Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Democracy in the Gambia: past, present and prospects for the future

Resume Le coup d'Etat militaire de 1994 a mis fin au regne du gouvernement du Peoples Progressive Party (PPP) de Sir Daouda Jawara, effacant 29 annees de politiques electorales en Gambie apres l'independance. La Gambie sous Jawara etait decrite comme etant un pays democratique stable, avec un leader qui s'est efforce de developper le pays, et qui a beneficie du soutien de la majorite. Cet article affirme, au contraire, que la Gambie d'apres independance manquait de stabilite democratique, et que les institutions politiques ont ete utilisees pour perpetuer le pouvoir de ceux qui controlent l'Etat, et non pour oeuvrer des changements necessaires au developpement du pays. Ce point de vue contraire est sous-tendu par une evaluation des conditions sociale, economique, et politique pendant et apres le regne de Jawara. Des questions concernant les prospectives d'un developpement democratique apres l'interlude militaire sont soulevees. (Africa Development: 2000 XXV (3&4): 161-198)
Association between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D level and subclinical cardiovascular disease in primary hyperparathyroidism.

CONTEXT Vitamin D (25OHD) deficiency may be a modifiable cardiovascular (CV) risk factor. 25OHD insufficiency (20-29 ng/mL) and deficiency (<20 ng/mL) are common in primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT), but their association with CV disease in PHPT has not been systematically investigated. OBJECTIVE This study evaluated whether low 25OHD is associated with subclinical CV disease in PHPT. DESIGN This is a cross-sectional analysis of PHPT patients with and without low 25OHD. SETTINGS AND PARTICIPANTS We studied 110 PHPT patients in a university hospital setting. OUTCOME MEASURES We measured carotid intima-media thickness; carotid plaque presence/thickness; carotid strain and stiffness; left ventricular mass index; cardiac systolic and diastolic function; and mitral annular calcification. RESULTS Low 25OHD levels (<30 ng/mL) were observed in 28%, but only 9% had 25OHD deficiency (<20 ng/mL). In the whole group, 25OHD levels negatively correlated with body mass index (r = -0.33, P = .0005), PTH (r = -0.30, P = .001), calcium (r = -0.29, P = .002), renal function, and PHPT duration. CV indices were normal except for carotid intima-media thickness, stiffness, and plaque thickness, which were increased, regardless of 25OHD status. Isovolumic relaxation time was the only CV measure associated with 25OHD (r = -0.26, P = .01). Those with 25OHD less than 20 ng/mL had more severe PHPT and a higher rate of nephrolithiasis. Those with 25OHD less than 30 ng/mL were younger, had higher body mass index, had lower serum phosphate, and were more likely to be male, nonwhite, and Hispanic. Other than lower tissue Doppler e' and higher isovolumic relaxation time within normal range in those with 25OHD less than 30 vs greater than 30 ng/mL, there were no differences in CV indices using either 25OHD threshold. CONCLUSIONS Patients with mild PHPT have subclinical carotid abnormalities, but low 25OHD is not associated with abnormal carotid or cardiac measures. To the extent that PTH levels differentiated those with 25OHD less than 20 but not 30 ng/mL, these data support a 25OHD threshold of 20 ng/mL as clinically relevant in PHPT.
A New Incremental Pairwise Clustering Algorithm

Pairwise clustering methods are able to handle relational data, in which a set of objects is described via a matrix of pairwise (dis)similarities. Here, we consider a cost function for pairwise clustering which maximizes model entropy under the constraint that the error for reconstructing objects from class information is fixed to a small value. Based on the analysis of structural transitions, we derive a new incremental pairwise clustering method which increases the number of clusters until a certain value of a Lagrange multiplier is reached. In addition, the calculation of phase transitions is used for speed-up. The incremental duplication of clusters helps to avoid local optima, and the stopping criterion automatically determines the number of clusters. The performance of the method is assessed on artificial and real-world data.
Lateralization is Predicted by Reduced Coupling from the Left to Right Prefrontal Cortex during Semantic Decisions on Written Words

Over 90% of people activate the left hemisphere more than the right hemisphere for language processing. Here, we show that the degree to which language is left lateralized is inversely related to the degree to which left frontal regions drive activity in homotopic right frontal regions. Lateralization was assessed in 60 subjects using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) activation for semantic decisions on verbal (written words) and nonverbal (pictures of objects) stimuli. Regional interactions between left and right ventral and dorsal frontal regions were assessed using dynamic causal modeling (DCM), random-effects Bayesian model selection at the family level, and Bayesian model averaging at the connection level. We found that 1) semantic decisions on words and pictures modulated interhemispheric coupling between the left and right dorsal frontal regions, 2) activation was more left lateralized for words than pictures, and 3) for words only, left lateralization was greater when the coupling from the left to right dorsal frontal cortex was reduced. These results have theoretical implications for understanding how left and right hemispheres communicate with one another during the processing of lateralized functions.
AlgPred: prediction of allergenic proteins and mapping of IgE epitopes

In this study a systematic attempt has been made to integrate various approaches in order to predict allergenic proteins with high accuracy. The dataset used for testing and training consists of 578 allergens and 700 non-allergens obtained from A. K. Bjorklund, D. Soeria-Atmadja, A. Zorzet, U. Hammerling and M. G. Gustafsson (2005) Bioinformatics, 21, 39–50. First, we developed methods based on support vector machine using amino acid and dipeptide composition and achieved an accuracy of 85.02 and 84.00%, respectively. Second, a motif-based method has been developed using MEME/MAST software that achieved sensitivity of 93.94 with 33.34% specificity. Third, a database of known IgE epitopes was searched and this predicted allergenic proteins with 17.47% sensitivity at specificity of 98.14%. Fourth, we predicted allergenic proteins by performing BLAST search against allergen representative peptides. Finally hybrid approaches have been developed, which combine two or more than two approaches. The performance of all these algorithms has been evaluated on an independent dataset of 323 allergens and on 101 725 non-allergens obtained from Swiss-Prot. A web server AlgPred has been developed for the predicting allergenic proteins and for mapping IgE epitopes on allergenic proteins (). AlgPred is available at .
Decoding Finger Flexion from Electrocorticographic Signals Using a Sparse Gaussian Process

A brain-computer interface (BCI) creates a direct communication pathway between the brain and an external device, and can thereby restore function in people with severe motor disabilities. A core component in a BCI system is the decoding algorithm that translates brain signals into action commands of an output device. Most of current decoding algorithms are based on linear models (e.g., derived using linear regression) that may have important shortcomings. The use of nonlinear models (e.g., neural networks) could overcome some of these shortcomings, but has difficulties with high dimensional feature spaces. Here we propose another decoding algorithm that is based on the sparse gaussian process with pseudo-inputs (SPGP). As a nonparametric method, it can model more complex relationships compared to linear methods. As a kernel method, it can readily deal with high dimensional feature space. The evaluations shown in this paper demonstrate that SPGP can decode the flexion of finger movements from electrocorticographic (ECoG) signals more accurately than a previously described algorithm that used a linear model. In addition, by formulating problems in the bayesian probabilistic framework, SPGP can provide estimation of the prediction uncertainty. Furthermore, the trained SPGP offers a very effective way for identifying important features.
On the nature of expectations

We review economic and psychological models of expectation formation. According to the rational model, expectations are optimal; according to the adaptive model, they minimize previous error; according to the extrapolative model, they continue a trend. In an experiment, we asked subjects to make forecasts from previous data in the same series or from previous data in a different but related series. We also asked them to estimate the probability that their forecasts would be correct. The rational model failed because within-series forecasts were too poor, cross-series forecasts were biased, and probability estimates showed overconfidence. Regression analyses and a lack of performance improvement showed that the adaptive model was inappropriate. Instead, within-series forecasts were made by extrapolation and cross-series forecasts appeared to be based on a faulty conditional rule.
Multi-Modal Automatic Target Recognition for Anti-Ship Missiles with Imaging Infrared Capabilities

We propose a novel Automatic Target Recognition architecture suitable for Anti-ship missiles with Imaging Infrared (IR) capabilities. Our solution combines the description capability of the suggested modified Zernike moments along with two multi-layered Artificial Neural Networks. A unique and novel advantage of our solution is its multi- modal ATR capability. Indeed although the missile acquires the target's IR signature, template matching relies on commercially available grayscale vessel silhouettes. Additional advantages include incorporating an extremely small database that has a single template per target, scale and azimuthal rotation invariance and real-time processing performance. We evaluate our architecture on simulated scenarios created in CounterSim and achieve 94% target recognition in 44ms. Focusing on the head/rear view, which are the hardest to recognize, the proposed method outperforms both Convolutional Neural Networks and state-of-the-art local feature based description techniques that are widely used in image matching and recognition.
Cross-Language Question Re-Ranking

We study how to find relevant questions in community forums when the language of the new questions is different from that of the existing questions in the forum. In particular, we explore the Arabic-English language pair. We compare a kernel-based system with a feed-forward neural network in a scenario where a large parallel corpus is available for training a machine translation system, bilingual dictionaries, and cross-language word embeddings. We observe that both approaches degrade the performance of the system when working on the translated text, especially the kernel-based system, which depends heavily on a syntactic kernel. We address this issue using a cross-language tree kernel, which compares the original Arabic tree to the English trees of the related questions. We show that this kernel almost closes the performance gap with respect to the monolingual system. On the neural network side, we use the parallel corpus to train cross-language embeddings, which we then use to represent the Arabic input and the English related questions in the same space. The results also improve to close to those of the monolingual neural network. Overall, the kernel system shows a better performance compared to the neural network in all cases.
Low-power and topology-free data transfer protocol with synchronous packet transmissions

Tightly synchronizing transmissions of the same packet from different sources theoretically results in constructive interference. Exploiting this property potentially speeds up network-wide packet propagation with minimal latencies. Our empirical results suggest the timing constraints can be relaxed in the real world, especially for radios using lower frequencies such as the IEEE 802.15. 4 radios at 900 MHz. Based on these observations we propose PEASST, a topology-free protocol that leverages synchronized transmissions to lower the cost of end-to-end data transfers, and enables multiple traffic flows. In addition, PEASST integrates a receiver-initiated duty-cycling mechanism to further reduce node energy consumption. Results from both our Matlab-based simulations and indoor testbed reveal that PEASST can achieve a packet delivery latency matching the current state-of-the-art schemes that also leverages synchronized transmissions. In addition, PEASST reduces the radio duty-cycling by three-fold. Furthermore, comparisons with a multi-hop routing protocol shows that PEASST effectively reduces the per-packet control overhead. This translates to a ~10% higher packet delivery performance with a duty cycle of less than half.
Towards a framework for school-to-school networking in challenging circumstances

Background: In recent years, there have been a number of policies aimed at improving educational standards in England, particularly in urban and challenging contexts. Many of these attempts have been underpinned by the principle of collaboration, where schools work together to generate and share knowledge across institutional boundaries. Purpose: This article draws on empirical evidence to explore the relationship between Networked Learning Communities and school improvement in challenging circumstances. Programme description: The Networked Learning Communities programme aimed to support school improvement through collaborative enquiry. The programme involved over 1000 schools working together in over 80 networks. The scheme was piloted in 2000 and officially closed in late 2006. However, many of the networks continue working collaboratively, either in revised form or under a new branding. Sample: The research involved three networks focusing on four secondary schools facing particularly challenging circumstances. Design and methods: This study consisted of a literature review and case studies of four schools located in three networks. Data collection involved the scrutiny of documentary evidence (school, network and national level) and semi-structured interviews with a range of key stakeholders (including leaders, teachers, support staff and students). Interviews were recorded, coded and analysed to illuminate emerging patterns, trends and themes within the data. Results: While there was no significant short-term gain in examination performance within schools in the study, results suggest Networked Learning Communities supported a number of processes associated with building the capacity for school improvement but the sophistication and extent to which they were developed varied across networks. Conclusions: The evidence suggests a more contextually sensitive approach to networking in urban and challenging contexts may yield greater returns. It is argued that such a cyclical approach should focus on: an analysis of the context, agreeing purposes, accessing expertise and taking action.
Polymorphisms of the DNA Repair Gene XPA and XPC and its Correlation With Gastric Cardiac Adenocarcinoma in a High Incidence Population in North China

Goals Investigated the association of DNA repair gene xeroderma pigmentosum group A(XPA) and C(XPC) polymorphisms with the risk of gastric cardiac adenocarcinoma (GCA) in a high incidence region in north China. Background Polymorphisms of a number of DNA repair genes may contribute to variations in DNA repair capacity and genetic susceptibility to different cancers. Study Two single nucleotide polymorphisms of XPA and 3 single nucleotide polymorphisms of XPC were genotyped in 253 GCA patients and 612 healthy controls. Results Family history of upper gastrointestinal cancer may increase the risk of developing GCA. Compared with A/A genotype, A/G+G/G genotype of XPA A23G significantly decreased the risk of developing GCA especially in nonsmoker group. The genotype and allelotype distributions of XPC intron 9 PAT+/− and exon 15 Lys939Gln in GCA patients were not significantly different from that in healthy controls (P>0.05). T allelotype frequencies of XPC exon 8 Val499Ala in GCA patients was significantly lower than that in healthy controls (P<0.05). The C/T genotype frequency of XPC exon 8 in GCA patients (35.6%) was significantly different from that in healthy controls (46.1%) (P=0.01). Compared with individuals with C/C genotype, individuals with T allele (C/T or T/T genotype) had significantly lower risk in developing GCA. We also found that polymorphisms of this 3 XPC locus were in linkage disequilibrium. Conclusions XPA A23G and XPC exon 8 Val499Ala polymorphisms may be useful markers for identifying individuals at risk of developing GCA in the high incidence region of north China.
Iron-Sensitive Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Prediction of Ventricular Arrhythmia Risk in Patients With Chronic Myocardial Infarction: Early Evidence

Background—Recent canines studies have shown that iron deposition within chronic myocardial infarction (CMI) influences the electric behavior of the heart. To date, the link between the iron deposition and malignant ventricular arrhythmias in humans with CMI is unknown. Methods and Results—Patients with CMI (n=94) who underwent late-gadolinium-enhanced cardiac magnetic resonance imaging before implantable cardioverter-defibrillator implantation for primary and secondary preventions were retrospectively analyzed. The predictive values of hypointense cores (HIC) in balanced steady-state free precession images and conventional cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and ECG malignant ventricular arrhythmia parameters for the prediction of primary combined outcome (appropriate implantable cardioverter-defibrillator therapy, survived cardiac arrest, or sudden cardiac death) were studied. The use of HIC within CMI on balanced steady-state free precession as a marker of iron deposition was validated in a canine MI model (n=18). Nineteen patients met the study criteria with events occurring at a median of 249 (interquartile range of 540) days after implantable cardioverter-defibrillator placement. Of the 19 patients meeting the primary end point, 18 were classified as HIC+, whereas only 1 was HIC−. Among the cohort in whom the primary end point was not met, there were 28 HIC+ and 47 HIC− patients. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis demonstrated an additive predictive value of HIC for malignant ventricular arrhythmias with an increased area under the curve of 0.87 when added to left ventricular ejection fraction (left ventricular ejection fraction alone, 0.68). Both cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and histological validation studies performed in canines demonstrated that HIC regions in balanced steady-state free precession images within CMI likely result from iron depositions. Conclusions—Hypointense cores within CMI on balanced steady-state free precession cardiac magnetic resonance imaging can be used as a marker of iron deposition and yields incremental information toward improved prediction of malignant ventricular arrhythmias.
Differentiated microdomains on the luminal surface of capillary endothelium: distribution of lectin receptors

Lectins conjugated with either peroxidase or ferritin were used to detect specific monosaccharide residues on the luminal front of he fenestrated endothelium in the capillaries of murine pancreas and intestinal mucosa. The lectins tested recognize, if accessible, the following residues: alpha-N-acetylgalactosaminyl (soybean lectin), beta- D-galactosyl (peanut agglutinin [PA] and Ricinus communis agglutinin- 120 [RCA]), beta-N-acetylglucosaminyl and sialyl residues (wheat germ agglutinin [WGA]), alpha-L-fucosyl (lotus tetragonolobus lectin), and alpha-D-glucosyl and beta-D-mannosyl (concanavalin A [ConA]). Thi labeled lectins were introduced by perfusion in situ after thoroughly flushing with phosphate-buffered saline the microvascular beds under investigation. Specimens were fixed by perfusion, and subsequently processed for peroxidase detection and electron microscopy. Control experiments included perfusion with: (a) unlabeled lectin before lectin conjugate; (b) labeled lectin together with the cognate hapten sugar, and (c) horseradish peroxidase or ferritin alone. Binding sites were found to be relatively homogeneously distributed on the plasmalemma proper, except for Lotus tetragonolobus lectin and Con A, which frequently bound in patches. Plasmalemmal vesicles, transendothelial channels, and their associated diaphragms were particularly rich in residues recognized by RCA and PA (beta-D-galactosyl residues) and by WGA (beta-N-acetylglucosaminyl residues). Receptors for all lectins tested appeared to be absent or considerably less concentrated on fenestral diaphragms. The results reported here extend and complement previous findings on the existence of microdomains generated by the preferential distribution of chemically different anionic sites (Simionescu et al., 1981, J. Cell Biol., 9:605-613 and 614-621).
Characterizing Adoption of Precautionary Risk Management Guidance for Nanomaterials, an Emerging Occupational Hazard

Exposure to engineered nanomaterials (substances with at least one dimension of 1–100 nm) has been of increased interest, with the recent growth in production and use of nanomaterials worldwide. Various organizations have recommended methods to minimize exposure to engineered nanomaterials. The purpose of this study was to evaluate available data to examine the extent to which studied U.S. companies (which represent a small fraction of all companies using certain forms of engineered nanomaterials) follow the guidelines for reducing occupational exposures to engineered nanomaterials that have been issued by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and other organizations. Survey data, field reports, and field notes for all NIOSH nanomaterial exposure assessments conducted between 2006 and 2011 were collected and reviewed to: (1) determine the level of adoption of precautionary guidance on engineering controls and personal protective equipment (PPE), and (2) evaluate the reliability of companies’ self-reported use of engineering controls and PPE. Use of PPE was observed among 89% [95% confidence interval (CI): 76%–96%] of 46 visited companies, and use of containment-based engineering controls for at least some processes was observed among 83% (95% CI: 76%–96%). In on-site evaluations, more than 90% of the 16 engineered carbonaceous nanomaterial companies that responded to an industrywide survey were observed to be using engineering controls and PPE as reported or more stringently than reported. Since PPE use was slightly more prevalent than engineering controls, better communication may be necessary to reinforce the importance of the hierarchy of controls. These findings may also be useful in conducting exposure assessment and epidemiologic research among U.S. workers handling nanomaterials.
Educating the Reflective Practitioner: Toward a New Design for Teaching and Learning in the Professions

My Personal Review: The problems that face professionals (physicians, lawyers, architects) are rarely straightforward and clear. They are complex and lack "right answers. " Skillful professional practice often depends less on factual knowledge than on the ability to reflect before taking action. Yet most professional schools only teach theory and how to apply it to straightforward problems. Frankly, future professionals are being poorly equipped for the real world.