Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of Target-Background Luminance Ratios upon the Autokinetic Illusion

This study investigated effects of the target-background luminance ratios upon the autokinetic illusion, with special emphasis on manipulation of the background intensity. Exp. 1, in which the effects of four levels of target luminance were examined against the completely dark background, showed that the target luminance did not affect the illusion as long as the target was small enough in size (0.17° in visual angle). This result confirmed the suggestion by Edwards in 1954. In Exp. II effects of the target-background luminance ratios were examined by varying the luminance of target and background independently. Dominant illusory patterns at the luminance ratio 1 were “pendulum-like” and “bobbing”; these differed from those at higher ratios (“winding”). On the other hand, latency and duration were not affected by the ratios. These findings suggest that the movement pattern is effective in specifying the autokinetic illusion, if it is appropriately categorized and represented.
A DDoS attack by flooding normal control messages in Kad P2P networks

This paper introduces a new DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) attack by flooding control messages from normal users in Kad network, which is DHT-based P2P network. The proposed attack can make normal nodes participated into the Kad network to act as if they were zombies to generate numerous control messages destined to a target system unintentionally. With the flooded control messages from those nodes, it can cause a DDoS effect to a certain system. We implemented the attacks by modifying the open source program called eMule client, and tested the impact of the proposed attack in our own constructed real Kad network test bed.
Answer triggering of factoid questions: A cognitive approach

Answer triggering task as new subtle challenge to Question Answering (QA), requires QA systems to have the ability to detect whether there exists at least one valid answer in the set of candidate sentences for the question; and if yes, select one of the valid answer sentences from the candidate sentence set. This paper presents a novel approach that addresses answer triggering task in answer sentence selection modules. It focuses on selecting valid answers by using a cognitive approach that emulates how people answer multiple choice questions, clarifying whether a candidate sentence is valid to the question being answered or not. Moreover, performance is further improved by buttressing its cognitive techniques using grammatical syntactic structure of lexical categories of a candidate sentence's words and application of deep learning computations of lexical semantic models.
Impact of depression on treatment effectiveness and gains maintenance in social phobia: a naturalistic study of cognitive behavior group therapy

Background: The impact of depression on cognitive behavioral group therapy (CBGT) for social phobia (SP) in a naturalistic outpatient setting was examined after treatment termination and at 1‐year follow‐up. Methods: Consecutive SP outpatients (N=219) were diagnosed using a structured interview. CBGT was provided in 18 1.5‐hr weekly sessions. At pretreatment and posttreatment questionnaires and clinician ratings were administered. Self‐report measures were obtained at 1‐year follow‐up. The main outcome measure was the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale. Results: CBGT was found to be effective in reducing both social anxiety (effect size=1.23) as well as depression (effect size=0.94). Individuals with generalized social phobia (GSP) and individuals with specific social phobia (SSP) differed in their presenting psychopathology and in their response to CBGT. Among treatment completers, 44% GSPs and 37% SSPs achieved at least 50% improvement, and 44% GSPs and 87% SSPs reported distress and functioning within the normal range at the end of treatment. Among SPs diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD) at the onset of treatment, SP symptoms aggravated during the follow‐up period, whereas SPs not diagnosed with MDD experienced a further alleviation of SP symptoms during follow‐up. CBGT provided in a public clinic to non‐selected, mostly unmedicated and comorbid patients, is an effective treatment for the majority of SP sufferers. Conclusions: MDD at the onset of CBGT was not associated with poorer treatment response, but predicted exacerbation of SP symptoms following treatment termination. Depressed SPs may need additional intervention to maintain CBGT gains. SSPs may benefit from less intensive CBGT than GSPs. Depression and Anxiety, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A Network of Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases Links G Protein-Coupled Receptors to the c-jun Promoter: a Role for c-Jun NH2-Terminal Kinase, p38s, and Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase 5

ABSTRACT The expression of the c-jun proto-oncogene is rapidly induced in response to mitogens acting on a large variety of cell surface receptors. The resulting functional activity of c-Jun proteins appears to be critical for cell proliferation. Recently, we have shown that a large family of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), represented by the m1 muscarinic receptor, can initiate intracellular signaling cascades that result in the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) and c-Jun NH2-terminal kinases (JNK) and that the activation of JNK but not of MAPK correlated with a remarkable increase in the expression of c-jun mRNA. Subsequently, however, we obtained evidence that GPCRs can potently stimulate the activity of the c-jun promoter through MEF2 transcription factors, which do not act downstream from JNK. In view of these observations, we set out to investigate further the nature of the signaling pathway linking GPCRs to the c-jun promoter. Utilizing NIH 3T3 cells, we found that GPCRs can activate the c-jun promoter in a JNK-independent manner. Additionally, we demonstrated that these GPCRs can elevate the activity of novel members of the MAPK family, including ERK5, p38α, p38γ, and p38δ, and that the activation of certain kinases acting downstream from MEK5 (ERK5) and MKK6 (p38α and p38γ) is necessary to fully activate the c-jun promoter. Moreover, in addition to JNK, ERK5, p38α, and p38γ were found to stimulate the c-jun promoter by acting on distinct responsive elements. Taken together, these results suggest that the pathway linking GPCRs to the c-junpromoter involves the integration of numerous signals transduced by a highly complex network of MAPK, rather than resulting from the stimulation of a single linear protein kinase cascade. Furthermore, our findings suggest that each signaling pathway affects one or more regulatory elements on the c-jun promoter and that the transcriptional response most likely results from the temporal integration of each of these biochemical routes.
Serine/threonine/tyrosine phosphorylation of the LHX3 LIM‐homeodomain transcription factor

LHX3 is a LIM homeodomain transcription factor with essential roles in pituitary and motor neuron development in mammals. Patients with mutations in the LHX3 gene have combined pituitary hormone deficiency and other symptoms. In this study, we show that the LHX3 protein can be modified post‐translationally by phosphorylation. LHX3 can serve as a substrate for protein kinase C and casein kinase II. Overexpression of these kinases reduces the transcriptional capacity of LHX3 to activate target genes. Following exposure of LHX3 to cellular kinases, mass spectrometry was used to map the phosphorylation of five amino acid residues within the human LHX3a isoform. Two phosphorylated residues (threonine 63 and serine 71) lie within the first LIM domain of the protein. Three other modified amino acids (tyrosine 227, serine 234, and serine 238) are located in the carboxyl terminus. Targeted replacement of these amino acids with non‐modifiable residues significantly reduced the ability of LHX3 to activate both synthetic and pituitary hormone reporter genes. However, the amino acid replacements did not significantly affect the capability of LHX3 to interact with the NLI, PIT1, and MRG1 partner proteins, or its ability to bind to a high affinity DNA site. In conclusion, we have identified unique amino acids within LHX3 that are important for its transcriptional activity and are phosphorylated. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Investigating pre-touch for sound generation on multi-touch surfaces using blob area detection

We present a method to assist pre-touch on multi-touch surfaces using features extracted from the fingertips of the user's hands. Pixel area a feature obtained from the contour of a fingertip is computed and tracked using commodity cameras to obtain the velocity of approaching fingers. We target sound volume control for digital multi-touch instruments an area where pre-touch is demonstrated with our approach to approximating velocity of finger taps. We explore other areas of application with velocity and how it can help anticipate user actions in mobile touch displays. In order to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed system, a system prototype was presented to users. We confirmed the satisfactory results by performing the recognition rate experiment for measuring the blob size according to the touch speed.
Realization of one-dimensional photonic band-gap within two-dimensional photonic crystal to achieve high-Q spectral responses

One-dimensional photonic crystal based optical filters possess much higher Q than those based on two-dimensional photonic crystal structures. But they can not be integrated, and thereby have limited applications. In the present communication, we propose a novel approach to design a structure that simulates one dimensional filter response within a two-dimensional photonic crystal. Such a structure is relatively compact compared to a ring type add/drop filter due to the inherent longitudinal filtering property of 1D PhC. Guided modes in 2D PhC are studied using the tight-binding method and are explored to realize dispersion properties and spectral responses of the proposed structures. A wide variety of such filters is produced by only varying the dimension of a single element of the two-dimensional structure. These filters are used here in designing a 1:3 de-multiplexer compatible with optical integrated circuits. All the dispersion and spectral characteristics are verified using finite difference time domain (FDTD) method.
Semiotic term expansion as the basis for thematic models in narrative systems

Narratives are a method of communicating information that comes naturally to people and is present in much of our digital and non-digital lives. While work has been undertaken investigating the nature of plot and content within narrative systems little has been done to model subtext or themes. In this thesis a machine understandable thematic model is presented for representing themes within narrative. Each instance of this model forms a definition of a theme and how it may be deconstructed into other thematic elements and their related features. The model is based on semiotic term expansion where terms may be shown to denote motifs which in turn connote themes. An authoring method has been developed to allow for instances of the model to be created. The effectiveness of this approach is demonstrated in four experiments presented within this thesis centred around the concept of creating thematic definitions and generating thematically relevant images. The first experiment explored a semiotic term expansion method for creating thematic definitions in terms of the model and a guide to support authors in doing so. This demonstrated that, though further support for authors is needed, creating valid definitions of themes was possible using the method. The following two experiments used a system called the Thematic Montage Builder; a prototype using definitions of the model to create themed photo montages. The first of these experiments compares the ability of this system to generate montages relevant to specific titles containing themes to Flickr keyword searches while the second compares this system to a term expansion system based on co-occurrence. In both cases the TMB generates montages that are judged by participants to better represent the theme in question. In the final experiment the effect of thematic emphasis on narrative cohesion is investigated. In this experiment a set of variables for measuring narrative cohesion are identified and the impact of using themed illustrations from the TMB on short stories is measured. The illustrations reduced the thematic noise of the short stories and further analysis shows a correlation between thematic cohesion and the perceived 'logical sense' and 'genre cohesion' of the narratives. This work shows that better machine understandable models of narrative can benefit from an understanding of themes, and that semiotic term expansion may be used to build successful thematic models.
UV-B radiation effects on terrestrial plants - a perspective.

Abstract Both terrestrial and aquatic plants, the primary producers supporting life on earth, can be threatened by global climate change and particularly by UV-B radiation due to the depletion of the ozone layer in both Poles. The injurious effects of UV-B have been assessed mainly through in vitro studies and vary greatly according the dose received, the exposition period and the sensitivity of the species. Adaptive responses can include for example, synthesis of new compounds, increases of UV-B absorbing compounds or anti-oxidant enzymes. Morphological consequences are also documented such as reduced growth and thickening of leaves and cuticule. The main response of UV-B irradiation in indoor experiments is the formation of UV-B absorbing compounds such as phenolic compounds and flavonoids which function as protective screens, although in the natural habitat plants living at higher altitudes and latitudes are tolerant to UV-B due to the natural selection. The main conclusion derived from studies with terrestrial plants is that photosynthesis is not significantly affected by changes in UV-B radiation when plants grow under natural conditions. Moreover, due to the successful implementation of the Montreal Protocol the increase of UV-B radiation in most populated regions of the world (i.e., outside the regions affected by the Antarctic ozone hole) has been modest.
Different recovery profiles of coagulation factors, thrombin generation, and coagulation function after hemorrhagic shock in pigs

BACKGROUND Hemorrhagic shock contributes to coagulopathy after trauma. We investigated daily changes of coagulation components and coagulation function for 5 days in hemorrhaged and resuscitated pigs. METHODS Fourteen pigs were randomized into the sham control (C) and the hemorrhage and lactated Ringer’s resuscitation (H-LR) groups. On day 1, hemorrhage was induced in the H-LR group by bleeding 35% of the total blood volume, followed by LR resuscitation at three times the bled volume. Pigs in the C group were not hemorrhaged or resuscitated. Hemodynamics and coagulation were measured daily after H-LR on day 1 to day 5. RESULTS No changes in hemodynamics and coagulation function occurred in C. Hemorrhage decreased mean arterial pressure and increased heart rate. LR resuscitation corrected these changes within 2 hours. Compared with the baseline values (BL) on day 1, fibrinogen levels were decreased to 76% ± 6% by H-LR on day 1, increased to 217% ± 16% on day 2, and remained increased thereafter; platelet counts were decreased to 63% ± 5% by H-LR on day 1 and remained lower on days 2 and 3 but returned to BL by days 4 and 5 (all p < 0.05). Thrombin generation was decreased by H-LR on days 1 and 2 but then increased to above BL on days 4 and 5. Coagulation factor levels were decreased by H-LR on day 1 but returned to BL on day 3 except for factor XIII. Clot strength was decreased by H-LR on day 1 and returned to BL by day 2. Clot rapidity did not change on day 1 but was decreased on days 2 and 3 and returned to BL on days 4 and 5. CONCLUSION Hemorrhage and resuscitation reduced coagulation components and compromised coagulation function, which showed different recovery profiles over the 5-day study period.
Screening for depression among first‐visit psychiatric patients: Comparison of different scoring methods for the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale using receiver operating characteristic analyses

Abstract The present paper aims to compare the ability of eight scoring methods for the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES‐D), one of the most widely used self‐report inventories for depression, to screen for a major depressive episode. The subjects were 591 patients who constituted representative samples of the first‐visit patients to 23 psychiatric hospitals and clinics all over Japan. The criterion diagnoses were given by a semi‐structured interview with established inter‐rater reliability. The eight alternative scoring methods included the conventional Likert method, which gives the weights 0,1,2 and 3 to the four anchor points of the CES‐D; the presence method, which gives the weights 0, 1, 1 and 1, respectively; the GHQ method, which gives the weights 0, 0, 1 and 1, respectively; the persistence method, which gives the weights 0, 0, 0 and 1, respectively; 10‐item version, 5‐item version, single‐item version and the algorithmic method. On the basis of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses, it was found that the traditional Likert scoring method of the full CES‐D performed best in detecting major depressive episodes among first‐visit psychiatric patients. The presence method, the GHQ method and the 10‐item version appeared to have a similar ability. The persistence method, the 5‐item version and the single‐item version resulted in significantly worse performance.
Design of a Multi-Touch Tabletop for Simulation-Based Training

Abstract : The Canadian Army relies heavily on simulation-supported command and staff training exercises. Small groups of retired officers, called interactors, orchestrate the exercise behind the scenes using computer-based simulation tools to emulate troop actions in the field. The officers being trained work in a simulated headquarters, and contact the interactors by radio, chat or telephone. The quality of the training experience highly depends on the ability of interactors to perform a realistic and educationally beneficial scenario. Modern simulation tools provide deep and rich functionality, but at the cost of complex user interfaces that interactors find difficult to learn and to use. Since each interactor sits at a separate computer, the design of the simulation room is a hindrance to collaborative tasks such as planning or coordinated maneuvers. In this paper, we present OrMiS, a tabletop-based simulation interface that provides interactors with an efficient and usable way to collaborate while simulating the actions of military units. We emphasize how field observations and feedback from experts helped us identify key features of OrMiS to support individual and collaborative activities. Finally, we report on results from a usability study, which demonstrates how its features can ease interactors' work to provide the best training experience.
Strain measurement based on microstrip patch antennas

The strain sensors based on microstrip patch antennas have shown great potential for structural health monitoring (SHM) in aerospace and civil industries. This paper will introduce a novel method of strain measurement in which the shift in antenna resonant frequency can be utilized to measure strain. The patch antenna sensor with a rectangular patch radiates at two fundamental modes (TM10 and TM01) and their resonant frequencies (f10 and f01) are determined by the corresponding electrical length of the current flow. An applied strain changes the dimensions of the microstrip patch antenna, resulting in the electrical length change, which has different influences on the electricity flow as well. Therefore, the structural strain information can be collected by the change of antenna resonant frequencies. Four categories of proposed sensors with different dimensions were designed and manufactured to measure the strain applied to the cantilever beam, and the experimental results show that there is a strong linear relationship between the resonant frequency shift and the applied strain. Besides, antenna sensors have more sensitivity at higher initial resonant frequencies, which is in good agreement with the theoretical analysis. The investigation can provide a preliminary theoretical basis for the application of this innovative measuring strain technology in the wireless SHM system.
Analysis of inter-hemispheric and intra-hemispheric differences of the correlation dimension in the emotional states based on EEG signals

In this paper, inter-hemispheric and intrahemispheric differences of multichannel EEG signals were investigated during different emotional states based on the nonlinear processing of EEG signals. For this aim, correlation dimension of hemispheres was compared as a complexity measure of the EEG signals. We determined the regions where the correlation dimension was significant between hemispheres using two-way ANOVAs with repeated measures test. According to our obtained results, the correlation dimension showed intrahemispheric differences bilaterally between frontal and parietal regions during joy and sad emotional states.
Component Awareness in Convolutional Neural Networks

In this work, we investigate the ability of Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) to infer the presence of components that comprise an image. In recent years, CNNs have achieved powerful results in classification, detection, and segmentation. However, these models learn from instance-level supervision of the detected object. In this paper, we determine if CNNs can detect objects using image-level weakly supervised labels without localization. To demonstrate that a CNN can infer awareness of objects, we evaluate a CNN's classification ability with a database constructed of Chinese characters with only character-level labeled components. We show that the CNN is able to achieve a high accuracy in identifying the presence of these components without specific knowledge of the component. Furthermore, we verify that the CNN is deducing the knowledge of the target component by comparing the results to an experiment with the component removed. This research is important for applications with large amounts of data without robust annotation such as Chinese character recognition.
Assessing entrepreneurship in governmental public health.

OBJECTIVES We assessed the feasibility and desirability of public health entrepreneurship (PHE) in governmental public health. METHODS Using a qualitative case study approach with semistructured interview protocols, we conducted interviews between April 2010 and January 2011 at 32 local health departments (LHDs) in 18 states. Respondents included chief health officers and senior LHD staff, representatives from national public health organizations, health authorities, and public health institutes. RESULTS Respondents identified PHE through 3 overlapping practices: strategic planning, operational efficiency, and revenue generation. Clinical services offer the strongest revenue-generating potential, and traditional public health services offer only limited entrepreneurial opportunities. Barriers include civil service rules, a risk-averse culture, and concerns that PHE would compromise core public health values. CONCLUSIONS Ongoing PHE activity has the potential to reduce LHDs' reliance on unstable general public revenues. Yet under the best of circumstances, it is difficult to generate revenue from public health services. Although governmental public health contains pockets of entrepreneurial activity, its culture does not sustain significant entrepreneurial activity. The question remains as to whether LHDs' current public revenue sources are sustainable and, if not, whether PHE is a feasible or desirable alternative.