Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
EFFECTS OF PREFERENCE AND STRATEGY ON LEARNING TO READ AN ARTIFICIAL SCRIPT

Reading proficiency in the English alphabetic system requires mastery of common letter-to-sound mappings as well as rapid recognition of familiar words. Previous research has suggested that readers differ in their preferences for the two strategies of word reading, with some preferring to focus on the letter-tosound correspondences within a word, a grapheme-phoneme (GP) strategy, while others preferring to match entire visual to spoken words, a whole-word (WW) strategy. The goal of this study was to assess what impact such preference differences might have on learning dynamics as readers learned a new writing system. First, typical adults’ reading preference for a GP vs. WW strategy in English was determined via a series of reading tests. Next, participants were trained to associate a novel script of artificial characters with spoken English words. Entire visual characters could be mapped onto whole spoken words (WW strategy) but if the hidden alphabet was taught, individual letters within the character could be mapped onto corresponding sounds (GP strategy). Participants in the two-day training learned one list of words using the GP strategy and another list using the WW strategy. It was hypothesized that preferences evident in reading English would elicit differences in learning dynamics for the novel script. Results revealed that participants’ preferences significantly predicted their learning patterns and outcomes. Specifically, WW preference learners suffered high transfer costs when applying letter knowledge to decoding novel words. Conversely, after learning new words, GP preference learners suffered from high interference costs on previously memorized words. These findings suggest that reading strategies may help uncover differences in cognitive challenges faced during reading acquisition, which in turn may inform effective teaching strategies in early reading instruction. ____________________________________________________________________________________
Graph-based Semi-supervised Gene Mention Tagging

The rapidly growing biomedical literature has been a challenging target for natu-ral language processing algorithms. One of the tasks these algorithms focus on is called named entity recognition (NER), often employed to tag gene mentions. Here we describe a new approach for this task, an approach that uses graph-based semi-supervised learning to train a Conditional Random Field (CRF) model. Benchmarking it on the BioCreative II Gene Mention tagging task, we achieved statistically signiﬁcant improvements in F-measure over BANNER, a widely used biomedical NER system. We note that our tool is transductive and modular in nature, and can be integrated with other CRF-based supervised NER tools.
The Open University ’ s repository of research publications and other research outputs Dating martian climate change

1 Geological evidence indicates that low-latitude polygonally-patterned grounds on Mars, 2 generally thought to be the product of flood volcanism, are periglacial in nature and record a 3 complex signal of changing climate. By studying the martian surface stratigraphically (in terms 4 of the geometrical relations between surface landforms and the substrate) rather than geneti5 cally (by form analogy with Earth), we have identified dynamic surfaces across one fifth of mar6 tian longitude. New stratigraphical observations in the Elysium-Amazonis plains have revealed a 7 progressive surface polygonisation that is destructive of impact craters across the region. This 8 activity is comparable to the climatically-driven degradation of periglacial landscapes on Earth, 9 but because it affects impact craters – the martian chronometer – it can be dated. Here we show 10 that it is possible to directly date this activity based on the fraction of impact craters affected by 11 polygon formation. Nearly 100% of craters (of all diameters) are superposed by polygonal sculp12 ture: considering the few-100 Ma age of the substrate, this suggests that the process of polygon 13 formation was active within the last few million years. Surface polygonisation in this region, of14 ten considered to be one of the signs of young, 'plains-forming' volcanism on Mars, is instead 15 shown to postdate the majority of impact craters seen. We therefore conclude that it is post16 depositional in origin and an artifact of thermal cycling of near-surface ground ice. Stratigraphi17 cally-controlled crater counts present the first way of dating climate change on a planet other 18 than Earth: a record that may tell us something about climate change on our own planet. Paral19 lel climate change on these two worlds – an ice age Mars coincident with Earth’s glacial Quater20 nary period – might suggest a coupled system linking both. We have previously been unable to 21 generalise about the causes of long-term climate change based on a single terrestrial example – 22 with the beginnings of a chronology for climate change on our nearest planetary neighbour, we 23 can. 24
The supply side of innovation diffusion - A UK SME broadband adoption perspective

Recent research suggests that the majority of the Small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) ebusiness research focusses primarily on studying innovation diffusion within the SMEs themselves with limited research into the supply-side of innovation diffusion This study examines the supply side of innovation diffusion to SMEs in south east United Kingdom (UK). It aims to examine and provide an indepth view of the broadband diffusion process to SMEs in UK by exploring the views and activities of the various groups involved in the process with a particular focus on the supply side. Innovation diffusion and social construction of technology theory are applied to extend a framework with a view to address some of the issues not covered in previous literature. Our research results suggest that even though the various social groups are working towards the same goal, both sides have a very different view of what the expectations are from the supply side of innovation diffusion. We believe that our results are useful to providers looking to diffuse broadband as well as other IT innovations to SMEs.
MAKING THE MOVE: THE NEXT VERSION OF CINDERELLA

Cinderella is a software package for interactive or dynamic geometry. Its first version was published in 1999 and was the first geometry software to be based on the theory of complex tracing3, thus avoiding mathematical inconsistencies and unmotivated discontinuities (modulo numerical errors). At the ICMS 2002 we will introduce the next major version of Cinderella and highlight its new features and new concepts.
"Silent" sites in Drosophila genes are not neutral: evidence of selection among synonymous codons.

The patterns of synonymous codon usage in 91 Drosophila melanogaster genes have been examined. Codon usage varies strikingly among genes. This variation is associated with differences in G+C content at silent sites, but (unlike the situation in mammalian genes) these differences are not correlated with variation in intron base composition and so are not easily explicable in terms of mutational biases. Instead, those genes with high G+C content at silent sites, resulting from a strong "preference" for a particular subset of the codons that are mostly C-ending, appear to be the more highly expressed genes. This suggests that G+C content is reduced in sequences where selective constraints are weaker, as indeed seen in a pseudogene. These and other data discussed are consistent with the effects of translational selection among synonymous codons, as seen in unicellular organisms. The existence of selective constraints on silent substitutions, which may vary in strength among genes, has implications for the use of silent molecular clocks.
Scarcity Messages

This study examines the relative effect of two types of scarcity messages (limited-quantity and limited-time) on consumers' purchase intentions. The moderating influence of brand concept (functional or symbolic) on this relationship is also examined. Drawing on the results of two studies, the authors conclude that the limited-quantity messages are more effective than limited-time messages in influencing consumers' purchase intentions. This differential impact is further enhanced for symbolic brands. Consumer competition is found to mediate the effect of scarcity messages on purchase intentions.
Increased Systemic Glucose Tolerance with Increased Muscle Glucose Uptake in Transgenic Mice Overexpressing RXRγ in Skeletal Muscle

Background Retinoid X receptor (RXR) γ is a nuclear receptor-type transcription factor expressed mostly in skeletal muscle, and regulated by nutritional conditions. Previously, we established transgenic mice overexpressing RXRγ in skeletal muscle (RXRγ mice), which showed lower blood glucose than the control mice. Here we investigated their glucose metabolism. Methodology/Principal Findings RXRγ mice were subjected to glucose and insulin tolerance tests, and glucose transporter expression levels, hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp and glucose uptake were analyzed. Microarray and bioinformatics analyses were done. The glucose tolerance test revealed higher glucose disposal in RXRγ mice than in control mice, but insulin tolerance test revealed no difference in the insulin-induced hypoglycemic response. In the hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp study, the basal glucose disposal rate was higher in RXRγ mice than in control mice, indicating an insulin-independent increase in glucose uptake. There was no difference in the rate of glucose infusion needed to maintain euglycemia (glucose infusion rate) between the RXRγ and control mice, which is consistent with the result of the insulin tolerance test. Skeletal muscle from RXRγ mice showed increased Glut1 expression, with increased glucose uptake, in an insulin-independent manner. Moreover, we performed in vivo luciferase reporter analysis using Glut1 promoter (Glut1-Luc). Combination of RXRγ and PPARδ resulted in an increase in Glut1-Luc activity in skeletal muscle in vivo. Microarray data showed that RXRγ overexpression increased a diverse set of genes, including glucose metabolism genes, whose promoter contained putative PPAR-binding motifs. Conclusions/Significance Systemic glucose metabolism was increased in transgenic mice overexpressing RXRγ. The enhanced glucose tolerance in RXRγ mice may be mediated at least in part by increased Glut1 in skeletal muscle. These results show the importance of skeletal muscle gene regulation in systemic glucose metabolism. Increasing RXRγ expression may be a novel therapeutic strategy against type 2 diabetes.
PI and PID controller tuning for an automotive application using backtracking search optimization algorithms

This paper proposes the optimal tuning of the parameters of PI and PID controllers for an automotive application by Backtracking Search Optimization Algorithms (BSOAs). The automotive application is related to the position control of pancake DC torque motor systems. The effects of the population size, which is an important parameter of BSOAs, on the performance of both the BSOAs and the position control system are discussed using simulation results.
A Knowledge Accessing Theory of Strategic Alliances

The emerging knowledge-based view of the firm offers new insight into the causes and management of interfirm alliances. However, the development of an effective knowledge-based theory of alliance formation has been inhibited by a simplistic view of alliances as vehicles for organizational learning in which strategic alliances have presumed to be motivated by firms' desire to acquire knowledge from one another. We argue that the primary advantage of alliances over both firms and markets is in "accessing" rather than "acquiring" knowledge. Building upon the distinction between the knowledge generation ('exploration') and knowledge application ('exploitation'), we show that alliances contribute to the efficiency in the application of knowledge; first, by improving the efficiency with which knowledge is integrated into the production of complex goods and services, and second, by increasing the efficiency with which knowledge is utilized. These static efficiency advantages of alliances are enhanced where there is uncertainty over future knowledge requirements and where new products offer early-mover advantages. Compared with alternative learning-based approaches to alliance formation, our proposed knowledge-accessing theory of alliances offers the advantages of greater theoretical rigour and consistency with general trends in alliance activity and corporate strategy. Copyright Blackwell Publishing Ltd 2004.
Nosology and Classification of Genetic Skeletal Disorders: 2010 Revision

Genetic disorders involving the skeletal system arise through disturbances in the complex processes of skeletal development, growth and homeostasis and remain a diagnostic challenge because of their variety. The Nosology and Classification of Genetic Skeletal Disorders provides an overview of recognized diagnostic entities and groups them by clinical and radiographic features and molecular pathogenesis. The aim is to provide the Genetics, Pediatrics and Radiology community with a list of recognized genetic skeletal disorders that can be of help in the diagnosis of individual cases, in the delineation of novel disorders, and in building bridges between clinicians and scientists interested in skeletal biology. In the 2010 revision, 456 conditions were included and placed in 40 groups defined by molecular, biochemical, and/or radiographic criteria. Of these conditions, 316 were associated with mutations in one or more of 226 different genes, ranging from common, recurrent mutations to “private” found in single families or individuals. Thus, the Nosology is a hybrid between a list of clinically defined disorders, waiting for molecular clarification, and an annotated database documenting the phenotypic spectrum produced by mutations in a given gene. The Nosology should be useful for the diagnosis of patients with genetic skeletal diseases, particularly in view of the information flood expected with the novel sequencing technologies; in the delineation of clinical entities and novel disorders, by providing an overview of established nosologic entities; and for scientists looking for the clinical correlates of genes, proteins and pathways involved in skeletal biology. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effects of drought on avian community structure

Droughts are expected to become more frequent under global climate change. Avifauna depend on precipitation for hydration, cover, and food. While there are indications that avian communities respond negatively to drought, little is known about the response of birds with differing functional and behavioural traits, what time periods and indicators of drought are most relevant, or how response varies geographically at broad spatial scales. Our goals were thus to determine (1) how avian abundance and species richness are related to drought, (2) whether community variations are more related to vegetation vigour or precipitation deviations and at what time periods relationships were strongest, (3) how response varies among avian guilds, and (4) how response varies among ecoregions with different precipitation regimes. Using mixed effect models and 1989–2005 North American Breeding Bird Survey data over the central United States, we examined the response to 10 precipitation‐ and greenness‐based metrics by abundance and species richness of the avian community overall, and of four behavioural guilds. Drought was associated with the most negative impacts on avifauna in the semiarid Great Plains, while positive responses were observed in montane areas. Our models predict that in the plains, Neotropical migrants respond the most negatively to extreme drought, decreasing by 13.2% and 6.0% in abundance and richness, while permanent resident abundance and richness increase by 11.5% and 3.6%, respectively in montane areas. In most cases, response of abundance was greater than richness and models based on precipitation metrics spanning 32‐week time periods were more supported than those covering shorter time periods and those based on greenness. While drought is but one of myriad environmental variations birds encounter, our results indicate that drought is capable of imposing sizable shifts in abundance, richness, and composition on avian communities, an important implication of a more climatically variable future.
Maximizing the Potential of Millennial Communication Professionals in the Workplace: A Talent Management Approach in the Field of Strategic Communication

ABSTRACT Although millennials have been extensively examined in the popular and academic literature, there have not been sufficient studies in strategic communication that help us fully understand this unique and influential cohort in the communication profession. The purpose of this research is to take a talent management approach to gain a deep understanding of millennial communication professionals’ (MCPs) generational attributes as related to their workplace values, and how such values would affect key phases such as recruitment, engagement, development and retention in talent management in strategic communication. Two national panels were recruited to run comparative analyses with one panel consisting of MCPs and the other panel consisting of communication managers and executives who have direct working and/or supervising experience with MCPs. The comparative results provide a detailed report on perceptual gaps on generational attributes, as well as different expectations on talent management. Research and practical implications are discussed.
Nutritional Status in Community-Dwelling Elderly in France in Urban and Rural Areas

Malnutrition is a frequent condition in elderly people, especially in nursing homes and geriatric wards. Its frequency is less well known among elderly living at home. The objective of this study was to describe the nutritional status evaluated by the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) of elderly community-dwellers living in rural and urban areas in France and to investigate its associated factors. Methods Subjects aged 65 years and over from the Approche Multidisciplinaire Intégrée (AMI) cohort (692 subjects living in a rural area) and the Three-City (3C) cohort (8,691 subjects living in three large urban zones) were included. A proxy version of the MNA was reconstructed using available data from the AMI cohort. Sensitivity and specificity were used to evaluate the agreement between the proxy version and the standard version in AMI. The proxy MNA was computed in both cohorts to evaluate the frequency of poor nutritional status. Factors associated with this state were investigated in each cohort separately. Results In the rural sample, 38.0% were females and the mean age was 75.5 years. In the urban sample, 60.3% were females and the mean age was 74.1 years. Among subjects in living in the rural sample, 7.4% were in poor nutritional status while the proportion was 18.5% in the urban sample. Female gender, older age, being widowed, a low educational level, low income, low body mass index, being demented, having a depressive symptomatology, a loss of autonomy and an intake of more than 3 drugs appeared to be independently associated with poor nutritional status. Conclusion Poor nutritional status was commonly observed among elderly people living at home in both rural and urban areas. The associated factors should be further considered for targeting particularly vulnerable individuals.
Organization of DNA in Mammalian Mitochondria

As with all organisms that must organize and condense their DNA to fit within the limited volume of a cell or a nucleus, mammalian mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is packaged into nucleoprotein structures called nucleoids. In this study, we first introduce the general modes of DNA compaction, especially the role of the nucleoid-associated proteins (NAPs) that structure the bacterial chromosome. We then present the mitochondrial nucleoid and the main factors responsible for packaging of mtDNA: ARS- (autonomously replicating sequence-) binding factor 2 protein (Abf2p) in yeast and mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM) in mammals. We summarize the single-molecule manipulation experiments on mtDNA compaction and visualization of mitochondrial nucleoids that have led to our current knowledge on mtDNA compaction. Lastly, we discuss the possible regulatory role of DNA packaging by TFAM in DNA transactions such as mtDNA replication and transcription.
A SEARCH FOR FAST RADIO BURSTS AT LOW FREQUENCIES WITH MURCHISON WIDEFIELD ARRAY HIGH TIME RESOLUTION IMAGING

We present the results of a pilot study search for fast radio bursts (FRBs) using the Murchison Widefield Array (MWA) at low frequencies (139–170 MHz). We utilized MWA data obtained in a routine imaging mode from observations where the primary target was a field being studied for Epoch of Reionization detection. We formed images with 2 s time resolution and 1.28 MHz frequency resolution for 10.5 hr of observations, over 400 square degrees of the sky. We de-dispersed the dynamic spectrum in each of 372,100 resolution elements of 2 × 2 arcmin2, between dispersion measures of 170 and 675 pc cm−3. Based on the event rate calculations in Trott et al., which assume a standard candle luminosity of 8 × 1037 Js−1, we predict that with this choice of observational parameters, the MWA should detect (∼10, ∼2, ∼0) FRBs with spectral indices corresponding to (−2, −1, 0), based on a 7σ detection threshold. We find no FRB candidates above this threshold from our search, placing an event rate limit of < 700 ? > above 700 Jy ms per day per sky and providing evidence against spectral indices &agr; < − 1.2 ? > ( S ∝ &ngr; &agr; ? > ). We compare our event rate and spectral index limits with others from the literature. We briefly discuss these limits in light of recent suggestions that supergiant pulses from young neutron stars could explain FRBs. We find that such supergiant pulses would have to have much flatter spectra between 150 and 1400 MHz than have been observed from Crab giant pulses to be consistent with the FRB spectral index limit we derive.
Synthetic References for Template-based ASR using posterior features

Recently, the use of phoneme class-conditional probabilities as features (posterior features) for template-based ASR has been proposed. These features have been found to generalize well to unseen data and yield better systems than standard spectral-based features. In this paper, motivated by the high quality of current text-to-speech systems and the robustness of posterior features toward undesired variability, we investigate the use of synthetic speech to generate reference templates. The use of synthetic speech in template-based ASR not only allows to address the issue of in-domain data collection but also expansion of vocabulary. Using 75- and 600-word task-independent and speaker-independent setup on Phonebook database, we investigate different synthetic voices produced by the Festival HTS-based synthesizer trained on CMU ARCTIC databases. Our study shows that synthetic speech templates can yield performance comparable to the natural speech templates, especially with synthetic voices that have high intelligibility.