look-back time up to 100 Myr, setting the maximum observable time for the star formation in this field. The comparison of the observed and simulated luminosity functions and the number of post main sequence vs. total number of stars favours models with active star formation in the last 100 Myr. The data are best fitted by an IMF with Salpeter slope (= 2:35), and are also consistent with slopes in the range of 2 << 2:6. They exclude steeper IMF slopes. The mean star formation rate for a Salpeter IMF in the range of masses 0:6 M 100 M within the last 100 Myr is 1:6 10 4 M yr 1 kpc 2 .
Using typologies of victimization worry to create strategies for reducing fear of crime

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to develop actionable strategies designed for law enforcement agencies seeking to reduce fear of crime among those living within their jurisdictions. A conjunctive analysis of case configurations is conducted on data collected from residents living in southeast Queensland (Australia) (N = 713) in order to identify context-specific typologies of victimization worry. Main effects for each component of the typologies are examined in order to identify the impact each has on reducing negative attitudes towards crime. Current findings suggest that agencies will likely reduce fear of crime among community residents the most by focusing on decreasing concerns related to the consequences of victimization. Results are consistent for both crimes against persons and property offenses.
The invasive mosquito Aedes japonicus in Central Europe

Complaints about a biting pest led to the recognition of invasive Aedes (Finlaya) japonicus japonicus (Theobald) (Diptera: Culicidae) in Central Europe. Larval collections from cemetery vases revealed a colonized area of approximately 1400 km2 in northern Switzerland spreading into bordering Germany, suggesting that the mosquito has been established in this region for several years. Within this range, larvae of Ae. japonicus were recovered from more containers than the most common resident culicid species Culex pipiens. Possible introduction sites (used tyre yards and international airports) revealed few or no larvae, and the mode of introduction remains unclear. Given the vector potential of this species for arboviruses, implementation of surveillance and control measures should be considered.
A metadata management framework for dynamic information integration

One necessary factor in the success of data grid technology to share structured and semi‐structured data across organizational boundaries is the availability of convenient, easy‐to‐use information integration services that provide an application‐specific, integrated view over the relevant data sources. To deal with the many challenges of information integration in such a dynamic environment, the integrated handling of metadata is an essential factor. In this paper, we present the PALADIN integration framework, a platform providing the common infrastructure on top of which the different integration services can be built. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Recycling endosomes can serve as intermediates during transport from the Golgi to the plasma membrane of MDCK cells

The AP-1B clathrin adaptor complex is responsible for the polarized transport of many basolateral membrane proteins in epithelial cells. Localization of AP-1B to recycling endosomes (REs) along with other components (exocyst subunits and Rab8) involved in AP-1B–dependent transport suggested that RE might be an intermediate between the Golgi and the plasma membrane. Although the involvement of endosomes in the secretory pathway has long been suspected, we now present direct evidence using four independent methods that REs play a role in basolateral transport in MDCK cells. Newly synthesized AP-1B–dependent cargo, vesicular stomatitis virus glycoprotein G (VSV-G), was found by video microscopy, immunoelectron microscopy, and cell fractionation to enter transferrin-positive REs within a few minutes after exit from the trans-Golgi network. Although transient, RE entry appears essential because enzymatic inactivation of REs blocked VSV-G delivery to the cell surface. Because an apically targeted VSV-G mutant behaved similarly, these results suggest that REs not only serve as an intermediate but also as a common site for polarized sorting on the endocytic and secretory pathways.
Misprescription and misuse of one‐tailed tests

One-tailed statistical tests are often used in ecology, animal behaviour and in most other fields in the biologicalandsocialsciences.Herewereviewthefrequencyoftheiruseinthe1989and2005volumesoftwojournals (Animal Behaviour and Oecologia), their advantages and disadvantages, the extensive erroneous advice on them in both older and modern statistics texts and their utility in certain narrow areas of applied research. Of those articles with data sets susceptible to one-tailed tests, at least 24% in Animal Behaviour and at least 13% in Oecologia used one-tailedtestsatleastonce.Theywereused35%morefrequentlywithnonparametricmethodsthanwithparametric ones and about twice as often in 1989 as in 2005.Debate in the psychological literature of the 1950s established the logical criterion that one-tailed tests should be restricted to situations where there is interest only in results in one direction. 'Interest' should be defined; however, in terms of collective or societal interest and not by the individual investigator. By this 'collective interest' criterion, all uses of one-tailed tests in the journals surveyed seem invalid. In his book Nonparametric Statistics, S. Siegel unrelentingly suggested the use of one-tailed tests whenever the investigator predicts the direction of a result.That work has been a major proximate source of confusion on this issue, but so are most recent statistics textbooks.The utility of one-tailed tests in research aimed at obtaining regulatory approval of new drugs and new pesticides is briefly described, to exemplify the narrow range of research situations where such tests can be appropriate.These situations are characterized by null hypotheses stating that the difference or effect size does not exceed, or is at least as great as, some 'amount of practical interest'. One-tailed tests rarely should be used for basic or applied research in ecology, animal behaviour or any other science.
WU Polyomavirus in Children, Canada

WU polyomavirus was detected in nasopharyngeal aspirates in 2 (2.5%) of 79 children with respiratory infections (both infected with respiratory syncytial virus) and in 5 (6.4%) of 78 asymptomatic children during the same winter season in Canada. The strains were closely related to Australian and American viruses based on analysis of large T antigen (TAg) and VP2 genes. The pathogenic role of WU virus is still uncertain.