Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Supervised Hierarchical Classification for Student Answer Scoring

This paper describes a hierarchical system that predicts one label at a time for automated student response analysis. For the task, we build a classification binary tree that delays more easily confused labels to later stages using hierarchical processes. In particular, the paper describes how the hierarchical classifier has been built and how the classification task has been broken down into binary subtasks. It finally discusses the motivations and fundamentals of such an approach.
Theory of Mind in Bipolar Disorder, with Comparison to the Impairments Observed in Schizophrenia

Our ability to make sense of information on the potential intentions and dispositions of others is of paramount importance for understanding their communicative intent, and for judging what an appropriate reaction might be. Thus, anything that impinges on this ability has the potential to cause significant social impairment, and compromise an individual’s level of functioning. Both bipolar disorder and schizophrenia are known to feature theory of mind impairment. We conducted a theoretical review to determine the extent and types of theory of mind impairment in bipolar disorder, and evaluate their relationship to medication and symptoms. We also considered possible mediatory mechanisms, and set out to discover what else could be learnt about the impairment in bipolar disorder by comparison to the profile of impairment in schizophrenia. The literature established that in bipolar disorder (i) some form of theory of mind impairment has been observed in all mood states, including euthymia, (ii) the form of theory of mind assessed and task used to make the assessment influence the impairment observed, and (iii) there might be some relationship to cognitive impairment, although a relationship to standard clinical variables was harder to establish. What also became clear in the literature on bipolar disorder itself was the possible relationship of theory of mind impairment to history of psychotic symptoms. Direct comparative studies, including patients with schizophrenia, were thus examined, and provided several important directions for future research on the bases of impairment in bipolar disorder. Particularly prominent was the issue of whether theory of mind impairment could be considered a candidate endophenotype for the psychoses, although current evidence suggests that this may be premature. The differences in impairment across schizophrenia and bipolar disorder may, however, have genuine differential effects on social functioning and the likely success of remediation.
Multiphoton fluorescence lifetime imaging of human hair

In vivo and in vitro multiphoton imaging was used to perform high resolution optical sectioning of human hair by nonlinear excitation of endogenous as well as exogenous fluorophores. Multiphoton fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIM) based on time‐resolved single photon counting and near‐infrared femtosecond laser pulse excitation was employed to analyze the various fluorescent hair components. Time‐resolved multiphoton imaging of intratissue pigments has the potential (i) to identify endogenous keratin and melanin, (ii) to obtain information on intrahair dye accumulation, (iii) to study bleaching effects, and (iv) to monitor the intratissue diffusion of pharmaceutical and cosmetical components along hair shafts. Microsc. Res. Tech. 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Isotope Effect and Lanthanide Contraction for 3d-4f Cyanide-Bridged Complexes Exhibiting Negative Thermal Expansion

We have prepared some 3d-4f cyanide-bridged Ln(DMF)4(H2O)3Fe(CN)6•H2O complexes (Ln = Ce, Sm, Nd, and Gd; DMF = N,N-dimethylformamide) by substituting isotopes to 2 H-substituted H2O and DMF and 18 O-substituted H2O (and normal 1 H- and 16 O-H2O or 1 H-DMF). We examined their crystal structures exhibiting negative thermal expansion and compared in view of hydrogen bonds and lanthanide contraction. Magnetic properties and thermal analysis exhibited importance of intermolecular hydrogen bonds in crystal lattice for this behavior. While Fe2p3/2 and Fe2p1/2 XAS indicated constant inner shell electron states of low-spin Fe(III) ions.
Controlling the planar motion of a heavy object by pushing with a humanoid robot using dual-arm force control

Pushing heavy and large objects in a plane requires generating correct operational forces that compensate for unpredictable ground-object friction forces. This is a challenge because the reaction forces from the heavy object can easily cause a humanoid robot to slip at its feet or lose balance and fall down. Although previous research has addressed humanoid robot balancing problems to prevent falling down while pushing an object, there has been little discussion about the problem of avoiding slipping due to the reaction forces from the object. We extend a full-body balancing controller by simultaneously controlling the reaction forces of both hands using dual-arm force control. The main contribution of this paper is a method to calculate dual-arm reference forces considering the moments around the vertical axis of the humanoid robot and objects. This method involves estimating friction forces based on force measurements and controlling reaction forces to follow the reference forces. We show experimental results on the HRP-2 humanoid robot pushing a 90[kg] wheelchair.
Texture description using statistical feature extraction

Texture description becomes nowadays very important for the understanding of the visual content of the images. Several approaches are proposed in the last decades and are generally categorized into two large families: statistical and Structural. In this paper, we are interested in statistical methods which are often presented in different ways. Particularly, we propose a unified statistical approach in which we present the following techniques: Intensity histogram (IH), Gray-Level Co-occurrence Matrix (GLCM), Gray-Level Difference (GLD), Gray-Level Run Length Matrix (GLRLM) and Local Binary Pattern (LBP). Furthermore, we evaluate the ability of these methods for the task of texture description using a dedicated challenging benchmark DTD. The experiments show that LBP outperforms the other methods.
Human Nup98 regulates the localization and activity of DExH/D-box helicase DHX9

Beyond their role at nuclear pore complexes, some nucleoporins function in the nucleoplasm. One such nucleoporin, Nup98, binds chromatin and regulates gene expression. To gain insight into how Nup98 contributes to this process, we focused on identifying novel binding partners and understanding the significance of these interactions. Here we report on the identification of the DExH/D-box helicase DHX9 as an intranuclear Nup98 binding partner. Various results, including in vitro assays, show that the FG/GLFG region of Nup98 binds to N- and C-terminal regions of DHX9 in an RNA facilitated manner. Importantly, binding of Nup98 stimulates the ATPase activity of DHX9, and a transcriptional reporter assay suggests Nup98 supports DHX9-stimulated transcription. Consistent with these observations, our analysis revealed that Nup98 and DHX9 bind interdependently to similar gene loci and their transcripts. Based on our results, we propose that Nup98 functions as a co-factor that regulates DHX9 and, potentially, other RNA helicases. DOI: http://dx.doi. org/10.7554/eLife.18825. 001
Large-scale logistic regression and linear support vector machines using spark

Logistic regression and linear SVM are useful methods for large-scale classification. However, their distributed implementations have not been well studied. Recently, because of the inefficiency of the MapReduce framework on iterative algorithms, Spark, an in-memory cluster-computing platform, has been proposed. It has emerged as a popular framework for large-scale data processing and analytics. In this work, we consider a distributed Newton method for solving logistic regression as well linear SVM and implement it on Spark. We carefully examine many implementation issues significantly affecting the running time and propose our solutions. After conducting thorough empirical investigations, we release an efficient and easy-to-use tool for the Spark community.
Guided Self-Help for Prevention of Depression and Anxiety in Women with Breast Cancer

Depression and anxiety are prevalent in women with breast cancer. We developed a self-help kit as a self-learning package of necessary preparatory information (basic knowledge on chemotherapy, side effects, and problem-solving skills). We provided an oncology nurse-guided self-help kit with a cognitive behavioral therapy approach to 46 women with breast cancer in the intervention group and usual care to 36 in the control group in outpatient chemotherapy settings. The oncology nurse monitored and facilitated the patient's progress using the diary during the patient's chemotherapy. We also provided professional-led support group programs. Depression, anxiety, and quality of life were measured at baseline, 1 week, 3 months, and 6 months. The chi-square test and t were used to examine differences between the two groups, and repeated measures analysis of variance was used to test the effects of the intervention on the measures over time. All depression and anxiety scores were improved in both the intervention and control groups, but there were no significant differences between the two groups. Further studies are needed to evaluate the effectiveness of an oncology nurse-guided self-help approach for cancer patients.
Coarse symbol synchronization algorithms for OFDM systems in multipath channels

A maximum-likelihood (ML) coarse symbol synchronization algorithm for OFDM systems in multipath channels is derived. Several simplifying assumptions reduce the rather impractical ML algorithm to more practical forms of minimum mean-squared-error and maximum correlation algorithms. All of the derived algorithms exploit the cyclic prefix and thus do not require a known training sequence. Estimating the position of the first arriving path, the algorithms allow maximum utilization of the guard interval thus minimizing intersymbol interference.
Electronic Transitions in Perovskite: Possible Nonconvecting Layers in the Lower Mantle

We measured the spin state of iron in magnesium silicate perovskite (Mg0.9,Fe0.1)SiO3 at high pressure and found two electronic transitions occurring at 70 gigapascals and at 120 gigapascals, corresponding to partial and full electron pairing in iron, respectively. The proportion of iron in the low spin state thus grows with depth, increasing the transparency of the mantle in the infrared region, with a maximum at pressures consistent with the D″ layer above the core-mantle boundary. The resulting increase in radiative thermal conductivity suggests the existence of nonconvecting layers in the lowermost mantle.
Preliminary Definition of Geophysical Regions in Western Eurasia

The authors present a regionalized crustal model of Western Eurasia, WEA. The model is constructed using results from published studies and maps of geological and geophysical parameters in this region, and was developed in conjunction with the updated regionalization of Middle East and North Africa by Walter et al.[2000]. As this is the first realization of the Eurasian modeling effort, they have limited themselves to only twelve broad regions. Particular attention has been given to identifying the boundaries for each region. The main use of this model will be to assist in monitoring the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT). Specifically, this model will help them to calibrate and predict the travel time and amplitudes of various regional seismic phases and to locate events accurately. The model based approach allows them to readily calibrate both the seismic and the aseismic parts of western Eurasia. Each region is specified by an one-dimensional model of compressional and shear velocities, densities and layer thicknesses. Further improvements to this model will involve, but not be limited to, increasing the spatial coverage toward the east and west of Eurasia, identify sub-regions based on their distinct physical properties and the use of new and improved bodymore » wave and surface wave datasets. In the future, they expect to use this model and its successors to be the baseline model for calibration techniques, e.g., kriging, to improve their capability to detect, locate and discriminate different seismic events in Eurasia. « less
DNA origami assembly

This thesis describes my investigations into the principles underlying self-assembly of DNA origami nanostructures and discusses how these principles may be applied. To study the origami folding process I designed, synthesized and characterized a polymorphic tile, which could adopt various shapes. The distribution of tile shapes provided new insights into assembly. The origami tiles I studied were based on scaffolds derived from customized plasmids, which I prepared using recombinant DNA technology. I developed a technique to monitor incorporation of individual staples in real time using fluorescence, measuring small differences in staple binding temperatures (~0.5-5 degrees C). I examined the tiles using Atomic Force Microscopy and I found that a remarkably high proportion of polymorphic tiles folded well, which suggests that there are assembly pathways, arising from strong cooperation between staples. In order to analyse the tile shapes quantitatively, I developed a specialized image processing technique. For validation of the method, I generated and analysed simulated data, and the results confirmed that I could measure individual tile parameters with sub-pixel resolution. I studied eleven variants of the polymorphic tile, and I proved that minor staple modifications can be used to change the folding pathway dramatically. The strength of cooperation between staples affects their behaviour, which is also influenced by their length and base sequences. Paired staples are particularly significant in assembly, and there are clear parallels with protein folding. I describe in an Appendix how I applied origami assembly principles in the development of my concept for an autonomous rotary nanomotor utilizing the sequential opening of DNA hairpins (already used for linear motors). This device represents an advance over non-autonomous rotary motors and I have simulated its performance. In this thesis I have answered important questions about DNA origami assembly, and my findings could enable the development of more sophisticated DNA nanostructures for specific purposes.
Discontinuous Galerkin Methods for Friedrichs' Systems. Part III. Multifield Theories with Partial Coercivity

This paper is the third and last part of a work attempting to give a unified analysis of discontinuous Galerkin methods. The purpose of this paper is to extend the framework that has been developed in Part II for two-field Friedrichs' systems associated with second-order PDEs. We now consider two-field Friedrichs' systems with partial $L^2$-coercivity and three-field Friedrichs' systems with an even weaker $L^2$-coercivity hypothesis. In particular, this work generalizes the discontinuous Galerkin methods of Part II to compressible and incompressible linear continuum mechanics. We also show how the stabilizing parameters of the method must be set when the two-field Friedrichs' system is composed of terms that may be of different magnitude, thus accounting, for instance, for advection-diffusion equations at high Peclet numbers.
The Influence of Alcohol Consumption, Cigarette Smoking, and Physical Activity on Leukocyte Telomere Length

Background: Telomeres protect from DNA degradation and maintain chromosomal stability. Short telomeres have been associated with an increased risk of cancer at several sites. However, there is limited knowledge about the lifestyle determinants of telomere length. We aimed to determine the effect of three factors, known to be important in cancer etiology, on relative leukocyte telomere length (rLTL): alcohol consumption, smoking, and physical activity. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 477 healthy volunteers ages 20 to 50 years who completed a questionnaire and provided a fasting blood sample. Multiplex quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) was used to measure rLTL. Regression coefficients were calculated using multiple linear regression while controlling for important covariates. Results: There was no association between alcohol consumption and rLTL. Daily smokers and those in the middle and lower tertile of pack-years smoking had shorter rLTL than never daily smokers (P = 0.02). Data were suggestive of a linear trend with total physical activity (P = 0.06). Compared with the lowest quartile, the highest quartile of vigorous physical activity was associated with longer rLTL. A significant linear trend of increasing rLTL with increasing vigorous physical activity was observed (P = 0.02). Conclusions: Cigarette smoking and vigorous physical activity have an impact on telomere length. Smoking was related to shorter telomere length while vigorous physical activity was related to longer telomeres. Impact: The findings from this study suggest that lifestyle may play an important role in telomere dynamics and also suggest that engaging in healthy behaviors may mitigate the effect of harmful behaviors on telomere length. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 25(2); 374–80. ©2015 AACR.
Functional Modulation of Cardiac Form through Regionally Confined Cell Shape Changes

Developing organs acquire a specific three-dimensional form that ensures their normal function. Cardiac function, for example, depends upon properly shaped chambers that emerge from a primitive heart tube. The cellular mechanisms that control chamber shape are not yet understood. Here, we demonstrate that chamber morphology develops via changes in cell morphology, and we determine key regulatory influences on this process. Focusing on the development of the ventricular chamber in zebrafish, we show that cardiomyocyte cell shape changes underlie the formation of characteristic chamber curvatures. In particular, cardiomyocyte elongation occurs within a confined area that forms the ventricular outer curvature. Because cardiac contractility and blood flow begin before chambers emerge, cardiac function has the potential to influence chamber curvature formation. Employing zebrafish mutants with functional deficiencies, we find that blood flow and contractility independently regulate cell shape changes in the emerging ventricle. Reduction of circulation limits the extent of cardiomyocyte elongation; in contrast, disruption of sarcomere formation releases limitations on cardiomyocyte dimensions. Thus, the acquisition of normal cardiomyocyte morphology requires a balance between extrinsic and intrinsic physical forces. Together, these data establish regionally confined cell shape change as a cellular mechanism for chamber emergence and as a link in the relationship between form and function during organ morphogenesis.
Single-Machine Total Completion Time Scheduling with Position-Based Deterioration and Multiple Rate-Modifying Activities

In this paper, we study a single-machine scheduling problem with deteriorating processing time of jobs and multiple rate-modifying activities which reset deteriorated processing time to the original processing time. In this situation, the objective function is to minimize total completion time. First, we formulate an integer programming model. Since the model is difficult to solve as the size of real problem being very large, we design an improved genetic algorithm called adaptive genetic algorithm (AGA) with spontaneously adjusting crossover and mutation rate depending upon the status of current population. Finally, we conduct some computational experiments to evaluate the performance of AGA with the conventional GAs with various combinations of crossover and mutation rates.
Precise Propagation of Fault-Failure Correlations in Program Flow Graphs

Statistical fault localization techniques find suspicious faulty program entities in programs by comparing passed and failed executions. Existing studies show that such techniques can be promising in locating program faults. However, coincidental correctness and execution crashes may make program entities indistinguishable in the execution spectra under study, or cause inaccurate counting, thus severely affecting the precision of existing fault localization techniques. In this paper, we propose a Block Rank technique, which calculates, contrasts, and propagates the mean edge profiles between passed and failed executions to alleviate the impact of coincidental correctness. To address the issue of execution crashes, Block Rank identifies suspicious basic blocks by modeling how each basic block contributes to failures by apportioning their fault relevance to surrounding basic blocks in terms of the rate of successful transition observed from passed and failed executions. Block Rank is empirically shown to be more effective than nine representative techniques on four real-life medium-sized programs.
Buffer design and optimization for lut-based structured ASIC design styles

The interconnection delay of pre-fabricated design style dominates circuit delay due to the heavily downstream capacitance. Buffer insertion is a widely used technique to split off a long wire into several buffered wire segments for circuit performance improvement. In this paper, we are motivated to investigate the buffer insertion issues in LUT-based structured ASIC design style. We design the layouts of two dedicated buffers and extract the technology dependent parameters for evaluations. After that, we propose a channel migration technique, which employs both intra-channel migration and inter-channel migration, to alleviate the sub-channel saturation problem. The experimental results demonstrate that dedicated buffers are essential for structured ASIC design style.
Structure, Governance, and Organizational Dynamics of University Medical Centers in the Netherlands

Purpose The Netherlands, a country of 16 million people, is home to eight university medical centers (UMCs), institutions that are closely analogous to U.S. academic health centers and play in important role in Dutch society. The authors' purpose was to test the extent to which an analytical framework developed in one setting can be transferred to another and to yield fresh insights into the value and limitations of different theoretical perspectives on organizational design in the specific context of the academic–clinical enterprise. Method The authors applied a conceptual framework originally developed in the U.S. context to analyze UMC structure, governance, and organizational dynamics. Three UMCs, selected for their differences, were used as case studies, and data were gathered through interviews and document review. Results A multilevel approach is used to present the data. At the highest level, an overview of the composition, functions, and accountabilities of UMC boards is provided. Below this, the authors describe how functional integration for delivery of the tripartite mission is achieved at the sub-board level. Finally, the authors describe some of the detailed mechanisms used to bind together different interest groups within the UMCs. Conclusions The authors found that the U.S.-derived framework for analysis required modification for the context of the Netherlands, but that the study validates the view that many challenges involved in the management of the academic–clinical enterprise are international.