Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Simple Theory of the Survey Response: Answering Questions versus Revealing Preferences

Opinion research is beset by two major types of "artifactual" variance: huge amounts of overtime response instability and the common tendency for seemingly trivial changes in questionnaire form to affect the expression of attitudes. We propose a simple model that converts this anomalous ; error variance" into sources of substantive insight into the nature of public opinion. The model abandons the conventional but implausible notion that most people possess opinions at the level of specificity of typical survey items-and instead assumes that most people are internally conflicted over most political issues-and that most respond to survey questions on the basis of whatever ideas are at the top of their heads at the moment of answering. Numerous empirical regularities are shown to be consistent with these assumptions.
Evaluation of Quality Assessment Protocols for High Throughput Genome Resequencing Data

Large-scale initiatives aiming to recover the complete sequence of thousands of human genomes are currently being undertaken worldwide, concurring to the generation of a comprehensive catalog of human genetic variation. The ultimate and most ambitious goal of human population scale genomics is the characterization of the so-called human “variome,” through the identification of causal mutations or haplotypes. Several research institutions worldwide currently use genotyping assays based on Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) for diagnostics and clinical screenings, and the widespread application of such technologies promises major revolutions in medical science. Bioinformatic analysis of human resequencing data is one of the main factors limiting the effectiveness and general applicability of NGS for clinical studies. The requirement for multiple tools, to be combined in dedicated protocols in order to accommodate different types of data (gene panels, exomes, or whole genomes) and the high variability of the data makes difficult the establishment of a ultimate strategy of general use. While there already exist several studies comparing sensitivity and accuracy of bioinformatic pipelines for the identification of single nucleotide variants from resequencing data, little is known about the impact of quality assessment and reads pre-processing strategies. In this work we discuss major strengths and limitations of the various genome resequencing protocols are currently used in molecular diagnostics and for the discovery of novel disease-causing mutations. By taking advantage of publicly available data we devise and suggest a series of best practices for the pre-processing of the data that consistently improve the outcome of genotyping with minimal impacts on computational costs.
Optimization of H.263 video encoding using a single processor computer: performance tradeoffs and benchmarking

We present the optimization and performance evaluation of a software-based H.263 video encoder. The objective is to maximize the encoding rate without losing the picture quality on an ordinary single processor computer such as a PC or a workstation. This requires optimization at all design and implementation phases, including algorithmic enhancements, efficient implementations of all encoding modules, and taking advantage of certain architectural features of the machine. We design efficient algorithms for DCT and fast motion estimation, and exploit various techniques to speed up the processing, including a number of compiler optimizations and removal of redundant operations. For exploiting the architectural features of the machine, we make use of low-level machine primitives such as Sun UltraSPARC's visual instruction set and Intel's multimedia extension, which accelerate the computation in a single instruction stream multiple data stream fashion. Extensive benchmarking is carried out on three platforms: a 167-MHz Sun UltraSPARC-1 workstation, a 233-MHz Pentium II PC, and a 600-MHz Pentium III PC. We examine the effect of each type of optimization for every coding mode of H.263, highlighting the tradeoffs between quality and complexity. The results also allow us to make an interesting comparison between the workstation and the PCs. The encoder yields 45.68 frames per second (frames/s) on the Pentium III PC, 18.13 frames/s on the Pentium II PC, and 12.17 frames/s on the workstation for QCIF resolution video with high perceptual quality at reasonable bit rates, which are sufficient for most of the general switched telephone networks based video telephony applications. The paper concludes by suggesting optimum coding options.
The role of TaABF1 in abscisic acid-mediated suppression of -amylase gene expression in cereal grains

The phytohormones gibberellin (GA) and abscisic acid (ABA) regulate important developmental events in germinating seeds. Specifically, GA induces the expression of hyrolase genes, like the -amylase gene Amy32b, which mobilize starch reserves to be used by the embryo, and ABA suppresses this induction. Recent advancements identified ABA and GA receptors and key components in the signaling pathways, however, the mechanism of crosstalk between the hormones remains largely unknown. To further elucidate the mechanism of ABA suppression of GA-induced genes, we focused on the transcription factor TaABF1, a member of the ABA response element binding factor family. TaABF1 has been shown to physically interact with the SnRK2 kinase PKABA1 and overexpression of TaABF1 or PKABA1 can suppress Amy32b. We carried out particle bombardment experiments to investigate how TaABF1 suppresses Amy32b and how TaABF1 is activated by ABA. The role of TaABF1 in ABA-mediated suppression of Amy32b is more complicated than hypothesized. Unlike PKABA1, overexpression of TaABF1 did not cause a decrease of GAMyb expression and in fact resulted in an increase of GAMyb expression. When TaABF1 and GAMyb were simultaneously overexpressed in aleurone, the GAMyb induction of Amy32b was unaffected, indicating that the target of TaABF1 action must be upstream of GAMyb. Furthermore, TaABF1 and ABA demonstrated an additive effect on the suppression of Amy32b. Based on our findings, we propose a model in which PKABA1 activates two separate targets, one being TaABF1 which then modifies an unknown target upstream of GAMyb and the other being an unknown transcription factor that suppresses GAMyb transcription.
Estresse em docentes universitários da saúde: situações geradoras, sintomas e estratégias de enfrentamento

O estresse relacionado ao trabalho e compreendido como uma resposta as situacoes em que a pessoa percebe seu ambiente de trabalho como ameacador as necessidades de realizacao pessoal e profissional e/ou a sua saude fisica/mental, prejudicando a interacao com o trabalho e com o ambiente. Este estudo teve como objetivos analisar as situacoes geradoras do estresse ocupacional, os sintomas e as estrategias de enfrentamento em docentes universitarios da area da saude, em uma instituicao de Ensino Superior. Foram entrevistados, entre outubro e novembro de 2009, 18 professores, sendo 12 do sexo feminino e seis do masculino, com idade variando de 36 a 66 anos. Para levantar as situacoes geradoras de estresse e as estrategias de enfrentamento, foi aplicada uma entrevista semiestruturada. Os sintomas de estresse foram obtidos por questionario. As entrevistas foram analisadas por meio da analise de conteudo tematico e os sintomas de estresse, em frequencia simples, foram relacionados aos demais achados. Com os resultados, percebeu-se que as situacoes geradoras de estresse foram lidar com alunos despreparados; sobrecarga de trabalho; contexto da universidade; preocupacao do docente com a aprendizagem do aluno e prazos institucionais. As estrategias de enfrentamento mais utilizadas foram: autocontrole; suporte social; resolucao de problemas e reavaliacao positiva. Dentre os principais sintomas de estresse encontrados destacam-se a tensao muscular, problemas com a memoria, insonia, cefaleia, perda do senso de humor, sensacao de desgaste fisico, irritabilidade, sensibilidade emotiva excessiva e ansiedade.
A Model to Evaluate the Effectiveness of Collaborative Online Learning Teams - Self-Disclosure and Social Exchange Theory Perspective

Collaborative online learning teams (COLTs) are teams that are comprised of groups of online students. Accompanying the popularity of online learning, both on campuses and as professional development within many industries, learning in groups has been attracting much attention. However, there is little research constructing intact frameworks to evaluate the effectiveness of COLTs. This study built a framework by incorporating six constructs: self-disclosure, social exchange, trust, cohesion, performance and satisfaction, and validated it by analyzing data from a five-week experiment. The results showed that social exchange had a significant impact on trust, but self-disclosure did not. Trust was significantly related to cohesion and cohesion was significantly related to performance and satisfaction. This study suggests that instructors should incorporate the number of studentsâ€™ posts into parts of evaluation to facilitate self-disclosure, and to stop â€œsocial loafingâ€ behaviors while encouraging social exchange activities.
Automated distributed implementation of component-based models with priorities

In this paper, we introduce a novel model-based approach for constructing correct distributed implementation of component-based models constrained by priorities. We argue that model-based methods are especially of interest in the context of distributed embedded system due to their inherent complexity. Our three-phase method's input is a model specified in terms of a set of behavioural components that interact through a set of high-level synchronization primitives (e.g., rendezvous and broadcasts) and priority rules for scheduling purposes. Our technique, first, transforms the input model into a model that has no priorities. Then, it transforms the deprioritized model into another model that resolves distributed conflicts by incorporating a solution to the committee coordination problem. Finally, it generates distributed code using asynchronous point-to-point send/receive primitives. All transformations preserve the properties of their input model by ensuring observational equivalence. The transformations are implemented and our experiments validate their effectiveness.
Reboost Image Segmentation using Genetic Algorithm

This paper present a Improved Algorithm for Image Segmentation System for a RGB colour image, and presents a proposed efficient colour image segmentation algorithm based on evolutionary approach i.e. improved Genetic algorithm. The proposed technique, without any predefined parameters determines the optimum number of clusters for colour images. The optimal number of clusters is obtained by using maximum fitness value of population selection. The advantage of this method lies in the fact that no prior knowledge related to number of clusters is required to segment the color image. Proposed algorithm strongly supports the better quality of segmentation. Experiments on standard images have given the satisfactory and comparable results with other techniques.
Kvinnors upplevelse av hur underliv och samliv förändrats efter barnafödande

Childbirth affects women's bodies and can cause changes to the genital area. Few previous studies describe the effects of these changes over longer periods. This study examines how women experience changes to their genitals and sexual relationships 3–7 years after a vaginal delivery. Two open questions in a survey were analysed using qualitative content analysis. Part one of the study describes how 701 women experienced changes in the genital area and part two describes the ways in which 256 women thought their sexual relationship had improved since childbirth. In part one, seven categories emerged: dilated vagina, weakened pelvic muscles, changed sensibility, affected body perception and sexuality, effect on menstruation/ovulation and rectal inconvenience. Seven positively affected categories emerged in part two: sexual function, cohesion, self-confidence, body perception, self-esteem, life experience and fertility. Changes were thus primarily experienced as negative, but positive aspects were also expressed. Genital problems appear to be common after delivery and may affect women's quality of life. More women can receive professional help and thereby a sense of wellbeing by our asking questions and drawing attention to the problem. Informing women about how sexual life can be improved is important as most research discusses complications after delivery.
An Improved Multi-Objective Harmony Search for Optimal Placement of DGs in Distribution Systems

In this paper a new approach using Harmony Search (HS) algorithm is presented for placing Distributed Generators (DGs) in radial distribution systems. The approach is making use of a multiple objective planning framework, named an Improved Multi-objective HS (IMOHS), to evaluate the impact of DG placement and sizing for an optimal development of the distribution system. In this study, the optimum sizes and locations of DG units are found by considering the power losses and voltage profile as objective functions. The feasibility of the proposed technique is demonstrated in two distribution networks, where the qualitative comparisons are made against a well-known technique, known as Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm II (NSGA-II). Furthermore, the results obtained are compared with those available in the literature.
Primary decomposition of zero-dimensional ideals: Putting Monico's algorithm into practice

Monico published in [Journal of Symbolic Computation, 34(5):451‐459, 2002] an algorithm to compute the primary decomposition of a zero-dimensional ideal, that mostly relies on a characteristic polynomial computation modulo the input ideal, and its factorization. We revisit this algorithm, and discuss Maple and Magma implementations that contradict the somehow pessimistic conclusions of Monico’s original article: this algorithm provides competitive, sometimes faster alternatives to built-in functions in both systems. We also give an estimation of the probability of success of the algorithm.
Apelin‐13 and APJ in paraventricular nucleus contribute to hypertension via sympathetic activation and vasopressin release in spontaneously hypertensive rats

Apelin is a specific endogenous ligand of orphan G protein‐coupled receptor APJ. This study was designed to determine the roles and mechanisms of apelin‐13 and APJ in paraventricular nucleus (PVN) in renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA), arginine vasopressin (AVP) release and mean arterial pressure (MAP) in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR).
In vivo studies on the antileishmanial activity of buparvaquone and its prodrugs.

OBJECTIVES The efficacy of different formulations of the naphthoquinone buparvaquone and two phosphate prodrugs in in vivo models of both visceral and cutaneous leishmaniasis is described. METHODS Several topical formulations of buparvaquone containing acceptable excipients were tested in vivo against Leishmania major cutaneous lesions in BALB/c mice. In vivo studies against Leishmania donovani investigated whether the prodrugs had improved efficacy when compared with buparvaquone. RESULTS Both a hydrous gel and water-in-oil emulsion of buparvaquone significantly reduced cutaneous parasite burden (P < 0.05, 22 days post-infection) and lesion size, compared with the untreated control (P < 0.0001, 16 days post-infection). The prodrug 3-phosphonooxymethyl-buparvaquone was formulated into an anhydrous gel and this also significantly reduced parasite burden and lesion size (P < 0.0001, 16 days post-infection). Histology confirmed this efficacy. In the visceral model, both prodrugs were significantly more effective at reducing liver parasite burden than the parent drug, buparvaquone. Buparvaquone-3-phosphate was shown to be the most effective antileishmanial (P = 0.0003, 50 mg buparvaquone molar equivalent/kg/day five times), reducing the liver parasite burden by approximately 34% when compared with the untreated control. CONCLUSIONS The introduction of a topical formulation, such as buparvaquone (or its prodrug), would be a significant advance for the treatment of simple cutaneous lesions. In particular, the avoidance of the parenteral antimonials would greatly increase patient compliance and reduce treatment costs.
Frequency-Specific ABR and ASSR Threshold Assessment in Young Infants *

The importance of early identification and habilitation of hearing loss for improved access to auditory stimuli and for positive prognosis of speech and language is well established in the literature (American Speech-Language-Hearing Association [ASHA] 2004; Hyde 2005; Joint Commission on Infant Hearing [JCIH] 2007; Kennedy, McCann, Campbell, Kimm and Thornton 2005; Yoshinaga-Itano and Gravel 2001; Yoshinaga-Itano, Sedey, Coulter and Mehl 1998). As a result of the importance of early identification of hearing loss, many countries have established newborn hearing screening programs. Diagnostic audiologic assessment is required for follow-up for infants who do not pass newborn hearing screening, with the goal for most newborn hearing screening, follow-up and intervention programs, including the British Columbia Early Hearing Program (BCEHP), of confirmation and characterization of hearing loss (of a mild degree or worse) by age 3 months, and amplification by the age of 6 months (JCIH 2007). An auditory evoked potential (AEP) with high correlation to behavioral threshold is essential for the young infant population and for those older infants and children where accurate behavioral thresholds cannot be obtained. This chapter describes the two frequency-specific AEP methods currently considered appropriate for infant threshold measures: the tone-evoked auditory brainstem response (ABR), the current gold-standard measure, and the relatively new brainstem auditory steady-state response (ASSR).
Fit it in but say it well!

Reasoning about how much content to generate when space is limited presents an increasingly important challenge for generation systems, as the diversity of potential delivery channels continues to grow. The problem is multi-facetted: the generated text must fit into the allocated space, the space available must be well utilised, and the resulting text must convey its intended message, and be coherent, well structured and balanced. To address this problem, we use a discourse planning approach. Our system reasons about the discourse structure to decide how much content to realise. In this paper, we present two algorithms that perform this reasoning and analyse their effectiveness.
Ward design in relation to postoperative wound infection. I.

The incidence of postoperative wound infection in a general surgical unit is reported both before and after transfer from a "Nightingale" type multibed ward to a new "race-track" type of surgical ward with controlled ventilation and with 40% of its beds in single rooms. Following transfer postoperative wound infection was reduced by about 55%. With the use of certain types of staphylococcal infection as an index of cross-infection it was shown that transfer was followed by a 72% reduction in cross-infection of wounds.A case is made for control of hospital cross-infection in surgical wards. The principal change in ward architecture resulting from the transfer was the extensive division of ward space into separate compartments (40% of single-bed rooms), which make controlled ventilation easier.
Projections of the dorsomedial nucleus of the intercollicular complex (DM) in relation to respiratory‐vocal nuclei in the brainstem of pigeon (Columba livia) and zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata)

Injections of neuronal tracers were made into the dorsomedial nucleus of the intercollicular complex (DM) of pigeons and zebra finches in order to investigate the projections of this nucleus which has long been implicated in respiratory‐vocal control. Despite the fact that pigeons are nonsongbirds and zebra finches are songbirds, the projections were very similar in both species. Most descended throughout the brainstem, taking ventral and dorsal trajectories, which merged in the medulla. Those descending ventrally terminated upon the ventrolateral parabrachial nucleus (PBvl), the nucleus infraolivaris superior, a nucleus of the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVL), and the nucleus retroambigualis (RAm). Those taking a dorsal trajectory via the occipitomesencephalic tract terminated in the tracheosyringeal part of the hypoglossal nucleus (XIIts), the suprahypoglossal region, and nucleus retroambigualis. There were also substantial projections throughout an arc extending, between XIIts and RVL rostrally, and XIIts and RAm caudally. Neurons throughout this arc, which include inspiratory premotor neurons at levels straddling the obex and expiratory premotor neurons more caudally (in RAm), were retrogradely labeled from spinal injections. The DM projections were predominantly ipsilateral, but there were distinct contralateral projections to all the homologous nuclei in both species. All but the projections to PBvl and XIIts were reciprocal. In summary, the projections of DM suggest that it is able to influence all the key motor and premotor nuclei involved in patterned respiratory‐vocal activity. J. Comp. Neurol. 377:392–413, 1997. © 1997 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prognostic significance of STNMp and velocity of tumor growth in oral cancer

Regression analysis using actuarial life tables has been applied to the STNMP system for the grading and staging of oral cancer. Based on 170 patients, the five‐year survival figures were 78% for Stage 1, 67% for Stage 2, 36% for Stage 3, and 20% for Stage 4. This represents a considerable improvement in prognostic differentiation over existing TNM system applied to the same cohort of patients. A further variable, velocity of tumor growth, was also assessed and shown to be of value in predicting the ultimate survival of the patients.
Stage, treatment and outcomes for patients with breast cancer in British Columbia in 2002: a population-based cohort study.

BACKGROUND There are very few long-term Canadian data on breast cancer outcomes by stage. We described the stage, treatment and outcomes of breast cancer at a population level for patients in British Columbia. METHODS This population-based cohort study included almost all patients with incident breast cancer registered in 2002 (about 97.6% registry case completeness). For these patients, information on stage, primary local surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy and survival outcome (based on registry date and cause-of-death data) were available. We calculated Kaplan-Meier curves for breast cancer-specific survival and overall survival by stage and analyzed prognostic and treatment factors with a multivariable Cox model. RESULTS The 2927 incident cases of breast cancer identified in 2002 had the following distribution by stage: stage 0 (in situ), 424 (14%); stage I, 1118 (38%); stage II, 938 (32%); stage III, 233 (8%); stage IV, 123 (4%); unknown, 91 (3%). The distribution of patients' ages was < 40 years, 127 (4%); 40-49, 538 (18%); 50-59, 719 (25%); 60-69, 660 (23%); 70-79, 583 (20%); ≥ 80, 300 (10%). Within the first year after diagnosis, radiotherapy was provided to 1649 patients (56%), chemotherapy to 928 (32%) and hormone therapy to 1664 (57%). Ten-year breast cancer-specific survival rates by stage were > 99% for stage 0, 95% for stage I, 81% for stage II, 55% for stage III and 4% for stage IV. Ten-year overall survival rates were 89% for stage 0, 81% for stage I, 68% for stage II, 43% for stage III and 2% for stage IV. INTERPRETATION This analysis provides a Canadian benchmark for treatment rates and 10-year outcomes by stage for all incident cases of breast cancer in a single province. Outcomes in British Columbia compared well with published rates for the United States and Europe.