Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Fluoxetine Does Not Enhance Visual Perceptual Learning and Triazolam Specifically Impairs Learning Transfer

The selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor fluoxetine significantly enhances adult visual cortex plasticity within the rat. This effect is related to decreased gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) mediated inhibition and identifies fluoxetine as a potential agent for enhancing plasticity in the adult human brain. We tested the hypothesis that fluoxetine would enhance visual perceptual learning of a motion direction discrimination (MDD) task in humans. We also investigated (1) the effect of fluoxetine on visual and motor cortex excitability and (2) the impact of increased GABA mediated inhibition following a single dose of triazolam on post-training MDD task performance. Within a double blind, placebo controlled design, 20 healthy adult participants completed a 19-day course of fluoxetine (n = 10, 20 mg per day) or placebo (n = 10). Participants were trained on the MDD task over the final 5 days of fluoxetine administration. Accuracy for the trained MDD stimulus and an untrained MDD stimulus configuration was assessed before and after training, after triazolam and 1 week after triazolam. Motor and visual cortex excitability were measured using transcranial magnetic stimulation. Fluoxetine did not enhance the magnitude or rate of perceptual learning and full transfer of learning to the untrained stimulus was observed for both groups. After training was complete, trazolam had no effect on trained task performance but significantly impaired untrained task performance. No consistent effects of fluoxetine on cortical excitability were observed. The results do not support the hypothesis that fluoxetine can enhance learning in humans. However, the specific effect of triazolam on MDD task performance for the untrained stimulus suggests that learning and learning transfer rely on dissociable neural mechanisms.
Performance analysis of multiobjective bio-inspired UAV path planners

This work aims to provide developers of bio-inspired UAV planners with a methodology to perform a systematic analysis of the results of their planners and support their algorithm parameter tuning based on this analysis. With that purpose, we propose to use some generic metrics capable of dealing with different dominance definitions and others that consider the final preferences of the experts. We apply them to a particular problem and show how to use them to identify the best planners within a big set.
Apoptosis in mitotic competent undifferentiated cells is induced by cellular redox imbalance independent of reactive oxygen species production

Oxidants are known to induce cell apoptosis. Because oxidants also elicit redox imbalance, it is difficult to distinguish the direct effects of cellular redox from that of oxidants. This study tests the hypothesis that induction of redox imbalance independent of reactive oxygen species (ROS), can induce cell apoptosis in a mitotic competent, undifferentiated cell line, PC‐12. Cells grown in standard DMEM containing 25 mM glucose were treated with diamide, a thiol oxidant, at a concentration that did not generate ROS. Diamide caused a rapid increase in oxidized glutathione (GSSG) and a loss of mitochondrial cytochrome c in 15–30 min, caspase‐3 activation in 2 h, and apoptosis in 24 h. N‐Acetyl cysteine attenuated GSSG elevation and diamide‐induced apoptosis. Incubation of cells in 5 mM glucose or inhibition of the pentose phosphate pathway maintained GSSG elevation and accelerated cell apoptosis. Collectively, these results show that loss of redox balance is an upstream event that kinetically preceded mitochondrial apoptotic signaling. A sustained redox change was not critical or necessary for apoptotic progression, but its prolongation exacerbated apoptotic death. The potentiation of apoptosis by sustained redox imbalance was correlated with decreases in NADPH supply for GSSG reduction. —Pias, E. K. , Aw, T. Y. Apoptosis in mitotic competent undifferentiated cells is induced by cellular redox imbalance independent of reactive oxygen species production. FASEB J. 16, 781–790 (2002)
A PDA-based modular and multipurpose system for intelligent ubiquitous monitoring

This paper proposes a ubiquitous patient-monitoring system using mobile devices, in which all communications are based on the use of wireless technology. The most salient features of the system are: 1) its multi-purpose nature — the architecture has been conceived so that the device can be configured to monitor patients with different illnesses; 2) the organisation of the physiological signal processing through a layout of processing levels structured into modules which can be incorporated and substituted in a simple manner, facilitating the reconfiguration of the monitoring functions; and 3) the use of techniques from the field of Artificial Intelligence to provide information closer to the decision-making process of medical specialists.
A framework for measurement based performance modeling

Techniques for performance modeling are broadly classified into measurement, analytical and simulation based techniques. Measurement based performance modeling is commonly adopted in practice. Measurement based modeling requires the execution of a large number of performance tests to build accurate performance models. These performance tests must be repeated for every release or build of an application. This is a time consuming and error-prone manual process. In this paper, we present a framework for the systematic and automated building of measurement based performance models. The framework is based on our experience in performance modeling of two large applications: the DVD Store application by Dell and another larger enterprise application. We use the Dell DVD Store application as a running example to demonstrate the various steps in our framework. We present the benefits and shortcomings of our framework. We discuss the expected reduction in effort due to adopting our framework.
Visualization of multivariate athlete performance data

We present a set of visualization methods for the analysis of multivariate data recorded from the measurement of the performance of athletes during training. We use a modified training device to measure the force, acceleration, displacement, and speed of the athlete's feet and arms while performing a certain training exercise. We are interested in visually measuring and comparing the performance over several training sessions of the same and/or different athletes. For this, we adapt and extend several visualization methods for multivariate data. First, we use an enhanced signal plot and statistics plot to visualize the regularity of repetitions within a given exercise. Second, we use a novel texture-based signal plot to eliminate signal noise and emphasize the average repetitive pattern of the exercise. Finally, we use a signal clustering technique, visualized with a matrix plot, to detect similar exercises over long periods of time. We demonstrate our approaches with actual data from training sessions of several athletes.
Texture-enhanced Direct Volume Rendering

Direct volume rendering (DVR) is a flexible technique for visualizing and exploring scientific and biomedical volumetric data sets. Transfer functions associate field values with colors and opacities, however, for complex data are often not sufficient for encoding all relevant information. We introduce a novel visualization technique termed texture-enhanced DVR to visualize supplementary data such as material properties and additional data fields. Smooth transitions in the underlying data are represented by coherently morphing textures within user defined regions of interest. The framework seamlessly integrates into the conventional DVR process, can be executed on the GPU, is extremely powerful and flexible, and enables entirely novel visualizations.
Developing an empirical typology of diversity-oriented human resource management practices

Purpose The significance of human resource management in managing workforce diversity has been emphasized by researchers and various practices have been identified and prescribed in literature. However, there is lack of HR typologies to understand different diversity management alternatives. Hence, the purpose of this paper is to develop a typology of diversity-oriented human resource management (DHRM) practices for clear understanding. Design/methodology/approach The study employs factor analysis approach for developing typology. In total, 31 human resource management practices covering the five functions of HR, i.e. recruitment, selection, performance evaluation, compensation and training were identified from literature. These practices were analyzed to investigate whether and how these 31 practices cluster into higher order DHRM practices categories. Findings From factor analysis, seven categories of DHRM practices emerged. The findings showed marked differences in these seven DHRM practices categories aimed at managing diversity. Research limitations/implications Future, survey researchers can use this typology of DHRM practices to design instruments that allow a more in-depth and differentiating analysis of role of HRM in managing diversity than those that have been carried out in previous research. Practical implications Managers can use the seven types of DHRM practices identified as criteria to choose an adequate pattern for HRM practices to manage diversity. Originality/value The typology developed in the study has foundations in specific diversity-related HRM practices rather than based on generic HRM typologies.
Enhancing User Awareness and Control of Web Tracking with ManTra

Web trackers can build accurate topical user profiles(e.g., in terms of habits and personal characteristics) by monitoring a user's browsing activities across websites. This process, known as behavioral targeting, has a number of practical benefits but it also raises privacy concerns. Most existing techniques either try to block web tracking altogether or aim to endow it with privacy preserving mechanisms, but they are system-centered rather than user-centered. Nowadays, the majority of users want to have some degree of control over their privacy, while their perspectives and feelings towards web tracking maybe different, ranging from a desire to avoid being profiled at all to a willingness to trade personal information for better services. Regardless of a specific user's preference, from a technical point of view there is is no simple way for him/her to monitor, let alone to influence, the behavior of web trackers. In this paper, we describe an approach which makes users aware of their likely tracking profile and gives them the possibility to bias the profile towards both ends of the web tracking spectrum, either by improving its accuracy beyond the tracker capabilities (thus emphasizing behavioral targeting) or by filling in false interests(thus increasing privacy). This goal is achieved by simulating the process of learning a user profile on the part of the tracker and then by retrofitting a web traffic suitable for producing the desired profile. Our approach has been implemented as a web browser extension called ManTra (Management of Tracking). The system has been evaluated in several dimensions, including its ability to learn an accurate ad-oriented user profile and to influence the behavior of a commercial tool for web tracking personalization, i.e., Google's Ads Settings.
Mortality in Adult-Onset Autoimmune Diabetes Is Associated With Poor Glycemic Control

OBJECTIVE Knowledge on mortality in autoimmune diabetes with adult onset is limited. We compared mortality in adult-onset autoimmune diabetes and type 2 diabetes, taking into account metabolic risk factors, HbA1c, lifestyle, and socioeconomic factors. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Participants of the population-based HUNT2 Study (second survey of the Norwegian HelseUndersøkelsen i Nord-Trøndelag Study; n = 64,264) were followed up prospectively for mortality in the Cause of Death Registry (1995–2009). Diabetes with onset ≥35 years was classified as autoimmune diabetes in adults if anti-GAD was positive (n = 208) and as type 2 diabetes if anti-GAD was negative (n = 2,425). Hazard ratios (HRs) of mortality from all-causes, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and ischemic heart disease (IHD) were calculated using the Cox proportional hazards model. RESULTS Prevalence of the metabolic syndrome was lower in autoimmune diabetes than in type 2 diabetes (55 vs. 77%, P < 0.001). Still, autoimmune diabetes was associated with an increased risks of mortality from all-causes (HR 1.55 [95% CI 1.25–1.92]), CVD (1.87 [1.40–2.48]), and IHD (2.39 [1.57–3.64]), equally high as in type 2 diabetes in analyses where individuals without diabetes were used as the reference group. The increased risk was not explained by overweight, lifestyle, socioeconomic position, or presence of the metabolic syndrome. Excess mortality was primarily observed in individuals with elevated HbA1c. CONCLUSIONS Mortality in autoimmune diabetes was as high as in type 2 diabetes, despite a more favorable baseline metabolic risk profile. Excess risk was associated with poor glycemic control. The results from this study, the largest so far on mortality in autoimmune diabetes in adults, underscore the importance of optimal treatment modalities to improve survival in adult-onset autoimmune diabetes.
The functional role of implicit memory on gaze-evoked attention orienting

Current computer science has paid more and more attention to the human being and the interaction between human being and computer. Eye-gaze is an important communication cue of human being. The better understanding of the underlying mechanisms of eye-gaze can facilitate development of many computer research fields. Previous fundamental researches about eye-gaze have proved that an uninformative cue by a centrally-presented face gazing to one-location can trigger reflexive shifts of attention in observers toward the location gazed at, facilitating the detection of simple targets. Depending on the results of this gaze-cueing paradigm, it has been widely accepted that perception of another people's gaze can shift observer's attention automatically and reflexively, which was called gaze-cueing effect. Present study is concerned with the influence of implicit short-term memory on gaze-cueing effect. The magnitude of gaze-cueing effect, which preceded by a cooperative or deceptive gaze, was compared. The results showed that the gaze-cueing effect was impaired when the previous gaze deceived observer about the target location. The results presented here support the hypothesis that gaze cueing of current perception is not purely automatic or reflexive, but influenced by the gaze-cueing states in immediate past. This processing is probably afforded by implicit visual memory traces of previous views in human brain. The implications of current research on computer science were also discussed.
Cyanobacterial ClpC/HSP100 Protein Displays Intrinsic Chaperone Activity*

HSP100 proteins are molecular chaperones that belong to the broader family of AAA+ proteins (ATPases associated with a variety of cellular activities) known to promote protein unfolding, disassembly of protein complexes and translocation of proteins across membranes. The ClpC form of HSP100 is an essential, highly conserved, constitutively expressed protein in cyanobacteria and plant chloroplasts, and yet little is known regarding its specific activity as a molecular chaperone. To address this point, ClpC from the cyanobacterium Synechococcus elongatus (SyClpC) was purified using an Escherichia coli-based overexpression system. Recombinant SyClpC showed basal ATPase activity, similar to that of other types of HSP100 protein in non-photosynthetic organisms but different to ClpC in Bacillus subtilis. SyClpC also displayed distinct intrinsic chaperone activity in vitro, first by preventing aggregation of unfolded polypeptides and second by resolubilizing and refolding aggregated proteins into their native structures. The refolding activity of SyClpC was enhanced 3-fold in the presence of the B. subtilis ClpC adaptor protein MecA. Overall, the distinctive ClpC protein in photosynthetic organisms indeed functions as an independent molecular chaperone, and it is so far unique among HSP100 proteins in having both “holding” and disaggregase chaperone activities without the need of other chaperones or adaptor proteins.
Longitudinal and spatial analyses applied to corn yield data from a long-term rotation trial

The statistical analysis of yield data from a long term rotation trial presents a number of challenges, as illustrated by a 10 year study on the effects of reduced chemical inputs and different cropping sequences, most of which involved corn (Zea mays L.) (King and Buchanan, 1993). Important features of the yield data from this trial include considerable unbalance, possible correlations across time and space, possible heterogeneity in the error variances across years, and the availability of pretreatment measurements of soil properties. We investigated a number of analyses of the rotation trial corn yields, restricting attention to models that could be implemented using standard software, specifically Proc Mixed in SAS (SAS Institute, 1999). These analyses included several types of split plot, repeated measures and spatial analyses, each with and without soil covariates. Diagnostic graphs and AIC values indicated that the model should allow for heterogeneity across years in the error variance. The precision of contrasts in years with high (respectively, low) error variance was underestimated (respectively, overestimated) in analyses that assumed constant variance. Allowing spatial correlations resulted in a small reduction in estimates of precision, and including soil covariates was important in two of nine years. The best models were a repeated measures with banded covariance, as well as autoregressive repeated measures and isotropic spatial models, both modified to allow heterogeneity of the error variance across years. Estimates and t-values for specific treatment effects were similar for these models.
A quadruply imaged quasar with an optical Einstein ring candidate: 1RXS J113155.4–123155

We report the discovery of a new quadruply imaged quasar surrounded by an optical Einstein ring candidate. Spectra of the different components of 1RXS J113155.4-123155 reveal a source at $z= 0.658$. Up to now, this object is the closest known gravitationally lensed quasar. The lensing galaxy is clearly detected. Its redshift is measured to be $z= 0.295$. Additionally, the total V magnitude of the system has varied by 0.3 mag between two epochs separated by 33 weeks. The measured relative astrometry of the lensed images is best fitted with an SIS model plus shear. This modeling suggests very high magnification of the source (up to 50 for the total magnification) and predicts flux ratios between the lensed images significantly different from what is actually observed. This suggests that the lensed images may be affected by a combination of micro or milli-lensing and dust extinction effects.
Pengantar Manajemen Sumber daya Manusia : Konsep dan Kinerja

Begitu banyak pihak yang menaruh perhatian besar dalam mempelajari Manajemen Sumber Daya Manusia. Tidak hanya kalangan akademisi, praktisi bisnis, birokrat namun juga termasuk masyarakat umum. Dalam buku ini penulis menggabungkan konsep dari sisi keilmuan MSDM beserta perinciannya yang dijelaskan secara komprehensif seperti bidang e-business, stress, dan konflik. Menurut penulis, tiga hal tersebut memang tidak dapat dikesampingkan, sehingga menjadi bperlu untuk ditampilkan dan dipaparkan secara khusus dalam buku ini. Kemudian penguatan akan menjadi begitu menonjol pada saat penguatan keilmuan itu terjadi bersifat sistematis dan mendorong perluasan pemahaman secara lebih jauh dengan penempatan referensi yang lebih komplit. Dengan tujuan agar pemahaman dan penggunaan buku ini menjadi Iebih aplikatif dan realistis dalam mendukung keinginan-terbentuknya stuktur Manajemen Sumber Daya Manusia yang sesuai harapan banyak pihak.
Quantitative Measurements in the Human Hippocampus and Related Areas: Correspondence between Ex-Vivo MRI and Histological Preparations

The decrease of volume estimates in different structures of the medial temporal lobe related to memory correlate with the decline of cognitive functions in neurodegenerative diseases. This study presents data on the association between MRI quantitative parameters of medial temporal lobe structures and their quantitative estimate in microscopic examination. Twelve control cases had ex-vivo MRI, and thereafter, the temporal lobe of both hemispheres was sectioned from the pole as far as the level of the splenium of the corpus callosum. Nissl stain was used to establish anatomical boundaries between structures in the medial temporal lobe. The study included morphometrical and stereological estimates of the amygdaloid complex, hippocampus, and temporal horn of the lateral ventricle, as well as different regions of grey and white matter in the temporal lobe. Data showed a close association between morphometric MRI images values and those based on the histological determination of boundaries. Only values in perimeter and circularity of the piamater were different. This correspondence is also revealed by the stereological study, although irregular compartments resulted in a lesser agreement. Neither age (< 65 yr and > 65yr) nor hemisphere had any effect. Our results indicate that ex-vivo MRI is highly associated with quantitative information gathered by histological examination, and these data could be used as structural MRI biomarker in neurodegenerative diseases.
The sense of entitlement in romantic relationships: ethnic and religious aspects

ABSTRACT One’s sense of entitlement is activated and influences one’s interactions and attitudes in a wide range of contexts, but it rather seems especially relevant in the context of the romantic relationship, as this particular type of relationship serves as a unique meeting point between needs, wishes, and expectations. While a number of studies have indicated that both exaggerated and restricted forms of sense of entitlement in couple relationships seem to be maladaptive and put people at risk for emotional problems, the core question of the current study dealt with the possible contribution of ethnic and religious aspects. As expected, ethnicity was shown to be a predictor of relational entitlement. Israeli Arabs were higher on inflated and restricted senses of entitlement than Israeli Jews were. Findings also indicated that among the Jewish sector, young religious Jews were higher on restricted sense of entitlement and lower on assertive sense of entitlement than were young secular Jews. Findings were discussed in terms of the unique situation of the Arab minority in Israel as well as the role of religious values in shaping the sense of relational entitlement in couple relationships.