Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Children's Use of Social Cues When Learning Conventions

In a series of two experiments, we examined 5-year-old children's motivations for learning new conventional actions. Children watched two teachers open a novel container; the teachers differed in the nonfunctional, conventional actions they used in the process. In Experiment 1, one teacher spoke with a native accent and the other spoke with a nonnative accent. Children showed a preference for following the native-accented teacher, and this preference was interpreted as a motivation to match an in-group member. In Experiment 2, the speech accent of the teacher was crossed with explicit expressions of (un)certainty by the teachers. In this case, children preferred the more certain teacher, even when the certain teacher spoke with a nonnative speech accent. This preference was taken as demonstrating a utilitarian motivation that led to choosing the teacher most likely to have useful information. Taken together, these results suggest that by 5 years of age, children are motivated by both utilitarian and in-group considerations when selecting between sources of information; however, when forced to select between the two motivations, utilitarian concerns take precedent.
Family discord and stress predictors of depression and other disorders in adolescent children of depressed and nondepressed women.

OBJECTIVE To test the hypothesis that family stress variables are associated with the effects of maternal depression on offspring diagnoses and examined whether such factors may be differentially associated with disorders in offspring of depressed and never-depressed women. METHOD Eight hundred sixteen mothers and their 15-year-old children in an Australian community completed cross-sectional assessments of mother and youth diagnoses, interviewer-rated and self-reported quality of marital relationship/status, quality of parent-child relationship, and interviews for youth chronic and episodic stress. Women with depression histories were oversampled and included 458 never-depressed and 358 women with current or past major depressive episodes or dysthymic disorder. RESULTS Significant interaction effects were found between maternal depression and family discord/stress variables such that high levels of environmental risk factors were significantly associated with youth depression in children of depressed women compared with low levels of adverse conditions and were generally less associated with depression in children of nondepressed women. Nondepressive disorders were associated with adverse family and stress factors for both groups of children. CONCLUSIONS The results are consistent with a multiple risk factor model of depression transmission in high-risk families and suggest a pattern of reactivity to adverse conditions among children of depressed women. The results suggest that psychosocial factors may contribute to diagnoses in offspring of depressed women in community samples.
Neuronal α-Bungarotoxin Receptors Differ Structurally from Other Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors

We have characterized the α-bungarotoxin receptors (BgtRs) found on the cell surface of undifferentiated pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells. The PC12 cells express a homogeneous population of α7-containing receptors that bind α-Bgt with high affinity (Kd = 94 pm). The BgtRs mediate most of the response elicited by nicotine, because the BgtR-specific antagonists methyllycaconitine and α-Bgt block ∼90% of the whole-cell current. The binding of nicotinic agonists to cell-surface BgtRs was highly cooperative with four different agonists showing Hill coefficients in the range of 2.3–2.4. A similar agonist binding cooperativity was observed for BgtR homomers formed from chimeric α7/5HT3 subunits expressed in tsA 201 cells. Two classes of agonist binding sites, in the ratio of 4:1 for PC12 cell BgtRs and 3:1 for α7/5HT3 BgtRs, were revealed by bromoacetylcholine alkylation of the reduced sites on both PC12 BgtRs and α7/5HT3 BgtRs. We conclude from this data that PC12 BgtRs and α7/5HT3 homomers contain at least three distinguishable agonist binding sites and thus are different from other nicotinic receptors.
Host feeding patterns of Culicoides species (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) within the Picos de Europa National Park in northern Spain

Abstract Blood meal identification can provide information about the natural host-feeding patterns or preferences of Culicoides species. Such information could indirectly provide data indicating which reservoirs are significant in associated vector-borne diseases. We positively identified the host species through DNA sequencing of the cytochrome b gene in 144 of the 170 (84.7%) blood meal specimens tested. In the remaining samples, identification of the blood-meal source was unsuccessful, possibly due to the post-ingestion time prior to sampling or the availability of the species-specific cytochrome b gene sequences in the database. The majority of identified blood meals were derived from mammalian blood (95.8%), and only six contained chicken blood. We identified five species as mammalian hosts for Culicoides spp. : sheep (87.7%), human (6.5%), cattle (3.7%) and Savi's Pine Vole (Micrototus savii) (2.1%). The results suggested that large mammals, specifically ruminants, were most frequently fed upon by biting midges (Culicoides spp.), but evidence of opportunistic feeding behaviour was also found. Host feeding behaviour of Culicoides species may also be influenced by the relative abundance of a particular host species in the area being studied. In this sense, Savi's Pine Vole, a wild species, was found to be a locally relevant host and a putative reservoir for viruses transmitted by species of biting midges belonging to the Culicoides genus. Finally, feeding on multiple potential host species was observed. One midge acquired blood meals from human and chicken hosts, while four other midges fed on two different sheep.
Novel n-3 Fatty Acid Oxidation Products Activate Nrf2 by Destabilizing the Association between Keap1 and Cullin3*

Consumption of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) can mitigate the progression of diseases in which oxidative stress represents a common underlying biochemical process. Nrf2-regulated gene expression regulates detoxification of reactive oxygen species. EPA and DHA were subjected to an in vitro free radical oxidation process that models in vivo conditions. Oxidized n-3 fatty acids reacted directly with the negative regulator of Nrf2, Keap1, initiating Keap1 dissociation with Cullin3, thereby inducing Nrf2-directed gene expression. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analyses of oxidized EPA demonstrated the presence of novel cyclopentenone-containing molecules termed J3-isoprostanes in vitro and in vivo and were shown to induce Nrf2-directed gene expression. These experiments provide a biochemical basis for the hypothesis that formation of J-ring compounds generated from oxidation of EPA and DHA in vivo can reach concentrations high enough to induce Nrf2-based cellular defense systems.
Chemical‐shift artifact reduction in hadamard‐encoded MR spectroscopic imaging at high (3T and 7T) magnetic fields

Proton MR spectroscopic imaging (MRSI) at higher magnetic fields (B0) suffers metabolite localization errors from different chemical‐shift displacements (CSDs) if spatially‐selective excitation is used. This phenomenon is exacerbated by the decreasing radiofrequency (RF) field strength, B1, at higher B0s, precluding its suppression with stronger gradients. To address this, two new methods are proposed: 1) segmenting the volume‐of‐interest (VOI) into several slabs, allowing proportionally stronger slice‐select gradients; and 2) sequentially cascading rather than superposing the components of the Hadamard selective pulses used for reasons of better point‐spread function (PSF) to localize the few slices within each slab. This can reduce the peak B1 to that of a single slice. Combining these approaches permits us to increase the selective gradient four‐ to eightfold per given B1, to 12 or 18mT/m for 4‐ or 2‐cm VOIs. This “brute force” approach reduces the CSD to under 0.05 cm/ppm at 7T, or less than half that at 3T. Magn Reson Med 58:167–173, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A technique to measure distributed strain in optical fibers

The technique is based on Brillouin optical-fiber time-domain analysis (BOTDA), which uses Brillouin interaction between counterpropagating pump and probe light waves. Experimental results for fibers wound on drums at various tensions are presented. A strain measurement accuracy of better than 2*10/sup -5/ and a spatial resolution of 100 m are achieved. <<ETX>>
A new fuzzy identification approach using support vector regression and immune clone selection algorithm

A new fuzzy identification approach using support vector regression (SVR) and immune clone selection algorithm (ICSA) is presented in this paper. Firstly positive definite reference function is utilized to construct a qualified Mercer kernel for SVR. Then an improved ICSA is developed for parameters selection of SVR, in which the number of support vectors and regression accuracy are regarded simultaneously to guarantee the conciseness of the constructed fuzzy model. Finally, a set of TS fuzzy rules can be extracted from the SVR directly. Simulation results show that the resulting fuzzy model not only costs less fuzzy rules, but also possesses good generalization ability.
Quantifying the Offline Interactions between Hosts and Guests of Airbnb

In this paper, the offline interactions between hosts and guests of Airbnb are investigated. While the platform-supported communications between hosts and guests are easily tracked, new solutions are required to quantify the offline interactions. These interactions were investigated through the development of an IT artifact that determines if a review written by a guest includes a mention of a host. Manual labeling of 1,024 randomly selected reviews indicated that 85% of reviews include a reference to a host. Two primary patterns in which hosts are mentioned were discovered. A new method to detect if a host is referenced in a review is proposed. The method is based on automatically detecting these patterns using Word Embeddings and Named Entity Recognition. The method achieved an accuracy score of 91.5% and was applied on thousands of reviews from Airbnb. Results demonstrated that over 80% of reviews include references to hosts.
Effect of plant growth hormones and abiotic stresses on germination, growth and phosphatase activities in Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench seeds

Phosphatases are widely found in plants having intracellular and extracellular activities. Phosphatases are believed to be important for phosphorous scavenging and remobilization in plants, but its role in adaptation to abiotic stresses and growth hormones at germination level has not been critically evaluated. To address this issue, the effect of ABA, GA3, NaCl and drought on germination, growth, acid and alkaline phosphatases in sorghum embryos and endosperm was investigated. Germination decreased markedly under ABA, NaCl and drought treatments. Subsequently, a remarkable decrease in fresh weight and dry weight was observed in embryos under ABA and NaCl treatments, whereas a significant decrease in endosperm fresh weight was observed only under drought stress. However, no significant change in endosperm dry weight was observed under other any treatment. Furthermore, a considerable increase in acid phosphatse activity was observed in embryos under GA3 and NaCl treatments, however, alkaline phosphatase activity was substantially higher under all treatments. In endosperm, a significant increase in acid phosphatase activity was observed under ABA and NaCl treatments. Alkaline phosphatse activity was apparently higher under GA3. However, no substantial changes in acid or alkaline phosphatase activities were observed after drought treatments. These findings suggest that changes in the phosphatase enzymes might play important roles in adaptation of germinating seeds, to changing environmental conditions. Based upon these results, a possible physiological role of phosphatases in germinating sorghum seeds is discussed.
Mesencephalic Trigeminal Nucleus Development Is Dependent on Krox-20 Expression

Krox-20, a C2H2-type zinc-finger transcription factor, plays an important role in rhombomere development. This study reveals that the Krox-20 null mutation impacts the development of mesencephalic trigeminal (Me5) neurons, a cell group traditionally thought to emerge from the mesencephalon. Based on cell counting studies, we show that Krox-20 null mutants have twice as many Me5 neurons relative to wildtypes at E15, but by birth have half the number of Me5 cells as wildtypes. TUNEL studies reveal a period of increased apoptosis from E17-P0 in mutants. The mutation does not result in differences in Me5 cell size, morphology, gene expression or peripheral projection patterns between genotypes, as demonstrated by retrograde tracing and Brn3a immunohistochemistry. The data suggest that Krox-20 regulates the period and extent of Me5 apoptosis, impacting the final number of Me5 neurons. The loss of Me5 in Krox-20–/– mice may highlight species-specific differences in the origin of these cells.
A novel locus for autosomal recessive form of hypotrichosis maps to chromosome 3q26.33–q27.3

Genetic conditions affecting hair structure or the hair growth cycle may be isolated or they may occur as part of complex syndromes with associated abnormalities of other ectodermal appendages. Defective hair structure caused by mutations in key hair structural proteins can result in severe alopecia. The best characterised conditions at the molecular level in this category are monilethrix1 (MIM 158000) and Netherton syndrome2,3 (MIM 256500). Monilethrix is an autosomal dominant disorder in which alopecia is the presenting manifestation; however, the degree of alopecia is variable between patients and during different time periods for the same individual. Causative mutations have been identified in the keratin hair basic 6 gene (HB6, MIM 601928) and the keratin hair basic 1 gene (HB1, MIM 602153). 4 Netherton syndrome is a rare autosomal recessive condition characterised by “bamboo hair” (trichorrhexis invaginata), congenital ichthyosiform erythroderma, and atopic diathesis. Serine protease inhibitor, Kazal-type 5 gene (SPINK5, MIM 605010), located on chromosome 5q31–q32, encodes a 15 domain serine protease inhibitor and is mutated in Netherton syndrome.3 Structural hair shaft defects are also a feature of Menkes kinky hair syndrome (MIM 309400). Menkes disease,5 with X linked inheritance, is caused by mutations in the gene encoding Cu2+ transporting ATPase, ATP7A (MIM 300011). 6 Isolated forms of alopecia include congenital atrichia and different forms of hypotrichosis, which may represent a dysregulation of the hair growth cycle and remodelling.7 Autosomal recessive congenital atrichia (MIM 203655) is the most extreme example of hair loss. In affected individuals with this form of alopecia, hair is typically absent from the scalp with shedding shortly after birth. Congenital atrichia has been linked to 8p21, where several mutations of the hairless gene (HR, MIM 602302) have been reported as the underlying cause of congenital atrichia.8,9 Marie Unna …
Assessment and theory in Complex Problem Solving. A continuing contradiction

Complex Problem Solving (CPS) describes skills frequently needed in everyday life such as the use of new technological devices. Therefore, CPS skills constitute an increasingly important individual ability that needs theoretically embedded, reliable and validated measurement devices. The present article shows that current tests do not sufficiently address the requirement of a theory-based assessment. An integrative approach, the Action Theoretical Problem Space Model by Rollett (2008), is introduced and used to demonstrate how a theoretical framework can influence and inform test development. Implications for the assessment of CPS and its potential are discussed.
Proactive Coping in Community-Dwelling Older Australians

This article reports on a study of older community-dwelling Australian adults which aimed to test whether a relatively unexplored construct, proactive coping, could have a role in purpose in life, personal growth, and life satisfaction. A total of 109 women and 115 men (Mean age = 75.04 yrs, SD = 6.66) completed a questionnaire containing Greenglass et al.'s (1999) Proactive Coping Inventory, the Purpose in Life and Personal Growth ***sub-scales of Ryff's (1989) Psychological Well-being Scales, and the Satisfaction with Life Scale (Diener et al., 1985). The results of hierarchical multiple regression analyses indicated that proactive coping was a highly significant predictor of all three measures of well-being, after controlling for age and health. The effect on personal growth and purpose in life was particularly strong. Proactive coping does seem to be an important variable in the psychological well-being of older adults. However, the correlational nature of the design, and the likelihood of some conceptual overlap between the well-being variables, suggest that these inferences can only be tentative. Designing psychological interventions to improve proactive coping may help to improve quality of life at older ages. There is a need for experimental research to further explore the causal influence of proactive coping and for further theoretical work to determine the exact nature of proactive coping.
Random Forest Classification of Wetland Landcovers from Multi-Sensor Data in the Arid Region of Xinjiang, China

The wetland classification from remotely sensed data is usually difficult due to the extensive seasonal vegetation dynamics and hydrological fluctuation. This study presents a random forest classification approach for the retrieval of the wetland landcover in the arid regions by fusing the Pleiade-1B data with multi-date Landsat-8 data. The segmentation of the Pleiade-1B multispectral image data was performed based on an object-oriented approach, and the geometric and spectral features were extracted for the segmented image objects. The normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) series data were also calculated from the multi-date Landsat-8 data, reflecting vegetation phenological changes in its growth cycle. The feature set extracted from the two sensors data was optimized and employed to create the random forest model for the classification of the wetland landcovers in the Ertix River in northern Xinjiang, China. Comparison with other classification methods such as support vector machine and artificial neural network classifiers indicates that the random forest classifier can achieve accurate classification with an overall accuracy of 93% and the Kappa coefficient of 0.92. The classification accuracy of the farming lands and water bodies that have distinct boundaries with the surrounding land covers was improved 5%–10% by making use of the property of geometric shapes. To remove the difficulty in the classification that was caused by the similar spectral features of the vegetation covers, the phenological difference and the textural information of co-occurrence gray matrix were incorporated into the classification, and the main wetland vegetation covers in the study area were derived from the two sensors data. The inclusion of phenological information in the classification enables the classification errors being reduced down, and the overall accuracy was improved approximately 10%. The results show that the proposed random forest classification by fusing multi-sensor data can retrieve better wetland landcover information than the other classifiers, which is significant for the monitoring and management of the wetland ecological resources in arid areas.
Recall of Patterns Using Morphological and Certain Fuzzy Morphological Associative Memories with Applications in Classification and Prediction

Morphological associative memories (MAMs) are based on a lattice algebra known as minimax algebra. In previous papers, we gained valuable insight into the storage and recall phases of gray-scale autoassociative memories. This paper extends these results to the heteroassociative and to the fuzzy case in view of the fact that a gray-scale MAM model can be converted into a fuzzy MAM model that coincides with the Lukasiewicz IFAM by applying an appropriate threshold. The paper includes some experimental results concerning applications of MAM and fuzzy MAM models in classification and prediction.
Perception of Nonnative-accented Sentences by 5- to 8-Year-olds and Adults: The Role of Phonological Processing Skills

To acquire language and successfully communicate in multicultural and multilingual societies, children must learn to understand speakers with various accents and dialects. This study investigated adults’ and 5- to 8-year-old children’s perception of native- and nonnative-accented English sentences in noise. Participants’ phonological memory and phonological awareness were assessed to investigate factors associated with individual differences in word recognition. Although both adults and children performed less accurately with nonnative talkers than native talkers, children showed greater performance decrements. Further, phonological memory was more closely tied to perception of native talkers whereas phonological awareness was more closely related to perception of nonnative talkers. These results suggest that the ability to recognize words produced in unfamiliar accents continues to develop beyond the early school-age years. Additionally, the linguistic skills most related to word recognition in adverse listening conditions may differ depending on the source of the challenge (i.e., noise, talker, or a combination).
Enhanced RF power amplifiers and device characterization setups using coherent mixed-signal techniques

Coherent mixed-signal techniques are applied in high-performance N-way Doherty and outphasing amplifier configurations, as well as, in advanced Large-signal RF device characterization systems. These new techniques provide optimum input signal control of the individual branch amplifiers, yielding improved efficiency in power back-off operation and higher bandwidths. When using coherent-mixed signal techniques in Large-Signal device characterization applications, ultra-fast device testing and device characterization with realistic wide-band modulated signals becomes feasible.
Enterprise education and the adoption of new technologies within small firms

Enterprise education has been regularly cited as a tool which can be utilised to not only increase the level of entrepreneurship within an economy, but also the success of those enterprises started. This paper explores the extent to which participation in enterprise education is associated with the adoption of new technology within new businesses. As this is one way that businesses can remain competitive not only within their own countries but when competing against international competition. Using data from the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor survey from the UK, the study finds weak evidence that those undertaking enterprise education in the form of university based schemes or government sponsored training schemes are more likely to be using newer technology. However, this relationship is relatively weak and does bring into question whether many enterprise courses are effective value for money.