Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Framing-effects approach: A theoretical and methodological critique

Abstract The article deals with research on framing effects. First, I will start with classifying different approaches on framing. Subsequently, I will provide a definition of the concepts of frame, schema and framing, expand on framing research conducted so far – both theoretically and operationally. Having this equipment at hand, I will initiate a discussion on studies of framing-effects in terms of theory, methods and empirical results. This discussion leads to the conclusion that studies on framing effects are insufficiently concerned with the more recent psychological constructs and theories. In merely focusing on the activation of schemata, most studies ignore the more elaborate types of framing-effects. Therefore, several empirical questions remain unanswered and some methodical chances seem to be wasted.
Analysis and Improvement of Content-Aware Routing Mechanisms

Over the past few years, there has been significant interest in content-aware routing that use the information found in the payload of packets to provide intelligent request distribution. As these content-aware routing mechanisms have become an increasingly important building block for Internet service providers, the network behavior and effectiveness of such mechanisms are unclear. In this paper we analyze the network dynamic of a busy Web site with the content-aware routing mechanism. We find that some unique characteristics of Web traffic may limit the effectiveness of the content-aware switching. Based on these observations, we also propose solutions to remedy these deficiencies.
The acquisition of tense morphology over time by English second language children with specific language impairment: Testing the cumulative effects hypothesis

ABSTRACT The cumulative effects hypothesis (CEH) claims that bilingual development would be a challenge for children with specific language impairment (SLI). To date, research on second language (L2) children with SLI has been limited mainly to their early years of L2 exposure; however, examining the long-term outcomes of L2 children with SLI is essential for testing the CEH. Accordingly, the present study examined production and grammaticality judgments of English tense morphology from matched groups of L2 children with SLI and L2 children with typical development (TD) for 3 years, from ages 8 to 10 with 4–6 years of exposure to English. This study found that the longitudinal acquisition profile of the L2 children with SLI and TD was similar to the acquisition profile reported for monolinguals with SLI and TD. Furthermore, L2-SLI children's accuracy with tense morphology was similar to that of their monolingual age peers with SLI at the end of the study, and exceeded that of younger monolingual peers with SLI whose age matched the L2 children's length of exposure to English. These findings are not consistent with the CEH, but instead show that morphological acquisition parallel to monolinguals with SLI is possible for L2 children with SLI.
Comparison of a 30nm Tunnel Field Effect Transistor and CMOS Inverter Characteristics

Tunnel field-effect transistor (TFET) is a promising candidate for the succession of the MOSFET at deca-nanometer dimensions. Tunneling currents are no longer considered as unwanted parasitics in these devices. In this work, the device architecture and performance of both n-type and p-type TFETs with a channel length of 30nm are simulated and studied. Mixed mode simulation of TFET inverter and a comparison with CMOS inverter characteristics show that TFET inverter doesn't need level shifting at the output and can succeed CMOS digital applications.
Differential Expression of Proteins Associated with the Hair Follicle Cycle - Proteomics and Bioinformatics Analyses

Hair follicle cycling can be divided into the following three stages: anagen, catagen, and telogen. The molecular signals that orchestrate the follicular transition between phases are still unknown. To better understand the detailed protein networks controlling this process, proteomics and bioinformatics analyses were performed to construct comparative protein profiles of mouse skin at specific time points (0, 8, and 20 days). Ninety-five differentially expressed protein spots were identified by MALDI-TOF/TOF as 44 proteins, which were found to change during hair follicle cycle transition. Proteomics analysis revealed that these changes in protein expression are involved in Ca2+-regulated biological processes, migration, and regulation of signal transduction, among other processes. Subsequently, three proteins were selected to validate the reliability of expression patterns using western blotting. Cluster analysis revealed three expression patterns, and each pattern correlated with specific cell processes that occur during the hair cycle. Furthermore, bioinformatics analysis indicated that the differentially expressed proteins impacted multiple biological networks, after which detailed functional analyses were performed. Taken together, the above data may provide insight into the three stages of mouse hair follicle morphogenesis and provide a solid basis for potential therapeutic molecular targets for this hair disease.
Autonomic Reactivity to Arousing Stimuli with Social and Non-social Relevance in Alexithymia

Emotional difficulties in alexithymia and their social consequences have been linked to alterations in autonomic nervous system. However, most of previous studies did not take into account the distinction between the affective and the cognitive dimensions of the alexithymia, leading to inconsistent results. Aim: In this study, we compared the effects of both dimensions of alexithymia on the autonomic arousal to emotional and social visual stimulations. Methods: Skin conductance responses (SCRs) to items of the International Affective Pictures System characterized by emotional (unpleasant, neutral, and pleasant), social (with humans) or non-social (without humans) content were recorded in non-alexithymic (NA), affective (AA) and cognitive alexithymic (CA) participants, selected on the basis of the Toronto Alexithymia Scale and the Bermond-Vorst Alexithymia Questionnaire. All participants responded to questionnaires of empathy, social phobia, depression, and anxiety before the experiment and evaluated the arousal of the pictures after it. Results: Cognitive alexithymic group showed lower amplitudes of SCRs to pictures with social than without social relevance whereas the opposite pattern was observed for the NA group. Arousal emotional effects of the pictures on SCRs did not differ among groups. In addition, CA participants showed lower scores than NA in the Personal Taking sub-scale of the empathy questionnaire, while AA showed lower scores than NA in the fantasy sub-scale. The CA group showed higher social phobia, depression and anxiety scores, than the other two groups. Conclusion: This work has two original outcomes: first, affective alexithymics expressed lower empathic affective scores than other groups; second, alexithymia modulated the impact of the social relevance of the stimuli on the autonomic reactivity, this impact vanishing in affective alexithymics and reversing in cognitive alexithymics. Thus, though the groups could not be distinguished on the basis of emotional effect on SCRs, they clearly differed when the empathic characteristics and the autonomic impact of social relevance were considered. Finally, the described autonomic signature to social relevant information could contribute to elucidate the difficulty of alexithymics to deal with emotions during social transactions.
The advantage of flexible neuronal tunings in neural network models for motor learning

Human motor adaptation to novel environments is often modeled by a basis function network that transforms desired movement properties into estimated forces. This network employs a layer of nodes that have fixed broad tunings that generalize across the input domain. Learning is achieved by updating the weights of these nodes in response to training experience. This conventional model is unable to account for rapid flexibility observed in human spatial generalization during motor adaptation. However, added plasticity in the widths of the basis function tunings can achieve this flexibility, and several neurophysiological experiments have revealed flexibility in tunings of sensorimotor neurons. We found a model, Locally Weighted Projection Regression (LWPR), which uniquely possesses the structure of a basis function network in which both the weights and tuning widths of the nodes are updated incrementally during adaptation. We presented this LWPR model with training functions of different spatial complexities and monitored incremental updates to receptive field widths. An inverse pattern of dependence of receptive field adaptation on experienced error became evident, underlying both a relationship between generalization and complexity, and a unique behavior in which generalization always narrows after a sudden switch in environmental complexity. These results implicate a model that is flexible in both basis function widths and weights, like LWPR, as a viable alternative model for human motor adaptation that can account for previously observed plasticity in spatial generalization. This theory can be tested by using the behaviors observed in our experiments as novel hypotheses in human studies.
Optimal type-II concatenated hybrid ARQ using single parity check codes

We consider an incremental redundancy (IR) type-II hybrid ARQ scheme based on multidimensional single parity check (SPC) product codes. Random interleaving is applied between dimensions, resulting in equivalent systematic, parallel or serially concatenated SPC codes. This enables larger interleavers and a larger range of overall code rates. The puncturing pattern used for IR transmissions of the concatenated SPC codes is chosen specifically to reduce decoder complexity for the hybrid ARQ scheme, activating only those constituent decoders for which parity bits have been received. Given the proposed puncturing pattern and a maximum number of allowable transmissions, an approach for determining the optimal number of parity bits per IR transmission in terms of maximizing the overall code rate, is suggested. With this strategy, each data frame is accepted following the transmission of a minimum number of parity bits.
Bayesian multi-model projections of climate: generalization and application to ENSEMBLES results

In a previous study, we developed a Bayesian methodology for combining multi-model climate change simulations into a single probabilistic projection which addresses changes in inter- annual variability beyond changes in mean temperature, and which explicitly considers time-depen- dent model biases. We tested 2 different but equally plausible bias assumptions referred to as 'con- stant bias' and 'constant relationship'. The former assumes that the biases in control and scenario periods are approximately constant, following the implicit assumption in most climate change stud- ies. The latter approach follows seasonal forecasting procedures by assuming an approximate linear relationship between observed and simulated seasonal temperatures. In the present study we gener- alized this approach by combining the 2 bias assumptions into a single probabilistic projection. In cases where the 2 assumptions yield conflicting results, our methodology implicates a broader prob- ability density function, thereby reflecting the increased level of uncertainty. We applied the new method to area-mean seasonal temperature distributions from global/regional climate model simula- tions of the ENSEMBLES project. Results are presented for changes in mean and variability between control (1961-1990) and scenario (2021-2050) periods. In comparison to the multi-model mean, the generalized Bayes method projected a considerably weaker warming during summer and autumn in much of continental Europe, a stronger winter warming in Scandinavia, France, eastern and central Europe, and a weaker warming in both summer and winter in the Mediterranean. These differences can be traced back to the models' difficulties in representing the natural interannual variability in these regions.
Biocompatibility and biodegradation of a native porcine pericardium membrane: results of in vitro and in vivo examinations.

PURPOSE The principle of guided tissue and bone regeneration has long been established for treating bone and periodontal defects. In addition to nonabsorbable barriers, various collagens have become accepted as membrane materials for separating the graft from soft tissue. However, collagen membranes differ significantly in their barrier function and biocompatibility. The objective of this pilot study was to examine, in vitro and in vivo, a novel native collagen membrane extracted from porcine pericardium. MATERIALS AND METHODS The morphologic structure of two different native collagen membranes (Remotis, Thommen Medical; Bio-Gide, Geistlich Biomaterials) was examined using a scanning electron microscope. For biocompatibility testing, membranes were incubated with SaOs-2 osteoblastlike cells. After 2 hours, 3 days, and 7 days, proliferation of the cells on the membranes was determined. Evaluation of the biodegradation pattern was performed in a dog model with simultaneous bone augmentation with Bio-Oss (Geistlich Biomaterials) or Cerabone (Botiss Biomaterials) in the lateral anterior maxilla in eight animals with histologic examination after 4, 8, 12, and 24 weeks. RESULTS An interconnective pore system was identifiable for Remotis, while Bio-Gide displayed a more fibrous structure. In vitro, Remotis showed considerable cell proliferation, which was significantly superior to that observed with Bio-Gide, especially after 7 days (2,910 ± 1,273 and 707 ± 706, respectively). In vivo, both membranes integrated into the surrounding tissue without any inflammatory reaction. Both membranes allowed early vascularization. However, considerable biodegradation was noted within 4 to 8 weeks with Bio-Gide, while Remotis resorbed generally within the first 8 to 12 week. Both membranes supported underlying bone formation. CONCLUSION Both examined membranes indicate a high level of biocompatibility. Both are resorbed without inflammation within 8 weeks (Bio-Gide) or 12 weeks (Remotis). The compact interconnective pericardium collagen of Remotis may have stabilized the resorption process.
Techno-Globalism and Techno-Nationalism: an Interpretative Framework

This paper deals with the globalisation process and with the tensions between national, super-national and sub-national forces it entails. A taxonomy is put forward in order to examine the question at different levels, distinguishing aspects of ‘techno-territoriality’, ‘techno-sovereignty’, ‘techno-citizenship’ and ‘techno-nationality’, pertaining to, respectively, geographical borders, governance structures and policy making, strategic behaviors and accountability, socio-cultural distances and spaces. The analysis of some of the massive contributions on the issue shows that the first three items have actually reached a global specification, but without completely losing national or even more local characters. A different evaluation instead holds for techno-nationality, as a certain communality of language and culture within a country, along with its historically formed institutional setting, conduce to different technological styles and performances: ‘techno-national systems of innovation’ therefore still matter.
‘Demystifying’ worldmaking: exploring New Zealand’s clean and green imaginary through the lens of angling tourists

ABSTRACT Hollinshead’s definition of ‘worldmaking’ highlights the complex processes involved in the projection of places, processes that are affected variously by the existence of dominant and counter projections. New Zealand’s ‘100% Pure’ reputation is largely built upon the questionable and often contested merits of its natural environment – the clean and green. For visiting angling tourists, ‘worldmaking’ projections of the angling experience promise solitude, pristine waterways and wild surrounds. Our research used a mixed methods approach and investigated the narrated experiences of angling tourists in New Zealand – a highly specialised and environmentally engaged niche market – against the backdrop of ‘worldmaking’. In attempting to ‘demystify’ worldmaking in this way our research makes an important conceptual contribution to the topic by highlighting the complexities involved in creating and/or maintaining dominant and counter projections. The findings demonstrated that a positive link does exist between touristic projections and anglers’ lived experiences. There are, though, clear indications that environmental concerns, that have been championed in counter projections, are undermining the integrity of New Zealand’s 100% Pure imaginary and, specifically, notions of ‘clean and green’. It is a problem that could, if angling tourists are a barometer, lead to wider ramifications regarding destination attractiveness and visitor loyalty.
Targeting the Opioid Pathway for Uremic Pruritus

Background: Patients undergoing hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis often experience pruritus which is associated with morbidity and mortality. One proposed treatment approach is to target the opioid pathway using either µ-opioid antagonists or κ-opioid agonists. Objective: To review the efficacy of targeting the opioid pathway for pruritus among dialysis patients (uremic pruritus). Design: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Setting/Methods: The systematic review included randomized controlled and randomized crossover trials identified in the MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases (1990 to June 2014) evaluating the efficacy of µ-opioid antagonists or κ-opioid agonists in the treatment of uremic pruritus. Patients: Adult (≥18 years) chronic dialysis patients. Measurements: The primary outcome being evaluated was reduction in itch severity measured on a patient-reported visual analog scale (VAS). Results: Five studies out of 3587 screened articles met the inclusion criteria. Three studies evaluated the efficacy of naltrexone, a µ-opioid antagonist, and 2 studies evaluated the efficacy of nalfurafine, a κ-opioid agonist. Duration of included studies was short, ranging from 2 to 9 weeks. Limitations: Due to the heterogeneity in reporting of outcomes, data from the studies evaluating naltrexone could not be pooled. Pooled analysis, using a random effects model, found that use of nalfurafine resulted in a 9.50 mm (95% confidence interval [CI], 6.27-12.74, P < .001) greater reduction of itch severity (measured on a 100-mm VAS) than placebo in the treatment of uremic pruritus. Conclusions: Nalfurafine holds some promise with respect to the treatment of uremic pruritus among dialysis patients. However, more long-term randomized controlled trials evaluating the efficacy of therapies targeting the opioid pathway for uremic pruritus are required.
A cognitive behavioural therapy in the form of self-help for patients with sleep disturbance and chronic health conditions

Background: Sleep disturbance, including insomnia disorder, is common among patients with chronic health conditions, and is associated with psychological difficulties and impaired health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Less is known about whether a similar relationship exists in individuals with chronic health conditions who do not have a clinical diagnosis of sleep disturbance (NCSD). Recent evidence suggests that Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) in the form of self-help (SH) is an effective treatment for individuals with chronic health conditions and has the advantage of low cost and ease of access. Any form of sleep disturbance may be perceived as problematic for individuals with chronic health conditions. This study aims to: a) examine whether the NCSD population with chronic health conditions at baseline have poor sleep quality, insomnia symptoms, high levels of psychological distress (anxiety, depression and stress), sleep-related dysfunctional beliefs and impaired HRQoL, and b) assess the effectiveness of the CBT-SH booklet. Method: Participants were recruited from outpatient clinics and received a 6-week CBT-SH booklet for sleep-related problems. Outcome measures included evaluations of subjective sleep quality and the severity of insomnia symptoms, psychological distress (anxiety, depression and stress) sleep-related dysfunctional beliefs and HRQoL. Measures were completed before and after the intervention. Results: Forty-nine participants (44 females) completed the study. Prior to the intervention, 46 participants reported poor sleep quality and 47 participants reported clinical or subthreshold insomnia. Mean scores for the measures of psychological distress indicated moderate levels of anxiety, depression and stress and sleep-related dysfunctional beliefs respectively. HRQoL was also impaired. Following the CBT intervention, participants showed significant improvements in sleep outcomes, sleeprelated dysfunctional and stress levels. No significant differences were found in HRQoL depression and anxiety outcomes. Conclusion: A brief CBT-SH booklet for sleep-related problems is effective for patients with chronic health conditions and NCSD in clinical settings.
Online Appendix to : Understanding Human-Machine Networks : A Cross-Disciplinary Survey

MILENA TSVETKOVA, Oxford Internet Institute, University of Oxford TAHA YASSERI, Oxford Internet Institute, University of Oxford ERIC T. MEYER, Oxford Internet Institute, University of Oxford J. BRIAN PICKERING, IT Innovation Center, University of Southampton VEGARD ENGEN, IT Innovation Center, University of Southampton PAUL WALLAND, IT Innovation Center, University of Southampton MARIKA LÜDERS, SINTEF ASBJØRN FØLSTAD, SINTEF GEORGE BRAVOS, Athens Technology Center
Time Variability of Quasars: the Structure Function Variance

Significant progress in the description of quasar variability has been recently made by employing SDSS and POSS data. Common to most studies is a fundamental assumption that photometric observations at two epochs for a large number of quasars will reveal the same statistical properties as well‐sampled light curves for individual objects. We critically test this assumption using light curves for a sample of ∼2,600 spectroscopically confirmed quasars observed about 50 times on average over 8 years by the SDSS stripe 82 survey. We find that the dependence of the mean structure function computed for individual quasars on luminosity, rest‐frame wavelength and time is qualitatively and quantitatively similar to the behavior of the structure function derived from two‐epoch observations of a much larger sample. We also reproduce the result that the variability properties of radio and X‐ray selected subsamples are different. However, the scatter of the variability structure function for fixed values of luminosity,.