Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Structural connectivity of visuotopic intraparietal sulcus O F

18 19 20 21 Article history: Accepted 15 May 2013 Available online xxxx 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 R E C T E D P The intraparietal sulcus (IPS) contains topographically organized regions, similar to retinotopic maps in visual cortex. These regions, referred to as IPS1–4, show similar functional responses to the mapping tasks used to define them, yet differing responses to tests of other posterior parietal cortex (PPC) functions such as short-term memory, eye movements and object viewing, suggesting that they may have distinct patterns of structural connectivity to other parts of the brain. The present study combined functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) mapping with diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) to describe white matter connections of visuotopic regions along the IPS, in 25 neurotypical young-adult participants. We found that posterior IPS more likely connects to retinotopically defined visual regions, and superior temporal gyrus, relative to anterior IPS. Anterior IPS regions 3 and 4 had higher connection probabilities to prefrontal regions, relative to posterior IPS. All four IPS regions showed inter-hemispheric connections to analogous regions in the opposite hemisphere, as well as consistent connections to the thalamus and regions of the striatum. Multivariate pattern classification at the group level reliably distinguished IPS regions from one another on the basis of connectivity patterns, especially for the most distal pairs of regions; occipital and prefrontal regions provided themost discriminating information. These findings advance our understanding of the structure of visuotopic IPS,with implications for functional differences between regions, and possible homologies between humans and macaques. Visuospatial functions dependent on the parietal cortex are frequently impaired in individualswith developmental disorders and those afflicted by cerebrovascular disease; the findings described here can be used as a basis for comparing connectivity differences in these populations. © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Conservation of glp-1 regulation and function in nematodes.

The Caenorhabditis elegans (Ce) glp-1 gene encodes a Notch-like receptor. We have cloned glp-1 from C. briggsae (Cb) and C. remanei (Cr), two Caenorhabditis species that have diverged from C. elegans by roughly 20-40 million years. By sequence analysis, we find that the Cb-GLP-1 and Cr-GLP-1 proteins have retained the same motif architecture as Ce-GLP-1, including number of domains. In addition, two regions (CC-linker and regions flanking the ANK repeats) are as highly conserved as regions previously recognized as essential for signaling (e.g., ANK repeats). Phylogenetic analysis of glp-1 sequences suggests a C. briggsae/C. remanei clade with C. elegans as a sister taxon. Using RNAi to test biological functions, we find that Ce-glp-1, Cb-glp-1, and Cr-glp-1 are all required for proliferation of germline stem cells and for specifying blastomere fates in the embryo. In addition, certain biological roles of Cb-glp-1, e.g., in the vulva, have diverged from those of Ce-glp-1 and Cr-glp-1, suggesting a change in either regulation or function of the Cb-glp-1 gene during evolution. Finally, the regulation of glp-1 mRNA, previously analyzed for Ce-glp-1, is conserved in Cb-glp-1, and we identify conserved 3' UTR sequences that may serve as regulatory elements.
Maximizing the benefits of Pilates-inspired exercise for learning functional motor skills

Abstract Joseph Pilates (1880–1967) created a system of fitness exercises that are still practiced in a more or less modified form. Within the last two decades, there has been a significant increase in the popularity of such Pilates-inspired (PI) exercises. This paper describes current claims for the effectiveness of PI exercises and comments on their validity. Motor learning principles and findings are applied to make recommendations for using PI exercises to enhance the execution of functional movement tasks. The learning-performance distinction, augmented information feedback, contextual interference, skill transfer and augmented verbal cues are discussed. Finally, suggestions are made for aspiring PI practitioners seeking training and certification.
Social Robots for Pedagogical Rehabilitation

The use of robots as educational learning tools is quite extensive worldwide, yet it is rather limited in special education. In particular, the use of robots in the field of special education is under skepticism since robots are frequently believed to be expensive with limited capacity. The latter may change with the advent of social robots, which can be used in special education as affordable tools for delivering sophisticated stimuli to children with learning difficulties also due to preexisting conditions. Pilot studies occasionally demonstrate the effectiveness of social robots in specific domains. This chapter overviews the engagement of social robots in special education including the authors' preliminary work in this field; moreover, it discusses their proposal for potential future extensions involving more autonomous (i.e., intelligent) social robots as well as feedback from human brain signals.
Author ' s personal copy In fl uence of weight asymmetry and kinship on siblicidal and cannibalistic behaviour in earwigs

Keywords: accuracy cannibalism competition earwig Forficula auricularia group size kin recognition siblicide temporal dynamics In group-living or social species intraspecific predation and cannibalism can lead to substantial decreases in inclusive fitness because related individuals may encounter one another. Therefore, selection on the ability and accuracy of kin recognition to avoid losses in inclusive fitness is expected. Competition and relatedness are two key factors for the evolution of siblicide and cannibalism. However, our knowledge of the temporal dynamics and the accuracy of kin-mediated siblicide and cannibalism is scarce and experiments have usually focused on either relatedness (kin recognition) or weight asymmetry (dominance and competition) as independent components. In an experiment we set up mixed-kinship groups of three nymphs of the European earwig, Forficula auricularia Linnaeus, a gregarious and (sub-)social species, to investigate the combined effects of relatedness and weight asymmetry on the temporal dynamics of siblicide and cannibalism. We found that the temporal dynamics were jointly influenced by relatedness and weight asymmetry among nymphs. Weight asymmetry effects on siblicide and cannibalism were stronger between unrelated individuals than between related individuals as shown by a significant relatedness*weight asymmetry interaction on survival patterns. The opportunity to choose between related and unrelated individuals did not enhance the accuracy of kin recognition but induced the above interaction between relatedness and weight asymmetry on cannibalistic outcomes. These results show that relatedness and weight affect siblicidal and cannibalistic behaviour, and that their combined effect depends on the social context. Cannibalism is a widespread phenomenon among taxa (e.g. Fox 1975 and references therein) with implications for the life histories and population dynamics of the species. Cannibalism can be favoured evolutionarily because it reduces density and, hence, competition experienced by individuals (Polis 1981), but also because it provides a nutritional benefit to the cannibalistic individuals. In gregarious, group-living and social species cannibalism can reduce the inclusive fitness because of an increased probability of killing related individuals (Hamilton 1964a, b; Yamamura & Higashi 1992; Pfennig 1997) and selection on kin recognition abilities is expected (Sherman et al. 1997). Kin recognition can be based on direct genetic mechanisms (e.g. Crozier 1986; Rousset & Roze 2007) or phenotypic mechanisms correlated with kinship (e.g. Hamilton 1964a, b; Sherman et al. 1997) and has been demonstrated to influence siblicidal and cannibalistic behaviour in a number of species (e. Depending on the nature of the kin recognition mechanism, the opportunity to compare and choose between …
Responses to cyberbullying 1 Facing cyberbullying : Review of empirical evidence regarding successful responses by students , parents and schools

The present literature review summarizes current knowledge on successful responses to cyberbullying. We differentiate between three different response domains: reducing risks, combatting the problem, and buffering negative impact. A systematic literature search was conducted yielding 36 relevant studies. Most of these report findings regarding general prevention strategies (e.g., anti-bullying policies or cybersafety strategies) and the use of coping strategies such as seeking support, reactions towards cyberbullies (retaliation or confronting), technical solutions and avoidant and emotion-focused strategies. Whilst a few studies reported on perceived success, very few studies measure the success of the strategies in relation to cyberbullying, its risks and outcomes. In summary, although there are a number of studies investigating responses to cyberbullying, there is a clear lack of evidence concerning the question " what are successful responses " ?
User behaviors in an Online Social Network

In this paper, we focus on an Online Social Network (OSN), namely “kaixin-net” (www.kaixin001.com) which is one of the biggest OSNs in China. Based on studying the most popular game ‘Buying-a-house’, we investigate user behaviors. First, we made a model for “Buying-a-house”, then using the dataset that we crawled and traced (we crawled about one hundred and fifty user's profiles and traced forty users for about twenty days), we draw the following findings: (1) People who just join the game have much interest in this OSN, actively interact with his friends. (2) The interest goes down according to the time lapse for most of users, but there are also a few players whose interests never go down and enjoy this game very much. These can be interpreted as the population of kaixin-net is growing at the beginning state, but it will decline after the peak comes. So the organizers should think about how to slow down the peak's coming.
The Effectiveness of Scientific Approach and Contextual Teaching and Learning Approach in Teaching Writing

This research used a quasi-experimental design. The population was grade VIII students of SMP XX Yogyakarta that consisted of four classes. The sample consisted of three classes, namely class 8A using CTL approach and class 8B using the scientific approach as the experimental groups, while class 8D used the conventional approach as the control group. The instruments used were tests in the form of writing composition. The hypotheses testing were analyzed using ANCOVA test. The results are (1) there are significant differences in writing achievement among the students taught by using the scientific approach, CTL approach, and conventional approach. (2) The use of the scientific approach and the CTL approach are more effective than that of the conventional approach in teaching writing. (3) The use of the scientific approach is not more effective than that of the CTL approach in teaching writing.
Teacher Retention Issues: How Some Principals are Supporting and Keeping New Teachers

Beginning teachers continue to exit the classroom in alarming numbers, despite numerous recruitment and retention strategies. High teacher turnover rates result in a deficit of quality teachers and instruction; a loss of continuity and commitment; and time, attention, and funds devoted to recruitment versus support. The purpose of this empirical inquiry of teacher retention issues is to better understand the leadership styles of principals who lead schools that have low attrition and transfer rates. Through the use of semistructured interviews with 12 principals, as well as focus group interviews with 4 to 6 new teachers (i.e. teachers with 1 to 3 years of experience) at each of the 12 schools (n = 61), data were triangulated, and some common characteristics and successful strategies that principals use to support and retain teachers were identified and analyzed through the lens of professional learning communities. Findings indicate that the following principals are retaining teachers at a rate higher than that of their peers: principals with a keen awareness of issues affecting new teachers; principals with a proactive versus reactive approach in supporting new teachers; and principals with a commitment to professional growth and excellence for themselves their students, and their teachers (new and veteran alike).
Functional Differences of Very-Low-Density Lipoprotein Receptor Splice Variants in Regulating Wnt Signaling

ABSTRACT The very-low-density lipoprotein receptor (VLDLR) negatively regulates Wnt signaling. VLDLR has two major alternative splice variants, VLDLRI and VLDLRII, but their biological significance and distinction are unknown. Here we found that most tissues expressed both VLDLRI and VLDLRII, while the retina expressed only VLDLRII. The shed soluble VLDLR extracellular domain (sVLDLR-N) was detected in the conditioned medium of retinal pigment epithelial cells, interphotoreceptor matrix, and mouse plasma, indicating that ectodomain shedding of VLDLR occurs endogenously. VLDLRII displayed a higher ectodomain shedding rate and a more potent inhibitory effect on Wnt signaling than VLDLRI in vitro and in vivo. O-glycosylation, which is present in VLDLRI but not VLDLRII, determined the differential ectodomain shedding rates. Moreover, the release of sVLDLR-N was inhibited by a metalloproteinase inhibitor, TAPI-1, while it was promoted by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA). In addition, sVLDLR-N shedding was suppressed under hypoxia. Further, plasma levels of sVLDLR-N were reduced in both type 1 and type 2 diabetic mouse models. We concluded that VLDLRI and VLDLRII had differential roles in regulating Wnt signaling and that decreased plasma levels of sVLDLR-N may contribute to Wnt signaling activation in diabetic complications. Our study reveals a novel mechanism for intercellular regulation of Wnt signaling through VLDLR ectodomain shedding.
The modern role of androgen deprivation therapy in the management of localised and locally advanced prostate cancer

Introduction: Approximately 50% of men diagnosed with prostate cancer will be exposed to androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) at some stage. The role of ADT in the management of metastatic disease has long been recognised, and its place in the management of localised and locally advanced disease has become clearer in the past few years. Nevertheless, concerns remain that some men might not benefit from ADT in earlier-stage disease. The purpose of the current article is to provide a brief narrative review of the role of ADT as part of a strategy of treatment with curative intent, concentrating mainly on key recent developments in the area. Methods: Narrative literature review of key publications in the English language relating to ADT in the management of localised and locally advanced prostate cancer. Results: In locally advanced and high-risk localised prostate cancer, the use of ADT in combination with radiotherapy improves disease-specific and overall survival. There is no evidence to support the use of ADT in the treatment of low-risk localised prostate cancer. There appears to be an increased risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality associated with luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone agonists, particularly in men with pre-existing cardiovascular disease, but the relevance of this in the adjuvant/neoadjuvant setting is currently unclear. Conclusions: Future studies should focus on identification of men who are at risk from cardiovascular complications associated with ADT and on the comparison of radiotherapy with ADT versus surgery in the management of localised and locally advanced prostate cancer, particularly with regards to men with pre-existing comorbidities.
Robust control of underwater vehicles: sliding mode vs. LMI synthesis

This paper presents two robust control synthesis methods for an autonomous underwater. The problem statement requires the design of a position and attitude control system for robust vehicle trajectory following. A detailed nonlinear model of the vehicle was derived, an operating point for nominal design was selected, and a multivariable linear model of the vehicle was obtained by linearization around the operating point. The presence of structured uncertainties due to errors in the computation of hydrodynamic coefficients, dynamic linearization and truncation, unknown disturbances, is included in the control synthesis. Two robust controllers were designed: a nonlinear one using a sliding mode approach, and a linear one using linear matrix inequalities (LMI) synthesis techniques. The performance of the two controllers were extensively evaluated and compared in simulation with a full nonlinear model of the vehicle.
A Hybrid Digital-Signature and Zero-Watermarking Approach for Authentication and Protection of Sensitive Electronic Documents

This paper addresses the problems and threats associated with verification of integrity, proof of authenticity, tamper detection, and copyright protection for digital-text content. Such issues were largely addressed in the literature for images, audio, and video, with only a few papers addressing the challenge of sensitive plain-text media under known constraints. Specifically, with text as the predominant online communication medium, it becomes crucial that techniques are deployed to protect such information. A number of digital-signature, hashing, and watermarking schemes have been proposed that essentially bind source data or embed invisible data in a cover media to achieve its goal. While many such complex schemes with resource redundancies are sufficient in offline and less-sensitive texts, this paper proposes a hybrid approach based on zero-watermarking and digital-signature-like manipulations for sensitive text documents in order to achieve content originality and integrity verification without physically modifying the cover text in anyway. The proposed algorithm was implemented and shown to be robust against undetected content modifications and is capable of confirming proof of originality whilst detecting and locating deliberate/nondeliberate tampering. Additionally, enhancements in resource utilisation and reduced redundancies were achieved in comparison to traditional encryption-based approaches. Finally, analysis and remarks are made about the current state of the art, and future research issues are discussed under the given constraints.
Very Early Lactate Threshold in Healthy Young Men as Related to Oxygen Uptake Kinetics

AbstractWe assessed the correspondence between the V-slope ventilatory threshold (VT) and the lactate threshold (LT) by using a distinctive slow submaximal ramp protocol to ensure that sufficient data points exist around the threshold. Twenty healthy young men participated. A submaximal test based on a prior maximal test (25 watt/min, medium ramp) was performed with an individual slow-ramp protocol (6–17 watt/min, slow ramp), in which the time to reach the VT workload was estimated to be 10 minutes. The LT was determined visually by detecting a rise above the resting value, without or with log–log transformation (LT1, LT2). The point at which the blood lactate exceeded the minimal difference (LMD) of 2 resting values was also calculated.The VT appeared significantly earlier under the slow-ramp protocol compared to the medium-ramp protocol (from 19.3 ± 3.9 to 15.0 ± 4.0 mL/kg/min VO2, P < 0.001). The mean LT1 and LT2 values appeared even earlier than the VT (LT1, P = 0.004; LT2, P = 0.002) (LT1, 11.9; LT2, 13.4; LMD, 17.0; VT, 15.0 mL/kg/min VO2). As the mean % of peak VO2, each occurred at 29.9%, 33.7%, 42.5%, and 37.8%. The VT correlated significantly with LT1, LT2, and LMD (r = 0.61, 0.64, 0.80; P = 0.004, 0.002, <0.001). Mean blood lactate showed a similar trend (1.30, 1.43, 1.81, 1.68 mmol/L, respectively). Furthermore, the &Dgr;VO2/&Dgr; work rate slope increased (from 10.8 ± 0.9 to 11.5 ± 0.9; P = 0.01) with the slow ramp, and the lower LT was associated with the greater increase in slope (LT1, r = −0.47, P = 0.03; LT2, r = −0.59, P = 0.005), that is, the lower LT was an indication that on the faster medium ramp the slope would decrease. The LMD and VT did not show this relation.Under slow-ramp exercise testing in healthy young men, the VT appeared earlier than under medium-ramp exercise testing. In addition, the LT appeared even earlier (at approximately 30% of peak VO2) than the VT, although they correlated. This very early onset of LT was, however, associated with evidence of reduced oxygen uptake kinetics.
The neural basis of deception in strategic interactions

Communication based on informational asymmetries abounds in politics, business, and almost any other form of social interaction. Informational asymmetries may create incentives for the better-informed party to exploit her advantage by misrepresenting information. Using a game-theoretic setting, we investigate the neural basis of deception in human interaction. Unlike in most previous fMRI research on deception, the participants decide themselves whether to lie or not. We find activation within the right temporo-parietal junction (rTPJ), the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), the (pre)cuneus (CUN), and the anterior frontal gyrus (aFG) when contrasting lying with truth telling. Notably, our design also allows for an investigation of the neural foundations of sophisticated deception through telling the truth—when the sender does not expect the receiver to believe her (true) message. Sophisticated deception triggers activation within the same network as plain lies, i.e., we find activity within the rTPJ, the CUN, and aFG. We take this result to show that brain activation can reveal the sender's veridical intention to deceive others, irrespective of whether in fact the sender utters the factual truth or not.
High Viscosity and Anisotropy Characterize the Cytoplasm of Fungal Dormant Stress-Resistant Spores

ABSTRACT Ascospores of the fungus Talaromyces macrosporus are dormant and extremely stress resistant, whereas fungal conidia—the main airborne vehicles of distribution—are not. Here, physical parameters of the cytoplasm of these types of spores were compared. Cytoplasmic viscosity and level of anisotropy as judged by spin probe studies (electron spin resonance) were extremely high in dormant ascospores and during early germination and decreased only partly after trehalose degradation and glucose efflux. Upon prosilition (ejection of the spore), these parameters fell sharply to values characteristic of vegetative cells. These changes occurred without major volume changes that suggest dramatic changes in cytoplasmic organization. Azide reversibly inhibited prosilition as well as the decline in cytoplasmic parameters. No organelle structures were observed in etched, cryoplaned specimens of ascospores by low-temperature scanning electron microscopy (LTSEM), confirming the high cytoplasmic viscosity. However, cell structures became visible upon prosilition, indicating reduced viscosity. The viscosity of fresh conidia of different Penicillium species was lower, namely, 3.5 to 4.8 cP, than that of ascospores, near 15 cP. In addition the level of anisotropic motion was markedly lower in these cells (h0/h+1 = 1.16 versus 1.4). This was confirmed by LTSEM images showing cell structures. The decline of cytoplasmic viscosity in conidia during germination was linked with a gradual increase in cell volume. These data show that mechanisms of cytoplasm conservation during germination differ markedly between ascospores and conidia.