Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Social Skill and Social Anxiety

An inventory composed of 105 items was administered to 195 psychiatric patients. The items consisted of descriptions of specific types of social situations. The subjects were asked to rate each situation on a Likert scale with respect to the degree of anxiety they experienced and the degree of skill competency they displayed in each of the situations. Data are reported with respect to the test-retest reliability, internal consistency, and factor structure of the inventory. The results of the factor analyses indicated a large general factor for both anxiety and skill, with a number of other factors which appeared to be situationally specific. The utility of the inventory for identifying specific problem areas for patients as an outcome measure in treatment studies and as a means of scaling social situations was discussed.
Complete genome sequence of Arcobacter nitrofigilis type strain (CIT)

Arcobacter nitrofigilis (McClung et al. 1983) Vandamme et al. 1991 is the type species of the genus Arcobacter in the family Campylobacteraceae within the Epsilonproteobacteria. The species was first described in 1983 as Campylobacter nitrofigilis [1] after its detection as a free-living, nitrogen-fixing Campylobacter species associated with Spartina alterniflora Loisel roots [2]. It is of phylogenetic interest because of its lifestyle as a symbiotic organism in a marine environment in contrast to many other Arcobacter species which are associated with warm-blooded animals and tend to be pathogenic. Here we describe the features of this organism, together with the complete genome sequence, and annotation. This is the first complete genome sequence of a type stain of the genus Arcobacter. The 3,192,235 bp genome with its 3,154 protein-coding and 70 RNA genes is part of the GenomicEncyclopedia ofBacteria andArchaea project.
Changes in the extracellular profiles of neuroactive amino acids in the rat striatum at the asymptomatic stage of hepatic failure

Rats were treated with a hepatotoxin thioacetamide (TAA) and examined 21 days later, when they showed moderate fatty metamorphosis of the liver and morphological changes in brain indicative of excitotoxic neuronal damage, but no evident biochemical or neurophysiological symptoms of hepatic encephalopathy (HE). High‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis of extracellular amino acids in striatal microdialysates of TAA‐treated rats revealed a significant increase in the excitatory amino acids glutamate (Glu) and aspartate (Asp) and their amino acid metabolites glutamine (Gln) and alanine (Ala). Microdialysis in the presence of 50 mM K+ triggered in TAA‐treated rats an accumulation of Asp and Glu, and diminished the accumulation of Gln. These effects were virtually absent in control rats. None of the treatments affected the accumulation of the nontransmitter amino acid leucine (Leu). The above changes mirror those previously described in symptomatic HE and are likely to contribute to excitotoxic damage. The basal microdialysate content of taurine (Tau), an amino acid with antioxidant and volume regulatory properties, was 60% lower in TAA‐treated rats than in control rats despite its increased blood‐to‐brain transport. The decrease in extracellular Tau may thus reflect Tau redistribution to adjacent central nervous system (CNS) cells manifesting a cell‐protective response. Stimulation with 50 mM K+ increased extracellular Tau in control rats by 182% and in TAA‐treated rats by 322%. Stimulation with 100 μM N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate (NMDA) increased extracellular Tau in control rats by 27% and in TAA‐treated rats by as much as 250%. The increase of K+‐ or NMDA‐dependent Tau release may reflect improved cell volume regulation and neuroprotection and contribute to attenuation of neurologic symptoms in rats with liver failure. J. Neurosci. Res. 56:76–84, 1999. © 1999 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Limited gene flow among brown bear populations in far Northern Europe? Genetic analysis of the east–west border population in the Pasvik Valley

Noninvasively collected genetic data can be used to analyse large‐scale connectivity patterns among populations of large predators without disturbing them, which may contribute to unravel the species’ roles in natural ecosystems and their requirements for long‐term survival. The demographic history of brown bears (Ursus arctos) in Northern Europe indicates several extinction and recolonization events, but little is known about present gene flow between populations of the east and west. We used 12 validated microsatellite markers to analyse 1580 hair and faecal samples collected during six consecutive years (2005–2010) in the Pasvik Valley at 70°N on the border of Norway, Finland and Russia. Our results showed an overall high correlation between the annual estimates of population size (Nc), density (D), effective size (Ne) and Ne/Nc ratio. Furthermore, we observed a genetic heterogeneity of ∼0.8 and high Ne/Nc ratios of ∼0.6, which suggests gene flow from the east. Thus, we expanded the population genetic study to include Karelia (Russia, Finland), Västerbotten (Sweden) and Troms (Norway) (477 individuals in total) and detected four distinct genetic clusters with low migration rates among the regions. More specifically, we found that differentiation was relatively low from the Pasvik Valley towards the south and east, whereas, in contrast, moderately high pairwise FST values (0.91–0.12) were detected between the east and the west. Our results indicate ongoing limits to gene flow towards the west, and the existence of barriers to migration between eastern and western brown bear populations in Northern Europe.
A Polynomial Parsing Algorithm for the Topological Model: Synchronizing Constituent and Dependency Grammars, Illustrated by German Word Order Phenomena

This paper describes a minimal topology driven parsing algorithm for topological grammars that synchronizes a rewriting grammar and a dependency grammar, obtaining two linguistically motivated syntactic structures. The use of non-local slash and visitor features can be restricted to obtain a CKY type analysis in polynomial time. German long distance phenomena illustrate the algorithm, bringing to the fore the procedural needs of the analyses of syntax-topology mismatches in constraint based approaches like for example HPSG.
Development of a Simple Reliable Radiographic Scoring System to Aid the Diagnosis of Pulmonary Tuberculosis

Rationale Chest radiography is sometimes the only method available for investigating patients with possible pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) with negative sputum smears. However, interpretation of chest radiographs in this context lacks specificity for PTB, is subjective and is neither standardized nor reproducible. Efforts to improve the interpretation of chest radiography are warranted. Objectives To develop a scoring system to aid the diagnosis of PTB, using features recorded with the Chest Radiograph Reading and Recording System (CRRS). Methods Chest radiographs of outpatients with possible PTB, recruited over 3 years at clinics in South Africa were read by two independent readers using the CRRS method. Multivariate analysis was used to identify features significantly associated with culture-positive PTB. These were weighted and used to generate a score. Results 473 patients were included in the analysis. Large upper lobe opacities, cavities, unilateral pleural effusion and adenopathy were significantly associated with PTB, had high inter-reader reliability, and received 2, 2, 1 and 2 points, respectively in the final score. Using a cut-off of 2, scores below this threshold had a high negative predictive value (91.5%, 95%CI 87.1,94.7), but low positive predictive value (49.4%, 95%CI 42.9,55.9). Among the 382 TB suspects with negative sputum smears, 229 patients had scores <2; the score correctly ruled out active PTB in 214 of these patients (NPV 93.4%; 95%CI 89.4,96.3). The score had a suboptimal negative predictive value in HIV-infected patients (NPV 86.4, 95% CI 75,94). Conclusions The proposed scoring system is simple, and reliably ruled out active PTB in smear-negative HIV-uninfected patients, thus potentially reducing the need for further tests in high burden settings. Validation studies are now required.
A Preliminary Model for the Protective Role of the Endocannabinoid 2-Arachydonylglycerol in Neuroinflammation

Abstract : Activation of cannabinoid receptors CB1 (in neurons) and CB2 (in immune cells) by their primary endogenous ligand 2-arachidonylglycerol (2-AG), is both anti-excitatory and anti-inflammatory. Levels of 2-AG are tightly maintained by monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL), which converts 2-AG into arachidonic acid (AA), and may be the main regulator of AA. Both AA and 2-AG are precursors of inflammatory prostaglandins via cyclooxygenase-2 (COX2) metabolism, which is in turn inhibited by 2-AG binding to neuronal CB1 receptors. Selective MAGL inhibitors have the potential to reduce inflammation. Conversely, excessive MAGL inhibition could lead to immune suppression and an ineffective response to infection. We developed a model of 2-AG metabolism and signaling which describes prostaglandin (PG) production, MAGL activity, 2-AG synthesis rate, COX2 activity, neuronal CB1 receptor densities, and binding of 2-AG to CB1 receptors. The model is used to describe the effect of MAGL inhibitor JZL-184 on 2-AG, AA, and prostaglandin levels as a result of exposure to lipopolysaccharides (LPS) and organophosphates. The model can be extended to include 2-AG binding to CB2 receptors in immune cells (modulating cytokine release), and thereby describe a hypothetical lumped immune response to a biological agent. Model simulations of normal immune responses show removal of the infectious agent with little overshoot of immune cells (inflammation). Reducing the immune response by inhibiting MAGL activity may result in ineffective removal of the agent, while increasing the immune response may lead to rapid removal of the agent at the expense of a potentially damaging immune overshoot indicative of chronic inflammation.
Neural blind separation for electromagnetic source localization and assessment

We present a possible approach to electromagnetic source localization using a hybrid blind separation-minimum search inversion algorithm. The total electrical field versus time emitted by the working antennas, located at different and unknown geographical positions, is used to reconstruct each separate contribution via a suitable neural network technique. When the emitted electric field and the related base frequencies have been separated for each emitting antenna, the unknown location of each emitter, is determined with a minimum-search numerical technique. The theory presented has been applied with success to a practical problem dealing with amplitude-modulated radio-transmissions.
Images and Voices of Change: Engaging Local Community in Assessing Impact of Millennium Villages Project in their Lives in Sauri Village, Western Kenya

The Earth Institute at Columbia University is implementing a development program in ten countries in Sub-Saharan Africa. Referred to as the Millennium village project (MVP), the project aims to use a combination of science-based interventions and community participation to transform the livelihoods of African people and ultimately lift them out of extreme poverty. Involvement of local people is a critical ingredient and key processes of empowering them and ensuring sustainability of MVP. To engage local people in assessing the impact of MVP on their lives, a community led Photovoice project was initiated in the first millennium village, Sauri Kenya. In this project, local research participants used digital cameras and their own narratives to share their emic view of their changing world. The main objective of this photo essay is to share photographs and narratives from ten local research participants composed of different ages, educational levels and gender. The photographs and stories indicate that MVP is positively impacting on local people and it can be used as a monitoring tool for various activities. In addition, the research participants were enthusiastic about Photovoice and they provided a powerful insider visual interpretation of community changes. All the photographs and their stories will be shared in a community Photovoice exhibition later this year. Nyasimi and Okang’a 3
Mosquitoes smell and avoid the insect repellent DEET

The insect repellent DEET is effective against a variety of medically important pests, but its mode of action still draws considerable debate. The widely accepted hypothesis that DEET interferes with the detection of lactic acid has been challenged by demonstrated DEET-induced repellency in the absence of lactic acid. The most recent hypothesis suggests that DEET masks or jams the olfactory system by attenuating electrophysiological responses to 1-octen-3-ol. Our research shows that mosquitoes smell DEET directly and avoid it. We performed single-unit recordings from all functional ORNs on the antenna and maxillary palps of Culex quinquefasciatus and found an ORN in a short trichoid sensillum responding to DEET in a dose-dependent manner. The same ORN responded with higher sensitivity to terpenoid compounds. SPME and GC analysis showed that odorants were trapped in conventional stimulus cartridges upon addition of a DEET-impregnated filter paper strip thus leading to the observed reduced electrophysiological responses, as reported elsewhere. With a new stimulus delivery method releasing equal amounts of 1-octen-3-ol alone or in combination with DEET we found no difference in neuronal responses. When applied to human skin, DEET altered the chemical profile of emanations by a “fixative” effect that may also contribute to repellency. However, the main mode of action is the direct detection of DEET as indicated by the evidence that mosquitoes are endowed with DEET-detecting ORNs and corroborated by behavioral bioassays. In a sugar-feeding assay, both female and male mosquitoes avoided DEET. In addition, mosquitoes responding only to physical stimuli avoided DEET.
The Effects of Subcutaneous Insulin Infusion Versus Multiple Insulin Injections on Glucose Variability in Young Adults with Type 1 Diabetes: The 2-Year Follow-Up of the Observational METRO Study.

BACKGROUND Type 1 diabetic patients have high instability of daily glucose levels. The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term effects of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) therapy, compared with multiple daily injections of insulin (MDI), on glucose variability, in young type 1 diabetic patients transitioned to the adult diabetes care. METHODS Patients aged 18-30 years and considered eligible for insulin pump therapy were included in the study. Ninety-eight patients who started CSII therapy and 125 who remained in MDI completed a 2-year follow-up. Glucose variability was assessed with continuous glucose monitoring using blood glucose standard deviation (BGSD), mean amplitude of glycemic excursion (MAGE), continuous overall net glycemic action (CONGA-2 h), low blood glucose index, high blood glucose index, and average daily risk range. RESULTS MAGE and BGSD decreased in both groups, with adjusted differences at 2 years of -0.74 mM (95% confidence interval [CI] -1.22 to -0.26, P = 0.003) and -0.3 (CI -0.52 to -0.1, P = 0.005) favoring the pump-therapy group. No significant differences between groups in the other variability indexes were observed. HbA1c decreased in both groups without significant difference (0.05%, -0.26, 0.35, P = 0.77); fasting glucose, insulin dose, and overall hypoglycemia (daily, nocturnal, and severe) decreased more in patients with CSII, compared with those with MDI. CONCLUSIONS Among young adults with type 1 diabetes transitioning from the pediatric care, the use of CSII is associated with lower glucose variability, fasting glycemia, and overall hypoglycemic events than MDI during a 2-year period of follow-up.
Using graph partitioning techniques for neighbour selection in user-based collaborative filtering

Spectral clustering techniques have become one of the most popular clustering algorithms, mainly because of their simplicity and effectiveness. In this work, we make use of one of these techniques, Normalised Cut, in order to derive a cluster-based collaborative filtering algorithm which outperforms other standard techniques in the state-of-the-art in terms of ranking precision. We frame this technique as a method for neighbour selection, and we show its effectiveness when compared with other cluster-based methods. Furthermore, the performance of our method could be improved if standard similarity metrics -- such as Pearson's correlation -- are also used when predicting the user's preferences.
Routing Schemes for Delay-Tolerant Networks - An Applications Perspective

Delay Tolerant Networks (DTNs) represent a class of wireless networks that experience frequent and long lasting partitions due to sparse distribution of nodes in the topology. A traditional TCP/IP setting assumes the definite existence of a contemporaneous end-to-end path between any source-destination pair in the network. Any setting that violates this assumption may be considered as a potential application for the DTN architecture. To cope with this situation, DTN nodes utilize a store-carry-forward approach in which messages are buffered for extended intervals of time until an appropriate forwarding opportunity is recognized. Numerous studies have tackled the challenging problem of routing in DTNs. Routing proposals include stochastic approaches such as random, spray-and-wait and epidemic routing, or deterministic approach such as history-based, model-based, coding-based and variations of these approaches. The number of routing schemes in the literature is increasing rapidly without a clear mapping of which is more suitable for any of the vast array of potential DTN application. This document surveys the main routing schemes in the DTN literature. It provides a detailed insight to the DTN approach and describes in some depth the policies and strategies proposed to manage buffers and queues in DTN nodes. Then, the predominant DTN real-life applications are presented and discussed. The aim of this document is to create a classification basis for the most prominent DTN applications and to map major DTN routing schemes to these categories according to some influential network attributes and characteristics that are related particularly to the type of application in hand.
Aerosol optical depth retrieval over Arctic region using AATSR data

Istomina (2011) presented a dual-view approach using Advanced Along-Track Scanning Radiometer (AATSR) onboard ENVISAT for Arctic AOD retrieval. In this paper, some improvements have been done. One improvement is that we use more physical-based dual-view estimation without assumption. Another improvement is to include the more appropriate snow Bidirectional Reflectance Distribution Function (BRDF) ratio estimation from pure snow BRDF model given by Kokhanovsky et al (2005) together with Snow Cover Fraction (SFC), in order to get more appropriate surface properties during retrieval. Simple compare between Istomina's algorithm and the algorithm described in the paper show the approach described in the paper also provides reasonable results without correction from Raditive Transfer Model (RTM) like SCIATRAN.
A search for conserved sequences in coding regions reveals that the let-7 microRNA targets Dicer within its coding sequence

Recognition sites for microRNAs (miRNAs) have been reported to be located in the 3′ untranslated regions of transcripts. In a computational screen for highly conserved motifs within coding regions, we found an excess of sequences conserved at the nucleotide level within coding regions in the human genome, the highest scoring of which are enriched for miRNA target sequences. To validate our results, we experimentally demonstrated that the let-7 miRNA directly targets the miRNA-processing enzyme Dicer within its coding sequence, thus establishing a mechanism for a miRNA/Dicer autoregulatory negative feedback loop. We also found computational evidence to suggest that miRNA target sites in coding regions and 3′ UTRs may differ in mechanism. This work demonstrates that miRNAs can directly target transcripts within their coding region in animals, and it suggests that a complete search for the regulatory targets of miRNAs should be expanded to include genes with recognition sites within their coding regions. As more genomes are sequenced, the methodological approach that we used for identifying motifs with high sequence conservation will be increasingly valuable for detecting functional sequence motifs within coding regions.
A low-complexity improved successive cancellation decoder for polar codes

Under successive cancellation (SC) decoding, polar codes are inferior to other codes of similar blocklength in terms of frame error rate. While more sophisticated decoding algorithms such as list- or stack-decoding partially mitigate this performance loss, they suffer from an increase in complexity. In this paper, we describe a new flavor of the SC decoder, called the SC flip decoder. Our algorithm preserves the low memory requirements of the basic SC decoder and adjusts the required decoding effort to the signal quality. In the waterfall region, its average computational complexity is almost as low as that of the SC decoder.
A Comparison of Numerical Modelling Techniques for Tidal Stream Turbine Analysis

To fully understand the performance of tidal stream turbines for the development of ocean renewable energy, a range of computational models is required. We review and compare results from several models of horizontal axis turbines at different spatial scales. Models under review include blade element momentum theory (BEMT), blade element actuator disk, Reynolds averaged Navier Stokes (RANS) CFD (BEM-CFD), blade-resolved moving reference frame and coastal models based on the shallow water equations. To evaluate the BEMT, a comparison is made to experiments with three different rotors. We demonstrate that, apart from the near-field wake, there are similarities in the results between the BEM-CFD approach and a coastal area model using a simplified turbine fence at a headland case.
Insight without Awareness: On the Interaction of Verbalization, Instruction and Practice in a Simulated Process Control Task

Four experiments in which subjects learned to control two versions of a complex simulated process control task show that verbalizable knowledge of procedures used to perform these tasks is very limited and is acquired late in learning. Individual learning curves associated with these tasks showed sudden improvements in performance, which were not accompanied by a similar increase in verbalizable knowledge. It was also found that verbal instructions consisting of exemplar memorization, strategies for rule induction, simple heuristics, and experts’ instructions were all effective in enhancing novice subjects’ performance. A theoretical framework is proposed in which subjects draw on two separate but interacting knowledge structures to perform these tasks. One knowledge structure is based on memory for past experiences (close analogies), and the other is based on one's current mental model of the task. Implicit sets of competing rules that control response selection are derived from both sources of knowledge. It is suggested that dissociations between task performance and verbalizing occur because memory-based processing tends to have more control over response selection because of its greater specificity, whereas a mental model tends to be the preferred mode for verbal reporting because of its greater accessibility.