Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
From Talent Identification to Multidimensional Assessment: Toward new models of evaluation in dance education

This paper describes new approaches to assessment in dance and dance education. The first part examines assumptions behind traditional models of evaluation in academic and performing arts contexts. I consider whether it is useful to understand human ability as unitary or if it is meaningful to evaluate people according to a single dimension of competence, such as a general intelligence or a unique talent. I argue that pluralistic models of human intelligent performance--and 'intelligence-fair' assessments--more accurately portray the richness, multidimensionality, and diversity in human behaviour. The second part uses this theoretical meta-structure to define key requirements for multidimensional assessment. Recent approaches to assessment in dance are considered in light of these requirements: the United Kingdom's National Curriculum (1988), United States' National Assessment of Educational Progress (1998), and Warburton's (2000a) Multidimensional Assessment in Dance. Implications for dance and dance education are discussed.
Low-Power Reconfigurable Architectures for High-Performance Mobile Nodes

Modern embedded systems have an emerging demand on high performance and low power circuits. Traditionally special functional units for each application are developed separately. These are plugged to a general purpose processors to extend its instruction set making it an application specific instruction set processor. As this strategy reaches its boundaries in area and complexity reconfigurable architectures propose to be more flexible. Thus combining both approaches to a reconfigurable application specific processor is going to be the upcoming solution for future embedded systems.
MicroRNA and cancer – focus on apoptosis

• Introduction • miR biogenesis • miR and Cancer • miR and Apoptosis ‐ The pro‐apoptotic miRs targeting the BCL2 family of genes ‐ The anti‐apoptotic miR‐21 targets PTEN and PDCD4 ‐ miR‐210 decreases proapoptotic signalling in a hypoxic environment ‐ Let‐7/miR‐98 family and possible co‐operation with miR‐21 ‐ miR‐17–92 cluster highlights the complexity of miR regulatory networks ‐ miR‐224, the double‐edged sword ‐ Other miRs implicated in apoptosis • Conclusion
Coral calcification mechanisms facilitate adaptive responses to ocean acidification

Ocean acidification (OA) is a pressing threat to reef-building corals, but it remains poorly understood how coral calcification is inhibited by OA and whether corals could acclimatize and/or adapt to OA. Using a novel geochemical approach, we reconstructed the carbonate chemistry of the calcifying fluid in two coral species using both a pH and dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) proxy (δ11B and B/Ca, respectively). To address the potential for adaptive responses, both species were collected from two sites spanning a natural gradient in seawater pH and temperature, and then subjected to three pHT levels (8.04, 7.88, 7.71) crossed by two temperatures (control, +1.5°C) for 14 weeks. Corals from the site with naturally lower seawater pH calcified faster and maintained growth better under simulated OA than corals from the higher-pH site. This ability was consistently linked to higher pH yet lower DIC values in the calcifying fluid, suggesting that these differences are the result of long-term acclimatization and/or local adaptation to naturally lower seawater pH. Nevertheless, all corals elevated both pH and DIC significantly over seawater values, even under OA. This implies that high pH upregulation combined with moderate levels of DIC upregulation promote resistance and adaptive responses of coral calcification to OA.
Interference localisation within the GNSS Environmental Monitoring System (GEMS): initial field test results

This paper presents field test results from a prototype GPS interference localisation system that uses spatially separated sensor nodes containing antenna arrays to localise interference using both Direction of Arrival (DOA) at each array and Time Difference of Arrival (TDOA) measurements between arrays. The synergy between antenna arrays and TDOA systems are explored and it is found that antenna arrays bring many important benefits to TDOA systems. They can be used to improve time synchronisation between nodes by steering a null at the interference and beams at GPS satellites. They can also be used to steer a beam at the interference to improve its Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) when estimating the TDOA between nodes. Finally the DOA measurements themselves can be used to localise the interference even for very narrowband signals for which TDOA becomes unusable. In this paper the use of the GPS signals themselves for array calibration is also explored, and the GPS signals are used to estimate the orientation of each antenna array, calibrate the phase errors in each antenna array and improve the synchronisation between spatially separated nodes. The experimental antenna array nodes developed are intended for integration into the GNSS Environment Monitoring System (GEMS) developed by GPSat Systems which consists of a number of low-cost sensor nodes that comprehensively monitor GNSS system performance in a given area.
On Store Design and Consumer Motivation

Research testifies to the influence of environmental factors in shopping environments. However, few studies examine effects of store design in interaction with shoppers’ motivations. The authors propose that task-oriented shoppers prefer stores that are spacious, whereas recreational shoppers enjoy and prefer the arousing properties of color. To provide controlled tests of these hypotheses, we created visual simulations of stores that varied by color (arousing red vs. less arousing blue) and layout (spacious vs. cluttered), and induced either task-oriented or recreational shopping motivations. Customers at a clothing store responded to one of these four store video displays. Results showed that motivations interact with environmental factors. Task-oriented shoppers preferred shopping in spacious stores, whereas recreational shoppers preferred high-arousing store environments. These findings suggest that store managers could increase arousal levels using ambient design elements, such as colored lights, when shoppers are likely recreationally oriented and provide spacious environments to appeal to task-oriented shoppers.
Optical diagnosis of colorectal lesions requires technology, dedication, and knowledge of its limits

FIT fecal immunochemical testing NBI narrow band imaging NICE NBI International Colorectal Endoscopic PIVI Preservation and Incorporation of Valuable Endoscopic Innovations Optical diagnosis of small colorectal polyps without the need for histopathology has the potential to improve the cost effectiveness of colonoscopy by reducing the time for polyp retrieval and the cost of histopathology [1,2]. In addition, the ability to tell patients the surveillance interval needed immediately after the procedure reduces the cost associated with follow-up and alleviates patient anxiety. Many studies, including several meta-analyses [3–5], have shown that optical diagnosis of small colorectal polyps is safe and feasible in routine clinical practice and that the results are comparable to those found using histopathology, the current reference standard. In academic centers and in vivo settings, experienced endoscopists have achieved 93% concordance of surveillance intervals neededwhenmade by optical diagnosis and histopathology and>90% negative predictive value for rectosigmoid polyps. Because the risk of malignancy increases with the size of the polyp (>1cm), most studies have focused on evaluating the accuracy of optical diagnosis of smaller polyps (<10mm). Americans, however, are uncomfortable with even the small risk of advanced malignancy that 6–9mm polyps may harbor and tend to concentrate on diagnosis of diminutive polyps (<6mm). The American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Preservation and Incorporation of Valuable Endoscopic Innovations established diagnostic thresholds for real time endoscopic assessment of the histology of diminutive colorectal polyps to facilitate standardized research and implementation in clinical practice [6]. There are two proposed thresholds for optical diagnosis of diminutive colorectal polyps: 1. For colorectal polyps≤5mm to be resected and discarded without histopathologic assessment, endoscopic technology (used with high confidence) to determine histology combined with histopathologic assessment should provide a≥ 90% agreement in the assignment of post-polypectomy surveillance intervals when compared to decisions based on pathology assessment of identified polyps. 2. For a technology to be used to guide the decision to leave suspected rectosigmoid hyperplastic polyps≤5mm in place (without resection), the technology (used with high confidence) should provide≥90% negative predictive value for adenomatous histology. The study by Stegeman et al published in this Issue failed to fulfill the second criterion (the first criterion was not assessed) and the authors concluded that the accuracy of optical diagnosis for colonic lesions is not acceptable for colonoscopies for patients with positive fecal immunochemical testing (FIT) results. Their study highlights many issues with the studies of optical diagnosis and the conclusions drawn.
Employing heterogeneous information in a multi-stream framework

A multi-stream speech recogniser is based on the combination of multiple feature streams each containing complementary information. In the past, multi-stream research has typically focused on systems that use a single feature extraction method. This heritage from conventional speech recognisers is an unnecessary restriction and both psychoacoustic and phonetic knowledge strongly motivate the use of heterogeneous features. In this paper we investigate how heterogeneous processing can be used in two different multi-stream configurations: first, a system where each stream handles a different frequency region of the speech (a multi-band recogniser) and, second a multi-stream recogniser where each stream handles the full frequency region. For each type of system we compare the performance using both homogeneous and heterogeneous processing. We demonstrate that the use of heterogeneous information significantly improves the clean speech recognition performance motivating us to continue exploring more specifically designed stream processing.
Formation of a Polar Ring Galaxy in a Galaxy Merger

We numerically investigate stellar and gas dynamics in star-forming and dissipative galaxy mergers between two disk galaxies with specific orbital configurations. We find that violent relaxation combined with gaseous dissipation in galaxy merging transforms two disk galaxies into one S0 galaxy with polar rings; both the central S0-like host and the polar ring component in a polar ring galaxy are originally disk galaxies. We also find that morphology of the developed polar rings reflects both the initial orbit configuration of galaxy merging and the initial mass ratio of the two merger progenitor disk galaxies. Based upon these results, we discuss the origin of the fundamental observational properties of polar ring galaxies, such as the prevalence of S0 galaxies among polar ring galaxies, the rarity of polar ring galaxies among S0 galaxies, the dichotomy between narrow polar rings and annular ones, the shapes of polar ring warps, and an appreciably larger amount of interstellar gas in the polar ring component.
Association between Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration and Dementia: A Population-Based Case-Control Study in Taiwan

Background Most available studies focusing on the association between neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and dementia have conflicting results. This study aimed to investigate the association between previously diagnosed AMD and dementia using a population-based dataset in Taiwan. Methods Data for this case-control study were retrospectively collected from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database. We identified 13,402 subjects who had a diagnosis of dementia as cases, and 40,206 subjects without dementia as controls. A conditional logistic regression was used to examine the association of dementia with previously diagnosed neovascular AMD. Results We found that of the study sample of 53,608 subjects, 1.01% had previously diagnosed neovascular AMD, 1.35% and 0.90% for cases and the controls, respectively (p<0.001). The conditional logistic regression analysis suggested that the odds ratio of prior neovascular AMD for cases was 1.37 (95% confidence interval: 1.14~1.65) compared to the controls after adjusting for subjects’ age, monthly income, geographic location, urbanization level, and hyperlipidemia, diabetes, hypertension, stroke, ischemic heart disease, and whether or not a subjects underwent cataract surgery prior to index date than controls. Conclusions Dementia subjects were associated with a higher proportion of prior neovascular AMD than were the controls.
A novel factor Iss10 regulates Mmi1-mediated selective elimination of meiotic transcripts

A number of meiosis-specific transcripts are selectively eliminated during the mitotic cell cycle in fission yeast. Mmi1, an RNA-binding protein, plays a crucial role in this selective elimination. Mmi1 recognizes a specific region, namely, the determinant of selective removal (DSR) on meiotic transcripts and induces nuclear exosome-mediated elimination. During meiosis, Mmi1 is sequestered by a chromosome-associated dot structure, Mei2 dot, allowing meiosis-specific transcripts to be stably expressed. Red1, a zinc-finger protein, is also known to participate in the Mmi1/DSR elimination system, although its molecular function has remained elusive. To uncover the detailed molecular mechanisms underlying the Mmi1/DSR elimination system, we sought to identify factors that interact genetically with Mmi1. Here, we show that one of the identified factors, Iss10, is involved in the Mmi1/DSR system by regulating the interaction between Mmi1 and Red1. In cells lacking Iss10, association of Red1 with Mmi1 is severely impaired, and target transcripts of Mmi1 are ectopically expressed in the mitotic cycle. During meiosis, Iss10 is downregulated, resulting in dissociation of Red1 from Mmi1 and subsequent suppression of Mmi1 activity.
Potent Metalloporphyrin Peroxynitrite Decomposition Catalyst Protects Against the Development of Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiac Dysfunction

Background—Increased oxidative stress and dysregulation of nitric oxide have been implicated in the cardiotoxicity of doxorubicin (DOX), a commonly used antitumor agent. Peroxynitrite is a reactive oxidant produced from nitric oxide and superoxide in various forms of cardiac injury. Using a novel metalloporphyrinic peroxynitrite decomposition catalyst, FP15, and nitric oxide synthase inhibitors or knockout mice, we now delineate the pathogenetic role of peroxynitrite in rodent models of DOX-induced cardiac dysfunction. Methods and Results—Mice received a single injection of DOX (25 mg/kg IP). Five days after DOX administration, left ventricular performance was significantly depressed, and high mortality was noted. Treatment with FP15 and an inducible nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, aminoguanidine, reduced DOX-induced mortality and improved cardiac function. Genetic deletion of the inducible nitric oxide synthase gene was also accompanied by better preservation of cardiac performance. In contrast, inhibition of the endothelial isoform of nitric oxide synthase with N-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester increased DOX-induced mortality. FP15 reduced the DOX-induced increase in serum LDH and creatine kinase activities. Furthermore, FP15 prevented the DOX-induced increase in lipid peroxidation, nitrotyrosine formation, and metalloproteinase activation in the heart but not NAD(P)H-driven superoxide generation. Peroxynitrite neutralization did not interfere with the antitumor effect of DOX. FP15 also decreased ischemic injury in rats and improved cardiac function and survival of mice in a chronic model of DOX-induced cardiotoxicity. Conclusions—Thus, peroxynitrite plays a key role in the pathogenesis of DOX-induced cardiac failure. Targeting peroxynitrite formation may represent a new cardioprotective strategy after DOX exposure or in other conditions associated with peroxynitrite formation, including myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury.
Ultrastructural localization and biochemical features of immunoreactive LEU-enkephalin in monkey dorsal horn

Leu-enkephalin is an opioid peptide that has been found to modulate nociception in the spinal cord. Both pre- and postsynaptic interactions by enkephalins have been proposed. By the peroxidase . anti-peroxidase immunocytochemical method, we studied the distribution and ultrastructure of neuronal elements in the monkey dorsal horn to elucidate possible morphological substrates for postulated opioid actions. Biochemical analysis of immunoreactive Leu-enkephalin-like peptides in the cord was performed to characterize the forms present in labeled neurons and terminals. At the light microscopic level, fiber immunostaining was found in most areas of gray matter, especially in laminae I to V, and in the dorsolateral funiculus. Cell bodies were located in laminae I, II, III, and V. At the ultrastructural level, in the superficial dorsal horn, we found that neurons with Leu-enkephalin receive numerous types of axon inputs, some of which have been identified previously as originating from the dorsal root. Leu- enkephalin terminals formed primarily axosomatic and axodendritic synapses and less frequently synapsed with other axons. With the same Leu-enkephalin antiserum as used in the immunocytochemistry, a peptide physicochemically similar to intact Leu-enkephalin and two larger Leu- enkephalin-like peptides were identified in monkey spinal cord extracts. It is likely that a family of Leu-enkephalin-like peptides is present in monkey spinal cord and that the labeled elements may contain any or all of these substances. It is concluded that both pre- and postsynaptic physiologic effects of Leu-enkephalin are possible, although the preponderance of axodendritic synapses favors a principal postsynaptic site of action. The anatomical results suggest that neurons containing immunoreactive Leu-enkephalin in the dorsal horn, some of which may receive input from primary afferents, modulate nociception by directly synapsing with cells of origin of the spinothalamic tract and also by interacting with primary afferent terminals.
Cross-linguistic variations in L2 morphological awareness

This study investigated the effects of L1 processing experience on L2 morphological awareness. Preliminary cross-linguistic comparisons indicated that morphological awareness in two typologically distinct languages, Chinese and English, differs in several major ways. Based on the comparisons, three specific hypotheses were formulated: compared with learners with a typologically similar L1 background, Chinese learners of English as an L2 would be less sensitive to intraword structural salience, less efficient in structural analysis, and more adept at integrating word-internal (morphological) and word-external (context) information. These hypotheses were tested empirically with two groups of adult L2 learners of English with contrasting L1 backgrounds (Chinese and Korean). The data demonstrated that virtually no difference existed between the two ESL groups in their intraword structural sensitivity, and that, although Chinese learners were notably slower than Korean learners in performing intraword structural analysis, they were far more efficient in integrating morphological and contextual information during sentence processing. Viewed collectively, these findings seem to suggest that L1 processing experience influences the development of L2 morphological awareness in specific and predictable ways.
Effects of Prenatal Exposure to Coal-Burning Pollutants on Children’s Development in China

Background Environmental pollutants such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), lead, and mercury are released by combustion of coal and other fossil fuels. Objectives In the present study we evaluated the association between prenatal exposure to these pollutants and child development measured by the Gesell Developmental Schedules at 2 years of age. Methods The study was conducted in Tongliang, Chongqing, China, where a seasonally operated coal-fired power plant was the major source of ambient PAHs and also contributed lead and mercury to the air. In a cohort of nonsmoking women and their newborns enrolled between March 2002 and June 2002, we measured levels of PAH–DNA adducts, lead, and mercury in umbilical cord blood. PAH–DNA adducts (specifically benzo[a]pyrene adducts) provided a biologically relevant measure of PAH exposure. We also obtained developmental quotients (DQs) in motor, adaptive, language, and social areas. Results Decrements in one or more DQs were significantly associated with cord blood levels of PAH–DNA adducts and lead, but not mercury. Increased adduct levels were associated with decreased motor area DQ (p = 0.043), language area DQ (p = 0.059), and average DQ (p = 0.047) after adjusting for cord lead level, environmental tobacco smoke, sex, gestational age, and maternal education. In the same model, high cord blood lead level was significantly associated with decreased social area DQ (p = 0.009) and average DQ (p = 0.038). Conclusion The findings indicate that exposure to pollutants from the power plant adversely affected the development of children living in Tongliang; these findings have implications for environmental health policy.
Frames, Reproducing Kernels, Regularization and Learning

This work deals with a method for building a reproducing kernel Hilbert space (RKHS) from a Hilbert space with frame elements having special properties. Conditions on existence and a method of construction are given. Then, these RKHS are used within the framework of regularization theory for function approximation. Implications on semiparametric estimation are discussed and a multiscale scheme of regularization is also proposed. Results on toy and real-world approximation problems illustrate the effectiveness of such methods.
A Multidimensional Approach to Skilled Perception and Performance in Sport

SUMMARY Three experiments examined the relative importance of attributes determined largely by the eAciency of the visual/central nervous system versus cognitive domain-specific skills, in the determination of expertise in soccer. In Experiment 1, expert and intermediate soccer players were assessed on various non-specific abilities including: processing (simple reaction time, peripheral reaction time, visual correction time), optometric (static, dynamic and mesopic acuity), and perimetric parameters (horizontal and vertical peripheral range). In Experiment 2, domain-specific variables were assessed including complex decision speed and accuracy, number of visual fixations, fixation duration, and fixation location in solving game problems. Stimuli were initially presented by slides (Experiment 2) and later by 16 mm film (Experiment 3). Eye movements were recorded and analysed. A stepwise discriminant analysis of both non-specific abilities and soccer-specific skills revealed an average squared canonical correlationa 0.84, with the significant step variables all being domain-specific skills. Copyright # 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.