Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Paracoccus yeeii sp. nov. (Formerly CDC Group EO-2), a Novel Bacterial Species Associated with Human Infection

ABSTRACT CDC eugonic oxidizer group 2 (EO-2) is a group of unclassified gram-negative bacterial strains isolated from various human sources. As determined by biochemical tests and analyses of fatty acid compositions, these organisms form a homogeneous group that appears to be distinct from but related to other Paracoccus species. Molecular studies were performed on a set of 13 EO-2 strains from various clinical sources and geographic locations in the United States and Canada to determine their relationship to the Paracoccus genus. Control strains were Paracoccus denitrificans ATCC 17741T, P. versutus ATCC 25364T, P. aminophilus ATCC 49673T, P. solventivorans ATCC 700252T, and Psychrobacter immobilis ATCC 43116T, which are phenotypically similar to EO-2. Nearly complete (1,500-base) 16S rRNA gene sequencing of eight EO-2 strains showed a high level of sequence similarity (>99.3%) within the group, and a BLAST search of GenBank placed the EO-2 cluster in close proximity to Paracoccus species (95 to 97% similarity). DNA-DNA hybridization studies of 13 of the EO-2 strains showed all to be related at the species level, with >70% relatedness under stringent conditions and a divergence within the group of less than 2%. None of the Paracoccus control strains hybridized at >54% with any of the EO-2 strains. These results indicate that EO-2 represents a new Paracoccus species, the first isolated from human clinical specimens. A new species, Paracoccus yeeii, is proposed for the EO-2 strains. The type strain of P. yeeii is CDCG1212 (ATCC BAA-599 and CCUG 46822), isolated in Pennsylvania from dialysate of a 77-year-old male with peritonitis.
Cities Destroyed (Again) For Cash: Forum on the U.S. Foreclosure Crisis

In 2008, there will be at least 2.5 million new foreclosures in the United States. Record levels of mortgage delinquency, default, and foreclosure are causing widespread hardship in cities and suburbs across America, and causing repeated destabilization of global credit and investment markets. In this Forum, six housing specialists unravel the complex connections between urban geography, subprime lending, and foreclosure. Although a wide variety of view-points are represented, three common threads are evident. First, foreclosures are tightly linked to the lax underwriting standards and aggressive business practices of the subprime mortgage market. Second, the subprime-foreclosure linkage is a reflection of the steady deregulation of U.S. financial markets and the promotion of homeownership as the cornerstone of national housing policy. Third, deregulated mortgage market segmentation has created uneven new geographies of debt, risk, and default—superimposed atop existing landscapes of old-fashioned exclusionary discrimination. Low-income and racially marginalized neighborhoods, once redlined and excluded from mainstream credit markets, were at the center of the profitable wave of subprime abuse and equity extraction during the long housing boom, and are now at the center of the long, slowly unfolding catastrophe of the U.S. foreclosure crisis.
Real-time smart antenna processing for GSM1800 base station

We successfully implemented a smart antenna array processor for a GSM1800 base station. The entire array processing run-time is only 1 ms, allowing real-time adaptation of the antenna pattern every GSM frame. The array processing is based on the estimation of the DOAs in the uplink. Separate DOA trackers for uplink and downlink, angular selection diversity, and beamforming with broad nulls guarantee robustness in mobile radio channels. Measurements in a LOS scenario show that the DOA estimation accuracy is on the order of 1/spl deg/ for 0 dB input SNR. BER measurements confirm the expected signal-to-noise gain of /spl ap/9 dB compared to the single antenna case. In case of one interferer a BER of 1% is reached for an input C/I of -6.5 dB.
Evaluating evidence and making judgements of study quality: Loss of evidence and risks to policy and practice decisions

Attempts to evaluate the effectiveness of health promotion interventions require judgements to be made about the quality of the available evidence. While recognizing the need to evaluate the quality of evidence, this paper argues that conclusions about effectiveness are made on the basis of too little information with too much evidence discarded. This argument is supported by a brief review of 88 health promotion systematic reviews showing large swathes of the available evidence failing to feature in reviews. Unfortunately, there is a lack of consistency in the criteria used to make decisions about whether evidence is acceptable or not and furthermore no external basis exists for validating decisions. Three approaches to evaluating evidence are considered which result in different decisions being made about individual studies. It is concluded that the evaluation of evidence cannot be reduced to the adherence to a set of simple rules and that the process requires judgement and balancing of a number of different considerations. Furthermore, evaluations of programme effectiveness should be based on a consideration of all of the available evidence and not just on a selected sub-set of studies.
Provable Secure Generalized Signcryption

Generalized signcryption which proposed by Han is a new cryptographic primitive which can work as an en- cryption scheme, a signature scheme or a signcryption scheme[5]. However,the security proof in their paper is uncorrect. our contribution are as following:First we give security notions for this new primitive.Secnond,we give an attack to [4] which is the ﬁrst vision of [5] and propose an improved generalized signcryption scheme. Third, we give correct proofs for this new scheme.
A Wrapper-Based Feature Selection for Analysis of Large Data Sets

Knowledge discovery from large data sets using classic data mining techniques has been proved to be difficult due to large size in both dimension and samples. In real appli- cations, data sets often consist of many noisy, redundant, and irrelevant features, resulting in degrading the classification accuracy and increasing the complexity exponentially. Due to the inherent nature, the analysis of the quality of data sets is difficult and very limited approaches about this issue can be found in the literature. This paper presents a novel method to investigate the quality and structure of data sets, i.e., how to analyze whether there are noisy and irrelevant features em- bedded in data sets. In doing so, a wrapper-based feature se- lection method using genetic algorithm and an external clas- sifier are employed for selecting the discriminative features. The importance of features are ranked in terms of their fre- quency appeared in the selected chromosomes. The effective- ness of proposed idea has been investigated and discussed with some sample data sets. large high dimensional data sets. In addition, the complexity grows exponentially with the increase of the number of fea- tures, making the search of all possible spaces infeasible. Traditional classification/clustering methods try to group clusters in full-dimensional space with either distance-based measure or density-based measure, including k-means clus- tering, self-organizing maps (SOM), and hierarchical me- thods, and so on (5). Normally, the large data sets such as microarray data are much larger in dimensionality than some sample data sets used in conventional data mining algorithms. Moreover, they consist of much noises, redundant, and irre- levant attributes due to the natural variation, and high inter- nal dependences between features in real applications. Se- lecting fewer discriminative attributes by removing irrelevant and/or redundant attributes can not only increase the classifi- cation accuracy but also reduce the computational complexi- ty to alleviate 'the curse of dimensionality' problem. In this respect, the investigation of the quality and structure of data sets is of paramount importance to the success of data mining algorithms.
A Critical Evaluation of the Prothrombin Time for Monitoring Oral Anticoagulant Therapy

The Quick prothrombin time is the most common clotting test performed, principally for monitoring oral anticoagulant therapy. The International Normalized Ratio (INR) for comparing patient results from prothrombin time measurements and the International Standardized Index (ISI) for achieving greater consistency of results using different thromboplastins have made it possible to compare the results of vitamin K antagonist drug therapy that was impossible before the introduction of the INR and ISI. However, INR values obtained from the same patient plasma sample using different thromboplastins are significantly different. This is so even when the thromboplastins have nearly the same ISI values. We suggest that investigation of patient-specific differences can provide a means by which the INR discrepancies can be identified and understood and thus lead to better methods for monitoring oral anticoagulant therapy.
The role of health-related, motivational and sociodemographic aspects in predicting food label use: a comprehensive study

Abstract Objective Previous studies focused on a limited number of determinants of food label use. We therefore tested a comprehensive model of food label use consisting of sociodemographic, health-related and motivating variables. These three predictor groups were chosen based on the previous literature and completed with new predictors not yet examined in a comprehensive study of frequency of label use. Design We sent questionnaires to a random sample of households in the German-speaking part of Switzerland. Setting The respondents filled in the questionnaire at home and returned it by mail. Subjects We analysed the data of 1162 filled-in questionnaires (response rate = 38 %). Of the respondents, 637 were women (55 %), and their mean age was 53·54 (sd 15·68) years. Results Health-related variables were the most important group of predictors of label use, followed by motivating factors and sociodemographic variables. Placing importance on health, healthy eating and nutritional value of food, perceived vulnerability for diet-related diseases, nutrition knowledge, numeracy and gender were positively associated with frequency of food label use whereas shopping habits and seeing eating as something positive were negative predictors of frequency of label use. Conclusions People's health consciousness should be raised in order to increase the frequency of food label use. Furthermore, it should be stressed that reading labels and keeping a healthy diet do not contradict ‘good eating’, and that both of these aspects can be combined with the help of food labels.
On the strength of marriage theorems and uniformity

Kierstead showed that every computable marriage problem has a computable matching under the assumption of computable expanding Hall condition and computable local finiteness for boys and girls. The strength of the marriage theorem reaches WKL0 or ACA0 if computable expanding Hall condition or computable local finiteness for girls is weakened. In contrast, the provability of the marriage theorem is maintained in RCA even if local finiteness for boys is completely removed. Using these conditions, we classify the strength of variants of marriage theorems in the context of reverse mathematics. Furthermore, we introduce another condition that also makes the marriage theorem provable in RCA0 , and investigate the sequential and Weihrauch strength of marriage theorems under that condition.
Hypothyroidism in pregnancy

Pregnancy is a period that places great physiological stress on both the mother and the fetus. When pregnancy is compounded by endocrine disorders such as hypothyroidism, the potential for maternal and fetal adverse outcomes can be immense. While a lot of attention has been focused on the adverse fetal outcomes consequent to hypothyroidism, attention is also being gradually directed towards the adverse maternal outcomes of this disorder. Role of antibody positivity in influencing outcomes in a euthyroid woman, also needs further clarification. Prompt diagnosis and treatment of hypothyroidism in pregnancy is very essential. Subclinical hypothyroidism also needs to be detected and treated to prevent adverse outcomes, especially maternal. Since women with hypothyroidism during pregnancy, especially of the autoimmune variety might have a flare up of the disorder post-partum, or might continue to require thyroxine replacement post-partum, adequate follow-up is mandatory. While targeted case finding is generally practised, recent evidence seems to indicate that universal screening might be a better option. In conclusion, routine screening, early confirmation of diagnosis and prompt treatment. Allied with regular post-partum follow up, is required to ensure favourable maternal and fetal outcomes.
A test of catastrophe models of anxiety and sports performance against multidimensional anxiety theory models using the method of dynamic differences

Guastello's method of dynamic differences was used to fit catastrophe and multidimensional anxiety theory based behavior surfaces to data obtained from eight experienced golfers. The subjects were first taught to self-report their cognitive anxiety, somatic anxiety, and self-confidence levels as a single integer on a scale from 1 (low) to 27 (high). These single integer scales were then used to monitor levels of cognitive anxiety, somatic anxiety, and self-confidence, together with physiological arousal (operationalized as heart rate), prior to each putt during a Stapleford golf competition. All data was standardized within subjects in order to control for individual differences in response sensitivity and putting ability. Preliminary examination of the results suggested that the catastrophe models were superior to the multidimensional anxiety theory models, and that the inclusion of self-confidence significantly improved the goodness of fit of both models. However, further tests of other control models suggested that the apparent superiority of the catstrophe models was probably due to the inclusion of a temporal factor in Guastello's method of dynamic differences. It was concluded that the results do not offer any clear evidence for the superiority of either catastrophe or multidimensional anxiety theory based models of anxiety and performance. They do suggest that self-confidence is an important factor in performance which is at least partially independent of cognitive anxiety. They also suggest that future research might benefit considering performance as an ongoing temporal process rather than a discrete event.
Endogenous estrogen levels and Alzheimer’s disease among postmenopausal women

Background: Although several studies have suggested that hormone replacement therapy lowers the risk of AD among postmenopausal women, few studies have evaluated the relationship of endogenous estrogen levels and AD. The current study investigated whether serum estrone and estradiol levels were related to the presence of AD among postmenopausal women not currently taking hormone replacement therapy. Methods: Using a case–control design, we examined an ethnically diverse sample of postmenopausal women who met National Institute of Neurological and Communicative Disorders and Stroke–Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders Association criteria for AD (n = 50) and nondemented controls (n = 93). All women were participants in a study of aging and dementia and were seen consecutively between August 1997 and October 1998. Results: Patients with AD had lower estradiol (F[1,141] = 8.3, p = 0.005) levels than did normal controls. Patients also had lower estrone levels; however, this comparison did not quite meet significance criteria (F[1,141] = 3.6, p = 0.06). Compared to estradiol levels >20 pg/mL, women with AD were four to six times more likely to have levels <20 pg/mL after adjusting for age, years of education, presence of an APOE-ε4 allele, ethnicity, and body mass index. There were no significant differences in frequency of AD among women within different quartiles of estrone after adjusting for potential confounds. Conclusions: The results of this preliminary case–control study suggest that estradiol levels may decline significantly in women in whom AD develops.
How Schools alienate Students at Risk: A Model for Examining Proximal Classroom Variables

Evidence suggests that dropping out of school may be a symptom of institutional rather than individual pathology, and researchers have called for a new cycle of empirical studies designed to identify alienating processes within classrooms and schools. Factors within classrooms and schools transform students at risk into a discrete subculture that is incompatible with academic success. The result is a feeling of estrangement and failure. I designed a research model to determine whether the treatment, behavior, perception, and cognition of at-risk students are significantly different from those of their not-at-risk classmates. A theoretical foundation for this approach is drawn from two sources: (a) labeling theory, and (b) evidence that cognitive activity is interwoven with the environmental context in which it occurs. For an empirical foundation, I review an eclectic body of literature describing chronic low achievers as a distinct student subculture within classrooms. Then I define the research model in .
Reduced synthesis of inflammatory cytokines by a free radical scavenger after hemorrhagic shock in rats

Objectives Intestinal ischemia/reperfusion during hemorrhage and resuscitation may be a major trigger for cytokine expression. To assess whether free radicals produced on tissue reperfusion may play a role in the inflammatory response after hemorrhage, we tested the effect of a free radical scavenger on the production of inflammatory cytokines in a rat model of hemorrhagic shock. Design A prospective, controlled animal study. Setting A university research laboratory. Subjects Male Wistar rats. Interventions Hemorrhage was induced in anesthetized rats. by bleeding the animal to achieve a mean arterial blood pressure of 40 mm Hg for 60 mins. Resuscitation was then induced by reinjecting shed blood followed by NaCl 0.9% to maintain arterial blood pressure within control values. Treated rats received the free radical scavenger N-2-mercaptopropionyl glycine (MPG; 20mg/kg iv bolus 30 mins before resuscitation followed by 20 mg/kg/hr). Measurements and Main Results MPG reduced the volume of saline necessary to restore blood pressure during resuscitation (untreated 85 ± 6; MPG 35 ± 5 mL/kg;p < .05). As compared with untreated rats, MPG markedly reduced the systemic and mesenteric plasma concentrations of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-&agr; (as measured by ELISA) and interleukin (IL)-6 (as measured by bioassay), assessed at the end of resuscitation. MPG also reduced TNF-&agr; and IL-6 mRNA expression (as measured by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction) assessed in peritoneal macrophages isolated from shock rats. Finally, in vitro experiments showed that MPG also markedly reduced the mRNA expression and release of TNF-&agr; and IL-6 in peritoneal macrophages isolated from normal rats and subjected to hypoxia and reoxygenation. Conclusion Reactive oxygen species contribute to the production of proinflammatory cytokines during posthemorrhage resuscitation. Free radicals scavengers may be a useful treatment in the prevention of the systemic inflammatory response that occurs in shock states.
Driving Factors Toward Accurate Mobile Opportunistic Sensing in Urban Environments

The dramatic increase in the number and sensing capabilities of mobile devices is fostering opportunistic sensing as a paramount data collection paradigm in smart cities. According to this paradigm, sensing of large-scale phenomena is autonomously performed by mobile devices that provide irregular samples in time and space. The collected data is then transferred to a central controller, and processed so as to obtain a representation of the phenomenon. In this paper, we investigate the factors that impact the accuracy of mobile opportunistic sensing. Specifically, we characterize the accuracy of a phenomenon representation obtained from samples collected by mobile devices and processed through the popular LMMSE filter. We do so by drawing on random matrix theory, which allows us to deal with irregularly spaced samples. Our analytical expressions capture the fundamental relationships existing between the accuracy and the parameters of mobile opportunistic sensing. We apply our analytical results to a realistic scenario where atmospheric pollution samples are collected by vehicular and pedestrian users. We validate the proposed analytical framework, and then exploit the model to investigate the impact on mobile sensing accuracy of a number of parameters. These include the pedestrian and vehicle density, the participation ratio to the sensing application, the type of phenomenon to be sensed, and the level of noise and position errors affecting the collected samples.
Qualitative fuzzy sets and granularity

This paper proposes qualitative fuzzy sets, where each membership function is able to tolerate "small amounts" of perturbations. This can be viewed as one of the type II fuzzy sets, where the grade of a membership function is represented by a fuzzy number. In this paper, we surveyed our qualitative fuzzy sets from the viewpoint of category theory.
Navigating Orientalism: Asian women faculty in the Canadian academy

While individuals of note have been documented, there has been a paucity of research into the collective voices of Asian women faculty in higher education. To fill this gap, the study brings forward the narratives of nine Asian women faculty members in the Canadian academy who have roots in East Asia. Employing the concept of Orientalism within a transnational feminist perspective, I argue that the historically produced Orientalist discourses of Asian women are still prevalent in contemporary society, including the academy. This article highlights two major themes: ‘Oriental’ others – being ‘Asian’; and ‘Oriental’ women – questioned authority. This article concludes by pinpointing some implications of the research within the analytical lens and connecting the topic to the general equity issues in higher education institutions.
Punishing the Perpetrator Decreases Compensation for Victims

Why do victims sometimes not receive the help they need? One reason may be that people believe punishing perpetrators restores justice, which makes them less willing to help victims if the perpetrator has been punished. Participants who were first asked how much to punish a perpetrator subsequently recommended less compensation for the victim relative to participants who were asked about compensation first. In contrast, participants punished perpetrators to the same degree regardless of whether they were first asked about compensation (Study 1). These effects also held when a third party administered the initial response (Studies 2 and 3). Punishment increased people’s belief that justice had been restored, which decreased their desires for victim compensation (Study 3). Thus, the extent to which individuals are concerned about victims is influenced by whether they first consider perpetrator punishment.