Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Adaptive Fuzzy Neural Trees

We propose Adaptive Fuzzy Neural Trees as an appropriate tool for intelligent data analysis, comprehension , and prediction. Instead of using a single technique Adaptive Fuzzy Neural Trees as a mixture of paradigms combine the main advantages of neural networks, decision trees, and fuzzy logic. Like neural networks they are able to model smooth functions and can be adapted incrementally. Like decision trees their topology and initial parameters can easily be derived from a training data set by well known statistical methods, they provide for an extremely eecient implementation, and they allow for insights to human experts. As with fuzzy systems human knowledge can be brought in and soft decisions can be made with respect to fuzzy sets. Our experiments with an implementation of Adaptive Fuzzy Neural Trees shows that the multiple paradigm concept has clear advantages over the pure single paradigm approaches.
The Judiciary in Magistrates’ Courts

This lengthy study sets out the research methodology clearly and concisely, is well written and surprisingly easy to ‘dip into’. The appendix provides comprehensive background information regarding policy and practice in the management of disruptive prisoners, including a précis of the ‘Spurr Report’, which provided the impetus for the CSC system. The findings of the research are significant and practitioners with an interest in the management of disruptive prisoners and those working in the custodial setting will find the report invaluable.
FORMATION CRITERIA AND THE MASS OF SECONDARY POPULATION III STARS

We explore the formation of secondary Population III (Pop III) stars under radiation hydrodynamic (RHD) feedback by a preformed massive star. To properly treat RHD feedback, we perform three-dimensional RHD simulations incorporating the radiative transfer of ionizing photons as well as H2 dissociating photons from a preformed star. A collapsing gas cloud is settled at a given distance from a 120 M☉ Pop III star, and the evolution of the cloud is pursued including RHD feedback. We derive the threshold density depending on the distance, above which the cloud can keep collapsing owing to the shielding of H2 dissociating radiation. We find that an H2 shell formed ahead of an ionizing front works effectively to shield the H2 dissociating radiation, leading to the positive feedback for the secondary Pop III star formation. Also, near the threshold density, the envelope of gas cloud is stripped significantly by a shock associated with an ionizing front. By comparing the mass accretion timescale with the Kelvin–Helmholtz timescale, we estimate the mass of secondary Pop III stars. It turns out that the stripping by a shock can reduce the mass of secondary Pop III stars down to ≈20 M☉.
Early Language Intervention

This investigation focused on the effectiveness of classroom versus individual interventions in promoting initial lexical acquisition for young preschool children with language delays. Twenty children aged 20–47 months were randomly assigned to individual and classroom-based early intervention programs. Progress was measured in terms of children’s spontaneous and productive use of the target items in treatment and home-based generalization settings at mid- and posttreatment measurement points. Results indicated that use of target words as measured by treatment data was equal for children in the two intervention conditions. Differences were apparent when home generalization data were considered. Children in the classroom intervention condition demonstrated a greater degree of productive use of target words in the home generalization measures than did children in the individual intervention condition. The children also demonstrated differences in use of target words in treatment versus home settings. A fair.
A graph-based method for analyzing electronic medical records

The recent years have seen a surge in the implementation of electronic health care records. These patient records contain valuable medical information including patient information, diagnosis, treatment methods, and eventual patient outcomes. It is important to analyze patterns within these records in order to more efficiently treat individuals. In this paper, we present a method for automatically discovering underlying themes and patterns within patient data. Our methodology includes the creation of the main themes or patterns in the data and linking the themes back to the corpus from which they were generated. In our research, we partitioned graphs from terms gathered from electronic health records. Modularity was used as the quality function, which strives to measure how well a given partition of a network compartmentalizes its communities. We have compared our method with probabilistic topic modeling algorithms, specifically LDA (Latent Dirichlet Allocation). Finally, recall and precision measures were used to evaluate the validity of our final results.
Dietary fat and fiber in relation to risk of breast cancer. An 8-year follow-up.

OBJECTIVE To address the hypotheses that dietary fat increases and fiber decreases the risk of breast cancer. DESIGN Prospective cohort study with dietary assessment at baseline, using a validated, self-administered food frequency questionnaire. SETTING/PARTICIPANTS 89,494 women in the Nurses' Health Study who were 34 through 59 years of age in 1980 and who were followed up for 8 years (> 95% complete). RESULTS 1439 incident cases of breast cancer were diagnosed, including 774 among postmenopausal women. After adjustment for age, established risk factors, and total energy intake, we observed no evidence of any positive association between total fat intake and breast cancer incidence (relative risks [RRs] for increasing quintiles of fat intake were 1.0, 0.85, 0.96, 0.91, and 0.90; 95% confidence interval for highest vs lowest quintile, 0.77 to 1.07). Among postmenopausal women alone, corresponding RRs were 1.0, 0.89, 1.00, 0.95, and 0.91. Comparing extreme deciles of total fat intake (> or = 49% vs < 29% of total energy intake), the RR was 0.86 (95% confidence interval, 0.67 to 1.08). A similar absence of any positive association was observed without adjustment for energy intake; for tumors less than 2 cm as well as 2 cm or greater in diameter; for saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fat; and after excluding the first 4 years of follow-up. Also, we found no suggestion of any positive association when using a more detailed and precise dietary questionnaire completed in 1984 (666 subsequent cases), even when women consuming less than 25% of energy from fat were used as the comparison group. No suggestion of a protective effect of dietary fiber was observed (RRs for increasing quintiles were 1.0, 0.95, 0.93, 1.02, and 1.02). CONCLUSIONS These data provide evidence against both an adverse influence of fat intake and a protective effect of fiber consumption by middle-aged women on breast cancer incidence over 8 years. Nevertheless, the positive association between intake of animal fat and risk of colon cancer observed in many studies provides ample reason to limit this source of energy.
High Nonlinearity and Single-Mode Transmission in Tapered Multimode $\hbox{As}_{2}\hbox{Se}_{3}$-PMMA Fibers

We demonstrate the fabrication and use of a 10-cm-long-PMMA microwire with ultrahigh waveguide nonlinearity γ= 176 W-1 m-1 that is fully compatible with standard single-mode silica fibers. The fabrication of this microtaper is simplified with respect to a previous approach as the core is made of a bulk cylinder rather than a single-mode step-index fiber. The successful operation of this nonlinear component is demonstrated with a Kerr-shutter switching experiment based on nonlinear polarization rotation.
Differential Age Effects in Semantic and Episodic Memory, Part II: Slope and Intercept Analyses

This study tested for dissociations between age-related slowing in peripheral and central processes across semantic and episodic memory tasks. We report the mixed-model analysis of variance (ANOVA) results using reaction time (RT), error, and data from four different experimental tasks and eight data sets (the four tasks involved either multiple sessions or different stimuli) conducted on the same 80 participants (40 younger and 40 older adults). An earlier paper (Allen, Sliwinski, Bowie, & Madden, in press) reported the factor analysis and structural equation modeling results of this study. We employed two semantic memory tasks (lexical decision and multiplication verification) using data from two different sessions (for a total of four semantic data sets), and two episodic memory tasks (hybrid visual search and memory search with digits and withwords as stimuli). For RT analyses, we found Age 2 Task interactions for all four episodic memory data sets, but no Age 2 Task interactions for the four semantic memory data sets. Also, the intercept (assumed to index peripheral processes) and slope (assumed to index central processes) analyses demonstrated that older adults (relative to younger adults) showed both intercept and slope decrements for episodic memory tasks, but only intercept decrements for semantic memory tasks. These data are consistent with a theoretical framework in which there are age-related dissociations between peripheral and central processes across semantic and episodic memory.
‘Venture Companies,’ ‘Flexible Labor,’ and the ‘New Intellectual’: The Neoliberal Construction of Underemployed Youth in South Korea

This paper explores the socio-political context of the neoliberal subjectification of youth in a particular moment of South Korean history 1997–2001, the confluence of the Asian Debt Crisis and the ascendancy of the nation's first civilian president with no affiliation to the military, Kim Dae Jung. The changing value of underemployed youth, suddenly represented as ‘deserving welfare citizens’ and valuable human capital, demonstrated the vast penetration of neoliberal values in South Korean society, conspicuous not only in state policies on welfare and industry but also in people's daily lives. Based on the author's observations of Seoul city managers and underemployed youth working in a Public Work Program during the period, this paper analyzes discourses related to the neoliberalized view of the value of youth during this period, including discourses on ‘venture companies,’ ‘flexible labor,’ ‘new intellectual,’ and ‘the human capital of youth. ’
Using action research to challenge stereotypes

Action research has a long history of focus on social justice. This article examines such a project, a grant-funded action research project in Australia designed for a group of 14 teachers to study boys’ writing and their attitudes about writing. I argue that action research was a crucial methodology to help the participating teachers frame boys’ education issues as nuanced and complex from the beginning, and they were thus able to look past overgeneralizations and stereotypes that circulate in the media and popular books about boys. I list some of these stereotypes and then compare them to the teachers’ action research findings. Finally, I explore implications for action research educators and project directors.
MR identification of white matter abnormalities in multiple sclerosis: a comparison between 1.5 T and 4 T.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Although MR spectroscopy and functional MR imaging of the brain have been successful at 4 T, conventional fast spin-echo imaging of the brain at 4 T has not been adequately evaluated. The purpose of this study was to compare the detection of white matter abnormalities in multiple sclerosis (MS) at 1.5 T and 4 T. METHODS Fifteen patients with clinically definite MS were imaged at both 1.5 T and 4 T within a 1-week period. Comparison was made between fast spin-echo long-TR images at both field strengths. Pulse sequences were tailored to maximize resolution and signal-to-noise ratio in clinically relevant imaging times (< 7 min). Four interpreters independently reviewed the images obtained at both field strengths in separate sessions and evaluated them for lesion identification, size, characterization, and subjective resolution. Differences in interpretations at 1.5 T and 4 T were subsequently recorded. RESULTS Images obtained at 4 T showed a mean of 88 more lesions as compared with images obtained at 1.5 T. All the lesions measured less than 5 mm and were typically aligned along perivascular spaces. Twenty-five consensually identified lesions on 4-T images were not seen at all on 1.5-T images. Moreover, 4-T images showed 56 additional consensually identified lesions, which were indistinct and seen only in retrospect on 1.5-T images. These lesions were frequently (n = 48) identified in large confluent areas of white matter signal intensity abnormality at 1.5 T. All observers also agreed that 4-T images subjectively enhanced the perception of normal perivascular spaces and small perivascular lesions. CONCLUSION MR imaging at 4 T can depict white matter abnormalities in MS patients not detectable at 1.5 T through higher resolution with comparable signal-to-noise ratio and imaging times.
Free(z)ing Degrees of Freedom in Skill Acquisition

Abstract This study reports an empirical investigation into Bernstein's (1967) ideas that in the early stages of the acquisition of a movement skill the coordination problem is reduced by an initial freezing out of degrees of freedom, followed later in the learning process by the release of these degrees of freedom and their incorporation into a dynamic, controllable system. “Freezing” degrees of freedom was made operational both as a rigid fixation of individual degrees of freedom and as the formation of rigid couplings between multiple degrees of freedom. Five subjects practiced slalom-like ski movements on a ski apparatus for 7 consecutive days. Results showed that at the early phases of learning, the joint angles of the lower limbs and torso displayed little movement, as expressed by their standard deviations and ranges of angular motion, whereas joint couplings were high, as shown by the relatively high cross correlations between joint angles. Over practice, angular movement significantly increased i.
3D mesh segmentation using a two-stage merging strategy

3D mesh segmentation has been widely used in fields such as computer vision. Existing algorithms have the problems of over- and under-merging when performing 3D mesh segmentation. In this paper, we propose a robust and efficient segmentation algorithm using a so-called two-stage merging strategy. We first define a flatness measure for mesh faces, and partition the given mesh model into different patches based on the flatness measure. In order to handle the over- and under-merging problems, we first perform a local merging operation and then a global merging operation. Experiments show that our algorithm is effective, and works well even for models without obvious part boundaries at their joints.
Temporal Trajectory Aware Video Quality Measure

The measurement of video quality for lossy and low-bitrate network transmissions is a challenging topic. Especially, the temporal artifacts which are introduced by video transmission systems and their effects on the viewer's satisfaction have to be addressed. This paper focuses on a framework that adds a temporal distortion awareness to typical video quality measurement algorithms. A motion estimation is used to track image areas over time. Based on the motion vectors and the motion prediction error, the appearance of new image areas and the display time of objects is evaluated. Additionally, degradations which stick to moving objects can be judged more exactly. An implementation of this framework for multimedia sequences, e.g., QCIF, CIF, or VGA resolution, is presented in detail. It shows that the processing steps and the signal representations that are generated by the algorithm follow the reasoning of a human observer in a subjective experiment. The improvements that can be achieved with the newly proposed algorithm are demonstrated using the results of the Multimedia Phase I database of the Video Quality Experts Group.
Quantitative Concept Analysis

Computer modeling of activities such as concept-learning, conceptual blending, discovery, analogy and creativity has greatly expanded our understanding of possible mechanisms of conceptualization. Unfortunately, it has also meant that theoretical assessment of conceptual possibilities has become problematic. Determining what concepts can be constructed by what mechanisms in what contexts is far from straightforward. In this paper, a task analysis is developed which addresses the problem. This focuses on the combinatorial properties of conceptualization, dividing the space of concept-combination mechanisms into distinct prototypes and assessing the generative properties of each. Complexity formulae are presented which characterize the number of constructs which can be formed by a range of combinatorial strategies. The way in which such processes lead to the generation of distinct conceptual structures and spaces is mapped out. The analysis is then used to clarify the relationships between a range of concept-formation models and to address some issues of human conceptualization.
Divorce mediation in the light of cybernetic explanation

Borrowing much from family systems therapy, mediation might be better served through the more direct explication provided by “cybernetic explanation. ” As a pragmatic, process-oriented way of appreciating change, cybernetic explanation is a different way of seeing the mediation process. This “seeing” provides a basis for alternative approaches and attitudes in the mediator, including emphasis on solutions rather than problems; introduction of news of difference; enabling or expanding inquiry and framing of the mediation process; challenging client certainty; and living with uncertainty.
Quantization of String Theory in AdS

We study the BRST quantization of bosonic and NSR strings propagating in AdS3 × N backgrounds. The no-ghost theorem is proved using the Frenkel-GarlandZuckerman method. Regular and spectrally-flowed representations of affine SL(2,R) appear on an equal footing. Possible generalizations to related curved backgrounds are discussed.
Liver transplantation in the United States from 1987-1998: updated results from the Pitt-UNOS Liver Transplant Registry.

CENTERS Between 1988-1997, the total number of liver transplantations performed in the US more than doubled from 1,713-4,158, and the number of centers performing liver transplantations increased from 59-107. In recent years, the yearly net gain in the number of operating centers has slowed, and the differences in LT volume across centers has remained stable. OUTCOMES During the first year following transplantation, patient survival was approximately the same for adults and children, while retransplantation-free survival was poorest among children. Thereafter, survival declined more rapidly among adults than among children. SURVIVAL AMONG PEDIATRIC RECIPIENTS The estimated cumulative probability of a pediatric recipient surviving for 10 years following transplantation was . 80, and surviving for 10 years without retransplantation was . 59. In general, few deaths or retransplantations were observed more than 4 years after the initial transplantation. Factors independently associated with patient and retransplantation-free survival among children were year of transplantation, recipient age, being on life support while awaiting transplantation, primary liver disease, serum creatinine, total bilirubin, donor age, donor race, and warm ischemic time. Recipient race, a multi-organ transplant procedure, and serum albumin level were significantly associated with patient survival only. The use of a reduced-size or split liver for transplantation in children was independently associated with retransplantation-free survival, but not with patient survival. SURVIVAL AMONG ADULT RECIPIENTS The estimated cumulative probability of an adult recipient surviving for 10 years following transplantation was . 61, and surviving for 10 years without retransplantation was . 46 with the median retransplantation-free survival time estimated at 9.2 years. Factors independently associated with patient and retransplantation-free survival among adults were year of transplantation, recipient age, recipient race, recipient location awaiting transplantation, primary liver disease, serum creatinine and albumin levels, hepatitis B surface antigen status, donor age, donor anti-CMV status, warm ischemic time, sex match, pretransplant ventilator or inotrope use, and recipient anti-HCV status. Pre-transplant bilirubin level, a multi-organ transplant procedure, and the finding of an incidental tumor were significantly associated with patient survival; and donor race, ABO match, and uncontrolled variceal bleeding were associated with retransplantation-free survival.
Anticoagulants for Total Antioxidant Activity Assay

The interesting comparative study' of the effect of anticoagulant choice on measured total antioxidant activity (TAA) did not refer to the use of serum. I prefer to use serum or otherwise acid citrate dextrose as anticoagulant. Heparinized blood is convenient for immediate centrifugation, but stored frozen heparinized plasma samples produce fibrin clots on thawing to which analytes of interest may adsorb! I have not found any significant difference between TAA values on fresh heparinized plasma and serum (n = 30) using the ABTS method. 3 TAA is stable in unseparated blood for at least 6 h at room temperature, indicating that the time taken for clotting will not affect the result. Heparin is not an antioxidant in the sense that it does not possess hydrogen-donating antioxidant activity: it will react with hydroxyl radicals, which reflects their extreme reactivity rather than a specific property of heparin. In contrast, EDTA does possess weak hydrogen-donating antioxidant activity (distinct from its activity as a metal chelator);3 this is, however, unlikely to be significant in plasma at the EDTA concentration at which it is used as an anticoagulant. A wide variety of samples may therefore be suitable for this assay, so long as they are measured without extended storage in the freezer.
The primary transcriptome of Neisseria meningitidis and its interaction with the RNA chaperone Hfq

Abstract Neisseria meningitidis is a human commensal that can also cause life-threatening meningitis and septicemia. Despite growing evidence for RNA-based regulation in meningococci, their transcriptome structure and output of regulatory small RNAs (sRNAs) are incompletely understood. Using dRNA-seq, we have mapped at single-nucleotide resolution the primary transcriptome of N. meningitidis strain 8013. Annotation of 1625 transcriptional start sites defines transcription units for most protein-coding genes but also reveals a paucity of classical σ70-type promoters, suggesting the existence of activators that compensate for the lack of −35 consensus sequences in N. meningitidis. The transcriptome maps also reveal 65 candidate sRNAs, a third of which were validated by northern blot analysis. Immunoprecipitation with the RNA chaperone Hfq drafts an unexpectedly large post-transcriptional regulatory network in this organism, comprising 23 sRNAs and hundreds of potential mRNA targets. Based on this data, using a newly developed gfp reporter system we validate an Hfq-dependent mRNA repression of the putative colonization factor PrpB by the two trans-acting sRNAs RcoF1/2. Our genome-wide RNA compendium will allow for a better understanding of meningococcal transcriptome organization and riboregulation with implications for colonization of the human nasopharynx.