Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Fluency Without Fear: Research Evidence on the Best Ways to Learn Math Facts

A few years ago a British politician, Stephen Byers, made a harmless error in an interview. The right honorable minister was asked to give the answer to 7 x 8 and he gave the answer of 54, instead of the correct 56. His error prompted widespread ridicule in the national media, accompanied by calls for a stronger emphasis on ‘times table’ memorization in schools. This past September the Conservative education minister for England, a man with no education experience, insisted that all students in England memorize all their times tables up to 12 x 12 by the age of 9. This requirement has now been placed into the UK’s mathematics curriculum and will result, I predict, in rising levels of math anxiety and students turning away from mathematics in record numbers. The US is moving in the opposite direction, as the new Common Core State Standards (CCSS) de-emphasize the rote memorization of math facts. Unfortunately misinterpretations of the meaning of the word ‘fluency’ in the CCSS are commonplace and publishers continue to emphasize rote memorization, encouraging the persistence of damaging classroom practices across the United States.
Variation in Responses to Sprint Training in Male Youth Athletes: A Meta-analysis

Abstract The trainability of youths and the existence of periods of accelerated adaptation to training have become key subjects of debate in exercise science. The purpose of this meta-analysis was to characterise youth athletes’ adaptability to sprint training across PRE-, MID-, and POST-peak height velocity (PHV) groups. Effect sizes were calculated as a measure of straight-line sprinting performance with studies qualifying based on the following criteria: (a) healthy male athletes who were engaged in organised sports; (b) groups of participants with a mean age between 10 and 18 years; (c) sprint training intervention duration between 4 and 16 weeks. Standardised mean differences showed sprint training to be moderately effective (Effect size=1.01, 95% confidence interval: 0.43–1.59) with adaptive responses being of large and moderate magnitude in the POST- (ES=1.39; 0.32–2.46) and MID- (ES=1.15; 0.40–1.9) PHV groups respectively. A negative effect size was found in the PRE group (ES=–0.18; –1.35–0.99). Youth training practitioners should prescribe sprint training modalities based on biological maturation status. Twice weekly training sessions should comprise up to 16 sprints of around 20 m with a work-to-rest ratio of 1:25 or greater than 90 s.
Automated extraction of concept matcher thesaurus from semi-structured catalogue-like sources of data on the web

Ontology design and the process of populating a data-set with knowledge following the chosen or developed ontology to fit the principles of Semantic Web and Linked Open Data is a time-consuming and iterative process, requiring either expert knowledge or a set of tools for data scraping from web. A valid and consistent ontology and knowledge withing the data-set require unification of concepts which means overcoming ambiguity and synonymy of terms which become individuals of ontology. In this paper we spot on techniques used for organising a Russian food product data-set under a light-weight FOOD Ontology and concept matching in particular. Main approaches to data-set concept unification, synonymic term matching and ways to collect dictionaries for matcher are mentioned. The tool for catalogue-like semi-structured resources parsing and thesaurus extraction is developed and introduced for the task of on-the-fly concept matching.
Phase transitions and chaos in long-range models of coupled oscillators

We study the chaotic behavior of the synchronization phase transition in the Kuramoto model. We discuss the relationship with analogous features found in the Hamiltonian mean-field (HMF) model. Our numerical results support the connection between the two models, which can be considered as limiting cases (dissipative and conservative, respectively) of a more general dynamical system of damped/driven coupled pendula. We also show that, in the Kuramoto model, the shape of the phase transition and the largest Lyapunov exponent behavior are strongly dependent on the distribution of the natural frequencies.
Green tea polyphenol extract attenuates colon injury induced by experimental colitis

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is characterised by oxidative and nitrosative stress, leukocyte infiltration, and up-regulation of intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) expression in the colon. The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of green tea extract in rats subjected to experimental colitis induced by intracolonic instillation of dinitrobenzene sulphonic acid (DNBS). At 4 days after DNBS administration the rats were sacrificed. Treatment with green tea extract significantly attenuated diarrhoea and loss of body weight. This was associated with a remarkable amelioration of the disruption of the colonic architecture, significant reduction of colonic myeloperoxidase (MPO) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) production. Green tea extract also reduced the appearance of nitrotyrosine immunoreactivity in the colon and reduced the up-regulation of ICAM-1.
An Estimator of the Number of Components of a Finite Mixture of Multivariate Distributions

An estimator of the number of components of a finite mixture of k-dimensional distributions is given on the basis of a one-dimensional independent random sample obtained by a transformation of a k-dimensional independent random sample. Some properties of the estimator are given. Some simulation results also are given for the case of finite mixtures of two-dimensional normal distributions.
Patients' perception of possible child custody or visitation loss for nonadherence to psychiatric treatment.

OBJECTIVE This study explored whether parents treated in public mental health settings perceived that they might lose child custody or visitation if they were not adherent to treatment. METHODS Interview data were gathered from 1,011 adult outpatients from five community mental health centers located in five states in different U.S. regions. RESULTS Among parents with children younger than 16 (N=187), 19% perceived in the past six months that they might lose child custody or visitation if they were not adherent to treatment. Two-thirds of the identified sources of this perception were family, themselves, or individuals outside the treatment, welfare, or legal systems. CONCLUSIONS These preliminary data indicate that the perception of possible loss of child custody or visitation for nonadherence to treatment is not uncommon among patients treated in these public mental health settings and that "informal" sources are often the perceived source. Further study regarding the effects of this perception on patient and family outcomes is needed.
Ranking community answers by modeling question-answer relationships via analogical reasoning

The method of finding high-quality answers has significant impact on user satisfaction in community question answering systems. However, due to the lexical gap between questions and answers as well as spam typically existing in user-generated content, filtering and ranking answers is very challenging. Previous solutions mainly focus on generating redundant features, or finding textual clues using machine learning techniques; none of them ever consider questions and their answers as relational data but instead model them as independent information. Moreover, they only consider the answers of the current question, and ignore any previous knowledge that would be helpful to bridge the lexical and semantic gap. We assume that answers are connected to their questions with various types of latent links, i.e. positive indicating high-quality answers, negative links indicating incorrect answers or user-generated spam, and propose an analogical reasoning-based approach which measures the analogy between the new question-answer linkages and those of relevant knowledge which contains only positive links; the candidate answer which has the most analogous link is assumed to be the best answer. We conducted experiments based on 29.8 million Yahoo! Answer question-answer threads and showed the effectiveness of our approach.
Event-based control for first-order unstable processes

This paper proposed an event-triggered mechanism for first-order unstable processes. A control system based on a new event-triggered mechanism and a PI controller is designed for set-point tracking and the load disturbance rejection. A stability analysis and a tuning method are provided. The effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed method is demonstrated by a simulation example.
Creating a Geospatial and Visual Information Ontology for Analysts

An ontology is a main component of an evolving knowledge base that caters to multiple clients. Consider a scenario where an automated procedure (a computer vision algorithm) used in an analyst tool detects different kinds of “roads” in images, and features in the ontology are used to distinguish a “paved” road from a “dirt road”. In another scenario, the ontology enables reasoning about “locations”, supporting analysts' geospatial information processing tasks. In this paper, we describe the creation of a multiuse geospatial and visual information ontology, GVIO 1 , building on and integrating with the lexical database, WordNet. To ensure that GVIO can interoperate with other ontologies in useful ways, we inherit as much of the WordNet structure and content as is relevant for the domain of aerial surveillance and link in new content/structure as necessary.
Studies on target genes of general anesthetics.

Generally speaking, we cannot fully understand the mechanisms of general anesthesia until the molecular mechanisms of consciousness are fully elucidated. Loss of consciousness induced by general anesthetics might involve sensation, motor activity, behavior, memory and self-consciousness. The effects of many anesthetics are not limited to humans but also extend to the animals. Similar levels of minimum anesthetic concentrations are required to induce anesthesia in animals and human, i.e., the minimum alveolar concentration (MAC). Such similarity probably reflects identical anesthetic target molecules and functional conservation based on gene conservation. Thus, to study the mechanisms of anesthetic action, various animal models that are accessible to genetic manipulation, such as nematodes (Caenorhabditis elegans), fruit flies (Drosophila) and mice can be used. Genetic techniques allow for the rapid identification and characterization of genes involved in the actions of general anesthetics. In this review, I will describe the genetic mutations and putative target genes of general anesthetics.
Marriage and fertility dynamics in India

It is widely acknowledged that age at marriage has a significant influence on fertility, particularly in the countries where childbearing occurs within marriage. However, the complexities of marriage/fertility relationship are poorly understood, especially during fertility transitions. This paper investigates the complex relationship between marriage and fertility by examining age at marriage, marital fertility and birth interval dynamics in India, using data collected in nationally representative surveys in 1992/1993 and 2005/2006. The decline in fertility during this period could be attributed to changes in marital fertility rather than to changes in marriage age. Women marrying late tend to have shorter first birth interval than women marrying at a younger age. However, the second and higher birth intervals are longer among those marrying late.
Bioactive (3Z,5E)-11,20-Epoxybriara-3,5-dien-7,18-olide Diterpenoids from the South China Sea Gorgonian Dichotella gemmacea

Six new (3Z,5E)-11,20-epoxybriara-3,5-dien-7,18-olide diterpenoids, gemmacolides N–S (1–6), were isolated together with four known analogues, juncenolide D, and juncins R, S and U (7–10), from the South China Sea gorgonian Dichotella gemmacea. The structures of the new compounds were elucidated by the detailed analysis of spectroscopic data in combination with the comparison with reported data. The absolute configuration of 1 was determined by a TDDFT calculation of its solution ECD spectrum, affording the determination of absolute configuration of other analogues by simply comparing their ECD spectra with that of 1. The cytotoxic and antimicrobial activities of these compounds were evaluated. In preliminary in vitro bioassays, compounds 4, 5, 6, 8 and 9 showed cytotoxicity against A549 and MG63, while compounds 1, 2, 4, 7–10 showed antimicrobial activity against the fungus Septoria tritici and the bacterium Escherichia coli.
Effects of Incorporating Carboxymethyl Chitosan into PMMA Bone Cement Containing Methotrexate

Treatment of bone metastases usually includes surgical resection with local filling of methotrexate (MTX) in polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) cement. We investigated whether incorporating carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS) in MTX-PMMA cement might overcome disadvantages associated with MTX. To determine the optimal CMCS+MTX concentration to suppress the viability of cancer cells, an integrated microfluidic chip culturing highly metastatic lung cancer cells (H460) was employed. The mechanical properties, microstructure, and MTX release of (CMCS+MTX)-PMMA cement were evaluated respectively by universal mechanical testing machine, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and incubation in simulated body fluid with subsequent HPLC-MS. Implants of MTX-PMMA and (CMCS+MTX)-PMMA cement were evaluated in vivo in guinea pig femurs over time using spiral computed tomography with three-dimensional image reconstruction, and SEM at 6 months. Viability of H460 cells was significantly lowest after treatment with 57 μg/mL CMCS + 21 μg/mL MTX, which was thus used in subsequent experiments. Incorporation of 1.6% (w/w) CMCS to MTX-PMMA significantly increased the bending modulus, bending strength, and compressive strength by 5, 2.8, and 5.2%, respectively, confirmed by improved microstructural homogeneity. Incorporation of CMCS delayed the time-to-plateau of MTX release by 2 days, but increased the fraction released at the plateau from 3.24% (MTX-PMMA) to 5.34%. Relative to the controls, the (CMCS+MTX)-PMMA implants integrated better with the host bone. SEM revealed pores in the cement of the (CMCS+MTX)-PMMA implants that were not obvious in the controls. In conclusion, incorporation of CMCS in MTX-PMMA appears a feasible and effective modification for improving the anti-tumor properties of MTX-PMMA cement.
Clinicians' Experiences of the Application of Interpersonal Neurobiology as a Framework for Psychotherapy

Interpersonal Neurobiology (IPNB) combines multiple fields of thought into one integrated framework. It has been utilized to expand conversation of the “mind” and promote well-being across disciplines. Current literature outlines the IPNB framework, including suggestions for its application to psychotherapeutic practice; however, limited research has examined clinicians’ experiences of using the IPNB framework. This study aims to add to the discussion on IPNB by examining the lived experiences of psychotherapists employing IPNB as a framework for their clinical practice. This study uses thematic analysis procedures to analyze data from a focus group consisting of psychotherapeutic practitioners. The investigation explores how the participants perceive the impact of their implementation of IPNB; as well as how they believe that using the IPNB framework has changed case conceptualization and intervention. Findings and implications are also discussed.
TLR Agonists Promote Marginal Zone B Cell Activation and Facilitate T-Dependent IgM Responses1

Although IgM serves as a first barrier to Ag spreading, the cellular and molecular mechanisms following B lymphocyte activation that lead to IgM secretion are not fully understood. By virtue of their anatomical location, marginal zone (MZ) B cells rapidly generate Ag-specific IgM in response to blood-borne pathogens and play an important role in the protection against these potentially harmful Ags. In this study, we have explored the contribution of TLR agonists to MZ B cell activation and mobilization as well as their ability to promote primary IgM responses in a mouse model. We demonstrate that diverse TLR agonists stimulate MZ B cells to become activated and leave the MZ through pathways that are differentially dependent on MyD88 and IFN-αβ receptor signaling. Furthermore, in vivo stimulation of MZ B cells with TLR agonists led to a reduction in the expression of the sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) receptors expressed by MZ B cells and/or increased CD69 cell surface levels. Importantly, as adjuvants for a T cell-dependent protein Ag, TLR agonists were found to accelerate the kinetics but not magnitude of the Ag-specific IgM response. Together, these data demonstrate that in vivo TLR agonist treatment enhances the early production of Ag-specific IgM and activates MZ B cells to promote their relocation.
Date Palm Tree (Phoenix dactylifera L.): Natural Products and Therapeutic Options

Many plants, including some of the commonly consumed herbs and spices in our daily food, can be safely and effectively used to prevent and/or treat some health concerns. For example, caffeine the active ingredient found in coffee beans (Coffea), shows biological activity in the treatment of the central nervous system (CNS) disorders, indole-3-carbinol, and 3,3′-diindolylmethane are both broccoli (Brassica oleracea) derived phytochemicals with potential anti-cancer activity, and resveratrol, isolated from grape (Vitis vinifera), is reported to extend lifespan and provide cardio-neuro-protective, anti-diabetic, and anti-cancer effects. Date palm fruits possess high nutritional and therapeutic value with significant antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-proliferative properties. This review focuses on the date fruit extracts and their benefits in individual health promoting conditions and highlights their applications as useful to the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries in the development of natural compound-based industrial products.
Clinical outcomes of endoscopic ultrasound-guided ethanol injection for hepatocellular carcinoma in the caudate lobe

Background and study aims: Accurately puncturing hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC) that arise from the caudate lobe is generally considered to be technically difficult. We conducted a retrospective study to evaluate the feasibility and safety (the therapeutic outcomes and adverse events) of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided ethanol injection as a novel treatment for HCC in the caudate lobe. Patients and methods: Twelve patients with early-stage HCC of the caudate lobe that were treated with EUS-guided ethanol injection at two tertiary referral centers were reviewed retrospectively. To evaluate the therapeutic effect of the treatment, a local control curve and an overall survival curve were constructed using the Kaplan–Meier method. Results: The mean follow-up duration was 31.0 months. The 1-year local control rate was 80.2 %, and recurrent lesions developed in 2 cases (after 3 and 9 months, respectively). The overall survival rate was 91.7 %, 75.0 %, and 53.3 % at 1, 2, and 3 years, respectively. Concerning procedure-related adverse events (AEs), 2 patients suffered episodes of fever lasting a few days; however, no serious AEs occurred. Conclusions: EUS-guided ethanol injection could be a useful treatment for early-stage HCC in the caudate lobe because of its simplicity and reduced invasiveness.
Incremental Isometric Embedding of High-Dimensional Data Using Connected Neighborhood Graphs

Most nonlinear data embedding methods use bottom-up approaches for capturing the underlying structure of data distributed on a manifold in high dimensional space. These methods often share the first step which defines neighbor points of every data point by building a connected neighborhood graph so that all data points can be embedded to a single coordinate system. These methods are required to work incrementally for dimensionality reduction in many applications. Because input data stream may be under-sampled or skewed from time to time, building connected neighborhood graph is crucial to the success of incremental data embedding using these methods. This paper presents algorithms for updating kappa-edge-connected and kappa-connected neighborhood graphs after a new data point is added or an old data point is deleted. It further utilizes a simple algorithm for updating all-pair shortest distances on the neighborhood graph. Together with incremental classical multidimensional scaling using iterative subspace approximation, this paper devises an incremental version of Isomap with enhancements to deal with under-sampled or unevenly distributed data. Experiments on both synthetic and real-world data sets show that the algorithm is efficient and maintains low dimensional configurations of high dimensional data under various data distributions.
The Role of Dietary Measurement Error in Investigating the Hypothesized Link Between Dietary Fat Intake and Breast Cancer—A Story with Twists and Turns

The association between dietary fat and breast cancer is one of the most controversial hypotheses in nutritional epidemiology. In this editorial, the authors review the evidence from animal and human studies, including international correlation, case-control, cohort studies, intervention trials, and studies comparing dietary assessment instruments. The authors emphasize the importance of the role played by measurement error arising from assessing dietary habits using self-reported questionnaires, as it can distort estimated associations, not necessarily towards the absence of an association. They describe the twists and turns of the dietary fat and breast cancer debate that have revolved around this issue.
Automatic sentence boundary detection in conversational speech: A cross-lingual evaluation on English and Czech

Automatic sentence segmentation of speech is important for enriching speech recognition output and aiding downstream language processing. This paper focuses on automatic sentence segmentation of speech in two different languages - English and Czech. For this task, we compare and combine three statistical models - HMM, maximum entropy, and a boosting-based model BoosTexter. All these approaches rely on both textual and prosodic information. We evaluate these methods on a corpus of multiparty meetings in English, and on a corpus of broadcast conversations in Czech, using both manual and speech recognition transcripts. The experiments show that superior results are achieved when all the three models are combined via posterior probability interpolation. We observe differences in terms of model performance between English and Czech, as well as the feature usage difference in prosodic models between the two languages. Overall, the analysis is important for porting sentence segmentation approaches from one language to another.
A Survey on Lossless and Lossy Data Compression Methods

Compression is built into a broad range of technologies like storage systems, databases, operating systems and software applications. It refers to the process of reducing the quantity of data used to represent the content without excessively reducing the quality of the original data. Their main purpose is to reduce the number of bits required to store and/or transmit digital media in a cost effective manner. There are number of data compression techniques used and they can be categorized as Lossless and Lossy compression methods. In this paper, we made an attempted to discuss about some of the general concepts of compression algorithm using Lossless and Lossy methods of compression.