Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Gender as predictor of social rejection: the mediating/moderating role of effortful control and parenting

The aim of this work was to analyze the gender differences found in a sample of 474 spanish children aged between 6 and 8 years with respect to peer rejection using a sociometric status technique. Thus, we analyzed how temperament (Effortful Control) and parenting practices (Parental support and Discipline) were involved in this relation. To measure social rejection we used the nominations method in the classroom context, while for temperament and parenting practices, parents were given a TMCQ (Temperament in Middle Childhood Questionnaire; Simmonds and Rothbart, 2004) and the Spanish version of the PCRI (Parent-Child Relationship Inventory; Gerard, 1994). Using an statistical modeling approach, we tested various mediation/moderation models until the best one with selected variables was found to explain the relation between these variables. The results confirmed gender differences in social rejection, with boys being rejected more than girls. The model that gave the best fit was the one that placed effortful control latent variable mediating the relation between gender and social rejection and parenting practices as a latent explanatory variable of effortful control. In conclusion, differences between girls and boys in social rejection are to a large extent explained by the significantly lower scores for boys in effortful control construct and, in turn, these lowest scores are explained by negative parental practices, with low levels of support and discipline.
Updating the Salivary Gland Transcriptome of Phlebotomus papatasi (Tunisian Strain): The Search for Sand Fly-Secreted Immunogenic Proteins for Humans

Introduction Sand fly saliva plays an important role in both blood feeding and outcome of Leishmania infection. A cellular immune response against a Phlebotomus papatasi salivary protein was shown to protect rodents against Leishmania major infection. In humans, P. papatasi salivary proteins induce a systemic cellular immune response as well as a specific antisaliva humoral immune response, making these salivary proteins attractive targets as markers of exposure for this Leishmania vector. Surprisingly, the repertoire of salivary proteins reported for P. papatasi–a model sand fly for Leishmania-vector-host molecular interactions–is very limited compared with other sand fly species. We hypothesize that a more comprehensive study of the transcripts present in the salivary glands of P. papatasi will provide better knowledge of the repertoire of proteins of this important vector and will aid in selection of potential immunogenic proteins for humans and of those proteins that are highly conserved between different sand fly strains. Methods and Findings A cDNA library from P. papatasi (Tunisian strain) salivary glands was constructed, and randomly selected transcripts were sequenced and analyzed. The most abundant transcripts encoding secreted proteins were identified and compared with previously reported sequences. Importantly, we identified salivary proteins not described before in this sand fly species. Conclusions Comparative analysis between the salivary proteins of P. papatasi from Tunisia and Israel strains shows a high level of identity, suggesting these proteins as potential common targets for markers of vector exposure or inducers of cellular immune responses in humans for different geographic areas.
A New Precoder Design for Blind Channel Estimation in MIMO-OFDM Systems

A new precoder for precoding-based blind channel estimation for MIMO-OFDM systems is proposed. In the proposed scheme, only a small number of data symbols, commensurate with the channel length, are linearly precoded prior to transmission to induce the signal correlation needed for the scheme to blindly estimate the channels. Similar to how pilot symbols are transmitted, the subcarriers carrying these linearly precoded data symbols are equi-spaced across the frequency band. The other subcarriers carry data symbols in the standard way, enabling MLD per subcarrier and also allowing for MIMO linear precoding across antennas at each subcarrier. This is in contrast to previous precoding-based blind channel estimation schemes which precode all of the data symbols so that every subcarrier carries a linear combination of symbols, aking the resulting joint MLD problem infeasible. In addition, this also makes it infeasible to employ MIMO precoding per subcarrier across the transmit antennas. The proposed precoder is designed via a multi-stage optimization process that seeks to minimize both channel estimation error and symbol estimation error. For channel estimation purposes, the resulting optimal design offers low-cost features such as sign change and FFT while providing reasonable channel estimation performance for low mobility applications.
Higher-Order Theories of Consciousness: An Appraisal and Application

Lyyra, Pessi Higher-order theories of consciousness: An appraisal and application Jyvaskyla: University of Jyvaskyla, 2010, 163 pp. (Jyvaskyla Studies in Education, Psychology and Social Research ISSN 0075-4625; 387) ISBN 978-951-39-3919-9 (PDF), 978-951-39-3848-2 (nid.) The subjectively experienced ‘phenomenality‘ of consciousness is often taken to constitute the greatest enigma of the contemporary philosophy of mind, or even science in general: how can phenomenal conscious experience arise out of its physical substrate? The so called higher-order theories of consciousness propose to solve this problem by the cognitive ability of being aware of one’s own mental states. The first and foremost justification for these theories is the intuitively appealing idea that only those mental states are conscious, which we are somehow aware of. In this study, these theories and the core intuition they rely on are examined. It is claimed that while this intuition holds for everyday human consciousness, it does not hold equally well for the more primitive kinds of consciousness, such as infant or animal consciousness. The intuition also conflicts with the opposite intuition that self-awareness can be detrimental to the vividness of world-directed consciousness. The intuition itself remains unexplained, and the theories lack relevant empirical support. To solve these problems, a novel conception of higher-order consciousness is suggested, a practical form of consciousness characteristic of human beings called ‘mentalized consciousness’. It essentially involves self-awareness and develops in the early interaction of an infant and its primary caregivers, as suggested by recent theories and findings in empirical psychology. It is shown that, while avoiding their problems, the intuitive appeal of the higher-order theories of consciousness can be explained by the concept of mentalized consciousness.
DESIGNING TECHNOLOGY-ENHANCED LEARNING FROM A PROCESS-ORIENTED PERSPECTIVE

This paper discusses the theoretical framework and the process-oriented model guiding the introduction of Technology-Enhanced Learning (TEL) at the Faculty of Education, University of Malta. The Programme in TEL (PiTEL) evolved from the previous ‘Programme for the development of Resources in ICT Education’ that promoted the acquisition of a range of competences in use of ICT applications, especially those for developing instructional resources. The new programme addresses a number of demands arising from the current national socio-economical reality that constantly challenges educational and training institutions to tune to learners’ evolving needs in a knowledge society. The current political drive to align all sectors of the national economy, ranging from micro-electronics, tourism, health and national heritage, on research and innovation demands skills in creativity, design and innovation. The job market increasingly demands skilful interaction with digital technologies especially in the context of learning and research communities.
About Parallel and Syntactocentric Formalisms: A Perspective from the Encoding of Convergent Grammar into Abstract Categorial Grammar

Recent discussions of grammatical architectures have distinguished two competing approaches to the syntax-semantics interface: syntactocentrism, wherein syntactic structures are mapped or transduced to semantics (and phonology), vs. parallelism, wherein semantics (and phonology) communicates with syntax via a nondirectional (or relational) interface. This contrast arises for instance in dealing with in situ operators. The aim of this paper is threefold: first, we show how the essential content of a parallel framework, convergent grammar (CVG), can be encoded within abstract categorial grammar (ACG), a generic framework which has mainly been used, until now, to encode syntactocentric architectures. Second, using such a generic framework allows us to relate the mathematical characterization of parallelism in CVG with that of syntactocentrism in mainstream categorial grammar (CG), suggesting that the distinction between parallel and syntactocentric formalisms is superficial in nature. More generally, it shows how to provide mildly context sensitive languages (MCSL), which are a clearly defined class of languages in terms of ACG, with a relational syntax-semantics interface. Finally, while most of the studies on the generative power of ACG have been related to formal languages, we show that ACG can illuminate a linguistically motivated framework such as CVG.
SILICON METABOLISM IN DIATOMS

The mechanism of ion accumulation by plant cells has been shown to be dependent on aerobic metabolism (Machlis, 1944; Robertson, Wilkins, and Weeks, 1951; Kelly, 1953). Although there is no evidence that diatom cells accumulate silicate ions, they nevertheless possess a very effective mechanism for removing silicate from solution and depositing silicon dioxide in the external walls or frnstules. The present paper deals with the evidence that aerobic respiration is necessary for this process.
Virtual Reality in Surgery: Between Satisfaction and Stress

The present study is focused on usability issues related to laparoscopy, emphasizing the surgeon’s overall satisfaction with the mediated perception of reality. We were particularly interested in assessing the differences between this mini-invasive surgical technique and classical surgery, trying to underline both its advantages and limits. We also tried to evaluate the level of stress induced by this method, among the surgeons who use it on a regular basis, together with the adopted coping strategies. Laparoscopy, even though grounded in classical surgery, has its own distinctive features, which require flexibility in order to facilitate the transfer of skills. Despite its limited range of applicability, used discriminatively and carefully, together with well-organized training sessions, this technique can bring satisfaction to both surgeon and patient.
Cooperative Spectrum Sensing in Cognitive Radio, Part II: Multiuser Networks

In cognitive networks, cognitive (unlicensed) users need to continuously monitor spectrum to detect the presence of primary (licensed) users. In part I, we have illustrated the benefits of cooperation in cognitive radio by considering a simple two-user network and showing improvement in agility. In part II, we investigate multiple cognitive user networks. We first consider multiuser single carrier networks and develop sufficient conditions for agility gain when the cognitive population is arbitrarily large. We then propose a practical algorithm which allows cooperation between cognitive users in random networks. Finally, we provide an example to illustrate the concepts developed in this paper.
[Measurement of the hip joint space using automatic digital image analysis].

Joint surface area (JSA) and mean joint space width (MJSW) at the hip were measured using a ICMS-Techline computer program to analyze digitalised frontal weight-bearing roentgenograms of the pelvis. With this technique, the portion of joint space studied is always the same in a given patient and is enclosed within an acute ECS angle whose apex C is the center of the head of the femur and whose ends E and S are the lateral rim of the acetabulum and the highest point of the homolateral sacral wing respectively. ECS varies across individuals but remains constant in a given hip. Twenty hips were included in the first part of the study. For each hip, three roentgenograms were taken at five-minute intervals by three different radiologists who used their own constants (settings, position of the subject). JSA and MJSW are determined five times on each film by two different observers who had no information on the films under study. The interobserver coefficient of variation (CV) was 4.7% for JSA and 3.3% for MJSW. Intra-observer CVs were 2.97 and 3.54% for MJSW and 4.32% and 5.13% for JSA. There was a very close correlation between MJSW and JSA (r = 0.87, p < 0.0001). MJSW was then determined for roentgenograms of 30 hips with osteoarthritis. Results were compared with the values obtained using Lequesne's method of joint space measurement at the site of maximum narrowing. Measurements were performed in a double-blind fashion by two observers. The correlation coefficient was r = 0.89 (p < 0.0001). (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Advertising and Consumer Awareness of a New Product

The increase of a new product’s sales is usually attributed to consumers becoming informed about the existence of the product. Advertising can accelerate this consumer awareness process. This paper evaluates this effect. I develop and estimate a structural model in which the consumer purchase decision is specified using a discrete choice model with variation in the choice set, according to the information diffusion of the new products. I also model the optimal price and advertising decisions of the firm, taking into account the dynamic effect of advertising on future sales (via an increase in the proportion of consumers aware of the product). The model is estimated using Spanish automobile data. The estimates show that advertising enhances the three year it takes for the information diffusion of a new product to half as long, and reduces the loss of consumer welfare from the lack of information around 37%.
Differential in Vivo Roles Played by DsbA and DsbC in the Formation of Protein Disulfide Bonds*

Several Escherichia coli proteins participate in protein disulfide bond formation. Among them, DsbA is the primary factor that oxidizes target cysteines. Biochemical evidence indicates that DsbC has disulfide isomerization activity. To study intracellular functions of DsbA and DsbC, we used an alkaline phosphatase mutant, PhoA[SCCC], with the most amino-terminal cysteine replaced by serine. It was found that the remaining 3 cysteines in PhoA[SCCC] form a disulfide bond of incorrect as well as correct combinations. An aberrant disulfide bond was preferentially formed in wild-type cells, which was converted slowly to the normal disulfide bond. This conversion did not occur in the dsbC-disrupted cells. Overproduction of DsbC stimulated the formation of the correct disulfide bond. In contrast, the inefficiently formed disulfide bonds in the dsbA-disrupted cells, and the more efficiently formed disulfide bonds in the same strain in the presence of oxidized glutathione were mostly in the correct form. These results suggest that the DsbA-catalyzed reaction can be too rapid for some proteins. DsbA may simply oxidize available pairs of cysteines, which happen to be in an incorrect combination in the case of PhoA[SCCC]. In contrast, DsbC stimulates the formation of correct disulfide bonds and corrects previously introduced aberrant ones. Thus, DsbC acts to isomerize disulfide bonds in vivo.
Learning to Differentiate Better from Worse Translations

We present a pairwise learning-to-rank approach to machine translation evaluation that learns to differentiate better from worse translations in the context of a given reference. We integrate several layers of linguistic information encapsulated in tree-based structures, making use of both the reference and the system output simultaneously, thus bringing our ranking closer to how humans evaluate translations. Most importantly, instead of deciding upfront which types of features are important, we use the learning framework of preference re-ranking kernels to learn the features automatically. The evaluation results show that learning in the proposed framework yields better correlation with humans than computing the direct similarity over the same type of structures. Also, we show our structural kernel learning (SKL) can be a general framework for MT evaluation, in which syntactic and semantic information can be naturally incorporated.
Generating random correlation matrices based on partial correlation vines and the onion method

Partial correlation vines and the onion method are presented for generating random correlation matrices. As a special case, a uniform distribution over the set of d× d positive definite correlation matrices obtains. Byproducts are: (a) For a uniform distribution over the space of d × d correlation matrices, the marginal distribution of each correlation is Beta(d/2, d/2) on (−1, 1). (b) An identity is obtained for the determinant of a correlation matrix R via partial correlations in a vine. (c) A formula is obtained for the volume of the set of d× d positive definite correlation matrices in d2 ) -dimensional space. Outline 1. Statement of key results on generating random correlation matrices 2. Parametrization with partial correlations 3. Regular vines, D-vines, C-vines 4. Random correlation matrices based on partial correlations 5. Random correlation matrices based on onion method Key results: R is a d× d correlation matrix 1. Several simple ways to generate a random R that is uniform over set of positive definite d× d correlation matrices; more generally with density ∝ [det(R)]α−1. 2. Identity: (1− ρ12)(1− ρ23)(1− ρ13;2) for d = 3
Curcumin changes the polarity of tumor‐associated microglia and eliminates glioblastoma

Glioblastoma (GBM) is one of the most pernicious forms of cancer and currently chances of survival from this malady are extremely low. We have used the noninvasive strategy of intranasal (IN) delivery of a glioblastoma‐directed adduct of curcumin (CC), CC‐CD68Ab, into the brain of mouse GBM GL261‐implanted mice to study the effect of CC on tumor remission and on the phenotype of the tumor‐associated microglial cells (TAMs). The treatment caused tumor remission in 50% of GL261‐implanted GBM mice. A similar rescue rate was also achieved through intraperitoneal infusion of a lipid‐encapsulated formulation of CC, Curcumin Phytosome, into the GL261‐implanted GBM mice. Most strikingly, both forms of CC elicited a dramatic change in the tumor‐associated Iba1+ TAMs, suppressing the tumor‐promoting Arginase1high, iNOSlow M2‐type TAM population while inducing the Arginase1low, iNOShigh M1‐type tumoricidal microglia. Concomitantly, we observed a marked induction and activation of microglial NF‐kB and STAT1, which are known to function in coordination to cause induction of iNOS. Therefore, our novel findings indicate that appropriately delivered CC can directly kill GBM cells and also repolarize the TAMs to the tumoricidal M1 state.
The acceptance of mobile communication technologies in student communities

In this paper, the acceptance and use of mobile phone-mediated communication technologies are studied in three different cultural student communities. The analysis is based on the Mobile Information System Adoption and Use (MISAU) model developed here. The model combines elements of the technology acceptance and information success models into a single framework. The results of the study indicate similar acceptance patterns in all three subcommunities, but social network analysis reveals interesting cultural differences in how mobile communication technology is used. When the results are analysed with Hofstede's dimensions of a national culture (Hofstede, 2001), power distance, individualism and masculinity have a strong correlation with the communication intensity of the subcommunity.
A mindennapos testi tünetek attribúciója: Tünetinterpretáció Kérdőív hazai adaptációja

Summary Tanulmanyunkban a Robbins es Kirmayer (1991) altal kidolgozott Tunetinterpretacio Kerdőiv pszichometriai jellemzőit mutatjuk be. Vizsgalatainkban osszesen 660 fő (345 egyetemi hallgato, 98 egeszsegugyi alapellatasban megjelenő paciens, 217 „egeszseges” _
Clinical evaluation of salivary periodontal pathogen levels by real-time polymerase chain reaction in patients before dental implant treatment

Objective Periodontal pathogens in dental plaque are the main causative agents of periodontitis and peri-implantitis. Detection of the presence of such periodontal pathogens early would serve as a useful tool in the diagnosis and treatment of this disease. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate whether the periodontal pathogen levels in saliva were correlated with the periodontal status of patients receiving implant treatment. Materials and Methods A total of 291 patients visiting Tokyo Dental College Chiba Hospital were divided into four groups: a no-periodontitis (np) group, a mild-periodontitis (mip) group, a moderate-periodontitis (mop) group, and a severe-periodontitis (sp) group. The levels of the following five periodontal pathogens in saliva were evaluated using real-time polymerase chain reaction: Porphyromonas gingivalis, Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Tannerella forsythia, Treponema denticola, and Prevotella intermedia. Results The levels of P. gingivalis and T. forsythia were significantly higher in mop group than in np group (P < 0.05). The levels of all periodontal pathogens tested except A. actinomycetemcomitans were significantly higher in sp group than in np group (P < 0.05). Conclusion The detection levels of the periodontal pathogens targeted in saliva samples were correlated with the periodontal status. This suggests that using saliva to screen for periodontopathic bacteria offers an easier-to-use clinical tool than the paper point method in the diagnosis and treatment of periodontitis and peri-implantitis.