Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Vector Space Semantic Models Predict Subjective Probability Judgments for Real-World Events

We examine how people judge the probabilities of real-world events, such as natural disasters in different countries. We find that the associations between the words and phrases that constitute these events, as assessed by vector space semantic models, strongly correlate with the probabilities assigned to these events by participants. Thus, for example, the semantic proximity of “earthquake” and “Japan” accurately predicts judgments regarding the probability of an earthquake in Japan. Our results suggest that the mechanisms and representations at play in language are also active in highlevel domains, such as judgment and decision making, and that existing insights regarding these representations can be used to make precise, quantitative, a priori predictions regarding the probability estimates of individuals.
MACA: A Modular Architecture for Conversational Agents

We propose a software architecture designed to ease the implementation of dialogue systems. The Modular Architecture for Conversational Agents (MACA) uses a plug-n-play style that allows quick prototyping, thereby facilitating the development of new techniques and the reproduction of previous work. The architecture separates the domain of the conversation from the agent’s dialogue strategy, and as such can be easily extended to multiple domains. MACA provides tools to host dialogue agents on Amazon Mechanical Turk (mTurk) for data collection and allows processing of other sources of training data. The current version of the framework already incorporates several domains and existing dialogue strategies from the recent literature.
Test Review: C. Keith Conners Conners 3rd Edition Toronto, Ontario, Canada: Multi-Health Systems, 2008

Conners 3rd Edition is the most updated version of a series of measures for assessing attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and common comorbid problems/disorders in children and adolescents ranging from 6 to 18 years of age. Related problems that the test helps assess include executive dysfunction, learning problems, aggression, and problems with peer/family relations. Diagnostic criteria for the disruptive behavior disorders are also part of the scales. The test consists of self-report, parent, and teacher questionnaires and items that are based largely on the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, 4th Edition, Text Revision (DSM-IV-TR) and principles of the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Health-Related Problems (ICD). Theoretical foundations based on specific features of ADHD include emotional, social, cognitive, behavioral, sensorimotor, adaptive functioning, and treatment aspects. The test authors focused on clear identification of these features and especially noted positive impacts of ADHD, such as enthusiasm and creativity.
High D(+)-Fructose Diet Adversely Affects Testicular Weight Gain in Weaning Rats─Protection by Moderate D(+)-Glucose Diet

The use of high D(+)-fructose corn syrup has increased over the past several decades in the developed countries, while overweight and obesity rates and the related diseases have risen dramatically. However, we found that feeding a high D(+)-fructose diet (80% D(+)-fructose as part of the diet) to weaning rats for 21 days led to reduced food intake (50% less, P < 0.0001) and thus delayed the weight gains in the body (40% less, P < 0.0001) and testes (40% less, P < 0.0001) compared to the no D(+)-fructose diet. We also challenged a minimum requirement of dietary D(+)-glucose for preventing the adverse effects of D(+)-fructose, such as lower food intake and reduction of body weight and testicular weight; the minimum requirement of D(+)-glucose was ã23% of the diet. This glucose amount may be the minimum requirement of exogenous glucose for reducing weight gain.
A Computational Model of Poetic Creativity with Neural Network as Measure of Adaptive Fitness

The prevailing metaphor used in the study of creative cognition is the metaphor of evolution (Gruber and Davis 1988). Naturally, AI experimenters have implemented algorithms based loosely or precisely on Darwinian models of information transfer and change over time in attempts to make machines more creative (Fogel and Owens 1966). Simulating an evolving systems model of creative expression raises the important technical issue of how to judge the fitness of the forms the system produces. The use of a neural network is an appropriate and fairly novel (see also Biles 1996 and Burton and Vladimirova, 1997) answer to the question of how a fuzzy and subjective measure can be captured and put to use. This technical paper proposes a plan for the design of a creative computational system of this kind, and documents a working prototype called Poevolve that embodies some of these features.
Venous gas embolism: An unusual complication of laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Venous gas embolism (VGE) is a rare but potentially lethal complication of many forms of surgery, especially posterior fossa neurosurgery where the incidence is reported to be up to 80% - it can also occur in laparoscopic surgery. It usually occurs early in the procedure during insufflation of the abdomen. Rapid entry or large volumes of gas entering the venous circulation initiate a predictable chain of pathophysiological events which may continue to cardiovascular collapse. Arterial hypoxaemia, hypercapnia, decreased end-tidal CO2, arrhythmias, myocardial ischaemia and elevated central venous and pulmonary arterial pressures can occur. The management of VGE relies on a high index of suspicion and close liaison between anaesthetist, surgeon and theatre staff. The authors present a case of venous gas embolism (VGE) during laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) which presented without many of the usual clinical features and was diagnosed by auscultation of a millwheel murmur.
Utilization of Individual versus Family Therapy Among Adolescents with Severe Emotional Disturbance

Service utilization patterns among children with severe emotional and/or behavioral disturbances are described for 89 children and families, interviewed at two time points across a 6-month period. Children received a greater number of individual therapy sessions than family therapy sessions, and children significantly decreased their levels of internalizing and externalizing behaviors. Family therapy was associated with decreases in internalizing behaviors when children reported outcomes. Individual therapy was not associated with changes in either internalizing or externalizing behaviors regardless of reporter. Symptom severity did not dictate whether children were provided individual or family therapy. Recommendations for individualized treatment plans are offered.
The genealogy and genetic viability of reintroduced Yellowstone grey wolves

The recovery of the grey wolf in Yellowstone National Park is an outstanding example of a successful reintroduction. A general question concerning reintroduction is the degree to which genetic variation has been preserved and the specific behavioural mechanisms that enhance the preservation of genetic diversity and reduce inbreeding. We have analysed 200 Yellowstone wolves, including all 31 founders, for variation in 26 microsatellite loci over the 10‐year reintroduction period (1995–2004). The population maintained high levels of variation (1995 H0 = 0.69; 2004 H0 = 0.73) with low levels of inbreeding (1995 FIS = –0.063; 2004 FIS = –0.051) and throughout, the population expanded rapidly (N1995 = 21; N2004 = 169). Pedigree‐based effective population size ratios did not vary appreciably over the duration of population expansion (1995 Ne/Ng = 0.29; 2000 Ne/Ng = 0.26; 2004 Ne/Ng = 0.33). We estimated kinship and found only two of 30 natural breeding pairs showed evidence of being related (average r = –0.026, SE = 0.03). We reconstructed the genealogy of 200 wolves based on genetic and field data and discovered that they avoid inbreeding through a wide variety of behavioural mechanisms including absolute avoidance of breeding with related pack members, male‐biased dispersal to packs where they breed with nonrelatives, and female‐biased subordinate breeding. We documented a greater diversity of such population assembly patterns in Yellowstone than previously observed in any other natural wolf population. Inbreeding avoidance is nearly absolute despite the high probability of within‐pack inbreeding opportunities and extensive interpack kinship ties between adjacent packs. Simulations showed that the Yellowstone population has levels of genetic variation similar to that of a population managed for high variation and low inbreeding, and greater than that expected for random breeding within packs or across the entire breeding pool. Although short‐term losses in variation seem minimal, future projections of the population at carrying capacity suggest significant inbreeding depression will occur without connectivity and migratory exchange with other populations.
A Typology of Creole Bureaucracies

The typology which will be presented in this article groups the bureaucracies of Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Puerto Rico, and the ten Caribbean countries known as the Commonwealth Caribbean (1). The purpose of this study is to find out the real influence of these bureaucracies in the area of public policy-making. The field research connected with this work is primarily concerned with community power structure (2).
Supercompiler HOSC 1.5: homeomorphic embedding and generalization in a higher-order setting

Supercompiler HOSC 1.5: homeomorphic embedding and generalization in a higher-order setting Moscow 2010 Ilya Klyuchnikov. Supercompiler HOSC 1.5: homeomorphic embedding and generalization in a higher-order setting The paper describes the algorithm implemented in the supercompiler HOSC 1.5, dealing with programs written in a higher-order functional language. The design decisions behind the algorithm are illustrated through a series of examples. Of particular interest are the decisions related to generalization and homeomorphic embedding of expressions with bound variables. Работа выполнена при поддержке проектов РФФИ № 08-07-00280-a и № 09-01-00834-a.
Filamentation Time Diagnosis of Thinning Troughs and Cutoff Lows

This paper analyzes synoptic-scale trough-thinning processes using a filamentation time diagnostic. The filamentation time diagnostic is derived from the potential vorticity equation expressed in spherical coordinates in the horizontal plane and the isentropic coordinate in the vertical direction. The diagnostic is an accurate measure of stirring processes under the condition of ‘‘slowly varying velocity gradients. ’’ Troughthinning processes are analyzed for one tropical example and two midlatitude examples. The results indicate that the filamentation time for the tropical trough-thinning event is generally longer than those for the midlatitude trough events. In addition to the effects of stretching and shearing deformation, the filamentation time diagnostic contains the effects of divergence. For the calculation of filamentation time on isentropic surfaces in spherical coordinates, it is acceptable to ignore the curvature effects in the tropics; however, in both the midlatitudes and the tropics, isentropic divergence effects should be retained for improved accuracy. Combining an analysis of cross potential vorticity contour flows on isentropic surfaces with the filamentation time analysis gives a more complete description of the dynamics. The results show that the filamentation time diagnostic can serve as a useful aid in the analysis and prediction of trough thinning and cutoff-low formation.
Skill Acquisition in Air Traffic Control 1 Running Head: SKILL ACQUISITION IN AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL A Model of Individual Differences in Skill Acquisition in the Kanfer-Ackerman Air Traffic Control Task

Individual differences in skill acquisition are influenced by several architectural factors. According to Ackerman’s theory, general intelligence, speed of proceduralization and psychomotor speed influence different stages of skill acquisition. The ACT-R cognitive architecture allows for direct testing of this theory by manipulating parameters that correspond to these factors. The present study discusses an ACT-R model of the KanferAckerman Air Traffic Control task in which the relevant abilities can be manipulated directly. The model predictions show the same patterns of correlations as the patterns found by Ackerman in the experimental data.
Intima–Media Thickness Is Linearly and Continuously Associated With Systolic Blood Pressure in a Population‐Based Cohort (STANISLAS Cohort Study)

Background Carotid intima–media thickness (cIMT) is a noninvasive marker of cardiovascular risk. The cIMT may be increased in patients with harmonisation, but little is known regarding the functional form of the association between blood pressure (BP) and cIMT in hypertensive and nonhypertensive persons. We aimed to define the shape of the association between BP and cIMT. Methods and Results We studied cIMT and ambulatory BP monitoring data from a single‐center, cross‐sectional, population‐based study involving 696 adult participants from the STANISLAS cohort, a familial longitudinal cohort from the Nancy region of France. Participants with a history of hypertension were more likely to have a cIMT >900 μm and had higher mean cIMT (both P<0.001). The risk of cIMT >900 μm increased linearly with higher 24‐hour and daytime systolic BP in participants both with and without history of hypertension. The relationship between systolic BP and the risk of cIMT >900 μm was not dependent on hypertension status (all P for interaction >0.10). In multivariable analysis adjusted on cardiovascular risk factors, each 5‐mm Hg increase in systolic BP was associated with an 8‐μm increase in cIMT (β=8.249 [95% CI 2.490–14.008], P=0.005). In contrast, the association between diastolic BP and cIMT was weaker and not significant. Conclusions Systolic BP is linearly and continuously associated with higher cIMT in both hypertensive and nonhypertensive persons, suggesting a detrimental effect of BP on the vascular tree prior to overt hypertension. Similarly, it suggests a detrimental effect of BP at the higher end of the normal range in treated hypertensive patients. Clinical Trial Registration URL: https://www.clinicaltrials. gov/. Unique identifier: NCT01391442.
Fich # CIS-2003-02 October 2003

The redesign of a web presence can be classified as both an IT investment and an ecommerce initiative. The empirical literature provides some evidence that the market is sensitive to e-commerce announcements via press releases, but it is not known what types of announcements affect the value of the firm. Our research examines the issue of web site redesign in commercial organizations by studying what kinds of organizations announce changes to their web presence, and by analyzing the value of such redesign initiatives for publicly traded firms. Using the event-study methodology, we investigate the effects of web site redesign announcements for a sample of press releases from 1995 to 1999. Our findings suggest that refining a web presence does not produce significant firm valuation adjustments. However, cross-sectional analyses reveal that web site redesign increases the value of service firms. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: This document cannot be reproduced in any form without written permission from the authors. This research was funded in part by a PSC-CUNY Research Grant # 64554-00 33. The opinions expressed herein are solely those of the authors and not those of the sponsors of this project. The authors are very grateful to Mike Gallivan, Marios Koufaris, Hugo Levecq and Detmar Straub for their comments and suggestions and to May Li and William Hampton-Sosa for their research assistance.
Inhibition of Caspase-3-mediated Poly(ADP-ribose) Polymerase (PARP) Apoptotic Cleavage by Human PARP Autoantibodies and Effect on Cells Undergoing Apoptosis*

Autoantibodies directed to nuclear antigens are serological hallmarks of autoimmune rheumatic diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus. Although much more is known about the molecular identity and functions of targeted self-antigens, with few exceptions, evidence that autoantibodies to these targets have a particular function and contribute directly to the pathological process is lacking. Here we show that human autoantibodies reacting with the zinc fingers of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase involved in the recognition of damaged DNA totally prevent the cleavage of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase by caspase-3, a process that normally occurs during early apoptosis. Furthermore, these antibodies, which are frequent in certain autoimmune rheumatic and bowel diseases, affect the characteristic features of apoptosis and increase cell survival ex vivo. This new observation is important, because failure to remove autoimmune or abnormal cells can give rise to prolonged autoimmune stimulation and tumor formation.
Gendered Manifestations of Depression and Help Seeking Among Men

Men who do not seek help for mental health problems may experience unnecessary suffering which ultimately affects the well-being of themselves and others. Gendered manifestations of depressive symptoms may play an important role in why some men do not seek help for mental health issues. Using data from 2,382 male respondents in the National Comorbidity Survey Replication, the authors examined the relationship that both traditional and male-typical symptoms of depression had on the help-seeking behaviors of men. Traditional symptoms increased the odds of seeking help for depression for all men. Male-typical symptoms, however, did not increase the odds of seeking help for depression or another mental health concern. Both traditional and male-typical symptoms increased the odds of initially seeking help from a medical provider, and men with male-typical symptoms had an overall higher likelihood of seeking help from a medical provider. Consequently, it is important that medical professionals assess for depression even when it is not a presenting concern.
Effect of acute reduction of free fatty acids by acipimox on growth hormone‐releasing hormone‐induced GH secretion in type 1 diabetic patients

background In type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM1), high GH basal levels and exaggerated responses to several stimuli have been described. Acipimox is an antilipolytic drug that produces an acute reduction of free fatty acids (FFA). The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the reduction of plasma FFA with acipimox, alone or in combination with GHRH, on GH secretion in DM1.
A Toxin Fraction (FTX) from the Funnel‐Web Spider Poison Inhibits Dihydropyridine‐Insensitive Ca2+ Channels Coupled to Catecholamine Release in Bovine Adrenal Chromaffin Cells

Abstract: In adrenal chromaffin cells, depolarization‐evoked Ca2+ influx and catecholamine release are partially blocked by blockers of L‐type voltage‐sensitive Ca2+ channels. We have now evaluated the sensitivity of the dihydropyridine‐resistant components of Ca2+ influx and catecholamine release to a toxin fraction (FTX) from the funnel‐web spider poison, which is known to block P‐type channels in mammalian neurons. FTX (1:4,000 dilution, with respect to the original fraction) inhibited K+‐depolarization‐induced Ca2+ influx by 50%, as monitored with fura‐2, whereas nitrendipine (0.1–1 μM) and FTX (3:3), a synthetic FTX analogue (1 mM), blocked the [Ca2+]i transients by 35 and 30%, respectively. When tested together, FTX and nitrendipine reduced the [Ca2+]i transients by 70%. FTX or nitrendipine reduced adrenaline and noradrenaline release by ∼80 and 70%, respectively, but both substances together abolished the K+‐evoked catecholamine release, as measured by HPLC. The ω‐conotoxin GVIA (0.5 μM) was without effect on K+‐stimulated 45Ca2+ uptake. Our results indicate that FTX blocks dihydropyridine‐ and ω‐conotoxin‐insensitive Ca2+ channels that, together with L‐type voltage‐sensitive Ca2+ channels, are coupled to catecholamine release.
Predicting Homogeneous Pilus Structure from Monomeric Data and Sparse Constraints

Type IV pili (T4P) and T2SS (Type II Secretion System) pseudopili are filaments extending beyond microbial surfaces, comprising homologous subunits called “pilins. ” In this paper, we presented a new approach to predict pseudo atomic models of pili combining ambiguous symmetric constraints with sparse distance information obtained from experiments and based neither on electronic microscope (EM) maps nor on accurate a priori symmetric details. The approach was validated by the reconstruction of the gonococcal (GC) pilus from Neisseria gonorrhoeae, the type IVb toxin-coregulated pilus (TCP) from Vibrio cholerae, and pseudopilus of the pullulanase T2SS (the PulG pilus) from Klebsiella oxytoca. In addition, analyses of computational errors showed that subunits should be treated cautiously, as they are slightly flexible and not strictly rigid bodies. A global sampling in a wider range was also implemented and implied that a pilus might have more than one but fewer than many possible intact conformations.
The Divergence of Black and White Marriage Patterns

This article examines the patterns and determinants of first marriage among black and white women in the United States. Three major differences exist between the first-marriage patterns of black and white women: (1) lower proportions of blacks marry than whites; (2) the proportion of women who ever marry has declined substantially across cohorts for blacks but modestly across cohorts for whites; and (3) while increased education is associated negatively, if slightly, with the probability of ever marrying among whites, it is associated positively among blacks. The observed racial divergence is consistent with three factors experienced differentially by blacks and whits: the marriage squeeze, labor-market success, and out-of-wedlock childbearing. Given the traditional age differences between spouses, there are far fewer eligible male mates for black women than for white women among cohorts born before the late 1950s. For both blacks and whites, employment status is positively associated with the propensity to marry, but for young blacks the labor-market situation is generally poor and has deteriorated significantly across time in comparison with other groups. Finally, having an out-of-wedlock child at an early age is strongly negatively associated with the likelihood that a woman will ultimately marry.
All Children Can Learn To Read: Critical Care for the Prevention of Reading Failure

In this article, we present the position that students with special needs, regardless of causation, share the same basic needs for literacy instruction. What sets special needs learners apart from higher performing learners is that systematic, explicit instruction appears to be critical rather than merely beneficial and that special needs students require more instructional time and opportunity to practice reading. The need for greater explicitness and time intensity does not, however, change the content of what composes good literacy instruction. We take the position that general education should maintain primary responsibility for literacy education for all children, with special educators and reading specialists providing instructional support and, if necessary, additional instructional intensity and practice opportunities. Obstacles to providing quality literacy instruction are examined, and a school-based case study in which these obstacles have been largely overcome are presented.