Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Developmental accumulation of inorganic polyphosphate affects germination and energetic metabolism in Dictyostelium discoideum

Significance The most basic biological polymer is a linear chain of linked phosphate groups, simply called inorganic polyphosphate (polyP). By ablating polyP synthesis in the amoebae, Dictyostelium discoideum, we discovered that polyP regulates basic metabolism, general fitness, and spore germination. We also discovered a massive increase in the level of polyP during developmental progression. Interestingly this accumulation is linked to the accumulation of another family of phosphate-rich molecules, the inositol pyrophosphates. Thus, by using a genetic model, we reveal a link between polyP, ATP production, and inositol polyphosphates. Inorganic polyphosphate (polyP) is composed of linear chains of phosphate groups linked by high-energy phosphoanhydride bonds. However, this simple, ubiquitous molecule remains poorly understood. The use of nonstandardized analytical methods has contributed to this lack of clarity. By using improved polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis we were able to visualize polyP extracted from Dictyostelium discoideum. We established that polyP is undetectable in cells lacking the polyphosphate kinase (DdPpk1). Generation of this ppk1 null strain revealed that polyP is important for the general fitness of the amoebae with the mutant strain displaying a substantial growth defect. We discovered an unprecedented accumulation of polyP during the developmental program, with polyP increasing more than 100-fold. The failure of ppk1 spores to accumulate polyP results in a germination defect. These phenotypes are underpinned by the ability of polyP to regulate basic energetic metabolism, demonstrated by a 2.5-fold decrease in the level of ATP in vegetative ppk1. Finally, the lack of polyP during the development of ppk1 mutant cells is partially offset by an increase of both ATP and inositol pyrophosphates, evidence for a model in which there is a functional interplay between inositol pyrophosphates, ATP, and polyP.
Annotation Profiles: Configuring Forms to Edit RDF

Most of today's generic annotation tools for Semantic Web metadata (RDF) are designed for experts. People with no or little knowledge about RDF are therefore forced to use simplified and often domain-specific tools that work with fixed sets of metadata elements. This paper introduces the Annotation Profile Model as a configuration mechanism from which annotation tools can be automatically generated. The intention is to encourage metadata- or domain experts to define annotation profiles according to metadata standards/schemas or combinations thereof. This will allow end-users or administrators to select appropriate annotation profiles for the task at hand, and then an editor will be provided by the underlying system. This paper discusses the design of the Annotation Profile Model, which consists of a data-capturing part (the Graph Pattern Model) and a presentation part (the Form Template model). An implementation that can generate both Web-based and standalone editors is also introduced.
LAUGHING FOR A CHANGE: RACISM, HUMOUR, IDENTITY AND SOCIAL AGENCY

The thesis explores the nature of humour as a tool for both social oppression and social progression, as well as its implications for student identity construction. The study examines the discourses of six inner city high school students who participated in focus group discussions on humour, racism, identity and social change. The theoretical framework of this thesis employs a socio-cultural approach (Bakhtin, Holland, Yon, Hall) to the complex, dynamic, fluid and often contradictory process of identity construction. It extends this approach to a consideration of humour, its complexities as well as its implications for identity construction in school spaces. The research reported here indicates that students navigate and negotiate complex and contradictory discourses of humour in ways that could be used in classrooms to help bridge the racial, linguistic and cultural differences that commonly separate peers from each other.
Knowledge and Attitudes of Early Childhood Preservice Teachers Regarding the Inclusion of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder

Limited research exists on what preservice teachers know and believe about children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and their inclusion in general education classrooms, especially in early childhood education. In this preliminary study, knowledge and attitudes of 15 early childhood preservice teachers at a large southeastern university were surveyed using a modified version of the Autism Inclusion Questionnaire (Segall, 2008); four of these participants also engaged in subsequent in-depth interviews. Results indicated preservice teachers lacked knowledge and held basic misconceptions about ASD and the needs of children with ASD in inclusive classrooms. While participants wanted to learn more in this area and were generally supportive of inclusion, they had mixed attitudes about inclusion of children with more severe disabilities and their own future roles in an inclusive classroom. Implications for both collegiate and noncollegiate preparation and in-service training of early childhood educators are discussed.
The Interaction of the Individual's Social Environment, Attention and Interest, and Public Affairs Media Use on Political Knowledge Holding

This study examines the interplay between an individual's social environment or milieu and the individual's own motivations for political knowledge, such as political interest and attention to public affairs media. Political knowledge is the dependent variable. The sample survey, multiple regression design examines the respondent's perception of his or her political social environment by measuring the perceived politicization of the respondent's family, friends, and co-workers. The study found that the perception of one's social environment made a significant contribution to the respondent's level of political knowledge even after controlling for traditional individual-level predictors. Further, this article examined the interactions between the individual's social milieu and two other predictors of knowledge—attention/interest and public affairs media use. The interactions as a group provided a small but significant contribution after controlling for all other variables.
The mutation of two amino acid residues in the N‐terminus of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) dramatically enhances the catalytic activity in neuroendocrine AtT‐20 cells

The sequence Arg37‐Arg38 of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) is known to play a significant role in the feedback inhibition by the end product DA. To clarify how deeply the sequence Arg37‐Arg38 and the phosphorylated Ser40 of human TH type 1 (hTH1) are involved in the regulation of this feedback inhibition in mammalian cells, we generated the following mutants: (i) RR‐GG, Arg37‐Arg38 replaced by Gly37‐Gly38; (ii) RR‐EE, Arg37‐Arg38 replaced by Glu37‐Glu38; (iii) S40D, Ser40 replaced by Asp40; and (iv) S40A, Ser40 replaced by Ala40. In a cell‐free system, the level of the DA inhibition of the RR‐EE mutant enzyme was to the same or smaller degree than that of the phosphorylation‐mimicking S40D. Next, AtT‐20 neuroendocrine cells were transfected with wild‐type and mutated TH genes because these cells were earlier shown to be capable of fully converting L‐3,4‐dihydroxyphenylalanine into DA, whereby the catalytic activity of TH would be expected to be inhibited by the end product DA accumulating in the cells. The level of DA accumulation in AtT‐20 cells expressing the TH gene was in the order: RR‐EE > S40D > S40A = RR‐GG > wild‐type, which was in accordance with the observations for the cell‐free system. These results suggest that the sequence Arg37‐Arg38 of hTH1 is a more potent determinant of the efficient production of DA in mammalian cells than is the phosphorylated Ser40‐hTH1.
Easy depth sensor calibration

This paper proposes a depth measurement error model of consumer depth cameras such as Microsoft KINECT, and its calibration method. These devices are originally designed for video game interface, thus, the obtained depth map are not enough accurate for 3D measurement. To decrease these depth errors, several models have been proposed, however, these models consider only camera-related parameters. Since the depth sensors are based on projector-camera systems, we should consider projector-related parameters. Therefore, we propose the error model of the consumer depth cameras especially the KINECT, considering both intrinsic parameters of the camera and the projector. To calibrate the error model, we also propose the parameter estimation method by only showing a planar board to the depth sensors. Our error model and its calibration are necessary step for using the KINECT as a 3D measuring device. Experimental results show the validity and effectiveness of the error model and its calibration.
Impact of Verb Tense on Response to the Four-Dimensional Symptom Questionnaire (4DSQ)

The verb tense of a questionnaire hypothetically might influence the way people respond to its items. We examined the effects of the verb tense on the response to the Four-Dimensional Symptom Questionnaire (4DSQ) in a population-based sample (N = 4,959; present tense N = 605; past tense N = 4,354). We determined whether the verb tense impacted the overall response rate, the scale structure, differential item functioning, reliability, proportions of respondents scoring above a range of cut-offs, and mean scale scores. The verb tense did not influence response rate, scale structure, item functioning, and reliability. The present tense increased the number of respondents scoring above very low cut-offs for distress and somatization. The effect on mean scale scores was limited and of little clinical importance.
Notice of RetractionSearch for the best polarity of fixed polarity Reed Muller expression base on QGA

Based on the investigation of the fixed polarity Reed Muller (FPRM) expression, the propagation algorithm of signal probability, decomposition algorithm of multi-input AND/XOR gate of RM circuits and quantum genetic algorithm (QGA), this paper proposes a new algorithm based on QGA to search for the best polarity of RM circuits in terms of the power and area. Experimental results of eight large circuits from MCNC benchmark show that the best polarity obtained by the proposed algorithm can achieve average power and area savings by 86.2% and 66.8% respectively, compared with polarity 0.
Efficient architectural design space exploration via predictive modeling

Efficiently exploring exponential-size architectural design spaces with many interacting parameters remains an open problem: the sheer number of experiments required renders detailed simulation intractable. We attack this via an automated approach that builds accurate predictive models. We simulate sampled points, using results to teach our models the function describing relationships among design parameters. The models can be queried and are very fast, enabling efficient design tradeoff discovery. We validate our approach via two uniprocessor sensitivity studies, predicting IPC with only 1--2% error. In an experimental study using the approach, training on 1% of a 250-K-point CMP design space allows our models to predict performance with only 4--5% error. Our predictive modeling combines well with techniques that reduce the time taken by each simulation experiment, achieving net time savings of three-four orders of magnitude.
The moral panic about bad language in England, 1691–1745

In this paper I use a corpus of the writings of the Society for the Reformation of Manners to look at the discursive construction of attitudes to bad language in English. Using this corpus of texts as an example of a moral panic about language I use keywords to explore moral panic rhetoric, the formation of spirals of signification and the impact of both on attitudes to bad language in English in the late seventeenth and early eighteenth centuries.
Micro-expression Recognition Using Dynamic Textures on Tensor Independent Color Space

Micro-expression is a brief involuntary facial expression which reveals genuine emotions and helps detect lies. It intrigues psychologists and computer scientists' (especially on computer vision and pattern recognition) interests due to its promising applications in various fields. Recent research reveals that color may provide useful information for expression recognition. In this paper, we propose a novel color space model, Tensor Independent Color Space (TICS), for enhancing the performance of micro-expression recognition. An micro-expression color video clip is treated as a fourth-order tensor, i.e. a four-dimension array. The first two dimensions are the spatial information, the third is the temporal information, and the fourth is the color information. We transform the fourth dimension from RGB into TICS, in which the color components are as independent as possible. The combination of dynamic texture in the independent color components can get higher accuracy than that in RGB. In addition, we define a set of Regions of Interest (ROIs) based on Facial Action Coding System (FACS) and calculated the dynamic texture histograms for each ROI. The experiments are conducted on two micro-expression databases, CASME and CASME 2, and the results show that the performance in TICS is better than that in RGB or gray.
Vague Transformations in Information Retrieval

Information Retrieval (IR) is often confronted with different and heterogeneous collections of multilingual and multimedial content. Transformations are necessary in order to map between different representation schemes which are the result of different content analysis methods and different terminologies. Vague methods which have been sucessfully applied to IR seem especially suited to tackle the vague nature of such transformations. Statistical methods are reviewed and two experimental systems based on neural networks are presented.
The XMM-Newton EPIC background and the production of background blank sky event files

Aims. We describe in detail the nature of XMM-Newton EPIC background and its various complex components, summarising the new findings of the XMM-Newton EPIC background working group, and provide XMM-Newton background blank sky event files for use in the data analysis of diffuse and extended sources. Methods. Blank sky event file data sets are produced from the stacking of data, taken from 189 observations resulting from the Second XMM-Newton Serendipitous Source Catalogue (2XMMp) reprocessing. The data underwent several filtering steps, using a revised and improved method over previous work, which we describe in detail. Results. We investigate several properties of the final blank sky data sets. The user is directed to the location of the final data sets. There is a final data set for each EPIC instrument-filter-mode combination.
The use of cardiovascular imaging in prognostic stratification.

Several cardiologists investigate the prognostic value of novel measurements obtained with cardiovascular imaging. These measurements are most often related to remodelling or cardiac function. For this purpose, they need to develop an extensive database. In addition, they have to provide a precise and reliable long-term follow-up. It is mandatory to have big numbers to reliably enter multiple variables in Cox proportional-hazards regression models or logistic regressions. This turns out to be a considerable venture. It takes many years before prognostic results become available. The size of the database and the quality of the observations both matter, to provide prognostic information, which is additive to what we have known. We fortunately have several such ventures on both sides of the Atlantic. For showing that a new measurement is useful for improving the prognostic prediction of a subject or cardiac patient, the investigator most often adds this measurement to clinical parameters, laboratory measurements, and baseline echocardiographic parameters ( Table 1 ). The investigator has to demonstrate that he is capable of improving the explained variance, increasing the area under the curve (AUC), and net classification improvement (NRI) for nested models. View this table: Table 1 Cardiovascular imaging and prognosis This commonly used and conservative approach is not devoid of limitations. Established parameters are usually not questioned. The parameter under scrutiny may have an important shared variance with an established parameter. It nevertheless may be more reliable, reproducible, and with a better prognostic yield. Such a parameter will most likely not come out as a significant improvement in the regression procedure. The most striking illustration is the prediction of cardiovascular events with the SCORE system, using age, sex, smoking, blood …
Computerized Quantification of Tissue Vascularization Using High-resolution Slide Scanning of Whole Tumor Sections

Assessment of tissue vascularization using immunohistochemical techniques for microvessel detection has been limited by difficulties in generating reproducible quantitative data. The distinction of individual blood vessels and the selection of microscopic fields to be analyzed remain two factors of subjectivity. In this study, we used imaging analysis software and a high-resolution slide scanner for measurement of CD31-immunostained endothelial area (EA) in whole sections of human neuroblastoma xenograft and murine mammary adenocarcinoma tumors. Imaging analysis software provided objective criteria for analysis of sections of different tumors. The use of the criteria on images of entire tumor section acquired with the slide scanner constituted a rapid method to quantify tumor vascularization. Compared with previously described methods, the “hot spot” and the “random fields” methods, EA measurements obtained with our “whole section scanning” method were more reproducible with 8.6% interobserver disagreement for the “whole section scanning” method vs 42.2% and 39.0% interobserver disagreement for the “hot spot” method and the “random fields,” respectively. Microvessel density was also measured with the whole section scanning method and provided additional data on the distribution and the size of the blood vessels. Therefore, this method constitutes a time efficient and reproducible method for quantification of tumor vascularization.
Ranking Based Approach To Maximize Utility Of Recommender Systems

E-commerce applications that sell products online need to recommend suitable products to customers to fasten their decision making. The recommender systems are required in order to help users and also the businesses alike. There were many algorithms that came into existence to built recommender systems. However they focused on recommendation accuracy. They did not concentrate much on recommendation quality like diversity of recommendations. This paper introduces many item ranking algorithms that can produce diverse recommendations. While generating recommendations transactions of all users are considered. A prototype application is built to test the efficiency of the proposed recommender system. The empirical results revealed that the proposed ranking-based techniques for diverse recommendations are effective and can be used in real world applications.
Achievement Orientations as Prototypes

The purpose of this study was to investigate the prototypical nature of achievement orientations as conceptualized by J Veroff and other theorists. Traits relevant to achievement were rated by 108 subjects who received a description of either a process or impact orientation. Analysis indicated distinct sets of traits characterizing each orientation as well as substantial agreement on the exemplars for each orientation. Moreover, traits associated with a process orientation were more favorable than those associated with an impact orientation.
Chloride transport in a mathematical model of the rat proximal tubule.

The proximal tubule model of this laboratory [Am. J. Physiol. 250 (Renal Fluid Electrolyte Physiol. 19): F860-F873, 1986] has been updated to examine proposed pathways for Cl- transport. Two additional buffer pairs have been added, i.e., HCO2-/H2CO2 and NH3/NH4+. At the luminal cell membrane Cl-/HCO2- and Cl-/HCO3- exchange are considered as pathways for Cl- entry, whereas at the peritubular membrane, Cl- exit occurs by either Na(+)-2HCO3-/Cl- exchange or K(+)-Cl- cotransport. Calculations with this model indicate that absolute proximal reabsorption of both Na+ and Cl- are critically dependent on the rate of luminal Na+/H+ exchange. In contrast, increases in the coefficient for Cl-/HCO2- exchange have little impact on overall Cl- flux, but, by enhancing base secretion, limit the depression of end-proximal HCO3-. Model calculations confirm those of Preisig and Alpern (J. Clin. Invest. 83: 1859-1867, 1989) showing that their measured value of luminal membrane H2CO2 permeability is inadequate to sustain the transcellular Cl- flux as Cl-/HCO2- exchange. Conversely, with sufficiently high H2CO2 permeability, luminal Cl- uptake is enhanced along the tubule, as HCO2- secretion and luminal acidification increase luminal H2CO2 to values severalfold greater than in glomerular filtrate. At the basolateral membrane, the thermodynamic driving force across the Na(+)-2HCO3-/Cl- exchanger is small. Although its contribution to steady-state Cl- exit may be less than the K(+)-Cl- cotransporter, the Na(+)-2HCO3-/Cl- exchanger can be a mechanism by which cytosolic acidification enhances peritubular Cl- transport, when luminal acidification enhances luminal Cl- uptake. A simulation is presented in which impermeant replacement of luminal Na+ leads to enhanced convective Cl- flux across the tight junction and alkalinization of the lateral interspace. In this setting, cytosolic Cl- depletion via the Na(+)-2HCO3-/Cl- exchanger may mimic luminal membrane Na(+)-Cl- cotransport.
Taking a Developmental Approach to Treating Juvenile Sexual Behavior Problems

While theories on the etiology of sexually problematic and offending behavior have become increasingly developmental in their perspective, treatment approaches that are utilized to address these issues have not significantly changed to address this thinking. Adolescent behavioral problems are especially linked to a wide range of personal and developmental factors that can often be marginalized or overlooked when taking a behavior management approach to address these issues. This article presents an argument for treatment that explicitly places problematic sexual behavior in a developmental context. This approach prioritizes the assessment of developmental strengths and deficits and identifies treatment progress as the acquisition and integration of developmental skills and not just the absence of problematic behavior. Special consideration is given to research on the impact of trauma and attachment disruptions on neurodevelopment and overall developmental progress.