Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Influence of Motion Smear on Visual Acuity in Simulated Infantile Nystagmus

Purpose. In persons with infantile nystagmus (IN), visual acuity correlates with the duration of the foveation period of the nystagmus waveform, i.e., when the retinal image is on or near the fovea and moves with low velocity. In this study, we asked how acuity is affected by the non-foveating phases of the nystagmus waveform, when the velocity of retinal image motion is substantially higher. Methods. Visual acuity was measured in three normal observers for high contrast, four-orientation single T-stimuli, presented during image motion that simulated either the whole jerk-IN waveform (whole-waveform) or only the foveation periods of the IN waveform (foveation-only). Simulated foveation durations ranged from 20 to 120 ms. For both motion waveforms, we displayed the acuity target for different number of cycles to examine whether acuity benefits from multiple presentations of the stimulus. Results. As expected, visual acuity improves with longer simulated foveation durations in both the whole-waveform and foveation-only conditions. Acuity is consistently better (by ∼0.1 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution) in the foveation-only than the whole-waveform condition, indicating that the high-velocity image motion during the simulated IN waveform has a detrimental effect. This difference in acuity between the two waveform conditions increases with the number of cycles, apparently because summation occurs across cycles in the foveation-only condition but not in the whole-waveform condition. Conclusions. In normal observers, visual acuity in the presence of a simulated nystagmus waveform is limited not only by the duration of the foveation periods, but also by the non-foveating phases of the waveform. However, because persons with IN report little or no motion smear in association with their nystagmus, it remains unclear whether the rapid retinal image motion during the non-foveating phases of the nystagmus waveform generates a similar degradation of visual acuity in IN.
Affinity aggregation for spectral clustering

Spectral clustering makes use of spectral-graph structure of an affinity matrix to partition data into disjoint meaningful groups. Because of its elegance, efficiency and good performance, spectral clustering has become one of the most popular clustering methods. Traditional spectral clustering assumes a single affinity matrix. However, in many applications, there could be multiple potentially useful features and thereby multiple affinity matrices. To apply spectral clustering for these cases, a possible way is to aggregate the affinity matrices into a single one. Unfortunately, affinity measures constructed from different features could have different characteristics. Careless aggregation might make even worse clustering performance. This paper proposes an affinity aggregation spectral clustering (AASC) algorithm which extends spectral clustering to a setting with multiple affinities available. AASC seeks for an optimal combination of affinity matrices so that it is more immune to ineffective affinities and irrelevant features. This enables the construction of similarity or distance-metric measures for clustering less crucial. Experiments show that AASC is effective in simultaneous clustering and feature fusion, thus enhancing the performance of spectral clustering by employing multiple affinities.
The complexities of wolf spider communication: Exploring courtship signal function in Rabidosa rabida

10 Introduction.11 Materials and Methods.14 Results.19 Discussion.22 Acknowledgments.30 Tables.31 References.34 Figures.40 CHAPTER 2: TITLE.43 Abstract.44 Introduction.45 Materials and Methods.48 Results.56 Discussion.59 Acknowledgments.64 Tables.65 References.67 vii Figures.72 CHAPTER 3: TITLE.76 Abstract.77 Introduction.78 Materials and Method.81 Results.88 Discussion.91 Acknowledgments.96 References.97 Figures.100 CHAPTER 4: TITLE.102 Abstract.103 Introduction.104 Practical Approaches to Condition.106 Condition and Animal Performance.117 Condition and Mate Choice.127. 103 Introduction.104 Practical Approaches to Condition.106 Condition and Animal Performance.117 Condition and Mate Choice.127 Summary.131 Tables.133 References.135 Figures.148 THESIS SYNTHESIS AND FUTURE DIRECTIONS.149 THESIS APPENDIX.151
act Operon Control of Developmental Gene Expression in Myxococcus xanthus

ABSTRACT Cell-bound C-signal guides the building of a fruiting body and triggers the differentiation of myxospores. Earlier work has shown that transcription of the csgA gene, which encodes the C-signal, is directed by four genes of the act operon. To see how expression of the genes encoding components of the aggregation and sporulation processes depends on C-signaling, mutants with loss-of-function mutations in each of the act genes were investigated. These mutations were found to have no effect on genes that are normally expressed up to 3 h into development and are C-signal independent. Neither the time of first expression nor the rate of expression increase was changed in actA, actB, actC, or actD mutant strains. Also, there was no effect on A-signal production, which normally starts before 3 h. By contrast, the null act mutants have striking defects in C-signal production. These mutations changed the expression of four gene reporters that are related to aggregation and sporulation and are expressed at 6 h or later in development. The actA and actB null mutations substantially decreased the expression of all these reporters. The other act null mutations caused either premature expression to wild-type levels (actC) or delayed expression (actD), which ultimately rose to wild-type levels. The pattern of effects on these reporters shows how the C-signal differentially regulates the steps that together build a fruiting body and differentiate spores within it.
Encyclopedia of language development

The progression from newborn to sophisticated language user in just a few short years is often described as wonderful and miraculous. What are the biological, cognitive, and social underpinnings of this miracle? What major language development milestones occur in infancy? What methodologies do researchers employ in studying this progression? Why do some become adept at multiple languages while others face a lifelong struggle with just one? What accounts for declines in language proficiency, and how might such declines be moderated? Despite an abundance of textbooks, specialized monographs, and a couple of academic handbooks, there has been no encyclopedic reference work in this area--until now. The Encyclopedia of Language Development covers the breadth of theory and research on language development from birth through adulthood, as well as their practical application. Features: This affordable A-to-Z reference includes 200 articles that address such topic areas as theories and research tradition; biological perspectives; cognitive perspectives; family, peer, and social influences; bilingualism; special populations and disorders; and more. All articles (signed and authored by key figures in the field) conclude with cross reference links and suggestions for further reading. Appendices include a Resource Guide with annotated lists of classic books and articles, journals, associations, and web sites; a Glossary of specialized terms; and a Chronology offering an overview and history of the field. A thematic Reader's Guide groups related articles by broad topic areas as one handy search feature on the e-Reference platform, which includes a comprehensive index of search terms. Available in both print and electronic formats, Encyclopedia of Language Development is a must-have reference for researchers and is ideal for library reference or circulating collections. Key Themes: Categories Effects of language on cognitive development Fundamentals, theories and models of language development Impairments of language development Language development in special populations Literacy and language development Mechanisms of language development Methods in language development research Prelinguistic communicative development Social effects in language acquisition Specific aspects of language development
Seeing eye to eye: A dyadic investigation of the effect of relational demography on perceptions of mentoring activities

Purpose – To examine the influence of demographic differences on congruence of mentors' and proteges' perceptions of developmental support and frequency of communication.Design/methodology/approach – Data on demographics (organizational tenure, age, gender, and educational level), mentoring functions, and frequency of communication were collected from both the mentor and protege in 27 mentoring dyads from two medium‐sized high technology companies. Correlation and pattern analysis were used to analyze the data.Findings – Results indicated significant congruence between mentor and protege perceptions of developmental mentoring and frequency of communication. Differences between the mentor and protege on organizational tenure and age reduced congruence of perceptions, whereas differences with respect to gender and education did not.Research limitations/implications – The small sample size limits the statistical power of the analysis and the inclusion of high technology companies limits generalizability.Prac.
Evolving perceptions of LIS students about their discipline: An action research with inquiry-based learning approach

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to report findings of an action research on students’ perceptions of their area of study, Library and Information Science (LIS). The paper aims to demonstrate how an inquiry‐based learning (IBL) can help students to gain a more realistic view of their discipline and consequently become more involved in the active learning.Design/methodology/approach – The data were collected in two phases during an academic year. The data collection tools were observation, interview, and questionnaire with open‐ended questions. In total, 38 first‐year LIS undergraduate students at Tarbiat Mollem University (TMU) in Tehran formed the target group. The study adopted a qualitative approach to seek a deep insight into the case and did not attempt to generalize the results.Findings – At the beginning of the first semester, most of the students did not possess a clear and realistic view of their discipline and they had to cope with uncertainty and ambiguity about their future career. Emplo.
Structural studies of the scrapie prion protein by electron crystallography

Because the insolubility of the scrapie prion protein (PrPSc) has frustrated structural studies by x-ray crystallography or NMR spectroscopy, we used electron crystallography to characterize the structure of two infectious variants of the prion protein. Isomorphous two-dimensional crystals of the N-terminally truncated PrPSc (PrP 27-30) and a miniprion (PrPSc106) were identified by negative stain electron microscopy. Image processing allowed the extraction of limited structural information to 7 Å resolution. By comparing projection maps of PrP 27-30 and PrPSc106, we visualized the 36-residue internal deletion of the miniprion and localized the N-linked sugars. The dimensions of the monomer and the locations of the deleted segment and sugars were used as constraints in the construction of models for PrPSc. Only models featuring parallel β-helices as the key element could satisfy the constraints. These low-resolution projection maps and models have implications for understanding prion propagation and the pathogenesis of neurodegeneration.
Parsing Complex Sentences with Structured Connectionist Networks

A modular, recurrent connectionist network is taught to incrementally parse complex sentences. From input presented one word at a time, the network learns to do semantic role assignment, noun phrase attachment, and clause structure recognition, for sentences with both active and passive constructions and center-embedded clauses. The network makes syntactic and semantic predictions at every step. Previous predictions are revised as expectations are confirmed or violated with the arrival of new information. The network induces its own grammar rules for dynamically transforming an input sequence of words into a syntactic/semantic interpretation. The network generalizes well and is tolerant of ill-formed inputs.
Who Are We: America's Great Debate.

In his new book, the author of THE CLASH OF CIVILIZATIONS turns his attention from international cultural divides to the cultural rifts in America. The patriotic response to the events of September 11 only highlighted the loss of American identity at home, says Huntington, and already patriotic fervour has begun to subside. The United States was founded by British settlers who brought with them a distinct culture including the English language, Protestant values, individualism, religious commitment and respect for law. Waves of immigrants later came to America, but they gradually accepted these values and assimilated into the Anglo-Protestant culture. More recently, however, national identity has been eroded by the problems of assimilating massive numbers of primarily Hispanic immigrants; bilingualism, multiculturalism, the devaluation of citizenship and the 'denationalisation' of American elites. To counterpoint this, Huntington draws attention to the beginnings of a revival of American identity in a post-September 11 world where countries face unprecedented challenges to national security. WHO ARE WE? is an important work of political, historical and cultural inquiry that, like Huntington's previous book, is certain to spark a lively debate.
A pr il 20 07 Constant error in aiming movements without visual feedback is higher in the preferred hand

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Proteophosphoglycan confers resistance of Leishmania major to midgut digestive enzymes induced by blood feeding in vector sand flies

Leishmania synthesize abundant phosphoglycan‐containing molecules made up of [Gal‐Man‐PO4] repeating units, including the surface lipophosphoglycan (LPG), and the surface and secreted proteophosphoglycan (PPG). The vector competence of Phlebotomus duboscqi and Lutzomyia longipalpis sand flies was tested using L. major knockout mutants deficient in either total phosphoglycans (lpg2‐ or lpg5A‐/5B‐) or LPG alone (lpg1‐) along with their respective gene add‐back controls. Our results confirm that LPG, the major cell surface molecule of Leishmania promastigotes known to mediate attachment to the vector midgut, is necessary to prevent the loss of infection during excretion of the blood meal remnants from a natural vector, P. duboscqi, but not an unnatural vector, L. longipalpis. Midgut digestive enzymes induced by blood feeding pose another potential barrier to parasite survival. Our results show that 36–72 h after the infective feed, all parasites developed well except the lpg2‐ and lpg5A‐/5B‐ mutants, which showed significantly reduced survival and growth. Protease inhibitors promoted the early survival and growth of lpg2‐ in the blood meal. PPG was shown to be the key molecule conferring resistance to midgut digestive enzymes, as it prevented killing of lpg2‐ promastigotes exposed to midgut lysates prepared from blood‐fed flies. The protection was not associated with inhibition of enzyme activities, but with cell surface acquisition of the PPG, which appears to function similar to mammalian mucins to protect the surface of developing promastigotes against proteolytic damage.
Rediscovering institutions: The organizational basis of politics

The state has lost its position of centrality in contemporary political theory ideas of moral individualism and an emphasis on bargaining among conflicting interest have usurped ideas that embedded morality in institutions, such as the legal system and the corporation, as foundations for political identity. The authors propose a new theory of political behavior that re-invigorates the role of institutions - from laws and bureaucracy to rituals, symbols and ceremonies - as essential to understanding the modern political and economic systems that guide contemporary life.
A new optimization method for distribution system reconfiguration

Reconfiguration of radial distribution systems (RDS) has been well studied. The problem is to minimize real power losses by opening the best set of switches, one for each loop, such that all loops remain open, distribution system remains radial and the voltage solution is acceptable. It is a mixed integer nonlinear optimization challenge with a discontinuous solution space and solution methods typically have relied upon intelligent methods or mixed integer nonlinear optimization techniques. Recent advances of complementarity constraints has enabled the solution space to become continuous rendering such RDS challenges solvable using nonlinear optimization techniques. Accordingly, a nonlinear optimization formulation using complementarity constraints to optimally reconfigure a RDS to minimize losses while obtaining acceptable voltage solution is proposed. This is successfully demonstrated on 7-bus distribution system. The results show improvement as discussed.
Phylogeography sheds light on the central-marginal hypothesis in a Mediterranean narrow endemic plant.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS Understanding the factors that shape variation in genetic diversity across the geographic ranges of species is an important challenge in the effort to conserve evolutionary processes sustaining biodiversity. The historical influences leading to a central-marginal organization of genetic diversity have been explored for species whose range is known to have expanded from refugia after glacial events. However, this question has rarely been addressed for Mediterranean endemic plants of azonal habitats such as rocky slopes or screes. In this context, this comprehensive study examined molecular and field data from Arenaria provincialis (Caryophyllaceae), a narrow endemic plant of south-eastern France. METHODS Across the whole geographic range, an investigation was made of whether high levels of abundance and genetic diversity (estimated from amplified fragment length polymorphism markers) are centrally distributed, to evaluate the relevance of the central-marginal hypothesis. Phylogeographic patterns inferred from chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) were used, applying Bayesian methods to test the influence of past biogeographic events. Multivariate analysis combining phylogeographic and ecological data was used to reveal the historical and ecological distinctiveness of populations. KEY RESULTS Despite the narrow distribution of A. provincialis, a high level of nucleotide variation is found within cpDNA loci, supporting its persistence throughout the Pleistocene period. The area characterized by the highest genetic diversity is centrally located. Structured phylogeography and Bayesian factor analysis supported the hypothesis that the central area of the distribution was the source of both westward and eastward migrations, probably during arid periods of the Pleistocene, and more recently was a crossroads of backward migrations. By contrast, the two areas located today at the range limits are younger, have reduced genetic diversity and are marginal in the ecological gradients. CONCLUSIONS This study highlights a case of strong population distinctiveness within a narrow range. Phylogeography sheds light on the historical role of the areas centrally situated in the distribution. The current range size and abundance patterns are not sufficient to predict the organization of genetic diversity.
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors: A Review of its Effects on Intraocular Pressure

The increase in serotonin (5-HT) neurotransmission is considered to be one of the most efficacious medical approach to depression and its related disorders. The selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) represent the most widely antidepressive drugs utilized in the medical treatment of depressed patients. Currently available SSRIs include fluoxetine, sertraline, paroxetine, fluvoxamine, citalopram and escitalopram. The primary SSRIs pharmacological action’s mechanism consists in the presynaptic inhibition on the serotonin reuptake, with an increased availability of this amine into the synaptic cleft. Serotonin produces its effects as a consequence of interactions with appropriate receptors. Seven distinct families of 5-HT receptors have been identified (5-HT1 to 5-HT7), and subpopulations have been described for several of these. The interaction between serotonin and post-synaptic receptors mediates a wide range of functions. The SSRIs have a very favorable safety profile, although clinical signs of several unexpected pathologic events are often misdiagnosed, in particular, those regarding the eye. In all cases reported in the literature the angle-closure glaucoma represents the most important SSRIs-related ocular adverse event. Thus, it is not quite hazardous to hypothesize that also the other reported and unspecified visual disturbances could be attributed - at least in some cases - to IOP modifications. The knowledge of SSRIs individual tolerability, angle-closure predisposition and critical IOP could be important goals able to avoid further and more dangerous ocular side effects.
An evaluation of a pre‐school home‐teaching project

Summary Although there have been several pre‐school educational home‐visiting initiatives in the UK, few have been evaluated. A study of a pre‐school home‐teaching project in an inner city area is therefore reported. A qualitative research methodology, including a review of the project, interviews of parents, home teachers and allied professionals, was employed. The approach of the home teachers is detailed. Findings indicate that the project was successful in changing parents’ involvement in their children's educational development. Policy implications are discussed. Although there have been several pre‐school educational home‐visiting schemes in the UK, few have been documented (Aplin and Pugh, 1983), even fewer have been evaluated systematically (Smith, 1975; Jayne, 1976; Raven, 1980). Here we would like to report a case of a pre‐school home‐teaching project which was set up in a disadvantaged area of Sheffield, England.
Using Nonsense Word Fluency to Predict Reading Proficiency in Kindergarten Through Second Grade for English Learners and Native English Speakers

Abstract. This study examined the validity of Nonsense Word Fluency as an index of beginning reading proficiency for students in kindergarten through second grade. Validity evidence for Nonsense Word Fluency is addressed in the context of research-based instructional practices implemented on a large scale. Technical adequacy data are presented for all students in participating schools, and separately for English learners and native English speakers. Five cohorts of students participated, with each cohort representing approximately 2,400 students. Results support the use of Nonsense Word Fluency in the early grades to screen students for reading problems and predict early reading proficiency. The use of this measure in reading reform is discussed as well as implications for school psychologists.