Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Integration of spaceborne lidar data to improve the forest biomass map in madagascar

This study aimed to assess the potential of GLAS (Geoscience Laser Altimeter System) LiDAR data to overcome the saturation at high AGB values of existing AGB map on Madagascar (Vieilledent's AGB map [1]). First, spatially distributed estimations of AGB were obtained from GLAS data. Second, the difference between the Vieilledent's AGB map and GLAS derived AGB at each GLAS footprints location was calculated and a spatially distributed additional correction factors were obtained. Thanks to the spatial structure of these additional correction factors, an ordinary kriging interpolation was thus performed to provide a continuous correction factor map. Finally, the existing and the correction factor map were summed to improve the Vieilledent's AGB map. Results showed that the integration of GLAS data overcome the saturation at high AGB of Vieilledent's AGB map and allow AGB estimation until 650 t/ha (maximum AGB values from Vieilledent AGB map was 550 t/ha).
LIVER function tests.

The diagnosis of liver diseases depends upon a combination of history, physical examination, laboratory testing and sometimes radiological studies and biopsy. Only a physician who knows all of these aspects of a specific case can reliably make a diagnosis. Many individuals with liver diseases nonetheless have questions about their laboratory test results and seek information about their significance.
Classification under Data Contamination with Application to Remote Sensing Image Mis-registration

This work is motivated by the problem of image mis-registration in remote sensing and we are interested in determining the resulting loss in the accuracy of pattern classification. A statistical formulation is given where we propose to use data contamination to model and understand the phenomenon of image mis-registration. This model is widely applicable to many other types of errors as well, for example, measurement errors and gross errors etc. The impact of data contamination on classification is studied under a statistical learning theoretical framework. A closed-form asymptotic bound is established for the resulting loss in classification accuracy, which is less than $\epsilon/(1-\epsilon)$ for data contamination of an amount of $\epsilon$. Our bound is sharper than similar bounds in the domain adaptation literature and, unlike such bounds, it applies to classifiers with an infinite Vapnik-Chervonekis (VC) dimension. Extensive simulations have been conducted on both synthetic and real datasets under various types of data contamination, including label flipping, feature swapping and the replacement of feature values with data generated from a random source such as a Gaussian or Cauchy distribution. Our simulation results show that the bound we derive is fairly tight.
Workload and morning salivary cortisol in women

Previous studies have shown a link between work-related stress and the morning level of the stress hormone cortisol. The level of cortisol in the circulation is regulated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) axis, dysregulation of which plays an important role in a number of disorders including hypertension, immune deficiency and being overweight (the 'metabolic syndrome'). The aim of this study was to investigate the association between workload and morning cortisol in women. Saliva samples were obtained four times during the first 45 min after awakening (0, 15, 30 and 45 min) in the morning on a work-free day from more than 200 women in full-time work who were born in 1955 and representing a normal population of a small city in Sweden. The amount of paid and unpaid work was reported in a questionnaire. Significant positive correlations were found between the amount of overtime at work and each of the four measurements of morning salivary cortisol (varying from r = .29 to r = .38, p < .01). In addition, participants with excessive overtime (more than 10 h/week) had on average about twice as high ( p < .01) morning cortisol levels as women with moderate overtime (< 10 h/week) or normal working hours (35-40 h/week). The results are consistent with earlier findings and suggest that morning cortisol is a sensitive indicator of work overload in women. However, additional research is necessary in order to reveal the specific pathways linking work-related stress to elevated morning cortisol.
A Discourse Analysis of Leadership in Non-Profit Cross-Cultural Organizations in Chiang Mai, Thailand

2 Introduction . 5 Study purpose and research questions . 6 Definition of terms . 7 Background – Chiang Mai, Thailand . 8 Earlier research and theoretical perspectives . 9 Discourse analysis . 9 Discursive leadership . 10 Leadership and national cultures . 11 Cultural effects on leadership . 12 Leadership in Thailand . 14 National language and discourse . 17 Method . 18 Limitations and selection . 18 Methodological procedure . 19 Method analysis . 20 Ethics, the researcher’s role, and quality . 21 Ethics . 21 The role of the researcher . 22 Quality . 23 Empirical results and analysis . 25 Leadership discourses . 25 National culture . 25 Leaders adapt to the context . 28 Relational leadership . 29
Equilibrium earnings management and managerial compensation in a multiperiod agency setting

AbstractTo investigate how the possibility of earnings manipulation affects managerial compensation contracts, we study a two-period agency setting in which a firm’s manager can engage in window-dressing activities to manipulate reported accounting earnings. Earnings manipulation boosts the reported earnings in one period at the expense of the reported earnings in the other period. We find that the optimal pay-performance sensitivity may increase and expected managerial compensation may decrease as the manager’s cost of earnings management decreases. When the manager is privately informed about the payoff of an investment project to the firm, we identify plausible conditions under which prohibiting earnings management can result in a less efficient investment decision for the firm and more rents for the manager.
Making some modest strides: The story of downtown elementary school (DES) 1

This paper discusses research, (its process and results), on an inner city school. It highlights the methods of data collection used in the research and discusses the findings. Methods of data collection include observation, interview and documentary information. Results indicate that the school in question is making modest strides, in terms of serving its students and the community in which it is located, through its school improvement programs. Besides making other strides, Downtown Elementary School (DES) strives to be a pedagogical community and a place where praxis (simplified definition: the interrelationship/interaction between practice and theory) is being practiced at its best. DES is unique because it concurrently runs two contemporary school reform programs, namely, magnet3 and professional development school (PDS)4. The paper describes how these innovative ventures operate at DES and the implications of the juxtaposition of the two programs.
The cop operon is required for copper homeostasis and contributes to virulence in Streptococcus pneumoniae

High levels of copper are toxic and therefore bacteria must limit free intracellular levels to prevent cellular damage. In this study, we show that a number of pneumococcal genes are differentially regulated by copper, including an operon encoding a CopY regulator, a protein of unknown function (CupA) and a P1‐type ATPase, CopA, which is conserved in all sequenced Streptococcus pneumoniae strains. Transcriptional analysis demonstrated that the cop operon is induced by copper in vitro, repressed by the addition of zinc and is autoregulated by the copper‐responsive CopY repressor protein. We also demonstrate that the CopA ATPase is a major pneumococcal copper resistance mechanism and provide the first evidence that the CupA protein plays a role in copper resistance. Our results also show that copper homeostasis is important for pneumococcal virulence as the expression of the cop operon is induced in the lungs and nasopharynx of intranasally infected mice, and a copA‐ mutant strain, which had decreased growth in high levels of copper in vitro, showed reduced virulence in a mouse model of pneumococcal pneumonia. Furthermore, using the copA‐ mutant we observed for the first time in any bacteria that copper homeostasis also appears to be required for survival in the nasopharynx.
Comparison of filter approaches based on RVFL classifier

Hybrid classification model is currently an active research area and successfully solves classification problems in credit scoring. Finding effective classificatory models is important. Classification in credit scoring has been regarded as a critical topic, with its related departments collecting huge amounts of data to avoid making the wrong decision. Filter feature selection model is important in credit scoring and in the field of data mining. This study proposes three filter approaches which combine with Random Vector Functional-Link net (RVFL) classifier, to find the suitable classification models. Filter approach retains sufficient information for classification purposes. Different credit scoring combinations are constructed by selecting features with three approaches. Two credit data sets from University of California, Irvine (UCI) are chosen to evaluate the accuracy of various filter selection models. RVFL classifiers combine with Grey relation analysis (GRA), conventional statistical linear discriminate analysis (LDA), and F-score approaches as preprocessing step to optimize features space. In this research, the procedures are described and then evaluated by their performances. The results are compared by nonparametric Wilcoxon signed rank test and performed to show if there is any significant difference between these filters. Our results suggest that the performances of the F-score approach combined with RVFL classifier are brilliant among the two data sets. The hybrid model is more effective and higher accuracy than the original feature space and is a promising method in the field of data mining.
Research into literacy and technology in primary classrooms: an exploration of understandings generated by recent studies

Whilst much has been written about the implications for ‘literacy’ for practices surrounding digital technologies (Gee, 2000a; Luke and Carrington, 2002; Snyder, 1998), there has been surprisingly little research investigating new literacies in primary classrooms (Andrews, 2003; Labbo and Reinking, 2003: Lankshear and Knobel, 2003). This review examines the kinds of understandings that have been generated through studies of primary literacy and technology reported during the period 2000-2006. It uses Green’s distinction between ‘operational’, ‘cultural’ and ‘critical’ dimensions of primary literacy (Lankshear and Bigum, 1999; Snyder, 2001) to investigate the focus and methodology of 38 empirical studies. It explores ways in which research may be informed by assumptions and practices associated with print literacy, but also highlights the kinds of studies which are beginning to investigate the implications of digital texts for primary education. The paper concludes by arguing for further ethnographic and phenomenological studies of classroom literacy practices in order to explore the complex contexts which surround and are mediated by digital texts.
The Hippo effector Yorkie activates transcription by interacting with a histone methyltransferase complex through Ncoa6

The Hippo signaling pathway regulates tissue growth in Drosophila through the transcriptional coactivator Yorkie (Yki). How Yki activates target gene transcription is poorly understood. Here, we identify Nuclear receptor coactivator 6 (Ncoa6), a subunit of the Trithorax-related (Trr) histone H3 lysine 4 (H3K4) methyltransferase complex, as a Yki-binding protein. Like Yki, Ncoa6 and Trr are functionally required for Hippo-mediated growth control and target gene expression. Strikingly, artificial tethering of Ncoa6 to Sd is sufficient to promote tissue growth and Yki target expression even in the absence of Yki, underscoring the importance of Yki-mediated recruitment of Ncoa6 in transcriptional activation. Consistent with the established role for the Trr complex in histone methylation, we show that Yki, Ncoa6, and Trr are required for normal H3K4 methylation at Hippo target genes. These findings shed light on Yki-mediated transcriptional regulation and uncover a potential link between chromatin modification and tissue growth. DOI: http://dx.doi. org/10.7554/eLife.02564. 001
Comparison of Different Cytokine Conditions Reveals Resveratrol as a New Molecule for Ex Vivo Cultivation of Cord Blood‐Derived Hematopoietic Stem Cells

Human cord blood (CB)‐derived hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) are an interesting source for HSC transplantation. However, the number of collected CB‐HSCs is often too low for one transplantation; therefore, ex vivo expansion of CB‐HSCs is desirable. Current expansion protocols are based on the use of cytokine combinations, including insulin‐like growth factor‐binding protein 2 (IGFBP2) and angiopoietin‐like proteins, or combinations with “small molecules” such as stemregenin‐1. The aim of our project was to compare the potential of different CB‐HSC expansion strategies side‐by‐side by phenotypical analysis in vitro and serial engraftment properties in NOD/SCID/IL2rg−/− (NSG) immunodeficient mice. We further identified resveratrol, a naturally occurring polyphenol, as a new, alternative small molecule combined with cytokines to facilitate serum‐free ex vivo expansion of human CB‐HSCs. The cultivation in resveratrol preserved the CB‐HSC phenotype in vitro most efficiently and was ∼2 times more potent than commonly used cytokine conditions (including stem cell factor, thrombopoietin, Fms‐related tyrosine kinase 3 ligand, interleukin‐6) and the recently established serum‐free culture, including IGFBP2 and angiopoietin‐like 5. Serial transplantation studies further confirmed resveratrol to support robust multilineage engraftment in primary and secondary NSG recipients. Therefore, our work proposes resveratrol as a new small molecule for improved ex vivo culture and modification of human HSCs based on an efficient ex vivo propagation of the HSC fate.
Antibiotics in the Management of Periodontal Disease

Systemic antibiotics are increasingly used in the treatment of periodontal infections. Whilst these drugs are used mostly on an empirical basis, some physicians contend that rational use of antibiotics should be the norm due to their wide abuse and global emergence of antibiotic-resistant organisms. This is a review of the principles and rational antimicrobial therapy, treatment goals, drug delivery routes and various antibiotics used in the management of periodontal diseases. The available data indicate, in general, that mechanical periodontal treatment alone is adequate to ameliorate or resolve the clinical condition in most cases, but adjunctive antimicrobial agents, delivered systemically, can enhance the effect of therapy in specific situations. This is particularly true for aggressive periodontitis in patients with generalised systemic disease that may affect host resistance, and in case of poor response to conventional mechanical therapy. This article provides an update on systemic antibiotic therapy for the treatment of periodontitis.
Communicating choice: an exploration of mothers’ experiences of birth

Abstract Objective: This article gives an in-depth insight into the ways in which communication between midwives and the birthing woman shape the birth experience. Background: Birth is a significant life event for many women that can have profound, long-lasting effects on how they see themselves as women and mothers. Within the literature the importance of control over the birth experience and the support that the birthing woman receives from midwives is stressed. Methods: Six women who had recently given birth participated in one-to-one semi-structured interviews designed to explore the kinds of support they received before, during and after their birth. An inductive thematic analysis was employed in order to identify and explore key issues which ran throughout the interviews. Results: Within the interviews the importance of being an active mother, someone who made decisions in relation to her labour, was stressed. The analysis explores the ways in which communication style and compassionate care either enabled or prevented women from adopting the position of ‘active’ mother. Conclusion: It is argued that a personal connection with midwives and clear and open communication which places the birthing woman in a position of control are key to positive birth experiences.
Bandwidth estimation schemes for TCP over wireless networks

The use of enhanced bandwidth estimation procedures within the congestion control scheme of TCP was proposed recently as a way of improving TCP performance over links affected by random loss. This paper first analyzes the problems faced by every bandwidth estimation algorithm implemented at the sender side of a TCP connection. Some proposed estimation algorithms are then reviewed, analyzing and comparing their estimation accuracy and performance. As existing algorithms are poor in bandwidth estimation, and in sharing network resources fairly, we propose TIBET (time intervals based bandwidth estimation technique). This is a new bandwidth estimation scheme that can be implemented within the TCP congestion control procedure, modifying only the sender-side of a connection. The use of TIBET enhances TCP source performance over wireless links. The performance of TIBET is analyzed and compared with other schemes. Moreover, by studying TCP behavior with an ideal bandwidth estimation, we provide an upper bound to the performance of all possible schemes based on different bandwidth estimates.
A subset of oligodendrocytes generated from radial glia in the dorsal spinal cord

Many oligodendrocytes in the spinal cord are derived from a region of the ventral ventricular zone (VZ) that also gives rise to motoneurons. Cell fate specification in this region depends on sonic hedgehog (Shh) from the notochord and floor plate. There have been suggestions of an additional source(s) of oligodendrocytes in the dorsal spinal cord. We revisited this idea by Cre-lox fate-mapping in transgenic mice. We found that a subpopulation of oligodendrocytes is generated from the Dbx1-expressing domain of the VZ, spanning the dorsoventral midline. Dbx-derived oligodendrocytes comprise less than 5% of the total; they are formed late during embryogenesis by transformation of radial glia and settle mainly in the lateral white matter. Development of Dbx-derived oligodendrocytes in vitro can occur independently of Shh but requires FGF signalling. Dbx-expressing precursors also generate astrocytes and interneurons, but do not contribute to the ependymal layer of the postnatal spinal cord.
Linear-time encodable/decodable codes with near-optimal rate

We present an explicit construction of linear-time encodable and decodable codes of rate r which can correct a fraction (1-r-/spl epsiv/)/2 of errors over an alphabet of constant size depending only on /spl epsiv/, for every 00. The error-correction performance of these codes is optimal as seen by the Singleton bound (these are "near-MDS" codes). Such near-MDS linear-time codes were known for the decoding from erasures; our construction generalizes this to handle errors as well. Concatenating these codes with good, constant-sized binary codes gives a construction of linear-time binary codes which meet the Zyablov bound, and also the more general Blokh-Zyablov bound (by resorting to multilevel concatenation). Our work also yields linear-time encodable/decodable codes which match Forney's error exponent for concatenated codes for communication over the binary symmetric channel. The encoding/decoding complexity was quadratic in Forney's result, and Forney's bound has remained the best constructive error exponent for almost 40 years now. In summary, our results match the performance of the previously known explicit constructions of codes that had polynomial time encoding and decoding, but in addition have linear-time encoding and decoding algorithms.
Proposal of an in vivo comet assay using haemocytes of Drosophila melanogaster

This study presents the first application of an in vivo alkaline comet assay using haemocytes of Drosophila melanogaster larvae. These cells, which play a role similar to that of mammalian blood, can be easily obtained and represent an overall exposure of the treated larvae. To validate the assay, we evaluated the response of these cells to three well‐known mutagenic agents: ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS), potassium dichromate (PD), and gamma radiation (γ‐irradiation). Third‐instar Drosophila larvae were exposed to different concentrations of EMS (1, 2, and 4 mM) and PD (0.5, 1, and 2.5 mM) and to different doses of γ‐irradiation (2, 4, and 8 Gγ). Subsequently, haemolymph was extracted from the larvae, and haemocytes were isolated by centrifugation and used in the comet assay. Haemocytes exhibited a significant dose‐related increase in DNA damage, indicating that these cells are clearly sensitive to the treatments. These results suggest that the proposed in vivo comet test, using larvae haemocytes of D. melanogaster, may be a useful in vivo assay for genotoxicity assessment. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. , 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The role of L 1 explicit metalinguistic knowledge in L 3 oral production at the initial state ∗ YLVA

In this study we explore the role of explicit metalinguistic knowledge (MLK) of first language (L1) in the learning of a third language (L3). We compare the oral production of 40 participants with varying degrees of explicit MLK of the L1, who are exposed to a completely new L3. In accordance with the second language (L2) status factor, which is further motivated by the distinction between implicit competence and explicit knowledge (Bardel & Falk, 2012; Paradis, 2009), we hypothesize that the participants with low explicit MLK in their L1 will transfer from their L2, and that the participants with high explicit MLK in the L1 will transfer from their L1. The structure of interest is adjective placement, which is the same in the L1 and the L3 (but not in the participants’ L2s). The results show that the degree of explicit MLK in the L1 plays a decisive role at the initial state of L3 learning.
Penetration of cefoperazone into surgical wound drainage in patients undergoing head and neck surgery

Cefoperazone penetration into skeletal muscle and wound drainage in patients undergoing major surgery of the head and neck was measured by high-pressure liquid chromatography. Cefoperazone (2 g) was infused over 30 min before surgery and every 8 h for three postoperative doses. Simultaneous samples of serum and sternomastoid muscle were collected in 18 patients at 135 to 480 min after infusion. Mean cefoperazone concentrations in muscle tissue were 17.1% of those in simultaneously collected serum. Steady-state wound drainage concentrations after the fourth dose of cefoperazone averaged 55.2 micrograms/ml at 1 to 2 h and 62.1 micrograms/ml at 2 to 3 h. Simultaneous steady-state serum and wound fluid samples were obtained at regular intervals in six patients. In all patients, the peak level in wound fluid exceeded 25 micrograms/ml. Thus, cefoperazone reaches interstitial fluid concentration in soft tissue that exceeds the MICs required to inhibit the usual pathogens found at the site of wound infection after head and neck surgery.