Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An analysis of the operational space control of robots

Theoretically, the operational space control framework [1] can be regarded to be the most advanced control framework for redundant robots. However, in practice, the control performance of this framework is significantly degraded in the presence of model uncertainties and discretizing effects. Using the singular perturbation theory, this paper shows that the same model uncertainties can create different effects on the task space and joint space control performance. From the analysis, a multi-rate operational space control was proposed to minimize the effects of model uncertainties on the control performance and while maintaining the advantages of the original operational space framework [2]. In this paper, we present a stability analysis of the multi-rate operational space control framework using the Lyapunov's direct method.
Models of hemispheric specialization in facial emotion perception--a reevaluation.

A considerable amount of research on functional cerebral asymmetries (FCAs) for facial emotion perception has shown conflicting support for three competing models: (i) the Right Hemisphere Hypothesis, (ii) the Valence-Specific Hypothesis, and (iii) the Approach/Withdrawal model. However, the majority of studies evaluating the Right Hemisphere or the Valence-Specific Hypotheses are rather limited by the small number of emotional expressions used. In addition, it is difficult to evaluate the Approach/Withdrawal Hypothesis due to insufficient data on anger and FCAs. The aim of the present study was (a) to review visual half field (VHF) studies of hemispheric specialization in facial emotion perception and (b) to reevaluate empirical evidence with respect to all three partly conflicting hypotheses. Results from the present study revealed a left visual field (LVF)/right hemisphere advantage for the perception of angry, fearful, and sad facial expressions and a right visual field (RVF)/left hemisphere advantage for the perception of happy expressions. Thus, FCAs for the perception of specific facial emotions do not fully support the Right Hemisphere Hypothesis, the Valence-Specific Hypothesis, or the Approach/Withdrawal model. A systematic literature review, together with the results of the present study, indicate a consistent LVF/right hemisphere advantage only for a subset of negative emotions including anger, fear and sadness, rather suggesting a "negative (only) valence model. "
Redox amplification of apoptosis by caspase-dependent cleavage of glutaredoxin 1 and S-glutathionylation of Fas

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) increase ligation of Fas (CD95), a receptor important for regulation of programmed cell death. Glutathionylation of reactive cysteines represents an oxidative modification that can be reversed by glutaredoxins (Grxs). The goal of this study was to determine whether Fas is redox regulated under physiological conditions. In this study, we demonstrate that stimulation with Fas ligand (FasL) induces S-glutathionylation of Fas at cysteine 294 independently of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate reduced oxidase–induced ROS. Instead, Fas is S-glutathionylated after caspase-dependent degradation of Grx1, increasing subsequent caspase activation and apoptosis. Conversely, overexpression of Grx1 attenuates S-glutathionylation of Fas and partially protects against FasL-induced apoptosis. Redox-mediated Fas modification promotes its aggregation and recruitment into lipid rafts and enhances binding of FasL. As a result, death-inducing signaling complex formation is also increased, and subsequent activation of caspase-8 and -3 is augmented. These results define a novel redox-based mechanism to propagate Fas-dependent apoptosis.
Mutations of C19orf12, coding for a transmembrane glycine zipper containing mitochondrial protein, cause mis-localization of the protein, inability to respond to oxidative stress and increased mitochondrial Ca2+

Mutations in C19orf12 have been identified in patients affected by Neurodegeneration with Brain Iron Accumulation (NBIA), a clinical entity characterized by iron accumulation in the basal ganglia. By using western blot analysis with specific antibody and confocal studies, we showed that wild-type C19orf12 protein was not exclusively present in mitochondria, but also in the Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) and MAM (Mitochondria Associated Membrane), while mutant C19orf12 variants presented a different localization. Moreover, after induction of oxidative stress, a GFP-tagged C19orf12 wild-type protein was able to relocate to the cytosol. On the contrary, mutant isoforms were not able to respond to oxidative stress. High mitochondrial calcium concentration and increased H2O2 induced apoptosis were found in fibroblasts derived from one patient as compared to controls. C19orf12 protein is a 17 kDa mitochondrial membrane-associated protein whose function is still unknown. Our in silico investigation suggests that, the glycine zipper motifs of C19orf12 form helical regions spanning the membrane. The N- and C-terminal regions with respect to the transmembrane portion, on the contrary, are predicted to rearrange in a structural domain, which is homologs to the N-terminal regulatory domain of the magnesium transporter MgtE, suggesting that C19orf12 may act as a regulatory protein for human MgtE transporters. The mutations here described affect respectively one glycine residue of the glycine zipper motifs, which are involved in dimerization of transmembrane helices and predicted to impair the correct localization of the protein into the membranes, and one residue present in the regulatory domain, which is important for protein-protein interaction.
BOLD Frequency Power Indexes Working Memory Performance

Electrophysiology studies routinely investigate the relationship between neural oscillations and task performance. However, the sluggish nature of the BOLD response means that few researchers have investigated the spectral properties of the BOLD signal in a similar manner. For the first time we have applied group ICA to fMRI data collected during a standard working memory task (delayed match-to-sample) and using a multivariate analysis, we investigate the relationship between working memory performance (accuracy and reaction time) and BOLD spectral power within functional networks. Our results indicate that BOLD spectral power within specific networks (visual, temporal-parietal, posterior default-mode network, salience network, basal ganglia) correlated with task accuracy. Multivariate analyses show that the relationship between task accuracy and BOLD spectral power is stronger than the relationship between BOLD spectral power and other variables (age, gender, head movement, and neuropsychological measures). A traditional General Linear Model (GLM) analysis found no significant group differences, or regions that covaried in signal intensity with task accuracy, suggesting that BOLD spectral power holds unique information that is lost in a standard GLM approach. We suggest that the combination of ICA and BOLD spectral power is a useful novel index of cognitive performance that may be more sensitive to brain-behavior relationships than traditional approaches.
Areca Nut Chewing and Risk of Atrial Fibrillation in Taiwanese Men: A Nationwide Ecological Study

Background: Areca nut chewing is associated with the risk of obesity, metabolic syndrome, hypertension, and cardiovascular mortality. Although a few case reports or case series have suggested the link between areca nut chewing and cardiac arrhythmias, information about the relationship between areca nut chewing and atrial fibrillation (AF) is lacking. Thus, a nationwide ecological study was conducted to investigate this. Methods: Two national datasets, the nationwide population-based 2005 Taiwan National Health Insurance Research dataset (NHIRD) and the 2005 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), were used for analyses. The clinical characteristics, inhabited area and medical histories for 375,360 eligible males were retrieved from the 2005 NHIRD. Health related behaviors including areca nut chewing, cigarette smoking, infrequent vegetable eating, and exercise habit were collected from the 2005 NHIS. The prevalence of AF and the areca nut chewing rate were evaluated by multivariate analysis. Results: Of the 375,360 males (mean age, 44 years old), 1,326 (0.35%) were diagnosed with AF. The higher areca nut chewing rate, the higher prevalence rate of AF in Taiwan (Spearman correlation coefficient r = 0.558, p = 0.007). After adjusting for other covariates, the current areca nut chewing rate was found to be independently associated with the prevalence of AF. The adjusted odd ratio for areca nut chewing was 1.02 (95% CI = 1.00-1.04) in risk of AF prevalence. Conclusions: Areca nut chewing is independently associated with the prevalence of AF in Taiwanese men. However, further exploration of the underlying mechanisms is necessary.
Improving attendance in psychiatric outpatient clinics by using reminders

We compared non-attendance rates at follow-up appointments in an adult psychiatry outpatient clinic using three different reminder methods: letters, telephone prompts and text message reminders. Two of the three strategies resulted in a significant increase in the rate of attendance. Reminder letters increased attendance from 62% to 85% (P < 0.001) and text messaging increased attendance from 72% to 80% (P < 0.002). The attendance rate was not significantly different between the two groups when telephone reminders were used (P = 0.068). However, telephone prompts resulted in an 8% higher cancellation rate compared to controls. When all factors were taken into consideration, no method demonstrated clear superiority. Efforts should be made to reduce patient non-attendance, as this is a predictor of patients being unwell and at higher risk of relapse. Text messages are an inexpensive method of reminding patients, although appropriate safeguards for patient confidentiality are required.
Objective viseme extraction and audiovisual uncertainty: estimation limits between auditory and visual modes

An objective way to obtain consonant visemes for any given Spanish speaking person is proposed. Its face is recorded while speaking a balanced set of sentences and stored as an audiovisual sequence. Visual and auditory modes are segmented by allophones and a distance matrix is built to find visually similar perceived allophones. Results show high correlation with tedious subjective earlier evaluations regardless of being in English. In addition, estimation between modes is also studied, revealing a tradeoff between performances in both modes: given a set of auditory groups and another of visual ones for each grouping criteria, increasing the estimation performance of one mode is translated to decreasing that of the other one. Moreover, the tradeoff is very similar (<7% between maximum and minimum values) in all observed examples.
Shift costs of predictable and unexpected set shifting in young and older adults.

Examined the extent to which predictable, unexpected, and mixed costs associated with task shifts are subject to the effects of aging. 17 university students (aged 18-25 yrs) and 17 community residents (aged 66-81 yrs) completed a series of pure and mixed tasks. Results show that the costs of an unexpected shift were greater than those associated with a predictable task shift. Mixing costs, predictable shift costs, and unexpected shift costs all increased with age. It is concluded that the efficiency of the control processes involved in set shifting are highly sensitive to age.
Association between lymphocyte proliferation and polychlorinated biphenyls in free‐ranging harbor seal (Phoca vitulina) pups from British Columbia, Canada

Recent pinniped die‐offs have led to the speculation that persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are immunomodulatory, making individuals more susceptible to viral infections. Eighteen healthy harbor seal (Phoca vitulina) pups (aged 3–4 weeks) were live‐captured from southern British Columbia, Canada, and maintained temporarily in captivity for an immunotoxicological assessment. The relationships between mitogen‐induced peripheral blood lymphocyte proliferation and blubber concentrations of three major immunotoxic POP classes (the polychlorinated biphenyls [PCBs], polychlorinated dibenzo‐p‐dioxins [PCDDs], and the polychlorinated dibenzofurans [PCDFs]) were evaluated. A significant body weight‐independent positive correlation was observed between both T‐cell mitogen (phytohemagglutinin [PHA])‐ and B‐cell mitogen (lipopolysaccharide [LPS])‐induced lymphocyte proliferation and the blubber concentrations of total PCB. Best subset regression analysis revealed that total PCBs, and not total PCDD or total PCDF, explained 24 and 29% of the changes in both T‐cell mitogen‐and B‐cell mitogen‐induced lymphocyte proliferation, respectively. Further regression analysis performed on the PCB classes measured in this study showed that di‐ortho PCBs accounted for 25 and 30% of the changes in both T‐cell and B‐cell lymphocyte proliferation, respectively. Results suggest that POPs, and PCBs in particular, are associated with changes in lymphocyte proliferation, something that could result in increased susceptibility to infections in harbor seal pups. Further research is needed to evaluate the relative roles of natural and contaminant‐related influences on the immune system of marine mammals.
Efficient High Accuracy Solutions with GMRES(m)

Consideration of an abstract improvement algorithm leads to the following principle, which is similar to that underlying iterative refinement: By making judicious use of relatively few high accuracy computations, high accuracy solutions can be obtained very efficiently by the algorithm. This principle is applied specifically to ${\text{GMRES}}(m)$ here; it can be similarly applied to a number of other “restarted” iterative linear methods as well. Results are given for numerical experiments in solving a discretized linear elliptic boundary value problem and in computing a step of an inexact Newton method using finite differences for a discretized nonlinear elliptic boundary value problem.
Automated Segmentation of Routine Clinical Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Assessment of Left Ventricular Diastolic Dysfunction

Background—Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) is established for assessment of left ventricular (LV) systolic function but has not been widely used to assess diastolic function. This study tested performance of a novel CMR segmentation algorithm (LV-METRIC) for automated assessment of diastolic function. Methods and Results—A total of 101 patients with normal LV systolic function underwent CMR and echocardiography (echo) within 7 days. LV-METRIC generated LV filling profiles via automated segmentation of contiguous short-axis images (204±39 images, 2:04±0:53 minutes). Diastolic function by CMR was assessed via early:atrial filling ratios, peak diastolic filling rate, time to peak filling rate, and a novel index—diastolic volume recovery (DVR), calculated as percent diastole required for recovery of 80% stroke volume. Using an echo standard, patients with versus without diastolic dysfunction had lower early:atrial filling ratios, longer time to peak filling rate, lower stroke volume–adjusted peak diastolic filling rate, and greater DVR (all P<0.05). Prevalence of abnormal CMR filling indices increased in relation to clinical symptoms classified by New York Heart Association functional class (P=0.04) or dyspnea (P=0.006). Among all parameters tested, DVR yielded optimal performance versus echo (area under the curve: 0.87±0.04, P<0.001). Using a 90% specificity cutoff, DVR yielded 74% sensitivity for diastolic dysfunction. In multivariate analysis, DVR (odds ratio, 1.82; 95% CI, 1.13 to 2.57; P=0.02) was independently associated with echo-evidenced diastolic dysfunction after controlling for age, hypertension, and LV mass (&khgr;2=73.4, P<0.001). Conclusions—Automated CMR segmentation can provide LV filling profiles that may offer insight into diastolic dysfunction. Patients with diastolic dysfunction have prolonged diastolic filling intervals, which are associated with echo-evidenced diastolic dysfunction independent of clinical and imaging variables.
A 3∓5 GHz low-complexity ultra-wideband CMOS RF front-end for low data-rate WPANs

This paper presents a 3-5 GHz ultra-wideband radio front-end for low data-rate wireless personal area network applications. The circuit, implemented in a 90-nm CMOS technology, includes a carried-based ultra-wideband transmitter, a sub-optimal coherent down-converter and a low-power LO signal generator. Thanks to a pseudo-Gaussian pulse generator, the transmitter is able to run up to 500 Mpps satisfying the FCC mask requirements with no filter and high spectral efficiency. The down-converter exploits a single-ended low-noise amplifier to minimize power consumption. It also performs on-chip single-ended-to-differential conversion of the RF signal by using an integrated transformer. The down-converter exhibits a 23-dB conversion gain and a double-sideband noise figure of 3.4 dB. The LO signal is generated by a low-power wideband LC VCO, which draws only 1.5 mA. The current consumption of the radio front-end is 15 mA in receive mode and 24 mA in transmit mode.
The promise and perils of private voluntary regulation: Labor standards and work organization in two Mexican garment factories

ABSTRACT What role can corporate codes of conduct play in monitoring compliance with international labor standards and improving working conditions in global supply chains? How does this system of private voluntary regulation relate to other strategies and regulatory approaches aimed at promoting just working conditions in global supply chains? This paper explores the potential and limitations of private voluntary regulation through a detailed matched pair case study of two factories supplying Nike, the world's largest athletic footwear and apparel company. These two factories have many similarities – both are in Mexico, both are in the apparel industry, both produce more or less the same products for Nike (and other brands) and both are subject to the same code of conduct. On the surface, both factories appear to have similar employment (i.e. recruitment, training, remuneration) practices and they receive comparable scores when audited by Nike's compliance staff. However, underlying (and somewhat obscured by) these apparent similarities, significant differences in actual labor conditions exist between these two factories. What drives these differences in working conditions? What does this imply for traditional systems of monitoring and codes of conduct? Field research conducted at these two factories reveals that beyond the code of conduct and various monitoring efforts aimed at enforcing it, workplace conditions and labor standards are shaped by very different patterns of work organization and human resource management policies. The promotion of these alternative work/human resources management practices can complement traditional monitoring efforts in ways that promoted improved labor standards.
The effects of selected visual cues on tourists' perceptions of quality and satisfaction, and on their behavioral intentions

The Effects of Selected Visual Cues on Tourists’ Perceptions of Quality and Satisfaction, and on Their Behavioral Intentions. (December 2007) Stacy Renee Tomas, B.S., Texas A&M University; M.S., Texas A&M University Chair of Advisory Committee: Dr. John L. Crompton In tourism, the product is the experience. The destination sets the stage, which facilitates the experience. First impressions, based largely on visual cues in the environment, help to determine the level of quality tourists should expect from their encounter. While much research has focused on destination image in advertising, little attention has been given to on-site assessments of tourists’ perceptions of the visual environment. This study had three specific objectives. The first was to determine if changes in the visual environment affect respondents’ attitudes, perceptions of quality and satisfaction. The second objective set out to determine which visual quality elements have the strongest influence on respondents’ attitudes, their perceptions of quality and satisfaction. The final objective was to explore the interrelationship between attitudes, quality, satisfaction and behavioral intentions. Utilizing a series of digitally modified photographs and an experimental design approach with three treatments, this study examined how selected visual environmental
Chinatown in Washington, DC: The bilingual landscape

: Originated as a new approach to multilingualism, research on linguistic landscapes has typically focused on the varieties of language inscribed on the surface of a particular place. As this original conceptualization and its associated methodology have not always sufficed to capture the sociolinguistic complexities of contemporary urban environments, recent researchers have called for a more contextualized approach to linguistic landscapes. Drawing on Lefebvre and Scollon and Scollon, this paper suggests that the linguistic landscapes might be considered with reference to a triadic model of place and spatial representation. This model is applied to reevaluate the bilingual landscape of Washington DC's Chinatown, with a particular focus on the multiple roles played by the English language in shaping and navigating the multilingual environment.
The role of 5‐HT2A receptor and 5‐HT2A/5‐HT1A receptor interaction in the suppression of catalepsy

In the present study, the 5‐HT2A and 5‐HT1A receptors functional activity and 5‐HT2A receptor gene expression were examined in the brain of ASC/Icg and congenic AKR.CBAD13Mit76C mouse strains (genetically predisposed to catalepsy) in comparison with the parental catalepsy‐resistant AKR/J and catalepsy‐prone CBA/Lac mouse strains. The significantly reduced 5‐HT2A receptor functional activity along with decreased 5‐HT2A receptor gene expression in the frontal cortex was found in all mice predisposed to catalepsy compared with catalepsy‐resistant AKR/J. 5‐HT2A agonist DOI (0.5 and 1 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly reduced catalepsy in ASC/Icg and CBA/Lac, but not in AKR.CBAD13Mit76C mice. Essential increase in 5‐HT1A receptor functional activity was shown in catalepsy‐prone mouse strains in comparison with catalepsy‐resistant AKR/J mice. However, in AKR.CBAD13Mit76C mice it was lower than in ASC/Icg and CBA/Lac mice. The inter‐relation between 5‐HT2A and 5‐HT1A receptors in the regulation of catalepsy was suggested. This suggestion was confirmed by prevention of DOI anticataleptic effect in ASC/Icg and CBA/Lac mice by pretreatment with 5‐HT1A receptor antagonist p‐MPPI (3 mg/kg, i.p.). At the same time, the activation of 5‐HT2A receptor led to the essential suppression of 5‐HT1A receptor functional activity, indicating the opposite effect of 5‐HT2A receptor on pre‐ and postsynaptic 5‐HT1A receptors. Thus, 5‐HT2A/5‐HT1A receptor interaction in the mechanism of catalepsy suppression in mice was shown.