Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Auditory Selective Attention to Speech Modulates Activity in the Visual Word Form Area

Selective attention to speech versus nonspeech signals in complex auditory input could produce top-down modulation of cortical regions previously linked to perception of spoken, and even visual, words. To isolate such top-down attentional effects, we contrasted 2 equally challenging active listening tasks, performed on the same complex auditory stimuli (words overlaid with a series of 3 tones). Instructions required selectively attending to either the speech signals (in service of rhyme judgment) or the melodic signals (tone-triplet matching). Selective attention to speech, relative to attention to melody, was associated with blood oxygenation level–dependent (BOLD) increases during functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) in left inferior frontal gyrus, temporal regions, and the visual word form area (VWFA). Further investigation of the activity in visual regions revealed overall deactivation relative to baseline rest for both attention conditions. Topographic analysis demonstrated that while attending to melody drove deactivation equivalently across all fusiform regions of interest examined, attending to speech produced a regionally specific modulation: deactivation of all fusiform regions, except the VWFA. Results indicate that selective attention to speech can topographically tune extrastriate cortex, leading to increased activity in VWFA relative to surrounding regions, in line with the well-established connectivity between areas related to spoken and visual word perception in skilled readers.
Coaching doctoral students – a means to enhance progress and support self-organisation in doctoral education

ABSTRACT In this paper we focus on individual coaching carried out by an external coach as a new pedagogical element that can impact doctoral students’ sense of progress in doctoral education. The study used a mixed-methods approach in that we draw on quantitative and qualitative data from the evaluation of a project on coaching doctoral students. We explore how coaching can contribute to the doctoral students’ development of a broad set of personal competences and suggest that coaching could work as a means to engender self-management and improve relational competences. The analysis of the participants’ self-reported gains from coaching show that doctoral students experience coaching as an effective method to support the doctoral study process. This study also provides preliminary empirical evidence that coaching of doctoral students can facilitate the doctoral study process so that the doctoral students experience an enhanced feeling of progress and that they can change their study behaviour in a positive direction. The study discusses the difference between coaching and supervision, for instance power imbalances and contrary to earlier research into coaching of doctoral students this study indicates that coaching can impact the supervisor–student relationship in a positive way.
The Mediating Role of Consumer Conformity in E-Compulsive Buying

Both the convenience of online shopping and the lack of normative standards on the Internet can cause online compulsive buying. Considering the negative consequences of online compulsive buying, Internet tools for reminding consumers of social norms are needed to reduce online compulsive buying. Virtual communities can affect consumer buying behavior because they also can be social groups. Accordingly, the objective of this study is to explore the relationship between conformity in virtual communities and online compulsive buying tendencies. This study also attempts to examine the influence of two external variables, member expertise and the sense of belongingness on conformity.
Large-Scale Corpus-Driven PCFG Approximation of an HPSG

We present a novel corpus-driven approach towards grammar approximation for a linguistically deep Head-driven Phrase Structure Grammar. With an unlexicalized probabilistic context-free grammar obtained by Maximum Likelihood Estimate on a large-scale automatically annotated corpus, we are able to achieve parsing accuracy higher than the original HPSG-based model. Different ways of enriching the annotations carried by the approximating PCFG are proposed and compared. Comparison to the state-of-the-art latent-variable PCFG shows that our approach is more suitable for the grammar approximation task where training data can be acquired automatically. The best approximating PCFG achieved ParsEv-al F1 accuracy of 84.13%. The high robustness of the PCFG suggests it is a viable way of achieving full coverage parsing with the hand-written deep linguistic grammars.
The Role of Inhibition in a Computational Model of an Auditory Cortical Neuron during the Encoding of Temporal Information

In auditory cortex, temporal information within a sound is represented by two complementary neural codes: a temporal representation based on stimulus-locked firing and a rate representation, where discharge rate co-varies with the timing between acoustic events but lacks a stimulus-synchronized response. Using a computational neuronal model, we find that stimulus-locked responses are generated when sound-evoked excitation is combined with strong, delayed inhibition. In contrast to this, a non-synchronized rate representation is generated when the net excitation evoked by the sound is weak, which occurs when excitation is coincident and balanced with inhibition. Using single-unit recordings from awake marmosets (Callithrix jacchus), we validate several model predictions, including differences in the temporal fidelity, discharge rates and temporal dynamics of stimulus-evoked responses between neurons with rate and temporal representations. Together these data suggest that feedforward inhibition provides a parsimonious explanation of the neural coding dichotomy observed in auditory cortex.
Emerging hematological targets and therapy for cardiovascular disease: From bench to bedside

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death and a major part of its pathophysiology remains obscure. Some hematological targets have been related to the development and clinical outcome of this disease, especially soluble cytokines, leukocytes, red blood cells, hemostatic factors and platelets, and bone-marrow vascular progenitors. These emerging factors may be modulated by current antiatherosclerotic pharmacotherapy, target-designed novel drugs or progenitor cell therapy. The aim of current review article is to comprehensively review the role of these antiatherosclerotic targets and therapy.
Association between Interpersonal Trust, Reciprocity, and Depression in South Korea: A Prospective Analysis

Background A growing body of empirical evidence indicates that low-level social capital is related to poor mental health outcomes. However, the prospective association between social capital and depression remains unclear, and no published studies have investigated the association with longitudinal data in East-Asian countries. Methods We analyzed data from the ongoing Korean Welfare Panel Study to prospectively investigate association between social capital and depression. Social capital was measured at the individual level by two items specific to interpersonal trust and reciprocity. Depression was annually assessed as a dichotomous variable using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale. After excluding participants who had depression in 2006, logistic regression models were applied to estimate the association between each social capital indicator and new-onset depression developed in 2007 or long-term depression in both 2007 and 2008. We also examined the association in a subpopulation restricted to healthy participants after excluding individuals with any pre-existing disability, chronic disease, or poor self-rated health condition. Results Compared to the high interpersonal trust group, the odds ratios of developing new-onset and long-term depression among the low interpersonal trust group were 1.22 (95% CI: 1.08∼1.38) and 1.23 (95% CI: 1.03∼1.50), respectively, and increased to 1.32 (95% CI: 1.10∼1.57) and 1.47 (95% CI: 1.05∼2.08) in the subpopulation analyses restricted to healthy individuals. Although the low and intermediate reciprocity group also had significantly higher odds of developing new-onset depression compared to the high reciprocity group, the effects were attenuated and statistically non-significant in the subpopulation analyses. Conclusion Low interpersonal trust appears to be an independent risk factor for new-onset and long-term depression in South Korea.
Training deep neural-networks using a noise adaptation layer

The availability of large datsets has enabled neural networks to achieve impressive recognition results. However, the presence of inaccurate class labels is known to deteriorate the performance of even the best classiﬁers in a broad range of classi-ﬁcation problems. Noisy labels also tend to be more harmful than noisy attributes. When the observed label is noisy, we can view the correct label as a latent random variable and model the noise processes by a communication channel with unknown parameters. Thus we can apply the EM algorithm to ﬁnd the parameters of both the network and the noise and estimate the correct label. In this study we present a neural-network approach that optimizes the same likelihood function as optimized by the EM algorithm. The noise is explicitly modeled by an additional softmax layer that connects the correct labels to the noisy ones. This scheme is then extended to the case where the noisy labels are dependent on the features in addition to the correct labels. Experimental results demonstrate that this approach outperforms previous methods.
Obsessive-compulsive symptoms at young age : a taxonomic analysis and integration with personality characteristics

One of the most challenging issues in the pediatric Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder research field is to differentiate pathological obsessions and compulsions from the phenotypically similar normative rituals and routines that occur during childhood development. Based on these similarities, it can be questioned whether both constructs reflect two qualitatively distinct behavioral expressions, or rather can be considered as two different manifestations of one single continuum (referring to the continuity hypothesis). The current manuscript addresses this issue from a conceptual viewpoint by critically reviewing all the literature that attempted to better understand these constructs’ relation. This literature search indicates that most studies merely describe associations or comparisons between the constructs, what can be considered as a crucial first step in testing the continuity. However, if the field wants to move forward, we need to rely on more rigorous methods and designs to thoroughly test this continuity hypothesis. The current review reflects on the next steps that should be taken to contribute the field’s understanding. 1 De Caluwé, E. , Decuyper, M. , & De Clercq, B. (under review). The relation between normative rituals/routines and obsessive-compulsive symptoms at a young age: A conceptual review. Clinical Psychology Review.
Identity & Cognitive Shifts for Exiting a Criminal Lifestyle

In surveying 120 female inmates at the Topeka Correctional Facility (TCF) in 2001 to test criminological theories, and in conducting life-history interviews with 22 inmates at the prison during the summers of 2002 and 2003, I discovered these inmates were subjected to extensive and severe physical and sexual abuse. Thus, I was surprised these inmates frequently conveyed hopeful and optimistic insights about their futures. This study focuses on the positive identity and cognitive shifts that might help female inmates overcome deviant identities and criminal lifestyles. Some inmates stressed their need for increased spiritual growth to end their criminal activities. Other inmates discussed pursuing vocational aspirations after their release from prison. Some shared their intention to no longer accept mistreatment they believe leads to substance abuse. Finally, some inmates described their belief that extensive physical and sexual abuse can lead to imprisonment. These inmates want to ensure that other women will not follow in their footsteps. Their autobiographical insights provide glimpses of the types of identity shifts and strategies women can employ to move away from criminal lifestyles. Janice Proctor is an associate professor of Sociology/Criminology at Ohio University's Eastern Campus. She earned a PhD in Sociology from the University of Kansas in 2001. Her areas of interest include theoretical explanations for female criminality, studies of incarcerated women, the health care needs of imprisoned women, and the scholarship of teaching and learning.
Bit Error Probability of STBC-OFDM System over Correlated MIMO Channels with Channel Estimation Errors

The effect of channel estimation errors on the symbol error rate of space time block code (STBC) over uncorrelated multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) channel has been given by Hochwald etc. On top of that, we derive an exact expression for the bit error probability of the quadrature phase-shift keying modulated STBC coded orthogonal frequency division multiplexing system over correlated MIMO channels. The closed-form BEP formula include the impacts, not only of fading and receiver noise, but also that of the channel estimation errors and spatial correlation occurred at the receiver side
the effect of our own voice family on stigma in schizophrenia patients families hospitalized in Ibn sina psychiatric hospital of mashhad

Introduction: Stigma is the most challenging psychiatric pressure for the patients’ families. Hence, according to its negative consequences on the psychological health of the family and the important role of the family in psychiatric patients’ constant care, it is necessary to reduce Stigma. objective: Determine the effect of In Our Own Voice-Family on Stigma in schizophrenia patients’ families hospitalized in Ibn-Sina psychiatric hospital of Mashhad. Method: in this clinical trial, 60 persons of the schizophrenia patients’ families, hospitalized in Ibn-Sina psychiatric hospital were studied in two groups. By random selection, 30 individuals were involved in each of these groups, named as the control and intervention groups. The intervention group had two 4-hour sessions In Our Own VoiceFamily, designed by the National Alliance on Mental Illness. On the other hand, there were no interventions in the control group. Data were collected by means of adjusted Stigma Ritscher et al.’s (2003) questionnaire before and one month after the intervention. The data analysis was done by SPSS 11.5 and independent and Paired T-tests. Results: The Stigma’s average score has decreased in the intervention group (p<0.001). In addition, there was a meaningful decrement in the average Stigma score in various subscales of the alienation, stereotype endorsement, discrimination experience analysis, and the Social Withdrawal (p<0.05). Conclusion: The In Our Own Voice-Family program can reduce the Stigma in the schizophrenia patients’ families.
Impaired GABA and Glycine Transmission Triggers Cardinal Features of Rapid Eye Movement Sleep Behavior Disorder in Mice

Rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder (RBD) is a neurological disease characterized by loss of normal REM motor inhibition and subsequent dream enactment. RBD is clinically relevant because it predicts neurodegenerative disease onset (e.g., Parkinson's disease) and is clinically problematic because it disrupts sleep and results in patient injuries and hospitalization. Even though the cause of RBD is unknown, multiple lines of evidence indicate that abnormal inhibitory transmission underlies the disorder. Here, we show that transgenic mice with deficient glycine and GABA transmission have a behavioral, motor, and sleep phenotype that recapitulates the cardinal features of RBD. Specifically, we show that mice with impaired glycine and GABAA receptor function exhibit REM motor behaviors, non-REM muscle twitches, sleep disruption, and EEG slowing—the defining disease features. Importantly, the RBD phenotype is rescued by drugs (e.g., clonazepam and melatonin) that are routinely used to treat human disease symptoms. Our findings are the first to identify a potential mechanism for RBD—we show that deficits in glycine- and GABAA-mediated inhibition trigger the full spectrum of RBD symptoms. We propose that these mice are a useful resource for investigating in vivo disease mechanisms and developing potential therapeutics for RBD.
Investigation of a Potential Zoonotic Transmission of Orthoreovirus Associated with Acute Influenza-Like Illness in an Adult Patient

Bats are increasingly being recognized as important reservoir hosts for a large number of viruses, some of them can be highly virulent when they infect human and livestock animals. Among the new bat zoonotic viruses discovered in recent years, several reoviruses (respiratory enteric orphan viruses) were found to be able to cause acute respiratory infections in humans, which included Melaka and Kampar viruses discovered in Malaysia, all of them belong to the genus Orthoreovirus, family Reoviridae. In this report, we describe the isolation of a highly related virus from an adult patient who suffered acute respiratory illness in Malaysia. Although there was no direct evidence of bat origin, epidemiological study indicated the potential exposure of the patient to bats before the onset of disease. The current study further demonstrates that spillover events of different strains of related orthoreoviruses from bats to humans are occurring on a regular basis, which calls for more intensive and systematic surveillances to fully assess the true public health impact of these newly discovered bat-borne zoonotic reoviruses.
Self-regulation and power: how self-regulatory failures can enhance social power

Low self-control is often associated with poor life outcomes. Here, we propose that self-control failures may also provide social benefits by signaling and maintaining power. We identify several pathways by which reduced self-control can assist in ascending social hierarchies. First, the self-enhancing tendencies adopted by people with low self-control may contribute to making positive first impressions and advertising power to new acquaintances. The direct and disinhibited communication styles that stem from self-control failures may also enhance power and lubricate difficult social interactions. Disinhibited aggression can help people maintain and acquire material resources and establish dominance over rivals. Finally, the parallels between the behavior of people with low self-control and people with power (e.g., self-enhancement, disinhibition, approach-orientation, aggression) suggest that people with impaired self-control will be perceived as more powerful than people with intact self-control. Evidence for these propositions and directions for future research are discussed.
N-3 Fatty Acid-induced Lipid Peroxidation in Human Platelets is Prevented by Catechins

Summary The effects of catechins were studied in both unstimulated platelets and platelets submitted to a mild oxidative stress induced by docosa-hexaenoic acid (DHA). Human unstimulated platelets were incubated in the presence of catechin or epicatechin (1, 10 or 100 μM) for 2 h at 37° C. Treatment by 1 μM epicatechin was sufficient to induce a significant inhibition (-30%) of basal thromboxane B2 formation. This result is consistent with the observed inhibitory effects of flavonoids on platelet aggregation. DHA treatment of platelets decreased the amount of a-tocopherol and increased the malondialdehyde (MDA) formation. The presence of epicatechin or catechin prevented the oxidative stress induced by DHA. Indeed, the platelet a-tocopherol level was significantly increased when compared to that of platelets treated by DHA alone, to reach the control level, whereas MDA was depressed to a level even lower than the control one. Our results indicate that catechin and especially epicatechin protect platelets from a peroxidative stress.
L-asparagine uptake in Escherichia coli

The uptake of L-asparagine by Escherichia coli K-12 is characterized by two kinetic components with apparent Km values of 3.5 muM and 80 muM. The 3.5 muM Km system displays a maximum velocity of 1.1 nmol/min per mg of protein, which is a low value when compared with derepressed levels of other amino acid transport systems but is relatively specific for L-asparagine. Compounds providing effective competition for L-asparagine uptake were 4-carbon analogues of the L-isomer with alterations at the beta-amide position, i.e., 5-diazo-4-oxo-L-norvaline (Ki = 4.6 muM), beta-hydroxyamyl-L-aspartic acid (Ki = 10 muM), and L-aspartic acid (Ki = 50 muM). Asparagine uptake is energy dependent and is inhibited by a number of metabolic inhibitors. In a derived strain of E. coli deficient in cytoplasmic asparaginase activity asparagine can be accumulated several-fold above the apparent biosynthetic pool of the amino acid and 100-fold above the external medium. The high affinity system is repressed by culture of cells with L-asparagine supplements in excess of 1 mM and is suggested to be necessary for growth of E. coli asparagine auxotrophs with lower supplement concentrations.
First Stars, Very Massive Black Holes, and Metals

Recent studies suggest that the initial mass function (IMF) of the first stars (Population III) is likely to have been extremely top-heavy, unlike what is observed at present. We propose a scenario to generate fragmentation to lower masses once the first massive stars have formed and derive constraints on the primordial IMF. We estimate the mass fraction of pair-unstable supernovae (SNγγ), shown to be the dominant sources of the first heavy elements. These metals enrich the surrounding gas up to ≈10-4 Z☉, when a transition to efficient cooling-driven fragmentation producing ≲1 M☉ clumps occurs. We argue that the remaining fraction of the first stars ends up in ≈100 M☉ VMBHs (very massive black holes). If we further assume that all these VMBHs are likely to end up in the centers of galactic nuclei constituting the observed supermassive black holes (SMBHs), then ≈6% of the first stars contributed to the initial metal enrichment and the IMF remained top-heavy down to a redshift z ≈ 18.5%. Interestingly, this is the epoch at which the cool metals detected in the Lyα forest at z ≈ 3 must have been ejected from galaxies. At the other extreme, if none of these VMBHs has as yet ended up in SMBHs, we expect them to be either (1) en route toward galactic nuclei, thereby accounting for the X-ray-bright off-center sources detected locally by ROSAT, or (2) the dark matter candidate composing the entire baryonic halos of galaxies. For case 1 we expect all but a negligible fraction of the primordial stars to produce metals, causing the transition at the maximum possible redshift of ≳22.1, and for case 2, ~3 × 105, a very negligible fraction of the initial stars produce the metals and the transition redshift occurs at zf ≳ 5.4. In this paper, we present a framework (albeit one that is not stringently constrained at present) that relates the first episode of star formation to the fate of their remnants at late times. Clearly, further progress in understanding the formation and fragmentation of Population III stars within the cosmological context will provide tighter constraints in the future. We conclude with a discussion of several hitherto unexplored implications of a high-mass-dominated star formation mode in the early universe.