Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A New MAC Protocol for Avoiding Needless Transmission Deferment Induced by Missed RTS/CTS Handshake

IEEE802.11DCF employs RTS/CTS (request to send/clear to send) mechanism for mitigating effect of hidden terminals. The RTS/CTS mechanism sets transmission deferral timer to neighbor terminals by exchanging RTS and CTS between transmitter and receiver. Then, in the case that RTS/CTS exchange succeeds, effect of hidden terminals could be suppressed, otherwise, any neighbor which received RTS and/or CTS defers its new transmission needlessly although DATA packet corresponding to the previous RTS/CTS exchange will not be transmitted. In this paper, we propose Cancel CTS procedure in order to cope with the unnecessarily transmission deferment. Results of computer simulation confirms that our method well improves the throughput performance of IEEE802.11DCF.
Intrusive memories of trauma in PTSD and addiction.

Aims and method To study intrusive phenomena relating to traumatic experiences in a community sample seeking treatment for substance use disorder and an in-patient sample from an addiction in-patient detoxification service in London. Perceived effect of drugs and drug use on traumatic intrusion and memory experiences was also analysed. The study was conducted using a semi-structured patient interview comprising a series of questionnaires. Results The most frequently identified traumatic memories were those of traumatic bereavements. Substance use appears to have had the effect of dampening the memories for those with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and significantly more individuals reported that their memories were less vivid and less distressing before they ceased substance use. Clinical implications The findings suggest that continued substance use could in part be motivated by its capacity to dampen distressing memories within the PTSD group. This should be addressed within a treatment plan of comorbid PTSD.
A categorical quantum logic

We define a strongly normalising proof-net calculus corresponding to the logic of strongly compact closed categories with biproducts. The calculus is a full and faithful representation of the free strongly compact closed category with biproducts on a given category with an involution. This syntax can be used to represent and reason about quantum processes.
Guardian Angel: Patient-Centered Health Information Systems

Introduction 3Part I 4Lifetime Patient-Centered Health Information Systems 4 The “Guardian Angel” Concept 4Architecture for “Guardian Angels” 5Guardian Angel Interactions and Interoperations 6Experimental Guardian Angel Applications 6Example Scenario 6Part II 9Objectives 9Architecture 9Reference Implementation 9Experimental Domains 10Experimental Testing 10Technical Rationale 11Roots of the Problems 11 a. Health information for patients. 11 b. Life-long information 11Domain Modeling 12Architecture 13Special Functionalities 15Generic Functional Modules 15Hardware Realizations 16Information Infrastructures and I-95 16 Prototype Applications 17Insulin-Dependent Juvenile Diabetes 17Chronic Hypertension 18Managing Hypertension Using a GA 19Chronic Anticoagulation 20Other Domains 22Implementation 22Comparison with Ongoing Research 23Performance Evaluation 24Conclusion 26 Schedule 26Part III . 28Project Partners 28Previous Accomplishments 29MIT Laboratory for Computer Science 29 Tufts/NEMC 31Children’s Hospital 32Veterans Health Adm. : Boston Dev. Center 32 International Business Machines Corp 33Gensym Corporation 33Results, Products and Transferable Technology 34Bibliography 35
A Peer Review Training Workshop: Coaching Students to Give and Evaluate Peer Feedback

In this article, I demonstrate how I planned and conducted a peer review training workshop to coach my students in giving and responding more effectively to peer feedback. The recommended training approach aims to raise students’ consciousness through analyzing the effectiveness of their peer feedback and evaluating the extent to which peers’ comments are incorporated into their subsequent revisions.
Phosphorus‐ and Nitrogen‐Based Manure and Compost Applications Corn Production and Soil Phosphorus

Manure or compost application based on N needs of corn (Zea mays L.) may result in soil accumulation of P, other ions, and salt because the manure or compost N/P ratio is usually smaller than the corn N/P uptake ratio. This study was conducted from 1992 to 1996 to evaluate effects of P- and N-based manure and compost application on corn yield, N and P uptake, soil P level, and weed biomass. Composted and noncomposted beef cattle (Bos taurus) feedlot manures were applied to supply N or P needs of corn for either a 1- or 2-yr period. Phosphorus-based manure or compost treatments also received additional fertilizer N as needed. Fertilized and unfertilized checks were also included, Manure or compost application increased corn grain yield in all 4 yr as compared with the unfertilized cheek. Annual or biennial manure or compost application resulted in corn grain yields similar to those of the fertilizer treatment. Phosphorus-based manure or compost application resulted in similar grain yields to those for N-based treatments but had significantly less soil available P level after 4 yr of application. Biennial manure or compost application resulted in corn yield similar to that for annual application but increased available P in the soil. Estimated N availability was 40% for manure and 15% for compost in the first year and was 18% for manure and 8% for compost in the second year after application. Weed biomass was more influenced by nutrient availability than any weed seed introduced by manure or compost application. When application rate is based on correct N or P availability, manure and compost can produce corn grain yields that are equal to or greater than that for fertilizer application. Annual P-based manure or compost application is the most effective method of using these resources when soil P buildup is a concern.
Conversational apprentices: Helping children become competent informants about their own experiences

Alleged victims of child abuse are often the only sources of information about the crimes, and this places them in the role of experts when conversing about their experiences. Despite developmental deficiencies in memory, cognition, communication skills, and social style, researchers have shown that children's informativeness in such conversations is profoundly shaped by the interviewing practices of their adult interlocutors. We review techniques that degrade children's performance as well as those that help children perform to the best of their abilities, and discuss how these findings have important implications for the ways in which children learn to converse and interact with adults, and for their understanding of the roles played by conversations in information exchange. When adult interviewers conduct developmentally appropriate interviews with children, they help children become competent informants about their experiences.
The long road from a shared screen to a shared understanding

What is the role of a shared whiteboard in building a shared understanding of the task and its solution? Our hypothesis was that a graphical communication tool would facilitate grounding processes, i.e. the mutual understanding of one or a few utterances and thereby the construction of a shared solution. We conducted an empirical study with 20 pairs solving an enigma in a MUD environment enriched with a whiteboard. The results show that the whiteboard was used less to disambiguate difficult concepts in conversation than as a tool for distributed regulation of the task. The graphical features of the whiteboard were less exploited than the fact that information displayed on the whiteboard was persistent. Subjects selected the communication medium by matching the persistency of display (how long information is displayed) with persistency of information (how long it remains valid). Their grounding behavior also takes into account the probability that some piece of information is misunderstood or disagreed upon.
Expanding Preschoolers' Vocabulary: The Role of Professional Development

reschoolers’ vocabulary development is integral to their oral P language development, which is critical for literacy learning. Accordingly, Early Reading First (ERF) programs provide specific professional development intended to strengthen preschool teachers’ vocabulary instruction. In 2006, as project directors, we implemented a professional development plan intended to produce stronger methods for teaching vocabulary. Throughout that year, we observed notable changes in teachers’ instruction, which led to an acceleration of children’s vocabulary growth.
The Adjacency Matroid of a Graph

If $G$ is a looped graph, then its adjacency matrix represents a binary matroid $M_{A}(G)$ on $V(G)$. $M_{A}(G)$ may be obtained from the delta-matroid represented by the adjacency matrix of $G$, but $M_{A}(G)$ is less sensitive to the structure of $G$. Jaeger proved that every binary matroid is $M_{A}(G)$ for some $G$ [Ann. Discrete Math. 17 (1983), 371-376]. The relationship between the matroidal structure of $M_{A}(G)$ and the graphical structure of $G$ has many interesting features. For instance, the matroid minors $M_{A}(G)-v$ and $M_{A}(G)/v$ are both of the form $M_{A}(G^{\prime}-v)$ where $G^{\prime}$ may be obtained from $G$ using local complementation. In addition, matroidal considerations lead to a principal vertex tripartition, analogous in some ways to the principal edge tripartition of Rosenstiehl and Read [Ann. Discrete Math. 3 (1978), 195-226]. Several of these results are given two very different proofs, the first involving linear algebra and the second involving set systems or delta-matroids. Also, the Tutte polynomials of the adjacency matroids of $G$ and its full subgraphs are closely connected to the interlace polynomial of Arratia, Bollob a s and Sorkin [Combinatorica 24 (2004), 567-584].
Rational Design of a Fibroblast Growth Factor 21-Based Clinical Candidate, LY2405319

Fibroblast growth factor 21 is a novel hormonal regulator with the potential to treat a broad variety of metabolic abnormalities, such as type 2 diabetes, obesity, hepatic steatosis, and cardiovascular disease. Human recombinant wild type FGF21 (FGF21) has been shown to ameliorate metabolic disorders in rodents and non-human primates. However, development of FGF21 as a drug is challenging and requires re-engineering of its amino acid sequence to improve protein expression and formulation stability. Here we report the design and characterization of a novel FGF21 variant, LY2405319. To enable the development of a potential drug product with a once-daily dosing profile, in a preserved, multi-use formulation, an additional disulfide bond was introduced in FGF21 through Leu118Cys and Ala134Cys mutations. FGF21 was further optimized by deleting the four N-terminal amino acids, His-Pro-Ile-Pro (HPIP), which was subject to proteolytic cleavage. In addition, to eliminate an O-linked glycosylation site in yeast a Ser167Ala mutation was introduced, thus allowing large-scale, homogenous protein production in Pichia pastoris. Altogether re-engineering of FGF21 led to significant improvements in its biopharmaceutical properties. The impact of these changes was assessed in a panel of in vitro and in vivo assays, which confirmed that biological properties of LY2405319 were essentially identical to FGF21. Specifically, subcutaneous administration of LY2405319 in ob/ob and diet-induced obese (DIO) mice over 7–14 days resulted in a 25–50% lowering of plasma glucose coupled with a 10–30% reduction in body weight. Thus, LY2405319 exhibited all the biopharmaceutical and biological properties required for initiation of a clinical program designed to test the hypothesis that administration of exogenous FGF21 would result in effects on disease-related metabolic parameters in humans.
Institutions locales et TPE dans le cas du tourisme

Cette recherche vise a etudier le role des institutions locales dans les strategies collectives de tres petites entreprises (TPE). Fondee sur quatre etudes de cas ayant pour objet le developpement de l’activite touristique locale, cette etude se focalise sur la relation entre les acteurs du collectif, entreprises et institutions. Les resultats soulignent le role de l’encastrement institutionnel comme facteur explicatif de la perennite (ou non) de ces strategies, et proposent certains facteurs de succes.
Facilitating the Inclusion of Children With Vision Impairment: Perspectives of Itinerant Support Teachers

Children with vision impairment (VI) and blindness are largely educated in mainstream schools in Australia. Specialist itinerant support teachers - vision (ISTVs) travel from school to school to facilitate the education of these children. The purposes of this study were to examine the barriers that ISTVs face in this role, and to identify strategies used to address these barriers. Seven ISTVs participated in the study. Focus group interviews were conducted to collect data from participants. Constant comparison, a form of thematic analysis, was used to examine the data. Results indicate that barriers include a lack of understanding among regular school educators of the needs of children with VI, lack of awareness of the role of ISTVs, insufficient resources and time, and inadequate training. Frequent communication and good working relationships with staff help to minimise or negate many of the potential barriers. However, barriers such as lack of time and inadequate training remain unaddressed and require the attention of policymakers at higher levels.
Attention! A good bedside test for delirium?

Background Routine delirium screening could improve delirium detection, but it remains unclear as to which screening tool is most suitable. We tested the diagnostic accuracy of the following screening methods (either individually or in combination) in the detection of delirium: MOTYB (months of the year backwards); SSF (Spatial Span Forwards); evidence of subjective or objective ‘confusion’. Methods We performed a cross-sectional study of general hospital adult inpatients in a large tertiary referral hospital. Screening tests were performed by junior medical trainees. Subsequently, two independent formal delirium assessments were performed: first, the Confusion Assessment Method (CAM) followed by the Delirium Rating Scale-Revised 98 (DRS-R98). DSM-IV (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fourth edition) criteria were used to assign delirium diagnosis. Sensitivity and specificity ratios with 95% CIs were calculated for each screening method. Results 265 patients were included. The most precise screening method overall was achieved by simultaneously performing MOTYB and assessing for subjective/objective confusion (sensitivity 93.8%, 95% CI 82.8 to 98.6; specificity 84.7%, 95% CI 79.2 to 89.2). In older patients, MOTYB alone was most accurate, whereas in younger patients, a simultaneous combination of SSF (cut-off 4) with either MOTYB or assessment of subjective/objective confusion was best. In every case, addition of the CAM as a second-line screening step to improve specificity resulted in considerable loss in sensitivity. Conclusions Our results suggest that simple attention tests may be useful in delirium screening. MOTYB used alone was the most accurate screening test in older people.
Putting the Common European Framework of Reference to good use

This paper recapitulates the aims of the CEFR and highlights three aspects of good practice in exploiting it: firstly, taking as a starting point the real-world language ability that is the aim of all modern language learners; secondly, the exploitation of good descriptors as transparent learning objectives in order to involve and empower the learners; and thirdly, engaging with the communality of the CEFR Common Reference Levels in relating assessments to it. The second part of the paper focuses on good practice in such linking of assessments to the CEFR. It outlines the recommended procedures published by the Council of Europe for linking language examinations to the CEFR and the adaptation of those procedures for teacher assessment in language schools that has recently been undertaken by EAQUALS. The paper concludes by discussing certain aspects of criterion-referenced assessment (CR) and standard setting that are relevant to the linking process.
Text‐based MOOing in educational practice: experiences of disinhibition

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe educational MOOs – MUD, object‐oriented (text‐based, network‐accessible virtual environments) and explore how teaching and learning in such a context impacts on students' inhibitions.Design/methodology/approach – Students enrolled in a course on the psychology of cyberspace interacted for 12 weeks in a MOO. The experience of being online, navigating around the space and interacting became the content of the course. Students kept a journal reflecting on their self‐perception and presentation. This study is a qualitative analysis of these journals.Findings – Findings suggest that disinhibition in the MOO was common. Two types of disinhibition emerged: benign disinhibition (reduced shyness and increased confidence) and regressive disinhibition (dependent behaviour). Whereas benign disinhibition was frequently reported, regressive disinhibition was relatively rare and confined to new users. This second form of disinhibition was seen to arise from cognitive de.
CD133 Regulates IL-1β Signaling and Neutrophil Recruitment in Glioblastoma

CD133, a pentaspan transmembrane glycoprotein, is generally used as a cancer stem cell marker in various human malignancies, but its biological function in cancer cells, especially in glioma cells, is largely unknown. Here, we demonstrated that forced expression of CD133 increases the expression of IL-1β and its downstream chemokines, namely, CCL3, CXCL3 and CXCL5, in U87MG glioma cells. Although there were no apparent changes in cell growth and sphere formation in vitro and tumor growth in vivo, in vitro trans-well studies and in vivo tumor xenograft assays showed that neutrophil recruitment was markedly increased by the ectopic expression of CD133. In addition, the clinical relevance between CD133 expression and IL-1β gene signature was established in patients with malignant gliomas. Thus, these results imply that glioma cells expressing CD133 are capable of modulating tumor microenvironment through the IL-1β signaling pathway.
The T-Allele of TCF7L2 rs7903146 Associates With a Reduced Compensation of Insulin Secretion for Insulin Resistance Induced by 9 Days of Bed Rest

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to determine whether the type 2 diabetes–associated T-allele of transcription factor 7-like 2 (TCF7L2) rs7903146 associates with impaired insulin secretion to compensate for insulin resistance induced by bed rest. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS A total of 38 healthy young Caucasian men were studied before and after bed rest using the hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp technique combined with indirect calorimetry preceded by an intravenous glucose tolerance test. The TCF7L2 rs7903146 was genotyped using allelic discrimination performed with an ABI 7900 system. The genetic analyses were done assuming a dominant model of inheritance. RESULTS The first-phase insulin response (FPIR) was significantly lower in carriers of the T-allele compared with carriers of the CC genotype before bed rest, with and without correction for insulin resistance. The incremental rise of FPIR in response to insulin resistance induced by bed rest was lower in carriers of the T-allele (P < 0.001). Fasting plasma glucagon levels were significantly lower in carriers of the T-allele before and after bed rest. While carriers of the CC genotype developed increased hepatic insulin resistance, the TCF7L2 rs7903146 did not influence peripheral insulin action or the rate of lipolysis before or after bed rest. CONCLUSIONS Healthy carriers of the T-allele of TCF7L2 rs7903146 exhibit a diminished increase of insulin secretion in response to intravenous glucose to compensate for insulin resistance as induced by bed rest. Reduced paracrine glucagon stimulation may contribute to the impairment of β-cell function in the carriers TCF7L2 rs7903146 T-allele associated with increased risk of type 2 diabetes.
Middle School Advisories: Retrospect and Prospect

This article presents a critical analysis of middle school advisor-advisee programs. The history of and rationale for these programs are reviewed, and a typology is offered for distinguishing different advisory programs. A conceptual framework is provided for identifying potential barriers to advisories at the inception as well as the implementation and maintenance phases, and suggestions for addressing these barriers are discussed. Existing research on advisory programs is reviewed and evaluated, and guidelines for improving future research are presented. Finally, alternative educational practices for achieving the goals of advisory programs are considered.
Quantitative Feedback Facilitates Acquisition of Skills in Focused Cardiac Ultrasound

Introduction With the development of portable, affordable ultrasound machines1 with good image quality, many physicians have adopted focused cardiac ultrasound (FoCUS). To facilitate acquisition of these skills, we developed a simulator-based, self-taught curriculum for FoCUS that provides immediate feedback for rapid performance improvement. Methods Twenty-two first-year residents participated in the study. The curriculum consisted of instructive modules teaching image acquisition and interpretation of standard echocardiography views and common cardiac pathology, 7 practice cases in which participants scanned a mannequin using a mock transducer, acquired specified views with feedback provided by visual guidance technology, and interpreted these images. Trainees were tested pretraining and posttraining on different cases, without visual guidance assistance or feedback. Previously validated metrics were used to assess psychomotor skill in terms of the angle error in degrees between the planes of the optimal view, defined anatomically, and of the acquired view, as well as cognitive skill in image interpretation. Results The average error in image acquisition decreased from a median of 81 degrees at the pretest to 28 degrees after training (P < 0.0001). Cognitive skill improved by 29% (21%, P < 0.0001). There was a significant correlation between cognitive and psychomotor skill (r = 0.64, P < 0.001). Discussion A novel, simulator-based curriculum that provides immediate feedback was effective in teaching both psychomotor and cognitive skills in FoCUS without need for direct expert oversight of the learner. The curriculum’s components provide a useful tool that can be applied to improve, assess, and monitor physician skill in FoCUS.
Are stem homographs and orthographic neighbours processed differently during silent reading?

The aim of this research was to investigate the inhibitory effect of stem homographs—words that share stems but are morphologically unrelated— during reading. In Experiment 1 eye movements of participants were recorded while reading sentences that contained a target word preceded either by a stem homograph, an orthographically related or an unrelated control word. Target words were more difficult to read when preceded by stem homographs and orthographically related controls than when preceded by unrelated control words. However, no differences were found between stem homographs and unrelated controls. Two further priming experiments, one using the same stimuli as in Experiment 1 and the other using the same stimuli as in Allen and Badecker's (1999) failed to show an inhibitory effect of stem homographs distinguishable from the inhibitory effect of orthographic controls.