Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Ascertaining Knowledge of Reading with the Artley-Hardin Inventory.

The'Inventory of Teachr Knowledge of Reading was adminiSte'red to a sample of, 60 freshmen-, 60 juniors, and 60 seniors in elementary education at the Univrsi4y of Illinois. In addition, it.was administered to 60 experienced teachers who had . not attended the University of Illinois as underitraduatkts. lz analysis of variance o_f the test scores was significant (F=74.7) and a Newman KeulS showed that the scores of'the freshmen, juniors, and seniors were significantly different,. Seniors' and experienced teachers' scores did not differ. Items were assigned to he knowledge categories identified by' the t6st-authors. Fifty percent'of the items were assigned to three knowledge categories by three reading specialists. ' These categories were reading readiness, word perception/ and comprehension-critical reading. KR20 coefficients were too low to suggest use of knowledge categorieS-as subscales. Items with the best characteristics were identified for use as a-possible short-form. (Author /-t ***************************************4! **** ************************* * Documents acquired by ERIC include many informal unpublished * * materials not available frbm other somre*6s. ERIC makes every effort * * to obtain the best copy available. Nevertheless, items of marginal * * reproducibility are often encountered and this affects the, quality * * of the microtiche and hardcopy reproductions 'ERIC makes available * * via the ERIC Document Peproddction Service (EDRS). EDRS is not * * responsible for the quality of the original document. Reproductions * * supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original. * ****************At*****************************************************
An architecture for xml information retrieval in a peer-to-peer environment

XML has become a widely accepted standard for modelling, storing, and exchanging structured documents. Taking advantage of the document structure can result in improving the retrieval performance of XML-documents notably. A growing number of these documents are stored in Peer-to-Peer networks, which are promising self-organizing infrastructures. Documents are distributed over the Peer-to-Peer network by either being stored locally on individual peers or by being assigned to collections such as Digital Libraries. Current search methods for XML-documents in Peer-to-Peer networks lack the use of Information Retrieval techniques for vague queries and relevance detection. Our work aims for the development of a search engine for XML-documents, where Information Retrieval methods are enhanced by using structural information. Documents and global index are distributed over a Peer-to-Peer Network, building a virtually unlimited storage space. In this paper, a conceptual architecture for XML Information Retrieval in Peer-to-Peer networks is proposed. Based on this general architecture, a component-structured architecture for a concrete search engine is presented, which uses an extension of the Vector Space Model to compute relevance for dynamic XML-documents.
An introduction to consistent graphs and their signal processing applications

In this paper, we present an introduction into the synthesis of consistent graphs. A consistent graph is a directed weighted graph whose cyclic sum of edge weights along all loops is zero. We show that this novel graph theoretical framework is a useful tool for various signal processing tasks, in particular sensor fusion applications. We introduce the concept and notation of consistent graphs, discuss their properties, address different synthesis issues, and describe some signal processing applications.
Isolation and Analysis of Genes Involved in Siderophore Biosynthesis in Plant-Growth-Stimulating Pseudomonas putida WCS 358

The plant-growth-stimulating Pseudomonas putida WCS358 was mutagenized with transposon TnS. The resulting mutant colony bank was screened for mutants defective in the biosynthesis of the fluorescent siderophore. A total of 28 mutants, divided into six different classes, were isolated that were nonfluorescent or defective in iron acquisition or both. These different types of mutants together with the probable overall structure of the siderophore, i.e., a small peptide chain attached to a fluorescing group, suggest a biosynthetic pathway in which the synthesis of the fluorescing group is preceded by the synthesis of the peptide part. A gene colony bank of P. putida WCS358 was constructed with the broad-host-range cosmid vector pLAFR1. This genomic library, established in Escherichia coli, was mobilized into the 28 individual mutants, screening for transconjugants restored in fluorescence or growth under iron-limiting conditions or both. A total of 13 cosmids
Load-aware user association with quality of service support in heterogeneous cellular networks

In this study, the authors propose a user association scheme with quality of service support for load balancing in heterogeneous cellular networks (HCNs), which jointly considers user's achievable rate and load level of each BS instead of only utilising the former. To reveal how HCNs should self-organise, the authors formulate it as a network-wide weighted utility maximisation problem. Note that the formulated problem is a non-linear mixed-integer one, and its optimal solutions may be very difficult to be found when it is large-scale. To solve the proposed problem, the authors design a low-complexity distributed algorithm via dual decomposition. Numerical results show that, compared with the range expansion association (REA) and best power association (BPA), the strategy has a higher load balancing level (LBL) and a lower call blocking probability (CBP). Meanwhile, the proposed algorithm occupies a very fast convergence rate when its parameters are set properly.
Central obesity as a clinical marker of adiposopathy; increased visceral adiposity as a surrogate marker for global fat dysfunction

Purpose of reviewSubcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) is often described as ‘protective’. Visceral adipose tissue (VAT) is often described as ‘pathologic’. However, both SAT and VAT have protective and pathologic potential, with interdependent biologic functions. Recent findingsMost of the body's (excess) energy is stored as fat in SAT. If during positive caloric balance, SAT does not undergo adequate adipogenesis, then excess energy may result in adipocyte hypertrophy, leading to hypoxia, immunopathies, and endocrinopathies. Energy overflow may promote accumulation of pericardial fat, perivascular fat, and myocardial fat, which may directly contribute to atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (CVD). Lipotoxic free fatty acid delivery to nonadipose body organs (e.g. liver, muscle, and pancreas) may indirectly contribute to CVD by promoting the most common metabolic disorders encountered in clinical practice (e.g. high blood sugars, high blood pressure, and dyslipidaemia), all major CVD risk factors. Finally, SAT energy overflow may increase VAT accumulation, which is also associated with increased risk of metabolic diseases and CVD. SummaryIncreased VAT is a surrogate marker for SAT dysfunction which increases waist circumference, reflecting a shared pathologic process leading to the pathogenic fat accumulation of other fat depots and fatty infiltration of nonadipose body organs. Central obesity is a clinical marker for adiposopathy.
A Markerless Gestural Interface for Avatar Control April

This project serves as a gestural interface for searching a motion capture database. This system is intended to handle the gestures of a wide range of users employing algorithms that were trained on gestures identified in a user study. With this system, users can act out gestures in front of a natural interaction device, which will trigger different behaviors of an on-screen character. This inexpensive system captures movements using a Microsoft Kinect or similar sensor. A blob tracking method is used in conjunction with hidden Markov models (HMMs) to recognize the motions to be retrieved from a motion capture database and performed by an on-screen avatar.
Rotation and scale invariant shape representation and recognition using matching pursuit

Using a low-level representation of images, like matching pursuit, we introduce a new way of describing objects through a general description using a translation, rotation, and isotropic scale invariant dictionary of basis functions. This description is then used as a predefined dictionary of the object to conduct a shape recognition task. We show some promising results for both parts of description and detection with simple shapes.
SITRANS: a Web Information System for Microarray Experiments

Microarray experiments aim at analyzing expression levels of genes using DNA probes. The amount of data managed for each experiment is very large. It is thus essential to provide electronic support for the capture and the management of information describing microarray experiments. We present here the SITRANS Web information system, the aim of which is to help research workers storing, browsing, sharing and publishing data.
3-D Virtual Worlds: Education and Learning

3-D virtual worlds are increasing in popularity as a medium for higher education. In this research, we assess the efficacy of two instruction strategies in a virtual world environment, Second Life, and their effects on interactivity, social presence, and perceived learning. The two instruction strategies are direct and interactive instruction strategies. Our findings suggest that the interactive instruction strategy is more effective than the direct instruction strategy in increasing perceived learning, social presence, and classroom interactivity in the virtual world environment. The study also captured data on perceived ease of use and usefulness of the virtual world environment for education. The results show that the virtual world environment is perceived by students to be easy to use for both direct and interactive sessions. Students perceived the virtual world environment to be more useful for the interactive session than for the direct instruction session.
Unifying Single-Linkage and Max-Sum Clustering

To unify the motivating principles behind Max-Sum and Single-Linkage clustering, we consider an axiomatic approach to the theory of Clustering. We discuss abstract properties of clustering functions, following the framework of Kleinberg, [7]. By relaxing one of Kleinberg’s clustering axioms, we sidestep his impossibility result and arrive at a consistent set of axioms. We suggest to extend these axioms, aiming to provide an axiomatic taxonomy of clustering paradigms. Such a taxonomy should provide users some guidance concerning the choice of the appropriate clustering paradigm for a given task. The main result of this paper is a set of abstract properties that characterize the Max-Sum and Single-Linkage clustering functions. These functions have been traditionally treated separately, as the principles motivating their use have never been unified. In the current paper we provide alternative axiomatic definitions for Max-Sum and Single-Linkage which sheds light on their common underlying principles and will guide the user to decide which is appropriate for a particular task, if either of them.
Query Optimization in Dynamic Environments

Most modern applications deal with very large amounts of data. Having to deal with such huge amounts of data is in itself a challenge. This challenge is complicated even more by the fact that, in many cases, this data is constantly changing and evolving. For instance, relational databases that handle the data of day-to-day transactional applications often have tables with very high data change rates. It is not uncommon to even have temporary or volatile tables that get created from scratch and completely dropped over the course of one query workload. This dissertation focuses on optimizing structured queries over dynamic and constantly changing data sets. Our work address this issue, and some of the challenges related to it. We address the issue of database statistics becoming stale and inaccurate due to constantly changing data. We introduce ways to automatically analyze the existing statistics and recommend and collect the necessary statistics to optimize a single query or a query workload. We introduce a mechanism to automate the recommendation and collection of statistical views for a given query workload. We also compare two methods of using these statistical views in selectivity estimation. We evaluate our methods and techniques with experimental studies using prototypes that we built into commercial database systems.
Modelling and implementation of twisted differential on-chip interconnects for crosstalk noise reduction

A simple generic interconnect architecture is presented to allow effective cancellation of inductive and capacitive noise in high-speed on-chip interconnect lines. The approach is based on the principle of constructing periodically twisted differential line pairs for parallel interconnect segments in order to eliminate the mutual coupling influences. Detailed simulations show that the twisted-differential lines (TDL) provide high-speed and crosstalk-immune interconnects, compared to single-ended and differential lines.
Exercise to Enhance Mobility and Prevent Falls After Stroke

Background. Exercise interventions can enhance mobility after stroke as well as prevent falls in elderly persons. Objective. Investigate whether an exercise intervention can enhance mobility, prevent falls, and increase physical activity among community-dwelling people after stroke. Method. A randomized trial with blinding of physical outcome assessment was conducted through local stroke clubs. Both groups, on average 5.9 years poststroke, received exercise classes, advice, and a home program for 12 months. The experimental group (EG) program (n = 76) aimed to improve walking, prevent falls and increase physical activity. The control group (CG) program (n = 75) aimed to improve upper-limb and cognitive functions. The primary outcomes were walking capacity, walking speed measured before and after the intervention, and fall rates monitored monthly. Results. At 12 months, the EG walked 34 m further in 6 minutes (95% confidence interval [CI] = 19-50; P < .001) and 0.07 m/s faster over 10 m (95% CI = 0.01-0.14; P = .03) than the CG. The EG had 129 falls, and the CG had 133. There were no differences in proportion of fallers (relative risk = 1.22; 95% CI = 0.91-1.62; P = .19) or the rate of falls between groups (incidence rate ratio = 0.96; 95% CI = 0.59-1.51; P = .88). Conclusion. The experimental intervention delivered through stroke clubs enhanced aspects of mobility but had no effect on falls.
Creative methods in organizational research

Underlying Theories and Principles - Mike Broussine The Seductive Qualities of Creative Methods - Mike Broussine Critical Awareness Creative Dialogue - Mick Beeby and Peter Simpson Drawings and Art - Mike Broussine Stories - Peter Simpson Poetry - Louise Grisoni Masks and Theatre - Philip Kirk and Robert French Reflections - Margaret Page and Mike Broussine
Core3 O-Glycan Synthase Suppresses Tumor Formation and Metastasis of Prostate Carcinoma PC3 and LNCaP Cells through Down-regulation of α2β1 Integrin Complex*

Although there are numerous reports of carbohydrates enriched in cancer cells, very few studies have addressed the functions of carbohydrates present in normal cells that decrease in cancer cells. It has been reported that core3 O-glycans are synthesized in normal gastrointestinal cells but are down-regulated in cancer cells. To determine the roles of core3 O-glycans, we transfected PC3 and LNCaP prostate cancer cells with β3-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase-6 (core3 synthase) required to synthesize core3 O-glycans. Both engineered cell lines exhibited reduced migration and invasion through extracellular matrix components compared with mock-transfected cells. Moreover we found that α2β1 integrin acquired core3 O-glycans in cells expressing core3 synthase with decreased maturation of β1 integrin, leading to decreased levels of the α2β1 integrin complex, decreased activation of focal adhesion kinase, and reduced lamellipodia formation. Upon inoculation into the prostate of nude mice, PC3 cells expressing core3 O-glycans produced much smaller tumors without metastasis to the surrounding lymph nodes in contrast to robust tumor formation and metastasis seen in mock-transfected PC3 cells. Similarly LNCaP cells expressing core3 O-glycans barely produced subcutaneous tumors in contrast to robust tumor formation by mock-transfected LNCaP cells. These findings indicate that addition of core3 O-glycans to β1 and α2 integrin subunits in prostate cancer cells suppresses tumor formation and tumor metastasis.
An optimal operating point by using error monitoring circuits with an error-resilient technique

For applications related to human, such as Internet of Things (loT) and wearable devices, near threshold voltage (NTV) technology has been proposed for the trade-off between performance and energy consumption. However, errorresilient techniques are required in the circuits to improve reliability of the NTV operation. In this paper, we propose a low-overhead error-resilient system and a design flow for NTV operations. We use a new monitoring circuit, which can detect timing errors and find an optimal operation point of the system. Also, we propose two different methodologies, which are slack-based methodology and sensitivity-based methodology. From the proposed monitoring system and the sensitivitybased sorting algorithm, benchmark results show that the optimal designs provide up to 46% monitoring area reduction maintaining similar error detection ability of the conventional error-resilient design.
Who Am I?: Identity Formation, Youth, and Therapeutic Recreation

During adolescence, the development of sense of identity is a crucial task (Erikson, 1959/1980). Although identity development is not a primary treatment goal for most TR clients, many benefits of identity development mirror desired outcomes of TR services: reduced substance abuse, increased adjustment to disability, reduced anxiety, and increased self-esteem (Coyle, Kinney, Riley, & Shank, 1991). Identity development in adolescence also has been associated with long term optimal health and well-being (Baumeister, 1995), which is a focus of TR services (Austin, 1998). This paper presents an application of Marcia's (1966) ego identity status paradigm to assist TR professionals to facilitate identity development in adolescents as a primary or secondary treatment goal.
Analysis of the Reliability of a Nationwide Short Message Service

SMS has been arguably the most popular wireless data service for cellular networks. Due to its ubiquitous availability and universal support by mobile handsets and cellular carriers, it is also being considered for emergency notification and other mission-critical applications. Despite its increased popularity, the reliability of SMS service in real-world operational networks has received little study so far. In this work, we investigate the reliability of SMS by analyzing traces collected from a nationwide cellular network over a period of three weeks. Although the SMS service incorporates a number of reliability mechanisms such as delivery acknowledgement and multiple retries, our study shows that its reliability is not as good as we expected. For example the message delivery failure ratio is as high as 5.1% during normal operation conditions. We also analyze the performance of the service under stressful conditions, and in particular during a "flash-crowd" event that occurred in New Year's Eve of 2005. Two important factors that adversely affect reliability of SMS are also examined: bulk message delivery that may induce network-wide congestion, and the topological structure of the social network formed by SMS users, which may facilitate quick propagation of viruses or other malware.
Morris Water Maze Experiment

The Morris water maze is widely used to study spatial memory and learning. Animals are placed in a pool of water that is colored opaque with powdered non-fat milk or non-toxic tempera paint, where they must swim to a hidden escape platform. Because they are in opaque water, the animals cannot see the platform, and cannot rely on scent to find the escape route. Instead, they must rely on external/extra-maze cues. As the animals become more familiar with the task, they are able to find the platform more quickly. Developed by Richard G. Morris in 1984, this paradigm has become one of the "gold standards" of behavioral neuroscience.
Compiling Uncertainty Away in Conformant Planning Problems with Bounded Width

Conformant planning is the problem of finding a sequence of actions for achieving a goal in the presence of uncertainty in the initial state or action effects. The problem has been approached as a path-finding problem in belief space where good belief representations and heuristics are critical for scaling up. In this work, a different formulation is introduced for conformant problems with deterministic actions where they are automatically converted into classical ones and solved by an off-the-shelf classical planner. The translation maps literals L and sets of assumptions t about the initial situation, into new literals KL/t that represent that L must be true if t is initially true. We lay out a general translation scheme that is sound and establish the conditions under which the translation is also complete. We show that the complexity of the complete translation is exponential in a parameter of the problem called the conformant width, which for most benchmarks is bounded. The planner based on this translation exhibits good performance in comparison with existing planners, and is the basis for T0, the best performing planner in the Conformant Track of the 2006 International Planning Competition.
NOPdb: Nucleolar Proteome Database

The Nucleolar Proteome Database (NOPdb) archives data on >700 proteins that were identified by multiple mass spectrometry (MS) analyses from highly purified preparations of human nucleoli, the most prominent nuclear organelle. Each protein entry is annotated with information about its corresponding gene, its domain structures and relevant protein homologues across species, as well as documenting its MS identification history including all the peptides sequenced by tandem MS/MS. Moreover, data showing the quantitative changes in the relative levels of ∼500 nucleolar proteins are compared at different timepoints upon transcriptional inhibition. Correlating changes in protein abundance at multiple timepoints, highlighted by visualization means in the NOPdb, provides clues regarding the potential interactions and relationships between nucleolar proteins and thereby suggests putative functions for factors within the 30% of the proteome which comprises novel/uncharacterized proteins. The NOPdb () is searchable by either gene names, nucleotide or protein sequences, Gene Ontology terms or motifs, or by limiting the range for isoelectric points and/or molecular weights and links to other databases (e.g. LocusLink, OMIM and PubMed).
Online Learning for Distribution-Free Prediction

We develop an online learning method for prediction, which is important in problems with large and/or streaming data sets. We formulate the learning approach using a covariance-fitting methodology, and show that the resulting predictor has desirable computational and distribution-free properties: It is implemented online with a runtime that scales linearly in the number of samples; has a constant memory requirement; avoids local minima problems; and prunes away redundant feature dimensions without relying on restrictive assumptions on the data distribution. In conjunction with the split conformal approach, it also produces distribution-free prediction confidence intervals in a computationally efficient manner. The method is demonstrated on both real and synthetic datasets.