Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Feature peeling

We present a novel rendering algorithm that analyses the ray profiles along the line of sight. The profiles are subdivided according to encountered peaks and valleys at so called transition points. The sensitivity of these transition points is calibrated via two thresholds. The slope threshold is based on the magnitude of a peak following a valley, while the peeling threshold measures the depth of the transition point relative to the neighboring rays. This technique separates the dataset into a number of feature layers. The user can scroll through the layers inspecting various features from the current view position. While our technique has been inspired by opacity peeling approach, we demonstrate that we can reveal detectable features even in the third and forth layers for both CT and MRI datasets.
Effects of Salinity on Spawning and Early Development of the Tube-Building Polychaete Hydroides elegans in Hong Kong: Not Just the Sperm's Fault?

Ambient salinities drop dramatically during monsoon season in Hong Kong coastal waters, posing a number of problems for externally fertilizing species like the polychaete Hydroides elegans. In this study, we investigated (1) whether adults would retain their gametes when external salinity dropped to levels too low to support fertilization and development, and (2) whether failure of development at low salinity reflects a failure of fertilization or a failure of fertilized eggs to cleave. Adults released eggs and sperm in the laboratory even at the lowest salinity tested, a practical salinity (S) of 5, and yet very few eggs cleaved at salinities below about 22. By mixing gametes at high salinity and then transferring the fertilized eggs to low-salinity seawater, we found that salinities below about 22 reduced the percentage of fertilized eggs that cleaved. Similarly, mixing gametes at salinities as low as 15 and then transferring the eggs to full-strength seawater (S = 30) rescued a substantial number of eggs, many more of which cleaved after their transfer to the higher salinity. The results suggest that failure of early development at low salinity in this species in large part reflects an inability of newly fertilized eggs to complete meiosis and cleave, rather than simply a failure of fertilization.
Lines That Divide, Ties That Bind: Race, Class, and Gender in Women's Flood Recovery in the US and UK

The diversity in flood impact and recovery in major floods in the US and UK is examined by comparing the perspective of increase in the structural vulnerability of women in communities subject to flooding by social relations of race/ ethnicity, social class and gender, and their effect on women's subsequent recovery from major flooding. It is suggested that addressing population diversity and community power structure is a necessity in emergency management.
Depth from a Single Image Through User Interaction

In this paper we present a method to obtain a depth map from a single image of a scene by exploiting both image content and user interaction. Assuming that regions with low gradients will have similar depth values, we formulate the problem as an optimization process across a graph, where pixels are considered as nodes and edges between neighbouring pixels are assigned weights based on the image gradient. Starting from a number of user-deﬁned constraints, depth values are propagated between highly connected nodes i.e. with small gradients. Such constraints include, for example, depth equalities and inequalities between pairs of pixels, and may include some information about perspective. This framework provides a depth map of the scene, which is useful for a number of applications.
Adolescent Problematic Gaming and Domain-Specific Perceptions of Self

Problematic video game use (PVGU) is an inability to meet personal and social responsibilities due to video gaming. It is estimated to affect 5 to 6% of adolescents. Research demonstrates greater video game engagement is associated with a poorer perception of self in several domains; however, the relation between PVGU and self-perception has not yet been examined. The present study explored this association using a sample of 758 Grade 7 adolescents (55.1% Female; Mage = 12.34 years; SD = 0.49 years). Results revealed greater PVGU to be associated with a poorer perception of self within the behavioural conduct and close friendship domains. Similar differences emerged when examining reports of self-perception across the PVGU classifications (i.e., None, Minimal, At-Risk, Problematic). Unexpectedly, two interactions between gender and PVGU classifications were observed for the behavioural conduct and self-worth domains of self-perception. The discussion addresses the implications of these findings and points to areas of future research.
Fabrication and performance of high-frequency composite transducers with triangular-pillar geometry

A single-element, 40-MHz, 3-mm diameter transducer was fabricated with a geometric focus at 9 mm. The transducer was based on a piezo-composite substrate with triangular-shaped composite pillars. The 2-way bandwidth of 50% and impedance magnitude were in agreement with that predicted using finite-element modeling. A one-way radiation pattern was collected using a needle hydrophone. The one-way -3 dB beamwidth at the geometric focus was measured to be 120 mum and the -3 dB depth of field was 2.5 mm. This is in good agreement with the theoretical predictions of 112.5 mum and 2.4 mm. The triangular-pillar composite transducer was then compared with a transducer with square composite pillars with similar volume fraction of active ceramic. A 9.5 dB reduction in the amplitude of the secondary resonance was found for the triangular-pillar composite as well as a 30% gain in the 2-way pulse bandwidth. A 256-element 30-MHz linear array was fabricated as a preliminary investigation into the use of the triangular pillar as the substrate in a high-frequency linear array transducer. In vivo images were generated with both the single-element and linear-array transducers.
Quantifying positional error induced by line simplification

This study examines the effects of line simplification on the positional accuracy of linear features. The goal is to quantify the relation between the level of simplification and the degree of positional error, so that users can choose appropriate levels of simplification that will yield results meeting specific accuracy criteria. The study focuses on the Douglas-Peucker line simplification algorithm and examines both natural and anthropogenic features (streams and roads) derived from United States Geological Survey Digital Line Graphs. Results show that error can be modelled at an aggregate level using cumulative frequency curves and their confidence limits. This makes it possible to identify the level of simplification that eliminates the largest number of vertices while still attaining a specific positional accuracy standard. A simple implementation strategy is described in which an optimal level of simplification is identified and simplification is applied selectively for different lines. The study shows that management of simplification induced error is possible using simple tools well within the reach of GIS users.
How Do Happy Leaders Enhance Team Success ?

Extending previous research regarding the relationship between leader positive moods and team performance, the present study examined 2 mediating mechanisms that explain the leader positive moods–team performance linkage: transformational leadership, and positive group affective tone. Data were collected from 85 sales teams (85 team leaders, 365 team members). Structural equation modeling analyses were performed to test the hypotheses. The results showed that leader positive moods not only directly enhanced team performance, but also indirectly led to improved team performance through the explicit mediating process (i.e., transformational leadership) and the implicit mediating process (i.e., positive group affective tone). Theoretical and practical implications are discussed. jasp_767 1421.1454
A Multiple Conditional Random Fields Ensemble Model for Urban Area Detection in Remote Sensing Optical Images

With complex building composition and imaging condition, urban areas show versatile characteristics in remote sensing optical images. It demonstrates that multiple features should be utilized to characterize urban areas. On the other hand, since levels of development in neighboring areas are not statistically independent, the features of each urban area site depend on those of neighboring sites. In this paper, we present a multiple conditional random fields (CRFs) ensemble model to incorporate multiple features and learn their contextual information. This model involves two aspects: one is to use a CRF as the base classifier to automatically generate a set of CRFs by changing input features, and the other is to integrate the set of CRFs by defining a conditional distribution. The model has some distinct merits: each CRF component models a kind of feature, so that the ensemble model can learn different aspects of training data. Moreover, it lets the ensemble model search in a wide solution space. The ensemble model can also avoid the well-known overfitting problem of a single CRF, i.e., the many features may cause the redundancy of irrelevant information and result in counter-effect. Experiments on a wide range of images show that our ensemble model produces higher detection accuracy than single CRF and is also competitive with recent results in urban area detection.
CASSA: A Context-Aware Synonym Simplification Algorithm

We present a new context-aware method for lexical simplification that uses two free language resources and real web frequencies. We compare it with the state-of-the-art method for lexical simplification in Spanish and the established simplification baseline, that is, the most frequent synonym. Our method improves upon the other methods in the detection of complex words, in meaning preservation, and in simplicity. Although we use Spanish, the method can be extended to other languages since it does not require alignment of parallel corpora.
Gastroenterological surgery: The gallbladder and common bile duct

Gastroenterological surgery: The gallbladder and commonbile duct Hiromi Tokumura, Atsushi Iida, Akira Sasaki, Yoshiharu Nakamura & Ichiro Yasuda 1 Department of Surgery, Tohoku Rosai Hospital, Sendai, Japan 2 First Department of Surgery, University of Fukui, Fukui, Japan 3 Department of Surgery, Iwate Medical University School of Medicine, Morioka, Japan 4 Department of Gastrointestinal and Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo, Japan 5 Department of Gastroenterology, Teikyo University Mizonokuchi Hospital, Kawasaki, Japan
Development and Stem Cells Research Article

INTRODUCTION Neurons must be generated in a precisely timed fashion to build functional networks of circuits. This is achieved by controlling the balance between self-renewing neural stem cells and their differentiated progeny. Stem cells can divide symmetrically to generate daughter cells with similar fates, or asymmetrically, to self-renew whilst also producing differentiating daughter cells. During neurogenesis in the mammalian cerebral cortex, neuroepithelial cells initially divide symmetrically to expand the stem cell pool. Later in development, they transform into asymmetrically dividing radial glial cells, which expand the pool of differentiating cells The transition from symmetric to asymmetric division must be tightly regulated, as excessive symmetric cell division can lead to tumorous overgrowth, whereas precocious asymmetric division results in premature differentiation and small brains A sufficiently large pool of undifferentiated stem cells must be maintained so as to generate both early-and later-born neurons, and to repair or regenerate damaged tissue. One way to regulate a symmetrically dividing pool of stem cells is to maintain them in an epithelium. Epidermal, intestinal and neural stem cells are found in mono-or multilayered epithelia that expand laterally and thereby increase the pool of tissue-specific precursor cells (Barker et al. To date it has been difficult to model cortical development in a simpler invertebrate system. The Drosophila optic lobe provides one such model for studying the progression from
Integrating Skills and Wills Instruction in Self-Regulated Science Text Reading for Secondary Students

This study investigated the effectiveness of cognitive-metacognitive versus motivational components of the IMPROVE self-regulatory model, used while reading scientific texts, for 10th graders’ scientific literacy and self-regulated learning (SRL). Three treatment groups (N = 198) received one type of self-addressable questions while reading scientific texts: cognitive-metacognitive (CogMet), motivational (Mot), or combined (CogMetMot). Control group received no self-addressed questions (noSRL). One measure assessed scientific literacy, and two measures assessed SRL: (a) as an aptitude—pre/post questionnaires assessing self-perceived SRL, and (b) as an event—audiotaping participants’ thinking-aloud SRL behaviors in real-time learning experiences and data coding illustrating SRL changes. Findings indicated that treatment groups significantly outperformed the non-treatment group. No differences emerged between CogMet and Mot, whereas fully combined SRL support (CogMetMot) was most effective. Theoretical and practical implications of this preliminary study are discussed.
The Languages of the Valencian Educational System: The Results of Two Decades of Language Policy

For some decades now, as a consequence of changes in the politics of Spain, the compulsory education system in the autonomous Spanish region known as the Comunidad Valenciana has offered a varied programme of bilingual education: Spanish and Valenciano, an autochthonous variety of Catalan, alternate according to various curricular programmes as the main teaching languages. This paper examines the objectives of each of these programmes, as well as data which serve to evaluate the results generated by the application of the said programmes, i.e. history, enrolment details, geographic distribution, infrastructure, teacher training, etc. All these variables coexist within a very specific sociolinguistic context, which is unlike that of other bilingual regions of Spain. The existence of two clearly differentiated linguistic regions, tied in with the progressive abandonment of Valenciano over the last few centuries, is reflected in the lack of uniformity in the state of bilingual education in this region. Nevertheless, even the strongest critics concede that there has been a qualitative advance away from a monolingual model to the present situation where the teaching of Valenciano and teaching in Valenciano have an undeniable presence.
Editorial: Whither Regional Studies?

1. Introduction: Whither Regional Studies? Andy Pike 2. Regions and Regional Uneven Development Forever? Some Reflective Comments upon Theory and Practice Ray Hudson 3. Beyond the Territorial Fix: Regional Assemblages, Politics and Power John Allen and Allan Cochrane 4. Territorial, Scalar, Networked, Connected: In What Sense a 'Regional World'? Gordon MacLeod and Martin Jones 5. The Accident of the Region: A Strategic Relational Perspective on the Construction of the Region's Significance Arnoud Lagendijk 6. Observational Equivalence? Regional Studies and Regional Science Philip McCann 7. Power in Firm Networks: What it Means for Regional Innovation Systems Susan Christopherson and Jennifer Clark 8. The Polycentric State: New Spaces of Empowerment and Engagement? Kevin Morgan 9. What Kind of Local and Regional Development and for Whom? Andy Pike, Andres Rodriguez-Pose and John Tomaney
EFFECT OF YOGURT SWEETNESS ON SENSORY SPECIFIC SATIETY

The objective of this study was to determine if hedonically different sweetness levels in yogurt, determined by the ideal-relative rating methods, affected the consumption of yogurt in a sensory specific satiety test. Fifteen subjects attended a preliminary session, six taste tests and three sensory specific satiety tests. During each taste test, subjects rated yogurt with one of the three levels of sweetness (high, optimum, and low) for six attributes. During each sensory specific satiety test, subjects were offered a large serving of yogurt with one of the sweetness levels. Liking for optimum or high sweet yogurts decreased more after consumption than the liking for the low sweet yogurt, however, the consumption of optimum and high sweet yogurts was also greater, thus confounding the experiment.
Development of Multicellular Tumor Spheroid (MCTS) Culture from Breast Cancer Cell and a High Throughput Screening Method Using the MTT Assay

In comparison to monolayer cells, MCTS has been claimed as more suitable candidate for studying drug penetration due to the high resemblance to solid tumors. However, the cultivation of MCTS is cumbersome, time consuming, and most technique fail to generate spheroids with uniform sizes. Therefore, the application of spheroid cultures in high throughput screening has been rather limiting. Besides, the lack of a well established screening protocol method that is applicable to spheroid could also be attributed to this limitation. Here we report a simple way of cultivating homogenous MCTS cultures with compact and rigid structure from the MCF-7 cells. Besides, we had also made some modifications to the standard MTT assay to realize high throughput screening of these spheroids. Using the modified protocol, tamoxifen showed cytotoxicity effect towards MCTS cultures from MCF-7 with high consistency. The results correlated well with the cultures’ response assessed by LDH release assay but the latter assay was not ideal for detecting a wide range of cytotoxicity due to high basal background reading. The MTT assay emerged as a better indicator to apoptosis event in comparison to the LDH release assay. Therefore, the method for spheroid generation and the modified MTT assay we reported here could be potentially applied to high throughput screening for response of spheroid cultures generated from MCF-7 as well as other cancer cell lines towards cytotoxic stimuli.
R&D Investment and Market Reactions in Non-crisis and Crisis Periods: Evidence from Taiwan

This study examines market reactions to firms with different level of R&D expenditure. In particular, we investigate whether R&D investment in an uncertain environment, such as during the global financial crisis of 2008, will aggravate the level of information asymmetry and increase the likelihood of undervaluation on R&D stocks. We use a sample of Taiwanese firms and classify the sample into four portfolios: no R&D, low R&D, middle R&D and high R&D firms, and estimate abnormal returns using the Fama and French three factor and Carhart four factor models. We find that the no R&D portfolio has the highest positive and significant abnormal returns in the non-crisis period (2000-2007), while the high R&D portfolio has the highest abnormal return in crisis period (2008-2011). Our multivariate analysis provides supporting evidence that high R&D firms have a greater extent of information asymmetry than no R&D firms during the crisis period, while no R&D firms bear a high risk of low growth potential in non-crisis period. Similar results are obtained either by equal-weighted or value-weighted portfolio returns. Recent studies propose that investors may misprice high-tech firms. Our results provide international evidence that investors react differently to no R&D and R&D intensive firms, and R&D investment in crisis period will aggravate information asymmetry and the extent to which investors underestimate the value of R&D stocks.
Left–Right and Upper–Lower Visual Field Asymmetries for Face Matching, Letter Naming, and Lexical Decision

The relation between left-right and upper-lower visual field (VF) asymmetries was examined for face matching, letter naming, and lexical decision. Stimuli were flashed in the VF quadrants. Face matching resulted in a lower left and upper right VF advantage. Letter-naming resulted in a distinct upper-right VF advantage. For lexical decision, no upper/lower asymmetries were found. Words were processed faster in the right than in the left VF, while nonwords were processed equally fast in both VFs. The results are discussed in terms of hypothesized structural connections of the lower versus upper visual field to dorsal versus ventral visual pathways and in terms of attentional mechanisms related to the processing of visual information in the VF quadrants.
Spoken-word processing in native and second languages: An investigation of auditory word priming

The present study investigated whether and to what extent auditory word priming, which is one mechanism of spoken-word processing and learning, is involved in a second language (L2). The objectives of the study were to determine whether L2 learners use auditory word priming as monolinguals do when they are acquiring an L2, how attentional processing orientation influences the extent to which they do so, and what L2 learners actually “learn” as they use auditory word priming. Results revealed that L2 learners use auditory word priming, that the extent to which they do so depends little on attention to the form of spoken input, and that L2 learners overrely on detailed context-specific information available in spoken input as they use auditory word priming.
Acute Effect of Different Patterns of Exercise on Mood, Anxiety and Cortical Activity

Background: Nowadays, one of the most important challenges of human beings is physical inactivity. There is evidence that a positively behavioral response, modulated by a single period of exercise can predict the level of engagement during the next six to 12 months. Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of three different combinations of intensity and duration of effort, on a cycle ergometer, on mood, anxiety and cortical activity of physically active young males. Materials and Methods: Ten men, aged 20 to 27 years, underwent three experimental conditions randomly (submaximal, maximal and supramaximal effort). Immediately before and after the treatments, behavior was evaluated by the Profile of Mood States (POMS) and Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI ) scales. Standardized low resolution brain electromagnetic tomography (sLORETA) was performed to investigate the cortical activity. Results: While submaximal effort reduced total mood disturbance, more intense efforts (maximal and supramaximal) worsened the mood (P = 0.001). This result was more prominent in supramaximal effort. Anxiety was increased in the supramaximal effort compared to others (P = 0.006), which was not significantly different. The sLORETA analysis revealed a significant increase in high alpha and beta activity in the parahippocampal gyrus of the limbic lobe, related to brain reward system, after maximal effort (P ≤ 0.05). Conclusions: Acute changes in mood, anxiety and cortical activity are dependent on exercise intensity. Physically active young males, but not athletes showed positive results on subjective or neurobiological behavioral variables in submaximal and maximal efforts, respectively. This investigation could be useful to promote adherence to regular physical activity.