Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Two-Phase Model of Resource Allocation in Visual

Two broad theories of visual working memory (VWM) storage have emerged from current research, a discrete slot-based theory and a continuous resource theory. However, neither the discrete slot-based theory or continuous resource theory clearly stipulates how the mental commodity for VWM (discrete slot or continuous resource) is allocated. Allocation may be based on the number of items via stimulus-driven factors, or it may be based on task demands via voluntary control. Previous studies have obtained conflicting results regarding the automaticity vs. controllability of such allocation. In the current study, we propose a two-phase allocation model, in which the mental commodity could be allocated only by stimulus-driven factors in the early consolidation phase. However, when there is sufficient time to complete the early phase, allocation can enter the late consolidation phase, where it can be flexibly and voluntarily controlled according to task demands. In an orientation recall task, we instructed participants to store either fewer items at high-precision or more items at low-precision. In three experiments, we systematically manipulated memory set size and exposure duration. We did not find an effect of task demands when the set size was high and exposure duration was short. However, when we either decreased the set size or increased the exposure duration, we found a trade-off between the number and precision of VWM representations. These results can be explained by a two-phase model, which can also account for previous conflicting findings in the literature.
Catalase T-Deﬁcient Fission Yeast Meiocytes Show Resistance to Ionizing Radiation

: Environmental stress, reactive oxygen species (ROS), or ionizing radiation (IR) can induce adverse e ﬀ ects in organisms and their cells, including mutations and premature aging. DNA damage and its faulty repair can lead to cell death or promote cancer through the accumulation of mutations. Misrepair in germ cells is particularly dangerous as it may lead to alterations in developmental programs and genetic disease in the o ﬀ spring. DNA damage pathways and radical defense mechanisms mediate resistance to genotoxic stresses. Here, we investigated, in the ﬁssion yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe , the role of the H 2 O 2 -detoxifying enzyme cytosolic catalase T (Ctt1) and the Fe 2 + / Mn 2 + symporter Pcl1 in protecting meiotic chromosome dynamics and gamete formation from radicals generated by ROS and IR. We found that wild-type and pcl1 -deﬁcient cells respond similarly to X ray doses of up to 300 Gy, while ctt1 ∆ meiocytes showed a moderate sensitivity to IR but a hypersensitivity to hydrogen peroxide with cells dying at > 0.4 mM H 2 O 2 . Meiocytes deﬁcient for pcl1 , on the other hand, showed a resistance to hydrogen peroxide similar to that of the wild type, surviving doses > 40 mM. In all, it appears that in the absence of the main H 2 O 2 -detoxifying pathway S. pombe meiocytes are able to survive signiﬁcant doses of IR-induced radicals.
Appalachian Origin Moderates the Association between School Appalachian Origin Moderates the Association between School Connectedness and GPA Connectedness and GPA

It was hypothesized that students who come from central Appalachia , a region in the country that emphasizes and promotes collectivism and social connections , will experience greater academic benefit from a high level of perceived connectedness to the university than mainstream students who originate from regions that have more of an individualistic emphasis. To test this hypothesis , the relationship between connectedness to the university ; student regional origin
VALIDATION OF A SIMPLE GENOT YPING PANEL ASSAY FOR PHARMACOGENOMICS OF TAXANE-BASED THERAPY: PRELIMINARY RESULTS

– Objective: Several strategies for preventing toxicity and resistance to taxane-based chemotherapy have been investigated so far. Lately, findings on the genetic variants associated with neutropenia and neuropathy (N&N) toxicity have been reported. Patients and Methods: A panel assay of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) related to paclitaxel and Docetaxel toxicity on four candidate genes ATP-binding cassette subfamily B member 1 (ABCB1), Beta-tubulin 2A (TUBB2A), Cytochrome P450 3A4* 1B (CYP3A4*1B), Excision-Repair Cross-Complementing group 2 (ERCC3) are validated and discussed. We genotyped 37 cancer patients who received paclitaxel or docetaxel-based therapy. Furthermore, an early outline evaluation of the genotyping costs and benefits was assessed. Results: A total of 37 patients were treated with a taxane of which 17 (45.9%) had adverse N&N events. Phar-macogenomics analysis showed no relation between candidate gene polymorphisms and toxicity, except for the ERCC3 AG+GG allele [OR 2.61 (95% CI: 0.91–7.61)] that showed a significantly weak trend of risk of neurotoxicities vs. the AG allele [OR 1.52 (95% CI: 0.51–4.91)] p=0.03. Conclusions: We propose a useful genotyping panel assay to prevent toxicity in patients undergoing tax-ane-based therapy at an affordable price, with help from the literature and our experimental results and data. Based on the individual pharmacogenomics profile, clinicians will have additional information to personalize the treatment for the patient to minimize toxicity and maximize benefits, and they can also determine the cost-effectiveness for national healthcare sustainability
Pyroglutamylation modulates electronic properties and the conformational ensemble of the amyloid β-peptide.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that is characterized by the formation of extracellular amyloid-β (Aβ) plaques. The underlying cause of AD is unknown, however, post-translational modifications (PTMs) of Aβ have been found in AD patients and are thought to play a role in protein aggregation. One such PTM is pyroglutamylation, which can occur at two sites in Aβ, Glu3 and Glu11. This modification of Aβ involves the truncation and charge-neutralization of N-terminal glutamate, causing Aβ to become more hydrophobic and prone to aggregation. The molecular mechanism by which the introduction of pyroglutamate (pE) promotes aggregation has not been determined. To gain a greater understanding of the role that charge neutralization and truncation of the N-terminus plays on Aβ conformational sampling, we used the Drude polarizable force field (FF) to perform molecular dynamics simulations on AβpE3-42 and AβpE11-42 and comparing their properties to previous simulations of Aβ1-42 . The Drude polarizable FF allows for a more accurate representation of electrostatic interactions, therefore providing novel insights into the role that charge plays in protein dynamics. Here, we report the parametrization of pE in the Drude polarizable FF and the effect of pyroglutamylation on Aβ. We found that AβpE3-42 and AβpE11-42 alter the permanent and induced dipoles of the peptide. Specifically, we found that AβpE3-42 and AβpE11-42 have modification-specific backbone and sidechain polarization response and perturbed solvation properties that shift the Aβ conformational ensemble.
A cost-effective, modular, research-grade optical

: Optical microscopy is a ubiquitous tool in the physical and life sciences and in histopathology where visible light microscopy is used to analyse clinical tissue sections on the micron-scale to help diagnose disease. In recent years, there has been a dramatic evolution of microscope technologies, but these have generally come with increased cost and complexity. To widen access to advanced microscopy capabilities, we are developing a cost-effective modular platform for optical microscopy, (www.openscopes.com). Many of these instruments can be based around a new low-cost and flexible microscope stand, “openFrame”, for which the core components are open source. openFrame can support implementations of a wide range of microscope modalities for diverse applications including research, pathology and training. Unlike many commercial microscopes that are often designed for specific applications and cannot easily be upgraded or adapted for different imaging modalities, openFrame-based instruments can be relatively easily maintained, upgraded or adapted to another modality without requiring support from manufacturers. To this end, openFrame-based instruments are envisaged to operate with open-source software, enabling researchers to assemble and modify their own microscopes with minimal challenges presented by proprietary (closed) hardware or software. In this paper, we describe the implementation of a low-cost, research-grade modular optical microscope, applicable to research and pathology.
The Journal of Psychology: Interdisciplinary and Applied

Belief in paranormal phenomena and cryptids —unknown animals such as Bigfoot—may predispose individuals to interpret real-world objects and events in the same way that eyewitness identification can be biased by unrelated information (P. James & N. Thorpe, 1999). Psychological tendencies toward attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dissociation, and depression, even at subclinical levels, may be associated systematically with particular paranormal or cryptozoological beliefs. The authors evaluated these psychological tendencies using the Conners Adult ADHD Rating Scales (C. K. Conners, D. Erhardt, & E. Sparrow, 1999), the Dissociative Experiences Scale (L. Coleman & J. Clark, 1999), and the Beck Depression Inventory-II (A. T. Beck, 1996). They performed regression analyses against beliefs in ghosts, unidentified flying objects (UFOs), extrasen-sory perception (ESP), astrology, and cryptids. ADHD, dissociation, and depression were associated with enhanced tendencies toward paranormal and cryptozoological beliefs, although participants who believed in each of the phenomena differed from one another in predictable and psychologically distinguishable ways. Cognitively biasing influences of preexisting psychological tendencies may predispose individuals to specific perceptual and cognitive errors during confrontation of real-world phenomena.
Measures of relative model %t

Most software for statistical model %tting reports the value of the maximized log likelihood function, but the numerical value is di1cult to interpret because of its log scale, its dependence on the sample size, and the possible omission of constants. A sample-size-scaled version of the likelihood function summarizes the model %t. A related index uses the mean of the contributions to the likelihood function. The ratio or di)erence of either index for two models is a summary measure of relative model %t. We discuss these measures and brie5y consider interval estimation for them.
The World Technology Frontier

We develop a simple model of technology differences across countries that combines two ideas: poor countries face “barriers” to technology adoption, and different countries choose “appropriate technologies” that fit their factor endowments. We estimate this model, and find evidence that both mechanisms are at play. Consistent with the “appropriateness” view, poor countries appear to choose relatively unskill-complementary technologies. Consistent with the “barriers” view, poor countries seem to have access to many fewer options when they choose technology. In fact, the presence of appropriate-technology considerations enhances the role of barriers in quantitatively accounting for the World income distribution.
Quantifying synergy a systematic review of mixture toxicity studies within environmental toxicology

Cocktail effects and synergistic interactions of chemicals in mixtures are an area of great concern to both the public and regulatory authorities. The main concern is whether some chemicals can enhance the effect of other chemicals, so that they jointly exert a larger effect than predicted. This phenomenon is called synergy. Here we present a review of the scientific literature on three main groups of environmentally relevant chemical toxicants: pesticides, metal ions and antifouling compounds. The aim of the review is to determine 1) the frequency of synergy, 2) the extent of synergy, 3) whether any particular groups or classes of chemicals tend to induce synergy, and 4) which physiological mechanisms might be responsible for this synergy. Synergy is here defined as mixtures with minimum two-fold difference between observed and predicted effect concentrations using Concentration Addition (CA) as a reference model and including both lethal and sub-lethal endpoints. The results showed that synergy occurred in 7%, 3% and 26% of the 194, 21 and 136 binary pesticide, metal and antifoulants mixtures included in the data compilation on frequency. The difference between observed and predicted effect concentrations was rarely more than 10-fold. For pesticides, synergistic mixtures included cholinesterase inhibitors or azole fungicides in 95% of 69 described cases. Both groups of pesticides are known to interfere with metabolic degradation of other xenobiotics. For the four synergistic metal and 47 synergistic antifoulant mixtures the pattern in terms of chemical groups inducing synergy was less clear. Hypotheses in terms of mechanisms governing these interactions are discussed. It was concluded that true synergistic interactions between chemicals are rare and often occur at high concentrations. Addressing the cumulative rather than synergistic effect of co-occurring chemicals, using standard models as CA, is therefore regarded as the most important step in the risk assessment of chemical cocktails.
Efficient Data Subset Selection to Generalize Training Across Models: Transductive and Inductive Networks

Existing subset selection methods for efficient learning predominantly employ discrete combinatorial and model-specific approaches which lack generalizability. For an unseen architecture, one cannot use the subset chosen for a different model. To tackle this problem, we propose S UB S EL N ET , a trainable subset selection framework, that generalizes across architectures. Here, we first introduce an attention-based neural gadget that leverages the graph structure of architectures and acts as a surrogate to trained deep neural networks for quick model prediction. Then, we use these predictions to build subset samplers. This naturally provides us two variants of S UB S EL N ET . The first variant is transductive (called as Transductive-S UB S EL N ET ) which computes the subset separately for each model by solving a small optimization problem. Such an optimization is still super fast, thanks to the replacement of explicit model training by the model approximator. The second variant is inductive (called as Inductive-S UB S EL N ET ) which computes the subset using a trained subset selector, without any optimization. Our experiments show that our model outperforms several methods across several real datasets.
Nesting in the Clouds: Evaluating and Predicting Sea Turtle Nesting Beach Parameters from Lidar Data

Humans’ desire for knowledge regarding animal species and their interactions with the natural world have spurred centuries of studies. The relatively new development of remote sensing systems using satellite or aircraft-borne sensors has opened up a wide field of research, which unfortunately largely remains dependent on coarse-scale image spatial resolution, particularly for habitat modeling. For habitat-specialized species, such data may not be sufficient to successfully capture the nuances of their preferred areas. Of particular concern are those species for which topographic feature attributes are a main limiting factor for habitat use. Coarse spatial resolution data can smooth over details that may be essential for habitat characterization. Three studies focusing on sea turtle nesting beaches were completed to serve as an example of how topography can be a main deciding factor for certain species. Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) data were used to illustrate that fine spatial scale data can provide information not readily captured by either field work or coarser spatial scale sources. The variables extracted from the LiDAR data could successfully model nesting density for loggerhead (Caretta caretta), green (Chelonia mydas), and leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea) sea turtle species using morphological beach characteristics, highlight beach changes over time and their correlations with nesting success, and provide comparisons for nesting density models across large geographic areas. iii Comparisons between the LiDAR dataset and other digital elevation models (DEMs) confirmed that fine spatial scale data sources provide more similar habitat information than those with coarser spatial scales. Although these studies focused solely on sea turtles, the underlying principles are applicable for many other wildlife species whose range and behavior may be influenced by topographic features.
A Black Swan Event Drives Eco-Evolutionary Heterogeneity

Environmental variation is a constant. Diﬃcult to predict but important ‘Black Swan’ events are increasing in frequency and magnitude, but we are only beginning to understand the ecological and evolutionary consequences of such events. Extreme events can increase or decrease eco-evolutionary heterogeneity depending on the spatial grain at which they occur. Here I present a 6-year study of 3000+ individual univoltine gall makers and their enemies from 15 populations. An extreme event in one generation homogenized a key environmental determinant of enemy attack rates and survival, but exposed gall makers to an alternative environmental driver of ecological interactions. Counterintuitively, rather than acting as an ecological or evolutionary ﬁlter, extreme events can create greater spatial variation in demography, species interactions, natural selection, and evolutionary change. I suggest that the eco-evolutionary consequences of Black Swan events can only be understood by considering the evolutionary outcome of what are often complex species interactions.
Complex Intersections with a Dedicated Road Lane per Crossing Direction Poster

Complex intersections are often busier with a separate road lane per crossing direction, i.e., left, straight, and right. These intersections eliminate the diverging and merging conflicts; thus, vehicles only fall under crossing conflicts within intersections. However, the traditional way of serving vehicles from one road at a time increases traffic congestion and hinders performance. To address this issue, we extended the synchronous framework for complex intersections with a separate road lane per crossing direction, which was initially presented for single-lane and two-lane intersections in which roads are shared among vehicles with different crossing directions. We compare the performance of our synchronous framework against the traditional Round-Robin (RR) intersection management approach.
ThinkIR: The University of Louisville's Institutional Repository ThinkIR: The University of Louisville's Institutional Repository

Synopsis Habitat transitions are key potential explanations for why some lineages have diversified and others have not— from Anolis lizards to Darwin’s finches. The ecological ramifications of marine-to-freshwater transitions for fishes suggest evolutionary contingency: some lineages maintain their ancestral niches in novel habitats (niche conservatism), whereas others alter their ecological role. However, few studies have considered phenotypic, ecological, and lineage diversification concurrently to explore this issue. Here, we investigated the macroevolutionary history of the taxonomically and ecologically diverse Neotropical freshwater river rays (subfamily Potamotrygoninae), which invaded and diversified in the Amazon and other South American rivers during the late Oligocene to early Miocene. We generated a time-calibrated, multi-gene phylogeny for Potamotrygoninae and reconstructed evolutionary patterns of diet specialization. We measured functional morphological traits relevant for feeding and used comparative phylogenetic methods to examine how feeding morphology diversified over time. Potamotrygonine trophic and phenotypic diversity are evenly partitioned (non-overlapping) among internal clades for most of their history, until 20–16 mya, when more recent diversification suggests increasing overlap among phenotypes. Specialized piscivores ( Heliotrygon and Paratrygon ) evolved early in the history of freshwater stingrays, while later trophic specialization (molluscivory, insectivory, and crustacivory) evolved in the genus Potamotrygon . Potamotrygonins demonstrate ecological niche lability in diets and feeding apparatus; however, diversification has mostly been a gradual process through time. We suggest that competition is unlikely to have limited the potamotrygonine invasion and diversification in South America.
Exploring perceptions of students on safety and security from selected south African historically disadvantaged institutions

Students from distinct regions and even abroad flock to campuses of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to broaden their knowledge in diverse fields of study. These institutions offer a wide array of academic, social and sports-related programs. However, safety remains a major concern for students worldwide. The increasing number of cases of victimization on and around campuses, including at the Historically Disadvantaged Institutions (HDIs), has necessitated the serious consideration of students' safety. This study aims to explore students' perceptions of safety, as it focuses on Two (02) South African HDIs, specifically focusing at Universities of Limpopo (UL) and Venda (UNIVEN) of South Africa. This study adopted the qualitative approach, employing the case study design, with the aid of exploratory objectives. About Twenty (20) participants were selected using the non-probability: Purposive sampling to take part in semi-structured, face-to-face interviews. The collected data were analysed using the inductive Thematic Content Analysis (TCA) with inductive reasoning. The findings discovered that inadequate lighting in certain areas of the campus, insufficient Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) in some student residences, the absence of police patrols around the campus, and the unavailability of emergency phones to contact security officials are factors that contribute to the feeling of insecurity in both on-campus and off-campus housing. The study also found that students are hesitant to travel alone at night, regardless of whether they are living on-campus or off-campus. Not surprisingly, the study found that students who reside off-campus are more afraid of sexual violence than those who reside in on-campus housing. With respect to recommendations, it is advised that it is necessary to install CCTVs in all leased off-campus accommodations as well as the on-campus residences to keep students secure. For students living off-campus, there should be enough transportation to help their movement to and from their respective homes. In addition, it is recommended that police patrols be visually evident on the campus as well as near off-campus accommodations where many students reside