Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Development of an empathy scale.

The concept of empathy—the intellectual or imaginative apprehension of another's condition or state of mind— is central for understanding a broad range of social phenomena including, in particular, moral development. Within this latter context, an empathic disposition can be regarded as the capacity to adopt a broad moral perspective, that is, to take "the moral point of view. " This paper discusses the development of a 64-item self-report measure of empathy, constructed by comparing the responses of groups with high- and low-rated empathy, using the combined MMPI-CPI item pool. After providing evidence concerning the scale's reliability and validity, an attempt is made to show its relevance for specifically moral conduct by relating empathy scale scores to real life indexes of socially appropriate behavior and to certain previously wellvalidated measures of personality. Some form of empathic disposition, roletaking ability, or social sensitivity is assumed by all approaches to personality which take the interpersonal situation as a major focus of concern. Accordingly, most writers in the role-theoretical tradition (Cottrell, 1942; Gough, 1948; Mead, 1934; Sarbin, 1968) have given careful attention to this aspect of social functioning. Mead, for example, has argued that role-taking ability is the key variable in social and moral development; extending this line of reasoning he equates the "g" factor in intelligence with social sensitivity, the origins of which can be found in the central nervous system. In a similar vein, Cottrell and Dymond (1949) also maintained that empathy is the basic process in all social interaction. Empathy, seen as an everyday manifestation of the disposition to adopt a broad moral
Tropical Forest Measurement by Interferometric Height Modeling and P-Band Radar Backscatter

A new approach to tropical forest biomass monitoring with airborne interferometric X and P-band synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data is presented. Forest height, basal area, and aboveground biomass are modeled from remote sensing data for a study site in the Brazilian Amazon. Radar data quality has improved: A novel digital model of vegetation height from X- and P-band interferometry is available along with the usual P-band backscatter information. The digital vegetation height model is derived from the interferometric surface models of the ground (from P-band) and the forest canopy (from X-band). The difference between the surface models is called "interferometric height," and is used as a measure of vegetation height. Interferometric height is shown to relate to a subset of the forest trees that changes according to the forest successional stages. The suitability of radar backscatter and interferometric height as a means for forest and biomass monitoring was explored by relating forest parameters as measured in the field to remote sensing data. Basal area and biomass were related to radar backscatter with limited precision of r 2 0.19 and r 2 0.34, respectively. Mean forest height is shown to relate to interferometric height with good precision (r 2 0.83, RMSE 4.1 m). A statistical model for forest biomass as a function of both P-band backscatter and interferometric height information not only arrives at high values of precision (with r 2 0.89 and a RMSE from cross-validation of only 46.1 t/ha), but also overcomes the well-known issue of backscatter saturation. This research shows that tropical forest biomass can be quantified and mapped over large areas for a range of forest structures with reasonably tight and similar errors. FOR . S CI. 51(6):585-594.
Commitment-Based Privacy Management in Online Social Networks ?

Systems need to preserve their users’ privacy. In social software, such as online social networks, preserving privacy is especially difficult since content is managed by more than one entity. As a result, users are faced with privacy breaches, where their private content becomes visible to people to which the content is not targeted for. To manage privacy more diligently, social networks have been employing customizable privacy agreements such that each individual can set its own settings. However, these customizations can be in themselves conflicting or may cause inconsistencies when other users’ agreements are in place. To deal with these, this paper develops an approach for managing users’ privacy in online social networks and implements it in a system called PriGuard. The approach starts with a user interface that allows users to enter their own constraints on whom to show content to. The system, then generates appropriate commitments between the users and the system to formalize the users’ needs. The privacy information, such as the relations among users, various content types in the system, and so on are captured in an ontology. Using ontological reasoning, the system checks whether the current situation of the system indeed violates any of the commitments and notifies the user to take appropriate action.
Design of a sliding-mode-controlled dc-dc converter for MPPT in grid-connected PV System

This paper proposes a new control design approach for fast tracking of maximum power point in grid-connected PV system based on sliding-mode technique. This new proposed design model tracks the voltage reference provided by the MPPT algorithm regardless of the changes in the irradiance and temperature. The parameters of the sliding surface and second-order filter are calculated numerically by solving the non-linear set of equations. To guarantee the stability of the proposed controller, a complete mathematical study iscarried out to explain the fulfillment of the control conditions. To maintain the oscillations at the DC-link voltage, an inverter current control scheme is also proposed which make it easier to track the maximum power point. With the help of detailed simulation and comparative study, the results of the proposed sliding mode design exhibitsless settling time, no overshoot, fast tracking response as compared to cascaded PID controller.
Plastid Division and Development

Plastids are an important group of plant cellular organelles and comprise one of the primary features that distinguish plant cells from those of other eukaryotes. Plastids are thought to have arisen as a result of an endosymbiotic event in which an early photosynthetic prokaryote invaded a primitive
A new half-bridge Hybrid Switched-Capacitor inverter

In this paper, a new inverter topology is proposed. The new topology is based on the Hybrid Switched Capacitor (HSC) cell, which brings the advantages of Switched Capacitor Converters (SCC) combined with the conventional ones. In addition to that, it presents a conversion ratio equal to half of the conventional inverter, and each power switch blocks a half of the dc bus voltage. Also, the voltage across the capacitors are balanced and limited to half of the input voltage. The proposed inverter is suitable for practical applications where the peak value of the ac load voltage is lower than the half of the input voltage.
Feasibility of resolution-enhanced burst-mode interferometry in bistatic SAR

Opportunistic SAR interferometry using a groundbased receiver and a spaceborne transmitter has previously been addressed. However, the analysis is limited to the conventional Stripmap mode of such radar satellites. The occurrence of satellite passes in Stripmap high-resolution mode is however not as frequent as passes in ScanSAR mode, hence the motivation to exploit ScanSAR mode illuminations by opportunistic receiver. In ScanSAR mode imaging, a burst-mode resolution enhancement method has been developed to enhance the cross-range resolution performance by exploiting the sidelobe emissions of the beams illuminating the adjacent sub-swaths. In this paper, the impact of this method on the interferometric performance is evaluated in the novel application of bistatic interferometry using cross-range resolution-enhanced burst-mode images.
Mva 1269 I has two catalytic centres 1 Mva 1269 I : A MONOMERIC TYPE IIS RESTRICTION ENDONUCLEASE FROM MICROCOCCUS VARIANS WITH TWO EcoRI-AND FokI-LIKE CATALYTIC DOMAINS †

1 Mva1269I: A MONOMERIC TYPE IIS RESTRICTION ENDONUCLEASE FROM MICROCOCCUS VARIANS WITH TWO EcoRIAND FokI-LIKE CATALYTIC DOMAINS Elena Armalyte, Janusz M. Bujnicki, Jolanta Giedriene, Giedrius Gasiunas, Jan Kosiński, and Arvydas Lubys ¶ * ‡ Institute of Biotechnology, Graiciuno 8, Vilnius LT-02241, Lithuania § International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Trojdena 4, Warsaw PL-02-109, Poland ¶ Current address: Fermentas UAB, Graiciuno 8, Vilnius LT-02241, Lithuania Running title: Restriction endonuclease Mva1269I has two catalytic centres * Corresponding author: tel. 370-5-2394206; fax 370-5-2602142; email: lubys@fermentas.lt
Overcoming Ambivalence: The Challenges of Exploring Socially Charged Issues

In this article, the author considers the challenges associated with the investigation of sensitive and socially charged issues. Drawing on a qualitative study of older women's body image and embodied experience, she discusses how societal ambivalence toward older women's bodies and appearances shapes and constrains the establishment of rapport between a young researcher and the study participants. Exploring the internalized anxiety expressed by the women, she investigates how life history narratives, multiple interviews, photographs, location of the interview, self-disclosure, information sharing, provision of assistance, student and stranger statuses, collaborative interviewing, and impression management combine to enhance rapport and ease the women's sense of discomfort.
Electric field optimization of floating electrode configuration in vacuum interrupter

For environment-friendly vacuum interrupter (VI), higher voltage operation and more compactness are required. From this point of view, and to enhance the electrical insulation performance of VI, it is needed to introduce the field optimization techniques. In this paper, we propose a new optimization technique for electrode configuration with floating potential in VI. We applied this optimization technique to the edge configuration of center shield in VI with considering the arrangement of grounded tank. Consequently, the maximum electric field strength decreased to 70% of non-optimized shape. From the results, we verified the effectiveness of the proposed automatic numerical optimization technique for the improvement of the insulation performance in high voltage vacuum insulated equipment.
Low-complexity folded FIR filter architecture for ATSC DTV tuner

This paper presents an efficient folded finite-impulse response (FIR) filters for digital TV tuner. DTV receivers are widely used in many electronic systems such as HD-TV, set-top box, PDA and cell phones. The DTV tuner that is a major power expender and costly device in the receiver selects the desired signals from many signals available and down-converts them. To reduce hardware complexity, the folded architectures are proposed and Common Subexpression Elimination (CSE) methods based on binary representation of coefficients for the high order FIR filters are used in this paper. The implementation result show that proposed folded FIR filter operates at a clock frequency of 200MHz and has 60% less hardware complexity than unfolded structure for 90-nm CMOS technology. Also, the proposed folded architecture has 12% less complexity than the other folded architecture.
Decline in Cognitive Functioning Is Associated with a Higher Mortality Risk

Objective: This study investigates the association between 5-year change in cognitive functioning and subsequent mortality. Methods:Four hundred and ninety-three Dutch and Italian men from the Finland, Italy, and the Netherlands Elderly (FINE) Study, born between 1900 and 1920, participated in the present study between 1990 and 2000. Cognitive functioning was measured with the Mini-Mental State Examination in 1990 and 1995, and mortality data were obtained until the year 2000. A proportional hazard analysis was used to investigate the association between 5-year change in cognitive functioning and subsequent 5-year mortality. Adjustments were made for age, education, country, lifestyle factors, prevalence of chronic diseases and, additionally, for baseline cognitive functioning. Results:Men whose cognition decreased (more than 1 standard deviation) between 1990 and 1995 had a 2-fold higher risk of dying in the following 5 years compared with men whose cognition was stable (adjusted hazard ratio = 1.9; 95% confidence interval 1.3–2.7). Mortality risk of men whose cognition improved between 1995 and 2000 was not different from men whose cognition was stable (adjusted hazard ratio = 1.1, 95% confidence interval 0.7–1.9). Conclusion:A decline in cognitive functioning is associated with a higher mortality risk.
Nanotechnology of Positive Electrodes for Li-Ion Batteries

This work presents the recent progress in nanostructured materials used as positive electrodes in Li-ion batteries (LIBs). Three classes of host lattices for lithium insertion are considered: transition-metal oxides V2O5, α-NaV2O5, α-MnO2, olivine-like LiFePO4, and layered compounds LiNi0.55Co0. 45O2, LiNi1/3Mn1/3Co1/3O2 and Li2MnO3. First, a brief description of the preparation methods shows the advantage of a green process, i.e., environmentally friendliness wet chemistry, in which the synthesis route using single and mixed chelators is used. The impact of nanostructure and nano-morphology of cathode material on their electrochemical performance is investigated to determine the synthesis conditions to obtain the best electrochemical performance of LIBs.
Cancer risk in families with hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer diagnosed by mutation analysis.

BACKGROUND & AIMS Hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer is characterized by early-onset colorectal cancer and the occurrence of various other cancers. The recent isolation of four mismatch repair genes responsible for hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer allows for the identification of carriers within affected families. The purpose of this study was to assess the age-specific cancer risk in a large series of gene carriers. METHODS Thirty-four families were studied by mutation analysis. In 19 of these families, pathogenic mutations were found at hMSH2 or hMLH1. Of 382 relatives, 124 had a mutation in hMLH1 and 86 in hMSH2. RESULTS The lifetime risk of colorectal cancer was the same in both groups of gene carriers (80%). The risk of endometrial cancer was greater in hMSH2 gene carriers compared with hMLH1 gene carriers (61% vs. 42%), but the difference was not statistically significant. A very high relative risk of cancer of the small bowel (relative risk of >100) was observed in carriers of either gene. Only the carriers of hMSH2 mutations had a significantly increased relative risk of cancer of the urinary tract (kidney and ureter) (relative risk of 75.3), stomach (relative risk of 19.3), and ovaries (relative risk of 8.0). CONCLUSIONS This study provides estimates of cancer risk that may contribute to the appropriate management of gene carriers within families with hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer.
In Vivo Dynamic Compressive Stresses in the Disc Annulus: A Pilot Study of Bilateral Differences Due to Hemiepiphyseal Implant in a Quadruped Model

Study Design. In vivo biomechanical study in quadruped model. Objective. To develop in vivo model capable of determining physiological compressive stresses bilaterally in the intervertebral disc annulus and preliminarily assess effects of a hemiepiphyseal implant. Summary of Background Data. Spine growth modification alters stress distributions in vertebral growth plates and discs. Quantification of stresses is required to help assess implant efficacy and disc health. More generally, despite widespread and necessary use of animals in preclinical studies of spine instrumentation, limited quantitative information is available on mechanobiological conditions in quadruped spines for comparisons with those of humans. Methods. Skeletally immature domestic pigs were instrumented with an implant and 4 stress sensors. Sensors were inserted into left and right sides of the annulus at 2 thoracic levels. A titanium staple-screw construct was implanted at 1 level. Signals were acquired intraoperatively, postoperatively during normal activities, and biweekly with the animal under anesthesia, for up to 8 weeks. Results. Stresses varied by sensor location relative to implant, postoperative time, activity, and animal. Intraoperatively, the mean peak stress due to staple insertion was 1.6 MPa at the sensor nearest the staple. Mean stress at the end of surgery was 0.23 MPa. Mean stress standing the first day was 0.38 MPa. Dynamic stresses were recorded at all locations, including the location nearest the staple. Highest mean stresses were those nearest the implant. With the animal under anesthesia, the dynamic stress range in the resting prone position was 0.1 MPa, whereas this range was 0.9 MPa when the spine was manually flexed. Conclusion. Compressive stresses were dynamic at both control and stapled levels, which indicated that the disc was not immobilized by the implant. These pilot results suggested that mean disc compression was increased within the first postoperative week. Stresses ranged up to levels measured in humans.
Distribution of cholinergic neurons in rat brain: Demonstrated by the immunocytochemical localization of choline acetyltransferase

The neuroanatomical location and cytological features of cholinergic neurons in the rat brain were determined by the immunocytochemical localization of the biosynthetic enzyme, choline acetyltransferase (ChAT). Perikarya labeled with ChAT were detected in four major cell groups: (1) the striatum, (2) the magnocellular basal nucleus, (3) the pontine tegmen‐tum, and (4) the cranial nerve motor nuclei. Labeled neurons in the striatum were observed scattered throughout the neostriatum (caudate, putamen) and associated areas (nucleus accumbens, olfactory tubercle). Larger ChAT‐labeled neurons were seen in an extensive cell system which comprises the magnocellular basal nucleus. This more or less continuous set of neuronal clusters consists of labeled neurons in the nucleus of the diagonal band (horizontal and vertical limbs), the magnocellular preoptic nucleus, the substantia innominata, and the globus pallidus. Labeled neurons in the pontine tegmentum were seen as a group of large neurons in the caudal midbrain, dorsolateral to the most caudal part of the substantia nigra, and extended in a caudodorsal direction through the midbrain reticular formation into the area surrounding the superior cerebellar peduncle. The neurons in this latter group constitute the pedunculopontine tegmental nucleus (PPT). An additional cluster of cells was observed medially adjacent to the PPT, in the lateral part of the central gray matter at the rostral end of the fourth ventricle. This group corresponds to the laterodorsal tegmental nucleus. Large ChAT‐labeled neurons were also observed in all somatic and visceral motor nerve nuclei. The correspondence of the distribution of ChAT‐labeled neurons identified by our methods to earlier immunocytochemical and acetylcholinesterase histochemical studies and to connectional studies of these groups argues for the specificity of the ChAT antibody used.
The Effect of Fentanyl, Meperidine and Diamorphine on Nerve Conduction in Vitro

The effect of fentanyl, meperidine and diamorphine on A- and C-fiber conduction in an in vitro rabbit vagus nerve preparation was examined. The nerves were maintained at 37°C with an oxygenated electrolyte solution. The effect of the commercial preparation of fentanyl (Sublimaze) and isotonic solutions of fentanyl, meperidine and diamorphine were observed. Sublimaze had a neurotoxic effect related to its hypotonicity. In isotonic solutions, fentanyl and meperidine, but not diamorphine, blocked nerve conduction and both showed marked frequency-dependent blocking actions in C-fibers. Naloxone (Narcan) did not prevent the effect of fentanyl. Both fentanyl and meperidine potentiated the block produced by a low concentration of bupivacaine (0.005 mM, 0.00016%), the effect of meperidine being seen at clinically relevant concentrations. Fentanyl was slightly more potent than meperidine in its effect on nerve conduction, but its greater opioid potency would not allow its use as a local anesthetic. The local anesthetic effect of meperidine may be more useful clinically.
Psychometric Properties of the German Version of the Whiplash Disability Questionnaire

Objective: For the management of whiplash-associated disorders the use of patient oriented disability questionnaires are of uppermost importance. The Australian whiplash disability questionnaire has a high content, face and constructs validity, and an excellent short- and medium-term reproducibility. However, until now no German version of this questionnaire is available. Aim: A cross-cultural adaptation of the whiplash disability questionnaire for a German-speaking population with ensured retention of psychometric properties such as validity and reliability of the translated version. Settings: Acute and chronic settings. Subject: A total of 75 patients (67 acute/8 chronic) and a control group of 177 asymptomatic volunteers were analyzed. Interventions: All participants completed the translated 13-item questionnaire as well as documented their current health state on a visual analog scale (VAShealth) and a general disability questionnaire (EQ-5D) for comparison. For test-retest reliability assessment 16 chronic patients and 25 healthy persons completed the questionnaire twice with an interval of 2 weeks. Main measures: Construct and concurrent validity and test-retest reliability. Results : The translated version showed no floor or ceiling effects, a high internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha=0.95) and a very good inter-item correlation (rho=0.926). The concurrent validity testing using EQ-5D score as the reference showed a significant correlation to the whiplash disability questionnaire (overall rho=0.838, acute patients rho=0.749, chronic patients rho=0.876; p<0.001 each) and to the VAShealth (overall rho=-0.74, acute patients rho=-0.66, chronic patients rho=-0.65; p<0.001 each). The intra-class coefficient (0.969) indicated high short term reproducibility. Discussion : The German version of the whiplash disability questionnaire is valid and reliable as outcome measure for acute and chronic study settings.