Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Social mediation of rewards inThai car-consumer clubs

The development of the Internet has created an innovative communication channel which has had a pervasive impact on consumers’ behaviour worldwide. This creates a new social construct in the form of virtual communities based on communal consumption, which are widely known as brand communities. To date a number of studies have researched brand communities by emphasising social theories and been conducted in a Western context. Few studies have addressed behavioural theories and investigated these groups in an Asian context like Thailand, which has a growing number of consumer brand communities. This thesis uses a behavioural perspective and highlights the role of intentional dimension in the analysis of consumer behaviour in these communities. The thesis aims to investigate and explain the rationale for rewards which maintain consumer participation in Thai car-consumer clubs. To do so it adopts the Behavioural Perspective Model (BPM) as a primary interpretive device to develop a qualitative multiple-case study of seven Thai car-consumer clubs. Rule-governed behaviour is also examined in this thesis. The results of the BPM interpretive analysis demonstrate that the members’ behaviours in the Thai car-consumer clubs take place in a relatively closed setting that is maintained by high levels of both functional reinforcement (such as car-knowledge) and symbolic reinforcement (such as friendship). Foremost of all, status is the key symbolic reinforcement which performs as a gateway to other rewards. The value of symbolic reinforcement such as status is derived from collective intentionality that can be found in cooperative behaviour and in the beliefs and attitude of the intentional language of people in a particular context. In essence, the emergence of Thai car-consumers clubs involves the capacity for behaviour to be reinforced through mutual rewards. Therefore, members’ participation in the car-consumer clubs is facilitated by the rewards which are socially mediated by members of the community.
An adroit naïve Bayesian based sequence mining approach for prediction of MRI brain tumor image

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) plays a vital role in clinical imaging, especially in the field of brain tumor prediction. However, the images obtained through MRI scan always contains noises thereby leads to fault predictions. Therefore this article focuses on accurate prediction of brain tumor from MRI images. To remove the noise present in the MRI image, a filter is selected through analyzing five different filters. Noise removal is carried out as preprocessing step. The images obtained from preprocessed step are processed to determine important spatial features through Graytone Spatial Dependence Matrix (GSDM) and Tamura methods. These features are computed to determine a subset of features by joint entropy and GA technique. Resulting features are then manipulated using Naïve Bayesian technique to predict the images as normal or benign or malignant. Experimental results presented in this paper shows that the proposed Naïve Bayesian method performs better in predicting the brain tumor present in a patient's MRI image.
A hybrid linear text segmentation algorithm using hierarchical agglomerative clustering and discrete particle swarm optimization

Linear text segmentation plays an important role in many natural language processing tasks. Many algorithms have been proposed and shown to improve the performance of linear text segmentation. However, the previous studies often suffer from either lower segmentation accuracy or higher computational complexity. Moreover, parameter setting is another critical problem in some algorithms. Although manual assignment is an approach to solve this problem, it may increase the user's burden, and the parameters provided may not always be suitable to reflect the real metadata of a text. In this paper, a hybrid algorithm, TSHAC-DPSO, is proposed to tackle these problems. A novel linear Text Segmentation algorithm based on Hierarchical Agglomerative Clustering TSHAC is proposed to rapidly generate a satisfactory solution without an auxiliary knowledge base, parameter setting, or user involvement; then an efficient evolutional algorithm, Discrete Particle Swarm Optimization DPSO, is adopted to generate the global optimal solution by refining the solution created by TSHAC. TSHAC-DPSO fully utilizes the merits of both algorithms which not only improve the accuracy of linear text segmentation, but also make the execution more efficient and flexible. The experimental results show that TSHAC-DPSO provides comparable segmentation accuracy with several well-known linear text segmentation algorithms.
Performance of Philips Gemini TF PET/CT scanner with special consideration for its time-of-flight imaging capabilities.

UNLABELLED Results from a new PET/CT scanner using lutetium-yttrium oxyorthosilicate (LYSO) crystals for the PET component are presented. This scanner, which operates in a fully 3-dimensional mode, has a diameter of 90 cm and an axial field of view of 18 cm. It uses 4 x 4 x 22 mm(3) LYSO crystals arranged in a pixelated Anger-logic detector design. This scanner was designed to perform as a high-performance conventional PET scanner as well as provide good timing resolution to operate as a time-of-flight (TOF) PET scanner. METHODS Performance measurements on the scanner were made using the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) NU2-2001 procedures to benchmark its conventional imaging capabilities. The scatter fraction and noise equivalent count (NEC) measurements with the NEMA cylinder (20-cm diameter) were repeated for 2 larger cylinders (27-cm and 35-cm diameter), which better represent average and heavy patients. New measurements were designed to characterize its intrinsic timing resolution capability, which defines its TOF performance. Additional measurements to study the impact of pulse pileup at high counting rates on timing, as well as energy and spatial, resolution were also performed. Finally, to characterize the effect of TOF reconstruction on lesion contrast and noise, the standard NEMA/International Electrotechnical Commission torso phantom as well as a large 35-cm-diameter phantom with both hot and cold spheres were imaged for varying scan times. RESULTS The transverse and axial resolution near the center is 4.8 mm. The absolute sensitivity of this scanner measured with a 70-cm-long line source is 6.6 cps/kBq, whereas scatter fraction is 27% measured with a 70-cm-long line source in a 20-cm-diameter cylinder. For the same line source cylinder, the peak NEC rate is measured to be 125 kcps at an activity concentration of 17.4 kBq/mL (0.47 microCi/mL). The 2 larger cylinders showed a decrease in the peak NEC due to increased attenuation, scatter, and random coincidences, and the peak occurs at lower activity concentrations. The system coincidence timing resolution was measured to be 585 ps. The timing resolution changes as a function of the singles rate due to pulse pileup and could impact TOF image reconstruction. Image-quality measurements with the torso phantom show that very high quality images can be obtained with short scan times (1-2 min per bed position). However, the benefit of TOF is more apparent with the large 35-cm-diameter phantom, where small spheres are detectable only with TOF information for short scan times. CONCLUSION The Gemini TF whole-body scanner represents the first commercially available fully 3-dimensional PET scanner that achieves TOF capability as well as conventional imaging capabilities. The timing resolution is also stable over a long duration, indicating the practicality of this device. Excellent image quality is achieved for whole-body studies in 10-30 min, depending on patient size. The most significant improvement with TOF is seen for the heaviest patients.
Chemical composition and phagocyte immunomodulatory activity of Ferula iliensis essential oils

Essential oil extracts from Ferula iliensis have been used traditionally in Kazakhstan for treatment of inflammation and other illnesses. Because little is known about the biologic activity of these essential oils that contributes to their therapeutic properties, we analyzed their chemical composition and evaluated their phagocyte immunomodulatory activity. The main components of the extracted essential oils were (E)‐propenyl sec‐butyl disulfide (15.7–39.4%) and (Z)‐propenyl sec‐butyl disulfide (23.4–45.0%). Ferula essential oils stimulated [Ca2+]i mobilization in human neutrophils and activated ROS production in human neutrophils and murine bone marrow phagocytes. Activation of human neutrophil [Ca2+]i flux by Ferula essential oils was dose‐dependently inhibited by capsazepine, a TRPV1 channel antagonist, indicating that TRPV1 channels mediate this response. Furthermore, Ferula essential oils stimulated Ca2+ influx in TRPV1 channel–transfected HEK293 cells and desensitized the capsaicin‐induced response in these cells. Additional molecular modeling with known TRPV1 channel agonists suggested that the active component is likely to be (Z)‐propenyl sec‐butyl disulfide. Our results provide a cellular and molecular basis to explain at least part of the beneficial therapeutic properties of FEOs.
Office-based outpatient plastic surgery utilizing total intravenous anesthesia.

BACKGROUND Office-based plastic surgery procedures continue to increase in popularity and a range of anesthetic techniques can be utilized, from light conscious sedation to general anesthesia requiring intubation. Total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) is well suited for the office environment because it allows for moderate to deep sedation without the need for intubation. OBJECTIVE The authors review plastic surgery procedures performed in an outpatient office-based operating room under TIVA to assess patient outcomes and complications. METHODS A retrospective chart review was conducted of patients who underwent surgical procedures performed by 2 senior surgeons at American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities-certified outpatient operating rooms between 2003 and 2011. TIVA was always administered by a board-certified anesthesiologist because it required the use of propofol. Conscious sedation with midazolam and fentanyl was always administered by the plastic surgeon. Patient outcomes and complications were analyzed to assess the safety of TIVA in an office operating room. RESULTS A total of 2611 procedures were performed on 2006 patients. No deaths, cardiac events, or transfers to the hospital occurred in any patients, regardless of the type of sedation utilized. Six hundred forty-two patients were given TIVA, which included propofol and/or ketamine, in addition to midazolam and fentanyl. The remaining 1364 patients received conscious sedation. There was 1 documented case (0.05%; 1/2006) of deep vein thrombosis/pulmonary embolism in a patient who had an implant exchange under TIVA; this patient was taking oral contraceptive pills at the time of surgery. CONCLUSIONS Office-based surgery is an attractive option for many patients. This review suggests that a variety of procedures can be performed in a safe manner under TIVA. Although patient selection for outpatient surgery is paramount, TIVA offsets the risks of general anesthesia and is associated with minimal postoperative complications. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 4.
Specificity Profiling of Pak Kinases Allows Identification of Novel Phosphorylation Sites*

The p21-activated kinases (Paks) serve as effectors of the Rho family GTPases Rac and Cdc42. The six human Paks are divided into two groups based on sequence similarity. Group I Paks (Pak1 to -3) phosphorylate a number of substrates linking this group to regulation of the cytoskeleton and both proliferative and anti-apoptotic signaling. Group II Paks (Pak4 to -6) are thought to play distinct functional roles, yet their few known substrates are also targeted by Group I Paks. To determine if the two groups recognize distinct target sequences, we used a degenerate peptide library method to comprehensively characterize the consensus phosphorylation motifs of Group I and II Paks. We find that Pak1 and Pak2 exhibit virtually identical substrate specificity that is distinct from that of Pak4. Based on structural comparisons and mutagenesis, we identified two key amino acid residues that mediate the distinct specificities of Group I and II Paks and suggest a structural basis for these differences. These results implicate, for the first time, residues from the small lobe of a kinase in substrate selectivity. Finally, we utilized the Pak1 consensus motif to predict a novel Pak1 phosphorylation site in Pix (Pak-interactive exchange factor) and demonstrate that Pak1 phosphorylates this site both in vitro and in cultured cells. Collectively, these results elucidate the specificity of Pak kinases and illustrate a general method for the identification of novel sites phosphorylated by Paks.
Communication between Binding Sites Is Required for YqjI Regulation of Target Promoters within the yqjH-yqjI Intergenic Region

ABSTRACT The nickel-responsive transcription factor YqjI represses its own transcription and transcription of the divergent yqjH gene, which encodes a novel ferric siderophore reductase. The intergenic region between the two promoters is complex, with multiple sequence features that may impact YqjI-dependent regulation of its two target promoters. We utilized mutagenesis and DNase I footprinting to characterize YqjI regulation of the yqjH-yqjI intergenic region. The results show that YqjI binding results in an extended footprint at the yqjI promoter (site II) compared to the yqjH promoter (site I). Mutagenesis of in vivo gene reporter constructs revealed that the two YqjI binding sites, while separated by nearly 200 bp, appear to communicate in order to provide full YqjI-dependent regulation at the two target promoters. Thus, YqjI binding at both promoters is required for full repression of either promoter, suggesting that the two YqjI binding sites cooperate to control transcription from the divergent promoters. Furthermore, internal deletions that shorten the total length of the intergenic region disrupt the ability of YqjI to regulate the yqjH promoter. Finally, mutagenesis of the repetitive extragenic palindromic (REP) elements within the yqjH-yqjI intergenic region shows that these sequences are not required for YqjI regulation. These studies provide a complex picture of novel YqjI transcriptional regulation within the yqjH-yqjI intergenic region and suggest a possible model for communication between the YqjI binding sites at each target promoter.
Effects of ganglioside G(M1) and erythropoietin on spinal cord lesions in rats: functional and histological evaluations

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the functional and histological effects of ganglioside G(M1) and erythropoietin after experimental spinal cord contusion injury. METHODS: Fifty male Wistar rats underwent experimental spinal cord lesioning using an NYU-Impactor device and were randomly divided into the following groups, which received treatment intraperitoneally. The G(M1) group received ganglioside G(M1) (30 mg/kg); the erythropoietin group received erythropoietin (1000 IU/kg); the combined group received both drugs; and the saline group received saline (0.9%) as a control. A fifth group was the laminectomy group, in which the animals were subjected to laminectomy alone, without spinal lesioning or treatment. The animals were evaluated according to the Basso, Beattie and Bresnahan (BBB) scale, motor evoked potential recordings and, after euthanasia, histological analysis of spinal cord tissue. RESULTS: The erythropoietin group had higher BBB scores than the G(M1) group. The combined group had the highest BBB scores, and the saline group had the lowest BBB scores. No significant difference in latency was observed between the three groups that underwent spinal cord lesioning and intervention. However, the combined group showed a significantly higher signal amplitude than the other treatment groups or the saline group (p<0.01). Histological tissue analysis showed no significant difference between the groups. Axonal index was significantly enhanced in the combined group than any other intervention (p<0.01). CONCLUSION: G(M1) and erythropoietin exert therapeutic effects on axonal regeneration and electrophysiological and motor functions in rats subjected to experimental spinal cord lesioning and administering these two substances in combination potentiates their effects.
Recognising Entailment within Discourse

Texts are commonly interpreted based on the entire discourse in which they are situated. Discourse processing has been shown useful for inference-based application; yet, most systems for textual entailment -- a generic paradigm for applied inference -- have only addressed discourse considerations via off-the-shelf coreference resolvers. In this paper we explore various discourse aspects in entailment inference, suggest initial solutions for them and investigate their impact on entailment performance. Our experiments suggest that discourse provides useful information, which significantly improves entailment inference, and should be better addressed by future entailment systems.
Inference on inspiral signals using LISA MLDC data

In this paper, we describe a Bayesian inference framework for the analysis of data obtained by LISA. We set up a model for binary inspiral signals as defined for the Mock LISA Data Challenge 1.2 (MLDC), and implemented a Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) algorithm to facilitate exploration and integration of the posterior distribution over the nine-dimensional parameter space. Here, we present intermediate results showing how, using this method, information about the nine parameters can be extracted from the data.
From brand image research to teaching assessment: using a projective technique borrowed from marketing research to aid an understanding of teaching effectiveness

This paper describes how a simple qualitative market research technique using a projective device called a bubble drawing can be used as a useful feedback device to gain an understanding of students' views of the teaching effectiveness of a market research lecture. Comparisons are made with feedback gained from teaching observations and insights drawn from this. Some areas for further research are suggested.
Wikipedia as Frame Information Repository

In this paper, we address the issue of automatic extending lexical resources by exploiting existing knowledge repositories. In particular, we deal with the new task of linking FrameNet and Wikipedia using a word sense disambiguation system that, for a given pair frame -- lexical unit (F, l), finds the Wikipage that best expresses the the meaning of l. The mapping can be exploited to straightforwardly acquire new example sentences and new lexical units, both for English and for all languages available in Wikipedia. In this way, it is possible to easily acquire good-quality data as a starting point for the creation of FrameNet in new languages. The evaluation reported both for the monolingual and the multilingual expansion of FrameNet shows that the approach is promising.
Progressive enlargement of filtration with initial times

The preservation of the semi-martingale property in a progressive enlargement of filtration has been studied by many authors. Most of them focus on progressive enlargement with a honest time, allowing for semi-martingale invariance and simple decomposition formulas. However, times allowing for semi-martingale invariance in initial enlargements preserve as well this property in progressive enlargements. This paper is devoted to the related canonical decomposition of the semi-martingales. Examples are given in credit risk modelling.
Adenophostin A Can Stimulate Ca2+ Influx without Depleting the Inositol 1,4,5-Trisphosphate-sensitive Ca2+ Stores in the Xenopus Oocyte*

Adenophostin A possesses the highest known affinity for the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (Ins(1,4,5)P3) receptor (InsP3R). The compound shares with Ins(1,4,5)P3 those structural elements essential for binding to the InsP3R. However, its adenosine 2′-phosphate moiety has no counterpart in the Ins(1,4,5)P3 molecule. To determine whether its unique structure conferred a distinctive biological activity, we characterized the adenophostin-induced Ca2+ signal in Xenopus oocytes using the Ca2+-gated Cl− current assay. In high concentrations, adenophostin A released Ca2+ from Ins(1,4,5)P3-sensitive stores and stimulated a Cl− current that depended upon the presence of extracellular Ca2+. We used this Cl− current as a marker of Ca2+ influx. In low concentrations, however, adenophostin A stimulated Ca2+ influx exclusively. In contrast, Ins(1,4,5)P3 and (2-hydroxyethyl)-α-D-glucopyranoside 2′,3,4-trisphosphate, an adenophostin A mimic lacking most of the adenosine moiety, always released intracellular Ca2+ before causing Ca2+ influx. Ins(1,4,5)P3 could still release Ca2+ during adenophostin A-induced Ca2+ influx, confirming that the Ins(1,4,5)P3-sensitive intracellular Ca2+ stores had not been emptied. Adenophostin- and Ins(1,4,5)P3-induced Ca2+ influx were not additive, suggesting that both agonists stimulated a common Ca2+ entry pathway. Heparin, which blocks binding to the InsP3R, prevented adenophostin-induced Ca2+ influx. These data indicate that adenophostin A can stimulate the influx of Ca2+ across the plasma membrane without inevitably emptying the Ins(1,4,5)P3-sensitive intracellular Ca2+ stores.
Combining super exponential algorithm with logic strings and second order statistics for blind channel estimation

We combine the characteristics of the Super Exponential (SE) method with Logic Strings and Second Order Statistics (SOS) to blindly estimate a multipath channel. The estimator benefits from the good quality of estimation inherent of SOS methods to estimate the magnitude of a channel's transfer function allied to the fact that the SE can estimate the channel phase response, and that Logic String estimator can resolve the remaining phase ambiguity inherent to SE and SOS estimators. It results in an estimator without any phase ambiguity with a better performance than the traditional SE method and without severe channel code restrictions as pure Logic String estimators.
Hybrid Spatial Modeling of Non-Stationary Process Variations

Accurate characterization of spatial variation is essential for statistical performance analysis and modeling, post-silicon tuning, and yield analysis. Existing approaches for spatial modeling either assume that: (i) non-stationarities exist due to a smoothly varying trend component or that (ii) the process is stationary within regions associated with a predefined grid. While such assumptions may hold when profiling certain classes of variations, many studies now suggest that spatial variability is likely to be highly non-stationary. In order to provide spatial models for non-stationary process variations, we introduce a new hybrid spatial modeling framework that models the spatially varying random field as a union of non-overlapping rectangular regions where the process is assumed to be locallystationary. To estimate the parameters in our hybrid spatial model, we introduce a host of techniques for efficient detection of regions over which the process variations are locally-stationary. We verify our models and results on measurements collected from 65nm FPGAs.