Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Please Scroll down for Article Connection Science the Importance of Low Spatial Frequency Information for Recognising Fearful Facial Expressions the Importance of Low Spatial Frequency Information for Recognising Fearful Facial Expressions

This article may be used for research, teaching and private study purposes. Any substantial or systematic reproduction, redistribution , reselling , loan or sub-licensing, systematic supply or distribution in any form to anyone is expressly forbidden. The publisher does not give any warranty express or implied or make any representation that the contents will be complete or accurate or up to date. The accuracy of any instructions, formulae and drug doses should be independently verified with primary sources. The publisher shall not be liable for any loss, actions, claims, proceedings, demand or costs or damages whatsoever or howsoever caused arising directly or indirectly in connection with or arising out of the use of this material. A recent brain imaging study (Vuilleumier, Armony, Driver and Dolan 2003, Nature Neuroscience, 6, 624–631) has shown that amygdala responses to fearful expressions are preferentially driven by intact or low spatial frequency (LSF) images of faces, rather than by high spatial frequency (HSF) images. These results suggest that LSF components processed rapidly via magnocellular pathways within the visual system might be very efficiently conveyed to the amygdala for the rapid recognition of fearful expressions, perhaps via a subcortical pathway that activates the pulvinar and superior colliculus, but which bypasses any finer visual analysis of HSF cues in the striate and temporal extrastriate cortex. The purpose of this paper is to analyse the statistical properties of LSF compared with HSF and intact faces. The statistical analysis shows that the LSF components in faces, which are typically extracted rapidly by the visual system, provide a better source of information than HSF components for the correct categorisation of fearful expressions in faces. These results support the idea that visual pathways from the magnocellular visual neurons might be optimal, at a computational level, for the rapid classification of fearful emotional expressions in human faces.
At the end of a fairy tale: romantic relationships in female juvenile offenders

This study explores romantic relationships among female juvenile offenders. The entire female population of a juvenile detention center at the moment of the study participated in a semi-structured interview. Using a semi-structured interview, the girls answered questions on four main topics: (a) available dating partners before entering the detention center; (b) dating partner preferences; (c) intimate relationships within the center; and (d) romantic relationships. A 34-item scale was also used to assess their dating partner preferences. Most girls depicted dysfunctional families and a reduced range of dating options, many involving male offenders. Most participants had also been precocious in their relationships and experienced victimization at the hands of their intimate partners. Implications to prevent female involvement with criminal and violent men are discussed.
Algorithmic lower bounds for problems parameterized by clique-width

Many NP-hard problems can be solved efficiently when the input is restricted to graphs of bounded tree-width or clique-width. In particular, by the celebrated result of Courcelle, every decision problem expressible in monadic second order logic is fixed parameter tractable when parameterized by the tree-width of the input graph. On the other hand if we restrict ourselves to graphs of clique-width at most t, then there are many natural problems for which the running time of the best known algorithms is of the form nf(t), where n is the input length and f is some function. It was an open question whether natural problems like Graph Coloring, Max-Cut, Edge Dominating Set, and Hamiltonian Path are fixed parameter tractable when parameterized by the clique-width of the input graph. As a first step toward obtaining lower bounds for clique-width parameterizations, in [SODA 2009], we showed that unless FPT≠W[1], there is no algorithm with run time O(g(t) · nc), for some function g and a constant c not depending on t, for Graph Coloring, Edge Dominating Set and Hamiltonian Path. But the lower bounds obtained in [SODA 2009] are weak when compared to the upper bounds on the time complexity of the known algorithms for these problems when parameterized by the clique-width. In this paper, we obtain the asymptotically tight bounds for Max-Cut and Edge Dominating Set by showing that both problems • cannot be solved in time f(t)no(t), unless Exponential Time Hypothesis (ETH) collapses; and • can be solved in time nO(t), where f is an arbitrary function of t, on input of size n and clique-width at most t. We obtain our lower bounds by giving non-trivial structure-preserving "linear FPT reductions".
Sparseness-Based 2CH BSS using the EM Algorithm in Reverberant Environment

In this paper, we propose a new approach to sparseness-based BSS based on the EM algorithm, which iteratively estimates the DOA and the time-frequency mask for each source through the EM algorithm under the sparseness assumption. Our method has the following characteristics: 1) it enables the introduction of physical observation models such as the diffuse sound field, because the likelihood is defined in the original signal domain and not in the feature domain, 2) one does not necessarily have to know in advance the power of the background noise since they are also parameters which can be estimated from the observed signal, 3) it takes short computational time, 4) a common objective function is iteratively increased in localization and separation steps, which correspond to the E-step and M-step, respectively. Although our framework is applicable to general N channel BSS, we will concentrate on the formulation of the problem in the particular case where two sensory inputs are available, and we show some numerical simulation results.
“Assessment as Discourse”: A Pre-Service Physics Teacher’s Evolving Capacity to Support an Equitable Pedagogy

One way to view ‘equitable pedagogy’ is through an opportunity to learn (OTL) lens, meaning that regardless of race, class, or culture, a student has access to rigorous and meaningful content, as well as appropriate resources and instruction necessary to learn and demonstrate understanding of that content. Assessment holds a unique position in the classroom in that it can both uncover whether inequitable conditions exist (i.e., performance gaps, denied OTL) and provide an OTL by mediating communication between teacher and students regarding learning progress and what is important to learn. Nevertheless, individuals entering teacher education programs often hold deficit views toward marginalized students, such as Language Minorities (LMs), believe that assessment strictly serves to evaluate learning, and do not do consider how language and culture influence student thinking–views supplanting assessment’s role at supporting an equitable pedagogy for LMs. Through surveys, interviews, program artifacts, and classroom observation, I report on a case study of one pre-service physics teacher, Dean, to depict how his expertise at assessing science did evolve throughout his yearlong teacher education program in terms of (a) becoming more knowledgeable of the role of language and (b) developing a belief in incorporating ‘discourse’ while assessing science. Within the case study, I analyze one particular episode from Dean’s teaching practicum to highlight remaining challenges for pre-service teachers to integrate science and language in classroom assessment—namely, interpreting students’ use of language along with their understanding of core science ideas. The findings underscore the need for connecting language and equity issues to content-area assessment in teacher preparation.
Single Residue Mutation in Active Site of Serine Acetyltransferase Isoform 3 from Entamoeba histolytica Assists in Partial Regaining of Feedback Inhibition by Cysteine

The cysteine biosynthetic pathway is essential for survival of the protist pathogen Entamoeba histolytica, and functions by producing cysteine for countering oxidative attack during infection in human hosts. Serine acetyltransferase (SAT) and O-acetylserine sulfhydrylase (OASS) are involved in cysteine biosynthesis and are present in three isoforms each. While EhSAT1 and EhSAT2 are feedback inhibited by end product cysteine, EhSAT3 is nearly insensitive to such inhibition. The active site residues of EhSAT1 and of EhSAT3 are identical except for position 208, which is a histidine residue in EhSAT1 and a serine residue in EhSAT3. A combination of comparative modeling, multiple molecular dynamics simulations and free energy calculation studies showed a difference in binding energies of native EhSAT3 and of a S208H-EhSAT3 mutant for cysteine. Mutants have also been generated in vitro, replacing serine with histidine at position 208 in EhSAT3 and replacing histidine 208 with serine in EhSAT1. These mutants showed decreased affinity for substrate serine, as indicated by Km, compared to the native enzymes. Inhibition kinetics in the presence of physiological concentrations of serine show that IC50 of EhSAT1 increases by about 18 folds from 9.59 µM for native to 169.88 µM for H208S-EhSAT1 mutant. Similar measurements with EhSAT3 confirm it to be insensitive to cysteine inhibition while its mutant (S208H-EhSAT3) shows a gain of cysteine inhibition by 36% and the IC50 of 3.5 mM. Histidine 208 appears to be one of the important residues that distinguish the serine substrate from the cysteine inhibitor.
Regulation of voltage-gated calcium channel activity by the Rem and Rad GTPases

Rem, Rem2, Rad, and Gem/Kir (RGK) represent a distinct GTPase family with largely unknown physiological functions. We report here that both Rem and Rad bind directly to Ca2+ channel β-subunits (CaVβ) in vivo. No calcium currents are recorded from human embryonic kidney 293 cells coexpressing the L type Ca2+ channel subunits CaV1.2, CaVβ2a, and Rem or Rad, but CaV1.2 and CaVβ2a transfected cells elicit Ca2+ channel currents in the absence of these small G proteins. Importantly, CaV3 (T type) Ca2+ channels, which do not require accessory subunits for ionic current expression, are not inhibited by expression of Rem. Rem is expressed in primary skeletal myoblasts and, when overexpressed in C2C12 myoblasts, wild-type Rem inhibits L type Ca2+ channel activity. Deletion analysis demonstrates a critical role for the Rem C terminus in both regulation of functional Ca2+ channel expression and β-subunit association. These results suggest that all members of the RGK GTPase family, via direct interaction with auxiliary β-subunits, serve as regulators of L type Ca2+ channel activity. Thus, the RGK GTPase family may provide a mechanism for achieving cross talk between Ras-related GTPases and electrical signaling pathways.
The involvement of gap junctions in the delayed phase of the protection induced by cardiac pacing in dogs.

The present study has examined the role of GJ (gap junctions) in the delayed anti-arrhythmic effect of cardiac pacing, with particular reference to the time-course changes in Cx43 (connexin43) expression both after pacing (4×5 min, at a rate of 240 beats/min) and 24 h later, when the dogs were subjected to a 25 min occlusion and reperfusion of the LAD (left anterior descending coronary artery). Compared with the SP (sham-paced) controls (n=20), in dogs paced 24 h previously (n=16) there were reductions in arrhythmia severity [e.g. number of VPB (ventricular premature beats) during occlusion 294±78 compared with 63±25; survival from the combined ischaemia/reperfusion insult 20% compared with 78%], and in other ischaemic changes [epicardial ST-segment, TAT (total activation time) and tissue impedance]. Pacing also prevented the ischaemia-induced structural impairment of the intercalated discs, and preserved GJ permeability and Cx43 phosphorylation, without modifying Cx43 protein content. Following cardiac pacing the membrane and total Cx43 protein contents were unchanged up to 6 h, but were significantly reduced 12 h later (preceded by a down-regulation of Cx43 mRNA at 6 h), and returned to normal by 24 h. Interestingly, dogs that were subjected to ischaemia 12 h after cardiac pacing showed increased arrhythmia generation. We conclude that cardiac pacing results in time-dependent changes in Cx43 expression, which may alter GJ function and influence arrhythmia generation during a subsequent ischaemia/reperfusion insult. This effect is manifested in protection 24 h after pacing, but of potential clinical interest is the finding that there is a time interval after pacing during which an ischaemic event may generate severe ventricular arrhythmias.
Psychometric properties of the Thai Spiritual Well-Being Scale

Abstract Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the psychometric properties of the modified Thai Spiritual Well-Being Scale in patients with advanced cancer. Method: This cross-sectional study was employed to investigate psychometric properties. Some 196 participants from three tertiary hospitals in Bangkok and suburban Thailand were asked to complete a Personal Information Questionnaire (PIQ), The Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale (MSAS), and the Spiritual Well-Being Scale (SWBS). Validity was determined by known-group, concurrent, and constructs validity. Reliability was estimated using internal consistency by Cronbach's α coefficients. Results: Three factors were extracted: so-called existential well-being, religious well-being, and peacefulness accounted for 71.44% of total variance. The Cronbach's α coefficients for total SWB, EWB, RWB, and peacefulness were 0.96, 0.94, and 0.93, respectively. Significance of Results: These findings indicate that the Thai SWBS is a valid and reliable instrument, and it presented one more factor than the original version.
The Micropolitics of Teacher Induction

This study investigated the political events characterizing the start of a teaching career. An interpretative framework was used to access the perceptions and meanings teachers gave to experiences encountered in their first years on the job. Life history methodology permitted three teachers to tell their stories of professional induction. Data analysis revealed that the teachers’ thoughts and actions were influenced and sustained in three streams of consciousness: biography, role demands, and the school culture. Biography included experiences drawn upon by teachers in making their way in schools. Role demands pressed upon the teachers at two levels: classroom and institutional. Finally, the norms and expectations of school culture influenced the teachers’ professional perspectives and standards of practice. Of particular interest to the researchers were the teachers ‘perceptions of the power relationships in schools and the strategies used for appropriating the power and status necessary to become accepted and functioning school teachers.
Confirmation, Disconfirmation, and Informa-tion in Hypothesis Testing

Strategies for hypothesis testing in scientific investigation and everyday reasoning have interested both psychologists and philosophers. A number of these scholars stress the importance of disconfir. marion in reasoning and suggest that people are instead prone to a general deleterious "confirmation bias" In particula~ it is suggested that people tend to test those cases that have the best chance of verifying current beliefs rather than those that have the best chance of falsifying them. We show, howeve~ that many phenomena labeled "confirmation bias" are better understood in terms of a general positive test strate~. With this strategy, there is a tendency to test cases that are expected (or known) to have the property of interest rather than those expected (or known) to lack that property. This strategy is not equivalent to confirmation bias in the first sense; we show that the positive test strategy can be a very good heuristic for determining the truth or falsity of a hypothesis under realistic conditions~ It can, howeve~ lead to systematic errors or inefficiencies. The appropriateness of human hypotheses-testing strategies and prescriptions about optimal strategies must he understood in terms of the interaction between the strategy and the task at hand.
How university‐based Adult Continuing Education organisations have responded to Hong Kong’s changing educational needs since the 1997 transfer of sovereignty

Since Hong Kong’s sovereignty reverted to China in 1997, the university Adult and Continuing Education (ACE) sector has faced an array of unprecedented challenges created mainly through government policy initiatives, an associated and rapid increase in the demand for continuing education, and dramatic changes in the nature of that demand. This paper reports the outcomes of a qualitative study that examined how the sector responded to these challenges. It identifies and describes a triangle of inter‐related strategies of response, namely ‘building organisational strength’, ‘programme planning and development’ and ‘quality assurance’.
The gender factor in management: how significant others perceive effectiveness

Robert Quinn’s competing values framework identified eight managerial roles that managers must display if they are to be effective. The eight roles are innovator, broker, producer, director, co‐ordinator, monitor, facilitator and mentor. In this study 509 managers, 127 of whom were females, responded to a survey exploring the extent to which they displayed each of Quinn’s managerial roles. Each managers’ staff were asked to respond to the questionnaire. When the gender of the managers and that of their significant others (staff, peers and boss) was taken into account there was no significant difference reported in the extent to which the eight roles were displayed nor the effectiveness level of male and female managers. The results of this study indicate that the gender of the manager does not impact on how they are perceived by their significant others. Rather it is how effective they are as managers that determines their significant others’ perceptions.
Optimal Design of Band Pass FIR Digital Filter Using Predator Prey Optimization Technique

This paper demonstrates the nature inspired optimization technique known as predator prey optimization (PPO) in order to design an optimal bandpass FIR digital filter. PPO technique being a stochastic optimization procedure, avoids confined stagnation (that occurs in case of PSO) as preys play the role of diversification to look for optimum solution due to predator’s fear. In this paper, performance of PPO has been compared with PSO. Parameters of both the algorithms such as acceleration constants, weighting function, and population size have been varied in order to optimize the value of objective function. A comparison of these two techniques has been done on the basis of obtained values of objective function of the designed filter.
ECG-based indices of physical activity

Inter-subject comparisons of heart rate variability (HRV) require that physical activity levels be matched between subjects, to minimize the confounding effects of intrasubject variability in HRV measurements. The current study investigated methods for finding periods of minimum physical activity based on the electrocardiogram (ECG) alone. The author describes an activity index based on the heart rate, total power of the observed heart rate signal, and a heart rate stationary index, and presents an algorithm for locating periods of minimum activity by tracking this activity index. The algorithm was tested using a set of 35 ECG recordings for which an independent activity indicator was available. The algorithm consistently selected periods of minimum activity in agreement with the independent activity indicator. No discrepancies were noted in any of the 35 cases. <<ETX>>
BLOCKING ENDOCYTOSIS IN DROSOPHILA'S CIRCADIAN PACEMAKER NEURONS INTERFERES WITH THE ENDOGENOUS CLOCK IN A PDF-DEPENDENT WAY

The neuropeptide pigment-dispersing factor (PDF) plays an essential role in the circadian clock of the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster, but many details of PDF signaling in the clock network are still unknown. We tried to interfere with PDF signaling by blocking the GTPase Shibire in PDF neurons. Shibire is an ortholog of the mammalian Dynamins and is essential for endocytosis of clathrin-coated vesicles at the plasma membrane. Such endocytosis is used for neurotransmitter reuptake by presynaptic neurons, which is a prerequisite of synaptic vesicle recycling, and receptor-mediated endocytosis in the postsynaptic neuron, which leads to signal termination. By blocking Shibire function via overexpression of a dominant negative mutant form of Shibire in PDF neurons, we slowed down the behavioral rhythm by 3 h. This effect was absent in PDF receptor null mutants, indicating that we interfered with PDF receptor-mediated endocytosis. Because we obtained similar behavioral phenotypes by increasing the PDF level in regions close to PDF neurons, we conclude that blocking Shibire did prolong PDF signaling in the neurons that respond to PDF. Obviously, terminating the PDF signaling via receptor-mediated endocytosis is a crucial step in determining the period of behavioral rhythms. (Author correspondence: charlotte.foerster@biologie.uni-regensburg.de)
Differential Roles of Sall4 Isoforms in Embryonic Stem Cell Pluripotency

ABSTRACT Murine embryonic stem (ES) cells are defined by continuous self-renewal and pluripotency. A diverse repertoire of protein isoforms arising from alternative splicing is expressed in ES cells without defined biological roles. Sall4, a transcription factor essential for pluripotency, exists as two isoforms (Sall4a and Sall4b). Both isoforms can form homodimers and a heterodimer with each other, and each can interact with Nanog. By genomewide location analysis, we determined that Sall4a and Sall4b have overlapping, but not identical binding sites within the ES cell genome. In addition, Sall4b, but not Sall4a, binds preferentially to highly expressed loci in ES cells. Sall4a and Sall4b binding sites are distinguished by both epigenetic marks at target loci and their clustering with binding sites of other pluripotency factors. When ES cells expressing a single isoform of Sall4 are generated, Sall4b alone could maintain the pluripotent state, although it could not completely suppress all differentiation markers. Sall4a and Sall4b collaborate in maintenance of the pluripotent state but play distinct roles. Our work is novel in establishing such isoform-specific differences in ES cells.
Coincidental Tumors in the Main and an Accessory Parotid Gland

Introduction. We are presenting a rare case of a patient who developed simultaneous tumors in the main parotid gland (MPG) and an accessory parotid gland (APG). The APG tumor was not recognized when the more prominent MPG tumor was excised. We will discuss the clinical features of this case. Case presentation. A 66-year-old woman was referred to our department with a painless right cheek mass. Her past medical history was notable for a right MPG tumor excision at the age of 62. A retrospective review of the original MRI films revealed that a small APG tumor was present prior to the removal of the MPG tumor. Conclusion. Although the coincidental presence of the MPG and APG tumors is quite rare, this case shows the importance of iden- tifying the smaller and potentially more sinister lesion involving the APG when it is present while preparing for the MPG tumor excision.