Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Report on the 3rd Ottawa International Conference on Neuromuscular Biology, Disease and Therapy – September 24–26, 2015, Ottawa, Canada

Neuromuscular diseases (NMDs) represent a broad group of more than 150 genetic and acquired disorders [1], many of which are debilitating, progressive and cause premature death. Almost one million people in North America are believed to be affected by these disorders [2], which additionally have great socio-economic impact. For many NMDs, no cure or effective treatment exist. Indeed, the causative genetic mutations, and how they contribute to the disease state, or the autoimmune mechanisms underlying many of these disorders remains elusive. In addition, both the clinical and basic NMD research community still requires a more detailed understanding of the biological and biochemical workings of “normal” neuromuscular function. Collectively, we still have much to learn.
Acquisition of Phonology

It is quite evident that the study of phonological issues within second language acquisition [SLA] research has been vitalized in recent years and is attracting wider interest today than it did a decade ago. This can be seen in the major journals in the field, and also in the fact that compensive anthologies solely devoted to the phonological domain of SLA research have begun to appear (Ioup and Weinberger 1987, James and Leather 1987). Since this review is intended to concentrate on works from the last few years (mostly from 1986 on), it is worth pointing out that this period does not in itself mark a radical shift or reorientation towards new research issues. Rather, it is mainly a continuation of topics that originated a few years back, and a consolidation of a field of research which is gradually becoming more established.
Can rapid anthropological procedures be applied to tropical diseases

Anthropological methods have been introduced into rapid assessment procedures (RAP) for a number of diseases and related health issues. This paper examines the suitability of this approach for health research in countries where tropical diseases are endemic. Adjustments to conventional methods are necessary, given the limited time in the field, and the need to ensure the validity and reliability of data. Although rapid assessment has certain shortcomings and does not obviate the need for long-term studies, we argue that a mix of research methods, use of multidisciplinary teams and attention to contradictions within the study population will produce valid data in a relatively short time period.
Improved Short-Channel Characteristics With Long Data Retention Time in Extreme Short-Channel Flash Memory Devices

Owing to the scaling demands, source/drain (S/D) junction engineering has evolved as a promising technique to improve the performance and reliability of NAND flash memory devices. In this paper, we investigate the impact of S/D doping lateral straggle σL on the program characteristics, data retention, and short-channel effects (SCEs) for sub-25-nm NAND flash memory device. Here, we consider threshold voltage roll-off, subthreshold slope, and drain-induced barrier lowering parameters to study the SCE for the aforementioned memory device. We also examine the effect of varying σL on the junction boost leakage current [during the program-inhibition (P-I) mode] for the considered device. Based on our investigations, we have shown that adjusting the S/D doping lateral straggle σL appropriately not only improves SCE but also the program speed and data retention without any need of altering the gate oxide stack. Furthermore, the junction boost leakage current also decreases on reducing σL. Consequently, it enables the device to hold high channel potential during the P-I mode, and thereby reduces the risk of false programming/erasing of the device.
The 100 Most Eminent Psychologists of the 20th Century

A rank-ordered list was constructed that reports the first 99 of the 100 most eminent psychologists of the 20th century. Eminence was measured by scores on 3 quantitative variables and 3 qualitative variables. The quantitative variables were journal citation frequency, introductory psychology textbook citation frequency, and survey response frequency. The qualitative variables were National Academy of Sciences membership, election as American Psychological Association (APA) president or receipt of the APA Distinguished Scientific Contributions Award, and surname used as an eponym. The qualitative variables were quantified and combined with the other 3 quantitative variables to produce a composite score that was then used to construct a rank-ordered list of the most eminent psychologists of the 20th century.
Perceptual Image and Video Quality

Owing to the explosive growth in the volume of photographs and videos in the recent years, finding effective and efficient ways to control and monitor their perceptual quality has become a topic of significant interest. Great strides have been made in understanding human vision and in developing advanced perceptual image and video quality measures. In this article, we discuss the fundamental principles that have thus far motivated the design of a broad array of sophisticated, biologically-inspired image and video quality assessment models. We also present the tremendous potential of these powerful models in delivering high quality visual content to the end user.
Arterial ligation in anterior resection for rectal cancer: A validation study of the Swedish Colorectal Cancer Registry

ABSTRACT Background. The level of arterial ligation has been a variable of the Swedish Colorectal Cancer Registry since 2007. The aim of this study is to evaluate the accuracy of this registry variable in relation to anterior resection for rectal cancer. Methods. The operative charts of all cardiovascularly compromised patients who underwent anterior resection during the period 2007–2010 in Sweden were retrieved and compared to the registry. We selected the study population to reflect the common assumption that these patients would be more sensitive to a compromised visceral blood flow. Levels of vascular ligation were defined, both oncologically and functionally, and their sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, level of agreement and Cohen's kappa were calculated. Results. Some 744 (94.5%) patients were eligible for analysis. Functional high tie level showed a sensitivity of 80.2% and a specificity of 90.1%. Positive and negative predictive values were 87.7 and 83.8%, respectively. Level of agreement was 85.5% and Cohen's kappa 0.70. The corresponding calculations for oncologic tie level yielded similar results. Conclusion. The suboptimal validity of the Swedish Colorectal Cancer Registry regarding the level of vascular ligation might be problematic. For analyses with rare positive outcomes, such bowel ischaemia, or with minor expected differences in outcomes, it would be beneficial to collect data directly from the operative charts of the medical records in order to increase the chance of identifying clinically relevant differences.
Der Fremdbeurteilungsbogen für hyperkinetische Störungen (FBB-HKS) - Prävalenz hyperkinetischer Störungen im Elternurteil und psychometrische Kriterien

Zusammenfassung. Fragestellung: Der Fremdbeurteilungsbogen fur Hyperkinetische Storungen (FBB-HKS) ist Bestandteil des Diagnostik-Systems fur Psychische Storungen im Kindes- und Jugendalter nach ICD-10 und DSM-IV (DISYPS-KJ). Er erfast in 20 Items die Symptomkriterien nach ICD-10 und DSM-IV. Die vorliegende Studie untersucht die Haufigkeit der einzelnen Symptome, sie uberpruft die Reliabilitat der Subskalen und der Gesamtskala, die Skalenkorrelationen sowie Alters- und Geschlechtseffekte. Stichprobe: Der Fragebogen wurde in einer Feldstichprobe von N = 165 Eltern von Kindern im Alter von sechs bis zehn Jahren beantwortet. Ergebnis: Bei Jungen schwanken die Symptompravalenzen zwischen 31,4 % fur “zappeln” und 8,1 % fur “nicht beenden”, “schlecht organisieren” und “fuhlt innere Unruhe”. Sie sind damit um das zwei- bis zwolffache gegenuber Madchen erhoht. Bei 11 von 20 Items konnte das erhohte relative Risiko gegen den Zufall abgesichert werden. Die Reliabilitat der Subskalen Aufmerksamkeitsstorung, Hyperakt.
Some Effects of Room Acoustics on Evoked Auditory Potentials

Auditory potentials were recorded from bipolar electrodes chronically implanted in the cochlear nuclei of four cats. In a training box modified to reduce echoes these animals were exposed to clicks and tone pulses presented from an overhead speaker. Slight changes in the position of the animal in the resulting sound field produced marked changes in the potentials evoked from the cochlear nucleus. These phenomena were observed in the unanesthetized, unrestrained subjects as well as in those under Nembutal anesthesia. It is suggested that these acoustic effects complicate the analysis and interpretation of potentials evoked from the cochlear nucleus under conditions of habituation, shifts in attention, and learning.
Diagnostic accuracy of saline infusion sonography in the evaluation of uterine cavity abnormalities prior to assisted reproductive techniques: a systematic review and meta-analyses.

BACKGROUND The diagnostic accuracy of a 2-D transvaginal scan, which is commonly employed to evaluate the regularity and shape of the uterine cavity in subfertile women, is relatively poor compared with other diagnostic modalities like saline infusion sonography (SIS) or hysteroscopy. SIS is a minimally invasive, cost-effective and acceptable diagnostic modality. Therefore the aim of this systematic review was to assess the diagnostic accuracy of SIS in the evaluation of the uterine cavity in subfertile women. METHODS A systematic review was conducted of diagnostic studies that compared SIS with hysteroscopy. Twenty relevant studies (including 1645 procedures) were identified and a subsequent meta-analysis was performed. Electronic databases were searched for relevant studies and references of relevant studies were cross checked. Validity was assessed and data were extracted independently by two authors. Heterogeneity was examined, studies were plotted in an ROC area and data were pooled. The main outcome measure was the diagnostic accuracy of saline infusion sonography. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, likelihood ratios and the post-test probabilities of saline infusion sonography on the prediction of uterine cavity abnormalities were calculated. RESULTS The pooled sensitivity of SIS in the detection of all intrauterine abnormalities was 0.88 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.85-0.90). The pooled specificity was 0.94 (95% CI 0.93-0.96). The positive and negative likelihood ratios were 20.93 (95% CI: 9.06-48.34) and 0.15 (95% CI: 0.10-0.22), respectively. SIS had good accuracy in the detection of all intrauterine abnormalities (area under the summary receiver operating curve (sROC) = 0.97 ± 0.01). SIS also had a high pooled sensitivity and specificity in the detection of congenital uterine anomalies, 0.85 (95% CI: 0.79-0.90) and 1.00 (95% CI 0.99-1.00), respectively. However the limitations of the review include the heterogeneity amongst the included studies. CONCLUSIONS SIS is a highly sensitive investigative modality and comparable to the gold standard tool, hysteroscopy in the detection of intrauterine abnormalities in subfertile women. SIS is a highly sensitive and specific test in the diagnosis of uterine polyps, submucous myomas, uterine anomalies and intrauterine adhesions and can be used as a screening tool for subfertile patients prior to IVF treatment.
Analytical Sociology and Its Critics*

Abstract In reaction to the criticisms to which analytical sociology has been subject with increasing frequency, the article attempts an overall assessment of this research program by addressing the following questions: where does contemporary analytical sociology come from? what are the differences between the “old” and “new” analytical sociology? what does analytical sociology really consist of? do the critics of analytical sociology have good reasons to be critical? Gross’s 2009 ASR article is deeply discussed in order to answer the last question. Résumé Face aux critiques que la sociologie analytique reçoit avec une fréquence croissante, cet article propose une évaluation globale de ce programme de recherche en posant quatre questions : quelle est l’origine de la sociologie analytique ? quelles sont les différences entre l’« ancienne » et la « nouvelle » sociologie analytique ? ; qu’est-ce que la sociologie analytique contient vraiment ? ; les détracteurs de la sociologie analytique ont-ils vraiment raison d’être mécontents ? L’article récent de Neil Gross est discuté dans le détail pour répondre à ce dernier point. Zusammenfassung Da die analytische Soziologie immer stärker kritisiert wird, geht dieser Beitrag dem Sachverhalt mit vier Fragen auf den Grund: wie ist die analytische Soziologie entstanden, wie lassen sich die Unterschiede zwischen alter und neuer analytischer Soziologie festmachen, wie sind ihre Inhalte zu definieren, und dürfen die Anfechter wirklich unzufrieden sein? Neil Gross Aufsatz wird detailliert besprochen, wobei der letzten Frage große Aufmerksamkeit geschenkt wird.
Theory: Seeking a Plain English Explanation

Why theory, what does theory add to human inquiry? There have been literately hundreds of attempts to explain the word ‘theory’, many of which are either incomprehensible or in conflict with each other. It would be easy for a new researcher to fail to appreciate the centrality of theory in good quality relevant research. Is it time to stop defining what theory is and focus more on what it does for research? This paper revisits the numerous and conflicting definitions of ‘theory’ to search for a plain English statement of why relevant and convincing research needs theory. An explanation is suggested which is then used to review an unusual research report. Calls for more or improved theories in IS seem misguided until we are clear of the role of theory in research.
The Mediating Role of Feedback Avoidance Behavior in the LMX—Performance Relationship

The literature on leader—member exchange theory (LMX) has consistently demonstrated the positive relationship between member perceptions of the quality of their relationship with the leader and member performance. The process through which relationship quality influences member performance, however, is still not fully understood.The present study provides an explanatory mechanism for this process. Specifically, feedback avoiding behavior, a feedback management strategy used by poor performers to minimize exposure to negative feedback from their leaders, fully mediates the relationship between LMX and member performance. Implications for theory and practice are discussed.
Traumatic spinal cord injury in Saudi Arabia: a review of the literature

Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury (TSCI) is a condition where the neural elements suffer acute trauma, resulting in short-term or permanent sensory and motor problems. An understanding the underlying structural and functional biological repairs of the TSCI mechanisms has intensely increased over the last two decades. However, compared with the other fields in medicine, the present degree of treatment and care for TSCI are quite unsatisfactory. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), the largest country in the Middle East, occupies nearly four-fifths of the Arabian Peninsula with a population of over 28 million. It also has the distinction of having one of the highest rates of spinal cord injuries in the world. However, research on TSCI has been very limited. Therefore, studies on the long-term incidence of TSCI in Saudi Arabia are vital and most essential to identify the high-risk groups, create awareness, establish trends, predict the needs, and thus contribute to effective health care planning of this condition. In this review, we discuss various aspects of TSCI in Saudi Arabia from the available literature.
Estimated cumulative incidence of West Nile virus infection in US adults, 1999–2010

SUMMARY West Nile virus (WNV) was first recognized in the USA in 1999. We estimated the cumulative incidence of WNV infection in the USA from 1999 to 2010 using recently derived age- and sex-stratified ratios of infections to WNV neuroinvasive disease (WNND) and the number of WNND cases reported to national surveillance. We estimate that over 3 million persons have been infected with WNV in the USA, with the highest incidence rates in the central plains states. These 3 million infections would have resulted in about 780 000 illnesses. A substantial number of WNV infections and illnesses have occurred during the virus' first decade in the USA.
A Comparison of Teachers' Attitudes Toward Their Included Students with Mild and Severe Disabilities

This investigation examined whether teachers' attitudes toward their included students with disabilities differed as a function of the disability's severity. Seventy inclusive classroom teachers nominated three students to prompts corresponding with the attitudes of attachment, concern, indifference, and rejection. Chi-square analyses supported predictions, based on a theory of instructional tolerance and a model of differential expectations, that students with severe or obvious disabilities are significantly overrepresented among teachers' nominations in the indifference category, whereas students with mild or hidden disabilities are significantly overrepresented among teachers' nominations in the rejection category. Results were interpreted to indicate that teachers tend to form different attitudes and expectations for their included students with disabilities depending on the severity or obviousness of students' disabilities. It is suggested that both included students with obvious and hidden disabilities are at risk for receiving inappropriate educational interactions—but for different reasons. Distinct recommendations for improving teachers' attitudes toward included students with hidden and obvious disabilities are offered.
On the Systematic Creation of Faithfully Rounded Truncated Multipliers and Arrays

Often, when performing fixed-point multiplication, it is sufficient to return a faithfully rounded result, i.e., the machine representable number either immediately above or below the arbitrary precision result, if the latter is not exactly representable. Compared to correctly rounded multipliers, i.e., those returning the nearest machine representable number, faithfully rounded multipliers use considerably less silicon area, typically by implementing a truncation scheme within the partial product array. A number of such heuristically inspired schemes exist in the literature, however their use in industrial practice is hampered by the absence of verification, and exhaustive simulation is typically infeasible, e.g., a 32 bit multiplier requires 264 simulations. We present three truncated multiplier schemes which subsume the majority of existing schemes and derive both closed form necessary and sufficient conditions for faithful rounding. For two of the schemes we provide closed form expressions for the bit vectors giving rise to the worst-case error and the probability of encountering these inputs during Monte-Carlo simulation. From these expressions, we show how HDL code can be created that performs correct-by-construction faithfully rounded multiplication. We also present a method for truncating an arbitrary array while maintaining faithful rounding, creating two novel truncated multiplier schemes in the process.
A importância da hipoterapia nas crianças autistas

IV Dedicatória. V Agradecimentos . VI Lista de Abreviaturas . VII Índice de tabelas . VIII Índice de gráficos . XI Índice . XIII Introdução . 18 Capítulo I – Revisão da Literatura . 20 1 Autismo . 20 1.1. Evolução histórica do autismo . 21 1.2. Etiologia . 21 1.2. 1 -Teorias psicogénicas . 23 1.2. 2 -Teorias biológicas . 24 1.2. 3 Teorias psicológicas . 25 1.2. 4 Teorias alternativas . 25 1.3 Conceito . 26 1.4 Prevalência . 28 1.5 Causas . 28 1.6 Tríade de Incapacidades . 28 1.6. 1 Perturbação na comunicação . 29 1.6. 2 Perturbação na interação social . 29 1.6. 3 Perturbação na Imaginação . 30 1.7 Caraterísticas do Autismo . 30
The Effect of Teaching Practice Conducted by Using Metacognition Strategies on Students' Reading Comprehension Skills

The purpose of this research is to determine the effect of teaching practise conducted by using metacognitive strategies on students’ reading comprehension skills at Turkish language course. For this purpose, this study has been carried out with 65 students at 5th grade of secondary education in 2012–2013 academic year. In the research, pre-test post-test control group design of experiment method has been used. While the subjects have been taught to students in experimental group by using metacognitive strategies in addition to teacher’s book, the same subjects have been taught to students in control group as they are stated within the curriculum and teacher’s book. The study took a total of 6 weeks. As data collection tool, Achievement Test For Measuring Students’ Reading Comprehension Skills which was developed by the researcher to determine the effect of metacognitive strategies on students’ reading comprehension skills was used. As a result of the reliability and validity studies, the reliability coefficient of the test was found to be 0.91, the average difficulty was found to be 0.64. At the end of the research, at teaching practice in which metacognitive strategies(planning, monitoring and regulation) were used, a significant increase on students’ reading comprehension skills was found in favor of the experimental group. © 2014 IOJES. All rights reserved
Ontocloud - a Clinical Information Ontology Based Data Integration System

Relevant biomedical research relies on finding enough subjects matching inclusion criteria. Researchers struggle to find eligible patients due to: information scattered in many different databases, incompatible data representation, and the technical knowledge required to work directly with databases. We identified the required features of a clinical data search system and used it to design and evaluate Ontocloud, a prototype based on open source software and open standards of a dynamic ontology based database integration system with inference capabilities. A comparison between Ontocloud and three other database integration system showed that our prototype fulfilled its purpose and can be improved to be used in production.
Efficacy in Accent Modification Services: Quantitative and Qualitative Outcomes for Korean Speakers of American English

Instructors of accent modification programs find few long range efficacy studies that they can use to critically examine the effectiveness of their training programs. Fewer still limit the language background variables of the study participants that might yield interesting information about specific instructional strategies and targets. This long term study examines outcomes data from 167 Korean men and women who participated in the MU (University of Missouri) Accent Modification and Pronunciation Program (AMP) from 2006-present. Quantitative data will include pre- and post- measures using the Sentence Intelligibility Test (Yorkston, Beukelman, & Tice, 1996), the POEC Screen Online (Sikorski, 2009), and qualitative data will include information obtained through surveys of individuals who have completed the MU AMP program. The authors discuss multisensory methods used in this program to effect positive change in adult English as a Second Language (ESL) oral skills.