Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Biologically motivated space-variant filtering for robust optic flow processing

We describe and test a biologically motivated space-variant filtering method for decreasing the noise in optic flow fields. Our filter model adopts certain properties of a particular motion-sensitive area of the brain (area MT), which averages the incoming motion signals over receptive fields, the sizes of which increase with the distance from the center of the projection. We use heading estimation from optic flow as a criterion to evaluate the improvement of the filtered flow field. The tests are conducted on flow fields calculated with a standard flow algorithm from image sequences. We use two different sets of image sequences. The first set is recorded by a camera which is installed in a moving car. The second set is derived from a database containing three dimensional data and reflectance information from natural scenes. The latter set guarantees full control of the camera motion and ground truth about the flow field and the heading. We test the space-variant filtering method by comparing heading estimation results between space-variant filtered flow, flow filtered by averaging over domains of the visual field with constant size (constant filtering) and raw unfiltered flow. Because of noise and the aperture problem the heading estimates obtained from the raw flows are often unreliable. Estimated heading differs widely for different sub-sampled calculations. In contrast, the results obtained from the filtered flows are much less variable and therefore more consistent. Furthermore, we find a significant improvement of the results obtained from the space-variant filtered flow compared to the constant filtered flow. We suggest extensions to the space-variant filtering procedure that take other properties of motion representation in area MT into account.
Self-Perceived Communication Competence in the Thai Culture

As intercultural communication and communication competence studies continue to develop, an understanding of how different cultures value these components of human communication is of considerable importance. This study focuses on Thai culture values related to self-perceived communication competence. Several measures of Thai students’ self-perceptions of their own competence in several contexts of communication were obtained—public speaking, meeting, group, dyad, stranger, acquaintance, and friendship. Responses were obtained from over 300 Thai college students. The results indicated that Thai students feel most competent when communicating with acquaintances and/or in a small group. They report feeling somewhat less competent when talking with friends or in meetings. However, they report feeling least competent when communicating in a public speaking setting or talking with strangers. Studies similar to this one, but with participants from other cultures, are needed to prepare people who are going to be called on to communicate in intercultural contexts.
The association between testosterone and aggression among young men: Empirical findings and a meta-analysis

An empirical study investigated the association between testosterone and aggression in a sample of young male medical students: 101 volunteers completed the Aggression Questionnaire [Buss et al, (1992) Journal of Personality and Social Psychology 63:452-459] and the Conflict Tactics Scales [Straus (1979) Journal of Marriage and the Family 41:75-88] and gave a blood sample to measure testosterone levels, Neither total testosterone nor the free androgen index correlated significantly with any of the aggression subscales (physical, verbal, anger, and hostility) or with the Conflict Tactics Scales measure, This finding applied to both Caucasian and Asian respondents. Since this was one of several null results among an overall finding of a positive association, a meta-analysis of previous studies involving student samples and those from aggression-prone populations was undertaken. A weighted mean of d =. 40 was obtained from 18 studies, but no differences were found between the magnitude of effect in the two types of sample. Of several other study characteristics, only the source of the testosterone assay influenced effect size magnitude, those from salivary samples being higher than those from plasma samples.
Levodopa-Induced Dyskinesia Is Associated with Increased Thyrotropin Releasing Hormone in the Dorsal Striatum of Hemi-Parkinsonian Rats

Background Dyskinesias associated with involuntary movements and painful muscle contractions are a common and severe complication of standard levodopa (L-DOPA, L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine) therapy for Parkinson's disease. Pathologic neuroplasticity leading to hyper-responsive dopamine receptor signaling in the sensorimotor striatum is thought to underlie this currently untreatable condition. Methodology/Principal Findings Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was employed to evaluate the molecular changes associated with L-DOPA-induced dyskinesias in Parkinson's disease. With this technique, we determined that thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH) was greatly increased in the dopamine-depleted striatum of hemi-parkinsonian rats that developed abnormal movements in response to L-DOPA therapy, relative to the levels measured in the contralateral non-dopamine-depleted striatum, and in the striatum of non-dyskinetic control rats. ProTRH immunostaining suggested that TRH peptide levels were almost absent in the dopamine-depleted striatum of control rats that did not develop dyskinesias, but in the dyskinetic rats, proTRH immunostaining was dramatically up-regulated in the striatum, particularly in the sensorimotor striatum. This up-regulation of TRH peptide affected striatal medium spiny neurons of both the direct and indirect pathways, as well as neurons in striosomes. Conclusions/Significance TRH is not known to be a key striatal neuromodulator, but intrastriatal injection of TRH in experimental animals can induce abnormal movements, apparently through increasing dopamine release. Our finding of a dramatic and selective up-regulation of TRH expression in the sensorimotor striatum of dyskinetic rat models suggests a TRH-mediated regulatory mechanism that may underlie the pathologic neuroplasticity driving dopamine hyper-responsivity in Parkinson's disease.
Sustainable Development: Exploring the Ethics of Our Common Future

The concept of sustainable development was placed on the international agenda with the release of the report Our Common Future by the World Commission on Environment and Development in 1987. Although considerable attention has since been devoted to the idea of sustainable development itself, the broader conceptual framework of the idea—whereby the Commission tried to integrate environmental policies and development strategies in order to create the foundation for a global partnership—has been neglected in much of the literature. The purpose of the present article is to offer an interpretation of Our Common Future, where the concept of sustainable development is linked to the broader framework of normative preconditions and empirical assumptions. The structure of the argument is to demonstrate that the relationship between sustainable development and economic growth has been over-emphasized, and that other vital aspects of the normative framework have been neglected. Social justice (both within and between generations), humanistic solidarity, a concern for the world’s poor, and respect for the ecological limits to global development, constitute other aspects of sustainable development; aspects which are indeed relevant for the growing disparity between North and South.
Chemical Homogeneity in Collinder 261 and Implications for Chemical Tagging

This paper presents abundances for 12 red giants of the old open cluster Collinder 261 based on spectra from the Very Large Telescope UVES. Abundances were derived for Na, Mg, Si, Ca, Mn, Fe, Ni, Zr, and Ba. We find that the cluster has a solar-level metallicity of [Fe/H] = -0.03 dex. However, most α- and s-process elements were found to be enhanced. The star-to-star scatter was consistent with the expected measurement uncertainty for all elements. The observed rms scatter is as follows: Na = 0.07, Mg = 0.05, Si = 0.06, Ca = 0.05, Mn = 0.03, Fe = 0.02, Ni = 0.04, Zr = 0.12, and Ba = 0.03 dex. The intrinsic scatter was estimated to be less than 0.05 dex. Such high levels of homogeneity indicate that chemical information remains preserved in this old open cluster. We use the chemical homogeneity we have now established in Cr 261, the Hyades, and the HR 1614 moving group to examine the uniqueness of the individual cluster abundance patterns, i.e., chemical signatures. We demonstrate that the three studied clusters have unique chemical signatures and discuss how other such signatures may be searched for in the future. Our findings support the prospect of chemically tagging disk stars to common formation sites in order to unravel the dissipative history of the Galactic disk.
e of physical restraints in acute hospitals in Germany : multi-centre cross-sectional study

Background: Physical restraints are contrary to patients’ autonomy and freedom. Their justification for controlling psychomotor agitation and risk of falling is being questioned more and more often. Physical restraints are associated with many negative outcomes. The German law is explicit, allowing physical restraints in nursing only as an exception. Data on the use of physical restraints in acute hospitals in Germany are sparse. Objectives: To investigate the prevalence of physical restraints and characteristics associated with physical restraint use in acute hospitals. Design: Cross-sectional study. Participants and setting: 1276 patients (mean age 65 years, 45% women, 50% surgical) on 61 wards (n = 47 general; n = 14 intensive care) in four acute care hospitals in North RhineWestphalia, Germany. Methods: One investigator visited each hospital ward at three randomly allocated time slots on randomly selected days within a period of three months. A total of 3434 direct observations on physical restraint status were collected. The study period lasted from October 2008 to March 2009. For analysis, one time slot per patient room was randomly chosen in order to avoid repeated analysis of the same patient. Results: The prevalence of patients with at least one physical restraint was 11.8% (95%CI 7.8–15.7). The measures used most often were full bed rails (9.8%, 95%CI 6.5–13.1). There was pronounced prevalence variation throughout the wards (general wards: 0.0–31.3%; intensive care: 0.0–90.0%). The prevalence of physical restraints between hospitals ranged from 6.2 to 16.6%, the overall association with hospital was non-significant. Multivariate regression analysis revealed statistically significant characteristics for physical restraint use: age 80–99 years versus 18–54 years (adjusted odds ratio 4.34, 95%CI 2.18–8.64), feeding tube (2.70, 1.40–5.22), indwelling urinary catheter (6.52, 3.75–11.34), and staying in intensive care unit (3.39, 1.29–8.92). Sharing a multi-bed room (0.55, 0.35–0.89) and in situ central venous line were inversely associated (0.44, 0.19–0.98). Conclusions: Physical restraints are apparently standard care in German acute hospitals. However, variation between wards indicates that hospital care with only few physical restraints is feasible. Respecting patients’ dignity and integrity warrants intervention programmes aimed at decreasing practice variation towards a general reduction of physical restraints in acute hospitals in Germany. 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. Corresponding author at: Medical Faculty, Institute for Health and Nursing Science, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Germany, +49 345 557 4498; fax: +49 345 557 4471. E-mail address: Gabriele.Meyer@medizin.uni-halle.de (G. Meyer).
Interaction between parents and children

Continuing Controversies About Children and Their Development Relevant to Parent-Child Interaction Theoretical Orientations What the Child Becomes Three Selected Variables The Child as Clay An Overview of the Unidirectional Approach The Child as Clay The Unidirectional Approach to Three Variables Through the Looking Glass An Overview of Bidirectional Approaches Through the Looking Glass Bidirectional Approaches to Three Variables The Family as a Spiral of Recursive Feedback Loops An Overview of the Systems Approach The Family as a Spiral of Recursive Feedback Loops A Systemic View of Three Variables Epilogue Conclusions, Concomitant Concerns, and Closing
Premenstrual syndrome and the marital relationship

Abstract The effects of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) on the marital relationship of husband and wife in both the follicular and luteal menstrual cycle phases for couples with women experiencing PMS as compared to a control group of similar, non-PMS couples were tested. The specific purpose of the study was to determine if couples differed in their level of marital distress from the woman's follicular to luteal cycle phases. Results indicated that the marital relationship of PMS couples was similar to non-PMS couples in the follicular cycle phase. However, the marital relationship of PMS couples deteriorated in the luteal cycle phase. Males' and females' reports of marital functioning were similar. Many female participants tested as experiencing a high rate of ongoing psychosocial distress.
Expression-based screening identifies the combination of histone deacetylase inhibitors and retinoids for neuroblastoma differentiation

The discovery of new small molecules and their testing in rational combination poses an ongoing problem for rare diseases, in particular, for pediatric cancers such as neuroblastoma. Despite maximal cytotoxic therapy with double autologous stem cell transplantation, outcome remains poor for children with high-stage disease. Because differentiation is aberrant in this malignancy, compounds that modulate transcription, such as histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors, are of particular interest. However, as single agents, HDAC inhibitors have had limited efficacy. In the present study, we use an HDAC inhibitor as an enhancer to screen a small-molecule library for compounds inducing neuroblastoma maturation. To quantify differentiation, we use an enabling gene expression-based screening strategy. The top hit identified in the screen was all-trans-retinoic acid. Secondary assays confirmed greater neuroblastoma differentiation with the combination of an HDAC inhibitor and a retinoid versus either alone. Furthermore, effects of combination therapy were synergistic with respect to inhibition of cellular viability and induction of apoptosis. In a xenograft model of neuroblastoma, animals treated with combination therapy had the longest survival. This work suggests that testing of an HDAC inhibitor and retinoid in combination is warranted for children with neuroblastoma and demonstrates the success of a signature-based screening approach to prioritize compound combinations for testing in rare diseases.
Barefoot Training Improved Ankle Stability and Agility in Netball Players

The primary aim of the study was to determine the effects of an eight-week barefoot training programme on ankle stability, agility and speed in 20 competitive female netball players (age 20 ±2 years). Before and after the intervention, all players were assessed for stability, agility and speed. The barefoot training group (n = 10) significantly improved their overall stability of the right leg (p = 0.01; d = 1.62), anterior-posterior stability of the right leg (p = 0.01; d = 1.63), the medial-lateral stability of the right leg (p = 0.04; d = 1.14) and performance in the 505-Agility test to the left (p = 0.01; d = 1.04) and right (p = 0.002; d = 1.4). The shod or control group (n=10) showed no statistically significant improvements in any of the performance tests. A large practical significant difference between the barefoot and control group was found in their 10 m (d = 1.01) and 20 m sprint (d = 0.8) performances after the intervention period. It could be concluded that barefoot training had a positive effect on agility and ankle stability, which could possibly enhance netball performance and play a role in the prevention of ankle injuries.
Hematological manifestation in HIV infected children.

OBJECTIVE To determine the common hematological abnormalities in HIV infected children and any association of these abnormalities with HIV disease severity. STUDY DESIGN Cross-sectional study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY Regional Pediatric ART centre, Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata, West Bengal, India, from November 2011 to November 2012. METHODOLOGY Children up to 12 years with confirmed diagnosis of HIV infection were clinically examined and tested for complete hemogram and CD4 count. Bone marrow study was done in selected patient depending on hemogram report. Children were divided in different stages according to WHO clinical staging. Each of the hematological parameters was assessed for any association with progression of disease. Fisher's Exact Test was used for determining the association between WHO clinical staging and abnormal blood parameters. P-value < 0.05 was taken as significant. RESULTS Sixty nine percent of the study population was anemic; 47.37% (18/38), 66.67% (8/12), 71.43% (15/21) and 93.10% (27/29) of stage 1, 2, 3 and 4 respectively were anemic in the study population (p=0.001). Leucopenia was present in 34% (34/100) children. Neutropenia and lymphopenia was present in 19% (19/100) and 22% (22/100) children. Lymphopenia was present in 7.89% (3/38), 16.67% (2/12), 19.05% (4/21) and 44.83% (13/29) of patient with stage 1, 2, 3 and 4 respectively (p=0.020). Eosinophilia was present in 17% (17/100) and thrombocytopenia in 11% (11/100) children. 2 patients with stage 4 disease were with hypoplastic bone marrow. CONCLUSION Anemia was the most common hematological abnormality in HIV infected children. Anemia and lymphopenia had a significant association with the stage of the disease.
School Improvement Plans in Elementary and Middle Schools on Probation

This article reports on a study of school improvement under conditions of high-stakes accountability. Planning is a key mandate for persistently low-performing schools on probation in many accountability systems. We investigated what kinds of school improvement plans schools wrote under these conditions and what role the plans played in the school improvement process. The study consisted of 2 parts: a content analysis of 46 school improvement plans selected from 1 state accountability system, Maryland, and case study data from 3 elementary and 4 middle schools. This article draws primarily from interviews conducted at the 7 schools. The study showed that schools responded to performance demands of the accountability system with a pattern of external obligation and internal managerialism. School improvement plans were less useful as tools for a broadly based internal development process.
Clinical Application of the PES/WES Index on Natural Teeth: Case Report and Literature Review

The use of reliable indices to evaluate the aesthetic outcomes in the aesthetic area is an important and objective clinical aid to monitor the results over time. According to the literature various indices were proposed to evaluate aesthetic outcomes of implant-prosthetic rehabilitation of the anterior area like Peri-Implant and Crown Index [PICI], Implant Crown Aesthetic Index [ICAI], Pink Esthetic Score/White Esthetic Score [PES/WES], and Pink Esthetic Score [PES] but none of them was related to prosthetic rehabilitation on natural teeth. The aim of this study is to verify the validity of PES/WES index for natural tooth-prosthetic rehabilitation of the anterior area. As secondary objective, we proposed to evaluate the long-term predictability of this clinical application, one of which is presented below, following the analysis of the most currently accepted literature.
Implicit social cognition and safety culture

Most models define safety culture as basic assumptions, attitudes, or values concerning organizational safety issues. When measuring safety cultures, many researchers have had their main focus on explicit safety‐critical attitudes and generally relied on specific survey instruments. It is questionable, however, whether self‐report measures can capture all aspects of organizational safety culture. Instead of getting direct answers, implicit measures rely on activating automatic attitudes derived from long‐term memory and measure the time it takes an individual to react to attitude‐evoking stimuli. This article deals with the relationship between implicit safety‐critical attitudes and safety culture. The first study involved the measurement of explicit and implicit safety‐critical attitudes from 376 participants working in various industries. The Implicit Association Test (IAT)—a latency‐based measurement approach—was applied to assess implicit safety‐critical attitudes. Explicit safety attitudes were measured by questionnaire. Implicit and explicit attitudes are both related to organizational safety performance indicators, such as data concerning accidents and near misses. The second study involved both types of safety‐critical attitudes that were used for predicting safety culture indicators on an individual level. An example of this is risk awareness. The first study's results show that explicit and implicit safety‐critical attitudes represent various aspects of an organizational safety culture and can be related to safety performance indicators on an organizational level. The second study's results indicate that implicitly measured attitudes have been better at predicting safety culture indicators on an individual level compared to explicit attitude. Recommendations for future research in the field of safety culture assessment are made. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Perceptions of Retirement Savings Relative to Peers

Do individuals’ perceptions of how much others save for retirement influence their own long-range financial saving decisions? In this study, social comparison theory was used as a theoretical touchstone for understanding the impact of interpersonal perceptions on saving behavior. Respondents ( N = 224) reported not only the amount they had saved for retirement during the previous year, but they also reported perceptions of the magnitude of their savings relative to peers and completed 6 psychological scales related to retirement planning. A 2-stage ordinary least squares (OLS) regression approach was used to examine: (a) the extent to which nine demographic indicators were predictive of individuals’ retirement savings practices, and (b) whether unexplained savings from the initial regression model could be hierarchically predicted using the 6 psychological scales and perceptions of one’s savings relative to peers. The findings suggest that social comparisons do account for savings practices over and above demographic and psychological indicators. Results are discussed in terms of how individuals’ implicit social comparisons might shape not only their perceptions, but also their saving behavior.
The Media Framing of China’s Image in East Africa: An Exploratory Study

Sino-East African relations are very significant for the continent. These tighten-ing, multilevel and overarching relations are to a certain extent dependent on the accumulation of perceptions among East Africans about China. China-Africa social science literature has pointed out that China has both a favourable and unfavourable image in East Africa. These studies however exhibit a certain level of vagueness from a communication perspective in so far as they lack empiri-cism. This exploratory paper investigates the media image of China in East Afri-ca with a view to determining positive, negative and weak perceptions by apply-ing a content analysis approach. I use a media framing model to investigate Chi-na’s image as represented by four Nation Media Group English-language news-papers during 2011. As an exploratory study, the paper discusses some of the issues raised by the analysis, presents tentative findings and proposes further research directionsii.