Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Math Anxiety in Second and Third Graders and Its Relation to Mathematics Achievement

Although the detrimental effects of math anxiety in adults are well understood, few studies have examined how it affects younger children who are beginning to learn math in a formal academic setting. Here, we examine the relationship between math anxiety and math achievement in second and third graders. In response to the need for a grade-appropriate measure of assessing math anxiety in this group we first describe the development of Scale for Early Mathematics Anxiety (SEMA), a new measure for assessing math anxiety in second and third graders that is based on the Math Anxiety Rating Scale. We demonstrate the construct validity and reliability of the SEMA and use it to characterize the effect of math anxiety on standardized measures of math abilities, as assessed using the Mathematical Reasoning and Numerical Operations subtests of the Wechsler Individual Achievement Test (WIAT-II). Math achievement, as measured by the WIAT-II Math Composite score, was significantly and negatively correlated with SEMA but not with trait anxiety scores. Additional analyses showed that SEMA scores were strongly correlated with Mathematical Reasoning scores, which involves more complex verbal problem solving. SEMA scores were weakly correlated with Numerical Operations which assesses basic computation skills, suggesting that math anxiety has a pronounced effect on more demanding calculations. We also found that math anxiety has an equally detrimental impact on math achievement regardless of whether children have an anxiety related to numbers or to the situational and social experience of doing math. Critically, these effects were unrelated to trait anxiety, providing the first evidence that the specific effects of math anxiety can be detected in the earliest stages of formal math learning in school. Our findings provide new insights into the developmental origins of math anxiety, and further underscore the need to remediate math anxiety and its deleterious effects on math achievement in young children.
Recycling of Waste Concrete and Fly Ash for Recycled Aggregate Concrete: Fundamental Characteristics Evaluation

As the amount of waste concrete has been increased and recycling technique advances, this study investigates the applicability of recycled concrete aggregate for concrete structures. In addition fly ash, the industrial by-product, was considered in the concrete mix. Experimental program performed compressive strength and chloride penetration resistance tests with various replacement levels of fine recycled concrete aggregate and fly ash. In most case, the design strength, 40MPa, was obtained. It was known that the replacement of the fine aggregate with fine RCA may have greater influence on the strength development rather than the addition of fly ash. It is recommended that when complete coarse aggregate is replaced with RCA the fine RCA replacement should be less than 60%. The recycled aggregate concrete can achieve sufficient resistance to the chloride ion penetration and the resistance can be more effectively controlled by adding fly ash. It I finally conclude that the recycled concrete aggregate can be successfully used in the construction field and the recycling rate of waste concrete and flay ash should be increased without causing significant engineering problems.
Converting an Informal Ontology into Ontolingua: Some Experiences

We report our experiences of converting a carefully de ned informal ontology ex pressed in natural language into the formal language Ontolingua The objectives of this paper are to explore some of the nitty gritty details of formalising ontology de nitions and to serve as a basis for clarifying the relationship between this and other approaches to ontology construction e g using competency questions for the eventual aim of producing a comprehensive methodology We rst discuss concepts in the meta ontology including entities classes instances relationships roles sets and states of a airs With respect to roles we de ne a special meta class to classify objects whose existence necessarily depends on their being in a relationship with some other entity e g a customer We describe a mechanism for classifying states of a airs which can be used to restrict what can be in certain relationships e g pre condition We then note some general issues that arise when producing formal de nitions of the main terms e g representing terms from a di erence perspective and identifying when and how new terms must be introduced The need for new terms arises not only to ll gaps but also to make explicit facts and logical dependencies that were only implied by the text de nitions
A Dynamic Reconfigurable Fabric for Platform SoCs

A dynamic coarse-grained reconfigurable architecture which targets computationally intensive applications like multimedia and wireless applications is presented. Fundamental features of the architecture are an interconnection matrix, switch buffers, functional units, and a controller. Important aspects of the architecture is dynamic datapath reconfiguration over each control step of the application. Simulations of several classes of applications with results are also presented. Results of Xilinx Virtex 4 Implementations are provided
The intrinsic innervation of the gall bladder in Macaca rhesus and Cavia porcellus.

Gerlach (1873) first suggested that there was more than one nerve plexus situated within the gall-bladder wall. Other authors since then have usually described one particular aspect of the nervous arrangement and discussed it in relationship to the divergent findings of previous investigators. Thus Dogiel (1895) identified ganglia and differentiated three cell types within them, but Greving (1924), using the silver method of Bielschowsky-Gros, was unable to demonstrate any ganglia, and Harting (1930) remarked on the confusing terminology relating to finer nerve fibres. Hermann (1951) has given a good account of the intrinsic innervation of the gall bladder. He has shown that the outer ganglionated plexus is arranged in primary, secondary and tertiary plexuses like those described byAuerbach (1864) in the gut and also that the submucous plexus can be subdivided like the corresponding intestinal plexus. He has found that the muscular plexus contains ganglia and has stated that the finest nerve fibres of the plexuses anastomose to form a terminal reticulum. Because the available information was scanty and divergent it was decided to reinvestigate the intrinsic innervation of the gall bladder in order to verify the findings of previous workers. Some methods used by earlier investigators were employed, but more specific histochemical techniques were also used to demonstrate the nerves and to distinguish nervous from non-nervous elements.
Realistic tenant traces for enterprise DBaaS

The benchmarking of databases is an involved topic to which cloud computing adds another level of complexity. For example, benchmarking of multi-tenant on-demand applications requires modeling tenants' dynamic behavior over time. This paper provides two methodologies for simulating realistic tenant behavior in enterprise on-demand scenarios. The methods cover the cases that no or not enough real-world tenant traces are available.
Variability components of standard automated perimetry and frequency-doubling technology perimetry.

PURPOSE To evaluate and compare intra- and intertest variability components for both standard automated perimetry (SAP) and frequency-doubling technology (FDT) perimetry in a small group of normal individuals and patients with glaucoma. METHODS The method of constant stimuli (MOCS) was used to examine matched test locations with both SAP and FDT perimetry stimuli in a group of eight normal individuals and seven patients with glaucoma. Subjects were tested weekly at three predetermined visual field loci for 5 consecutive weeks. Frequency-of-seeing (FOS) curves were generated and used to quantify threshold sensitivity (50% seen on FOS, in decibels), intratest variability (FOS interquartile range, in decibels), and intertest variability (interquartile range of weekly repeated threshold determinations, in decibels). RESULTS In patients with glaucoma, SAP intra- and intertest variabilities were found to increase with sensitivity reductions, as previously reported. FDT perimetry revealed that both intra- and intertest variability components did not appreciably change with reductions in sensitivity. With the measurement scales used in this investigation, both intra- and intertest variability components were significantly greater for SAP than for FDT perimetry (P < 0.001 and P = 0.003, respectively). Intratest variability exceeded intertest variability for both SAP (P = 0.001) and FDT perimetry (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS For both SAP and FDT perimetry, variability occurring within a single test session contributed more to total variability than between-session variability. When the measurement scales available on commercial instrumentation were used, FDT perimetry exhibited significantly less variability than SAP, especially within regions of visual field sensitivity loss. FDT perimetry therefore shows promise as an effective test for detecting progressive glaucomatous visual field loss, although prospective longitudinal validation is still required to determine sensitivity to change.
HMMSplicer: A Tool for Efficient and Sensitive Discovery of Known and Novel Splice Junctions in RNA-Seq Data

Background High-throughput sequencing of an organism's transcriptome, or RNA-Seq, is a valuable and versatile new strategy for capturing snapshots of gene expression. However, transcriptome sequencing creates a new class of alignment problem: mapping short reads that span exon-exon junctions back to the reference genome, especially in the case where a splice junction is previously unknown. Methodology/Principal Findings Here we introduce HMMSplicer, an accurate and efficient algorithm for discovering canonical and non-canonical splice junctions in short read datasets. HMMSplicer identifies more splice junctions than currently available algorithms when tested on publicly available A. thaliana, P. falciparum, and H. sapiens datasets without a reduction in specificity. Conclusions/Significance HMMSplicer was found to perform especially well in compact genomes and on genes with low expression levels, alternative splice isoforms, or non-canonical splice junctions. Because HHMSplicer does not rely on pre-built gene models, the products of inexact splicing are also detected. For H. sapiens, we find 3.6% of 3′ splice sites and 1.4% of 5′ splice sites are inexact, typically differing by 3 bases in either direction. In addition, HMMSplicer provides a score for every predicted junction allowing the user to set a threshold to tune false positive rates depending on the needs of the experiment. HMMSplicer is implemented in Python. Code and documentation are freely available at http://derisilab.ucsf. edu/software/hmmsplicer.
Combining Pattern Classifiers: Methods and Algorithms

Cressie, N. A. C. (1993), Statistics for Spatial Data (rev. ed.), New York: Wiley. Diggle, P. J. (1983), Statistical Analysis of Spatial Point Patterns, London: Academic Press. Katti, S. K. (1986), Review of Statistical Analysis of Spatial Point Patterns and Spatial Statistics, by P. J. Diggle, and B. D. Ripley, Journal of the American Statistical Association, 81, 263–264. Ripley, B. D. (1981), Spatial Statistics, New York: Wiley. (1986), Review of Statistical Analysis of Spatial Point Patterns, by P. J. Diggle, Mathematical Geology, 18, 353–354. Rowlingson, B. S. , and Diggle, P. J. (1993), “SPLANCS: Spatial Point Pattern Analysis Code in S–PLUS,” Computers & Geosciences, 19, 627–655. Stoyan, D. (1985), Review of Statistical Analysis of Spatial Point Patterns, by P. J. Diggle, Biometrical Journal, 27, 690 (in German). Symanzik, J. (2001), Review of A Casebook for Spatial Statistical Data Analysis, by D. A. Griffith, and L. J. Layne, Technometrics, 43, 375–376.
Development of a MEMS-based Raman spectrometer

This paper discusses the development of a Raman spectrometer incorporated into a MEMS device for use in environmental monitoring against chemical and biological agents. The current design incorporates a 1525 nm laser diode as an optical pump source, and a tunable Fabry-Pérot interferometer as the wavelength selection element.
Effects of individualized whole-body vibration on muscle flexibility and mechanical power.

AIM The first purpose of the present study was to assess acute, residual and chronic effects of whole-body vibration on hamstring and lower back flexibility through the application of an individual frequency of vibration. The second purpose was to determine whether the applied vibration intervention over time influences flexibility and reactive strength differently. METHODS Thirty-four young physically active subjects (19 female and 15 male) were randomly assigned to either a Control or a Vibration Group. Lower back and hamstring flexibility was measured using the Stand and Reach Test. The reactive strength was estimated calculating the power in Drop Jump. RESULTS During whole-body vibration the relative change in acute flexibility for the Vibration Group (5.30+/-1.67 cm, 284%) reached a level of significance (P=0.038) compared to that of the Control Group (3.14+/-2.11 cm, 84%). Statistically significant differences in residual flexibility between the two groups were found at 6-min after the conclusion of vibration (P=0.034), at which point the Vibration Group showed the maximal relative change to pre-test (6.31+/-3.36 cm, 138%) versus the Control Group (3.06+/-1.87 cm, 20%). Chronic exposure of whole-body vibration did not produce significant changes in flexibility over time (P>0.05), whereas power in the Drop Jump performance of the Vibration Group increased significantly resulting in a benefit of 16% (P=0.019). CONCLUSION The current study shows that individualized whole-body vibration without superimposing other exercises is an effective method of acutely increasing lower back and hamstring flexibility. Furthermore, the applied individualized whole-body vibration over time influences the reactive strength rather than flexibility.
Risk factors for the development of glaucomatous visual field loss in ocular hypertension.

OBJECTIVE To detect characteristics of persons with ocular hypertension that are associated with a higher risk of future glaucomatous field loss. METHODS Annual examinations of the optic disc, nerve fiber layer, and visual field in 647 persons with bilateral intraocular pressure higher than 21 mmHg and initially normal visual field test results with the Goldmann perimeter. RESULTS Sixty-eight persons developed a field defect on two consecutive Goldmann visual field tests in at least one eye, while 579 others retained normal fields. Moderate or severe nerve fiber layer atrophy at baseline was associated with a seven to eight times greater risk of development of visual field loss. Attributes that were significantly associated with the incidence of field loss included older age, larger cup-disc ratio, smaller rim-disc area ratio, larger cup asymmetry, presence of disc crescent, and higher intraocular pressure. Characteristics found not to be associated with incidence were gender, race, hypertension, diabetes, refractive error, family history of glaucoma, smoking or alcohol drinking history, and disc area. CONCLUSIONS Increasing nerve fiber layer atrophy judged by a semiquantitative grading system was associated with increasing risk of development of visual field loss among persons with ocular hypertension. The relationship of the development of field loss to race, myopia, family history of glaucoma, and medical history are more complex than has been presumed.
Hyperacute injury marker (HARM) in primary hemorrhage

Objective: The objective of the study was to characterize a previously unreported form of CNS barrier disruption in intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH): hyperacute injury marker (HARM). Methods: In this retrospective cohort analysis of patients presenting with primary ICH, precontrast and postcontrast MRI scans obtained within 5 days of symptom onset were analyzed. The presence of CNS barrier disruption was defined by 1) perihematomal or intrahematomal enhancement visualized on postcontrast T1-weighted MRI or 2) HARM: sulcal or ventricular hyperintensity visualized on postcontrast fluid-attenuated inversion recovery sequences (graded on a 5-point scale). Results: Forty-six patients were included in the analysis. Mean age was 65 years, median NIH Stroke Scale score was 7, and mean ICH volume was 12.2 mL (range 0.3–46.9 mL). HARM was visualized in 85% of patients, and this was moderate to severe in 50%. In all cases, the sulcal enhancement was noncontiguous with the hematoma. Of those patients with postcontrast T1-weighted imaging, perihematomal or intrahematomal contrast enhancement was visualized in 75% of patients. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that HARM occurs in intracerebral hemorrhage and that it likely represents a second type of CNS barrier disruption distinct from parenchymal postcontrast T1-weighted enhancement. Similar to T1 enhancement, this phenomenon may serve as a clinically useful biomarker to test therapies aimed at stabilizing acute ICH and CNS barrier disruption. Future studies are needed to further define the time course and prognostic implications of this finding.
GSTM1 and NAT2 genotypes and urinary mutagens in coke oven workers.

The influence of the metabolic genotypes GSTM1 and NAT2 on the urinary excretion of mutagens in 46 coke oven workers (27 of them smokers) was studied. Exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) was estimated from urinary 1-pyrenol levels, which varied from 0.23 to 5.59 micromol/mol creatinine. Fourteen urine samples (30.4%), all but one belonging to smokers, were positive for mutagenic activity (i.e. at least one of the assayed doses was able to double the number of spontaneous revertants). Nine of the urine-positive subjects were both GSTM1-null and NAT2-ss (64.3%), while the same combination of genotypes was found in nine out of 31 urine-negative subjects (29.0%) (P < 0.05). Significantly more smoking workers with the genotype combination GSTM1-null/NAT2-ss showed positive urine mutagenicity than the other subjects (75.0 versus 28.6%, P < 0.05). Smokers with the slow acetylator genotype showed a significantly higher frequency of positive urine samples than smoking fast acetylators (64.7 versus 22.2%, P < 0.05). Our results suggest that smoking coke oven workers with genotypes unfavourable for detoxification of aromatic amines (NAT2-ss) and PAH (GSTM1-null) may have an increased risk of developing bladder cancer.
A low-cost suspended patch antenna for WLAN access points and point-to-point links

A very low-cost antenna is presented for 802.11b (2.4-2.484 GHz) wireless local area network (WLAN) applications. This antenna can be used in two different configurations. In a stand-alone configuration, the antenna has a 12-dBi gain and a 40/spl deg/ half power beamwidth (HPBW) in both E and H planes, thus matching typical requirements for WLAN base stations or access points for indoor WLAN. Furthermore, the same antenna can be used as feeder for a standard TVSAT offset parabolic reflector, thus obtaining a high-gain antenna system configuration (gain = 23 dBi, HPBW = 12/spl deg/ with an 80 cm reflector), useful for point-to-point connections. The latter configuration provides a very low-cost antenna system useful for an Internet service provider to cover the "last mile" toward the customer via a wireless link. An FR4 epoxy-glass substrate is employed providing a solution that is cheap both in material and manufacturing costs. A "suspended" structure allows the synthesis of an effective material with low dielectric constant and losses, suitable for antennas application, despite the use of FR4; indeed an 86% loss efficiency is obtained. Some prototypes were realized and measured; their input impedance and gain were found to be in satisfactory agreement with the numerical predictions provided by the design tools.
iPhone Security Analysis

The release of Apple’s iPhone was one of the most intensively publicized product releases in the history of mobile devices. While the iPhone wowed users with its exciting design and features, it also angered many for not allowing installation of third party applications and for working exclusively with AT & T wireless services (in the US). Besides the US, iPhone was only sold only in a few other selected countries. Software attacks were developed to overcome both limitations. The development of those attacks and further evaluation revealed several vulnerabilities in iPhone security. In this paper, we examine some of the attacks developed for the iPhone as a way of investigating the iPhone’s security structure. We also analyze the security holes that have been discovered and make suggestions for improving iPhone security.
Outer Membrane Protein A of Escherichia coli O157:H7 Stimulates Dendritic Cell Activation

ABSTRACT Outer membrane protein A (OmpA) is located in the membrane of Escherichia coli and other gram-negative bacteria and plays a multifunctional role in bacterial physiology and pathogenesis. In enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC), especially serotype O157:H7, OmpA interacts with cultured human intestinal cells and likely acts as an important component to stimulate the immune response during infection. To test this hypothesis, we analyzed the effect of EHEC OmpA on cytokine production by dendritic cells (DCs) and on DC migration across polarized intestinal epithelial cells. OmpA induced murine DCs to secrete interleukin-1 (IL-1), IL-10, and IL-12 in a dose-dependent manner, and this effect was independent of Toll-like receptor 4. Although DCs displayed differential responses to EHEC OmpA and OmpA-specific antibodies enhanced DC cytokine secretion, we cannot discard that other EHEC surface elements were likely to be involved. While OmpA was required for bacterial binding to polarized Caco-2 cells, it was not needed for the induction of cytokine production by Caco-2 cells or for human DC migration across polarized cells.
Real-time high spatial resolution in vivo corneal imaging: current successes and future needs

Purpose: To identify, characterize, and discuss the current technological status of in vivo corneal diagnostic imaging and target high-priority future development needs. Methods: In vivo tandem scanning microscopy (non-coherent), scanning slit confocal microscopy (noncoherent), and laser scanning confocal microscopy (coherent) are examined. The current and future roles of multi-photon and higher order harmonic imaging are also discussed. Results and Conclusions: This keynote review demonstrates the current abilities and limitations of three currently used clinical imaging modalities to resolve the cellular and structural layers of the cornea temporally and spatially in three or four dimensions (x, y, z, t), with applications to the study of clinical-pathological processes such as inflammation; infection, wound healing, drug toxicity, organ development, differentiation and effects of genetic diseases. Each of these approaches has strengths and weaknesses. Thus, future technological development is essential to provide exciting new insights into understanding the structure and function of not only the cornea and the other ocular structures, but also other multicellular organs in health and disease. These imaging paradigms are among the most important advances in medical science in the past three decades.