Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The progression of the boreal winter monsoon through the western MaritimeContinent as differentiated by ENSO phase

Abstract. The impact of global ENSO on the regional monsoon onset over the Maritime Continent is examined, using satellite-derived scatterometer surface winds over the sea channel from the South China Sea, through the Karimata Strait into the Java Sea. An index of monsoon onset, fracsign, is defined based on a positive dot-product between the monthly wind at each gridpoint and the "basis-wind" or climatological wind at the peak of the relevant monsoon season. Rather than being delayed throughout the Maritime Continent during El Nino years, the monsoon is seen to arrive faster at and remain longer over the western Maritime Continent, and therefore delayed for the eastern Maritime Continent. The wind-based diagnostic can be further decomposed into two components that reflect the monsoon wind strength and the location of the wind convergence zone, respectively. During El Nino years, the monsoon strength post-onset is weaker than normal over the eastern maritime continent. However, there is no ENSO-related differentiation in monsoon strength post-onset over the western Maritime Continent.
Adaptive rate-based congestion control versus TCP-SS: a performance comparison

Recent simulation studies of TCP congestion control Slow-Start clearly show problems of oscillatory behavior in packet delay, congestion windows and throughput. Furthermore, it also suffers from rapid fluctuations in queue length, periodic packet losses, and underutilization of the transmission line in a large pipeline size and/or two-way traffic environments. These studies also exhibit three fairness problems in TCP-SS: systematic discrimination of a particular connection in periodic traffic, a bias against a connection with a long round trip time and a bias against bursty traffic. Based on the principles of rate control and preventive congestion mechanism, the authors have developed a new adaptive rate-based (ARB) congestion avoidance scheme that avoids these problems present in TCP-SS. It is demonstrated through simulations that ARB outperforms TCP-SS in network efficiency and fairness. <<ETX>>
Today's state‐owned enterprises of China: are they dying dinosaurs or dynamic dynamos?

This paper raises the question and provides empirical evidence regarding the status of the evolution of the state-owned enterprises (SOEs) in China today. In this study, we compare the SOEs to domestic private-owned enterprises (POEs) and foreign-controlled businesses (FCBs) in the context of their organizational cultures. While a new ownership form, many of the POEs evolved from former collectives that reflect the traditional values of Chinese business. Conversely, the FCBs are much more indicative of the large global MNCs. Therefore, we look at the SOEs in the context of these two reference points. We conclude that the SOEs of today have substantially transformed to approximate a configuration desired by the Chinese government when it began the SOE transformation a couple of decades ago to make them globally competitive. The SOEs of today appear to be appropriately described as China's economic dynamic dynamo for the future. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Emotional Gatekeeper: A Computational Model of Attentional Selection and Suppression through the Pathway from the Amygdala to the Inhibitory Thalamic Reticular Nucleus

In a complex environment that contains both opportunities and threats, it is important for an organism to flexibly direct attention based on current events and prior plans. The amygdala, the hub of the brain's emotional system, is involved in forming and signaling affective associations between stimuli and their consequences. The inhibitory thalamic reticular nucleus (TRN) is a hub of the attentional system that gates thalamo-cortical signaling. In the primate brain, a recently discovered pathway from the amygdala sends robust projections to TRN. Here we used computational modeling to demonstrate how the amygdala-TRN pathway, embedded in a wider neural circuit, can mediate selective attention guided by emotions. Our Emotional Gatekeeper model demonstrates how this circuit enables focused top-down, and flexible bottom-up, allocation of attention. The model suggests that the amygdala-TRN projection can serve as a unique mechanism for emotion-guided selection of signals sent to cortex for further processing. This inhibitory selection mechanism can mediate a powerful affective ‘framing’ effect that may lead to biased decision-making in highly charged emotional situations. The model also supports the idea that the amygdala can serve as a relevance detection system. Further, the model demonstrates how abnormal top-down drive and dysregulated local inhibition in the amygdala and in the cortex can contribute to the attentional symptoms that accompany several neuropsychiatric disorders.
Predictors of hostile attribution bias: Child emotional reactivity and parent-child hostile experiences

The present study aimed to expand the current conceptualized relation between hostile experiences and hostile attribution bias by examining child emotional reactivity as a moderator. In addition, the differential impact of physical and psychological aggression was examined, as well as the relevance of this process for boys and girls. One hundred and five children were assessed at 7.5- and 10.5-years on measures of parent-child hostile experiences, child emotional reactivity, and hostile attribution bias. Results indicated that emotional reactivity interacted with parent-child hostile experiences such that children with higher hostile experiences and low emotional reactivity evidenced higher hostile attributions relative to high emotionally reactive children. These findings were replicated for girls but not boys and for both psychological and physical parental aggression. Implications for further examination of the development of hostile attribution bias include examining cognitive functioning during hostile experiences and applying these results to interventions targeting victims of child abuse.
Nonconvex Nonsmooth Low Rank Minimization via Iteratively Reweighted Nuclear Norm

The nuclear norm is widely used as a convex surrogate of the rank function in compressive sensing for low rank matrix recovery with its applications in image recovery and signal processing. However, solving the nuclear norm-based relaxed convex problem usually leads to a suboptimal solution of the original rank minimization problem. In this paper, we propose to use a family of nonconvex surrogates of L0-norm on the singular values of a matrix to approximate the rank function. This leads to a nonconvex nonsmooth minimization problem. Then, we propose to solve the problem by an iteratively re-weighted nuclear norm (IRNN) algorithm. IRNN iteratively solves a weighted singular value thresholding problem, which has a closed form solution due to the special properties of the nonconvex surrogate functions. We also extend IRNN to solve the nonconvex problem with two or more blocks of variables. In theory, we prove that the IRNN decreases the objective function value monotonically, and any limit point is a stationary point. Extensive experiments on both synthesized data and real images demonstrate that IRNN enhances the low rank matrix recovery compared with the state-of-the-art convex algorithms.
Power line network topology inference using Frequency Domain Reflectometry

Frequency Domain Reflectometry (FDR) is a technique that was proposed for fault detection in Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) cables. In this paper, we describe how FDR can be used to determine the topology of power line networks. To this end, we first infer distance information from the multiple signal reflections measured and processed with FDR. Then, we present an algorithm that uses these distance measurements to reconstruct the topology step by step operating on a network graph. Numerical results for sets of sample networks demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed topology-inference approach.
Does unconscious behaviour of teachers cause chemistry lessons to be unpopular with girls

Chemistry lessons were observed in the 8th grade of two West German schools over a period of a term. Boys received more attention from the teacher than girls. They were called on more often and they spontaneously gave their opinions more frequently. An equal proportion of girls’ and boys’ replies were praised and encouraged, but this meant that boys received more praise and encouragement in absolute terms. Teachers should be made aware of the problematic nature of their own behaviour, so that they can remove the discrimination against girls in chemistry education.
Spatial and Temporal Properties of Tic-Related Neuronal Activity in the Cortico-Basal Ganglia Loop

Motor tics are involuntary brief muscle contractions that interfere with ongoing behavior and appear as a symptom in several human disorders. While the pathophysiology of tics is still largely unknown, multiple lines of evidence suggest the involvement of the corticobasal ganglia loop in tic disorders. We administered local microinjections of bicuculline into the putamen of Macaca fascicularis monkeys to induce motor tics, while simultaneously recording neuronal activity from the primary motor cortex, putamen, and globus pallidus. These data were used to explore the spatial and temporal properties of tic-related neuronal activity within the cortico-basal ganglia system. In the putamen, tics were associated with brief bursts of activity of phasically active neurons (presumably the projection neurons) and complex excitation–inhibition patterns of tonically active neurons. Tic-related activity within the putamen was spatially focused and somatotopically organized. In the globus pallidus, tic-related activity was diffusely distributed throughout the motor territory. Tic-related activity in the putamen usually preceded the tic-related activations in the cortex, but in the globus pallidus, tic-related activity was mostly later than the cortex. These findings shed new light on the role of the different basal ganglia nuclei in the generation of motor tics. Despite the early and somatotopically focused nature of tic-related activity in the input stage of the basal ganglia, tic-related activity in the output nucleus is temporally late and diffusely distributed, making it incompatible with a role in tic initiation. Instead, abnormal basal ganglia activity may serve to modulate motor patterns or activate learning mechanisms, thus augmenting further tic expression.
Effect of gluten-free diet and adherence on growth and diabetic control in diabetics with coeliac disease

Aims: To study the effect of gluten-free diet on growth and diabetic control of children with type 1 diabetes mellitus and coeliac disease. Methods: Twenty one children (mean age 7.5 years, range 1.6–12.9) with type 1 diabetes, primarily initially identified on the basis of symptoms and consecutively diagnosed with coeliac disease by biopsy over a 10 year period, were matched by sex, age at onset, and duration of diabetes with two diabetic controls without coeliac disease. Weight, height, haemoglobin A1c, and insulin requirements were measured before and for 12 months after the diagnosis and treatment of coeliac disease. Dietary awareness and adherence were assessed by structured questionnaire. Results: A gluten-free diet resulted in a significant increase in weight-for-age z scores at 12 months after diagnosis (mean increase in z score 0.33) and in BMI (mean increase in z score 0.32). Increases in height did not achieve statistical significance. Controls showed no significant changes in weight, height, or BMI over the same period. Insulin dosage at diagnosis was less in coeliacs than in controls (mean difference 0.16 units/kg/day), but was similar to controls once a gluten-free diet had been established. Questionnaires were obtained in 20 patients. There appeared to be a relation between dietary awareness/adherence and growth parameters, but the small number of patients with “poor/fair” dietary adherence prevented meaningful analysis of this group. Conclusion: Identification and dietary treatment of coeliac disease in children with diabetes improved growth and influenced diabetic control. Evaluation of the outcome of treatment of coeliac disease in diabetics should include assessments of gluten intake.
Comparison of regulated passive membrane conductance in action potential–firing fast- and slow-twitch muscle

In several pathological and experimental conditions, the passive membrane conductance of muscle fibers (Gm) and their excitability are inversely related. Despite this capacity of Gm to determine muscle excitability, its regulation in active muscle fibers is largely unexplored. In this issue, our previous study (Pedersen et al. 2009. J. Gen. Physiol. doi:10.1085/jgp.200910291) established a technique with which biphasic regulation of Gm in action potential (AP)-firing fast-twitch fibers of rat extensor digitorum longus muscles was identified and characterized with temporal resolution of seconds. This showed that AP firing initially reduced Gm via ClC-1 channel inhibition but after ∼1,800 APs, Gm rose substantially, causing AP excitation failure. This late increase of Gm reflected activation of ClC-1 and KATP channels. The present study has explored regulation of Gm in AP-firing slow-twitch fibers of soleus muscle and compared it to Gm dynamics in fast-twitch fibers. It further explored aspects of the cellular signaling that conveyed regulation of Gm in AP-firing fibers. Thus, in both fiber types, AP firing first triggered protein kinase C (PKC)-dependent ClC-1 channel inhibition that reduced Gm by ∼50%. Experiments with dantrolene showed that AP-triggered SR Ca2+ release activated this PKC-mediated ClC-1 channel inhibition that was associated with reduced rheobase current and improved function of depolarized muscles, indicating that the reduced Gm enhanced muscle fiber excitability. In fast-twitch fibers, the late rise in Gm was accelerated by glucose-free conditions, whereas it was postponed when intermittent resting periods were introduced during AP firing. Remarkably, elevation of Gm was never encountered in AP-firing slow-twitch fibers, even after 15,000 APs. These observations implicate metabolic depression in the elevation of Gm in AP-firing fast-twitch fibers. It is concluded that regulation of Gm is a general phenomenon in AP-firing muscle, and that differences in Gm regulation may contribute to the different phenotypes of fast- and slow-twitch muscle.
Mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation system is recruited to detergent‐resistant lipid rafts during myogenesis

Since detergent‐resistant lipid rafts play important roles in the signal transduction for myogenesis, their comprehensive proteomic analysis could provide new insights to understand their function in myotubes. Here, the detergent‐resistant lipid rafts were isolated from C2C12 myotubes and analyzed by capillary RPLC/MS/MS. Among the 327 proteins (or protein groups) identified, 28% were categorized to the plasma membrane or raft proteins, 29% to mitochondria, 20% to microsomal proteins, 10% to other proteins, and 13% to unknown proteins. The localization of oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) complexes in the sarcolemma lipid rafts was further confirmed from C2C12 myotubes by cellular fractionation, surface‐biotin labeling, immunofluorescence, and lipid raft fractionation. After adding exogenous cytochrome c, the sarcolemma isolated from myotubes had an ability to consume oxygen in the presence of NADH or succinate. The generation of NADH‐dependent extracellular superoxide was increased by inhibiting or downregulating OXPHOS I, III, and IV in myotubes, indicating that OXPHOS proteins are major sources for extracellular ROS in skeletal muscle. With all these data, we can conclude that OXPHOS proteins are associated with the sarcolemma lipid rafts during C2C12 myogenesis to generate extracellular ROS.
Speech Recognition in Background Noise of Cochlear Implant Patients

OBJECTIVES: The performances of adult patients using Spectral peak (Nucleus 22 or Nucleus 24 patients) or Continuous Interleaved Sampling or Advanced Combination Encoder (Clarion patients) were evaluated in their ability to perform in quiet and in 2 levels of background noise. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Ninety-six patients were tested with the City University of New York Sentences presented at 70 dB in quiet and at signal-to-noise ratios (SNR) of +10 and +5 dB. Patients were scored on the number of words perceived correctly. RESULTS: Scores were different at each condition (P < 0.05): 88% words correct in quiet, 73% correct at an SNR of +10 dB, and 47% correct at an SNR of +5 dB. Linear regression analysis found no significant correlation between test score and age at implantation or time using the implant. A weak negative correlation was found between years of hearing loss and score. CONCLUSION: Competing noise interferes with comprehension of connected speech for most cochlear implant patients.
RELIGIOUS ORIENTATION AND CHILD ABUSE POTENTIAL: UNDERLYING COGNITIVE PROCESSES OF RELIGIOSITY

Despite religion being implicated in perpetuating child abuse, little research exists exploring this relationship. Conflicting findings in this literature may be accounted for by cognitive factors or differences in religious orientation. The following study investigated the relationship among religious orientation, social conformity, and child abuse potential. Individuals with an extrinsic orientation were predicted to display increased physical child abuse potential, mediated by social conformity. Two hundred and thirteen participants were solicited from various Christian churches in the Salt Lake City area and were assessed on their religious orientation (religion as an end/intrinsic and religion as a means/extrinsic), social conformity, and child abuse potential. Structural equation modeling was employed to analyze results supporting that the relationship between religion as an end, or intrinsic religiousness, to child abuse potential was fully mediated via social conformity, whereas, religion as a means, or extrinsic religiousness, independently related to child abuse potential. This indicates that those who pursue religion for more external or superficial reasons, rather than for more internalized reasons, appear to be more at risk for perpetuating physical child abuse. Results also indicated that those who endorse a literal interpretation of the Bible compared to those who do not are more likely to have a higher child abuse potential. i s ,
Characterization of Associative Operations with Prefix Circuits of Constant Depth and Linear Size

The prefix problem consists of computing all the products $x_{0}x_{1} \ldots x_{j} (j = 0, \ldots,N 1)$, given a sequence $x =(x_{0},x_{1},\ldots, x_{N-1})$ of elements in a semigroup. It is shown that there are unbounded fan-in and fan-out boolean circuits for the prefix problem with constant depth and linear size if and only if the Cayley graph of the semigroup does not contain a special type of cycle called monoidal cycle.
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia after temozolomide treatment for anaplastic astrocytoma in a child with a germline TP53 mutation

We present a case of a 12‐year‐old female with a germline TP53 mutation who presented with anaplastic astrocytoma and subsequent acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) 13 months after starting treatment with temozolomide (TMZ). The patient had no family history of malignancy except her grand father and his siblings. Although alkylating agents such as TMZ are known to induce secondary hematologic malignancy, only several cases of treatment‐related acute leukemia have been reported after TMZ‐alone chemotherapy for malignant gliomas. We demonstrate a rare case of TMZ‐related ALL in a child with glioma possibly associated with a germline TP53 mutation. Pediatr Blood Cancer. 2010;55:577–579. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Instructional Supervision Factors Affecting Organizational Commitment Of Thai Teachers: A Case Study Of Amphur Mueang, Prachinburi Province Thailand

This study is a descriptive research. The main purpose and objectives of this study were: 1) To determine the level of commitment of the teachers in terms of the three organizational commitment components namely affective, normative and continuance commitment; 2) To determine the level of instructional supervision as perceived by teachers in terms of its six factors namely inspection, assistance and support, oversight responsibilities, leadership skills, professional development, and collaboration; 3) To investigate the significance of instructional supervision factors affecting organizational commitment of Thai teachers. This study utilized descriptive method. The instrument employed for collecting the data was an opinionnaire regarding the factors of instructional supervision and components of organizational commitment developed by Baffour-Awuah (2011) and Meyer and Allen (1991). The statistics used for the treatment of data were mean, standard deviation (s.d.), standard error mean (s.e.mean), coefficient of variation (C.V.), and Multiple Regression Analysis. Results showed that two of the components of organizational commitment namely Affective Commitment and Normative Commitment are above the expected level or in high level, while Continuance Commitment is within the expected level or in moderate level. All six factors of instructional supervision are above the expected level or in high level. It was also found that among the six factors of instructional supervision, only two of them namely “Assistance and Support” and “Leadership Skills” significantly affect the organizational commitment of Thai teachers. The predictive equation is: Z (Organizati onalCommit ment ) = 59.506* + 1.748* (Assistance and Support) + 1.697* (Leadership Skills); R = 0.4710, F= 51.202* (10.025) (0.576) 2 (0.515)
Implementation of the Ottawa Ankle Rules by nurses working in an accident and emergency department.

OBJECTIVE: To assess whether accident and emergency (A&E) nurses using the Ottawa Ankle Rules could detect all ankle fractures. DESIGN: Prospective observational study. SETTING: A&E department of a university teaching hospital. SUBJECTS: All patients who presented with ankle injuries who were initially assessed by a nurse taught the Ottawa Ankle Rules. OUTCOME MEASURES: (1) The numbers of patients referred by the nurse for ankle radiography; (2) of these, the number with ankle fractures; (3) of those not sent for radiography initially by the nurse, the number who subsequently had x rays (ordered by the doctor) and had a fracture; (4) of those having no x rays, the number who reattended later. RESULTS: 324 patients were eligible; 238 had x rays at the request of the nurse (73%); 48 of these (20%) were diagnosed as having a fracture. Of those 86 patients not sent for radiography by the nurse, 19 subsequently had x ray examinations at the request of a doctor and no fracture was detected. Of the 67 not sent for radiography, none returned within the subsequent eight weeks. CONCLUSIONS: Nurses can apply the Ottawa Ankle Rules safely without missing acute fractures; that is, of those who were not sent for radiography by nurses, none subsequently reattended the A&E department or the trauma service of the Bristol Royal Infirmary during the following two months.
Using Self-Management Strategies to increase the On-Task Behavior of a Student with Autism

A multiple-baseline design was used to investigate the effectiveness of using self management strategies and reinforcement to increase the on-task behaviors of a high-functioning second-grade student with autism who was fully included in a general education classroom. Results of data collected over 9 weeks indicated that when self-management and reinforcement procedures were implemented, rates of on-task behavior were significantly higher than during baseline. Improvements in independent academic and behavioral functioning were also noted. Further research is recommended to determine the viability of using self-management procedures in full-inclusion settings for students with a wider range of skills and deficits.