Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An Influence of Positive Affect on Decision Making in Complex Situations: Theoretical Issues With Practical Implications

This article reviews evidence indicating that, in most circumstances, positive affect enhances problem solving and decision making, leading to cognitive processing that is not only flexible, innovative, and creative, but also thorough and efficient. These results have implications regarding consumers’ potential reactions to affect generated by ads, products, consumption situations, and service encounters. These cognitive effects of positive affect are considered in the context of effects on social interaction that show that positive affect leads to helping, generosity, and interpersonal understanding. Together, these findings suggest implications especially for customer satisfaction, and particularly for a role for employee positive affect, or employee satisfaction, in generating customer satisfaction. Moreover, studies specifically in the domain of medical decision making and problem solving indicate that these implications would apply to the specific areas of doctor–patient interaction, medical decision making, and medical consumer satisfaction. Finally, it is suggested that the benefits of positive affect be considered when formulating healthcare policy and be included in economic models and policy decisions more generally as well.
Incorporating Side Information in Probabilistic Matrix Factorization with Gaussian Processes

Probabilistic matrix factorization (PMF) is a powerful method for modeling data associ- ated with pairwise relationships, Finding use in collaborative Filtering, computational bi- ology, and document analysis, among other areas. In many domains, there are additional covariates that can assist in prediction. For example, when modeling movie ratings, we might know when the rating occurred, where the user lives, or what actors appear in the movie. It is difficult, however, to incorporate this side information into the PMF model. We propose a framework for incorporating side information by coupling together multi- ple PMF problems via Gaussian process priors. We replace scalar latent features with func- tions that vary over the covariate space. The GP priors on these functions require them to vary smoothly and share information. We apply this new method to predict the scores of professional basketball games, where side information about the venue and date of the game are relevant for the outcome.
Service Ecosystems Supporting High Reliability Assets

The owners/operators of complex assets such as production systems, military equipment and power stations aim to achieve high reliability with financial sustainability over long periods of time, and rely on a combination of internal and external socio-technical support systems to achieve this. Changes in the operational environment and technological advances may stimulate the need/opportunity for innovative reconfiguration of the assets and/or the related support systems. These assets and their support arrangements may be regarded as elements of a broader industry ecosystem. Drawing on analogies with natural ecosystems suggested in the literature, a concept of a service ecosystem is presented. Ten service system, management, engineering and design (SSMED) concepts elaborated by Spohrer and Kwan are represented in operational terms by interlinked networks of actors, of resources and of activities whose interconnections may change dynamically, combined with a business model perspective that indicates why particular configurations might make sense. Six support system case studies illustrate how effective service ecosystems are informed by multiple viewpoints including reliability assurance, business models and linkages with context-specific knowledge networks to stimulate the identification of innovative support solution architectures.
Do we really have to consider covariance matrices for image features?

Many studies have been made in the past for optimization using covariance matrices of feature points. We first describe how to compute the covariance matrix of a feature point from the gray levels by integrating existing methods. Then, we experimentally examine if thus computed covariance matrices really reflect the accuracy of the feature points. To test this, we do subpixel template matching and compute the homography and the fundamental matrix. Our conclusion is rather surprising, pointing out important elements often overlooked.
Improving data locality with loop transformations

In the past decade, processor speed has become significantly faster than memory speed. Small, fast cache memories are designed to overcome this discrepancy, but they are only effective when programs exhibit data locality. In the this article, we present compiler optimizations to improve data locality based on a simple yet accurate cost model. The model computes both temporal and spatial reuse of cache lines to find desirable loop organizations. The cost model drives the application of compound transformations consisting of loop permutation, loop fusion, loop distribution, and loop reversal. To validate our optimization strategy, we implemented our algorithms and ran experiments on a large collection of scientific programs and kernels. Experiments illustrate that for kernels our model and algorithm can select and achieve the best loop structure for a nest. For over 30 complete applications, we executed the original and transformed versions and simulated cache hit rates. We collected statistics about the inherent characteristics of these programs and our ability to improve their data locality. To our knowledge, these studies are the first of such breadth and depth. We found performance improvements were difficult to achieve bacause benchmark programs typically have high hit rates even for small data caches; however, our optimizations significanty improved several programs.
Blood Transcriptomic Meta-analysis Identifies Dysregulation of Hemoglobin and Iron Metabolism in Parkinson’ Disease

Disrupted iron metabolism has been implicated in the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease (PD), a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that severely affects movement and coordination, yet the molecular mechanisms underlying this association remain unknown. To this end, we performed a transcriptomic meta-analysis of four blood microarrays in PD. We observed a significant downregulation of genes related to hemoglobin including, hemoglobin delta (HBD), alpha hemoglobin stabilizing protein (ASHP), genes implicated in iron metabolism including, solute carrier family 11 member 2 (SLC11A2), ferrochelatase (FECH), and erythrocyte-specific genes including erythrocyte membrane protein (EPB42), and 5′-aminolevulinate synthase 2 (ALAS2). Pathway and network analysis identified enrichment in processes related to mitochondrial membrane, oxygen transport, oxygen and heme binding, hemoglobin complex, erythrocyte development, tetrapyrrole metabolism and the spliceosome. Collectively, we identified a subnetwork of genes in blood that may provide a molecular explanation for the disrupted hemoglobin and iron metabolism in the pathogenesis of PD.
High prevalence of the metabolic syndrome among a Swedish cohort of patients with schizophrenia

Several cardiovascular risk factors have been linked to antipsychotic treatment and cardiovascular mortality is increased in these patients compared to the general population. The full metabolic syndrome (or its components) is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disorders. The prevalence of the metabolic syndrome was investigated using a cross-sectional study design in a cohort of 269 patients, aged 20–69 years, with schizophrenia living in Northern Sweden, and was defined according to the criteria of the National Cholesterol Education program. The prevalence of the metabolic syndrome was 34.6% (95% CI=28.8–40.3) and highest (43%; 95% CI=32–53) for participants aged 40–49 years. Clozapine treated subjects reached the highest prevalence of the metabolic syndrome (48%; 95% CI=34–62). The prevalence was similar for men (32.8%; 95% CI=25.8–39.8) and women (38.0%; 95% CI=27.9–48.2). Men had a high prevalence of hypertension (49.2%; 95% CI=41.7–56.6) and women had high prevalence of low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (40.2%; 95% CI=30.0–50.4) and abdominal obesity (75.0%; 95% CI=66.0–84.0). Subjects with the metabolic syndrome had significantly higher mean body mass index (BMI) (P<0.001), HbA1c (P=0.002), and fasting serum insulin (P<0.001) compared to non-metabolic syndrome subject. Subjects with the metabolic syndrome had also significantly more often a positive history of cardiovascular diseases compared to non-metabolic syndrome subjects (25.8% versus 12.5%; P=0.01). Of all study subjects 36.8% were obese (BMI>30). These results clearly show that the metabolic syndrome and its components are highly prevalent in patients with schizophrenia. Physicians treating patients with schizophrenia are recommended to monitor the components included in the metabolic syndrome.
HIV-Nef enhances interleukin-2 production and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase activity in a human T cell line

ObjectiveThe Nef protein has a major influence on disease pathogenesis in HIV-infected individuals. The objective of the present study was to examine the effects of Nef on T lymphocyte activation and associated signalling events. DesignA recombinant vaccinia expression system was used to express Nef in a human T cell line. Stimulation of these cells with anti-CD28 antibody, and either phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) or anti-CD3, activates signal transduction pathways and results in IL-2 production and IL-2 receptor α-chain (CD25) expression. Cellular responses were examined in cells expressing either Nef or an irrelevant control protein. MethodsActivation of signalling was assessed by immunoblot analysis, or by in-vitro phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) assays. IL-2 production was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and CD25 cell surface expression was examined using flow cytometry. ResultsInfection of cells with recombinant vaccinia expressing HIV-nef resulted in a marked increase in the production of IL-2 when cells were activated. The enhanced IL-2 response was accompanied by an increase in the level of PI3K activity. IL-2 production remained sensitive to inhibition with the PI3K competitive inhibitor Ly294002, and to the fungal macrolide, rapamycin. In contrast, CD25 expression was not affected, and there were no measurable changes to nuclear factor κB (NFκB) activation pathways. ConclusionEnhanced IL-2 production in stimulated T cells expressing HIV-Nef is associated with increased activation of PI3K-dependent signalling pathways. The results support a model in which Nef affects HIV disease progression by distorting T cell responses.
The effects of captions in teenagers’ multimedia L2 learning

Abstract This study aims to explore the impact of different captions on second language (L2) learning in a computer-assisted multimedia context. A quasi-experimental design was adopted, and a total of thirty-two eighth graders selected from a junior high school joined the study. They were systematically assigned into four groups based on their proficiency in English; these groups were shown animations with English narration and one of the following types of caption: no captions (M1), Chinese captions (M2), English captions (M3), and Chinese plus English captions (M4). A multimedia English learning program was conducted; the learning content involved two scientific articles presented on a computer. To track the learning process, data on oral repetition were collected after each sentence or scene was played. A post-test evaluation and a semi-structured interview were conducted immediately after viewing. The results show that the effect of different captions in multimedia L2 learning with respect to vocabulary acquisition and reading comprehension depend on students’ L2 proficiency. With English and Chinese + English captions, learners with low proficiency performed better in learning English relative to those who did not have such captions. Students relied on graphics and animation as an important tool for understanding English sentences.
DNA replication is required for the checkpoint response to damaged DNA in Xenopus egg extracts

Alkylating agents, such as methyl methanesulfonate (MMS), damage DNA and activate the DNA damage checkpoint. Although many of the checkpoint proteins that transduce damage signals have been identified and characterized, the mechanism that senses the damage and activates the checkpoint is not yet understood. To address this issue for alkylation damage, we have reconstituted the checkpoint response to MMS in Xenopus egg extracts. Using four different indicators for checkpoint activation (delay on entrance into mitosis, slowing of DNA replication, phosphorylation of the Chk1 protein, and physical association of the Rad17 checkpoint protein with damaged DNA), we report that MMS-induced checkpoint activation is dependent upon entrance into S phase. Additionally, we show that the replication of damaged double-stranded DNA, and not replication of damaged single-stranded DNA, is the molecular event that activates the checkpoint. Therefore, these data provide direct evidence that replication forks are an obligate intermediate in the activation of the DNA damage checkpoint.
Socioeconomic status and multiple myeloma among US blacks and whites.

OBJECTIVES This study examined the relation between socioeconomic status (SES) and risk of multiple myeloma among Blacks and Whites in the United States. METHODS This population-based case-control study included 573 cases (206 Blacks and 367 Whites) with new diagnoses of multiple myeloma identified between August 1, 1986, and April 30, 1989, and 2131 controls (967 Blacks and 1164 Whites) from 3 US geographic areas. Information on occupation, income, and education was obtained by personal interview. RESULTS Inverse gradients in risk were associated with occupation-based SES, income, and education. Risks were significantly elevated for subjects in the lowest categories of occupation-based SES (odds ratio [OR] = 1.71, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.16, 2.53), education (OR = 1.36, 95% CI = 1.06, 1.75), and income (OR = 1.43, 95% CI = 1.05, 1.93). Occupation-based low SES accounted for 37% of multiple myeloma in Blacks and 17% in Whites, as well as 49% of the excess incidence in Blacks. Low education and low income accounted for 17% and 28% of the excess incidence in Blacks, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate that the measured SES-related factors account for a substantial amount of the Black-White differential in multiple myeloma incidence.
Journal of Neuroengineering and Rehabilitation Open Access Reaching in Reality and Virtual Reality: a Comparison of Movement Kinematics in Healthy Subjects and in Adults with Hemiparesis

Background: Virtual reality (VR) is an innovative tool for sensorimotor rehabilitation increasingly being employed in clinical and community settings. Despite the growing interest in VR, few studies have determined the validity of movements made in VR environments with respect to real physical environments. The goal of this study was to compare movements done in physical and virtual environments in adults with motor deficits to those in healthy individuals.
2 Evaluating Quality Control Decisions : A Simulation Approach

Quality has become one of the core factors for almost all manufacturing and service companies that aim to achieve customer satisfaction. Therefore, improving quality is considered to be one of the efforts that companies consider a must to attain customer loyalty in today’s complex global competitive environment. Studies concluded that any serious endeavour to improve quality will lead to an increase of cost of the product or service. Obviously, improving quality has its own costs. As a result, measuring cost of quality is very important as it provides valuable insights into the different cost of quality components. Thus, favourable returns on investment maybe achieved. For this fact, the quality cost concept was introduced and implemented in many manufacturing and service companies. The first model of cost of quality was introduced by Feigenbaum (1956) known as the P-A-F model which consists of prevention, appraisal and failure cost. Feigenbaum (1991) categorized the model into two major areas: costs of control (costs of conformance), and costs of failure of controls (costs of non-conformance), which since then used by numerous research studies (for example, Sumanth and Arora (1992), Burgess (1996), Purgslove and Dale (1995), Gupta and Campbell (1995), Chang et al. (1996), Sorqvist (1997)). Most of the reported literature does not provide a single universal definition for cost of quality (Dale and Plunkett (1999)). However, cost of quality is usually best understood in terms of the sum of costs of conformance and the costs of non-conformance which was first introduced by Crosby (1979). Here, cost of conformance is known as the costs associate with quality requirement for achieving specific quality standards for a product or service. On the other hand, cost of non-conformance is known as the cost of failure to deliver the required standard of quality for a product or service. From the voluminous literature, one may categorized the cost of quality models into five generic models which are: P-A-F model, Crosby model, opportunity or intangible cost model, process cost models and ABC (activity based costing) model. Traditional cost accounting approaches typically used to measure cost of quality has been reported in the literature to have serious limitations when dealing with the components of intangible costs (see Son (1991), Chiadamrong (2003) and Sharma (2007)). As manufactures continue to improve their factories, they discover that existing cost measure systems should be updated and no matter how sophisticated and reliable these economic evaluation measure maybe, such problems still remain if unreliable cost information is not obtained as inputs for these economic evaluation, Chiadamrong (2003).
Analysis of Drosophila paramyosin: identification of a novel isoform which is restricted to a subset of adult muscles

In this report we show that Drosophila melanogaster muscles contain the standard form of the thick filament protein paramyosin, as well as a novel paramyosin isoform, which we call miniparamyosin. We have isolated Drosophila paramyosin using previously established methods. This protein is approximately 105 kD and cross-reacts with polyclonal antibodies made against Caenorhabditis elegans or Heliocopris dilloni paramyosin. The Heliocopris antibody also cross-reacts with a approximately 55-kD protein which may be miniparamyosin. We have cloned and sequenced cDNA's encoding both Drosophila isoforms. Standard paramyosin has short nonhelical regions at each terminus flanking the expected alpha-helical heptad repeat seen in other paramyosins and in myosin heavy chains. The COOH-terminal 363 amino acids are identical in standard and miniparamyosin. However, the smaller isoform has 114 residues at the NH2 terminus that are unique as compared to the current protein sequence data base. The paramyosin gene is located at chromosome position 66E1. It appears to use two promoters to generate mRNA's that have either of two different 5' coding sequences joined to common 3' exons. Each protein isoform is encoded by two transcripts that differ only in the usage of polyadenylation signals. This results in four size classes of paramyosin mRNA which are expressed in a developmentally regulated pattern consistent with that observed for other muscle-specific RNA's in Drosophila. In situ hybridization to Drosophila tissue sections shows that standard paramyosin is expressed in all larval and adult muscle tissues whereas miniparamyosin is restricted to a subset of the adult musculature. Thus miniparamyosin is a novel muscle-specific protein that likely plays a role in thick filament structure or function in some adult muscles of Drosophila.
Undecidability of infinite post correspondence problem for instances of Size 9

In the infinite Post Correspondence Problem an instance (h,g) consists of two morphisms h and g , and the problem is to determine whether or not there exists an infinite word ω such that h(ω) = g(ω) . This problem was shown to be undecidable by Ruohonen (1985) in general. Recently Blondel and Canterini ( Theory Comput. Syst. 36 (2003) 231–245) showed that this problem is undecidable for domain alphabets of size 105. Here we give a proof that the infinite Post Correspondence Problem is undecidable for instances where the morphisms have domains of 9 letters. The proof uses a recent result of Matiyasevich and Senizergues and a modification of a result of Claus.
Epigenetic inactivation of RASSF1A in lung and breast cancers and malignant phenotype suppression.

BACKGROUND The recently identified RASSF1 locus is located within a 120-kilobase region of chromosome 3p21.3 that frequently undergoes allele loss in lung and breast cancers. We explored the hypothesis that RASSF1 encodes a tumor suppressor gene for lung and breast cancers. METHODS We assessed expression of two RASSF1 gene products, RASSF1A and RASSF1C, and the methylation status of their respective promoters in 27 non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell lines, in 107 resected NSCLCs, in 47 small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) cell lines, in 22 breast cancer cell lines, in 39 resected breast cancers, in 104 nonmalignant lung samples, and in three breast and lung epithelial cultures. We also transfected a lung cancer cell line that lacks RASSF1A expression with vectors containing RASSF1A complementary DNA to determine whether exogenous expression of RASSF1A would affect in vitro growth and in vivo tumorigenicity of this cell line. All statistical tests were two-sided. RESULTS RASSF1A messenger RNA was expressed in nonmalignant epithelial cultures but not in 100% of the SCLC, in 65% of the NSCLC, or in 60% of the breast cancer lines. By contrast, RASSF1C was expressed in all nonmalignant cell cultures and in nearly all cancer cell lines. RASSF1A promoter hypermethylation was detected in 100% of SCLC, in 63% of NSCLC, in 64% of breast cancer lines, in 30% of primary NSCLCs, and in 49% of primary breast tumors but in none of the nonmalignant lung tissues. RASSF1A promoter hypermethylation in resected NSCLCs was associated with impaired patient survival (P =.046). Exogenous expression of RASSF1A in a cell line lacking expression decreased in vitro colony formation and in vivo tumorigenicity. CONCLUSION RASSF1A is a potential tumor suppressor gene that undergoes epigenetic inactivation in lung and breast cancers through hypermethylation of its promoter region.
The effects of work-related and individual factors on the Work Ability Index: a systematic review

This paper systematically reviews the scientific literature on the effects of individual and work-related factors on the Work Ability Index (WAI) Studies on work ability published from 1985 to 2006 were identified through a structured search in PubMed, and Web of Science. Studies were included if the WAI was used as measure of work ability and if quantitative information was presented on determinants of work ability. In total, 20 studies were included with 14 cross-sectional studies and six longitudinal studies. Factors associated with poor work ability, as defined by WAI, were lack of leisure-time vigorous physical activity, poor musculoskeletal capacity, older age, obesity, high mental work demands, lack of autonomy, poor physical work environment, and high physical work load. The WAI is associated with individual characteristics, lifestyle, demands at work, and physical condition. This multifactorial nature of work ability should be taken into account in health promotion programmes aimed at maintaining and promoting the participation of the labour force and improvement of the performance at work.