Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
HTR2 Receptors in a Songbird Premotor Cortical-Like Area Modulate Spectral Characteristics of Zebra Finch Song

Serotonin [5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)] is involved in modulating an array of complex behaviors including learning, depression, and circadian rhythms. Additionally, HTR2 receptors on layer V pyramidal neurons are thought to mediate the actions of psychedelic drugs; the native function of these receptors at this site, however, remains unknown. Previously, we found that activation of HTR2 receptors in the zebra finch forebrain song premotor structure the robust nucleus of the arcopallium (RA) led to increased excitation, and that endogenous 5-HT could roughly double spontaneous firing rate. Here, using in vivo single-unit recordings, we found that direct application of 5-HT to these same RA projection neurons, which are analogous to layer V cortical pyramidal neurons, caused a significant increase in the number of action potentials per song-related burst, and a dramatic decrease in signal-to-noise ratio. Injection of the serotonergic neurotoxin 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine into the third ventricle greatly reduced telencephalic 5-HT and resulted in decreased fundamental frequency of harmonic syllables as well as increased goodness of pitch. Both of these results can be explained by the observed actions of 5-HT on RA projection neurons, and both effects recovered to baseline within 2 weeks following the toxin injection. These results show that 5-HT is involved in modulating spectral properties of song, likely via effects on RA projection neurons, but that adult zebra finches can partially compensate for this deficit within 7 d.
Use of Wild Bird Surveillance, Human Case Data and GIS Spatial Analysis for Predicting Spatial Distributions of West Nile Virus in Greece

West Nile Virus (WNV) is the causative agent of a vector-borne, zoonotic disease with a worldwide distribution. Recent expansion and introduction of WNV into new areas, including southern Europe, has been associated with severe disease in humans and equids, and has increased concerns regarding the need to prevent and control future WNV outbreaks. Since 2010, 524 confirmed human cases of the disease have been reported in Greece with greater than 10% mortality. Infected mosquitoes, wild birds, equids, and chickens have been detected and associated with human disease. The aim of our study was to establish a monitoring system with wild birds and reported human cases data using Geographical Information System (GIS). Potential distribution of WNV was modelled by combining wild bird serological surveillance data with environmental factors (e.g. elevation, slope, land use, vegetation density, temperature, precipitation indices, and population density). Local factors including areas of low altitude and proximity to water were important predictors of appearance of both human and wild bird cases (Odds Ratio = 1,001 95%CI = 0,723–1,386). Using GIS analysis, the identified risk factors were applied across Greece identifying the northern part of Greece (Macedonia, Thrace) western Greece and a number of Greek islands as being at highest risk of future outbreaks. The results of the analysis were evaluated and confirmed using the 161 reported human cases of the 2012 outbreak predicting correctly (Odds = 130/31 = 4,194 95%CI = 2,841–6,189) and more areas were identified for potential dispersion in the following years. Our approach verified that WNV risk can be modelled in a fast cost-effective way indicating high risk areas where prevention measures should be implemented in order to reduce the disease incidence.
A segmentation free Word Spotting for handwritten documents

In this paper, a Word Spotting model is presented, that is motivated by some characteristics of the human visual system. The proposed bio-inspired model works at two different levels. First, a Global Filtering module enables to define several candidate zones. Then, a Refining Filtering module facilitates the selection of good retrieved results. These two modules are based on a process of accumulation of votes resulting from the application of generalized Haar-Like-features. The process does not need the segmentation of documents neither in lines nor in words. The proposed approach is evaluated using the George Washington Database and outperforming state-of-the-art performances.
Copy protection for DVD video

The prospect of consumer digital versatile disk (DVD) recorders highlights the challenge of protecting copyrighted video content from piracy. We describe the copy-protection system currently under consideration for DVD. The copy-protection system broadly tries to prevent illicit copies from being made from either the analog or digital I/O channels of DVD recorders. An analog copy-protection system is utilized to protect the NTSC/PAL output channel by preventing copies to VHS. The digital transmission of content is protected by a robust encryption protocol between two communicating devices. Watermarking is used to encode copy-control information retrievable from both digital and analog signals. Hence, such embedded signals avoid the need for metadata to be carried in either the digital or analog domains. Finally, the copy-protection system provides the capability for one-generation copying. We discuss some proposed solutions and some of the implementation issues that are being addressed.
Differentiated Instruction: Are University Reading Professors Implementing It?.

This qualitative study surveyed university professors of literacy education to explore “how” and “if” they modeled differentiated instruction in their own college classrooms. A survey in questionnaire format on “how” and “if” University Reading Professors differentiate instruction was sent to a purposeful sample of Reading Professors. A total of six professors returned the questionnaire. The study identified various methods of how the professors differentiated the content, the process, the product and the environment within their Reading graduate and undergraduate courses.
Reduced-Rank Adaptive Filtering Based on Joint Iterative Optimization of Adaptive Filters

This letter proposes a novel adaptive reduced-rank filtering scheme based on joint iterative optimization of adaptive filters. The novel scheme consists of a joint iterative optimization of a bank of full-rank adaptive filters that forms the projection matrix and an adaptive reduced-rank filter that operates at the output of the bank of filters. We describe minimum mean-squared error (MMSE) expressions for the design of the projection matrix and the reduced-rank filter and low-complexity normalized least-mean squares (NLMS) adaptive algorithms for its efficient implementation. Simulations for an interference suppression application show that the proposed scheme outperforms in convergence and tracking the state-of-the-art reduced-rank schemes at significantly lower complexity.
Promoting Prevention: A Multi-agency Initiative to Prevent Youth Offending Through Consultation in Swansea Schools

The purpose of this article is to set out Swansea’s response to the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 and related matters, which encompasses an explicitly universal, positive and young person-focused approach to crime prevention. This stands in contrast to more controlling or punitive practices developed elsewhere. Research into the multi-agency, multiple intervention Promoting Prevention programme has utilised an interactive, computer-based questionnaire with young people aged 11-15 to identify risk and protective factors associated with youth offending in Swansea. This has enabled the Promoting Prevention steering group to begin to target appropriate interventions to reduce and prevent youth offending, as reflected in the decrease in official offending locally.
Post-Stroke Cognition as a Fall Predictor During Inpatient Rehabilitation

Accidental falls are common among persons admitted for inpatient stroke rehabilitation, and they can cause serious physical and psychological consequences. The role of post-stroke cognitive function in the occurrence of falls after stroke is not clear. The purpose of this dissertation was to evaluate the extent to which post-stroke cognition predicts falls during inpatient rehabilitation, and to explore the nature of the relationships among impaired balance, hemineglect, activities of daily living (ADL) performance deficit, executive cognitive dysfunction, and falls during inpatient rehabilitation after stroke. Data were pooled from five simultaneously occurring studies at five of the UPMC Rehabilitation Institute’s inpatient units. The Chedoke-McMaster Stroke Assessment Postural Control Scale (balance impairment), Line Bisection Test (hemineglect), motor Functional Independence Measure (ADL performance deficit), Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status and Delis-Kaplan Executive Function System (non-executive and executive cognitive function, respectively) were administered to 180 participants shortly after admission to inpatient rehabilitation, and subsequent occurrence of participant falls was recorded. Using logistic regression and controlling for relevant sociodemographic and clinical covariates, we found no significant predictive relationship between post-stroke cognition and falls, and no significant interaction between post-stroke executive cognitive function and other risk factors for falls (balance impairment, hemineglect, and ADL disability). The most parsimonious predictive model of falls during stroke rehabilitation included educational level in years (p = .01), stroke severity (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, p = .04), use of fall prevention interventions during the inpatient rehabilitation stay (p = .01), and ADL disability (p = .04). Future studies should address limitations of this dissertation, especially the lack of sample representativeness due to possible sampling bias and the need for remediation of large amounts of missing data through imputation. Future investigations are also needed to explore optimal methods for measuring cognitive domains most likely to be associated with falls, particularly when stroke-related communication deficits exist, and to further understand the strong association we found between use of fall prevention interventions and the occurrence of falls. Finally, exploration of mechanisms underlying associations between socioeconomic status and falls during inpatient rehabilitation is warranted.
omb and circumstance

Abstract: Since its isolation in a behavioral screen in 1971, work on the gene, optomotor-blind (omb, FlyBase: bifid, bi), has proceeded in many laboratories. The Drosophila T-box transcription factor, Omb, is active in several developmental processes, in particular in those of wing, eye, and abdominal tergites and optic lobes. The orthologous genes, TBX2 and TBX3, are found overexpressed or amplified in an increasing number of human cancers, emphasizing the importance of Tbx genes also in postdevelopmental processes. This review summarizes recent findings pertaining to omb and orthologous genes.
Decisions to offend in men who sexually abuse their daughters

Abstract A group of nine intrafamilial child molesters of daughters and stepdaughters from Canada and the United Kingdom were interviewed about their analysis of opportunities to sexually offend. Questions focused on the evaluation of immediate and life circumstances surrounding the offence, including how the offender defined, created and responded to opportunities for offending. An equally important goal was identifying strengths in resisting opportunities and coping with spoiled attempts. The interviews were transcribed and subjected to grounded theory analysis. Consistent with the rational choice theory of criminal behaviour the majority of offenders identified information and decision-making processes used to evaluate opportunities for offending. Themes related to offender and victim characteristics, as well as situational factors, are identified and discussed with respect to risk and protective factors. Offenders described positive relationships, greater social/community connectedness and successful employment as present in their lives when not offending. These elements are consistent with positive approaches to sexual offender treatment and management.
Exploring Crowding Effects on Collectivists' Emotions and Purchase Intention of Durable and Non-Durable Goods in East Asian Night Markets

Abstract In East Asia, consisting of societies strongly collectivist in nature, a marketing style called the “night market”—essentially a large bazaar which can cover many city blocks—is very successful in spite of the notable crowding and limited space. Although there has been research on crowding in store environments in Western societies, that demonstrated the negative role of crowding stimuli in consumer response, given the long-standing success of night markets in East Asia, those findings are obviously not universal. Hence, the purpose of this research is to investigate crowding effects in a collectivist culture and shed light on why these night markets can be so successful. This research devises two experiments to look for causal congruencies in Taiwanese night markets. Each experiment is in line with one product type—durable or non-durable—for specific products which one commonly finds in Asian night markets. The results indicate that shoppers have different responses to crowding stimuli with respect to each of these types. The results provide new findings and offer useful insights for marketers as they formulate marketing strategies, particularly involving environmental design and considerations of product type in collectivist cultures.
Polyhedral Subdivision for Free-Form Algebraic Surfaces

We present a robust algorithm to construct an “inner” simplicial hull Σ as a single step of subdivision of an input polyhedron P in three dimensional space. Similar to traditional subdivision schemes P becomes the ‘control net’ for free-form modeling while an inner surface triangulation T of Σ is a second level mesh. Free-Form C1 cubic A-patches and C2 quintic A-patches can then be constructed within Σ to approximate P. An A-patch is a smooth and functional algebraic surface (zero-contour of a trivariate polynomial) in Bernstein-Bézier (BB) form defined within each tetrahedron of Σ.
Molecular epidemiology of Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease Virus in Australia: when one became many

Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease Virus (RHDV) was introduced into Australia in 1995 as a biological control agent against the wild European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus). We evaluated its evolution over a 16‐year period (1995–2011) by examining 50 isolates collected throughout Australia, as well as the original inoculum strains. Phylogenetic analysis of capsid protein VP60 sequences of the Australian isolates, compared with those sampled globally, revealed that they form a monophyletic group with the inoculum strains (CAPM V‐351 and RHDV351INOC). Strikingly, despite more than 3000 rereleases of RHDV351INOC since 1995, only a single viral lineage has sustained its transmission in the long‐term, indicative of a major competitive advantage. In addition, we find evidence for widespread viral gene flow, in which multiple lineages entered individual geographic locations, resulting in a marked turnover of viral lineages with time, as well as a continual increase in viral genetic diversity. The rate of RHDV evolution recorded in Australia −4.0 (3.3–4.7) × 10−3 nucleotide substitutions per site per year – was higher than previously observed in RHDV, and evidence for adaptive evolution was obtained at two VP60 residues. Finally, more intensive study of a single rabbit population (Turretfield) in South Australia provided no evidence for viral persistence between outbreaks, with genetic diversity instead generated by continual strain importation.
Organization of the Mitotic Chromosome

Chromosome Conundrum The three-dimensional organization of chromosomal DNA within the cell nucleus plays an important role in gene regulation. Naumova et al. (p. 948, published online 7 November; see the Perspective by Kleckner et al.) used chromosome conformation capture-based methods in human tissue culture cells to analyze the higher order folding of human chromosomes across the cell cycle. During interphase the chromosomes showed locus-specific compart-mentalization. In mitotic cells, on the other hand, the chromosome organization was more linear, consistent with arrays of consecutive chromatin loops. Chromosome conformation changes dramatically during the cell cycle and is unlikely to carry epigenetic information. [Also see Perspective by Kleckner et al.] Mitotic chromosomes are among the most recognizable structures in the cell, yet for over a century their internal organization remains largely unsolved. We applied chromosome conformation capture methods, 5C and Hi-C, across the cell cycle and revealed two distinct three-dimensional folding states of the human genome. We show that the highly compartmentalized and cell type–specific organization described previously for nonsynchronous cells is restricted to interphase. In metaphase, we identified a homogenous folding state that is locus-independent, common to all chromosomes, and consistent among cell types, suggesting a general principle of metaphase chromosome organization. Using polymer simulations, we found that metaphase Hi-C data are inconsistent with classic hierarchical models and are instead best described by a linearly organized longitudinally compressed array of consecutive chromatin loops.
Deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus in Parkinson's disease: effects of variation in stimulation parameters

OBJECTIVE To investigate the relation between the variation of the parameters of stimulation and the clinical effectiveness in parkinsonian patients treated with deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus (STN), to provide information on the electrical parameter setting and the mechanism of action of deep brain stimulation. METHODS Ten patients with Parkinson's disease bilaterally implanted in the STN were studied. For every patient the intensity of the stimulus necessary to obtain the disappearance of contralateral wrist rigidity (required clinical effect, RCE) and the side effect threshold in 20 different conditions of stimulation, coupling four pulse width values (60, 120, 210, 450 μs) with five rate values (10, 50, 90, 130, 170 Hz) were determined. All the patients were tested after a 12 hour withdrawal of antiparkinsonian drugs, and the clinical evaluation was double blind. RESULTS In all the patients it was impossible to obtain the RCE using 10 and 50 Hz stimulus rates. For all the other stimulus rate values, the intensity-pulse width curves (IPWCs) for the RCE and for the side effect threshold showed a hyperbolic trend. For every pulse width value, increasing the rate from 90 to 130 and to 170 Hz progressively decreased the intensity of the stimulus necessary to reach the RCE, but the differences were not significant. Within the same rate value, the progressive reduction of the stimulus intensity necessary to obtain the RCE, obtained with the lengthening of the pulse width was significant (p<0.05) only comparing 60 with 210 μs and 60 with 450 μs. CONCLUSIONS The findings give some useful indications for the electrical parameter setting in deep brain stimulation of the STN, and some information about the mechanism of action of deep brain stimulation.
Emotional and psychological well-being in children: the development and validation of the Stirling Children’s Well-being Scale

The Stirling Children’s Well-being Scale (SCWBS) was developed by the Stirling Council Educational Psychology Service (UK) as a holistic, positively worded measure of emotional and psychological well-being in children aged eight to 15 years. Drawing on current theories of well-being and Positive Psychology, the aim was to provide a means of measuring the effectiveness of interventions and projects designed to promote children’s well-being and emotional development. A total of 18 schools and 1849 children participated in the construction and validation of the scale, which ultimately emerged as a short, robust measure comprising 12 items. The scale is offered for use by educational and health professionals interested in promoting and measuring the emotional development and well-being of children and the effectiveness of interventions.
Masterly preparation: embedding clinical practice in a graduate pre-service teacher education programme

This paper describes the implementation of the Master of Teaching degree which was introduced at the University of Melbourne in 2008. The programme aims to produce a new generation of teachers (early years, primary and secondary) who are interventionist practitioners, with high-level analytic skills and capable of using data and evidence to identify and address the learning needs of individual learners. The programme marks a fundamental change to the way in which teachers have traditionally been prepared in the University of Melbourne and builds a strong link between theory and practice. This linking occurs within a new partnership model with selected schools. The model was influenced by the Teachers for a New Era programme in the USA and by the clinical background of senior faculty. The programme sees teaching as a clinical-practice profession such as is found in many allied health professions; this understanding is also embraced by the university’s partnership schools. These schools are used as clinical sites, actively involving their best teachers in the clinical training component. These teachers are recognised as members of the university and are highly skilled professionals who are capable of interventionist teaching and who use appropriate assessment tools to inform their teaching of individual children.
Development of Isoform-specific Sensors of Polypeptide GalNAc-transferase Activity*

Background: No available inhibitors target isoforms of the biologically and medically relevant enzyme that initiates mucin-type O-glycosylation. Results: Protein-based, fluorescent sensors were developed for T2 and T3 isoforms using modified GalNAc-transferase target sites and these were specifically activated in HEK cells lacking their corresponding GalNAc-transferases. Conclusion: The fluorescence sensors are isoform specific. Significance: The designed biosensors may enable high-throughput screening for specific regulators with therapeutic potential. Humans express up to 20 isoforms of GalNAc-transferase (herein T1–T20) that localize to the Golgi apparatus and initiate O-glycosylation. Regulation of this enzyme family affects a vast array of proteins transiting the secretory pathway and diseases arise upon misregulation of specific isoforms. Surprisingly, molecular probes to monitor GalNAc-transferase activity are lacking and there exist no effective global or isoform-specific inhibitors. Here we describe the development of T2- and T3-isoform specific fluorescence sensors that traffic in the secretory pathway. Each sensor yielded little signal when glycosylated but was strongly activated in the absence of its glycosylation. Specificity of each sensor was assessed in HEK cells with either the T2 or T3 enzymes deleted. Although the sensors are based on specific substrates of the T2 and T3 enzymes, elements in or near the enzyme recognition sequence influenced their activity and required modification, which we carried out based on previous in vitro work. Significantly, the modified T2 and T3 sensors were activated only in cells lacking their corresponding isozymes. Thus, we have developed T2- and T3-specific sensors that will be valuable in both the study of GalNAc-transferase regulation and in high-throughput screening for potential therapeutic regulators of specific GalNAc-transferases.