Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Dynamic Parameters for Cross Document Coreference

In this paper we present a new algorithm for the Person Cross Document Coreference task. We show that accurate results require a way to adapt the parameters of the similarity function - metrics and threshold -- to the ontological constraints obeyed by individuals. The technique we propose dynamically changes the initial weights computed when the context is analyzed. The weight recomputation is necessary in order to resolve clusters borders, which are inevitably blurred by a static approach. The results show a significant gain in accuracy.
Emotion Assessment From Physiological Signals for Adaptation of Game Difficulty

This paper proposes to maintain player's engagement by adapting game difficulty according to player's emotions assessed from physiological signals. The validity of this approach was first tested by analyzing the questionnaire responses, electroencephalogram (EEG) signals, and peripheral signals of the players playing a Tetris game at three difficulty levels. This analysis confirms that the different difficulty levels correspond to distinguishable emotions, and that, playing several times at the same difficulty level gives rise to boredom. The next step was to train several classifiers to automatically detect the three emotional classes from EEG and peripheral signals in a player-independent framework. By using either type of signals, the emotional classes were successfully recovered, with EEG having a better accuracy than peripheral signals on short periods of time. After the fusion of the two signal categories, the accuracy raised up to 63%.
The Possibility of Self-Determined Death Eliminates Mortality Salience Effects on Cultural Worldview Defense: Cross-Cultural Replications

Contemplating the inevitability of one’s own death can deeply affect a person’s subjective sense of control, eliciting symbolic responses to restore control through cultural worldview defense. Re-search supporting this perspective has shown that reminders of one’s own death (i.e., uncontrol-lable death) can increase worldview defense, whereas self-determined dying (i.e., controllable death) does not (Fritsche, Jonas, & Fankhänel, 2008). To date, all supportive evidence comes from the German culture and it remains unclear whether this effect can be replicated in non-German cultures. We conducted two studies to investigate the cross-cultural validity of this effect and rep-licated the effect in both a highly individualistic culture (i.e., the United States) and a highly collec-tivistic culture (i.e., China). The increased ingroup identification observed after reminders of un-controllable death supports the model of group-based control.
Creating Picture Books that Feature Children Parented by Same-Sex Partners

Term Spring 5-11-2015 Capstone Thesis Degree Name MAT Primary Advisor/Dissertation Chair Thereasa Gluek Secondary Advisor/Reader One Melissa Sonnek Peer-Reviewer/Reader Two Janelle Fischler Abstract The research question addressed in this project is, how can an author create a picture book for children featuring families parented by same-sex partners that provides windows into and mirrors of the lives of those families? This capstone captures the journey of one teacher as she creates a picture book for children that is culturally responsive to the Lesbian/ Gay/Bisexual/Transgendered (LGBT) community. It presents research on the effects absent narratives have on marginalized populations and how schools respond to children from LGBT families, as well as the different typologies of picture books, guidelines for developmental appropriateness, and advice on the literary craft of creating a picture book. Fischler found that writing about an underrepresented group for children requires more than literary skills and techniques. Issues of bias, lexicon, and authenticity all influence how the characters are portrayed and the narrative written.
Balanced Constraint Measure Algorithm to Preserve Privacy from Sequential Rule Discovery

Preservation of needed privacy from mining algorithms (data mining methods which extract information from the privacy diffusion of people and organizations) is an emerging research area. Researchers are creating procedures to maintain a proper balance between maintaining information privacy and knowledge discovery by using data mining. In this paper, we initially use the prefixspan algorithm to generate sequential patterns from the medical database, and these patterns are converted into sequential rules. We then apply our proposed algorithm to evaluate these generated sequential rules according to random values. Our proposed algorithm evaluates the processed rule in terms of knowledge discovery and information loss. If the evaluated result satisfies the user-defined thresholds, our proposed algorithm releases the modified sequential rules, else further iteration is carried out until the sequential rules satisfy the user-defined threshold value. Finally, an experiment is conducted to evaluate the proposed algorithm on the basis of knowledge discovery and information loss. Key-Words: Prefix span algorithm, Sequential rule, Significant disease, Balanced constraint, Knowledge discovery, Information loss
Linearity of the Vascular Pressure‐Volume Relationship of the Canine Intestine

To test whether the pressure-volume relationship of the canine small intestinal vascula-ture is linear over the normal range of portal venous pressures (5 to 35 nun Hg), we used two methods to measure volume: (1) the integral of inflow minus outflow (IFD), and (2) tissue activity of5lCr-labeled erythrocytes (Cr-51). Venous pressures were changed in steps of 5 mm Hg with a servo-controlled system. The tissue was perfused at a constant rate. With venous pressures of 3.6 to 38.6 mm Hg, the vascular compliance was 2.19 ± 0.42 (SD) ml/kg − mm Hg using IFD, and 1.87 ± 0.50 ml/kg-mm Hg using Cr-51. Although a quadratic term significantly improved the fit, the effect was small (less than 3 ml/kg with a 30 nun Hg venous pressure change). The control blood volume of the intestinal loop at a venous pressure of 8.6 ± 1.5 (SD) nun Hg was 86.2 ± 19.1 ml/kg tissue weight using the mean transit time of a step input of indocyanine green at a perfusion pressure of 106 ± 29 nun Hg and a flow of 556 ± 147 ml/ruin − kg. We conclude that there is no significant change in compliance over the normal venous pressure range of 5-35 nun Hg. Circ Res 47: 551-558, 1980
A Peptide Chain Release Factor 2 Affects the Stability of UGA-Containing Transcripts in Arabidopsis Chloroplasts Article, publication date, and citation information can be found at www.plantcell.org/cgi/doi/10.1105/tpc.006809.

Positional cloning of the hcf109 (high chlorophyll fluorescence) mutation in Arabidopsis has identified a nucleus-encoded, plastid-localized release factor 2–like protein, AtprfB, indicating that the processes of translational termination in chloroplasts resemble those of eubacteria. Control of atprfB expression by light and tissues is connected to chloroplast development. A point mutation at the last nucleotide of the second intron causes a new splice site farther downstream, resulting in a deletion of seven amino acid residues in the N-terminal region of the Hcf109 protein. The mutation causes decreased stability of UGA-containing mRNAs. Our data suggest that transcripts with UGA stop codons are terminated exclusively by AtprfB in chloroplasts and that AtprfB is involved in the regulation of both mRNA stability and protein synthesis. Furthermore, sequence data reveal a +1 frameshift at an internal in-frame TGA stop codon in the progenitor prfB gene of cyanobacteria. The expression pattern and functions of atprfB could reflect evolutionary driving forces toward the conservation of TGA stop codons exclusively in plastid genomes of land plants.
Structure of the gene of tum- transplantation antigen P198: a point mutation generates a new antigenic peptide

Mutagen treatment of mouse tumor cell line P815 produces tum- variants that are rejected by syngeneic mice because they express new transplantation antigens. These tum- antigens are recognized by cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) but induce no detectable antibody response. By transfecting P815 cell line P1.HTR with DNA of tum- variant P198, we obtained transfectants expressing tum- antigen P198 that could be identified on the basis of their ability to stimulate anti-P198 CTL. This was repeated with DNA of a cosmid library derived from variant P198, and a cosmid carrying the sequence encoding antigen P198 was recovered from a transfectant. Gene P198 is 3 kb long and contains eight exons. It shows no homology with previously identified tum- gene P91A, nor with any gene presently recorded in the data banks. The long open reading frame codes for a 23.5-kD protein. The antigenic allele of gene P198 differs from the normal allele by a point mutation located in exon 7. This mutation causes an Ala to Thr change, and was shown by site-directed mutagenesis to be responsible for the expression of the antigen. An 11-amino acid synthetic peptide covering the sequence surrounding the tum- mutation rendered P815 cells sensitive to lysis by anti-P198 CTL. The homologous peptide corresponding to the normal sequence of the gene did not, but it was able to compete for binding to major histocompatibility complex molecule Kd. We conclude that tum- mutation P198 generates a new epitope recognized by syngeneic T cells. As observed with gene P91A, we found that a fragment of gene P198 that contained only exons 3-7, cloned in nonexpression vectors, transferred efficiently the expression of the antigen.
Does laser power influence the results of endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) of incompetent saphenous veins with the 1 470-nm diode laser? A prospective randomized study comparing 15 and 25 W.

AIM Major side effects after endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) are pain and bruising. The aim of this study was to compare outcome and side effects after EVLA of incompetent great saphenous veins (GSV) with a 1 470 nm diode laser (Ceralas E, biolitec) using a power of 15 or 25 W. METHODS Between 28 November 2007 and 15 January 2008, 40 consecutive patients (40 legs) with an incompetent GSV were treated by EVLA. The patients were randomized in two groups. In Group A (20 patients) was used a 15-W-power laser and in Group B (20 patients) a 25-W-power laser was used. All patients were re-examined after 1, 10 and 30 days clinically and by Duplex for complications and occlusion in the treated vein segment in a standardized way. RESULTS There was no significant difference concerning gender, age, C of CEAP, body mass index or diameter of the treated vein. In Group A a mean of 465 mL tumescence fluid (TF) was used and in Group B TF was of 433 mL. In Group A the mean linear endovenous energy density (LEED) was 109.7 J/cm and in Group B 132.6 J/cm. The subgroup Bsub included 16 patients of Group B with a comparable mean LEED of 115.8 J/cm. In all groups occlusion of the treated veins was achieved for all patients. The diameter of the GSV reduced at 3 cm below the sapheno-femoral junction from 1.1 to 0.6 cm, 1.0 to 0.6 cm and 0.9 to 0.6 cm respectively in the three groups. The modified CEAP clinical score improved significantly in all groups. In Group A patients have been administered analgesic tablets for a shorter period. There was also a trend to less postinterventional pain and analgesic use in Group A, but it was not significant. Ecchymosis was rare in both groups (8 in Group A, 7 in Group B). CONCLUSIONS In this prospective randomized comparative study the power of the laser did not influence the occlusion rate when a high LEED with comparable values was used. In both groups pain and ecchymoses were less frequent in this study with a 1 470 nm diode laser than reported in studies with 810-980 nm systems. A lower power level significantly reduced use of analgesic tablets.
Periodic learning suppression control of torque ripple utilizing system identification for permanent magnet synchronous motors

This paper introduces two torque ripple suppression control methods for permanent magnet synchronous motor. With a system identification technique, the system model from compensating current input to torque detection output can be expressed as the speed-adjustable 1-dimension complex vector in the coordinate system synchronizing with the torque ripple frequency. The first method introduces a periodic learning I-P control system of compensating current to create the feed-forward compensation tables. The second introduces a speed-adjustable periodic disturbance observer which can improve the transient suppression characteristics. Both methods are suitable for the adjustable-speed drive, so the control parameters and reference model can be adjusted automatically. The most important thing is with these methods excellent performance for mechanical resonance suppression caused by torque ripples can be gotten. And this paper shows the analysis and experimental results to support the methods.
Sensor Fusion Based Autonomous Mobile Robot Navigation

This paper explains a comprehensive navigation solution for outdoor mobile robots that doesn't have steering mechanism. The solution uses a combination of Global Positioning System (GPS) and magnetic compass for localization as well as for path planning of the robots. A sensor fusion strategy between GPS receiver and compass is adopted to subside the errors generated by each one of them. Two navigation techniques viz. Absolute Orientation Fix and Trajectory Steering Principle are discussed with their applications and applicability. An iterative algorithm that conglomerates the functionality of GPS receiver, magnetic compass, processor function, navigation principles and motor drivers is also explained. The algorithm has been implemented on a robot platform whose architecture is also discussed.
Biosynthesis of Chondroitin Sulfate Proteoglycan by P388D! Macrophage‐like Cell Line

Macrophages are In large part responsible for the subendothellal deposition of llpld within the artery wall during the early stages of atherogenesls. Proteoglycans secreted by these cells may play a role In this pathological process either by trapping llpoprotelns In the extracellular matrix or by enhancing the formation of llpld-laden foam cells. The synthesis and secretion of proteoglycan was studied In the P388D, macrophage-llke cell line cultured In the presence of 36S-sulfate. The radlolabeled proteoglycan had a Kd of 0.69 on Sepharose CL-2B corresponding to an Mr of2.8 × 105. It consisted of approximately 13 chondroitin sulfate chains of Mr 20 000 attached to a core protein with an Mr of 18 000. The chondroitin sulfate chains contained both M-acetylgalactosamlne 6-sulfate and N-acetylgalactosamlne 4- sulfate residues. No dlsulfated N-acetylgalactosamlne residues were present The P388D, proteoglycan bound specifically to Immobilized human low density llpoproteln. These results suggest that, In the focal regions of the arterial wall In which macrophages are found during the development of fatty streaks, proteoglycans secreted by these cells may affect the transport and cellular metabolism of plasmaderived llplds.
The positive and negative effects of testing in lifelong learning

Formal classroom learning is a lifelong pursuit. Many older adults return to school to advance their careers, learn new skills, or simply for personal fulfillment. As such, methods for improving learning should be considered in relation to both younger and older learners in order to properly assess their ultimate usefulness. A technique that has been demonstrably effective at improving learning and memory in younger students is testing. Testing improves memory more than mere exposure to material (e.g., restudying), a benefit known as the positive testing effect. However, recognition tests, where learners are exposed to correct and incorrect information (e.g., multiple-choice tests), also introduce false information to test-takers. While evidence shows that testing improves memory for tested material, this can include the incorrect material presented on recognition tests manifested as increased reproduction of incorrect answers (lures), a phenomenon known as the negative testing effect. These effects of testing, however, have only been studied in younger learners. Older learners, on the other hand, may show decreased positive testing effects and increased negative testing effects because of poorer long-term episodic and source memory, perhaps making them less receptive to the positive effects of testing and more susceptible to the negative effects of testing. Therefore, this study examined the positive and negative effects of testing on learning in 60 younger university students aged 18-25, 60 younger community adults aged 18-25, and 60 older community adults aged 55-65. This research also scrutinized how individual differences, including intelligence, previous knowledge, initial performance, and source memory were related to the positive and negative effects of testing. All groups showed positive testing effects, but these were larger for younger adults, for individuals with
Building Trust: In Business, Politics, Relationships, and Life

Trust is an essential feature of not only interpersonal relationships, but of every human organization, from the corporation to the nation state. While much has been written on this topic, there has still been no sustained consideration of what trust actually is. This book attempts to fill that void. The authors portray trust as a series of social practices, not merely an attitude toward a person at a time or some sort of vague social "glue". Trust is an emotional skill, which requires "emotional intelligence" to learn. Using this model, they go on to analyze how trust is created, maintained, violated, and re-established in business and politics and also in our intimate relationships. They introduce and advocate the notion of "authentic trust", which is neither naive or blind but trust with eyes wide open. The book aims not only to understand trust but to give the reader the tools build and maintain trust in personal and business relationships and to restore trust where it has been lost or betrayed.
Organization of rat vibrissa motor cortex and adjacent areas according to cytoarchitectonics, microstimulation, and intracellular stimulation of identified cells

The relationship between motor maps and cytoarchitectonic subdivisions in rat frontal cortex is not well understood. We use cytoarchitectonic analysis of microstimulation sites and intracellular stimulation of identified cells to develop a cell‐based partitioning scheme of rat vibrissa motor cortex and adjacent areas. The results suggest that rat primary motor cortex (M1) is composed of three cytoarchitectonic areas, the agranular medial field (AGm), the agranular lateral field (AGl), and the cingulate area 1 (Cg1), each of which represents movements of different body parts. Vibrissa motor cortex corresponds entirely and for the most part exclusively to AGm. In area AGl body/head movements can be evoked. In posterior area Cg1 periocular/eye movements and in anterior area Cg1 nose movements can be evoked. In all of these areas stimulation thresholds are very low, and together they form a complete representation of the rat's body surface. A strong myelinization and an expanded layer 5 characterize area AGm. We suggest that both the strong myelinization and the expanded layer 5 of area AGm may represent cytoarchitectonic specializations related to control of high‐speed whisking behavior. J. Comp. Neurol. 479:360–373, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Comprehensive analysis of the impact of SNPs and CNVs on human microRNAs and their regulatory genes

Human microRNAs (miRNAs) are potent regulators of gene expression and thus involved in a broad range of biological processes. The objective of this study was to update the properties of human miRNAs and to search for SNPs and CNVs with potential effects on them. Based on the miRBase 13.0 database, we identified 380 (53.9%) precursor miRNAs (pre-miRNAs) embedded in gene loci that are enriched in biological processes such as “Neuronal activities”, “Cell Cycle” and “Protein phosphorylation” (Bonferroni p < 0.05). Gene lengths of the pre-miRNA host genes are significantly larger than other genes in the genome (p < 2.2E-16). Using data mining public resources, we performed a genome-scale search for the regulatory polymorphisms in the loci of pre-miRNAs and their related genes. Altogether, we found 187 SNPs in the pre-miRNAs, 497 consensus SNPs in the seed-matching untranslated regions of target genes, 385 CNVs harboring pre-miRNA precursors and 9 CNVs covering important miRNA processing genes. We also noticed that minimum free energy changed by pre-miRNA-residing SNPs could be ranked by the order from low to high as the SNPs in the loop domain, the SNPs in the adjacent stem and basal stem domains, and the SNPs in mature miRNA and its complementary sequence domains (p = 0.0065). With a full list of miRNA-related polymorphisms, this study will facilitate future association studies between the genetic polymorphisms in miRNA targets or pre-miRNAs and the disease susceptibility or therapeutic outcome.
Network bucket testing

Bucket testing, also known as A/B testing, is a practice that is widely used by on-line sites with large audiences: in a simple version of the methodology, one evaluates a new feature on the site by exposing it to a very small fraction of the total user population and measuring its effect on this exposed group. For traditional uses of this technique, uniform independent sampling of the population is often enough to produce an exposed group that can serve as a statistical proxy for the full population. In on-line social network applications, however, one often wishes to perform a more complex test: evaluating a new social feature that will only produce an effect if a user and some number of his or her friends are exposed to it. In this case, independent uniform draws from the population will be unlikely to produce groups that contains users together with their friends, and so the construction of the sample must take the network structure into account. This leads quickly to challenging combinatorial problems, since there is an inherent tension between producing enough correlation to select users and their friends, but also enough uniformity and independence that the selected group is a reasonable sample of the full population. Here we develop an algorithmic framework for bucket testing in a network that addresses these challenges. First we describe a novel walk-based sampling method for producing samples of nodes that are internally well-connected but also approximately uniform over the population. Then we show how a collection of multiple independent subgraphs constructed this way can yield reasonable samples for testing. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our algorithms through computational experiments on large portions of the Facebook network.
A telepresence robotic system operated with a P300-based brain-computer interface: Initial tests with ALS patients

Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) open a new valuable communication channel for people with severe neurological or motor degenerative diseases, such as ALS patients. On the other hand, the ability to teleoperate robots in a remote scenario provides a physical entity embodied in a real environment ready to perceive, explore, and interact. The combination of both functionalities provides a system with benefits for ALS patients in the context of neurorehabilitation or maintainment of the neural activity. This paper reports a BCI telepresence system which offers navigation, exploration and bidirectional communication, only controlled by brain activity; and an initial study of applicability with ALS patients. The results show the feasibility of this technology in real patients.