Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Explaining cross-national differences in peer-directed aggression: A quantitative synthesis

A quantitative review was conducted of cross-national studies on peer-directed aggression to determine whether cross-national differences in aggression could be predicted from differences in national values. Cross-national differences on dimensions of cultural-level values derived from the works of Hofstede [1980, 1983], Bond [Chinese Culture Connection, 1987], and Schwartz [1994] were used to predict effect sizes of cross-national differences in aggression for 185 comparisons between pairs of cultures from a total of 36 studies. Each of the three classification systems of national values were found to predict differences in aggression, providing support for their use in future studies. In general, cultures characterized by collectivistic values, high moral discipline, a high level of egalitarian commitment, low uncertainty avoidance, and which emphasize values that are heavily Confucian showed lower levels of aggression than their counterparts. Aggr. Behav. 31:00–00, 2005. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Gaussian process dynamical models for nonparametric speech representation and synthesis

We propose Gaussian process dynamical models (GPDMs) as a new, nonparametric paradigm in acoustic models of speech. These use multidimensional, continuous state-spaces to overcome familiar issues with discrete-state, HMM-based speech models. The added dimensions allow the state to represent and describe more than just temporal structure as systematic differences in mean, rather than as mere correlations in a residual (which dynamic features or AR-HMMs do). Being based on Gaussian processes, the models avoid restrictive parametric or linearity assumptions on signal structure. We outline GPDM theory, and describe model setup and initialization schemes relevant to speech applications. Experiments demonstrate subjectively better quality of synthesized speech than from comparable HMMs. In addition, there is evidence for unsupervised discovery of salient speech structure.
Structures controlling volcanic activity within Masaya caldera, Nicaragua

Geophysical and geological observations collected in 2007-2012 shed light on the mechanisms controlling the style and location of eruptions within the Las Sierras-Masaya Caldera complex, Nicaragua. These results confirm a hypothesised ~3.5 km diameter structure with features compatible with the presence of a ring fracture (50-65°, with inward-dipping bounding walls). A central block is bound by this fracture and defines an incipient nested caldera related to the emptying of the magma chamber following the last Plinian eruption (1.8 ka). The prolongation of the Cofradias fault from the Managua graben represents the most significant structure on the floor of Masaya caldera. Current activity, including a convecting lava lake, largely depends on the interplay between the extensional stress regime associated with the Managua graben and deformation along the inner caldera bounding fault. This high spatial resolution survey uses a novel combination of geophysical methodologies to identify previously overlooked foci for future volcanic activity at Masaya.
Making Good Codes for Classical-Quantum Channel Coding via Quantum Hypothesis Testing

In this correspondence, we give an alternative proof of the direct part of the classical-quantum channel coding theorem (the Holevo-Schumacher-Westmoreland (HSW) theorem), using ideas of quantum hypothesis testing. In order to show the existence of good codes, we invoke a limit theorem, relevant to the quantum Stein's lemma, in quantum hypothesis testing as the law of large numbers used in the classical case. We also apply a greedy construction of good codes using a packing procedure of noncommutative operators. Consequently we derive an upper bound on the coding error probability, which is used to give an alternative proof of the HSW theorem. This approach elucidates how the Holevo information applies to the classical-quantum channel coding problems
Pavlovian Fear Conditioning Regulates Thr286 Autophosphorylation of Ca2+/Calmodulin-Dependent Protein Kinase II at Lateral Amygdala Synapses

Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) plays a critical role in synaptic plasticity and memory formation in a variety of learning systems and species. The present experiments examined the role of CaMKII in the circuitry underlying pavlovian fear conditioning. First, we reveal by immunocytochemical and tract-tracing methods that αCaMKII is postsynaptic to auditory thalamic inputs and colocalized with the NR2B subunit of the NMDA receptor. Furthermore, we show that fear conditioning results in an increase of the autophosphorylated (active) form of αCaMKII in lateral amygdala (LA) spines. Next, we demonstrate that intra-amygdala infusion of a CaMK inhibitor, 1-[NO-bis-1,5-isoquinolinesulfonyl]-N-methyl-l-tyrosyl-4-phenylpiperazine, KN-62, dose-dependently impairs the acquisition, but not the expression, of auditory and contextual fear conditioning. Finally, in electrophysiological experiments, we demonstrate that an NMDA receptor-dependent form of long-term potentiation at thalamic input synapses to the LA is impaired by bath application of KN-62 in vitro. Together, the results of these experiments provide the first comprehensive view of the role of CaMKII in the amygdala during fear conditioning.
IDEOLOGY CHANGES AND THE REPRESENTATION OF "OTHER" CULTURES IN THE ROMANIAN GEOGRAPHY TEXTBOOKS AFTER 1948

Textbooks are among the most effective instruments in the teaching process. They are very powerful because students are expected to memorize the facts included in the book and to adopt the book's view on the world in order to pass the class. However, lessons in the geography textbooks are never innocent reproductions of the world; they are loaded with ideology. Since many people influence the orientation of a textbook (authors, publisher, teachers, parents, etc.) we could safely say that textbooks are excellent illustrations of societal beliefs and practices. This study examined how the representation of "other" cultures and societies in the Romanian geography textbooks has changed in time and what were the main factors determining the changes. The study found that geography textbooks published between 1948 and 1989 were loaded with Communist propaganda. These textbooks divided the world population into three categories. Capitalist societies were invariably portrayed as exploitative and unscrupulous, building their wealth on the backs of the others (people living in the colonies but also their own workers). People from the colonies were seen as very capable and talented but unable to better themselves due to lacking access to resources. Socialist countries were, not surprisingly, portrayed as ideal societies based on egalitarianism and common ownership of the means of production. After 1989, the textbooks were cleaned of Communist propaganda but the texts generally avoided cultural characterizations. Finally, after Romania's accession into the European Union the geography curriculum was modified to reflect the political changes and was harmonized with other European geography curricula. The new textbooks, although acknowledging cultural differences in Europe, are more focused on those qualities that unite Europe. Keyword: textbook, Romania, content analysis, cultural representation, geography education, ideology.
A Quantitative Neural Coding Model of Sensory Memory

The coding mechanism of sensory memory on the neuron scale is one of the most important questions in neuroscience. We have put forward a quantitative neural network model, which is self-organized, self-similar, and self-adaptive, just like an ecosystem following Darwin's theory. According to this model, neural coding is a “mult-to-one”mapping from objects to neurons. And the whole cerebrum is a real-time statistical Turing Machine, with powerful representing and learning ability. This model can reconcile some important disputations, such as: temporal coding versus rate-based coding, grandmother cell versus population coding, and decay theory versus interference theory. And it has also provided explanations for some key questions such as memory consolidation, episodic memory, consciousness, and sentiment. Philosophical significance is indicated at last.
Mesurer l’insolvabilité ?. Usages statistiques des dossiers de faillite (1673-1807)

Cet article vise a relier les connaissances de l’histoire du droit sur les procedures de reglement judiciaire de l’insolvabilite aux problematiques classiques de l’histoire economique, en particulier a l’usage des faillites comme indicateur de conjoncture. Nous montrons que le denombrement des depots de bilan n’est pas suffisant pour construire un indicateur de conjoncture. Il faut, pour aller plus loin, prendre en compte les multiples voies procedurales existantes au xviiie siecle. Cette approche permet d’affiner l’interpretation des crises economiques et renouvelle la question de la distribution des faillites selon le secteur d’activite.
Fuzzy clustering for symbolic data

Most of the techniques used in the literature in clustering symbolic data are based on the hierarchical methodology, which utilizes the concept of agglomerative or divisive methods as the core of the algorithm. The main contribution of this paper is to show how to apply the concept of fuzziness on a data set of symbolic objects and how to use this concept in formulating the clustering problem of symbolic objects as a partitioning problem. Finally, a fuzzy symbolic c-means algorithm is introduced as an application of applying and testing the proposed algorithm on real and synthetic data sets. The results of the application of the new algorithm show that the new technique is quite efficient and, in many respects, superior to traditional methods of hierarchical nature.
Early surgical laser-assisted management of bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaws (BRONJ): a retrospective analysis of 101 treated sites with long-term follow-up.

BACKGROUND DATA The management of bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaws (BRONJ) is still controversial. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to compare surgical and nonsurgical approaches to the treatment of BRONJ and the possible usefulness of Nd:YAG and Er:YAG lasers. METHODS One hundred and twenty-eight patients (33 males, 95 females; 52 with diagnosis of multiple myeloma, 53 with diagnosis of bone metastasis, and 23 with diagnosis of osteoporosis) affected by BRONJ were evaluated at the Unit of Oral Pathology and Medicine and Laser-Assisted Surgery of the University of Parma, Italy, between January 2004 and July 2009. Overall number of BRONJ sites was 151, and number of treated sites was 101. In order to assess the efficacy of different treatments, sites were subclassified as follows: Group 1 (G1): 12 sites treated with medical therapy; Group 2 (G2): 27 sites treated with medical therapy associated with low level laser therapy (LLLT); Group 3 (G3): 17 sites treated with a combination of medical and surgical therapy; Group 4 (G4): 45 sites treated with a combination of medical therapy, surgical (including laser-assisted) therapy, and LLLT. Outcome of treatment was assessed using the staging system proposed by Ruggiero et al. Transition from a higher stage to a lower one for at least 6 months was considered as clinical improvement and suggestive of a successful treatment. RESULTS Clinical improvement was achieved in 3 out of 12 (25%) BRONJ sites in G1. Sites if G2 with an improvement were 18 out of 27 (66%). Nine out 17 BRONJ sites (53%) in G3 had a transition to a lower stage after treatment. For sites in G4, a clinical improvement was recorded in 40 out of 45 cases (89%). CONCLUSIONS In our experience, the percentage of success obtained with a combined approach based on medical therapy, surgical (including laser-assisted) therapy, and LLLT (G4) is significantly higher than the percentage of improvement obtained in G1, G2, and G3.
Endotoxin, Capsule, and Bacterial Attachment Contribute to Neisseria meningitidis Resistance to the Human Antimicrobial Peptide LL-37

ABSTRACT Pathogenic bacteria have evolved numerous mechanisms to evade the human immune system and have developed widespread resistance to traditional antibiotics. We studied the human pathogen Neisseria meningitidis and present evidence of novel mechanisms of resistance to the human antimicrobial peptide LL-37. We found that bacteria attached to host epithelial cells are resistant to 10 μM LL-37 whereas bacteria in solution or attached to plastic are killed, indicating that the cell microenvironment protects bacteria. The bacterial endotoxin lipooligosaccharide and the polysaccharide capsule contribute to LL-37 resistance, probably by preventing LL-37 from reaching the bacterial membrane, as more LL-37 reaches the bacterial membrane on both lipooligosaccharide-deficient and capsule-deficient mutants whereas both mutants are also more susceptible to LL-37 killing than the wild-type strain. N. meningitidis bacteria respond to sublethal doses of LL-37 and upregulate two of their capsule genes, siaC and siaD, which further results in upregulation of capsule biosynthesis.
UNION STRATEGY AND WORKER REPRESENTATION IN TAIWAN: A CASE STUDY ANALYSIS

This paper examines worker representation systems in Taiwan and seeks to describe the relationships between trade unions and different non-union representative mechanisms in the workplace. It features a case study of a large enterprise, using participant observation, in-depth interviews and documentary analysis. This study argues that structuration and communicative action in workplaces are two elements that underpin trade unions' strategies of worker representation. The union enthusiastically integrates its structure with non-union mechanisms and proposes new representative mechanisms to broaden labour participation and involvement and to strengthen its power and importance in the workplace. Consequently, Taiwanese trade unions increase their autonomy and develop in other ways, even though the state governs the system of industrial relations.
Factors Relating to an Adoption Decision by the Mothers of Illegitimate Infants

The work carried out in this country by registered adoption societies is perhaps among the most responsible and hazardous in the whole field of social work. Most adoption societies carry out their functions on the basis of certain 'working principles', some of which are legal requirements written into the Adoption Act and Rules, others are based on the results of work done on the physical and psychological development of young children; while yet others arise out of the experience or the intuition of people doing the job. Most of those working in this field would agree that there is a need to examine some of these working principles or hypotheses in order to discover how far there is a factual justification for them, but the diflficulties of undertaking consistent research have discouraged much enquiry, and there is a large area of almost wholly uncharted territory. Why do some mothers keep their illegitimate children, while others offer them for adoption? Are the motives largely personal or economic? ' At what point do most of the mothers reach a decision with regard to adoption? Is it the case, as is sometimes asserted, that no realistic decision can be made for several weeks after the birth, so that there is little point in initiating adoption arrangements until the baby is some five to six weeks old? Do most mothers of illegitimate children prefer to care for the baby for a time prior to parting from it, or would they prefer to surrender it early on? Qearly these are complex questions; the well-being not only of mother and child but of the adoptive parents must be taken into account, and sometimes apparently conflicting claims must be balanced against each othtT. Though the important issues are not simple questions of fact, none the less there is an urgent need to bring to light some of the evidence which might contribute to our knowledge and help to bring about wise and considerate administrative policies in the adoption work of the future.
Rev at SemEval-2016 Task 2: Aligning Chunks by Lexical, Part of Speech and Semantic Equivalence

We present the description of our submission to SemEval-2016 Task 2, for the sub-task of aligning pre-annotated chunks between sentence pairs and providing similarity and relatedness labels for the alignment. The objective of the task is to provide interpretable semantic textual similarity assessments by adding an explanatory layer to aligned chunks. We analysed the provided datasets, considering lexical overlap, the part of speech tags and the syn-onyms of the words in the chunks, and developed a rule-based system reﬂecting that analysis. Our system performance indicates that when sentence pairs are similar, alignment of chunks can be performed fairly well using lexical information alone without syntactic or semantic analysis. The advantage of our system is that we can easily trace when chunks are aligned.
Potential of an Interactive Computer-based Training in the Rehabilitation of Dementia: An Initial Study

The present study examines the effectiveness of an interactive computer-based memory training programme for patients suffering from Alzheimer's disease or vascular dementia. Subjects (Ss) were 14 mildly to moderately cognitively impaired adults (aged 65 years or over). The training consisted of ten 30-minute sessions designed to improve immediate and delayed retention of objects and routes. All training tasks were based upon a virtual, but familiar, apartment with several rooms (living room, bedroom, kitchen, bathroom, and corridor). In the control group, Ss participated in a chat with a psychologist, in order to keep social stimulation comparable. The evaluation based on standardised psychometric tests revealed a positive effect of the computer-based training on certain domains of memory, specifically in the targeted areas.
A Text Clustering System based on k-means Type Subspace Clustering and Ontology

This paper presents a text clustering system developed based on a k-means type subspace clustering algorithm to cluster large, high dimensional and sparse text data. In this algorithm, a new step is added in the k-means clustering process to automatically calculate the weights of keywords in each cluster so that the important words of a cluster can be identified by the weight values. For understanding and interpretation of clustering results, a few keywords that can best represent the semantic topic are extracted from each cluster. Two methods are used to extract the representative words. The candidate words are first selected according to their weights calculated by our new algorithm. Then, the candidates are fed to the WordNet to identify the set of noun words and consolidate the synonymy and hyponymy words. Experimental results have shown that the clustering algorithm is superior to the other subspace clustering algorithms, such as PROCLUS and HARP and kmeans type algorithm, e.g., Bisecting-KMeans. Furthermore, the word extraction method is effective in selection of the words to represent the topics of the clusters. Keywords—Subspace Clustering, Text Mining, Feature Weighting, Cluster Interpretation, Ontology
Adaptation as Information Restriction: The Hot Stove Effect

Individuals and social systems are often portrayed as risk averse and resistant to change. Such propensities are characteristically attributed to individual, organizational, and cultural traits such as risk aversion, uncertainty-avoidance, discounting, and an unwillingness to change. This paper explores an alternative interpretation of such phenomena. We show how the reproduction of successful actions inherent in adaptive processes, such as learning and competitive selection and reproduction, results in a bias against alternatives that initially may appear to be worse than they actually are. In particular, learning and selection are biased against both risky and novel alternatives. Because the biases are products of the tendency to reproduce success that is inherent in the sequential sampling of adaptation, they are reduced whenever the reproduction of success is attenuated. In particular, when adaptation is slowed, made imprecise, or recalled less reliably, the propensity to engage in risky and new activities is increased. These protections against the error of rejecting potentially good alternatives on inadequate experiential evidence are costly, however. They increase the likelihood of persisting with alternatives that are poor in the long run as well as in the short run.
Pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic interaction of Panchagavya Ghrita with phenytoin and carbamazepine in maximal electroshock induced seizures in rats

Introduction: Traditionally, Panchagavya Ghrita (PG) has been used for the management of epilepsy, anxiety, fever and jaundice. It consists of five components of cow products namely, cow milk, clarified butter from cow milk, cow urine, curd from cow milk, and cow dung juice. Aim: To evaluate the effect of PG in maximal electroshock (MES) induced seizures model and its pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic interaction with phenytoin (PHT) and carbamazepine (CBZ) in rats. Materials and Methods: Male Wistar rats were administered PG 500, 1000, 2000, and 4000 mg/kg orally for 7 days and seizures were induced by MES. For interaction studies, PG (4000 mg/kg) was administered along with a sub-therapeutic dose of PHT (20 mg/kg, p.o.) and CBZ (10 mg/kg, p.o.). Behavioral parameters were assessed. Oxidative stress markers and serum levels of PHT and CBZ were estimated. Results: Tonic hind limb extension, cognitive impairment, and oxidative stress produced by MES were reversed by PG (4000 mg/kg). Co-administration of PG (4000 mg/kg) with a sub-therapeutic dose of PHT and CBZ potentiated antiepileptic effect and ameliorated cognitive impairment as well as oxidative stress. Although, there was a slight increase in serum levels of PHT and CBZ on co-administration with PG, it was statistically insignificant. Conclusion: Co-administration of PG with low doses of PHT and CBZ caused complete seizure protection. This suggests the potential of PG as an adjunct in epilepsy with improved efficacy and tolerability.
jSquid: a Java applet for graphical on-line network exploration

UNLABELLED jSquid is a graph visualization tool for exploring graphs from protein-protein interaction or functional coupling networks. The tool was designed for the FunCoup web site, but can be used for any similar network exploring purpose. The program offers various visualization and graph manipulation techniques to increase the utility for the user. AVAILABILITY jSquid is available for direct usage and download at http://jSquid.sbc.su.se including source code under the GPLv3 license, and input examples. It requires Java version 5 or higher to run properly. CONTACT erik.sonnhammer@sbc.su.se SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.