Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Scope of Public Reason

This paper presents two conceptions of the scope of public reason. The narrow view asserts that the ideal of public reason must regulate questions of constitutional essentials and matters of basic justice, but should not apply beyond this limited domain. The broad view claims that the ideal of public reason ought to be applied, whenever possible, to all political decisions where citizens exercise coercive power over one another. The paper questions whether there are any good grounds for accepting the narrow view. I survey and reject three potential reasons. The priority argument for the narrow view claims that constitutional essentials and matters of basic justice are the only proper subjects of public reason because they have a special moral priority for our reasoning about justice. The basic interests argument supports the narrow view by arguing that public reasons only exist at the level of constitutional essentials and matters of basic justice. Finally, the completeness argument defends the narrow view on the grounds that public reason can only be complete if it abstains from most legislative questions. I conclude that there are no good reasons for accepting the narrow view of the scope of public reason, whereas there are several reasons to prefer the broad view.
Intrusion of Associative Distractors into Conceptual Performance by Acute Schizophrenics: Role of Associative Strength

37 acute schizophrenic patients were given a test measuring the extent to which associatively linked distractors intruded inappropriately into the formation of concepts. The test was administered both on admission to the hospital and after 6 wk. of phenothiazine or placebo treatment. Distractors were divided into four levels ranging from strong to weak associative linkages with relevant concept words. Stronger associative linkages in distractors were associated with more conceptual errors at both the pre- and post-treatment points (p < .001). These findings provide further support for the view that cognitive pathology in schizophrenia is characterized by pathological distractibility rather than loss in “abstract attitude. ”
Cortical point-spread function and long-range lateral interactions revealed by real-time optical imaging of macaque monkey primary visual cortex

Processing of retinal images is carried out in the myriad dendritic arborizations of cortical neurons. Such processing involves complex dendritic integration of numerous inputs, and the subsequent output is transmitted to multiple targets by extensive axonal arbors. Thus far, details of this intricate processing remained unexaminable. This report describes the usefulness of real-time optical imaging in the study of population activity and the exploration of cortical dendritic processing. In contrast to single-unit recordings, optical signals primarily measure the changes in transmembrane potential of a population of neuronal elements, including the often elusive subthreshold synaptic potentials that impinge on the extensive arborization of cortical cells. By using small visual stimuli with sharp borders and real-time imaging of cortical responses, we found that shortly after its onset, cortical activity spreads from its retinotopic site of initiation, covering an area at least 10 times larger, in upper cortical layers. The activity spreads at velocities from 100 to 250 microns/msec. Near the V1/V2 border the direct activation is anisotropic and we detected also anisotropic spread; the “space constant” for the spread was approximately 2.7 mm parallel to the border and approximately 1.5 mm along the perpendicular axis. In addition, we found cortical interactions between cortical activities evoked by a small “center stimulus” and by large “surround stimuli” positioned outside the classical receptive field. All of the surround stimuli used suppressed the cortical response to the center stimulus. Under some stimulus conditions iso-orientation suppression was more pronounced than orthogonal-orientation suppression. The orientation dependence of the suppression and its dependency on the size of some specific stimuli indicate that at least part of the center surround inhibitory interaction was of cortical origin. This findings reported here raise the possibility that distributed processing over a very large cortical area plays a major role in the processing of visual information by the primary visual cortex of the primate.
catena-Poly[[copper(I)-μ-2,6-bis[4-(pyridin-2-yl)thiazol-2-yl]pyridine] hexafluoridophosphate acetonitrile monosolvate] from single-crystal synchrotron data

The title complex, {[Cu(C21H13N5S2)]PF6·CH3CN}n, was formed immediately on adding together a methanol solution containing copper(I) ions and a methanol solution of 2,6-bis[4-(pyridin-2-yl)thiazol-2-yl]pyridine. Crystallographic studies of the complex reveal a coordination polymer with the ligand acting as a bis(bidentate) ligand with the pyridine N atom not coordinating a metal centre. The CuI atom is four-coordinate with approximately tetrahedral stereochemistry: the N4 donor set is provided by bipyridine-like moieties of the two heterocyclic ligands. Parallel chains of the coordination polymer run along the b-axis direction with the disordered (0.50:0.50 occupancy ratio) PF6 − anions and acetonitrile solvent molecules located between the chains.
The Impact of Different Rosters on Employee Work and Non-Work

Australian organizations are extending the 8-hour shift in response to market demands. The aim of this study was to quantify the impact of working time arrangements on employees who work shiftwork. A survey was developed to investigate preferred work and non-work time and to determine the potential impact of two rosters (mining and transport). A total of 256 shiftworkers working either 8-or 12-hour shifts were matched on age, gender, marital and parenting status. Both groups placed higher value on work time during the day, Monday to Friday and preferred weekend work to night work. Furthermore, the two imposed rosters suggest that the benefits cited concerning 12-hour rosters and social time are more a reduction in the loss of preferred time than an absolute gain.
Cytoplasmic Utilization of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Genomic RNA Is Not Dependent on a Nuclear Interaction with Gag

ABSTRACT In some retroviruses, such as Rous sarcoma virus and prototype foamy virus, Gag proteins are known to shuttle between the nucleus and the cytoplasm and are implicated in nuclear export of the viral genomic unspliced RNA (gRNA) for subsequent encapsidation. A similar function has been proposed for human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) Gag based on the identification of nuclear localization and export signals. However, the ability of HIV-1 Gag to transit through the nucleus has never been confirmed. In addition, the lentiviral Rev protein promotes efficient nuclear gRNA export, and previous reports indicate a cytoplasmic interaction between Gag and gRNA. Therefore, functional effects of HIV-1 Gag on gRNA and its usage were explored. Expression of gag in the absence of Rev was not able to increase cytoplasmic gRNA levels of subgenomic, proviral, or lentiviral vector constructs, and gene expression from genomic reporter plasmids could not be induced by Gag provided in trans. Furthermore, Gag lacking the reported nuclear localization and export signals was still able to mediate an efficient packaging process. Although small amounts of Gag were detectable in the nuclei of transfected cells, a Crm1-dependent nuclear export signal in Gag could not be confirmed. Thus, our study does not provide any evidence for a nuclear function of HIV-1 Gag. The encapsidation process of HIV-1 therefore clearly differs from that of Rous sarcoma virus and prototype foamy virus.
An adaptive wavelet-based watermarking using shift-orthogonal finite-length sequences

This paper presents an adaptive wavelet-based image-watermarking scheme embedding shift-orthogonal finite-length sequences. This sequence has the characteristics of shift-orthogonality and mean 0, variance 1. The security of this sequence is higher than pseudo random sequence because of the parameters used to generate the sequence. Watermark embedding is based on the characteristics of the human visual system (HVS). In the process of watermark detection the normalized correlation function is used. The experimental results show that the proposed watermarking scheme is perceptual invisible and robust against attacks such as JPEG compression, additive noise, filtering and cropping.
ESPRIT-Tree: hierarchical clustering analysis of millions of 16S rRNA pyrosequences in quasilinear computational time

Taxonomy-independent analysis plays an essential role in microbial community analysis. Hierarchical clustering is one of the most widely employed approaches to finding operational taxonomic units, the basis for many downstream analyses. Most existing algorithms have quadratic space and computational complexities, and thus can be used only for small or medium-scale problems. We propose a new online learning-based algorithm that simultaneously addresses the space and computational issues of prior work. The basic idea is to partition a sequence space into a set of subspaces using a partition tree constructed using a pseudometric, then recursively refine a clustering structure in these subspaces. The technique relies on new methods for fast closest-pair searching and efficient dynamic insertion and deletion of tree nodes. To avoid exhaustive computation of pairwise distances between clusters, we represent each cluster of sequences as a probabilistic sequence, and define a set of operations to align these probabilistic sequences and compute genetic distances between them. We present analyses of space and computational complexity, and demonstrate the effectiveness of our new algorithm using a human gut microbiota data set with over one million sequences. The new algorithm exhibits a quasilinear time and space complexity comparable to greedy heuristic clustering algorithms, while achieving a similar accuracy to the standard hierarchical clustering algorithm.
Conserved Expression of the Glutamate NMDA Receptor 1 Subunit Splice Variants during the Development of the Siberian Hamster Suprachiasmatic Nucleus

Glutamate neurotransmission and the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) are central to photic signaling to the master circadian pacemaker located in the hypothalamic suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN). NMDARs also play important roles in brain development including visual input circuits. The functional NMDAR is comprised of multiple subunits, but each requiring the NR1 subunit for normal activity. The NR1 can be alternatively spliced to produce isoforms that confer different functional properties on the NMDAR. The SCN undergoes extensive developmental changes during postnatal life, including synaptogenesis and acquisition of photic signaling. These changes are especially important in the highly photoperiodic Siberian hamster, in which development of sensitivity to photic cues within the SCN could impact early physiological programming. In this study we examined the expression of NR1 isoforms in the hamster at different developmental ages. Gene expression in the forebrain was quantified by in situ hybridization using oligonucleotide probes specific to alternatively spliced regions of the NR1 heteronuclear mRNA, including examination of anterior hypothalamus, piriform cortex, caudate-putamen, thalamus and hippocampus. Gene expression analysis within the SCN revealed the absence of the N1 cassette, the presence of the C2 cassette alone and the combined absence of C1 and C2 cassettes, indicating that the dominant splice variants are NR1-2a and NR1-4a. Whilst we observe changes at different developmental ages in levels of NR1 isoform probe hybridization in various forebrain structures, we find no significant changes within the SCN. This suggests that a switch in NR1 isoform does not underlie or is not produced by developmental changes within the hamster SCN. Consistency of the NR1 isoforms would ensure that the response of the SCN cells to photic signals remains stable throughout life, an important aspect of the function of the SCN as a responder to environmental changes in quality/quantity of light over the circadian day and annual cycle.
The Human Search for Belonging

Belonging is a human need that is often unmet for people with significant mental health issues who typically experience high levels of exclusion. Using a case study approach, this research gives voice to people with significant mental health issues and deals with their experience of belonging, with specific reference to their relationships with ordinary citizens, their sense of identity, and their sense of meaning in life. Drawing upon a theoretical and practice framework of belonging, the research identifies key principles that support inclusion. It also posits the conundrum of ‘belonging to the service’ for consideration by progressive thinkers and practitioners.
Stratification of patient trajectories using covariate latent variable models

Standard models assign disease progression to discrete categories or stages based on well-characterized clinical markers. However, such a system is potentially at odds with our understanding of the underlying biology, which in highly complex systems may support a (near-)continuous evolution of disease from inception to terminal state. To learn such a continuous disease score one could infer a latent variable from dynamic "omics" data such as RNA-seq that correlates with an outcome of interest such as survival time. However, such analyses may be confounded by additional data such as clinical covariates measured in electronic health records (EHRs). As a solution to this we introduce covariate latent variable models, a novel type of latent variable model that learns a low-dimensional data representation in the presence of two (asymmetric) views of the same data source. We apply our model to TCGA colorectal cancer RNA-seq data and demonstrate how incorporating microsatellite-instability (MSI) status as an external covariate allows us to identify genes that stratify patients on an immune-response trajectory. Finally, we propose an extension termed Covariate Gaussian Process Latent Variable Models for learning nonparametric, nonlinear representations. An R package implementing variational inference for covariate latent variable models is available at this http URL.
Yolk sac angiogenic defect and intra‐embryonic apoptosis in mice lacking the Ets‐related factor TEL

The TEL gene, which is frequently rearranged in human leukemias of both myeloid and lymphoid origin, encodes a member of the Ets family of transcription factors. The TEL gene is widely expressed throughout embryonic development and in the adult. To determine the requirement for the TEL gene product in development we generated TEL knockout mice (TEL−/−) by gene targeting in embryonic stem cells. TEL−/− mice are embryonic lethal and die between E10.5–11.5 with defective yolk sac angiogenesis and intra‐embryonic apoptosis of mesenchymal and neural cells. Two‐thirds of TEL‐deficient yolk sacs at E9.5 lack vitelline vessels, yet possess capillaries, indicative of normal vasculogenesis. Vitelline vessels regress by E10.5 in the remaining TEL−/− yolk sacs. Hematopoiesis at the yolk sac stage, however, appears unaffected in TEL−/− embryos. Our findings demonstrate that TEL is required for maintenance of the developing vascular network in the yolk sac and for survival of selected cell types within the embryo proper.
A Novel Generalized Concept for Three Phase Cascaded Multilevel Inverter Topologies

Many new cascaded multilevel inverter (MLI) topologies have recently been proposed and published in the literature. All proposed topologies demand significant amount of semiconductor components and input dc supplies, which is considered the main drawback for the implementation of three phase cascaded MLIs. This paper proposes a new generalized concept that could be employed within any existing cascaded MLI topology in order to reduce its size in terms of device count including semiconductor switches, diodes, and dc power supplies. The new generalized concept involves two stages namely, cascaded stage (CS) and phase generator stage (PGS). The PGS stage is a combination of conventional three phase two level inverter (CTPTLI) and three bidirectional (BD) switches, while the cascaded stage can be modified using any existing cascaded topology. The proposed concept is validated through extensive simulation and experimental analyses. Results show the capability of the proposed technique in reducing device count of the existing topologies while maintaining its performance.
Plotting Confucian and disability rights paradigms on the advocacy–activism continuum: experiences of Chinese parents of children with dyslexia in Hong Kong

This study represents an initial effort to understand the advocacy journey of Chinese parents of children with dyslexia in Hong Kong. Qualitative methods involving individual and group interviews were used to solicit detailed recount and perceptions of the experiences of 25 parents. Findings revealed a largely sequenced three-stage journey of parental advocacy: (1) parents’ emotional adjustment which involved self-blame and sorrow; (2) parents moving on to advocacy which comprised home-life adjustments, acquisition of knowledge about dyslexia, and seeking support through parent networks; and (3) parents advancing from advocacy to activism with increased knowledge about dyslexia and their conscious integration of Confucian and disability rights paradigms as strategies to interact and negotiate with authorities. This unique approach offers a conceptual framework for examining the interplay of dual or multiple cultural values affecting parent advocates’ actions. Their growth as advocates and activists affirmed the conceptualisation of the advocacy–activism continuum.
Comparative analyses for ascorbic acid by the 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine method with the coupling reaction at different temperatures: a procedure for determining specificity.

The dinitrophenylhydrazine method for the determination of ascorbic acid is based upon treatment with 85% HzS04 of the chromogen formed by the coupling of 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine with oxidized ascorbic acid. In the original publication of this method, Roe and Kuether (1) set the temperature of the coupling reaction at 37” and used a 3-hour incubation period. These authors showed that a low temperature for this reaction, together with proper dilution, would avoid interference from glucose, fructose, xylose, and glucuronic acid. Schaffert and Kingsley (2) published a modification of this method in which the coupling reaction is carried out at 100” for 10 minutes. It is the purpose of this paper to show that the Schaffert and Kingsley modification yields values markedly higher than the true content, because of the formation of chromogen from nonascorbic acid substances. The amount of interference that may be expected from glucose, fructose, and glucuronic acid when the coupling reaction is carried out at 37” and 100” is also reported. Further studies of the specificity of the dinitrophenylhydrazine method are presented and a convenient procedure for testing the specificity of this procedure is proposed.
Operator Precedence Languages: Their Automata-Theoretic and Logic Characterization

Operator precedence languages were introduced half a century ago by Robert Floyd to support deterministic and efficient parsing of context-free languages. Recently, we renewed our interest in this class of languages thanks to a few distinguishing properties that make them attractive for exploiting various modern technologies. Precisely, their local parsability enables parallel and incremental parsing, whereas their closure properties make them amenable to automatic verification techniques, including model checking. In this paper we provide a fairly complete theory of this class of languages: we introduce a class of automata with the same recognizing power as the generative power of their grammars; we provide a characterization of their sentences in terms of monadic second-order logic as has been done in previous literature for more restricted language classes such as regular, parenthesis, and input-driven ones; we investigate preserved and lost properties when extending the language sentences from finite .
Evidence for parameter-sensitive acquisition : a contribution to the domain-specific versus central processes debate

Much current work on L2 acquisition is defined by the hypothesis that adult learners embark on the acquisition task with a language faculty whose structure is significantly less modular that than of the L1 learner. The domain-specific system, which has available to it the principles and conditions of Universal Grammar, has been replaced by content-neutral, central processes and the learner's L1 as the principal means by which an L2 can be internalized. An important corollary of this hypothesis is that acquisition will be piecemeal and will not evidence the effects associated with parameter setting. In this paper we attempt to demonstrate that adult L2 acquisition is module - and parameter-sensitive. The focus of the inquiry falls on the acquisition of the principle of structural government and the English language value of the agreement parameter by Japanese-speaking learners. Although the data supporting the claim come primarily from production, their analyses furnish compelling evidence that central processing, as it is currently understood, cannot account for the way attributes of these parametric choices cohere together.
Querying Complex Spatio-Temporal Sequences in Human Motion Databases

Content-based retrieval of spatio-temporal patterns from human motion databases is inherently nontrivial since finding effective distance measures for such data is difficult. These data are typically modelled as time series of high dimensional vectors which incur expensive storage and retrieval cost as a result of the high dimensionality. In this paper, we abstract such complex spatio-temporal data as a set of frames which are then represented as high dimensional categorical feature vectors. New distance measures and queries for high dimensional categorical time series are then proposed and efficient query processing techniques for answering these queries are developed. We conducted experiments using our proposed distance measures and queries on human motion capture databases. The results indicate that significant improvement on the efficiency of query processing of categorical time series (more than 10,000 times faster than that of the original motion sequences) can be achieved while guaranteeing the effectiveness of the search.