Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Knowledge and Social Capital: Foundations and Applications

From the Publisher: Social capital--the informal networks, trust, and common understanding among individuals in an organization--determines major competitive advantages in today's networked economy. Knowledge and Social Capital explains how social capital can drive collaboration, reconcile an organization's internal and external labor markets, and improve organizational effectiveness. This collection of authoritative articles helps readers understand how they can build and leverage on their own organizations' social capital. Knowledge and Social Capital teaches core principles and important strategies to a range of executives, including organizational development specialists, corporate strategists, and knowledge management professionals.
An Obesity Risk SNP (rs17782313) near the MC4R Gene Is Associated with Cerebrocortical Insulin Resistance in Humans

Activation of melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) by insulin sensitive neurons is a central mechanism in body weight regulation, and genetic variants in the MC4R gene (e.g., rs17782313) are associated with obesity. By using magnetoencephalography, we addressed whether rs17782313 affects the cerebrocortical insulin response. We measured the cerebrocortical insulin response by using magnetoencephalography in a hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp (versus placebo) in 51 nondiabetic humans (26 f/25 m, age 35 ± 3 years, BMI 28 ± 1 kg/m2). The C-allele of rs17782313 was minor allele (frequency 23%), and the genotype distribution (TT 30, TC 19, CC 2) was in Hardy-Weinberg-Equilibrium. Insulin-stimulated cerebrocortical theta activity was decreased in the presence of the C-allele (TT 33 ± 16 fT; TC/CC −27 ± 20 fT; P = .023), and this effect remained significant after adjusting for BMI and peripheral insulin sensitivity (P = .047). Cerebrocortical theta activity was impaired in carriers of the obesity risk allele. Therefore, cerebral insulin resistance may contribute to the obesity effect of rs17782313.
Student Voices in Teacher Evaluations

Student Voices in Teacher Evaluations Brenda Sue Burr Department of Educational Leadership and Foundations, BYU Doctor of Education In an ever increasingly competitive global marketplace, a concern exists that American students are not being adequately prepared with the skills needed for the 21 century. As a remedy, improving quality of teacher instruction is a current national focus. Stakeholders are questioning current infrequent and inefficient methods of evaluating teacher performance. Many states are looking at using a 360 model of evaluating through multiple perspectives including the students themselves as key stakeholders. One method of accessing student voice and adding another perspective to teacher evaluations would be to include student evaluations in the rating of teacher performance, Student Evaluation of Teaching (SET). While using student evaluations of teacher performance is widespread in higher education, the practice has been limited in public school settings until brought to light by the publication of the recent Gates Foundation MET (Measures of Effective Teaching) Project (2010). Currently, states across the nation are considering adding a student input component to teacher evaluations. With the validity and reliability of student evaluations in the university settings still under debate by professors, public school teachers also fear punitive measures and public judgment based on the verdicts of adolescents. This research examined the archival data from a program study of one high school’s student evaluation implementation process, accessing teacher feedback from the initial evaluation process and then an adjusted implementation of student evaluations according to teacher feedback the following year. Based on mixed method design using both qualitative and quantitative methods to analyze teacher questionnaires, focus group open-ended responses and statistical analysis of close-ended agree/disagree statements from teacher questionnaires, this study used triangulation to explore teacher reflections on their anxiety levels created by the student evaluation implementation process, the value they found in student evaluations, and the degree to which student evaluations facilitated change in their teaching instruction. Exploring possibilities through the eyes of teachers to reduce their anxiety and increase their value of student input, this study suggests ways to tap into the potential but underutilized resource in schools that could come from developing a mutually beneficial partnership between students and teachers to improve teacher instruction and increase student learning.
Task-Dependent Decoding of Speaker and Vowel Identity from Auditory Cortical Response Patterns

Selective attention to relevant sound properties is essential for everyday listening situations. It enables the formation of different perceptual representations of the same acoustic input and is at the basis of flexible and goal-dependent behavior. Here, we investigated the role of the human auditory cortex in forming behavior-dependent representations of sounds. We used single-trial fMRI and analyzed cortical responses collected while subjects listened to the same speech sounds (vowels /a/, /i/, and /u/) spoken by different speakers (boy, girl, male) and performed a delayed-match-to-sample task on either speech sound or speaker identity. Univariate analyses showed a task-specific activation increase in the right superior temporal gyrus/sulcus (STG/STS) during speaker categorization and in the right posterior temporal cortex during vowel categorization. Beyond regional differences in activation levels, multivariate classification of single trial responses demonstrated that the success with which single speakers and vowels can be decoded from auditory cortical activation patterns depends on task demands and subject's behavioral performance. Speaker/vowel classification relied on distinct but overlapping regions across the (right) mid-anterior STG/STS (speakers) and bilateral mid-posterior STG/STS (vowels), as well as the superior temporal plane including Heschl's gyrus/sulcus. The task dependency of speaker/vowel classification demonstrates that the informative fMRI response patterns reflect the top-down enhancement of behaviorally relevant sound representations. Furthermore, our findings suggest that successful selection, processing, and retention of task-relevant sound properties relies on the joint encoding of information across early and higher-order regions of the auditory cortex.
Articulatory controllable speech modification based on statistical feature mapping with Gaussian mixture models

This paper presents a novel speech modification method capable of controlling unobservable articulatory parameters based on a statistical feature mapping technique with Gaussian Mixture Models (GMMs). In previous work [1], the GMM-based statistical feature mapping was successfully applied to acousticto-articulatory inversion mapping and articulatory-to-acoustic production mapping separately. In this paper, these two mapping frameworks are integrated to a unified framework to develop a novel speech modification system. The proposed system sequentially performs the inversion and the production mapping, making it possible to modify phonemic sounds of an input speech signal by intuitively manipulating articulatory parameters estimated from the input speech signal. We also propose a manipulation method to automatically compensate for unmodified articulatory movements considering inter-dimensional correlation of the articulatory parameters. The proposed system is implemented for a single English speaker and its effectiveness is evaluated experimentally. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed system is capable of modifying phonemic sounds by manipulating the estimated articulatory movements and higher speech quality is achieved by considering the inter-dimensional correlation in the manipulation. Index Terms: speech modification, acoustic-to-articulatory inversion mapping, articulatory-to-acoustic production mapping, Gaussian mixture model, inter-dimensional correlation
Conceptualizing and measuring capabilities: methodology and empirical application

This paper attempts to operationalize and measure firm‐specific capabilities using an extant conceptualization in the resource‐based view (RBV) literature. Capabilities are conceived as the efficiency with which a firm employs a given set of resources (inputs) at its disposal to achieve certain objectives (outputs). We expand on extant theoretical literature on relative capabilities, by delineating the conditions that have to be met for relative capabilities to be measured non‐tautologically. We then proceed to suggest an estimation methodology, stochastic frontier estimation (SFE), that allows us to infer firm capabilities. We illustrate this technique with a sample of firms in the semiconductor industry. Our findings underscore the heterogeneity in R& D capability across firms in this industry, as well as the persistence in these capabilities over time. We also find that the market rewards high R& D capability firms, in that they show the highest average values of Tobin's q. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Defining a Conformational Consensus Motif in Cotransin-Sensitive Signal Sequences: A Proteomic and Site-Directed Mutagenesis Study

The cyclodepsipeptide cotransin was described to inhibit the biosynthesis of a small subset of proteins by a signal sequence-discriminatory mechanism at the Sec61 protein-conducting channel. However, it was not clear how selective cotransin is, i.e. how many proteins are sensitive. Moreover, a consensus motif in signal sequences mediating cotransin sensitivity has yet not been described. To address these questions, we performed a proteomic study using cotransin-treated human hepatocellular carcinoma cells and the stable isotope labelling by amino acids in cell culture technique in combination with quantitative mass spectrometry. We used a saturating concentration of cotransin (30 micromolar) to identify also less-sensitive proteins and to discriminate the latter from completely resistant proteins. We found that the biosynthesis of almost all secreted proteins was cotransin-sensitive under these conditions. In contrast, biosynthesis of the majority of the integral membrane proteins was cotransin-resistant. Cotransin sensitivity of signal sequences was neither related to their length nor to their hydrophobicity. Instead, in the case of signal anchor sequences, we identified for the first time a conformational consensus motif mediating cotransin sensitivity.
Are efficiency wages equality wages? Exogenously induced fairness norms in working environments

We investigate how the introduction of a salient norm for pay differentiation influences wage offers and effort exertion in a gift exchange experiment. Exogenously induced claims indeed lead to substantial differentiation in wages. At the same time, unequal wage schemes do not crowd out effort exertion. In particular, we do not observe strong detrimental effects resulting from disadvantageous relative wage positions. Finally, we find that specific communication patterns have a significant impact on effort exertion.
Quality assessment of ATL model transformations using metrics

One of the key concepts of Model-Driven Engineering (MDE) is model transformations. Because of the crucial role of model transformations in MDE, they have to be treated in a similar way as traditional software artifacts. It is therefore necessary to de? ne and assess their quality. In this paper we present a set of metrics for assessing the quality of ATL model transformations.
Biomechanical comparison of unilateral semi-rigid and dynamic stabilization on ovine vertebrae

Using the unilateral pedicle screw fixation was thought to decrease the stiffness of the fixed segments. Various prospective, randomized studies were performed to determine whether unilateral pedicle screw fixation provides the necessities of bilateral fixation in one- or two-segment lumbar spinal fusion. In this study, four different unilateral pedicle screw fixation systems were evaluated to determine which one best approximated an intact spine with respect to biomechanics and kinematics. The four groups included an intact group, a unilateral facetectomy group with no fixation, a unilateral semi-rigid pedicle screw fixation group with a poly-ether-ether-ketone rod, and a unilateral dynamic pedicle screw fixation group. The bone mineral densities of all specimens were measured and specimens were matched with groups randomly. Flexion, lateral bending, and axial rotation tests were performed to compare the groups. For the flexion, lateral bending, and axial rotation tests, the best biomechanical outcomes were in the control group. The unilateral facetectomy group had the poorest performance and was not stable enough, compared with the control group. The dynamic and semi-rigid groups showed performance closer to that of the control group. The biomechanical responses of these two groups were also in good agreement, showing no significant statistical differences. Based on these test results, it is concluded that the unilateral dynamic and semi-rigid pedicle screw fixations can be used to provide stability to the vertebrae.
PREDICTION OF THE SUCCESSFULNESS OF TENNIS PLAYERS WITH MACHINE LEARNING METHODS

The aim of the study was to examine the predictability of the competitive performance of Slovene tennis players by using the most promising morphological measures and motor tests selected by automatic computer methods and by experienced tennis coaches by means of machine learning methods. The analysis included altogether 1,002 male and female tennis players who had undergone regular testing by the National Tennis Association and were positioned on the ranking list of the Slovene Tennis Association between the years 1993 and 2008. Selections of the most promising variables by means of the two automatic methods yielded similar results, whereas the selection performed on the basis of estimates made by coaches differed considerably. With regard to the analysis by means of classification methods, an accurate predictability of competitive performance for the age category younger than 16 years was observed, while the results of predictions for the age category older than 16 were poor. Among the regression methods, as opposed to the linear regression, which has yielded satisfactory results, regression trees served no useful purpose in practice. Automatic methods for identifying the most promising variables proved to be more successful than those of the coaches, which was most clearly noticeable with regard to the female tennis players and when linear regression was used.
The Distributional Effects of Redistributional Tax Policy

This paper constructs a large scale overlapping generations model with heterogeneity across the lifecycle and over earnings ability types. The model is calibrated to the U.S. economy and includes realistic demographics, earnings distribution, taxes, and mortality risk. We consider the effects of two policies: an increase in income tax rates and a progressive wealth tax. We find that a more progressive income tax does not change inequality in consumption, income, or wealth across the life cycle, but it does reduce inequality across ability types. In contrast, a wealth tax reduces inequality over the life cycle, but slightly increases inequality across ability types. Inequality over ability types is greater concern than changes in equality over the lifecycle.
A Comparative Study of Three Sorting Techniques in Performing Cognitive Tasks on a Tabular Representation

This study investigated the impacts of three sorting techniques on various cognitive tasks performed on a tabular representation. The tasks under study were a multiattribute object selection task and selected low-level analytic tasks. Three sorting techniques, including sorting by a column (Typical Sort), sorting by all columns simultaneously (SimulSort), and sorting by all columns with faithful vertical locations (ParallelTable), were compared with a static table without the sorting feature (Baseline). An incentivized controlled laboratory study with 80 participants and a preliminary eye-tracker study were conducted to better understand the strengths and weaknesses of the four different approaches. SimulSort and ParallelTable were found to significantly improve the performance of multiattribute object selection. ParallelTable, however, suffers from an occlusion problem, so it is not an appropriate support for some low-level analytic tasks. The findings were used to propose appropriate sorting techniques for specific tasks performed on a table.
Disconnection of the amygdala from visual association cortex impairs visual reward-association learning in monkeys

Cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis) were trained in a task that assessed their ability to associate visual stimuli with food reward. Acquisition of stimulus-reward associations was measured under 2 conditions, a 2-stimuli acquisition condition and a 1-stimulus acquisition condition. On each trial in the 2-stimuli condition, the positive (correct) and negative (incorrect) stimuli were presented side by side and the animal chose one by touching it; if the choice was correct, a food reward was dispensed. On each trial in the 1-stimulus condition, either the positive or the negative stimulus was presented alone; if the stimulus was the positive, it was followed by reward delivery, regardless of the animal's response to it, and if it was the negative, it was not followed by reward delivery. Thus, reward delivery was contingent upon the animal's response to the stimuli in the 2- stimuli condition but not in the 1-stimulus condition. The effect of acquisition trials under these 2 conditions was measured, in both conditions, by the animal's subsequent choice when presented with the 2 stimuli side by side. Following preoperative training in this task, the animals were first subjected to unilateral ablation of the inferotemporal cortex. This operation had little effect on the animals' learning ability. Then, the amygdala was ablated in the hemisphere contralateral to that in which the unilateral inferotemporal ablation had been carried out. This combination of crossed unilateral lesions of the amygdala and of the inferotemporal cortex, which disconnects the amygdala from the output of visual association cortex, produced a profound impairment in stimulus-reward-associative learning. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Modeling and Practical Evaluation of a Service Location Problem in Large Scale Networks

We consider a generalization of a classical optimization problem related to server and replica location problems in networks. More precisely, we suppose that a set of users distributed over a network wish to have access to a particular service proposed by a set of providers. The aim is then to distinguish a set of service providers able to offer a sufficient amount of resources in order to satisfy the requests of the clients. Moreover, a quality of service following some requirements in terms of latencies is desirable. A smart repartition of the servers in the network may also ensure good fault tolerance properties. We model this problem as a variant of Bin Packing, namely Bin Packing under Distance Constraint(BPDC) where the goal is to build a minimal number of bins(i.e. to choose a minimal number of servers) so that (i) each client is associated to exactly one server, (ii) the capacity of the server is large enough to satisfy the requests of its clients and (iii) the distance between two clients associated to the same server is minimized. We prove that this problem is hard to approximate even when using resource augmentation techniques : we compare the number of obtained bins when using polynomial time algorithms allowed to build bins of diameter at most beta.dmax, for beta > 1, to the optimal number of bins of diameter at most dmax. On the one hand, we prove that (i) if _ = (2âˆ'epsilon), BPDC is hard to approximate within any constant approximation ratio, for any epsilon > 0, and that (ii) BPDC is hard to approximate at a ratio lower than 3/2 even if resource augmentation is used. On the other hand, if beta = 2, we propose a polynomial time approximation algorithm for BPDC with approximation ratio 7/3 in the general case. We show how to turn an approximation algorithm for BPDC into an approximation algorithm for the non-uniform capacitated K-center problem and vice-versa. Then, we present a comparison of the quality of results for BPDC in the context of several Internet latency embedding tools such as Sequoia and Vivaldi, using datasets based on Planet Lab latency measurements.
A Synthetic Adjuvant to Enhance and Expand Immune Responses to Influenza Vaccines

Safe, effective adjuvants that enhance vaccine potency, including induction of neutralizing Abs against a broad range of variant strains, is an important strategy for the development of seasonal influenza vaccines which can provide optimal protection, even during seasons when available vaccines are not well matched to circulating viruses. We investigated the safety and ability of Glucopyranosyl Lipid Adjuvant-Stable Emulsion (GLA-SE), a synthetic Toll-like receptor (TLR)4 agonist formulation, to adjuvant Fluzone® in mice and non-human primates. The GLA-SE adjuvanted Fluzone vaccine caused no adverse reactions, increased the induction of T helper type 1 (TH1)-biased cytokines such as IFNγ, TNF and IL-2, and broadened serological responses against drifted A/H1N1 and A/H3N2 influenza variants. These results suggest that synthetic TLR4 adjuvants can enhance the magnitude and quality of protective immunity induced by influenza vaccines.
snRNA and Heterochromatin Formation Are Involved in DNA Excision during Macronuclear Development in Stichotrichous Ciliates

ABSTRACT Several models for specific excision of micronucleus-specific DNA sequences during macronuclear development in ciliates exist. While the template-guided recombination model suggests recombination events resulting in specific DNA excision and reordering of macronucleus-destined sequences (MDS) guided by a template, there is evidence that an RNA interference-related mechanism is involved in DNA elimination in holotrichous ciliates. We describe that in the stichotrichous ciliate Stylonychia, snRNAs homologous to micronucleus-specific sequences are synthesized during macronuclear differentiation. Western and in situ analyses demonstrate that histone H3 becomes methylated at K9 de novo during macronuclear differentiation, and chromatin immunoprecipitation revealed that micronucleus-specific sequences are associated with methylated H3. To link both observations, expression of a PIWI homolog, member of the RNA-induced silencing complex, was silenced. In these cells, the methylated micronucleus-specific histone H3 variant “X” is still present in macronuclear anlagen and no K9 methylation of histone H3 is observed. We suggest that snRNA recruits chromatin-modifying enzymes to sequences to be excised. Based on our and earlier observations, we believe that this mechanism is not sufficient for specific excision of sequences and reordering of MDS in the developing macronucleus and propose a model for internal eliminated sequence excision and MDS reordering in stichotrichous ciliates.