Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Efficient Mining of Gap-Constrained Subsequences and Its Various Applications

Mining frequent subsequence patterns is a typical data-mining problem and various efficient sequential pattern mining algorithms have been proposed. In many application domains (e.g., biology), the frequent subsequences confined by the predefined gap requirements are more meaningful than the general sequential patterns. In this article, we propose two algorithms, Gap-BIDE for mining closed gap-constrained subsequences from a set of input sequences, and Gap-Connect for mining repetitive gap-constrained subsequences from a single input sequence. Inspired by some state-of-the-art closed or constrained sequential pattern mining algorithms, the Gap-BIDE algorithm adopts an efficient approach to finding the complete set of closed sequential patterns with gap constraints, while the Gap-Connect algorithm efficiently mines an approximate set of long patterns by connecting short patterns. We also present several methods for feature selection from the set of gap-constrained patterns for the purpose of classification and clustering. Our extensive performance study shows that our approaches are very efficient in mining frequent subsequences with gap constraints, and the gap-constrained pattern based classification/clustering approaches can achieve high-quality results.
Schottky metal-semiconductor-metal photodetectors on GaN films grown on sapphire by molecular beam epitaxy

We report high-performance back-to-back Schottky metal-semiconductor-metal photodetectors fabricated on GaN epitaxial layers grown by molecular beam epitaxy. The photodetectors exhibit very low dark current (<1 pA at 30 V) and high external quantum efficiency (>70%). Medici simulation of the depletion region width indicated an absence of photoconductive gain. The temporal response has also been characterized.
Risk factors for esophageal cancer in Coimbatore, southern India: a hospital-based case-control study.

BACKGROUND Cancer of the esophagus is common in India. The risk factors predisposing to cancer in southern Indian patients are not known. AIM To determine the role of smoking, alcohol and their combination, and diet factors in the etiology of cancer of the esophagus. METHODS Risk factors like alcohol consumption, smoking, tobacco chewing, and pre-illness diet details in 90 patients with cancer of the esophagus were compared with those in age- and sex-matched control subjects. RESULTS The risk for esophageal cancer was 3.5 times higher with alcohol consumption, 2.5 times higher for tobacco users, and 2.8 times higher each for betel nut chewers and smokers. The calculated odds ratio for the social habits and diet factors was significant amongst cases of cancer esophagus. CONCLUSION Alcoholism, smoking, and chewing of tobacco are factors predisposing to esophageal cancer in southern India.
The Power of Single-Nucleotide Polymorphisms for Large-Scale Parentage Inference

Likelihood-based parentage inference depends on the distribution of a likelihood-ratio statistic, which, in most cases of interest, cannot be exactly determined, but only approximated by Monte Carlo simulation. We provide importance-sampling algorithms for efficiently approximating very small tail probabilities in the distribution of the likelihood-ratio statistic. These importance-sampling methods allow the estimation of small false-positive rates and hence permit likelihood-based inference of parentage in large studies involving a great number of potential parents and many potential offspring. We investigate the performance of these importance-sampling algorithms in the context of parentage inference using single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data and find that they may accelerate the computation of tail probabilities >1 millionfold. We subsequently use the importance-sampling algorithms to calculate the power available with SNPs for large-scale parentage studies, paying particular attention to the effect of genotyping errors and the occurrence of related individuals among the members of the putative mother–father–offspring trios. These simulations show that 60–100 SNPs may allow accurate pedigree reconstruction, even in situations involving thousands of potential mothers, fathers, and offspring. In addition, we compare the power of exclusion-based parentage inference to that of the likelihood-based method. Likelihood-based inference is much more powerful under many conditions; exclusion-based inference would require 40% more SNP loci to achieve the same accuracy as the likelihood-based approach in one common scenario. Our results demonstrate that SNPs are a powerful tool for parentage inference in large managed and/or natural populations.
Dysautonomia with acute sensory motor neuropathy. A new classification of acute autonomic neuropathy.

OBJECTIVES To characterize the dysautonomia associated with acute sensory motor neuropathy and to discuss the classification of acute autonomic neuropathy. DESIGN Case series. METHODS Sympathetic skin response. Local sweat response to acetylcholine. Norepinephrine infusion test and acetylcholinesterase histochemistry of sural nerve biopsy specimens in addition to making conventional analyses of myelinated and unmyelinated fibers. RESULTS In 12 patients with chronic neuropathy, acetylcholinesterase-positive fiber density and plantar sympathetic skin response size were well correlated, but in the two patients with acute autonomic sensory and motor neuropathy, there were discrepancies, acetylcholinesterase-positive fiber density being well preserved and sympathetic skin responses being absent. Histologic and electrophysiologic results indicated primary demyelination of the myelinated fibers. In contrast, previous studies of acute autonomic sensory and motor neuropathy reported dysfunction of the sympathetic postganglionic fibers and axonopathic change in myelinated fibers, poor recovery from dysautonomia. CONCLUSIONS Dysautonomia with acute idiopathic neuropathy can be divided into two categories--postganglionic axonopathic and preganglionic demyelinating types of the sympathetic efferent pathways. The recovery from dysautonomia produced by the former lesion is poor, but recovery is better for that produced by the latter lesion.
Bridging the Gap Between Usability and Requirements Engineering

Usability and requirements engineering both provide means for discovering, analyzing, and fulfilling users' needs. In practice, it is difficult to manage and control user-centered design and system development processes separately. Based on a case study conducted in two software product companies, we have aimed to understand the role of usability specialists in the requirements engineering (RE) process. Our findings indicate that usability is still often seen as user interface design instead of a more comprehensive characteristic of a software product. Therefore, usability specialists had difficulties participating in early RE activities. To integrate usability as a natural part of the RE process, the usability teams have started to organize training in their companies. The main purpose of the training is to ensure that usability is not relying solely on the work of specialists but becomes a common responsibility for the whole product development organization.
Examining the Reversal of Vocal Fold Dehydration Using Aerosolized Saline in an Excised Larynx Model

Examining the Reversal of Vocal Fold Dehydration Using Aerosolized Saline in an Excised Larynx Model Maya Elena Stevens Department of Communication Disorders, BYU Master of Science Previous studies have found vocal fold hydration to be crucial for healthy function of the vocal mechanism. Surface tissue hydration facilitates efficient vocal fold oscillation. The composition of vocal fold surface fluid includes protective water and mucus layers, similar to the fluid that covers the mucosa and epithelia of the upper airway. Laryngeal dehydration has been linked to several factors such as mouth breathing, obstructive sleep apnea, dry air exposure, upper airway hypersensitivity, and certain diseases or behavioral voice use factors. Laryngeal dehydration affects phonation threshold pressure (PTP) and phonation threshold flow (PTF), defined as the pressure and flow observed at the onset of phonation, respectively. The application of topical nebulized isotonic saline (0.9% Na+Cl-) has been shown in previous work to decrease PTP. However, there are no studies examining the effects of aerosolized saline, administered supraglottally, on dehydrated excised porcine larynges. Examining the effects of aerosolized saline in an excised model is essential to determine any independent effects of this treatment in the absence of other physiologic mechanisms such as mucus secretion. This study sought to investigate the effects of aerosolized saline on dehydrated animal vocal folds to determine if the administration of supraglottic aerosolized saline, via a nebulizer, could reverse the adverse effects of laryngeal dehydration. The study included a prospective, mixed experimental design with two groups, one desiccation/aerosolization (A/B) group and a control (A) group, each comprised of five bench-mounted porcine larynges. Larynges in both groups received desiccated air (<1% relative humidity) supraglottally via custom tubing for 1-min doses until the vocal folds ceased audible phonation. Following the desiccation challenge, the A/B group received 2-min doses of aerosolized isotonic saline until phonation began again. The PTP and PTF were measured during phonation trials following each dose of the desiccation or aerosolization treatment. Significant changes in PTP and PTF were observed following both the dehydration and aerosolization treatment. The PTP increased significantly following the dehydration challenge and returned near baseline following the aerosolization treatment. The results of this investigation supported the hypothesis that the administration of aerosolized saline may reverse the adverse effects of vocal fold dehydration. Moreover, in a more physiologically realistic excised model, applying the mechanics of respiration, this study advanced the development of innovative theories related to the reversal of the adverse effects of dehydration, which may prevent the development of voice disorders.
Identification and functional analysis of novel (p)ppGpp synthetase genes in Bacillus subtilis

Bacterial alarmone (p)ppGpp, is a global regulator responsible for the stringent control. Two homologous (p)ppGpp synthetases, RelA and SpoT, have been identified and characterized in Escherichia coli, whereas Gram‐positive bacteria such as Bacillus subtilis have been thought to possess only a single RelA‐SpoT enzyme. We have now identified two genes, yjbM and ywaC, in B. subtilis that encode a novel type of alarmone synthetase. The predicted products of these genes are relatively small proteins (∼25 kDa) that correspond to the (p)ppGpp synthetase domain of RelA‐SpoT family members. A database survey revealed that genes homologous to yjbM and ywaC are conserved in certain bacteria belonging to Firmicutes or Actinobacteria phyla but not in other phyla such as Proteobacteria. We designated the proteins as small alarmone synthetases (SASs) to distinguish them from RelA‐SpoT proteins. The (p)ppGpp synthetase function of YjbM and YwaC was confirmed by genetic complementation analysis and by in vitro assay of enzyme activity. Molecular genetic analysis also revealed that ywaC is induced by alkaline shock, resulting in the transient accumulation of ppGpp. The SAS proteins thus likely function in the biosynthesis of alarmone with a mode of action distinct from that of RelA‐SpoT homologues.
Diet-Induced Aortic Valve Disease in Mice Haploinsufficient for the Notch Pathway Effector RBPJK/CSL

Objective—Calcific aortic valve disease is similar to atherosclerosis in that both diseases result from chronic inflammation and endothelial dysfunction. Heterozygous NOTCH1 mutations have been associated to calcific aortic disease and a bicuspid aortic valve. We investigated whether mice with genetic inactivation of the Notch signaling pathway are prone to develop valve disease when exposed to a predisposing diet. Methods and Results—Using Doppler echocardiography, histology, immunohistochemistry, quantitative gene expression analysis, and cell culture assays, we examined the effect of a hypercholesterolemic diet supplemented with vitamin D on mice heterozygous for null mutations in the Notch1 receptor or the effector transcription factor gene RBPJk. After 16 weeks on the hyperlipidemic diet, calcific aortic disease was detected in heterozygous RBPJk mice. Analysis of valve leaflets revealed macrophage infiltration, enhanced collagen deposition, proosteogenic protein expression, and calcification. Heterozygous null Notch1 mice displayed milder histopathologic changes and did not develop any significant hemodynamic disturbance. Valvular disease correlated with reduced expression of the Notch target gene Hey1 in valves of RBPJk heterozygous mice fed the hyperlipidemic diet. Consistent with the in vivo data, Notch signaling inhibition in porcine valve interstitial cells led to downregulation of HEY1 transcription, activation of osteogenic markers, and increased calcified nodule formation. Conclusion—We show that Notch signaling disruption via RBPJk heterozygous inactivation results in aortic valve disease. Notch1 heterozygous mice do not show functional impairment, suggesting that additional Notch receptors may be involved in aortic valve homeostasis and disease. Our data establish a genetic mouse model of calcific aortic valve disease and may help to identify a patient population with reduced valvular NOTCH signaling at risk for developing this disease.
Biologic Tolerance of Two Different Low Molecular Weight Heparins

Heparin preparations have been used for prophylaxis and treatment of deep vein thrombosis for many years. Several biologic effects of heparin are known. Since 1978, there have been several reports about reversible elevation in serum values of AST and ALT in patients and healthy volunteers given heparin in small and high doses. Few studies report similar events in patients given LMW heparins. Results of two randomized studies (A and B) comprising 456 patients undergoing THR are presented. Two different compounds of LMW heparin (Logiparin or Enoxaparin) were used for thromboprophylaxis. Significant elevation during the postoperative period of AST and AP in study A, and AST, ALT, AP, LDH, and CK in study B were demonstrated in patients given LMW heparins in both studies. In study A the percentages of patients with normal preoperative values who reached pathologic values were 35% for AST and 15% for AP. In study B the percentages of patients with normal preoperative values who reached pathologic values were 36% for AST, 17% of ALT, 14% for AP, and 36% for LDH. The possible biologic mechanisms and the clinical perspectives are discussed. In all cases the changes in the liver enzymes returned to preoperative levels within 14 days.
Transformational and Servant Leadership: Content and Contextual Comparisons

The purpose of the study is to examine conceptual similarities of transformational and servant leadership theories and analyze the contribution both theories make to the understanding of leadership. The paper examines the extent the domains of the two theories overlap, and looks at the motivation of managers to create organizational cultures using one or the other perspectives. It is suggested that servant leadership leads to a spiritual generative culture, while transformational leadership leads to an empowered dynamic culture. The paper also addresses contextual factors which might make one or the other models more appropriate for organizational objectives. It is suggested that high change environments require the empowered dynamic culture of transformational leadership, while more static environments are better served by the servant leadership culture.
On-line visualization of underground structures using context features

We introduce an on-line framework for the visualizing of underground structures that improves X-Ray vision and Focus and Context Rendering for Augmented Reality. Our approach does not require an accurate reconstruction of the 3D environment and runs on-line on modern hardwares. For these purposes, we extract characteristic features from video frames and create visual cues to reveal occlusion relationships. To enhance the perception of occluding order, the extracted features are either directly rendered, or used to create hybrid blending masks: we thus ensures that the resulting cues are clearly noticeable.
Characterisation of the coding sequence and fine mapping of the human DFFRY gene and comparative expression analysis and mapping to the Sxrb interval of the mouse Y chromosome of the Dffry gene.

DFFRY (the Y-linked homologue of the DFFRX Drosophila fat-facets related X gene) maps to proximal Yq11.2 within the interval defining the AZFa spermatogenic phenotype. The complete coding region of DFFRY has been sequenced and shows 89% identity to the X-linked gene at the nucleotide level. In common with DFFRX , the potential amino acid sequence contains the conserved Cys and His domains characteristic of ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolases. The human DFFRY mRNA is expressed in a wide range of adult and embryonic tissues, including testis, whereas the homologous mouse Dffry gene is expressed specifically in the testis. Analysis of three azoospermic male patients has shown that DFFRY is deleted from the Y chromosome in these individuals. Two patients have a testicular phenotype which resembles Sertoli cell-only syndrome, and the third diminished spermatogenesis. In all three patients, the deletions extend from close to the 3' end into the gene, removing the entire coding sequence of DFFRY. The mouse Dffry gene maps to the Sxrb deletion interval on the short arm of the mouse Y chromosome and its expression in mouse testis can first be detected between 7.5 and 10.5 days after birth when type A and B spermatogonia and pre-leptotene and leptotene spermatocytes are present.
Ko wai Au? Who am I? Examining the multiple identities of Māori youth

In this paper, we present preliminary findings from a unique collaborative research project involving six Deaf Māori rangatahi (youth) in Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland), Aotearoa New Zealand. This study utilized kaupapa whānau (research family) protocols, established in consultation with two cultural advisory groups within New Zealand and the young people themselves, combined with elements of photovoice methodology, to explore the identities of these youth. Emerging findings highlight the complex nature of these youth’s cultural identity as well as specific issues related to access to and participation within te ao Māori (the Māori world). Specific and critical reflections on the research process are also included.
Haitian Children's House-Tree-Person Drawings: Global Similarities and Cultural Differences

1 Chapter 1 . 3 Statement of the Problem . 3 The Effects of Trauma on Children . 4 How Trauma Manifests in Children . 5 How Trauma Affects Children’s Development . 6 Understanding Haiti . 7 Haiti’s 2010 Earthquake Disaster . 7 Historical and Cultural Background of Haitian Children . 7 Haitian Children’s Situation Before and After the Earthquake . 10 Religious Beliefs . 11 Ecological Context in Recovery . 13 The Purposes of the Study . 16 Current Multicultural Assessment Practice . 16 House-Tree-Person (HTP) Test . 17 HTP Drawings as an Outlet for Children’s Input . 19 HTP as a Technique to Reduce Barriers in Children’s Research . 19 Direct Assessment of Children Made Possible by HTP Drawings . 20 The Potential of HTP Drawings for Determining Global Common Factors . 21 Israeli Study . 21 Wenchuan-China Study . 23 Global Common Factors . 25 Research Questions . 27 HAITIAN CHILDREN’S HOUSE-TREE-PERSON DRAWINGS vi Definitions of Terms . 28 Child Poverty . 28 Continuous Trauma . 28 Disaster . 29 Psychological Adaptation . 29 Maladaptation . 30 Coping . 30 Resilience . 30 Summary . 32 Chapter 2: Method . 33 An Overview of an Archival Study . 33 Setting . 34 Participants . 35 Measures . 36 Clinicians’ Contemporary Use of HTP . 36 Criticisms of HTP . 37 HTP Adapted for the Present Study . 38 Procedures . 40 Administration of HTP with Haitian Children. 42 Hypotheses and Research Questions . 43 Hypotheses . 43 Research Questions . 43 Data Analysis . 43 HAITIAN CHILDREN’S HOUSE-TREE-PERSON DRAWINGS vii Holistic Interpretation of Drawings . 43 Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis of Interpretations . 44 Step 1 – Step 6 . 45 Author’s Biases . 46 Quality Control . 46 Summary . 48 Chapter 3: Results . 50 Overview of Methods and Results . 50 Cluster 1: Vulnerability and Powerlessness . 62 Cluster 2: Resiliency . 64 Cluster 3: Well-Being . 65 Cluster 4: Aggression . 66 Cluster 5: Sublimated Idealization and Fantasy. 67 Cluster 6: Self-Efficacy and Agency . 69 Cluster 7: Trauma . 70 Similarities and Differences between Haitian, Israeli, and Chinese Studies . 71 Chapter 4: Discussion . 78 Cluster 1: Vulnerability and Powerlessness . 83 Cluster 2: Resilience . 84 Cluster 3: Well-Being . 85 Cluster 4: Aggression . 86 Cluster 5: Sublimated Idealization and Fantasy. 86 Cluster 6: Self-Efficacy and Agency . 88 HAITIAN CHILDREN’S HOUSE-TREE-PERSON DRAWINGS viii Cluster 7: Trauma . 88 Limitations of the Study. 89 Future Directions . 91 Self-Reflections. 92 Conclusion and Recommendations . 93 References . 98 Appendix A: Interpretation of Drawings (Tables 9-17) . 111 Appendix B: Process Notes on Crisis
Unraveling business negotiations using practitioner data

Although negotiations are a core business activity, there is a lack of information about what actually occurs during a business negotiation. This study addresses this issue though an international survey of managers focusing on actual negotiations. The 294 respondents reported on what actions they took as they sought to achieve an agreement, including how information was exchanged and how they looked for new solutions and managed concession making. The analysis suggests a pragmatic approach to negotiation, whereby information is not withheld, but neither is it freely given. Solutions emerge from discussion of priorities and commonalities rather than through more formal creative processes. The underlying script of negotiation appears to draw more on competitive than overtly collaborative tactics, suggesting that business negotiators are cautious co-operators. Further research avenues include investigating the pressures and context that impact upon negotiators' decision-making and closer examination of interactions between negotiation tasks en route to an agreement.
Computed Tomography Diagnosis of Acute Appendicitis: Advantages of Reviewing Thin-section Datasets using Sliding Slab Average Intensity Projection Technique

Objectives:We sought to compare sliding slab mode and standard stack mode in the computed tomography (CT) diagnosis of acute appendicitis. Materials and Methods:Contrast-enhanced CT was performed in 85 patients, 35 of whom had appendicitis. Four readers retrospectively reviewed 5-mm thick transverse sections (4-mm increment) using the stack mode and 2-mm thick sections (1-mm increment) with the sliding slab, average intensity projection. The sliding slab mode started with a 5-mm thick transverse slab, but the readers were encouraged to change the viewing angle and the slab thickness. Results:In sliding slab mode, the readers changed the viewing angle in 89 of 340 observations (24%) and decreased the slab thickness in 26 observations (8%). Although the receiver operating characteristic analysis did not show a significant difference (P = 0.18), the sliding slab mode enhanced the pooled sensitivity (93.6% vs. 98.6%, P = 0.02), specificity (92.0% vs. 97.5%, P = 0.01), and mean confidence for the diagnosis (P < 0.001) or exclusion (P = 0.002) of acute appendicitis; reduced inconclusive interpretations (5.6% vs. 1.8%, P = 0.01); and visualized the appendix more clearly (P < 0.001). Conclusions:Compared with the stack mode, the sliding slab mode enhances diagnostic confidence and more clearly visualizes the appendix.