Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Time dependency in topic models of media attention

: Topic models are powerful methods to track the latent semantic structure in large collections of unstructured text. Recently, Roberts et al. (2014) introduced the structural topic model (STM), which makes these models interesting for a broad application in the social sciences. In an improvement to standard topic models, STM promises to control for different sources of bias in the text data as well as to allow experimentation and inferential analyses. One of the most important sources of bias in text collections are time dependencies. In most text collections, serial correlation possibly undermines the dynamic estimation of time-independent concepts such as media attention to policies or issues. In STM, time series can be modelled by using time trends or fixed effects. In this study, it is tested whether this is sufficient to measure the dynamic of media attention on simulated data sets as well as a large corpus of newspaper reports related to smoking bans in the US from 1996 until 2013.
Rotational diffusion measurements of suspended colloidal particles using two-dimensional exchange nuclear magnetic resonance

We present here an experimental and theoretical study of the application of two‐dimensional exchange nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) to the investigation of the rotational diffusion of colloidal particles. The theoretical discussion includes the nature of the NMR frequency time‐correlation function where the NMR interaction is represented by the chemical shift anisotropy (CSA). Time‐correlation functions for the isotropic rotational diffusion of a suspension of colloidal particles containing single and multiple sites are derived in addition to time‐correlation functions for the rotational diffusion of a suspension of symmetric top particles containing an isotropic distribution of a single CSA interaction. Simulations of two‐dimensional exchange spectra for particles undergoing isotropic rotational diffusion are presented. We performed two‐dimensional exchange NMR experiments on a colloidal suspension of spherical poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) particles which were synthesized with a 20% en.
An evaluation of general practice websites in the UK.

BACKGROUND General practice websites are an emerging phenomenon, but there have been few critical evaluations of their content. Previously developed rating instruments to assess medical websites have been criticized for failing to report their reliability and validity. OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to develop a rating instrument for assessing UK general practice websites, and then to evaluate them critically. METHODS The STaRNet Website Assessment Tool (SWAT) was developed listing criteria that general practice websites may meet, which was then used to evaluate a random sample of websites drawn from an electronic database. A second assessor rated a subsample of the sites to assess the tool's inter-rater reliability. The setting was an information technology group of a general practice research network using a random sample of 108 websites identified from the database. The main outcome measures were identification of rating criteria and frequency counts from the website rating instrument. RESULTS Ninety (93.3%) sites were accessible, of which 84 were UK general practice websites. Criteria most frequently met were those describing the scope of the website and their functionality. Apart from e-mail to practices, criteria related to electronic communication were rarely met. Criteria relating to the quality of information were least often met. Inter-rater reliability kappa values for the items in the tool ranged from -0.06 to 1.0 (mean 0.59). Values were >0.6 for 15 out of 25 criteria assessed in 40 sites which were rated by two assessors. CONCLUSIONS General practice websites offer a wide range of information. They are technically satisfactory, but do not exploit fully the potential for electronic doctor-patient communication. The quality of information they provide is poor. The instrument may be developed as a template for general practices producing or revising their own websites.
Toward consistent regional-to-global-scale vegetation characterization using orbital SAR systems

A study was conducted to assess the potential of combined imagery from the existing European and Japanese orbitar synthetic aperture radar (SAR) systems, ERS-1 (C-hand, VV-polarization) and JERS-1 (L-band, HH-palarization), for regional-to-global-scale vegetation classification. For seven test sites from various ecoregions in North and South America, ERS-1/JERS-1 composites were generated using high-resolution digital elevation model (DEM) data for terrain correction of geometric and radiometric distortions. An edge-preserving speckle reduction process was applied to reduce the fading variance and prepare the data for an unsupervised clustering of the two-dimensional (2D) SAR feature space. Signature-based classification of the clusters was performed for all test sites with the same set of radar backscatter signatures, which were measured from well-defined polygons throughout all test sites. While trained on one-half of the polygons, the classification result was tested against the other half of the total sample population. The multisite study was followed by a multitemporal study in one test site, clearly showing the necessity of including multitemporal data beyond a level 1 (woody, herbaceous, mixed) vegetation characterization. Finally, classifications with simulation of backscatter variations shows the dependence of the classification results on calibration accuracy and on naturally occurring backscatter changes of natural surfaces. Overall, it is demonstrated that the combination of existing orbital L- and C-band SAR data is quite powerful for structural vegetation characterization.
Technology Components as Adjuncts to Family-Based Pediatric Obesity Treatment in Low-Income Minority Youth.

BACKGROUND Strategies to treat pediatric obesity are needed, especially among high-need populations. Technology is an innovative approach; however, data on technology as adjuncts to in-person treatment programs are limited. METHODS A total of 64 children [body mass index (BMI) ≥85th percentile, mean age = 9.6 ± 3.1 years, 32.8% female, 84.4% Hispanic] were recruited to participate in one of three cohorts of a family-based behavioral group (FBBG) treatment program: FBBG only, TECH1, and TECH2. Rolling, nonrandomized recruitment was used to enroll participants into three cohorts from May 2014 to February 2015. FBBG began in May 2014 and received the standard, in-person 12-week treatment only (n = 21); TECH1 began in September 2014 and received FBBG plus a digital tablet equipped with a fitness app (FITNET) (n = 20); TECH2 began in February 2015 and received FBBG and FITNET, plus five individually tailored TeleMed health-coaching sessions delivered via Skype (n = 23). Child BMI z-score (BMI-z) was assessed at baseline and postintervention. Secondary aims examined weekly FBBG attendance, feasibility/acceptability of FITNET and Skype, and the effect of technology engagement on BMI-z. RESULTS FBBG and TECH1 participants did not show significant reductions in BMI-z postintervention [FBBG: β = -0.05(0.04), p = 0.25; TECH1: β = -0.006(0.06), p = 0.92], but TECH2 participants did [β = -0.09(0.02), p < 0.001] and TeleMed session participation was significantly associated with BMI-z reduction [β = -0.04(0.01), p = 0.01]. FITNET use and FBBG attendance were not associated with BMI-z in any cohort. Overall, participants rated the technology as highly acceptable. CONCLUSIONS Technology adjuncts are feasible, used by hard-to-reach participants, and show promise for improving child weight status in obesity treatment programs.
Phase space engineering for neurodynamic target identification

The authors propose and describe a new concept in automated radar target identification from a single look (coherent broadband echo) based on neural net models. They view a neural net as a multidimensional nonlinear dynamic system capable of exhibiting powerful collective computational and signal processing functions that are fully and therefore best described by their phase-space behavior in terms of terminal, periodic, or strange attractors and associated basins of attraction. They suggest that a central issue in understanding and applying neural nets today is finding ways for imparting to a net distinct phase-space behavior that gives rise to desired functions. This phase-space engineering approach represents a totally new paradigm in signal processing that originates from known universal features of biological information processing in the nervous system. The authors present initial results illustrating one possible method for applying the phase-space engineering concept to the long-standing problem of recognizing airborne targets from a single look. <<ETX>>
Ecological Consequences of the Trade-Off between Growth and Mortality Rates Mediated by Foraging Activity

Animals are frequently faced with trade-offs created by the fact that both resource acquisition and risk of mortality increase with activity, for example, with foraging speed or time spent foraging. We develop models predicting adaptive responses for both foraging speed and proportion of time active when individual growth rate and mortality risk are functions of these variables. Using the criterion that animals should minimize the ratio of mortality to growth rates, we show that, when both growth and mortality rates are linear with activity levels, the latter should be either maximal or minimal depending on resource level. If growth rate is a decelerating function of activity, then speed or time active should decrease with increases in resources, handling time, or the effect of activity on mortality rate. By contrast, if mortality rate unrelated to activity increases, then activity rate also should increase. We also develop predictions for cases in which time horizon is critical using a dynamic programming framework. The general patterns of predicted activity responses are similar to the time-invariant analytical solutions, but foraging speed is reduced relative to the analytical solutions when time remaining is long or when accumulated reserves are high. This effect is ameliorated when accumulated reserves (size) increase resource capture efficiency or reduce mortality risk. If resources decline with time (e.g., because of competition) optimal foraging speeds are also higher than predicted by the analytical solutions. We discuss the relation of our predictions to previous models and the available empirical evidence. The majority of available data appear to be consistent with our models, and in some cases quantitative comparisons are quite close. Finally, we discuss the implications of our results for ontogenetic changes in behavior and for population- and community-level phenomena, particularly the role of activity responses in competitive interactions and indirect effects and patterns of coexistence among competitors.
Acetylated Sp3 Is a Transcriptional Activator*

Sp3 transcription factor can either activate or repress target gene expression. However, the molecular event that controls this dual function is unclear. We previously reported (Ammanamanchi, S., and Brattain, M. G. (2001) J. Biol. Chem. 276, 3348–3352) that unmodified Sp3 acts as a transcriptional repressor of transforming growth factor-β receptors in MCF-7L breast cancer cells. We now report that histone deacetylase inhibitor trichostatin A (TSA) induces acetylation of Sp3, which acts as a transcriptional activator of transforming growth factor-β receptor type II (RII) in MCF-7L cells. Mutation analysis indicated the TSA response is mediated through a GC box located on the RII promoter, which was previously identified as an Sp1/Sp3-binding site that was critical for RII promoter activity. Ectopic Sp3 expression in Sp3-deficient MCF-7E breast cancer cells repressed RII promoter activity in the absence of TSA. However, in the TSA-treated MCF-7E cells ectopic Sp3 activated RII promoter. Histone acetyltransferase p300 was shown to acetylate Sp3. Sp3-mediated RII promoter activity was stimulated by wild type p300 but not the histone acetyltransferase domain-deleted mutant p300 in MCF-7L cells, suggesting the positive effect of p300 acetylase activity on Sp3. Consequently, the results presented in this manuscript demonstrate that acetylation acts as a switch that controls the repressor and activator role of Sp3.
2‐Aminoethoxydiphenyl borate (2‐APB) is a reliable blocker of store‐operated Ca2+ entry but an inconsistent inhibitor of InsP3‐induced Ca2+ release

Since its introduction to Ca2+ signaling in 1997, 2‐aminoethoxydiphenyl borate (2‐APB) has been used in many studies to probe for the involvement of inositol 1,4,5‐trisphosphate receptors in the generation of Ca2+ signals. Due to reports of some nonspecific actions of 2‐APB, and the fact that its principal antagonistic effect is on Ca2+ entry rather than Ca2+ release, this compound may not have the utility first suggested. However, 2‐APB has thrown up some interesting results, particularly with respect to store‐operated Ca2+ entry in nonexcitable cells. These data indicate that although it must be used with caution, 2‐APB can be useful in probing certain aspects of Ca2+ signaling. —Bootman, M. D. , Collins, T. J., Mackenzie, L. , Roderick, H. L. , Berridge, M. J., Peppiatt, C. M. 2‐Aminoethoxydiphenyl borate (2‐APB) is a reliable blocker of store‐operated Ca2+ entry but an inconsistent inhibitor of InsP3‐induced Ca2+ release. FASEB J. 16, 1145–1150 (2002)
Robust driver fatigue recognition using image processing

Driver fatigue causes serious damages amongst all other road accidents. Around 20% of fatal road accidents involve driver fatigue. This paper describes a modern approach which will detect driver fatigue considering most of the fatigue symptoms. Eye closure, yawning, head tilting is the major symptoms of fatigue behavior. Inattentive vehicle movement in the road under fatigue condition is also accountable for driver fatigue. The goal of this paper is to detect these symptoms for better driving condition in the road. These symptoms are monitored by two cameras. This paper proposes a robust system where facial expressions, head tilting and lane departure for fatigue will be detected collectively. Experimental results of the proposed method are compared with the previous method. The results show good accuracy and reliable performance to avoid road accidents compared to the previous method. The proposed system is very simple and avoids any complexity.
Carrageenans and the proteolytic activity of human gastric secretion

The inhibition of the peptic activity of human gastric secretion by undegraded and degraded carrageenans of similar sulphate content has been examined over the pH range 1.5–3.75. Inhibition by degraded carrageenan is constant throughout this range, but inhibition by undegraded carrageenan decreases between pH 2.5 and 3.25, when a lower level is established. The inhibition by both types of carrageenan is caused by substrate‐inhibitor interaction. The differences in degree of inhibition and the effect of pH on the inhibition by undegraded carrageenan appear to originate in the differing natures of the substrate‐inhibitor complexes formed by degraded and undegraded carrageenans.
Enrichissement d’un lexique bilingue par apprentissage analogique [Enrichment of a Bilingual Lexicon by Analogical Learning]

Unknown words are a well-known hindrance to natural language applications. In particular, they drastically impact machine translation quality. An easy way out commercial translation systems usually offer their users is the possibility to add unknown words and their translations into a dedicated lexicon. Recently, (Stroppa et Yvon, 2005) shown how analogical learning alone deals nicely with morphology in different languages. In this study we show that analogical learning offers as well an elegant and efficient solution to the problem of identifying potential translations of unknown words. MOTS-CLES :analogie formelle, enrichissement de lexiques bilingues, traduction automatique.
Modeling of UHV and Double-Circuit EHV Transmission-Line Exposure to Direct Lightning Strikes

This paper comprises the first systematic investigation into the factors that render ultra-high voltage and double-circuit extremely high voltage transmission lines more vulnerable to direct lightning strikes by shielding failure. Such lines are typically characterized by one or more of the following features: massive conductor bundles, extreme conductor heights, and exceptionally high operating voltage. The model addresses the effects of the upward connecting leader onset of conductor proximity, ground field due to cloud charges prior to negative leader descent, positive space-charge generation at ground wires, as well as the operating voltage during the positive half cycle. It has been found that such factors have significant effects on the lateral attractive distance of both conductor bundles and ground wires. An agreement between model findings and field experience is found to be generally satisfactory.
Comparison of PFA-100 and Bleeding Time Testing in Pediatric Patients With Suspected Hemorrhagic Problems

Background The bleeding time test is difficult to perform, standardize, and interpret in children. In this study the authors evaluated the sensitivity, specificity, and efficiency of the bleeding time test and the PFA-100 in a series of children referred for possible bleeding problems. Patients and Methods Between February 2000 and August 2001 patients aged more than 6 months and less than 18 years of age who were referred to the authors' institution for a hemostatic evaluation were included in the study if residual blood was available for testing on the PFA-100 instrument. Fifty-two children had platelet count, prothrombin time, partial thromboplastin time, bleeding time, and PFA-100 testing performed as well as an evaluation by a hematologist. For PFA-100 testing, 52 patients had Col/Epi measurements; adequate sample remained for Col/ADP testing on 32. Additional testing for diagnostic purposes was at the discretion of the treating physician. Results Use of the Col/Epi cartridge in the PFA-100 instrument offered 100% sensitivity and 97% specificity for detection of qualitative platelet abnormalities, compared with 37% and 88%, respectively, for bleeding time testing. For pediatric patients with von Willebrand disease, the sensitivity was 100% using the Col/Epi cartridge, compared with 17% for the bleeding time test. The sensitivities for combined qualitative platelet defects and von Willebrand disease using the Col/Epi or Col/ADP cartridges were 100% and 87%, respectively, compared with 37% for the bleeding time test. Conclusions The PFA-100 is a more efficient test; it can replace the bleeding time test as a component of the laboratory evaluation of children with a potential bleeding problem.
Responsiveness of Outcome Measures Used in an Antidementia Drug Trial

The responsiveness of outcome measures used in antidementia drug trials has had little formal analysis, but it can be crucial to the interpretation of a medication's effectiveness. The authors report the responsiveness of outcome measures from the Canadian trial of linopirdine, a novel phenylinodolinone, estimated using an effect size statistic. The effect sizes ranged from 0.10–0.26, with the cognitive and functional measures yielding estimates greater than 0.20, a level held to be clinically detectable. All of the standard measures used in this trial, save one, performed better than the global clinical measure. The global clinical measure used in this study may have been too insensitive to detect minimal clinical change.
Coronary arteries in the hypoplastic left heart syndrome. Histopathologic and histometrical studies and implications for surgery.

The subepicardial coronary arteries (CAs) in the hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) were studied for pathology dependent on the patency of the mitral valve and the presence of endocardial fibroelastosis (EFE) of the left ventricle (LV). Nine heart specimens with aortic and mitral atresia (group 1) were studied and compared with 19 hearts with aortic atresia and mitral stenosis (group 2) (EFE of the LV was present in all cases) and 10 normal hearts. The median age at death was 3 days. For the histological and histometrical studies, 5-mm blocks from six comparable sites of the left (L) and right (R) CAs were serially sectioned and routinely processed. The arterial size and wall thickness were measured. Macroscopically, the CAs in group 1 were normal except for the prevalence of left dominance (56%). In contrast in group 2, the CAs were thicker and tortuous. Histopathology was restricted almost exclusively to group 2 specimens (11 of 19), with the proximal LCAs being the most affected. However, eight hearts with EFE in group 2 had no structural wall changes of the CAs. Histometrically, the sizes (external diameters) of the LCAs and RCAs were similar (0.5-1.0 mm) in groups 1 and 2 and in the normal group; however, we noted an increase in percent medial thickness in group 2 specimens, especially of the LCAs. Furthermore, in some group 2 hearts, the wall thickness (intima and media) relative to the luminal size (internal radius) of proximal and middle LCAs was significantly increased, suggesting the presence of ventricle-CA communications. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Intracranial aneurysms in patients with coarctation of the aorta: a prospective magnetic resonance angiographic study of 100 patients.

OBJECTIVE To determine the frequency of intracranial aneurysms (IAs) detected in patients with coarctation of the aorta (CoA) with use of magnetic resonance angiography. PATIENTS AND METHODS From January 1, 1980, to September 30, 2002, 277 adult patients with CoA were seen at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn, and were invited to participate in a study to detect IAs. Of these 277 patients (mean +/- SD age, 41.6 +/- 16.5; 70 men), 100 underwent cranial magnetic resonance angiography. RESULTS Ten patients had an IA (95% confidence interval, 5%-18%), with a mean diameter of 3.5 mm (range, 2.0-8.0 mm). The frequency of IA was significantly higher than that predicted in the general population (10% vs 2%; P < .001). One patient had surgical intervention. No clinical or geographical differences were found between patients with CoA and IA and patients with CoA and no IA. CONCLUSIONS The frequency of IA among patients with CoA is approximately 5-fold that of the general population. Although no risk factors were identified in this cohort, additional prospective evaluation is warranted. These data suggest that noninvasive cerebral imaging to screen for IA should be considered in patients with CoA.
Symbolic model checking for agent interactions

In this paper, we address the issue of the specification and verification of commitment protocols having a social semantics. We begin with developing a new language to formally specify these protocols and desirable properties by enhancing CTL* logic with modalities of commitments and actions on these commitments. We also present a symbolic model checking algorithm for commitments and their actions based on OBDDs. Finally, we present an implementation and experimental results of the proposed protocol using the NuSMV and MCMAS symbolic model checkers.
Toward formal models of biologically inspired, highly parallel machine cognition

The relentless march of multiple-core chip technology is creating intractable massively parallel programming challenges. High level mental processes in many animals, and their social analogs, present similar problems, and recent mathematical models addressing them appear adaptable to the multi-core conundrum. But biological and cultural evolution have taken, respectively, the better part of a half-billion years to stabilise high order mental functions in living organisms, and 10,000 years to constrain the behaviour of human institutions, in both cases with limited success. Stabilising large networks of highly intelligent devices seems as fundamentally difficult as programming them.