Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Bilingual Arabic-German and Turkish-German Children with and without Specific Language Impairment : Comparing Performance in Sentence and Nonword Repetition Tasks

In recent research on language development attention has been focused on bilingualism and on the question of how to identify language impairments in bilingual situations, see for instance COST Action IS0804. In this context, specific language impairment (SLI) has been particularly interesting because it is well established that areas of difficulty and error patterns in the language performance of monolingual children with SLI (Mo-SLI) and bilingual typically developing children (Bi-TD) can overlap (Håkansson & Nettelbladt 1996; de Jong 2010, Paradis 2010, Hamann 2012 and many others). Since specific language impairment is a developmental language disorder which manifests itself in low language skills, usually in morpho-syntax and phonology, in the absence of primary deficits such as hearing impairment, neuro-cognitive anomalies, or sensorimotor and socio-emotional impairments (Leonard 2014, Stark & Tallal 1981), the overlap situation is theoretically relevant as well as important from a practical point of view. From the theoretical perspective, it can be asked whether these similar error patterns should be derived from a similar underlying deficit in processing or language representation, or whether (not so) subtle differences can be discovered that can demonstrate that in contrast to the children with SLI, bilingual typical children possess essentially intact mechanisms for language acquisition and language processing. From the
Mobile services infrastructure for frailty diagnosis support based on Gower's similarity coefficient and treemaps

The early detection and diagnosis of frailty is important in improving the quality of elderly life. Physicians must take many factors into account to achieve an objective and standardised method of frailty assessment. In this work, we present a novel mobile service infrastructure to improve the accuracy of frailty diagnosis in a population of elders, focusing on the main frailty risk factors and applying similarity algorithms based on Gower's coefficient. In addition, we have developed a mobile application to obtain the assessment results from the implemented services. The results are displayed on the mobile device using hierarchical visualisation structures known as treemaps. The system has been evaluated as a frailty diagnosis tool in a group of elderly patients.
Video SnapCut: robust video object cutout using localized classifiers

Although tremendous success has been achieved for interactive object cutout in still images, accurately extracting dynamic objects in video remains a very challenging problem. Previous video cutout systems present two major limitations: (1) reliance on global statistics, thus lacking the ability to deal with complex and diverse scenes; and (2) treating segmentation as a global optimization, thus lacking a practical workflow that can guarantee the convergence of the systems to the desired results. We present Video SnapCut, a robust video object cutout system that significantly advances the state-of-the-art. In our system segmentation is achieved by the collaboration of a set of local classifiers, each adaptively integrating multiple local image features. We show how this segmentation paradigm naturally supports local user editing and propagates them across time. The object cutout system is completed with a novel coherent video matting technique. A comprehensive evaluation and comparison is presented, demonstrating the effectiveness of the proposed system at achieving high quality results, as well as the robustness of the system against various types of inputs.
Electrothermal failure safety of TIL GTO thyristors

The work presents the main dynamic characteristics testifying to the built-in electrothermal failure-safe features of 4 × 4 mm area TO-220-packed two-interdigitation-level (TIL) GTO thyristors. It is shown that 1) a fairly good and stable current balance between the interdigitated fingers is preserved during both the turn-off and turn-on; 2) the temperature rise in the structure of TIL GTO's is kept within safe limits under high-voltage/high-current conditions; 3) the final dimensions of the anode current crowding zone are large enough thus limiting the density of power dissipated during transient turn-off. Thanks to these self-protective features, the developed TIL GTO's possess the highest value of the peak interruptable anode current IATO(60 A) ever reported in the open literature for this class of GTO's (identical device area and case) and could safely operate at high commutation frequencies under heavy load conditions.
Direct path and multipath cancellation in passive radars using Subband Variable Step-Size LMS algorithm

In passive radar, the transmitted signal is not designed for radar purposes and has not thumb tack self ambiguity function, so in matched filter processing, the target's echoes can be masked by the sidelobes of the direct path and multipath components received by the receiver antenna. So cancellation is essential before matched filter processing. In some papers the use of adaptive filters for cancellation have been reported. In this paper, a Subband Variable Step-Size LMS (VSLMS) algorithm is introduced for the purpose. Simulation is carried out to verify its performance.
Attentional bias in emotional disorders.

Recent research has suggested that anxiety may be associated with processing biases that favor the encoding of emotionally threatening information. However, the available data can be accommodated by alternative explanations, including response bias accounts. The current study introduces a novel paradigm that circumvents such interpretative problems by requiring subjects to make a neutral response (button press) to a neutral stimulus (visual dot probe). The position of this dot probe was manipulted on a VDU (visual display unit) screen relative to visually displayed words, which could either be threat related or neutral in content. Probe detection latency data were then used to determine the impact of threat-related stimuli on the distribution of visual attention. Clinically anxious (but not clinically depressed) subjects consistently shifted attention toward threat words, resulting in reduced detection latencies for probes appearing in the vicinity of such stimuli. Normal control subjects, on the other hand, tended to shift attention away from such material. The results were interpreted as supporting the existence of anxiety-related encoding bias, and it is suggested that this cognitive mechanism may contribute to the maintenance of such mood disorders.
Verifiable Privacy-Preserving Querying in wireless Sensor Networks

A large-scale wireless sensor network constructed in terms of twotiered architecture, where cloud nodes take charge of storing sensed data and processing queries with respect to the sensing nodes and querists, incurs security breach. This is because the importance of cloud nodes makes them attractive to adversaries and raises concerns about data privacy and query result correctness. We consider a sensor network that is not fully trusted and ask the question how we preserve privacy for the collected data and how we verify the data reply from the network. We explore the problem in the context of a network augmented with storage nodes and target at range query, a very general and powerful type of query. We use bucketization to mix the data for a range, use message encryption for data integrity, and employ encoding numbers to prevent the storage nodes from dropping data.
Regulation of Phospholipase D in L6 Skeletal Muscle Myoblasts

The addition of vasopressin or 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) to prelabeled L6 myoblasts elicited increases in [14C]ethanolamine release, suggesting the activation of phospholipase D activity or activities. While the effects of both agonists on intracellular release were rapid and transient, when extracellular release of [14C]ethanolamine was measured, the effect of vasopressin was again rapid and transient, whereas that of TPA was delayed but sustained. Effects of both agonists on intra- and extracellular release were inhibited by the protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor, Ro-31-8220, and PKC down-regulation by preincubation with TPA. The formation of phosphatidylbutanol elicited by vasopressin and TPA mirrored their effects on extracellular [14C]ethanolamine release in that the former was transient, whereas the latter was sustained. Responses to both agonists were abolished by PKC down-regulation. When protein synthesis was examined, the stimulation of translation by TPA and transcription by vasopressin were inhibited by Ro-31-8220. In contrast, down-regulation of PKC inhibited the synthesis response to TPA but not vasopressin. Furthermore, following down-regulation, the effect of vasopressin was still blocked by the PKC inhibitors, Ro-31-8220 and bisindolylmaleimide. Analysis of PKC isoforms in L6 cells showed the presence of α, ε, δ, μ, ι, and ζ. Down-regulation removed both cytosolic (α) and membrane-bound (ε and δ) isoforms. Thus, the elevation of phospholipase D activity or activities induced by both TPA and vasopressin and the stimulation of translation by TPA involves PKC-α, -ε, and/or -δ. In contrast, the increase in transcription elicited by vasopressin involves μ, ι, and/or ζ. Hence, although phospholipase D may be linked to increases in translation elicited by TPA, it is not involved in the stimulation of transcription by vasopressin.
Toxicity Assessment of Environmentally Relevant Pollutant Mixtures Using a Heuristic Model

Abstract In this study, 9 chemicals were chosen from a recent report on surface water concentrations of a variety of xenobiotics to test the hypothesis that the toxicity of chemical mixtures could be estimated using a model based on the toxicity of the individual chemicals. Concentration-response curves for the endpoints of lifespan, growth rate, and fecundity were generated for each chemical experimentally using the crustacean, Daphnia magna. From this data, a mathematical model for the combined toxicity of these chemicals was generated that merged the concepts of concentration addition and independent joint action. Toxicity of a mixture was modeled at various levels at which the ratio of the chemicals within the mixture was maintained at that reported for median detected environmental levels. Toxicity of the mixture was then determined experimentally and compared to model predictions. The model accurately predicted the most sensitive endpoint, as well as the lowest toxic effect level of the mixture. Results demonstrated that, for this mixture of chemicals, toxicity was not influenced significantly by interactions among the chemicals and a single constituent dominated toxicity. According to model predictions and experimental results, the median detected environmental concentrations of chemicals constituting this mixture provided no margin of safety.
Study on zero-crossing conducted noise issue of totem-pole bridgeless PFC converter

This paper analyzes the conducted noise generation mechanism of totem-pole bridgeless PFC converter in consideration of frame ground capacitor and LISN at every input voltage zero-crossing. The spike current occurs at zero-crossing and causes severe common mode noise. The frequency range on noise spectrum caused by zero-crossing issue is discussed by mathematical calculation. Furthermore, the experimental measurements have been achieved to verify the theoretical analysis. Finally, a method is proposed to solve the spike current issue and furthermore suppress conducted noise.
Bacteriology of surgical site and catheter related urinary tract infections among patients admitted in Mekelle Hospital, Mekelle, Tigray, Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND Nosocomial infections are widespread and are important contributors to morbidity and mortality. Prevalence studies are useful in revealing the prevalence of hospital-acquired infections. OBJECTIVES To determine the bacterial pathogens associated with hospital acquired surgical site infection (SSI) and urinary tract infection (UTI) and assess their susceptibility patterns in patients admitted in Mekelle Hospital in Ethiopia. METHODS From November 2005 to April 2006 a prospective cross sectional study was conducted at Mekelle Hospital, Tigray region, North Ethiopia. The study population comprised of a total of 246 informed and consented adult patients hospitalized for surgical (n = 212) and Gynecology and Obstetrics cases (n = 34). RESULTS Of the 246 admitted patients, 68 (27.6%) developed nosocomial infections (SSI and/or nosocomial UTI) based on the clinical evaluations, and positive wound and urine culture results. Gram negative bacteria were predominantly isolated with a rate of 18/34 (53%) and 34/41 (83%) from SSI and UTI respectively. Most of the isolates from UTI have high rates of resistance (> 80%) to the commonly used antibiotics such as ampicillin, amoxicillin, chloramphenicol, gentamicin, streptomycin, and trimethoprim-sulphamethoxazole; and in isolates from SSI to amoxicillin and trimethoprim-sulphamethoxazole. CONCLUSIONS The results showed that the prevalence of HAIs (SSI and nosocomial UTI) in the Hospital is high when compared to previous Ethiopian and other studies despite the use of prophylactic antibiotics. The pathogens causing SSI and UT7 are often resistant to commonly used antimicrobials. The findings underscore the need for an infection control system and surveillance program in the hospital and to monitor antimicrobial resistance pattern for the use of prophylactic and therapeutic antibiotics.
Informatics for Molecular Biologists

I n the last few years, many areas of molecular biology have seen an accelerating shift of the role of bioinformatics from episodic data processing at later stages of a project to a deep and constant engagement, often starting with shaping the main hypothesis and experimental design, and followed by iterative data analysis that guides experimental steps throughout the project. Bioinformatics is an interdisciplinary field powered by “cross-pollination” of major biological problems and quantitative approaches to solve them. Not surprisingly, this field is extremely diverse, reflecting the variety of these problems, types of data amenable for analysis, and computational methods. This chapter includes some of the highly used resources and protocols in various bioinformatics areas.
The Role of Polyploidy in the Evolution of Gender Dimorphism: An Experimental Approach using Fragaria vesca

The Role of Polyploidy in the Evolution of Gender Dimorphism: An Experimental Approach Using Fragaria vesca Allison Kwok Advisor: University of Guelph, 2013 Dr. Brian C Husband The evolution of gender dimorphism is associated with the incidence of polyploidy in several plant taxa, but the underlying causes of this relationship are not well understood. Here I investigate the direct and indirect effects of polyploidy on gender dimorphism in Fragaria vesca by synthesizing neotetraploids and comparing them to diploids with respect to vegetative, gender and mating system traits. Neotetraploids were induced by treating diploids with colchicine; comparisons between colchicine-treated diploids (unconverted) and untreated diploids indicate that colchicine has no secondary effects. In the greenhouse, diploids were 38% larger than neotetraploids. Neotetraploids produced fewer pollen grains and ovules, and relative investment in male reproduction was 70% less than diploids. In pollinator-exclusion experiments, diploids autonomously produced 36% greater fruit set and 69% greater seed set than neotetraploids. Neotetraploids had 22% lower seed set in open-pollinated experimental populations. Based on seed set from hand pollinations, diploids and neotetraploids did not differ in selfing rate or early acting inbreeding depression. These data suggest that polyploidy can cause an instantaneous change in gender expression, thereby providing the raw material for gender dimorphism. Indirect effects of polyploidy, through increases in selfing, are not supported.
Algebraic Attacks on the Crypto-1 Stream Cipher in MiFare Classic and Oyster Cards

MiFare Crypto 1 is a lightweight stream cipher used in London’s Oyster card, Netherland’s OV-Chipcard, US Boston’s CharlieCard, and in numerous wireless access control and ticketing systems worldwide. Recently, researchers have been able to recover this algorithm by reverse engineering [11, 13]. We have examined MiFare from the point of view of the so called algebraic attacks. We can recover the full 48-bit key of the MiFare algorithm in 200 seconds on a PC, given 1 known IV (from one single encryption). The security of this cipher is therefore close to zero. This is particularly shocking, given the fact that, according to the Dutch press, 1 billion of MiFare Classic chips are used worldwide, including many government security systems.
Prognostic Factors in Patients with Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma

The aim of the present study was to examine the factors of prognosis in patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) after combined and multimodality treatment, including the prognostic significance of preoperative intrapleural perfusion hyperthermo-chemotherapy (IPHC). Material and Methods: The study included 20 patients (11 men and 9 women) aged from 30 to 70 years (mean age 51.9±8.5 years) who underwent surgical treatment for MPM. The diagnosis of MPM was verified by immunohistochemical data. The patients were divided into two groups. Group 1 included 9 patients who underwent combined treatment that included the extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP) and 4 courses of adjuvant chemotherapy. Group 2 included 11 patients who received multimodality treatment (IPHC, EPP, and 4 courses of adjuvant chemotherapy). All patients were followed prospectively at threemonthly intervals for the first year and six-monthly thereafter until the last time of contact or death. Statistical analysis was performed by using Kaplan-Meier method and the log-rank test. Cox-regression model was used for multivariate analysis. Results: Patient’s age over 60 years and the sarcomatoid type of the tumor can be regarded as prognostic factors for poor survival in patients with MPM who underwent EPP. Application of IPHC as a part of a multimodality treatment enhances the survivability of MPM patients.
Multi-level IRT with Measurement Error in the Predictor Variables. Research Report 98-16.

A two-level regression model is imposed on the ability parameters in an item response theory (IRT) model. The advantage of using latent rather than observed scores as dependent variables of a multilevel model is that this offers the possibility of separating the influence of item difficulty and ability level and modeling response variation and measurement error. Another advantage is that, contrary to observed scores, latent scores are test-independent, which offers the possibility of entering results from different tests in one analysis. Further, it will be shown through simulation that problems of measurement error in covariates in multilevel models can also be solved in the framework of IRT-multilevel modeling. The two-parameter normal ogive model is used for the IRT measurement model in this study, and it is shown that the parameters of the two-parameter normal ogive model and the multilevel model can be estimated simultaneously in a Bayesian framework using Gibbs sampling. Various examples using simulated data are given.
Solvency II Calibrations: Where Curiosity Meets Spuriosity

The Solvency II regulatory framework specifies procedures and parameters for determining solvency capital requirements (SCRs) for insurance companies. The proposed standard SCR calculations involve two steps. The Value–at–Risk (VaR) of each risk driver is measured and, in a second step, all components are aggregated to the company’s overall SCR, using the Standard Formula. This formula has two inputs: the VaRs of the individual risk drivers and their correlations. The appropriate calibration of these input parameters has been the purpose of various Quantitative Impact Studies that have been conducted by the European regulator during recent years. This paper demonstrates that the parameter calibration for the market–risk module—overall, the most significant risk component—is fundamentaly flawed, giving rise to spurious and highly erratic parameter values. As a consequence, an implementation of the Standard Formula with the currently proposed calibration settings for market– risk is likely to produce inaccurate, biased and, over time, highly erratic capital requirements. A more appropriate approach to calibrating the parameters of the standard formula is presented.
An empirical investigation of the interplay between microcredit, institutional context, and entrepreneurial capabilities

Abstract Understanding under which conditions microcredit is used by new, growing ventures is becoming increasingly pertinent to scholars. This paper investigates the interplay of the use of microcredit with entrepreneurial capabilities and the moderating role of institutional development in sub-Saharan Africa. Our findings show that higher constraints to entrepreneurial capabilities are associated with higher use of microcredit. In addition, we find that new, growing ventures use microcredit more where either economic or political institutions are less developed. Our findings suggest the importance of the existence of some type of institutional strength that must be in place to form the basis for microcredit activity. This allows for speculation as to whether microcredit works as the literature currently assumes.
Combination mTOR and IGF-1R Inhibition: Phase I Trial of Everolimus and Figitumumab in Patients with Advanced Sarcomas and Other Solid Tumors

Purpose: Preclinical models demonstrate synergistic antitumor activity with combination blockade of mTOR and IGF-1R signaling. We aimed to determine the safety, tolerability, and recommended phase II dose (RP2D) of the combination of figitumumab, a fully human IgG2 anti-insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF-1R) monoclonal antibody (Pfizer) and the mTOR inhibitor, everolimus (Novartis). Pharmacokinetics and preliminary antitumor effects of the combination were evaluated. Experimental Design: Phase I trial in patients with advanced sarcomas and other solid tumors. Initial cohort combined full phase 2 dose figitumumab (20 mg/kg IV every 21 days) with full dose everolimus (10 mg orally once daily). Intercohort dose de-escalation was planned for unacceptable toxicities. Dose modifications were allowed beyond cycle 1. Results: No DLTs were observed in the initial cohort during cycle one, therefore full dose figitumumab and everolimus was declared the RP2D. In total, 21 patients were enrolled on study. Most toxicities were grade 1 or 2, and were similar to reported toxicities of the single agents. Mucositis was the most frequently observed grade 3 toxicity. Median time on study was 104 days (range 17–300). Of 18 patients evaluable for response, best response was partial response in 1 patient with malignant solitary fibrous tumor and, stable disease in 15 patients. There were no apparent pharmacokinetic interactions between everolimus and figitumumab. Conclusions: Combination figitumumab plus everolimus at full doses appears safe and well tolerated with no unexpected toxicities. Dose reductions in everolimus may be required after prolonged drug administration. This regimen exhibits interesting antitumor activity warranting further investigation. Clin Cancer Res; 17(4); 1–9. ©2010 AACR.
Dync1h1 Mutation Causes Proprioceptive Sensory Neuron Loss and Impaired Retrograde Axonal Transport of Dorsal Root Ganglion Neurons

Sprawling (Swl) is a radiation‐induced mutation which has been identified to have a nine base pair deletion in dynein heavy chain 1 (DYNC1H1: encoded by a single gene Dync1h1). This study is to investigate the phenotype and the underlying mechanism of the Dync1h1 mutant.