Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An Analysis of Standardized Reading Ability Tests: What Do Questions Actually Measure?

This study examined what types of passage and individual item attributes of reading ability tests affect item difficulty. Ninety-six questions from the Gates-MacGinitie Reading Test for 7/9th graders were analyzed in terms of individual item characteristics and passage features that were considered to affect the item's difficulty. Whereas two passage features, word frequency and sentence length, influenced the item difficulty, none of the individual question characteristics were found to affect the item difficulty. Thus, the GMRT may be assessing how difficult a passage readers can comprehend, not how difficult a question readers can answer about a passage. These findings imply that the GMRT may function well when identifying basic reading comprehension skill differences, but not higher level reading skill differences. However, these findings may be the result of the passages in the GMRT having an atypical construction. Specifically, shorter passages tended to be composed of longer sentences.
Electrospun Chitosan-Gelatin Biopolymer Composite Nanofibers for Horseradish Peroxidase Immobilization in a Hydrogen Peroxide Biosensor

A biosensor based on chitosan-gelatin composite biopolymers nanofibers is found to be effective for the immobilization of horseradish peroxidase to detect hydrogen peroxide. The biopolymer nanofibers were fabricated by an electrospining technique. Upon optimization of synthesis parameters, biopolymers nanofibers, an average of 80 nm in diameter, were obtained and were then modified on the working electrode surface. The effects of the concentration of enzyme, pH, and concentration of the buffer and the working potential on the current response of the nanofibers-modified electrode toward hydrogen peroxide were optimized to obtain the maximal current response. The results found that horseradish peroxidase immobilization on chitosan-gelatin composite biopolymer nanofibers had advantages of fast response, excellent reproducibility, high stability, and showed a linear response to hydrogen peroxide in the concentration range from 0.1 to 1.7 mM with a detection limit of 0.05 mM and exhibited high sensitivity of 44 µA∙mM−1∙cm−2. The developed system was evaluated for analysis of disinfectant samples and showed good agreement between the results obtained by the titration method without significant differences at the 0.05 significance level. The proposed strategy based on chitosan-gelatin composite biopolymer nanofibers for the immobilization of enzymes can be extended for the development of other enzyme-based biosensors.
Genetic Programming over Context-Free Languages with Linear Constraints for the Knapsack Problem: First Results

In this paper, we introduce genetic programming over context-free languages with linear constraints for combinatorial optimization, apply this method to several variants of the multidimensional knapsack problem, and discuss its performance relative to Michalewicz's genetic algorithm with penalty functions. With respect to Michalewicz's approach, we demonstrate that genetic programming over context-free languages with linear constraints improves convergence. A final result is that genetic programming over context-free languages with linear constraints is ideally suited to modeling com-plementarities between items in a knapsack problem: The more complementarities in the problem, the stronger the performance in comparison to its competitors.
The 3D position estimation of neurons in the hippocampus based on the multi-site multi-unit recordings with silicon tetrodes

The mechanical strain of the neural tissue induced by the implant of neuronal electrode is one of the important factors responsible for the quality and performance of extracellular recording of neuronal activities in the brain because the mechanical strain could kill or inactivate the neurons. In order to evaluate the effect of the implant of neural electrode, we propose a method to estimate the three-dimensional distribution of electrophysiologically active neurons near the electrode based on the multi-site multi-unit recording data. The spatial distribution of the active neurons emerges the region in the neural tissue that could be killed or inactivated by the implant of the electrode. The proposed method will be useful for the in situ assessment of the neural electrode implanted in the brain.
Dashboard to Enhance On-Line Knowledge Sharing

(2010). A debate dashboard to enhance on-line knowledge sharing. Copyright and Moral Rights for the articles on this site are retained by the individual authors and/or other copyright owners. For more information on Open Research Online's data policy on reuse of materials please consult the policies page. Structured Abstract Purpose – Web 2.0 technologies have radically modified the way in which knowledge is created, managed and shared, improving productivity and accelerating innovation processes for the enterprises. These technologies have allowed enterprises to produce knowledge, leverage collective intelligence and build social capital on a scale that was unimaginable a few years ago. In this paper we focus on a particular kind of web-based collaborative platforms known as argument mapping tools and we discuss the main barriers to the adoption of them. Literature has proved that these argument mapping tools provide large and small and medium enterprise with several advantages, but nevertheless, they have low level adoption. In this paper we explore new technological solutions to support the adoption of argument mapping tools. In particular, we propose the design of a Debate Dashboard to provide visual feedback to support online deliberation. These visual feedback aims at compensating the loss of information due to the mediation of the technology. The Debate Dashboard is composed of a set of suitable visualization tools that have been selected on the basis of a literature review of the visualization tools. Design/methodology/approach – We propose a literature review of existing visualization tools. Building on the literature review we selected thirty visualization tools, which have been classified on the basis of the kind of feedback they are able to provide. We identify three classes of feedback: Community feedback (identikit of users), Interaction feedback (about how users interact) and Absorption feedback (about generated 2 content and its organization). We distilled the Debate Dashboard features by building on results of a literature review on Web 2.0 tools for data visualization. As output of literature review we selected six visualization tools. We consider these selected tools as a sort of starting point. Indeed, our aim is the improvement of them through the addition of further features and functions in order to make them more effective in providing feedback. Originality/value – Our paper enriches the debate about computer mediated conversation and visualization tools. We propose a Dashboard prototype to augment collaborative knowledge mapping tools by providing visual feedback on conversations. The Dashboard will …
Cystatins in Immune System

Cystatins comprise a large superfamily of related proteins with diverse biological activities. They were initially characterised as inhibitors of lysosomal cysteine proteases, however, in recent years some alternative functions for cystatins have been proposed. Cystatins possessing inhibitory function are members of three families, family I (stefins), family II (cystatins) and family III (kininogens). Stefin A is often linked to neoplastic changes in epithelium while another family I cystatin, stefin B is supposed to have a specific role in neuredegenerative diseases. Cystatin C, a typical type II cystatin, is expressed in a variety of human tissues and cells. On the other hand, expression of other type II cystatins is more specific. Cystatin F is an endo/lysosome targeted protease inhibitor, selectively expressed in immune cells, suggesting its role in processes related to immune response. Our recent work points on its role in regulation of dendritic cell maturation and in natural killer cells functional inactivation that may enhance tumor survival. Cystatin E/M expression is mainly restricted to the epithelia of the skin which emphasizes its prominent role in cutaneous biology. Here, we review the current knowledge on type I (stefins A and B) and type II cystatins (cystatins C, F and E/M) in pathologies, with particular emphasis on their suppressive vs. promotional function in the tumorigenesis and metastasis. We proposed that an imbalance between cathepsins and cystatins may attenuate immune cell functions and facilitate tumor cell invasion.
Reliability and Construct Validity of the 6-Minute Racerunner Test in Children and Youth with Cerebral Palsy, GMFCS Levels III and IV

ABSTRACT Aim: To determine the test–retest reliability and construct validity of a novel 6-Minute Racerunner Test (6MRT) in children and youth with cerebral palsy (CP) classified as Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels III and IV. The racerunner is a step-propelled tricycle. Methods: The participants were 38 children and youth with CP (mean age 11 y 2 m, SD 3 y 7 m; GMFCS III, n = 19; IV, n = 19). Racerunner capability was determined as the distance covered during the 6MRT on three occasions. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), standard error of measurement (SEM), and smallest detectable differences (SDD) were calculated to assess test-retest reliability. Results: The ICC for tests 2 and 3 were 0.89 (SDD 37%; 147 m) for children in level III and 0.91 for children in level IV (SDD 52%; 118 m). When the average of two separate test occasions was used, the SDDs were reduced to 26% (104 m; level III) and 37% (118 m; level IV). For tests 1 to 3, the mean distance covered increased from 345 m (SD 148 m) to 413 m (SD 137 m) for children in level III, and from 193 m (SD 100 m) to 239 m (SD 148 m) for children in level IV. Conclusions: Results suggest high test–retest reliability. However, large SDDs indicate that a single 6MRT measurement is only useful for individual evaluation when large improvements are expected, or when taking the average of two tests. The 6MRT discriminated the distance covered between children and youth in levels III and IV, supporting construct validity.
Cancer cell line specific co-factors modulate the FOXM1 cistrome

ChIP-seq has been commonly applied to identify genomic occupation of transcription factors (TFs) in a context-specific manner. It is generally assumed that a TF should have similar binding patterns in cells from the same or closely related tissues. Surprisingly, this assumption has not been carefully examined. To this end, we systematically compared the genomic binding of the cell cycle regulator FOXM1 in eight cell lines from seven different human tissues at binding signal, peaks and target genes levels. We found that FOXM1 binding in ER-positive breast cancer cell line MCF-7 are distinct comparing to those in not only other non-breast cell lines, but also MDA-MB-231, ER-negative breast cancer cell line. However, binding sites in MDA-MB-231 and non-breast cell lines were highly consistent. The recruitment of estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) caused the unique FOXM1 binding patterns in MCF-7. Moreover, the activity of FOXM1 in MCF-7 reflects the regulatory functions of ERα, while in MDA-MB-231 and non-breast cell lines, FOXM1 activities regulate cell proliferation. Our results suggest that tissue similarity, in some specific contexts, does not hold precedence over TF-cofactors interactions in determining transcriptional states and that the genomic binding of a TF can be dramatically affected by a particular co-factor under certain conditions.
Anti-inflammatory effect of Mentha longifolia in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated macrophages: Reduction of nitric oxide production through inhibition of inducible nitric oxide synthase

Abstract Mentha longifolia is an aromatic plant used in flavoring and preserving foods and as an anti-inflammatory folk medicine remedy. The present study assessed the effects of M. longifolia extracts, including essential oil and crude methanol extract and its fractions (ethyl acetate, butanol and hexane), on nitric oxide (NO) production and inducible NO synthase (iNOS) mRNA expression in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated J774A.1 cells using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The cytotoxic effects of the extracts on the cells were examined and non-cytotoxic concentrations (<0.2 mg/ml) were used to examine their effects on NO production and iNOS mRNA expression. Only the hexane fraction that contained high levels of phenolic and flavonoid compounds at concentrations from 0.05–0.20 mg/ml significantly reduced NO production in LPS-stimulated cells (p < 0.001). Real-time PCR analysis indicated the ability of this fraction at the same concentrations to significantly decrease iNOS as well as TNFα mRNA expression in the cells (p < 0.001). All extracts were able to scavenge NO radicals in a concentration-dependent manner. At concentrations greater than 0.2 mg/ml, total radicals were 100% scavenged. In conclusion, M. longifolia possibly reduces NO secretion in macrophages by scavenging NO and inhibiting iNOS mRNA expression, and also decreases TNFα pro-inflammatory cytokine expression, thus showing its usefulness in the inflammatory disease process.
Aspergillus fumigatus Forms Biofilms with Reduced Antifungal Drug Susceptibility on Bronchial Epithelial Cells

ABSTRACT Aspergillus fumigatus is a leading cause of death in immunocompromised patients and a frequent colonizer of the respiratory tracts of asthma and cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. Biofilms enable bacteria and yeasts to persist in infections and can contribute to antimicrobial resistance. We investigated the ability of A. fumigatus to form biofilms on polystyrene (PS) and human bronchial epithelial (HBE) and CF bronchial epithelial (CFBE) cells. We developed a novel in vitro coculture model of A. fumigatus biofilm formation on HBE and CFBE cells. Biofilm formation was documented by dry weight, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and confocal scanning laser microscopy (CSLM). The in vitro antifungal activities of seven antifungal drugs were tested by comparing planktonic and sessile A. fumigatus strains. A. fumigatus formed an extracellular matrix on PS and HBE and CFBE cells as evidenced by increased dry weight, SEM, and CSLM. These biofilms exhibited decreased antifungal drug susceptibility and were adherent to the epithelial cells, with fungi remaining viable throughout 3 days. These observations might have implications for treatment of A. fumigatus colonization in chronic lung diseases and for its potential impact on airway inflammation, damage, and infection.
Transposition of a duplicate antibiotic resistance gene and generation of deletions in plasmid R6K

Transformation experiments showed that spontaneous deletions which result in loss of streptomycin resistance and an increase in conjugal transfer efficiency are present at a frequency of about 10(-4) in plasmid molecules of R6K. Similar deletions were thus readily selected by conjugal transfer of R6K, and their appearance was dependent upon recA+ activity in either donor or recipient host. The deoxyribonucleic acid segment deleted in four mutants examined was concluded to extend from the same terminus of the transposon, TnA, in the same direction, but to different extents, and to retain the TnA region intact. Insertions of a duplicate TnA element were found in R6K plasmids isolated from strains selected for increased ampicillin resistance, which were unstable in recA+ strains. In four plasmids examined after transfer to a recA host, an inverted repeat of the preexisting TnA element was shown to have been inserted at a similar location and was in two instances associated with deletions which extended from the same direction as those described above. The deletions are ascribed to the result of recA+-dependent recombination between direct repeats of TnA.
Reducing State Changes with a Pipeline Buffer

A limiting factor in the performance of a rendering system is the number of state changes, i.e., changes of the attributes material, texture, shader program, etc., in the stream of rendered primitives. We propose to include a small buffer between application and graphics hardware in the rendering system. This pipeline buffer is used to rearrange the incoming sequence of primitives on-line and locally in such a way that the number of state changes is minimized. This method is generic; it can be easily integrated into existing rendering systems. In our experiments a pipeline buffer reduces the number of state changes by an order of magnitude and achieves almost the same rendering time as an optimal, i.e., presorted, sequence without pipeline buffer. Due to its simple structure and its low memory requirements this method can easily be implemented in software or even hardware.
A meta-model based approach for rapid formability estimation of continuous fibre reinforced components

Due to their high mechanical performance, continuous fibre reinforced plastics (CoFRP) become increasingly important for load bearing structures. In many cases, manufacturing CoFRPs comprises a forming process of textiles. To predict and optimise the forming behaviour of a component, numerical simulations are applied. However, for maximum part quality, both the geometry and the process parameters must match in mutual regard, which in turn requires numerous numerically expensive optimisation iterations. In both textile and metal forming, a lot of research has focused on determining optimum process parameters, whilst regarding the geometry as invariable. In this work, a meta-model based approach on component level is proposed, that provides a rapid estimation of the formability for variable geometries based on pre-sampled, physics-based draping data. Initially, a geometry recognition algorithm scans the geometry and extracts a set of doubly-curved regions with relevant geometry parameters. If the relevant parameter space is not part of an underlying data base, additional samples via Finite-Element draping simulations are drawn according to a suitable design-table for computer experiments. Time saving parallel runs of the physical simulations accelerate the data acquisition. Ultimately, a Gaussian Regression meta-model is built from the data base. The method is demonstrated on a box-shaped generic structure. The predicted results are in good agreement with physics-based draping simulations. Since evaluations of the established meta-model are numerically inexpensive, any further design exploration (e.g. robustness analysis or design optimisation) can be performed in short time. It is expected that the proposed method also offers great potential for future applications along virtual process chains: For each process step along the chain, a meta-model can be set-up to predict the impact of design variations on manufacturability and part performance. Thus, the method is considered to facilitate a lean and economic part and process design under consideration of manufacturing effects.
Team programming with GORITE

The intelligent agent paradigm has shown considerable promise as a candidate for general complex systems development. However, it is our belief that this promise will remain unfulfilled, with application of the paradigm constrained to situations where there is an overriding requirement to model human behaviour in a cognitively realistic manner. In our experience, such applications are uncommon and we have found that a team programming paradigm, as realised in frameworks such as GORITE, is generally more appropriate for complex systems development, particularly for engineered systems. In this paper, we introduce both the team programming paradigm and its realisation using GORITE.
Microfabricated Au-Film Sensors for the Voltammetric Determination of Hg(II)

In this work, a microfabricated Au-film sensor was designed and fabricated for thevoltammmetric determination of Hg(II). The electrode was fabricated on a silicon chip with astandard microengineering approach utilizing photolithography for patterning the electrode shapeand sputtering for deposition of thin Cr and Au films on the surface of the sensors. The sensorswere used for the determination of trace Hg(II) with anodic stripping voltammetry (ASV): initiallyHg(II) in the sample was accumulated on the Au working electrode surface by reduction andformation of an Au(Hg) amalgam followed by oxidation of the preconcentrated metallic Hg using asquare wave voltammetric scan. The limit of detection was 1. 5μgL−1 and the coefficient of variationof 10 consecutive measurements was 3.1%.
The Peopling of the Americas

Last week the U.S. government put up $12.7 million to begin large-scale sequencing of Arabidopsis thaliana, a small, flowering member of the mustard family. The awards will fund the U.S. portion of an international collaboration that will attempt to decipher the plant's entire genome by 2004. Arabidopsis has several features that make sequencing its genome a worthwhile challenge. Sequencing Arabidopsis should also have a significant impact on plant science, because all 250,000 species of flowering plants, from corn to tulips to cherry trees, are genetically very similar.
Uploader models for video concept detection

In video indexing, it has been noticed that a simple uploader model was able to improve the MAP of concept detection in the TRECVID Semantic Concept Indexing (SIN) task. In this paper, we explore this idea further by comparing different types of uploader models and different types of score/rank distribution. We evaluate the performance of these combinations on the best SIN 2012 runs, and explore the impact of their parameters. We observe that the improvement is generally lower for the best runs than for the weaker runs. We also observe that tuning the models for each concept independently produces a much more significant improvement.
Robust Haptic Teleoperation by FPGA

Abstract This paper describes a robust algorithm for haptic-based teleoperation. The robust control algorithm was derived by sliding mode control design approach. Such control assures robustness to the disturbances and model uncertainties. Furthermore, the presented design approach guaranties chattering-free performance. Moreover, it is also easy to implement, since the detailed knowledge of the model is not required. The control has been implemented by FPGA in order to realize high control rate which is strongly required for haptic teleoperation. The control algorithm was validated by the 2-DoF laboratory haptic experimental system with linear motors with built-in Hall sensors; therefore no external sensor is required. The experiments validated the proposed control algorithm regarding the robustness and haptic performance.
Beyond "beyond being there": towards multiscale communication systems

Forty years after AT&T's Picturephone, video is still mainly considered as a way to enhance audio communication in an attempt to reproduce face-to-face conditions. In a 1992 paper, Hollan and Stornetta argued that we should develop communication tools that go beyond being there. In this paper, we discuss two different interpretations of their analysis. We then propose the concept of multiscale communication as an alternative approach for motivating telecommunication research, an approach that aims at creating systems that support a variable degree of engagement, smooth transitions between degrees and integration with other media. Finally, we present three video systems from which the multiscale communication concept emerged and that partly illustrate it.