Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Motivation-related predictors of physical activity engagement and vitality in rheumatoid arthritis patients

This study tests the Basic Psychological Needs Theory (within the Self-determination framework), in relation to the prediction of physical activity and well-being among rheumatoid arthritis patients. Motivation regulations for physical activity were also considered in the process model. A total of 207 patients (150 females, mean age = 58 ± 11 years) completed a questionnaire pack and structural equation modelling was used to test expected relationships. Autonomy support provided by important other(s) regarding physical activity positively predicted rheumatoid arthritis patients’ need satisfaction which positively related to autonomous reasons for physical activity participation. Autonomous motivation positively predicted reported physical activity participation levels and feelings of vitality.
THE CENTRE FOR MARKET AND PUBLIC ORGANISATION

Previous work on anonymous donations has looked almost exclusively at exogenous anonymity. This study considers endogenous anonymity, approaching it from two angles. We present stylised facts of anonymous giving, drawn from large dataset of donations on behalf of runners in the London Marathon, finding that not only are anonymous donations quite likely to be larger than public ones, but that those who follow an anonymous donation donate around 4% more than had the same donation been made publicly. Our main contribution is to explain this phenomenon through a signalling model, where foregoing prestige through anonymity signals the charity’s quality. ∗This research was funded by the Leverhulme Foundation and the Economic and Social Research Council. We are grateful to Sarah Smith, In-Uck Park & Edmund Wright for help, advice and assistance with data issues. We are also more specifically grateful to Sarah Smith, Edmund Wright and Frank Windmeijer for allowing the use of data from Virgin Money Giving. We are also grateful to Paul Grout, Maija Halonen and participants in the Centre for Market and Public Organisation Doctoral Conference in 2012 and to seminar participants at the RES Annual conference 2013 for comments on an earlier draft. †E-mail: mike.peacey@bristol.ac. uk ‡E-mail (corresponding author): michael.sanders@bristol.ac. uk, Centre for Market and Public Organisation, 2 Priory Road, Bristol, BS81TX
Construction of Direction Selectivity through Local Energy Computations in Primary Visual Cortex

Despite detailed knowledge about the anatomy and physiology of neurons in primary visual cortex (V1), the large numbers of inputs onto a given V1 neuron make it difficult to relate them to the neuron’s functional properties. For example, models of direction selectivity (DS), such as the Energy Model, can successfully describe the computation of phase-invariant DS at a conceptual level, while leaving it unclear how such computations are implemented by cortical circuits. Here, we use statistical modeling to derive a description of DS computation for both simple and complex cells, based on physiologically plausible operations on their inputs. We present a new method that infers the selectivity of a neuron’s inputs using extracellular recordings in macaque in the context of random bar stimuli and natural movies in cat. Our results suggest that DS is initially constructed in V1 simple cells through summation and thresholding of non-DS inputs with appropriate spatiotemporal relationships. However, this de novo construction of DS is rare, and a majority of DS simple cells, and all complex cells, appear to receive both excitatory and suppressive inputs that are already DS. For complex cells, these numerous DS inputs typically span a fraction of their overall receptive fields and have similar spatiotemporal tuning but different phase and spatial positions, suggesting an elaboration to the Energy Model that incorporates spatially localized computation. Furthermore, we demonstrate how these computations might be constructed from biologically realizable components, and describe a statistical model consistent with the feed-forward framework suggested by Hubel and Wiesel.
BARS at the Synapse: PICK-1 Lipid Binding Domain Regulates Targeting, Trafficking, and Synaptic Plasticity

Editor's Note: These short reviews of a recent paper in the Journal, written exclusively by graduate students or postdoctoral fellows, are intended to mimic the journal clubs that exist in your own departments or institutions. For more information on the format and purpose of the Journal Club, please see Review of Jin et al. Targeting of AMPA receptors (AMPARs) to synaptic sites is critical for synaptic plasticity, including long-term potentia-tion (LTP) and long-term depression (LTD) (Barry and Ziff, 2002; Bredt and Nicoll, 2003). In hippocampal pyramidal neurons, AMPA receptors mediate rapid synaptic transmission. Trafficking of AMPARs to synaptic sites occurs by two main mechanisms: (1) glutamate receptor (GluR)2/3 subunits constitutively cycle to and from the synapse, and (2) GluR1/2 subunits are inserted into the synapse in an activity-dependent manner. A number of proteins regulate the trafficking and insertion of AMPA receptors at synaptic sites, including protein-interacting C ki-nase (PICK1). PICK1 is localized to exci-tatory synapses in cultured hippocampal neurons, and it interacts with the C-terminal PSD-95/Discs large/zona occludens-1 (PDZ) domain of GluR2/3 subunits (Xia et al., 1999). Furthermore, PICK1 promotes colocalization and clustering of AMPA receptors at excitatory sites (Xia et al., 1999). Structurally, PICK1 has multiple domains that function as protein-interaction sites, including a PDZ domain located at the N terminus, a central Bin/amphiphysin/Rvs (BAR) domain, and an acidic domain. The recent paper by Jin et al. (2006) in The Journal of Neuro-science demonstrates that the PICK1 BAR domain is important for the targeting of PICK1 and expression of LTD. The authors show that PICK1 binds phospho-inositide lipids via the BAR domain and that lipid binding is critical for the synap-tic targeting of PICK1, trafficking of AMPA receptors to the membrane surface , and induction of LTD. Jin et al. (2006) demonstrate that PICK1 binds lipids in vitro via specific residues present in the BAR domain [Jin et al. Using a Sindbis viral expression system, they infected hippocampal neurons and found that mutations in the BAR domain of PICK1 (PICK1 2K-E, PICK1 3K-E, and PICK1 5K-E) impaired its synaptic targeting , as shown by a reduction in the number and intensity of clusters. Furthermore, the PICK1 2KE mutant did not colocalize at excitatory synapses with PSD-95 [Jin et al.gesting that the lipid-binding domain is important for the synaptic targeting of PICK1. To explore how mutations in the BAR domain would affect synaptic targeting of GluR1 and GluR2, the authors …
Engendering Transitions: Women's Mobilization, Institutions and Gender Outcomes

PART ONE: ANALYSING GENDER AND TRANSITIONS 1. Gender and Politics 2. The Democratization Literature 3. Framework PART TWO: WOMEN'S ORGANIZING 4. Democratization, Civil Society and Social Movements 5. Women's Organizing in Non Democratic Regimes 6. Women's Organizing in the Breakdown 7. Women's Organizing in the Transition Phase 8. Post Transition Women's Organizing PART THREE: THE ELECTORAL ARENA 9. Non Democratic Regimes 10. The Breakdown and Transition 11. Post Transition PART FOUR: THE STATE AND POLICY OUTCOMES 12. Non Democratic Regimes 13. Post Transition Outcomes 14. Social and Economic Transitions Conclusions Appendices References
Properties of Ca2+‐dependent exocytosis in cultured astrocytes

Astrocytes, a subtype of glial cells, have numerous characteristics that were previously considered exclusive for neurons. One of these characteristics is a cytosolic [Ca2+] oscillation that controls the release of the chemical transmitter glutamate and atrial natriuretic peptide. These chemical messengers appear to be released from astrocytes via Ca2+‐dependent exocytosis. In the present study, patch‐clamp membrane capacitance measurements were used to monitor changes in the membrane area of a single astrocyte, while the photolysis of caged calcium compounds by a UV flash was used to elicit steps in [Ca2+]i to determine the exocytotic properties of astrocytes. Experiments show that astrocytes exhibit Ca2+‐dependent increases in membrane capacitance, with an apparent Kd value of ∼20 μM [Ca2+]i. The delay between the flash delivery and the peak rate in membrane capacitance increase is in the range of tens to hundreds of milliseconds. The pretreatment of astrocytes by the tetanus neurotoxin, which specifically cleaves the neuronal/neuroendocrine type of SNARE protein synaptobrevin, abolished flash‐induced membrane capacitance increases, suggesting that Ca2+‐dependent membrane capacitance changes involve tetanus neurotoxin‐sensitive SNARE‐mediated vesicular exocytosis. Immunocytochemical experiments show distinct populations of vesicles containing glutamate and atrial natriuretic peptide in astrocytes. We conclude that the recorded Ca2+‐dependent changes in membrane capacitance represent regulated exocytosis from multiple types of vesicles, about 100 times slower than the exocytotic response in neurons. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Modeling environmentally associated morphological and genetic variation in a rainforest bird, and its application to conservation prioritization

To better understand how environment shapes phenotypic and genetic variation, we explore the relationship between environmental variables across Ecuador and genetic and morphological variation in the wedge‐billed woodcreeper (Glyphorynchus spirurus), a common Neotropical rainforest bird species. Generalized dissimilarity models show that variation in amplified fragment length polymorphism markers was strongly associated with environmental variables on both sides of the Andes, but could also partially be explained by geographic distance on the western side of the Andes. Tarsus, wing, tail, and bill lengths and bill depth were well explained by environmental variables on the western side of the Andes, whereas only tarsus length was well explained on the eastern side. Regions that comprise the highest rates of genetic and phenotypic change occur along steep elevation gradients in the Andes. Such environmental gradients are likely to be particularly important for maximizing adaptive diversity to minimize the impacts of climate change. Using a framework for conservation prioritization based on preserving ecological and evolutionary processes, we found little overlap between currently protected areas in Ecuador and regions we predicted to be important in maximizing adaptive variation.
Feeling, caring, knowing: different types of empathy deficit in boys with psychopathic tendencies and autism spectrum disorder

Background Empathy dysfunction is one of the hallmarks of psychopathy, but it is also sometimes thought to characterise autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Individuals with either condition can appear uncaring towards others. This study set out to compare and contrast directly boys with psychopathic tendencies and boys with ASD on tasks assessing aspects of affective empathy and cognitive perspective taking. The main aim of the study was to assess whether a distinct profile of empathy deficits would emerge for boys with psychopathic tendencies and ASD, and whether empathy deficits would be associated with conduct problems in general, rather than psychopathic tendencies or ASD specifically. Methods Four groups of boys aged between 9 and 16 years (N = 96) were compared: 1) psychopathic tendencies, 2) ASD, 3) conduct problems and 4) comparison. Tasks were included to probe attribution of emotions to self, empathy for victims of aggression and cognitive perspective-taking ability. Results Boys with psychopathic tendencies had a profile consistent with dysfunctional affective empathy. They reported experiencing less fear and less empathy for victims of aggression than comparison boys. Their cognitive perspective-taking abilities were not statistically significantly different from those of comparison boys. In contrast, boys with ASD had difficulties with tasks requiring cognitive perspective taking, but reported emotional experiences and victim empathy that were in line with comparison boys. Boys with conduct problems did not differ from comparison boys, suggesting that the affective empathy deficit seen in boys with psychopathic tendencies was specific to that group, rather than common to all boys with conduct problems. Conclusions Although both groups can appear uncaring, our findings suggest that the affective/information processing correlates of psychopathic tendencies and ASD are quite different. Psychopathic tendencies are associated with difficulties in resonating with other people’s distress, whereas ASD is characterised by difficulties in knowing what other people think.
Edge Saliency Map Detection with Texture Suppression

Edge is a basic feature in the field of computing vision. So to find edge saliency map is an indispensable operation for many applications on image processing. In this paper we present a fast algorithm to find edge saliency map for a natural image. The approach integrates three basic edge features: edge gradient value, edge segment length and edge density, and it works well to detect salient region boundaries and to suppress ill edges from texture. An edge saliency map can be used to image segmentation and boundaries detection. Experimental results demonstrate that our algorithm outperforms other edge saliency detection methods. Finally, our algorithm is applied on salient objects segmentation, compared with several state of-the-art salient region detection methods and the results show our work is valuable.
First Scattered Light Images of Debris Disks around HD 53143 and HD 139664

We present the first scattered light images of debris disks around a K star (HD 53143) and an F star (HD 139664) using the coronagraphic mode of the Advanced Camera for Surveys (ACS) on board the Hubble Space Telescope (HST). With ages of 0.3-1 Gyr, these are among the oldest optically detected debris disks. HD 53143, viewed ~45° from edge-on, does not show radial variation in disk structure and has a width >55 AU. HD 139664 is seen close to edge-on and has a beltlike morphology with a dust peak 83 AU from the star and a distinct outer boundary at 109 AU. We discuss evidence for significant diversity in the radial architecture of debris disks that appears unconnected to stellar spectral type or age. HD 139664 and possibly the solar system belong in a category of narrow belts 20-30 AU wide. HD 53143 represents a class of wide-disk architecture with a characteristic width >50 AU.
CREB activation induced by mitochondrial dysfunction is a new signaling pathway that impairs cell proliferation

We characterized a new signaling pathway leading to the activation of cAMP‐responsive element‐binding protein (CREB) in several cell lines affected by mitochondrial dysfunction. In vitro kinase assays, inhibitors of several kinase pathways and overexpression of a dominant‐negative mutant for calcium/calmodulin kinase IV (CaMKIV), which blocks the activation of CREB, showed that CaMKIV is activated by a mitochondrial activity impairment. A high calcium concentration leading to the disruption of the protein interaction with protein phosphatase 2A explains CaMKIV activation in these conditions. Transcrip tionally active phosphorylated CREB was also found in a ρ0 143B human osteosarcoma cell line and in a MERRF cybrid cell line mutated for tRNALys (A8344G). We also showed that phosphorylated CREB is involved in the proliferation defect induced by a mitochondrial dysfunction. Indeed, cell proliferation inhibition can be prevented by CaMKIV inhibition and CREB dominant‐negative mutants. Finally, our data suggest that phosphorylated CREB recruits p53 tumor suppressor protein, modifies its transcriptional activity and increases the expression of p21Waf1/Cip1, a p53‐regulated cyclin‐dependent kinase inhibitor.
Unnatural imidazopyridopyrimidine:naphthyridine base pairs: selective incorporation and extension reaction by Deep Vent (exo− ) DNA polymerase

In our previous communication we reported the enzymatic recognition of unnatural imidazopyridopyrimidine:naphthyridine (Im:Na) base pairs, i.e. ImON:NaNO and ImNO:NaON, using the Klenow fragment exo− [KF (exo−)]. We describe herein the successful results of (i) improved enzymatic recognition for ImNO:NaON base pairs and (ii) further primer extension reactions after the Im:Na base pairs by Deep Vent DNA polymerase exo− [Deep Vent (exo−)]. Since KF (exo−) did not catalyze primer extension reactions after the Im:Na base pair, we carried out a screening of DNA polymerases to promote the primer extension reaction as well as to improve the selectivity of base pair recognition. As a result, a family B DNA polymerase, especially Deep Vent (exo−), seemed most promising for this purpose. In the ImON:NaNO base pair, incorporation of NaNOTP against ImON in the template was preferable to that of the natural dNTPs, while incorporation of dATP as well as dGTP competed with that of ImONTP when NaNO was placed in the template. Thus, the selectivity of base pair recognition by Deep Vent (exo−) was less than that by KF (exo−) in the case of the ImON:NaNO base pair. On the other hand, incorporation of NaONTP against ImNO in the template and that of ImNOTP against NaON were both quite selective. Thus, the selectivity of base pair recognition was improved by Deep Vent (exo−) in the ImNO:NaON base pair. Moreover, this enzyme catalyzed further primer extension reactions after the ImNO:NaON base pair to afford a faithful replicate, which was confirmed by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry as well as the kinetics data for extension fidelity next to the ImNO:NaON base pair. The results presented in this paper revealed that the ImNO:NaON base pair might be a third base pair beyond the Watson–Crick base pairs.
ASEAN's Leadership in the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership

Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) centrality was one of the biggest motivations for ASEAN's proposal of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) in 2011. In order to gain both politically and economically, ASEAN should play proactive roles in the RCEP negotiation as the driver of substance. ASEAN has already started exercising its influence over the substances of ASEAN + 1 free trade agreements (FTAs). In order to further strengthen its leadership in the RCEP, ASEAN should utilise the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) as the model for RCEP. AEC has achieved a much deeper level of integration than the existing ASEAN + 1 FTAs by setting high ambitions with processes to induce reform initiatives of member states. By using familiar AEC measures, ASEAN can create a single and common position despite the large development gaps among its member states. If modelled after AEC, the RCEP will enforce ASEAN's reform efforts.
Epidemiological aspects of melanoma at a university hospital dermatology center over a period of 20 years*

BACKGROUND The incidence of melanoma has been steadily rising in past decades. Although it accounts for only 3% of all skin cancers, it is responsible for 75% of deaths. OBJECTIVE to describe the epidemiological aspects of melanoma in a university hospital setting over a period of 20 years. METHODS A total of 166 patients were analyzed between January 1990 and January 2010 for clinical and histological variables and correlations between them. A 5% level of significance was adopted. RESULTS The majority of patients were Caucasians (74%), females (61%), with a mean age at diagnosis of 55. The predominant histological type was lentigo maligna/lentigo maligna melanoma (35.7%) and the head and neck was the most affected site (30.7%). Among non-Caucasians, the acral region was the most affected. Most tumors were in situ (41.1%). Growth of the lesion was the most frequent complaint (58.1%) and bleeding was most frequently associated with melanomas with a depth > 4mm. There were seven deaths (4.2%), with a high risk among men, non-Caucasians and those under 20 years of age, with a Breslow's depth > 2mm, with lentiginous acral melanoma and with a history of growth and bleeding. CONCLUSIONS Our sample differs from most of the studies in the predominant location (head and neck), histological type (lentigo maligna/ lentigo maligna melanoma) and a major risk of death under the age of 20, which could be with a reflex of regional variation. Broader studies are necessary for validation of the results.
Complete cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator gene sequencing in patients with idiopathic chronic pancreatitis and controls

Background: Mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene—many of which cause cystic fibrosis—have also been reported in patients with chronic pancreatitis. The authors examine whether mild or severe CFTR mutations, homozygous or compound heterozygous CFTR mutations, or even simple cystic fibrosis carrier status alone increases the risk of developing pancreatitis. Methods: After exclusion of patients with trypsinogen (PRSS1) mutations, cystic fibrosis, or pulmonary disease, and with known risk factors for pancreatitis 67 patients with idiopathic chronic pancreatitis (ICP) from northwest Germany and 60 geographically and ethnically matched controls were recruited. The entire coding region of the CFTR gene was sequenced in all patients and controls. ICP patients were also analysed for serine protease inhibitor Kazal type 1 (SPINK1) gene mutations. Results: Abnormal CFTR alleles were found to be twice as frequent in ICP patients as in controls (25/134 v 11/120; p<0.05). Three of four severe CFTR mutations detected in patients were compound heterozygous with another abnormal CFTR allele, whereas among controls three severe CFTR mutations were found in heterozygous cystic fibrosis carriers. In ICP patients 19 uncommon/mild mutations, including combinations of the 5T allele with 12TG repeats, were identified compared with only five in controls (p = 0.012). Heterozygous SPINK1 mutations were detected in eight ICP patients (15% v 1% in controls) but only one also carried an additional mild CFTR mutation. Conclusions: These data show that not only compound heterozygosity, but also cystic fibrosis carrier status for different types of CFTR mutations, including uncommon/mild mutations, significantly increase the risk of developing pancreatitis. Although 45% of the study’s ICP patients carried predisposing genetic risk factors (for example, mutations in CFTR or SPINK1), the authors found no evidence that the risk conveyed by CFTR mutations depends on co-inherited SPINK1 mutations.
Is Hypozincemia Related to Tinnitus?: A Population Study Using Data From the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

Objectives The aim of present study was to determine the relationship between serum zinc level and tinnitus using data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES). Methods The present study examined the relationship between serum zinc level and tinnitus using data from the KNHANES. A total of 2,225 KNHANES participants responded to the tinnitus questionnaire and provided blood samples to measure serum zinc concentration. Based on questionnaire responses, participants were categorized into control, mild tinnitus, moderate tinnitus, and severe tinnitus subgroups. Results There were no significant differences between groups in serum zinc level after adjustment for sex, age, and hearing loss. Conclusion It was concluded that hypozincemia is not related to tinnitus in a large population.