Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Prediction of Carotid Plaque Characteristics Using Non-Gated MR Imaging: Correlation with Endarterectomy Specimens

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Electrocardiographic gating, commonly used in MR carotid plaque imaging, can negatively affect intraplaque contrast if the TR is inappropriate. The present study aimed to determine whether a non-gated technique with appropriate TRs can accurately evaluate intraplaque characteristics in specimens excised by CEA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We prospectively examined 40 consecutive patients who underwent CEA (59–82 years of age) by using a 1.5T scanner. Axial T1WI with a TR of 500 ms and PDWI and T2WI with a TR of 3000 ms with a self-navigated rotating-blade scan instead of cardiac gating were obtained. Signal intensities of the plaque and adjacent muscle were measured, and the CR on T1WI, PDWI, and T2WI as well as the gray-scale median on US were correlated with the pathologic findings of the CEA specimens. RESULTS: On T1WI, the CRs of the carotid plaques differed significantly among groups in which the main components were histologically confirmed as fibrous tissue, lipid/necrosis, and hemorrhage (0.54–1.17, 1.16–1.53, and 1.40–2.29, respectively). The sensitivity and specificity for discriminating lipid/necrosis/hemorrhage from fibrous tissue were 96% and 100%, respectively. On T2WI, the CRs of plaques with lipid/necrosis were significantly higher than those of other groups, but the CRs on PDWI and the gray-scale median on US were not significantly different among the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Non-gated MR plaque imaging, particularly T1WI, can readily predict the intraplaque main components of the carotid artery with high sensitivity and specificity.
Soft skills assessment: theory development and the research agenda

Soft skills have become a subject of increasing interest in lifelong learning. Soft skills development is intended to enable and enhance personal development, participation in learning and success in employment. The assessment of soft skill is therefore widely practised, but there is little in the way of research or evidence on how well this assessment is done. Critically reviewing soft skills assessment requires both theory development and establishing a research agenda. Theory development can draw on a number of established theories which help to explain how the cognitive, emotional and social dimensions interact to shape learner behaviour around getting feedback. These include control theory, goal theory and attribution theory. Theory development following an assimilative integration approach based on attribution theory, which combines both ‘self-regulation’ and ‘socially situated’ aspects, is suggested as the most fruitful. Three areas of research can be associated with this; researching the context, the content and the consequences of soft skill assessment. The challenges of this research agenda are outlined and explored. Dealing with these challenges will enable a more robust and critical review of the assessment of soft skill, and the impact of that on both life chances and employment opportunities.
The Learning of Legislative Norms

The paper focuses on the learning of legislative norms on the part of freshman members elected to the United States House of Representatives in November, 1968. Since a research interest in learning is a longitudinal concern, a two-page panel design was employed, the first set of interviews conducted in late January and February of 1969 and the second set the following May. As the concept of a norm involves the notion of shared expectations, a sample of the nonfreshman members of the 91st Congress was also interviewed. The main finding of the paper is that the amount of norm learning was surprisingly low; it appeared that freshmen largely knew the general House norms prior to entering Congress. And the extent of attitude change toward the norms once in office was minimal. Freshmen and nonfreshmen generally expressed similar attitudes toward the norms. Support for the norm of apprenticeship was found to be weak, suggesting the need to revise the traditional image of the freshman representative.
Exploring the Effect of Task Difficulty and Domain Knowledge on Dwell times

This study explores the effect of task difficulty on users’ search behaviors, i.e. dwell time on content pages and search result pages, by users with high and low domain knowledge. A user experiment was conducted, with 40 participants working on 5 search tasks. Participants were divided into two domain knowledge levels according to their MeSH term ratings. Among the five search tasks, three were Difficult tasks and the other two were Easy tasks. Our results demonstrated that there was interaction effect of task difficulty and domain knowledge on the dwell time on content pages. We also found that task difficulty and domain knowledge have main effect on the dwell time on search result pages. In particular, the dwell time on search result pages was much higher in Difficult tasks or by users with low domain knowledge. The results indicated that the dwell time on search result pages was better indicator of task difficulty than dwell time on content pages. Our results have implications for personalization information retrieval.
On the history of the Growth Optimal Portfolio Draft Version

The growth optimal portfolio (GOP) is a portfolio which has a maximal expected growth rate over any time horizon. As a consequence, this portfolio is sure to outperform any other significantly different strategy as the time horizon increases. This property in particular has fascinated many researchers in finance and mathematics created a huge and exciting literature on growth optimal investment. This paper attempts to provide a comprehensive survey of the literature and applications of the GOP. In particular, the heated debate of whether the GOP has a special place among portfolios in the asset allocation decision is reviewed as this still seem to be an area where some misconceptions exists. The survey also provides an extensive review of the recent use of the GOP as a pricing tool, in for instance the so-called “benchmark approach”. This approach builds on the numeraire property of the GOP, that is, the fact that any other asset denominated in units of the GOP become a supermartingale JEL classification: B0, G10 Mathematics Subject Classification (2000): Primary: 91B28, Secondary: 60H30, 60G44, 91B06 ∗University of Southern Denmark, Email: morten.m. christensen@sam.sdu. dk. The author would like to thank Christian Riis Flor and Eckhard Platen for valuable comments and suggestions.
Application of Associative Learning Paradigms to

Application of associative learning paradigms to clinically relevant individual differences in cognitive processing. Individual differences in cognitive processing have been implicated in a range of clinical capitalize on the wealth of theories, measurement strategies, and analytical approaches developed by quantitative cognitive scientists, even though these models and methods seem promising for the advancement of cognitive theories of psychopathology (Treat, McFall, Viken, Kruschke, Nosofsky, & Wang, 2007). Cognitive scientists also have been slow to evaluate the generalizability of their models and methods to the more complex circumstances characteristic of " real-world " processing. The limited exploration of the integrative area of quantitative clinical-cognitive science reflects, in part, two fundamental differences between cognitive and clinical science. First, quantitative cognitive scientists typically focus on the development and evaluation of formal mathematical models of the normative operation of component cognitive processes, such as attention, memory, and learning. Clinical scientists, in contrast, often study individual differences in abnormal processing. Second, quantitative cognitive scientists commonly study processing of simple, artificial stimuli that vary along readily identifiable dimensions, that are perceived similarly across persons, and with which persons frequently have limited experience. In contrast, clinical scientists more frequently study individual differences in processing of more complex, socially and emotionally relevant stimuli that vary along numerous dimensions, that may be perceived quite differently across persons, and with which persons often have prior experience. Thus, the application of cognitive science methods to clinical problems necessitates addressing the representation and assessment of individual differences, as well as far greater stimulus complexity. p. 3 This chapter provides an overview of our efforts to draw on contemporary cognitive science to examine clinically relevant individual differences in category learning with complex, socially relevant stimuli. Cognitive scientists long have recognized the fundamental importance of category learning as a core cognitive process (see Ashby & Maddox, 2005, or Kruschke, 2005a, for reviews). Clinical researchers tend to focus on static characterizations of cognitive processing, but examination of the way in which processing changes through time could be quite fruitful, whether the variation occurs naturally over different time scales, in response to feedback, or as a function of a theoretically relevant manipulation that is associated with exacerbation or amelioration of the clinical phenomenon. We focus in this chapter on learning as a function of feedback, because socially relevant learning processes presumably influence the development, maintenance, and modification of our interpersonal beliefs and behaviors. Moreover, the provision of …
Listening within the Social Contexts of Tutoring: Essential Component of the Mentoring Relationship

Abstract This qualitative research study targeted fourth grade at-risk children in a culturally diverse elementary school in a mid-sized city in the southwestern United States. The purpose of the study was to describe the nature of social interactions within the context of tutorial sessions and to describe the role of listening within the mentoring relationship. Major findings were that highly successful tutors were skillful communicators who modeled effective listening skills, used body language effectively, were knowledgeable about students' cultures, and possessed a social conscience.
A Phonetic Study of Final Vowel Lengthening in Chickasaw1

This paper explores patterns of length in domain‐final vowels in Chickasaw, a Western Muskogean language of south‐central Oklahoma. Vowel duration is correlated with constituent size such that vowels in final position of larger domains are longer than vowels in final position of smaller domains. The correlation between domain size and duration is observed for both phonemic short and long vowels, thereby ensuring that the contrast in length is preserved in all contexts. Final vowel duration is further shown to be blind to metrical structure: all final vowels undergo lengthening regardless of whether or not they occur in strong position of a disyllabic iambic foot. Final lengthening thus preserves the canonical iambic foot template in which stressed syllables are heavy. Word‐medial lengthening and word‐final lengthening are, however, different in nature. Unlike medial vowels, final vowels characteristically end in a breathy phase, where the duration of breathiness is correlated with domain size.
Swelling Mechanisms of UO2 Lattices with Defect Ingrowths

The swelling that occurs in uranium dioxide as a result of radiation-induced defect ingrowth is not fully understood. Experimental and theoretical groups have attempted to explain this phenomenon with various complex theories. In this study, experimental lattice expansion and lattice super saturation were accurately reproduced using a molecular dynamics simulation method. Based on their resemblance to experimental data, the simulation results presented here show that fission induces only oxygen Frenkel pairs while alpha particle irradiation results in both oxygen and uranium Frenkel pair defects. Moreover, in this work, defects are divided into two sub-groups, obstruction type defects and distortion type defects. It is shown that obstruction type Frenkel pairs are responsible for both fission- and alpha-particle-induced lattice swelling. Relative lattice expansion was found to vary linearly with the number of obstruction type uranium Frenkel defects. Additionally, at high concentrations, some of the obstruction type uranium Frenkel pairs formed diatomic and triatomic structures with oxygen ions in their octahedral cages, increasing the slope of the linear dependence.
Equal sensitivity of Cav1.2 and Cav1.3 channels to the opposing modulations of PKA and PKG in mouse chromaffin cells

• Cav1.2 and Cav1.3 L‐type calcium channels are highly expressed in rat and mouse chromaffin cells. Beside shaping and pacemaking action potential trains, they regulate vesicle exocytosis and endocytosis. • L‐type channels are opposingly regulated by the cAMP–PKA and cGMP–PKG pathways and their Ca2+ current can undergo marked up and down changes. To date, most of the reported findings on L‐type channel modulation derive from the cardiac Cav1.2 isoform. • Here, using wild‐type and Cav1.3 knock out (KO) mouse chromaffin cells we show that, like Cav1.2, Cav1.3 channels are effectively modulated by PKA and PKG at basal conditions and during maximal PKA/PKG stimulation. The extent of modulation is nearly equal for both Cav1 channel isoforms. • PKA and PKG pathways act independently on Cav1.2 and Cav1.3, producing cumulative effects that are mostly visible when activating PKA and inhibiting PKG, or vice versa. Under these conditions the L‐type Ca2+ current can undergo changes of one order of magnitude. • These extreme Cav1 channel modulations are likely to occur during different physiological conditions of the adrenal gland: ‘fight‐or‐flight’ response vs. relaxed states.
Performance of encapsulated enzymes within calcium alginate-clay beads in a stirred bioreactor for biosugar production

Enzymatic hydrolysis of starch and cellulose from natural sources has a very big potential for commercial glucose production. In this study, the encapsulated of multi-enzymes (alpha-amylase, glucoamylase and cellulase) onto calcium alginateclay beads were applied using a stirred bioreactor to hydrolyze tapioca slurry into glucose. The performance of encapsulated enzymes in terms of reusability, ideal pH, temperature and reaction time was investigated. The optimum pH and temperature for encapsulated enzymes were found at pH 6 and 50 o C, respectively. Under optimal conditions, the maximum conversion of glucose was obtained after 6 hrs. The encapsulated enzymes were able to retained 12% of its activity after five hydrolysis cycles. The result from the enzymes leaching test showed that the reduction of enzymes activity after each cycle was consistent with the residue of enzymes loading in the beads.
On the Promise of Pharmacotherapies Targeted at Cognitive and Neurodegenerative Components of Down Syndrome

Down syndrome (DS) is the phenotypic consequence of trisomy 21 and is the most common genetically defined cause of intellectual disability. The most complete, widely available, and well-studied animal model of DS is the Ts65Dn mouse. Recent preclinical successes in rescuing learning and memory deficits in Ts65Dn mice are legitimate causes for optimism that pharmacotherapies for cognitive deficits in DS might be within reach. This article provides a snapshot of potential pharmacotherapies for DS, with emphasis on our recent results showing that the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonist memantine can reverse learning and memory deficits in Ts65Dn mice. Because memantine has already been approved for the therapy of Alzheimer’s dementia, we have been able to very rapidly translate these results into human research and are currently conducting a 16-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled evaluation of the efficacy, tolerability and safety of memantine hydrochloride on enhancing the cognitive abilities of young adults with DS. The design and current status of this clinical trial will be discussed, which will be followed by some speculation on the potential impact of this and future clinical trials in the field of DS.
Sexual dysfunctions of chronic schizophrenic female patients

Schizophrenic patients reveal sexual dysfunctions at the onset of the disorder but more profound in chronicity, after long-term anti-psychotic treatment. Various aspects of the sexuality of chronic female schizophrenic patients and sexual side-effects of conventional and atypical anti-psychotics were evaluated. Fifty female chronic schizophrenic patients treated with conventional and atypical anti-psychotics, compared to 50 matched controls, were assessed with: PANSS, UKU sexual side-effects component, GAF, SDBQ-female version and the WHOQOL-BREF. Results showed that schizophrenic female patients were hyposexual, were dissatisfied with their sexual life, had experiences of sexual abuse, emphasizing a high sexual conservatism. The evolution of schizophrenia affected their professional and marital status, their general level of functioning and their quality of life; even novel anti-psychotics are responsible for sexual side-effects comparable to those produced by conventional anti-psychotics. Direct enquiry about sexuality in this group, along with information, symptom and side-effect management, could lead to long-term acceptance of, and adherence to, anti-psychotic medication of sexually active persons suffering from schizophrenia and a better functioning and enjoyment of life.
How similar are adult second language learners and Spanish heritage speakers? Spanish clitics and word order

ABSTRACT Recent studies of heritage speakers, many of whom possess incomplete knowledge of their family language, suggest that these speakers may be linguistically superior to second language (L2) learners only in phonology but not in morphosyntax. This study reexamines this claim by focusing on knowledge of clitic pronouns and word order in 24 L2 learners and 24 Spanish heritage speakers. Results of an oral production task, a written grammaticality judgment task, and a speeded comprehension task showed that, overall, heritage speakers seem to possess more nativelike knowledge of Spanish than their L2 counterparts. Implications for theories that stress the role of age and experience in L2 ultimate attainment and for the field of heritage language acquisition and teaching are discussed.
Cooperative Frameworks for Multiple Mobile Robots

In this paper, we investigate the design, analysis and implementation of a flexible, scalable system of multiple mobile robots, that are individually autonomous and can team up to cooperatively transport large objects and to perform tasks that simply cannot be performed by a single mobile platform. Such frameworks for remotely controlled or remotely supervised cooperation of multiple autonomous mobile robots with their unique non-odometric deadreckoning accuracy and active reconfigurability have many applications from uneven terrain exploration to material handling on the shop floor.
Student-life stress in Education and Health Service majors

In order to better understand the effects of student-life stress on Education and Health Service majors (n = 195) at a private, religious, Midwestern university in the USA, we assessed student perception of overall stress level and physical stress level using the Student-life Stress Inventory. The targeted sample consisted of students with declared majors that lead to careers involving interaction with vulnerable populations (i.e., children, individuals with disabilities, patients). Women in this study experienced a significantly higher (F = 7.092 [1195], p = .008) overall stress level than their male counterparts. When the physical stress reaction scores were isolated, women still experienced significantly higher stress levels (F = 7.758 [1195], p = .01). Regardless of gender, seniors and graduate students had an overall stress difference that was 11 points below that of freshman students in overall stress scores. There was a significant difference in the overall stress score (F = 6.484 [2181], p = .001) between students who took 18 or more credit hours and those who took less. Students who worked more than four hours per week had a significantly higher overall stress level. Students in the age category 23+ had significantly less physical stress. There was a significant difference between students who prayed at least daily and students who never pray (F = 1.114 [3188], p = .03). This study provides a valuable insight into the characteristics of individuals more likely to have difficulties adjusting to the demands of college life and the inherent stress of a profession in Education or Health Service.
Memory Safety for Low-Level Software/Hardware Interactions

Systems that enforce memory safety for today's operating system kernels and other system software do not account for the behavior of low-level software/hardware interactions such as memory-mapped I/O, MMU configuration, and context switching. Bugs in such low-level interactions can lead to violations of the memory safety guarantees provided by a safe execution environment and can lead to exploitable vulnerabilities in system software. In this work, we present a set of program analysis and run-time instrumentation techniques that ensure that errors in these low-level operations do not violate the assumptions made by a safety checking system. Our design introduces a small set of abstractions and interfaces for manipulating processor state, kernel stacks, memory mapped I/O objects, MMU mappings, and self modifying code to achieve this goal, without moving resource allocation and management decisions out of the kernel. We have added these techniques to a compiler-based virtual machine called Secure Virtual Architecture (SVA), to which the standard Linux kernel has been ported previously. Our design changes to SVA required only an additional 100 lines of code to be changed in this kernel. Our experimental results show that our techniques prevent reported memory safety violations due to low-level Linux operations and that these violations are not prevented by SVA without our techniques. Moreover, the new techniques in this paper introduce very little overhead over and above the existing overheads of SVA. Taken together, these results indicate that it is clearly worthwhile to add these techniques to an existing memory safety system.
Analysis of diffusion changes in posttraumatic bone marrow using navigator-corrected diffusion gradients.

OBJECTIVE This study was undertaken to analyze diffusion characteristics of normal and posttraumatic bone marrow. MATERIALS AND METHODS Fifty consecutive patients with knee pain underwent both conventional and diffusion-weighted MR imaging (b values, 0-980 sec/mm2). Diffusion maps derived from source data were analyzed on a workstation using region-of-interest techniques. Apparent diffusion values recorded in normal marrow were compared with values recorded in abnormal posttraumatic bone marrow (square centimeters per second). RESULTS Normal bone marrow identified in 35 patients showed minimal diffusion, with a mean value of 0.15x10(-5) cm2/sec. Bone marrow in 15 patients sustaining direct traumatic injury (21 bone bruises) showed markedly increased diffusion, with a mean value of 0.8x10(-5) cm2/sec (range, 0.4-1.3 cm2/sec). CONCLUSION Marrow injury after trauma with trabecular damage allows increased movement or diffusion of interstitial water relative to normal marrow. The magnitude of diffusion change appears to reflect the severity of marrow injury.