Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Pain-coping strategies in chronic pain patients: Psychometric characteristics of the pain-coping inventory (PCI)

This article presents a series of studies aimed at validating a comprehensive pain-coping inventory (PCI) that is applicable to various types of patients with chronic pain. Item and scale analyses were performed for patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), patients with chronic headache, and pain clinic outpatients. The following 6 scales were derived from a simultaneous component analysis: Pain Transformation, Distraction, Reducing Demands, Retreating, Worrying, and Resting, all of which were internally reliable. A higher order factor analysis grouped the PCI scales into active (transformation, distraction, reducing demands) and passive (retreating, worrying, resting) pain-coping dimensions. Differences in use of strategy found between RA patients and headache patients indicated that the PCI scales were sufficiently sensitive to measure differences between groups. Concurrent validity was assessed for patients with RA and patients with fibromyalgia and predictive validity was assessed for patients with recently diagnosed RA after 1 and 3 years. In both analyses the validity of the scales was supported, in particular the predictive validity of passive coping scales for future outcomes.
Optimizing time delay of time modulated linear array elements to reduce the side band radiation level

In this paper, a new approach to reduce the side band radiation level of time modulated linear array is presented. Keeping normalized on-time duration of the array elements at each modulation period remains unchanged for a given pattern at fundamental radiation, a suitable time delay is provided before the switch-on instants of the array elements. The method is applied to the pattern where the fundamental radiation is a static Dolph-Tschebyscheff (DT) pattern with SLL of -40dB. The optimum time delay required for the array elements are explored through particle swarm optimization technique and it reduces the maximum of first side band radiation level from -12.7dB to -18.7dB and that of second side band from -17.5 dB to -22.1 dB.
Actin comet tails, endosomes and endosymbionts

SUMMARY The Arp2/3 complex consists of seven highly conserved and tightly associated subunits, two of which are the actin-related proteins Arp2 and Arp3. One of the best-studied functions of the Arp2/3 complex is to stimulate actin nucleation and force production at the leading edge of motile cells. What is now clear is that Arp2/3-complex-mediated force production drives many intracellular movements, including movement of bacterial pathogens in infected host cells, internalization of extracellular materials via phagocytosis and endocytosis, and movement of mitochondria during cell division in budding yeast. Here, we describe recent advances in the mechanisms underlying Arp2/3 complex-driven intracellular movement.
Decoding error-correcting codes via linear programming

Error-correcting codes are fundamental tools used to transmit digital information over unreliable channels. Their study goes back to the work of Hamming [Ham50] and Shannon [Sha48], who used them as the basis for the field of information theory. The problem of decoding the original information up to the full error-correcting potential of the system is often very complex, especially for modern codes that approach the theoretical limits of the communication channel. In this thesis we investigate the application of linear programming (LP) relaxation to the problem of decoding an error-correcting code. Linear programming relaxation is a standard technique in approximation algorithms and operations research, and is central to the study of efficient algorithms to find good (albeit suboptimal) solutions to very difficult optimization problems. Our new “LP decoders” have tight combinatorial characterizations of decoding success that can be used to analyze error-correcting performance. Furthermore, LP decoders have the desirable (and rare) property that whenever they output a result, it is guaranteed to be the optimal result: the most likely (ML) information sent over the channel. We refer to this property as the ML certificate property. We provide specific LP decoders for two major families of codes: turbo codes and low-density parity-check (LDPC) codes. These codes have received a great deal of attention recently due to their unprecedented error-correcting performance. Our decoder is particularly attractive for analysis of these codes because the standard message-passing algorithms used for decoding are often difficult to analyze. For turbo codes, we give a relaxation very close to min-cost flow, and show that the success of the decoder depends on the costs in a certain residual graph. For the case of rate-1/2 repeat-accumulate codes (a certain type of turbo code), we give an inverse polynomial upper bound on the probability of decoding failure. For LDPC codes (or any binary linear code), we give a relaxation based on the factor graph representation of the code. We introduce the concept of fractional distance, which is a function of the relaxation, and show that LP decoding always corrects a number of errors up to half the fractional distance. (Copies available exclusively from MIT Libraries, Rm. 14-0551, Cambridge, MA 02139-4307. Ph. 617-253-5668; Fax 617-253-1690.) (Abstract shortened by UMI.)
Focused Tortuosity Definitions Based on Expert Clinical Assessment of Corneal Subbasal Nerves.

PURPOSE We examined agreement among experts in the assessment of corneal subbasal nerve tortuosity. METHODS Images of corneal subbasal nerves were obtained from investigators at seven sites (Auckland, Boston, Linköping, Manchester, Oslo, Rostock, and Sydney) using laser-scanning in vivo confocal microscopy. A set of 30 images was assembled and ordered by increasing tortuosity by 10 expert graders from the seven sites. In a first experiment, graders assessed tortuosity without a specific definition and performed grading three times, with at least 1 week between sessions. In a second experiment, graders assessed the same image set using four focused tortuosity definitions. Intersession and intergrader repeatability for the experiments were determined using the Spearman rank correlation. RESULTS Expert graders without a specific tortuosity definition had high intersession (Spearman correlation coefficient 0.80), but poor intergrader (0.62) repeatability. Specific definitions improved intergrader repeatability to 0.79. In particular, tortuosity defined by frequent small-amplitude directional changes (short range tortuosity) or by infrequent large-amplitude directional changes (long range tortuosity), indicated largely independent measures and resulted in improved repeatability across the graders. A further refinement, grading only the most tortuous nerve in a given image, improved the average correlation of a given grader's ordering of images with the group average to 0.86 to 0.90. CONCLUSIONS Definitions of tortuosity specifying short or long-range tortuosity and considering only the most tortuous nerve in an image improved the agreement in tortuosity grading among a group of expert observers. These definitions could improve accuracy and consistency in quantifying subbasal nerve tortuosity in clinical studies.
The Costs and Benefits of Java Bytecode Subroutines

Java bytecode subroutines are used to compile the Java source language try-finally construct into a succinct combination of special-purpose instructions. However, the space saved by using subroutines, in comparison to simpler compilation strategies, comes at a substantial cost to the complexity of the bytecode verifier and other parts of the Java Virtual Machine. This paper examines the trade-offs between keeping subroutines and eliminating them from the Java bytecode language. We compare the cost of formally specifying the bytecode verifier and implementing the Java Virtual Machine in the presence of subroutines to the space saved by using them when compiling a set of representative Java programs.
Look-Ahead Benchmark Bias in Portfolio Performance Evaluation

Performance of investment managers is predominantly evaluated against targeted benchmarks, such as stock, bond, or commodity indices. But most professional databases do not retain time series for companies that drop from the database and do not necessarily track changes in the benchmarks over time. Consequently, standard tests of portfolio performance suffer from look-ahead benchmark bias, meaning that a given strategy is naively backtested against the assets constituting the benchmark of reference at the end of the testing period (i.e., now), rather than at the beginning of the period. In this article, the authors report that look-ahead benchmark bias can be surprisingly large in portfolios of common stocks—up to 8% per annum when the S&P 500 Index is the benchmark. Using CRSP data for the running top 500 U.S. capitalizations over the period 1927–2006, the authors demonstrate that look-ahead benchmark bias can account for a gross overestimation in performance metrics, such as the Sharpe ratio, as well as an underestimation of risk measured, for example, by peak-to-valley drawdowns. A general methodology to test investment strategy properties is advanced by the authors in the context of several random strategies having similar investment constraints.
Monoaminergic and Neuropeptidergic Neurons Have Distinct Expression Profiles of Histone Deacetylases

Monoaminergic and neuropeptidergic neurons regulate a wide variety of behaviors, such as feeding, sleep/wakefulness behavior, stress response, addiction, and social behavior. These neurons form neural circuits to integrate different modalities of behavioral and environmental factors, such as stress, maternal care, and feeding conditions. One possible mechanism for integrating environmental factors through the monoaminergic and neuropeptidergic neurons is through the epigenetic regulation of gene expression via altered acetylation of histones. Histone deacetylases (HDACs) play an important role in altering behavior in response to environmental factors. Despite increasing attention and the versatile roles of HDACs in a variety of brain functions and disorders, no reports have detailed the localization of the HDACs in the monoaminergic and neuropeptidergic neurons. Here, we examined the expression profile of the HDAC protein family from HDAC1 to HDAC11 in corticotropin-releasing hormone, oxytocin, vasopressin, agouti-related peptide (AgRP), pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC), orexin, histamine, dopamine, serotonin, and noradrenaline neurons. Immunoreactivities for HDAC1,-2,-3,-5,-6,-7,-9, and -11 were very similar among the monoaminergic and neuropeptidergic neurons, while the HDAC4, -8, and -10 immunoreactivities were clearly different among neuronal groups. HDAC10 expression was found in AgRP neurons, POMC neurons, dopamine neurons and noradrenaline neurons but not in other neuronal groups. HDAC8 immunoreactivity was detected in the cytoplasm of almost all histamine neurons with a pericellular pattern but not in other neuropeptidergic and monoaminergic neurons. Thus, the differential expression of HDACs in monoaminergic and neuropeptidergic neurons may be crucial for the maintenance of biological characteristics and may be altered in response to environmental factors.
Management Options for Reducing the Release of Antibiotics and Antibiotic Resistance Genes to the Environment

Background: There is growing concern worldwide about the role of polluted soil and water environments in the development and dissemination of antibiotic resistance. Objective: Our aim in this study was to identify management options for reducing the spread of antibiotics and antibiotic-resistance determinants via environmental pathways, with the ultimate goal of extending the useful life span of antibiotics. We also examined incentives and disincentives for action. Methods: We focused on management options with respect to limiting agricultural sources; treatment of domestic, hospital, and industrial wastewater; and aquaculture. Discussion: We identified several options, such as nutrient management, runoff control, and infrastructure upgrades. Where appropriate, a cross-section of examples from various regions of the world is provided. The importance of monitoring and validating effectiveness of management strategies is also highlighted. Finally, we describe a case study in Sweden that illustrates the critical role of communication to engage stakeholders and promote action. Conclusions: Environmental releases of antibiotics and antibiotic-resistant bacteria can in many cases be reduced at little or no cost. Some management options are synergistic with existing policies and goals. The anticipated benefit is an extended useful life span for current and future antibiotics. Although risk reductions are often difficult to quantify, the severity of accelerating worldwide morbidity and mortality rates associated with antibiotic resistance strongly indicate the need for action.
Comparison of Analytical Mass Functions with Numerical Simulations

We present numerical testing results of our mass function derived in our previous paper and compare the testing results with those of the popular Press-Schechter (PS) mass function. Two fiducial models are considered for the test: the scale-free power-law spectra P(k)∝kn with spectral indices n=-1, 0 and the standard cold dark matter (SCDM) model with Ω=1 and h=0.5. For the power-law models, we use numerical data averaged over several different output times: 10 output times from two N-body realizations for the n=-1 power-law model; four outputs from one realization for the n=0 model. For the SCDM model, we consider four outputs separately at redshifts z=0, 0.43, 1.14, and 1.86 from one large N-body simulation. The comparison results show that our mass function fits the numerical data in a much improved way over the PS one. Thus, we expect that our mass function can be a viable alternative of the PS mass function in applications to various areas.
Is Empathy the Key? Effective Communication via Instant Messaging

Instant Messaging (IM) has become an effective and convenient way for many to chat in real-time, over a distance with friends, family, student peers and colleagues. Messaging Tools such as Microsoft’s MSN® Messenger or Yahoo! ® Messenger typically support text chat, show a picture of each interlocutor, and allow exchanging emoticons which are small emotional icons representing ones feelings. In this paper, we investigate how different ways of visualising such emotions affect the experience of an IM user. We created a two-person messaging application that represents each interlocutor as a 3D character, or avatar, capable of expressing emotion through facial expressions. Results obtained strongly suggest that emotional expressiveness in avatars increases involvement in the interaction between the participants. This has a positive effect on their subjective experience. Further, we identify empathy as a key component for creating a more enjoyable experience and greater harmony between spatially separated people communicating via IM technology. Directions for future research are outlined.
The natural rate of interest

Unfortunately, the “natural” real rate of interest is not observable, so it must be estimated. Monetary policymakers are interested in estimating it because real rates above or below it would tend to depress or stimulate economic growth; financial market participants are interested because it would be helpful in forecasting short-term interest rates many years into the future in order to calculate the value and, therefore, the yields of long-term government and private bonds.This Economic Letter describes factors that influence the natural rate of interest and discusses different ways economists try to measure it.
An empirical examination of the relationship between business strategy and socially responsible supply chain management

Purpose – This paper aims to explore the effect of business strategy on socially responsible supply chain management (SR‐SCM). Design/methodology/approach – This study draws on data from 178 UK‐based companies, and 340 buyer‐supplier relationships. A novel data collection approach is used, which minimizes social desirability and common methods bias, to capture socially responsible supply chain management. The data are analysed through a set of OLS regressions.Findings – Business strategies significantly influence socially responsible supply chain management. Low‐cost producers largely neglect their social responsibilities in the supply chain. In contrast, firms pursuing differentiation strategies are considerably more engaged with these issues, partly because they have better supply chain processes.Practical implications – Practitioners should carefully consider the fit between strategic position and level of engagement with SR‐SCM, since our results emphasise the relationship between SR‐SCM and business s.
BEHAVIORAL ANALYSIS: AN ALTERNATIVE TO DIAGNOSTIC CLASSIFICATION.

DURING the past decade attacks on conventional psychiatric diagnosis have been so widespread that many clinicians now use diagnostic labels sparingly and apologetically. The continued adherence to the nosological terms of the traditional classificatory scheme suggests some utility of the present categorization of behavior disorders, despite its apparently low reliability 1,21 ; its limited prognostic value 7,26 ; and its multiple feebly related assumptive supports. In a recent study of this problem, the symptom patterns of carefully diagnosed paranoid schizophrenics were compared. Katz et al 12 found considerable divergence among patients with the same diagnosis and concluded that "diagnostic systems which are more circumscribed in their intent, for example, based on manifest behavior alone, rather than systems which attempt to comprehend etiology, symptom patterns and prognosis, may be more directly applicable to current problems in psychiatric research" (p202). We propose here to examine some
Improving Interactive Image Segmentation via Appearance Propagation

We present Propagate-and-Graphcut (PG), a system that improves interactive image segmentation by leveraging the appearance propagation research. Users’ efforts are minimized, and inaccurate inputs are handled. We show experimentally that PG is capable of handling complex scenario settings and outperforms previous approaches.We suggest that PG could serve as an alternative to other general interactive image segmentation methods under most circumstances.
A Research on Position Shift Pedestrian Image Detection using Visual Words Selected Method

Pedestrian detection is an important area in computer vision with key applications in intelligent vehicles. The objective of this paper is to detect position shift pedestrian using Visual Words selection method which is based on Bag-of-Features. It calculates the difference of the total appearance frequency for each Visual Word of pedestrian and non-pedestrian images. The Visual Word which exhibit greater absolute value is more efficient for pedestrian detection and can be selected. The effectiveness of Visual Words selection method has been validated by the distribution analysis of selected feature points. It is show that the features which located in lower body area are more effective for the detection.
High-Performance Control of Piezoelectric Tube Scanners

In this paper, a piezoelectric tube of the type typically used in scanning tunneling microscopes (STMs) and atomic force microscopes (AFMs) is considered. Actuation of this piezoelectric tube is hampered by the presence of a lightly damped low-frequency resonant mode. The resonant mode is identified and damped using a positive velocity and position feedback (PVPF) controller, a control technique proposed in this paper. Input signals are then shaped such that the closed-loop system tracks a raster pattern. Normally, piezoelectric tubes are actuated using voltage amplifiers. Nonlinearity in the form of hysteresis is observed when actuating the piezoelectric tubes at high amplitudes using voltage amplifiers. It has been known for some time that hysteresis in piezoelectric actuators can be largely compensated by actuating them using charge amplifiers. In this paper, high-amplitude actuation of a piezoelectric tube is achieved using a charge amplifier.
Foreign Direct Investment and Politics: The Swedish Model

Sweden is home to a remarkably large number of prosperous multinationals. We argue that this is partly the result of industrial policies that have been biased in favour of large firms, and partly the result of an institutional setting where regulations and controls have facilitated investment abroad by Swedish firms, while impeding foreign direct investment in Sweden. A particularly important feature of the institutional environment is that Swedish labour unions have supported Swedish investment abroad, but opposed foreign investment in Sweden. This paper outlines the development of Swedish foreign investment policies, describes the traditional Swedish model of industrial policy, and discusses the attitudes of the Swedish labour movement. The implications for long-run growth of Swedish industrial policy are also discussed. We argue that the large multinationals have been supported at the expense of small- and medium-sized firms, and that the non-multinational sector is thus less dynamic in Sweden than in many other countries.
Rethinking transfer: A simple proposal with multiple implica-tions

9720384). We greatly appreciate their support but emphasize that the views expressed herein are those of the authors and not of the granting agency. We are very grateful to Carl Bereiter, Asghar (Ali) Iran-Nejad, and David Pearson for excellent comments and suggestions. In addition, we thank our colleagues Kay Burgess, Xiadong Lin, and Sean Brophy for graciously allowing us to discuss some of their yet-to-be-published data. We also thank the members of the Cognition and Technology Group at Vanderbilt who provided invaluable feedback on our work. A belief in transfer lies at the heart of our educational system. Most educators want learning activities to have positive effects that extend beyond the exact conditions of initial learning. They are hopeful that students will show evidence of transfer in a variety of situations; for example, from one problem to another within a course; from one course to another; from one school year to the next; and from their years in school to their years in the workplace. Beliefs about transfer often accompany the claim that it is better to " educate " people broadly than simply " train " them to perform particular tasks (e.g., Broudy, 1977). In this chapter, we discuss research on transfer from both a retrospective and prospective perspective. What has past transfer research taught us that is especially important for education? What might research on transfer look like in the future? Our discussion of past research will be brief-not because it is unimportant but because of space limitations and the fact that our primary emphasis is on the future. We argue that prevailing theories and methods of measuring transfer are limited in scope; we propose an alternative that complements and extends current approaches, and we sketch its implications for education. Our discussion is organized into five sections. First, we briefly summarize some of the key findings from the literature on transfer-both the successes and the disappointments. Second, we contrast the " traditional " view of transfer with an alternative that emphasizes the ability to learn during transfer. Third, we discuss mechanisms for transfer that emphasize Broudy's analysis of " knowing with " (which he adds to the more familiar replicative " knowing that " and applicative " knowing how "). Fourth, we show how our alternate view of transfer affects assumptions about what is valuable for students to learn. Finally, we show how our view encourages a dynamic …