Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Fuzzy c-means clustering of incomplete data

The problem of clustering a real s-dimensional data set X={x(1 ),,,,,x(n)} subset R(s) is considered. Usually, each observation (or datum) consists of numerical values for all s features (such as height, length, etc.), but sometimes data sets can contain vectors that are missing one or more of the feature values. For example, a particular datum x(k) might be incomplete, having the form x(k)=(254.3, ? , 333.2, 47.45, ? )(T), where the second and fifth feature values are missing. The fuzzy c-means (FCM) algorithm is a useful tool for clustering real s-dimensional data, but it is not directly applicable to the case of incomplete data. Four strategies for doing FCM clustering of incomplete data sets are given, three of which involve modified versions of the FCM algorithm. Numerical convergence properties of the new algorithms are discussed, and all approaches are tested using real and artificially generated incomplete data sets.
Radiation disease of the urinary tract: histological features of 18 cases.

AIMS: To study the spectrum of histological changes in the urinary tract caused by pelvic irradiation. METHODS: Biopsy specimens of ureter and bladder and cystectomy specimens from 18 patients who had received pelvic irradiation were studied and the histological features were arbitrarily grouped into early and late changes. RESULTS: A wide range of histological changes were noted of which submucosal inflammation, fibrosis, and epithelial damage were the commonest. Other less common features were interstitial haemorrhage, ureteritis and cystitis cystica, squamous metaplasia of vaginal type and perineural inflammation. CONCLUSIONS: Although epithelial changes were most prominent in early cases and stromal changes in the late cases, there was a continuing spectrum of epithelial damage which persisted many years after initial radiation. Similarly, submucosal fibrosis was equally prominent in early and late phases.
Cross-Race Facial Recognition

Two studies were conducted to increase our knowledge of cross-race recognition of White and Oriental faces and to test the hypothesis that the "cross-race effect" (inferior facial recognition of other races) is due to lack of contact with the other race. In Experiment 1, White (n = 60) and Oriental (n = 60) university students in Canada attempted to recognize White and Oriental faces in a standard facial recognition paradigin. Although the cross-race effect was replicated for false alarms and d', neither perceived similarity nor self-rated contact predicted recognition accuracy. In Experiment 2, White (n = 92) and Oriental (n = 115) students from Singapore and Canada were tested. Contact with Whites and Orientals differed significantly for students in Singapore versus Canada but was not related to facial recognition even though the cross-race effect was replicated. On average, 6 predicted effects of the cross-race effect from the two experiments accounted for 10.83% of the variance, whereas the 18 predicted effects based on the contact hypothesis on average accounted for only 0.89% of the variance in facial recognition. The "contact hypothesis" is not a viable explanation of the results in studies of cross-race facial recognition. The cross-race effect remains unexplained.
Seasonal Variations in Clock‐Gene Expression in Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar)

In homeothermic vertebrates inhabiting temperate latitudes, it is clear that the seasonal changes in daylength are decoded by the master circadian clock, which through secondary messengers (like pineal melatonin secretion) entrains rhythmic physiology to local conditions. In contrast, the entrainment and neuroendocrine regulation of rhythmic physiology in temperate teleosts is not as clear, primarily due to the lack of understanding of the clock gene system in these species. In this study, we analyzed the diel expression of the clock‐genes in brains of Atlantic salmon, a species that is both highly photoperiodic and displays robust clock‐controlled behavior. Atlantic salmon parr were acclimated to either long‐day (LD) or short‐day (SD) photoperiods for one month and thereafter sampled at 4 h intervals over a 24 h cycle. Clock, Bmal1, Per2, and Cry2 were all actively expressed in salmon brain homogenates and, with the exception of Per2, all displayed rhythmic expression under SD photoperiods that parallels that reported in zebrafish. Interestingly, daylength significantly altered the mRNA expression of all clock genes studied, with Clock, Bmal1, and Per2 all becoming arrhythmic under the LD compared to SD photoperiod, while Cry2 expression was phase delayed under LD. It is thus proposed that the clock‐gene system is actively expressed in Atlantic salmon, and, furthermore, as has been reported in homeothermic vertebrates, it appears that clock expression is daylength‐dependent.
Echinococcus granulosus Antigen B Impairs Human Dendritic Cell Differentiation and Polarizes Immature Dendritic Cell Maturation towards a Th2 Cell Response

ABSTRACT Despite inducing a strong host cellular and humoral immune response, the helminth Echinococcus granulosus is a highly successful parasite that develops, progresses, and ultimately causes chronic disease. Although surgery remains the preferred therapeutic option, pharmacological research now envisages antihelminthic strategies. To understand the mechanisms that E. granulosus uses to escape host immunosurveillance and promote chronic infection, we investigated how two hydatid cyst components, purified antigen B (AgB) and sheep hydatid fluid (SHF), act on host dendritic cell (DC) differentiation from monocyte precursors and how they influence maturation of DC that have already differentiated. We evaluated the immunomodulatory potential of these antigens by performing immunochemical and cytofluorimetric analyses of monocyte-derived DCs from healthy human donors. During monocyte differentiation, AgB and SHF downmodulated CD1a expression and upregulated CD86 expression. Compared with immature DCs differentiated in medium alone (iDCs), AgB- and SHF-differentiated cells stimulated with lipopolysaccharide included a significantly lower percentage of CD83+ cells (P < 10−4) and had weaker costimulatory molecule expression. When stimulated with AgB and SHF, iDCs matured and primed lymphocytes towards the Th2 response typical of E. granulosus infection. SHF and particularly AgB reduced the production of interleukin-12p70 (IL-12p70) and tumor necrosis factor alpha in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated iDCs. Anti-IL-10 antibodies increased the levels of IL-12p70 secretion in AgB- and SHF-matured DCs. AgB and SHF induced interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase phosphorylation and activated nuclear factor-κB, suggesting that Toll-like receptors could participate in E. granulosus-stimulated DC maturation. These results suggest that E. granulosus escapes host immunosurveillance in two ways: by interfering with monocyte differentiation and by modulating DC maturation.
Design of a Fault Tolerant Reversible Compact Unidirectional Barrel Shifter

This paper demonstrates reversible logic synthesis for (n, k) unidirectional logarithmic barrel shifters, where n is the number of data bits and k=log2n. The circuits are designed using only reversible fault tolerant Fredkin gates. Thus, the entire scheme inherently becomes fault tolerant. Several lower bounds on the numbers of garbage outputs and constant inputs have been proposed. The comparative results show that the proposed method is much better in terms of numbers of gates, garbage outputs, quantum cost, hardware complexity and has significantly better scalability than the existing approaches.
The FeL model of iron acquisition: Nondissociative reduction of ferric complexes in the marine environment

Recently there has been recognition of the importance of reductive processes in the acquisition of iron by microorganisms in marine environments with Fe(III) reduction induced by either membrane‐bound reductases or by superoxide, a powerful Fe(III) reducing agent generated either by photochemical or biological means. We have measured the relative rates of iron uptake achieved by the cyanobacterium L. majuscula in the presence of a variety of model‐ and naturally‐derived organic ligands exhibiting a broad range of conditional ferric and ferrous stability constants. Additionally, we have investigated the effect upon iron uptake rate of varying the concentration of both iron and the iron‐binding ligands. We have reconciled this data with previous work in which we measured rates of reduction by exogenous superoxide of Fe(III) bound to these same complexes. We show that the rate of formation of ferrous iron and the rate of uptake of iron by Lyngbya majuscula are each independent of the concentration of Fe' and demonstrate that this is consistent with our previous finding that this organism acquires iron via nondissociative reduction of ferric complexes. We also show that the rate of reoxidation of organically complexed Fe(II) is a critical determinant of the subsequent bioavailability of iron, a feature not previously addressed in the literature. In view of the central importance of the complexation and redox behavior of the iron‐ organic complexes to iron uptake rate, we propose a new kinetic model of iron acquisition, termed the FeL model, that is consistent with presented and previously published data and which describes processes both in natural and artificial conditions.
Impact of Adulthood and Adolescent Rape Experiences on Subsequent Sexual Fantasies

This study represents the first investigation of adolescent and adulthood rape experiences on the sexual fantasies of female college student victims. Although students who reported being adulthood rape victims (N = 44; not victimized in childhood) reported being more depressed than nonvictims who had experienced intercourse (N = 83) and than nonvictims with no intercourse history (N = 40), victims' sexual fantasies were generally indistinguishable from nonvictims in terms of multiple indices of fantasy [1]. Even when data analyses were restricted to only those subjects who perceived themselves as victims, significant differences did not emerge, although a number of suggestive trends were discerned. Across all subjects, fantasies were more elaborate in response to the first of two reported fantasies. Victims were generally indistinguishable from nonvictims in terms of demographic characteristics, previous sexual experiences, sex drive, sexual satisfaction, and sex guilt. In summary, the effects of sexual victimization in this sample were neither pervasive nor enduring.
Elevated expression of vacuolar proton pump genes and cellular ph in cisplatin resistance

V‐ATPases are proton‐translocating enzymes, which are found not only in numerous intracellular organelles but also in the plasma membranes of many eukaryotic cells. Using differential display, we have identified one of the proton pump subunit genes, ATP6C, as a cisplatin‐inducible gene. Northern blot analysis demonstrated that expression of other members of the subunit is inducible by cisplatin treatment. Proton pump gene expression is also upregulated in 3 independent cisplatin‐resistant cell lines but not in vincristine‐ or etoposide‐resistant cell lines. Cellular pH was significantly higher in cisplatin‐resistant cells than in sensitive parental cells. In vitro DNA‐binding activity of cisplatin was markedly increased in acidic conditions, suggesting that the cytotoxicity of cisplatin is modulated by cellular pH. Furthermore, the proton pump inhibitor bafilomycin can synergistically potentiate the cytotoxicity of cisplatin but not of etoposide or camptothecin. These results indicate that cellular pH is one of the critical parameters for effective cancer chemotherapy with cisplatin. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The social relations model for family data: A multilevel approach

Multilevel models are proposed to study relational or dyadic data from multiple persons in families or other groups. The variable under study is assumed to refer to a dyadic relation between individuals in the groups. The proposed models are elaborations of the Social Relations Model. The different roles of father, mother, and child are emphasized in these models. Multilevel models provide researchers with a method to estimate the variances and correlations of the Social Relations Model and to incorporate the effects of covariates and test specialized models, even with missing observations.
Rapid molecular genetic subtyping of serotype M1 group A Streptococcus strains.

Serotype M1 group A Streptococcus, the most common cause of invasive disease in many case series, generally have resisted extensive molecular subtyping by standard techniques (e.g., multilocus enzyme electrophoresis, pulsed-field gel electrophoresis). We used automated sequencing of the sic gene encoding streptococcal inhibitor of complement and of a region of the chromosome with direct repeat sequences to unambiguously differentiate 30 M1 isolates recovered from 28 patients in Texas with invasive disease episodes temporally clustered and thought to represent an outbreak. Sequencing of the emm gene was less useful for M1 strain differentiation, and restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis with IS1548 or IS1562 as Southern hybridization probes did not provide epidemiologically useful subtyping information. Sequence polymorphism in the direct repeat region of the chromosome and IS1548 profiling data support the hypothesis that M1 organisms have two main evolutionary lineages marked by the presence or absence of the speA2 allele encoding streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxin A2.
Thermoanaerobacterium thermosulfurigenes cyclodextrin glycosyltransferase. Mechanism and kinetics of inhibition by acarbose and cyclodextrins

Analysis of the effects of acarbose and cyclodextrins on the disproportionation reaction revealed that cyclodextrins are competitive inhibitors, whereas acarbose is a mixed type of inhibitor. Our results showthat one molecule of acarbose binds either in the active site of the free enzyme, or at a secondary site of the enzyme–substrate complex. The mixed inhibition thus indicates the existence of a secondary sugar binding site near the active site of T. thermosulfurigenes CGTase.
The moderation effect of HR strength on the relationship between employee commitment and job performance

In this study a hierarchical linear model was employed to identify the specific relationships between employee affective commitment, employee perceptions of HR practices and job performance, and the moderating effect of HR strength was examined, using the extent to which employers and employees share the same perceptions of HR practices as a proxy for consistency. The data were collected via structured questionnaire from hairdressing salons throughout Taiwan. Usable questionnaires from 307 hairdressers and 103 shop owners constituted individual- and organizational-levels of data. We found that the more consistent the perception of HR practices between hairdressers and shop owners, the greater the employee affective commitment to the organization, emphasizing the value of HR practices in communicating clear and direct signals to employees regarding norms and expectations.
The Differentiated Polity as Narrative

THE DIFFERENTIATED POLITY AS NARRATIVE Mark Bevir and R. A. W. Rhodes Contact details Mark Bevir Department of Political Science University of California, Berkeley Berkeley CA 94720-1950 USA Tel: (510) 642 4693 mbevir@berkeley.edu R. A. W. Rhodes Research School of Social Sciences Australian National University Canberra ACT 0200 Australia Tel: 61 (0)2 6125 2117 Roderick.Rhodes@anu.edu. au Biographical Notes Mark Bevir is a Professor in the Department of Political Science at the University of California, Berkeley. Rod Rhodes is Director of the Research School of Social Sciences and Distinguished Professor of Political Science, Australian National University, Canberra.
Gift Giving as Agapic Love: An Alternative to the Exchange Paradigm Based on Dating Experiences

The social sciences are dominated by a paradigm that views human behavior as instrumental exchange. It is not surprising that consumer research on gift giving has also been dominated by this exchange paradigm. The present research on dating gift giving among American college students finds support for two variants of this paradigm, but it also reveals an alternative paradigm of gift giving as an expression of agapic love. It is suggested that agapic expressiveness is a needed addition to exchange instrumentalism for understanding gift giving and perhaps for understanding consumer behavior in general.
Lost in registration? Missing occupations of single women in the Bruges countryside, c.1814

The absence of occupational titles for women in historical censuses has stymied numerous scholars. Various authors have explained this phenomenon as carelessness or bias on the part of the census-takers. Women's work was of little interest to the authorities and census officials focused their efforts upon the activities of the head of household. While source triangulation can be a useful tool for uncovering ‘hidden’ employment of women, it is often a complex and time-consuming process. In this article we outline an alternative to deal with the issue of missing occupations of single women in censuses by exploring their living arrangements. We identify four aspects of co-residence that can highlight the roles played within the household by single women without registered employment: their relation to the head of the household, and that individual's occupation, property and marital status. Comparing data from the 1814 population census regarding two social agro-systems and the city of Bruges, we argue that occupational titles of single women were not randomly omitted by the census officials, but reflect the embeddedness of these women in the family economy and household. While we do not refute recent research that stresses single women's economic independence during the long eighteenth century, our findings suggest that for a subset of singles this was not the case. We claim that by studying registered labour only, the historical picture of single women's work is biased or at the very least incomplete.
Considering motivation, goals, and mastery orientation in dance technique

Goals motivate students to engage in learning-related activities, but not all goals are created equal. Students’ goals can be parsed into two types: mastery and performance. Mastery-oriented students are primarily concerned with learning as an end in itself. Performance-oriented students tend to be more concerned with how they compare to others. Empirical studies have repeatedly confirmed that students’ individual goal orientations are likely to mirror the orientation their teacher stresses, the goal structure of their class. Given the consistent findings regarding the positive outcomes associated with students’ mastery goals, a mastery goal structure may provide a more supportive motivational context for all students. This relationship is well established in many educational contexts but has not received attention in dance. The relevant question is: What do mastery goal structures look like in dance? This article begins to address this question through the exploration of a single teacher’s pedagogical practice.
RE: Secret ties to industry and conflicting interests in cancer research.

In an opinion article labeled as ‘‘review’’, Hardell and colleagues accuse us and others of ‘‘secret ties to the industry’’ [Hardell et al., 2006]. With respect to organochlorines in general and dioxin in particular, we have contributed to three peer-reviewed publications [Adami et al., 1995; Ahlborg et al., 1995; Cole et al., 2003], and in all of them support by the industry is acknowledged explicitly. Interestingly, Hardell and colleagues do not quote any of these publications. Instead, they quote a report of ours that was commissioned by Exponent (as is also clearly acknowledged) for submission to the Environmental Protection Agency and other competent bodies [Adami et al., 2000] and summary presentations to a conference based on this report. Our conclusion, that a link between organochlorines, notably DDT, and hormone-dependent cancers in women is highly unlikely, has been subsequently supported by large investigations [Laden et al., 2001]. We also stand by our conclusion that the principal dioxin (TCDD) at low levels is not carcinogenic to human beings and that it may not be carcinogenic even at the higher levels to which humans have been exposed [Adami et al., 2000; Cole et al., 2003]. Labeling exposures as carcinogenic even if the relevant human evidence indicates otherwise does not serve society. The argument usually advanced by those who believe that they are the guardians of the common good, is that no harm and conceivably some good may stem from their actions. But this is not the case. Every time a compound is identified as a human carcinogen without adequate evidence in humans, scientific attention is shifted away from the true culprit(s) and preventive actions are misdirected. This is particularly true for compounds such as dioxin, which are regulated anyway on account of their toxicities. In the past, we and others have criticized Hardell for the scientific quality of his work. With respect to motivation and potential conflicts of interest, we hope that he has been as clear as we have. Ultimately, however, the central issue is whether one’s scientific opinion is correct or not and this is answered by critical scrutiny of the data. By shifting attention from the substance of the issue, Hardell and colleagues are taking it out of the realm of science.
Prevalence of trachoma and its determinants in Dalocha District, Central Ethiopia

AIM. This community-based cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence of trachoma in Dalocha District, Central Ethiopia. METHODS. A multistage sampling method was used to identify the peasant associations and households included in the study. The WHO clinical grading method for trachoma was used. RESULTS. Of the 619 sampled persons, 302 (48.8%) males and 317 (51.2%) females, 564 people were available for examination, yielding a response rate of 91.1%. More than half (51.1%) of the children aged 10 years or less had active trachoma (trachomatous inflammation, TI, in 16.5% and trachomatous follicles, TF, in 34.6%). On the other hand, active trachoma and trachomatous trichiasis (TT) were each found in 5.5% of individuals older than 10 years of age. CONCLUSIONS. According to the WHO, the findings of TI and TF in more than 5% and 20%, respectively, of children aged 10 years or less and TT in more than 1% of older individuals indicate that trachoma is a major public health problem in Dalocha community.