Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Speech and Language Guidelines for Children Adopted From Abroad at Older Ages

Children adopted from abroad at older ages have unique speech and language-learning issues. At adoption, the impact of longer stays in orphanages with their associated lack of enrichment, nutrition, and healthcare is more pronounced. After adoption, the children begin school in a new language soon after arriving home. These children quickly lose their birth language before gaining proficiency in the new adopted language, leaving them vulnerable to academic learning difficulties during the transition period. Speech–language pathologists and educators need to understand the typical progression of language learning in this unique group of children so they can determine which children need extra support during the language transition process. This article reviews preadoption issues in older children and provides preliminary information on typical patterns of speech and language acquisition observed during the first year home based on data for a group of children adopted from Eastern Europe between the ages of 2 to 4. It also discusses the impact of age of adoption on language outcomes and provides guidelines for valid assessment of speech and language in this unique population of children.
Benchmarking Face Alignment

Face alignment has been an active research area in computer vision community, since it provides an important basis for further analysis of facial properties such as identity, expression, gender, etc. for more than ten years. However, there exists no common evaluation benchmark so far which contains enough variations for evaluating both accuracy and robustness of alignment algorithms. We propose an experimental setup that includes multiple datasets containing different level of varieties. Annotation of landmarks are provided and two widely used evaluation metrics are suggested. We believe that this will provide a common platform for benchmarking face alignment.
Tourist Worries after Terrorist Attacks: Report from a Field Experiment

The current study reports the results of a field experiment measuring tourist worries assessed by the Tourist Worry Scale (TWS) before and after the terror bombings in London during the summer of 2005. As part of a larger study on tourist experiences, tourists on vacation to Mallorca, Spain, were asked to fill in a questionnaire prior to the bombings. A follow up study was administered about seven weeks after the terror attacks. The results showed sum scores on the TWS to remain stable over the test period, but ratings regarding worry about terrorism and acts of war significantly increased at the post terror measurement. The results support both the stability and sensitivity of the TWS in a situation of international turmoil.
SONAR: A scalable stream-oriented system for real-time network traffic measurements

Accurate and real-time network measurements are becoming increasingly critical for a large variety of management tasks like accounting, bandwidth provisioning and security analysis. However, existing network measurement techniques have major limitations in supporting scalable and real-time traffic data monitoring and analyzing on high-speed (10Gbps and beyond) network links. Therefore, we propose a novel real-time network measurement system, named SONAR, which facilitates the convergence of real-time network monitoring and traffic analysis. We illustrate how the proposed system is designed and implemented based on streaming computing technologies, and demonstrate its capabilities with a built-in abnormal traffic detection application. The proposed system, based on real-world actualization and evaluation, has been demonstrated to be a high-performance and scalable solution for real-time network traffic measurements.
Atrial Membranes Contain Nucleoside Diphosphate Kinase (NDPK) Activity: Its Role in Regulation of Muscarinic K+ Channels

Guinea pig or rabbit atrial muscarinic K+ channels in cell‐free inside‐out patches ran be activated in the absence of extracellular agonist and cytoplasmic G nucleotides by intracellular ATP‐Mg2+,1,2 This ATP‐dependent activation is compatible with the existence of a membrane‐bound nudeos de diphosphate kinase (NDPK), which directly phosphorylates GK‐bound GDP. We show that this ATP‐dependent activation is also possible in frog atria] cells, and that atrail membranes of frog and guinea pig contain NDPK activity. The relative order of different nucleoside triphogphates (NTPs) as phosphate donors parallels the observed efficiency of these nucleotides in activation of the channels. Thus, atrial membranes contain NDPK activity, which can be responsible for the ATP‐dependent activation o/muscarinic K+ channels, seen in patches of atrial cells. Under physiological conditions, NDPK can act as a GTP supply in the immediate vicinity of the G protein to ensure reliable signal transduction.
Assessing the Relationships Among Delinquent Male Students' Disruptive and Violent Behavior and Staff's Proactive and Reactive Behavior in a Secure Residential Treatment Center

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships among students' disruptive and violent behavior and staff's use of proactive and reactive strategies in a secure residential treatment center serving delinquent adolescent males. One hundred hours of observational data were collected, and linear regression models were used to explore the degree to which students' behavior and staff's behavior predict violence. Results indicate that a moderate to strong relationship exists between students' disruptive and violent behavior, although these relationships vary across settings within the facility. Data suggest that these locations differ in staff coverage, staff's use of proactive strategies, focal activity, and behavioral expectations, thus accounting for differences in the strengths of the relationships. Further analyses reveal that regardless of location, students' disruptive behavior is the best predictor of students' violent behavior.
Casein kinase I phosphorylates the Armadillo protein and induces its degradation in Drosophila

Casein kinase I (CKI) was recently reported as a positive regulator of Wnt signaling in vertebrates and Caenorhabditis elegans. To elucidate the function of Drosophila CKI in the wingless (Wg) pathway, we have disrupted its function by double‐stranded RNA‐mediated interference (RNAi). While previous findings were mainly based on CKI overexpression, this is the first convincing loss‐of‐function analysis of CKI. Surprisingly, CKIα‐ or CKIϵ‐RNAi markedly elevated the Armadillo (Arm) protein levels in Drosophila Schneider S2R+ cells, without affecting its mRNA levels. Pulse–chase analysis showed that CKI‐RNAi stabilizes Arm protein. Moreover, Drosophila embryos injected with CKIα double‐stranded RNA showed a naked cuticle phenotype, which is associated with activation of Wg signaling. These results indicate that CKI functions as a negative regulator of Wg/Arm signaling. Overexpression of CKIα induced hyper‐phosphorylation of both Arm and Dishevelled in S2R+ cells and, conversely, CKIα‐RNAi reduced the amount of hyper‐modified forms. His‐tagged Arm was phosphorylated by CKIα in vitro on a set of serine and threonine residues that are also phosphorylated by Zeste‐white 3. Thus, we propose that CKI phosphorylates Arm and stimulates its degradation.
Reliabilitetsmätning vid observationer och skattningar

Abstract De olika metoder som finns for berakning av reliabilitet (interbedomaroverensstammelse, IBO) hos observations-och skattningsdata gas igenom. En uppdelning gors dels pa metoder for data pa nominal-, ordinal-, intervall-respektive kvotniva, dels om tva eller fler an tva observatorer anvands for reliabilitetsmatningen. De metoder som ar lampligast for respektive niva presenteras utforligt med exempel och formler for berakning av IBO samt signifikansprovning av det erhallna vardet. Slutligen ges vissa rekommendationer rorande hur reliabilitets-provningens resultat bor presenteras i forskningsrapporter for att underlatta lasarens bedomning av datas tillforlitlighet.
Fill in the ____ (a Diffusion-based Image Inpainting Pipeline)

Image inpainting is the process of taking an image and generating lost or intentionally occluded portions. Inpainting has countless applications including restoring previously damaged pictures, restoring the quality of images that have been degraded due to compression, and removing unwanted objects/text. Modern inpainting techniques have shown remarkable ability in generating sensible completions for images with mask occlusions. In our paper, an overview of the progress of inpainting techniques will be provided, along with identifying current leading approaches, focusing on their strengths and weaknesses. A critical gap in these existing models will be addressed, focusing on the ability to prompt and control what exactly is generated. We will additionally justify why we think this is the natural next progressive step that inpainting models must take, and provide multiple approaches to implementing this functionality. Finally, we will evaluate the results of our approaches by qualitatively checking whether they generate high-quality images that correctly inpaint regions with the objects that they are instructed to produce.
Over-segmentation and Neural Binary Validation for cursive handwriting recognition

A novel Over-Segmentation and Neural Binary Validation (OSNBV) is presented in this paper. OSNBV is a character segmentation strategy for off-line cursive handwriting recognition. Unlike the approaches in the literature, OSNBV is a prioritized segmentation approach. Initially, OSNBV over-segments a handwritten word into primitives. Neural binary validation is iteratively applied to the primitives. The outcome of each iteration is to join two neighboring primitives when the joined one improves the global neural competency. OSNBV introduces Transition Count (TC) and TC for English (EngTC) to prevent under-segmentation error during neural binary validation. OSNBV also incorporates Transition Count Matrix (TCM) into neural global competency. The proposed approach has been evaluated on CEDAR benchmark database. The results showed a significant improvement in segmentation errors. The analysis of results showed that the inclusion of TCM into the validation function has played a major role in improving over-segmentation and bad-segmentation errors.
The association between serum ghrelin levels and large-for-gestational-age fetuses in patients with gestational diabetes mellitus

Abstract We aimed to determine the relationship between serum ghrelin levels and large-for-gestational-age (LGA) fetuses in patients with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). A case-control study was conducted in 32 women with GDM and LGA fetuses (GDM + LGA group), 35 women with GDM and appropriate-for-gestational-age (AGA) fetuses (GDM + AGA group), 32 women with normal glucose tolerance (NGT) and LGA fetuses (NGT + LGA group), and 31 women with NGT and AGA fetuses (NGT + AGA group). All participants were recruited at the time of GDM diagnosis between 24 and 30 weeks of pregnancy. Participants also underwent ultrasonographic examinations. Serum ghrelin levels were significantly higher in GDM + LGA and GDM + AGA groups than in the NGT + AGA group. In the univariate model, biparietal diameter, head circumference, abdominal circumference (AC), femur length and ghrelin values were significant predictors of LGA fetuses. In the multivariate model, only AC remained as a predictor of LGA fetuses.
Rates of growth of human solid neoplasms: Part I

The purpose of this article is to consolidate data collected from a variety of sources that have permitted calculations of the rates of growth of human neoplasms. These sources include Fischel State Cancer Hospital (Columbia, MO); Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, (St. Louis, MO); Roentgen Diagnostic Institute, Allmanna Sjukhuset (Malmo, Sweden); University of Louisville (Louisville, Kentucky); University of Heidelberg (Heidelberg, Germany); and St. Luke's Hospital (St. Louis, MO). Included in the data are laboratory measurements of cell replication rates. All gross measurements were made either on imaging studies or with a centimeter scale for surface or palpable neoplasms. Data have been reported for breast and pulmonary cancers and metastases of many types, melanomas, skeletal sarcomas, benign and malignant colonic neoplasms, and isolated cases of less frequent neoplasms. Related cytokinetic measurements by tritriated thymidine labelling, bromodeoxyuridine labelling, S‐phase fraction from DNA flow cytometric analysis, and mitotic indices are discussed. The various mathematical formulae applicable to the analysis of the collected data and the determination of rates and patterns of growth are included. Also considered are the clinical implications of these data and the importance of ever better knowledge on the cytokinetics of human cancer. Prior studies on the evolution of insight into this field are cited and discussed. The authors conclude that a more accurate quantification of the growth rates of human cancer is essential for understanding the biological variance of human cancers seen clinically. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Human Manganese Superoxide Dismutase Target Sequence Polymorphism and Ovarian Cancer

A low level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated during the normal metabolism is indispensible for several cellular processes. However, excessive presence of ROS causes cellular stress which may lead to different pathological conditions including cancer, mainly by damaging deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) or by altering key cellular processes.
Tough guys don ' t dance : Intention movements andthe evolution of signalling in animal contestsJason

Two animals contesting possession of a resource sometimes ght, but more often engage in aggressive displays until one or the other retreats. Game theory predicts that signals of strength or aggressive intent will not be heeded unless necessity or high cost make them reliable, but some animal threat displays appear to contradict this prediction. An evolutionary simulation model is presented in which two animats of variable ghting ability compete for a resource and have access to their opponent's intention movements, i.e., their real-time behavioural choices. Reliable communication of ghting ability does not evolve. The results of the simulation are used to assess connicting theories of signalling in competitive interactions.
Performance Bounds for Sparse Signal Reconstruction with Multiple Side Information

In the context of compressive sensing (CS), this paper considers the problem of reconstructing sparse signals with the aid of other given correlated sources as multiple side information (SI). To address this problem, we propose a reconstruction algorithm with multiple SI (RAMSI) that solves a general weighted n-`1 norm minimization. The proposed RAMSI algorithm takes advantage of both CS and the n-`1 minimization by adaptively computing optimal weights among SI signals at every reconstructed iteration. In addition, we establish theoretical performance bounds on the number of measurements that are required to successfully reconstruct the original sparse source using RAMSI under arbitrary support SI conditions. The analyses of the established bounds reveal that RAMSI can achieve sharper bounds and significant performance improvements compared to classical CS. We evaluate experimentally the proposed algorithm and the established bounds using synthetic sparse signals as well as correlated feature histograms, extracted from a multiview image database for object recognition. The obtained results show clearly that the proposed RAMSI algorithm outperforms classical CS and CS with single SI in terms of both the theoretical bounds and the practical performance.
The role of strong syllables in segmentation for lexical access

A model of speech segmentation in a stress language is proposed, according to which the occurrence of a strong syllable triggers segmentation of the speech signal, whereas occurrence of a weak syllable does not trigger segmentation. We report experiments in which listeners detected words embedded in nonsense bisyllables more slowly when the bisyllable had two strong syllables than when it had a strong and a weak syllable; mint was detected more slowly in mintayve than in minlesh. According to our proposed model, this result is an effect of segmentation: When the second syllable is strong, it is segmented from the first syllable, and successful detection of the embedded word therefore requires assembly of speech material across a segmentation position. Speech recognition models involving phonemic or syllabic receding, or based on strictly left-toright processes, do not predict this result. It is argued that segmentation at strong syllables in continuous speech recognition serves the purpose of detecting the most efficient locations at which to initiate lexical access.
Toward a Model of Caregiver Grief: Nurses' Experiences of Treating Dying Children

This study explored the emotional experiences of fifteen American nurses who work with terminally ill children. Structured interviews were conducted which considered the relationships and the emotional experiences of one who works with dying children. Specific questions that addressed attitudes and reactions to the dying process were asked, and the notion of a grief reaction was explored. Results from this study indicate that participants experience a form of “emotional tension” in their struggle to balance the intense emotional feelings that exist when treating dying children with their desire and need to be competent care providers. Their emotional experiences are influenced by the relationship that is established with their patient and by the child's dying process. It was concluded that when caregivers recognize the need to grieve and express their feelings while acknowledging that this is a natural, normal, and appropriate manner in which to respond to the death of a patient, they then become better able to take care of themselves, and thus their patients. A proposed model of caregivers' grief is presented.
Expectation Propagation for Inference in Non-Linear Dynamical Models with Poisson Observations

Neural activity unfolding over time can be modeled using non-linear dynamical systems [1]. As neurons communicate via discrete action potentials, their activity can be characterized by the numbers of events occurring within short pre-defined time-bins (spike counts). Because the observed data are high-dimensional vectors of non-negative integers, non-linear state estimation from spike counts presents a unique set of challenges. In this paper, we describe why the expectation propagation (EP) framework is particularly well-suited to this problem. We then demonstrate ways to improve the robustness and accuracy of Gaussian quadrature-based EP. Compared to the unscented Kalman smoother, we find that EP-based state estimators provide more accurate state estimates.
Modeling individuals’ attitudes toward joint out-of-home activity participation with household members

Abstract Activity–travel patterns of household (HH) members are strongly inter-dependent, and there is currently an increasing realization that such HH interdependencies have to be accommodated explicitly within the more comprehensive framework of activity-based modeling. Activity participation and the associated travel decisions with HH members can be influenced by individuals’ preferences and attitudes. This study examines the role that attitudes and beliefs play in joint activity participation decisions with HH members. Ordinal Probit models were used to relate variables that express individuals’ attitudes as functions of HH socio-demographic, individual’s socio-demographics, zonal socio-demographic, transport level of services, daily activity and travel patterns, and perceived mobility constraints. The results of the models showed that many factors affect the desire to participate in joint out-of-home activities depending on the activity type. This means that some factors might affect the tendency of activity participation of one activity while not affecting this tendency for other activity types. Attitudes were shown to play a significant role in identifying individuals’ desire to participate in out-of-home joint activities.
Global asymptotic stabilization for some nonlinear models of flexible aerospace vehicles

New strategies are proposed to design GAS controllers for two significant classes of nonlinear flexible systems. Inspired by a non affine control technique, we have designed some novel nonlinear control laws which use the full state in order to enhance the damping of the flexible modes: this new design is all the more interesting than the classes of considered systems belong to non triangular nonlinear systems. Finally, the effectiveness of our approach is illustrated on simplified models of a flexible launcher and spacecraft.
Altered Respiratory Activity and Respiratory Regulations in Adult Monoamine Oxidase A-Deficient Mice

The abnormal metabolism of serotonin during the perinatal period alters respiratory network maturation at birth as revealed by comparing the monoamine oxidase A-deficient transgenic (Tg8) with the control (C3H) mice (Bou-Flores et al., 2000). To know whether these alterations occur only transiently or induce persistent respiratory dysfunction during adulthood, we studied the respiratory activity and regulations in adult C3H and Tg8 mice. First, plethysmographic and pneumotachographic analyses of breathing patterns revealed weaker tidal volumes and shorter inspiratory durations in Tg8 than in C3H mice. Second, electrophysiological studies showed that the firing activity of inspiratory medullary neurons and phrenic motoneurons is higher in Tg8 mice and that of the intercostal motoneurons in C3H mice. Third, histological studies indicated abnormally large cell bodies of Tg8 intercostal but not phrenic motoneurons. Finally, respiratory responses to hypoxia and lung inflation are weaker in Tg8 than in C3H mice.dl-p-chlorophenyl-alanine treatments applied to Tg8 mice depress the high serotonin level present during adulthood; the treated mice recover normal respiratory responses to both hypoxia and lung inflation, but their breathing parameters are not significantly affected. Therefore in Tg8 mice the high serotonin level occurring during the perinatal period alters respiratory network maturation and produces a permanent respiratory dysfunction, whereas the high serotonin level present in adults alters the respiratory regulatory processes. In conclusion, the metabolism of serotonin plays a crucial role in the maturation of the respiratory network and in both the respiratory activity and the respiratory regulations.