Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Infinity-Norm Rotation Transforms

A new general paradigm of dynamic-range-preserving one-to-one mapping-infinity-norm rotations, analogous to the general 2-norm rotations, are proposed in this paper. Analogous to the well-known discrete cosine transforms, the linear 2-norm rotation transforms which preserve the 2-norm of the rotated vectors, the proposed infinity-norm rotation transforms are piecewise linear transforms which preserve the infinity-norm of vectors. Besides the advantages of perfect reversibility, in-place calculation and dynamic range preservation, the infinity-norm rotation transforms also have good energy-compact ability, which is suitable for signal compression and analysis. It can be implemented by shear transforms based on the 2-D rotation factorization of similar orthogonal transform matrices, such as DCT matrices. The performance of the new transforms is illustrated with 2-D patterns and histograms. Its good performance in lossy and lossless image compression, compared with other integer reversible transforms, is demonstrated in the experiments.
Event-related brain potentials and second language learning: syntactic processing in late L2 learners at different L2 proficiency levels

There are several major questions in the literature on late second language (L2) learning and processing. Some of these questions include: Can late L2 learners process an L2 in a native-like way? What is the nature of the differences in L2 processing among L2 learners at different levels of L2 proficiency? In this article, we review studies that addressed these questions using event-related brain potentials (ERPs) in late learners and that focused on syntactic processing. ERPs provide an on-line, millisecond-by-millisecond record of the brain’s electrical activity during cognitive processing. ERP measures can thus provide valuable information on the timing and degree of neural activation as language processing (here: syntactic processing in L2) unfolds over time. After discussing the use of ERPs for the study of L2 learning and processing, we review electrophysiological studies on syntactic and morphosyntactic processing in late L2 learners with different levels of L2 proficiency. The currently available evidence indicates that patterns of neural activity in the brain during syntactic and morphosyntactic processing can be modulated by various, possibly interrelated, factors including the similarity or dissimilarity of syntactic structures in L2 and L1, the exact nature of the syntactic structure L2 learners seek to comprehend and the concomitant expectancies they can generate with regard to violations in this structure, and the L2 learners’ level of L2 proficiency. Together these studies show that ERPs can successfully elucidate subtle differences in syntactic processing between L2 learners and native speakers, and among L2 learners at different levels of L2 proficiency, which are difficult to detect or that might have remained undetected with behavioural measures.
About time: a comparison of computerized and manual procedures for grammatical and phonological analysis

The time efficiency of procedures for phonological and grammatical analysis was studied, comparing manual and computerised methods. Participants were 256 students and practising clinicians who had received university-level instruction in the analysis procedures they performed. Phonological analyses included the evaluation of variability, homonymy, word shapes, phonetic inventory, accuracy of production and correspondence between target and production forms. Grammatical analyses included MLU and descriptive statistics, number of syntactic types, LARSP, DSS, and IPSyn. Three phonological samples and three grammatical samples, varying in size and complexity/severity, were analysed. Without exception, computerised analyses were completed faster and with equal or better accuracy than manual analyses. The time needed for both computerised and manual methods was affected by the type of analysis, the type of sample, and the efficiency of individual participants. Nevertheless, the overall findings support the view that non-standardized assessment is feasible even in a busy clinical timetable, if it is done by computer.
Implicit memory and depression: An analysis of perceptual and conceptual processes

A small number of studies have reported impaired explicit memory and intact implicit memory performance in participants classified as depressed. In the present study we examined this finding taking account of the distinction between datadriven and conceptually driven processing. The performance of participants diagnosed with depression was examined on implicit and explicit memory tasks which were designed to tap either predominantly perceptual or conceptual processes. Depressed participants demonstrated performance deficits on both the implicit and explicit conceptual tasks (category association and free recall, respectively) but showed intact performance in the implicit perceptual task (word-fragment completion). These results suggest that people with severe depression show deficits in conceptual processing and that this deficit occurs under both explicit and implicit task instructions.
Impact of a benzoyl urea insecticide on aquatic macroinvertebrates in ditch mesocosms with and without non‐sprayed sections

The long‐term response, including recovery, of aquatic macroinvertebrates to short‐term insecticide exposure may be affected by the presence of uncontaminated refuges in the stressed ecosystem. Experimental ditches were used to study the influence of non‐sprayed ditch sections regarding the ecotoxicological effects on and the recovery of macroinvertebrates following treatment with the insecticide lufenuron. The treatment regimes differed in the proportion of the ditch (0, 33, 67, and 100% of surface area) that was sprayed to reach a lufenuron concentration of 3 μ/L in the water column of the sprayed ditch section. The magnitude and duration of effects on macroinvertebrates, and on arthropods in particular, were higher when a larger proportion of the ditch was treated. Initially, more pronounced responses were observed for bivoltine and multivoltine insects and macrocrustaceans than for univoltine and semivoltine arthropods. Most macroinvertebrate arthropods showed delayed responses, with maximum treatment‐related effects observed two to six weeks after lufenuron application. This latency of effects can be explained by the mode of action of lufenuron, involving inhibition of chitin synthesis, which affects arthropod molting and metamorphosis. The observed effects were short‐lived only in those ditches where 33% of the surface area was sprayed. In the ditches where 67 and 100% of the surface area was sprayed, some insects and macrocrustaceans showed long‐term effects. In the 100% sprayed ditches in particular, the treatment‐related reduction in arthropods resulted in indirect effects, such as an increase in snails, and later in an increase in the ephemeropteran Cloeon dipterum, probably because of an increase in periphyton, and release from competition and predation. Effects that are most likely indirect also were observed for Oligochaeta, Hirudinea, and the flatworm Mesostoma sp.
Label, Segment, Featurize: A Cross Domain Framework for Prediction Engineering

In this paper, we introduce "prediction engineering" as a formal step in the predictive modeling process. We define a generalizable 3 part framework — Label, Segment, Featurize (L-S-F) — to address the growing demand for predictive models. The framework provides abstractions for data scientists to customize the process to unique prediction problems. We describe how to apply the L-S-F framework to characteristic problems in 2 domains and demonstrate an implementation over 5 unique prediction problems defined on a dataset of crowdfunding projects from DonorsChoose.org. The results demonstrate how the L-S-F framework complements existing tools to allow us to rapidly build and evaluate 26 distinct predictive models. L-S-F enables development of models that provide value to all parties involved (donors, teachers, and people running the platform).
Does dipyridamole-induced ischaemia affect NT-proBNP secretion?

Summary Background B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and the inactive amino-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) have a prognostic value in heart failure and in myocardial infarction. There has been some evidence that BNP and NT-proBNP can be used in the diagnosis of myocardial ischaemia by improving the sensitivity of exercise-stress testing. Objective To observe the relationship between dipyridamole-induced ischaemia and the secretion of NT-proBNP. Methods: A total of 52 consecutive patients, referred for dipyridamole stress 99mTc-sestamibi single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) to diagnose reversible ischaemia, were enrolled. NT-proBNP was determined at rest and one hour after infusion of dipyridamole. Results Of the 52 patients, 25 had normal scans, 12 had scans with fixed defects (previous myocardial infarction with no inducible ischaemia) and 15 had reversible perfusion defects (inducible ischaemia). There was no correlation between ischaemia and resting NT-proBNP, post-stress NT-proBNP and the change in NT-proBNP. There was a correlation between ejection fraction, ventricular volumes and resting NT-proBNP. Conclusions NT-proBNP does not add to the diagnosis of myocardial ischaemia in dipyridamole stress MPI.
Influence of passive smoking on functional abilities in children

Passive smoking has been found to be associated with a large number of disorders of passive smokers. It seems that the children are the most susceptible population for harmful effects of passive smoke exposure. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of passive smoking on children's functional abilities. The target population was 199 children who were 13–15 years old at the time of the study. For the assessment of motor skills 6-min run test was used. Children exposed to passive smoking by their mothers had statistically significant lower functional abilities (r =−0.7029; 95% CI −0.7707 to −0.6194; p < 0.0001). We also found statistically significant difference if the both parents are smokers (r =−0.3343; 95% CI −0.4595 to −0.1961; p < 0.0001). The results of our study did not show statistically significant difference if the children are exposed to cigarette smoke by their fathers (r = 0.03139; 95% CI −0.1171 to 0.1785; p = 0.6792). Public health preventive actions should go toward minimizing the exposure of children to passive smoking by counseling the smoking parents that quitting smoking provides enormous health benefits not only to them but also to their children.
Xanthomonas euvesicatoria type III effector XopQ interacts with tomato and pepper 14-3-3 isoforms to suppress effector-triggered immunity.

Effector-triggered immunity (ETI) to host-adapted pathogens is associated with rapid cell death at the infection site. The plant-pathogenic bacterium Xanthomonas euvesicatoria (Xcv) interferes with plant cellular processes by injecting effector proteins into host cells through the type III secretion system. Here, we show that the Xcv effector XopQ suppresses cell death induced by components of the ETI-associated MAP kinase cascade MAPKKKα MEK2/SIPK and by several R/avr gene pairs. Inactivation of xopQ by insertional mutagenesis revealed that this effector inhibits ETI-associated cell death induced by avirulent Xcv in resistant pepper (Capsicum annuum), and enhances bacterial growth in resistant pepper and tomato (Solanum lycopersicum). Using protein-protein interaction studies in yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) and in planta, we identified the tomato 14-3-3 isoform SlTFT4 and homologs from other plant species as XopQ interactors. A mutation in the putative 14-3-3 binding site of XopQ impaired interaction of the effector with CaTFT4 in yeast and its virulence function in planta. Consistent with a role in ETI, TFT4 mRNA abundance increased during the incompatible interaction of tomato and pepper with Xcv. Silencing of NbTFT4 in Nicotiana benthamiana significantly reduced cell death induced by MAPKKKα. In addition, silencing of CaTFT4 in pepper delayed the appearance of ETI-associated cell death and enhanced growth of virulent and avirulent Xcv, demonstrating the requirement of TFT4 for plant immunity to Xcv. Our results suggest that the XopQ virulence function is to suppress ETI and immunity-associated cell death by interacting with TFT4, which is an important component of ETI and a bona fide target of XopQ.
Limited Spatial and Temporal Variability in Meiofauna and Nematode Communities at Distant but Environmentally Similar Sites in an Area of Interest for Deep-Sea Mining

To be able to adequately assess potential environmental impacts of deep-sea polymetallic nodule mining, the establishment of a proper environmental baseline, incorporating both spatial and temporal variability, is essential. The aim of the present study was to evaluate both spatial and intra-annual variability in meiofauna (higher taxa) and nematode communities (families and genera, and Halalaimus species) within the license area of Global Sea mineral Resources (GSR) in the northeastern Clarion Clipperton Fracture Zone (CCFZ), and to determine the efficiency of the current sampling of meiofauna and nematode diversity. In October 2015, three polymetallic nodule-bearing sites, about 60-270 km apart, located at similar depths (ca. 4500 m) were sampled, of which one site was sampled in April in that same year. Despite the relatively large geographical distances and the statistically significant, but small, differences in sedimentary characteristics between sites, meiofauna and nematode communities were largely similar in terms of abundance, composition and diversity. Between-site differences in community composition were mainly driven by a set of rare and less abundant taxa. Moreover, although surface primary productivity in April exceeded that in October, no significant changes were observed in sedimentary characteristics or in meiofauna and nematode communities. At all sites and in both periods, Nematoda were the prevailing meiofaunal phylum, which was in turn dominated by Monhysterid genera and Acantholaimus. Our findings support the earlier purported notion of a low degree of endemism for nematode genera and meiofauna taxa in the deep sea, and hint at the possibility of large distribution ranges for at least some Halalaimus species. Taxon richness estimators revealed that the current sampling design was able to characterize the majority of the meiofauna and nematode taxa present. To conclude, implications of the present findings for environmental management and future research needs are provided.
Universal ontology

Previous research has demonstrated that adults are successful at visually tracking rigidly moving items, but experience great difficulties when tracking substance-like “pouring” items. Using a comparative approach, we investigated whether the presence/absence of the grammatical count–mass distinction influences adults and children’s ability to attentively track objects versus substances. More specifically, we aimed to explore whether the higher success at tracking rigid over substance-like items appears universally or whether speakers of classifier languages (like Japanese, not marking the object–substance distinction) are advantaged at tracking substances as compared to speakers of non-classifier languages (like Swiss German, marking the object–substance distinction). Our results supported the idea that language has no effect on low-level cognitive processes such as the attentive visual processing of objects and substances. We concluded arguing that the tendency to prioritize objects is universal and independent of specific characteristics of the language spoken.
Treatment of early-onset schizophrenia spectrum disorders (TEOSS): rationale, design, and methods.

OBJECTIVE The Treatment of Early Onset Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders Study is a publicly funded clinical trial designed to compare the therapeutic benefits, safety, and tolerability of risperidone, olanzapine, and molindone in youths with early-onset schizophrenia spectrum disorders. The rationale, design, and methods of the Treatment of Early Onset Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders Study are described. METHOD Using a randomized, double-blind, parallel-group design at four sites, youths with EOSS (ages 8-19 years) were assigned to an 8-week acute trial of risperidone (0.5-6.0 mg/day), olanzapine (2.5-20 mg/day), or molindone (10-140 mg/day). Responders continued double-blind treatment for 44 weeks. The primary outcome measure was responder status at 8 weeks, defined by a 20% reduction in baseline Positive and Negative Symptom Scale scores plus ratings of significant improvement on the Clinical Global Impressions. Secondary outcome measures included assessments of psychopathology, functional impairment, quality of life, and medication safety. An intent-to-treat analytic plan was used. RESULTS From February 2002 to May 2006, 476 youths were screened, 173 were further evaluated, and 119 were randomized. Several significant study modifications were required to address safety, the use of adjunctive medications, and the termination of the olanzapine treatment arm due to weight gain. CONCLUSIONS The Treatment of Early Onset Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders Study will inform clinical practice regarding the use of antipsychotic medications for youths with early-onset schizophrenia spectrum disorders. Important safety concerns emerged during the study, including higher than anticipated rates of suicidality and problems tapering thymoleptic agents before randomization.
Longitudinal In Vivo Imaging of Cones in the Alert Chicken

Purpose. To demonstrate the feasibility of in vivo measurements of cones and their distributions as a function of normal growth without adaptive optics (AO) and also discuss the potential advantages and disadvantages of AO imaging in the chick, an animal model of myopia. Methods. Chicks were obtained on the day of hatching. Axial length and retinoscopy measurements were performed on days 0 and 14. Chicks were imaged on the day of hatching and 14 days later in a custom-built confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscope. Angular densities, linear cone spacings, and cone packing arrangements were determined. Results. Four subarrays of hexagonally packed cones were identified on both days and, from their angular spacings, appear to correspond to different cone types. There were no significant changes in angular cone density with growth and linear spacings of cones increased with growth. This is true for both overall densities and those of the cone subtypes. There was no change in the percent of hexagonally packed cones with growth. Conclusions. Cones can be imaged longitudinally in vivo in the awake chick. The packing arrangement of cones is 40% hexagonally packed. Although AO is not necessary to visualize the cones, including the subarrays of like cones, some closely spaced cones of different types may not be resolved. Most importantly, there is a need to use a larger pupil with growth to maintain the same linear resolution in the larger eye. Novel longitudinal imaging techniques and methods in animal models are shown here to give insights into normal development and, in future, will give insights into visual disorders and diseases, including myopia.
Local Autonomy, Local Democracy and the ‘New Localism’

Most studies of local autonomy and local democracy fail to distinguish adequately between the two terms. As a consequence, there is an assumed bilateral relationship between them in which changes in one are always deemed to affect the other – particularly in policy formulations. This article develops a stronger analytical distinction between them by considering local autonomy in three separate ways: as freedom from central interference; as freedom to effect particular outcomes; and as the reflection of local identity. Each of these conceptualisations raises different challenges for local democracy and its relationship to broader forms of democratic practice. When used to analyse the recent emergence of the ‘new localism’ as a policy approach within Britain, this separation also shows significant limitations in current policies towards democratic renewal and central policies that are supposedly focused on outcomes rather than processes. Although localities are being afforded some autonomy, most initiatives are not supporting the enhancement of local democracy.
Does a Long-Term Relationship Kill Romantic Love?

This article examines the possibility that romantic love (with intensity, engagement, and sexual interest) can exist in long-term relationships. A review of taxonomies, theory, and research suggests that romantic love, without the obsession component typical of early stage romantic love, can and does exist in long-term marriages, and is associated with marital satisfaction, well-being, and high self-esteem. Supporting the separate roles of romantic love and obsession in long-term relationships, an analysis of a moderately large data set of community couples identified independent latent factors for romantic love and obsession and a subsample of individuals reporting very high levels of romantic love (but not obsession) even after controlling for social desirability. Finally, a meta-analysis of 25 relevant studies found that in long- and short-term relationships, romantic love (without obsession) was strongly associated with relationship satisfaction; but obsession was negatively correlated with it in long-term and positively in short-term relationships.
When Theories Don't Add Up: Disentangling he Manipulatives Debate

The use of manipulatives in the classroom has been advocated for decades. However, the theoretical and empirical support for this practice is mixed. Some researchers suggest that manipulatives facilitate learning by (a) providing an additional channel for conveying information, (b) activating real-world knowledge, and/or (c) improving memory through physical action. However, there are at least two reasons to question the efficacy of manipulative use. First, manipulatives might lead students to focus on having fun at the expense of deep learning. Second, manipulatives might make learning more difficult because they require dual representation. Although these two criticisms are disparate in terms of their underlying rationale, both converge on the idea that teachers should reduce their use of manipulatives that are highly familiar and/or perceptually interesting. More generally, the manipulatives debate highlights the need for teachers and researchers to work together to evaluate the costs and benefits of various classroom practices.
Medical imaging with a microwave tomographic scanner

A microwave tomographic scanner for biomedical applications is presented. It consists of a 64-element circular array with a useful diameter of 20 cm. Electronically scanning the transmitting and receiving antennas allows multiview measurements with no mechanical movement. Imaging parameters-a spatial resolution of 7 mm and a contrast resolution of 1% for a measurement time of 3 s-are appropriate for medical use. Measurements on tissue-simulating phantoms and volunteers, together with numerical simulations, are presented to assess the system for absolute imaging of tissue distribution and for differential imaging of physiological, pathological, and induced changes in tissues. <<ETX>>
Qualitative Research and the Study of Leadership

This article argues that the introduction of qualitative research methods into the study of leadership may improve this area of research by facilitating the introduction of a wider range of contextual variables into the investigation of leadership styles. It is also contended that such variables have the advantage of being grounded in people's experiences and are therefore more accesible to practitioners. These points are developed from the authors' research into the construction industry, in which the factors taken into account by leaders informing their leadership styles were investigated through intensive interviewing during three construction projects.