Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An operant approach to teaching joint attention skills to children with autism

A lack of joint attention skills may constitute a core impairment in autism. In the present study, a training protocol was developed, based on the literature on joint attention and on behavioral interventions. The training was organized into a sequence of three main parts respectively aimed at establishing each of the following skills: (1) responding to joint attention bids, (2) engaging in turn-taking activities based on joint attention skills, and (3) initiating joint attention. Two novel components were incorporated in the training: (a) a discrimination training procedure aimed at establishing the adult’s nods as conditioned reinforcers and (b) tasks based on turn-taking, where joint attention skills were targeted and reinforced. The study was conducted according to a single-subject experimental design, in which joint attention skills were measured before and after intervention, using the ‘‘behavioral assessment of joint attention. ’’ Four 3.5–5.5 year-old children diagnosed with autism participated in the study. All four children completed the training successfully and made significant progress in engaging in joint attention and in initiating joint attention skills. Following the completion of training and at 1 month follow-up, parents reported that their children used their skills in different settings. Moreover, at follow-up, all four children were reported to engage in joint attention behaviors and to enjoy doing so. Copyright# 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. During the last few decades, joint attention has been investigated for several reasons. One main reason for the growing interest in joint attention stems from the identification of the lack of such skills as a major problem in autism. Deficits in this area of functioning are correlated with later deficits in other skills for these children.
Multiphase digitally controlled oscillator for future 5G phased arrays in 90 nm CMOS

This paper reports a low noise Digitally Controlled Oscillator (DCO) with multiphase outputs, suitable for next generation phased arrays. The DCO core is implemented using an 8 stage Rotary Traveling Wave Oscillator (RTWO) topology. Simple design equations are presented and insight is given in the layout implementation. Designed in a 90 nm CMOS process, the prototype is tunable from 31.4 to 37 GHz (i.e. 16% tuning range). Drawing 45 mW from a 1.2V supply, the simulated phase noise is −127.3 dBc/Hz at 10 MHz offset from a 34 GHz carrier, resulting in a phase-noise FoM of −181.4 dBc/Hz. Digitally tuned slow wave transmission lines are used to achieve a fine tuning resolution of 1.8 MHz, resulting in a state-of-the-art tuning FoMDT of −187 dBc/Hz.
Analyzing Methods for Improving Precision of Pivot Based Bilingual Dictionaries

An A-C bilingual dictionary can be inferred by merging A-B and B-C dictionaries using B as pivot. However, polysemous pivot words often produce wrong translation candidates. This paper analyzes two methods for pruning wrong candidates: one based on exploiting the structure of the source dictionaries, and the other based on distributional similarity computed from comparable corpora. As both methods depend exclusively on easily available resources, they are well suited to less resourced languages. We studied whether these two techniques complement each other given that they are based on different paradigms. We also researched combining them by looking for the best adequacy depending on various application scenarios.
Choosing Important Health Outcomes for Comparative Effectiveness Research: An Updated Review and User Survey

Background A COS represents an agreed minimum set of outcomes that should be measured and reported in all trials of a specific condition. The COMET (Core Outcome Measures in Effectiveness Trials) initiative aims to collate and stimulate the development and application of COS, by including data on relevant studies within a publically available internet-based resource. In recent years, there has been an interest in increasing the development of COS. Therefore, this study aimed to provide an update of a previous review, and examine the quality of development of COS. A further aim was to understand the reasons why individuals are searching the COMET database. Methods A multi-faceted search strategy was followed, in order to identify studies that sought to determine which outcomes/domains to measure in clinical trials of a specific condition. Additionally, a pop up survey was added to the COMET website, to ascertain why people were searching the COMET database. Results Thirty-two reports relating to 29 studies were eligible for inclusion in the review. There has been an improvement in the description of the scope of a COS and an increase in the proportion of studies using literature/systematic reviews and the Delphi technique. Clinical experts continue to be the most common group involved in developing COS, however patient and public involvement has increased. The pop-up survey revealed the most common reasons for visiting the COMET website to be thinking about developing a COS and planning a clinical trial. Conclusions This update demonstrates that recent studies appear to have adopted a more structured approach towards COS development and public representation has increased. However, there remains a need for developers to adequately describe details about the scope of COS, and for greater public engagement. The COMET database appears to be a useful resource for both COS developers and users of COS.
Direct Adaptive Inverse Control Based on Variable Radial Basis Function Network

This paper presents a neural direct adaptive inverse control strategy for nonlinear dynamical system. Based on identification of the nonlinear autoregressive model with exogenous inputs (NARX), the direct inverse control law can be derived and implemented for a process in a straightforward way. The identification is performed by variable radial basis function network (RBFN), which is realized by the minimal regularized orthogonal least squares (MROLS) algorithm for growing and pruning basis functions according to a design strategy. To improve network sensitivity to the change of system dynamics, the gradient messages of system output are also included into the RBFN. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed strategy has strong adaptive ability and can be accomplished on-line effectively
The role of the nucleus retroambiguus in the neural control of respiration, vocalization and mating behavior

In de hersenstam bevindt zich een groep zenuwcellen die betrokken is bij de regulatie van de druk in de buikholte. Dit is van belang voor processen als de ademhaling, het maken van geluid en braken. Ook speelt dit specifieke hersengebied, de NRA (nucleus retroambiguus), een rol bij paringsgedrag. Jose Boers bracht met behulp van dierexperimenteel onderzoek als eerste alle zenuwverbindingen van de NRA in kaart. Bovendien bepaalde zij welke signalen uiteindelijk voor remming danwel activatie zorgen van de bijbehorende spieren in de buik-, mond- en keelholte. Een deel van de cellen in de NRA blijkt niet actief tijdens de normale ademhaling en Boers concludeert dat deze cellen waarschijnlijk alleen een rol spelen bij paringsgedrag, onder invloed van oestrogenen, tijdens de krolse periode van het dier.
Recombination and the Nature of Bacterial Speciation

Genetic surveys reveal the diversity of bacteria and lead to the questioning of species concepts used to categorize bacteria. One difficulty in defining bacterial species arises from the high rates of recombination that results in the transfer of DNA between relatively distantly related bacteria. Barriers to this process, which could be used to define species naturally, are not apparent. Here, we review conceptual models of bacterial speciation and describe our computer simulations of speciation. Our findings suggest that the rate of recombination and its relation to genetic divergence have a strong influence on outcomes. We propose that a distinction be made between clonal divergence and sexual speciation. Hence, to make sense of bacterial diversity, we need data not only from genetic surveys but also from experimental determination of selection pressures and recombination rates and from theoretical models.
A Cross-sectional and Longitudinal Study on the Exercise Behavior and Life Stress of Participants in a Community Health Promotion Program for Elderly and Middle-aged People

A cross-sectional longitudinal questionnaire survey was conducted in order to clarify how age and the duration of participation in a community health promotion program affects participants' mental health status and the motivation to maintain periodical exercise behavior (n=150, male 39, female 111, ages 52 to 82, ). The results were as follows: 1) Participants who had been on the program and had done exercise for 2 years had higher average values than the non-participant group in the motivation factors to maintain periodic exercise and their reinforcement factors, although the average values of some factors varied according to length of participation. 2) “Daily hassles” and “lowered life satisfaction” were decreased in relation to length of participation period. 3) The duration of participation had a negative causal effect on perceived strength of chronic life stress according to an SEM analysis (χ2(23)=29.78, p.=0.156, GFI=0.955, AGFI=0.913, RMSEA=0.048). 4) The perceived strength of chronic life stress had a negative causal effect on the motivation to maintain periodic exercise behavior through the factors that enforce motivation. A different pattern was observed between the junior group (52-64) and the senior group (65-82) in this causal effect (χ2(45)=52.61, p.=0.203, GFI=0.923, AGFI=0.847, RMSEA=0.036).
Rhetoric Achieves Nature. A View from Old Europe

I would like to quote a well-known example used by Frege to illustrate the difference between Sinn and Bedeutung, as a point of departure for this essay: Venus is the morning star and the evening star? it depends on the beholder1? but Venus, the celestial body, it objectively is. In the eyes of the beholder lies "sense" (Sinn); in an objective view, resides "reference" (Bedeutung). Or, to put it rhetorically: Venus is this or that, according to a given set of commonplaces, it is address-bound; whereas, in an objective and cohesive language, it is what science explains it to be. Henry Johnstone, in his 1973 article "Rationality and Rhetoric in Philoso phy," gives his own version of this aphrodisiac exemplum. In his essay, "rational ity" behaves not unlike Venus, as for the philosopher rationality awakes at dusk, in the flight of the Hegelian owl, while, for the rhetor, it shines at sunrise, when arguments begin to be exchanged on the market place. Hauser neatly encapsu lates this when he writes, "the addressed character of philosophical argument . [does] not permit a clear dividing line between what [is] philosophical and rhetorical in an argument" (2001, '5). Rationality is bound by the "addressed" nature of arguments that, prudentially, make our civil life bearable or, at the very least, less beastly, and help believers in the morning star to live side by side with those of the evening star. The recent success of the French referendum (in May 2005) when, following deliberative mobilization by a large number of non-governmental organizations, voters declined to accept a choice presented them by media and politicians united, as the only rational option, and voted "no," has highlighted the SinnlBedeutung political tension. I would go as far as to say that the Sinn/Bedeutung game is democratic or republican civility's aphrodisiac. Without its incentive, argument in politics may be reduced to a handbook of quotations held as "truths," with no escape from "rectification," in the words of Chairman Mao Tse-Tung (no date, 9). This aphrodisiac tension between Sinn and Bedeutung enters civil life every time political choices offered the sovereign, either directly (through
Differential Roles for DNA Polymerases Eta, Zeta, and REV1 in Lesion Bypass of Intrastrand versus Interstrand DNA Cross-Links

ABSTRACT Translesion DNA synthesis (TLS) is a process whereby specialized DNA polymerases are recruited to bypass DNA lesions that would otherwise stall high-fidelity polymerases. We provide evidence that TLS across cisplatin intrastrand cross-links is performed by multiple translesion DNA polymerases. First, we determined that PCNA monoubiquitination by RAD18 is necessary for efficient bypass of cisplatin adducts by the TLS polymerases eta (Polη), REV1, and zeta (Polζ) based on the observations that depletion of these proteins individually leads to decreased cell survival, cell cycle arrest in S phase, and activation of the DNA damage response. Second, we showed that in addition to PCNA monoubiquitination by RAD18, the Fanconi anemia core complex is also important for recruitment of REV1 to stalled replication forks in cisplatin treated cells. Third, we present evidence that REV1 and Polζ are uniquely associated with protection against cisplatin and mitomycin C-induced chromosomal aberrations, and both are necessary for the timely resolution of DNA double-strand breaks associated with repair of DNA interstrand cross-links. Together, our findings indicate that REV1 and Polζ facilitate repair of interstrand cross-links independently of PCNA monoubiquitination and Polη, whereas RAD18 plus Polη, REV1, and Polζ are all necessary for replicative bypass of cisplatin intrastrand DNA cross-links.
Large-scale production and physicochemical characterization of human immune interferon

Large-scale production of crude high-titered (10(2.3) to 10(4) U/ml) human immune interferon (type II) was carried out in roller bottle cultures of human peripheral lymphocytes by using the T-cell mitogen staphylococcal enterotoxin A. Over 99% of human immune interferon was destroyed by pH 2 or heat at 56 degrees C for 1 h. The interferon was not neutralized by antibody to human leukocyte interferon. The kinetics of development of the antiviral state were slow for immune interferon relative to those for leukocyte interferon. Ultrogel AcA 54 chromatography of crude or the concentrated interferon resulted in two peaks of activity, a major one (87% of recovered activity) with a molecular weight of 40,000 to 46,000 and a minor peak of molecular weight 65,000 to 70,000. The column elution buffer consisting of 18% ethylene glycol and 1 M NaCl in phosphate-buffered saline resulted in at least 100% recovery of added interferon. The data suggest, then, that the interferon produced under large-scale conditions was immune (type II). The efficiency of the production was comparable to that described for large-scale production of human leukocyte interferon. Our large-scale production system for human immune interferon offers a feasible approach to preparation of large quantities of purified immune interferon for structure studies, antibody production, and clinical application.
Officially recorded convictions for probationers: The relationship with self‐report and supervisory observations

Objectives. For the past 20–25 years the assessment of the outcomes of probation supervision and its associated variants has relied upon officially recorded offending as the chief determinant of ‘success’ and ‘failure’. A recent assessment of the impact of accredited programmes aimed at reducing offending called for reconviction rates to be supplemented with other outcome measures to give a more accurate picture of treatment effectiveness. Methods. Self-reports of offending are one such alternative outcome measure, and this paper responds to recent calls for developments in this field. This paper throws further light on the frequency of offending by probationers during their probation orders, the extent to which their officers knew of this offending and the relationship between self-reported offending and subsequent convictions. Results. The data suggest that about a half of the probationers committed at least one offence during the time they were on probation and that about a third of the probationers reported that they had committed more than four offences during this same time. In the main, probation officers reports mirrored the reports gained from the probationers. Generally speaking, the relationship between self-reported offending and officially recorded convictions was also very close. However, this varied by the offences/convictions under consideration. Conclusion. There were slightly more probationers found guilty of property offences than had admitted to such offending during their interviews. The explanation for this appeared to have been deliberate concealment on the part of the probationer, rather than recall failure.
Rehabilitation Starts in the Intensive Care Unit

Each year between 10 000 and 12 000 spinal cord injuries occur in the United States. Once injured, many of these patients will receive a portion of their care in an intensive care unit (ICU), where their treatment will begin. Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, Washington, provides comprehensive care to approximately 60 to 70 cervical spinal cord injuries each year. Because of many factors such as hemodynamic instability, pulmonary complications, and risk of infection, patients with cervical spinal cord injuries can spend up to 2 or more weeks in the ICU before they transfer to a rehabilitation unit. To achieve optimal outcomes, it is imperative that members of the interdisciplinary team work together in a consistent, goal-oriented, collaborative manner. This team includes physicians, nurses, respiratory therapists, physical and occupational therapists, speech pathologists, dieticians, and rehabilitation psychologists. An individual plan is developed for each patient and rehabilitation starts in the ICU as soon as the patient is medically stable. This article will highlight the management strategies used in the neuroscience ICU at Harborview Medical Center and will include a case study as an example of the typical experience for our patients with high cervical cord injury.
Student perceptions of computer science: a retention study comparing graduating seniors with cs leavers

Students who develop a strong interest in another field can hardly be fair target for retention efforts. There are others, however, who might do very well in this field but who leave computer science because of misunderstandings about and a negative experience in this academic major. Retention literature suggests and provides numerous examples of initiatives that improve student retention. To determine how best to impact student retention in your computer science department, a comprehensive understanding of the student experience of your major is essential. Not only is it important to know why students leave your major, but an understanding of why they stay can be useful in developing high impact initiatives. The current study involves a comparative examination of students who graduated from the computer science (CS) major at Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta, Georgia (Stayers) with students who chose to leave the major (Leavers). Specifically, perceptions and experiences of computer science as a field in general and the climate of the major were studied. Comparative data collected provided insights into reasons why they entered into the major, about belief of adequate preparation and confidence going into the major, definitions of CS and other related factors. Results were analyzed to identify potential target areas and concrete implementation strategies are suggested for improved retention in the computer science major at this institution.
Viability thresholds and the penumbra of focal ischemia

The classic concept of the viability thresholds of ischemia differentiates between two critical flow rates, the threshold of electrical failure and the threshold of membrane failure. These thresholds mark the upper and lower flow limits of the ischemic penumbra which is thought ot suffer only functional but not structural injury. Recent studies of the functional and metabolic disturbances suggest a more complex pattern of thresholds. At declining flow rates, protein synthesis is inhibited at first (at a threshold of about 0.55 ml/gm/min), followed by a stimulation of anaerobic glycolysis (at 0.35 ml/gm/min), the release of neurotransmitters and the beginning disturbance of energy metabolism (at about 0.20 ml/min), and finally the anoxic depolariztion (<0.15 ml/gm/min). The penumbra, as defined by the classic flow thresholds, does not remain viable for extended periods. Since viability of the tissue requires maintenance of energy‐dependent metabolic processes, penumbra is redefined as a region of constrained blood supply in which the energy metabolism is preserved. Imaging of the penumbra by combining autoradiographic cerebral blood flow measurements with bioluminescent images of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) demonstrates a gradual expansion of the infarct core (in which ATP is depleted) into the penumbra until, after a few hours, the penumbra has disappeared. It is suggested that the limited survival of the penumbra is due to periinfarct depolarizations, which result in repeated episodes of tissue hypoxia, because the increased metabolic workload is not coupled to an adequate increase of collateral blood supply. This explains pharmacological suppression of periinfarct depolarizations lowering the threshold of metabolic disturbances and reducing the volume of the ischemic infarct.
Markovian Equilibrium in Infinite Horizon Economies with Incomplete Markets and Public Policy

We develop an isotone recursive approach to the problem of existence, computation, and characterization of nonsymmetric locally Lipschitz continuous (and, therefore, Clarke-differentiable) Markovian equilibrium for a class of infinite horizon multiagent competitive equilibrium models with capital, aggregate risk, public policy, externalities, one sector production, and incomplete markets. The class of models we consider is large, and examples have been studied extensively in the applied literature in public economics, macroeconomics, and financial economics. We provide sufficient conditions that distinguish between economies with isotone Lipschitizian Markov equilibrium decision processes (MEDPs) and those that have only locally Lipschitzian (but not necessarily isotone) MEDPs. As our fixed point operators are based upon order continuous and compact non-linear operators, we are able to provide sufficient conditions under which isotone iterative fixed point constructions converge to extremal MEDPs via successive approximation. We develop a first application of a new method for computing MEDPs in a system of Euler inequalities using isotone fixed point theory even when MEDPs are not necessarily isotone. The method is a special case of a more general mixed monotone recursive approach. We show MEDPs are unique only under very restrictive conditions. Finally, we prove monotone comparison theorems in Veinott's strong set order on the space of public policy parameters and distorted production functions.