Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cross-cultural detection of depression from nonverbal behaviour

Millions of people worldwide suffer from depression. Do commonalities exist in their nonverbal behavior that would enable cross-culturally viable screening and assessment of severity? We investigated the generalisability of an approach to detect depression severity cross-culturally using video-recorded clinical interviews from Australia, the USA and Germany. The material varied in type of interview, subtypes of depression and inclusion healthy control subjects, cultural background, and recording environment. The analysis focussed on temporal features of participants' eye gaze and head pose. Several approaches to training and testing within and between datasets were evaluated. The strongest results were found for training across all datasets and testing across datasets using leave-one-subject-out cross-validation. In contrast, generalisability was attenuated when training on only one or two of the three datasets and testing on subjects from the dataset(s) not used in training. These findings highlight the importance of using training data exhibiting the expected range of variability.
Import of the Peroxisomal Targeting Signal Type 2 Protein 3-Ketoacyl-Coenzyme A Thiolase into Glyoxysomes1

Most peroxisomal matrix proteins possess a carboxy-terminal tripeptide targeting signal, termed peroxisomal targeting signal type 1 (PTS1), and follow a relatively well-characterized pathway of import into the organelle. The peroxisomal targeting signal type 2 (PTS2) pathway of peroxisomal matrix protein import is less well understood. In this study, we investigated the mechanisms of PTS2 protein binding and import using an optimized in vitro assay to reconstitute the transport events. The import of the PTS2 protein thiolase differed from PTS1 protein import in several ways. Thiolase import was slower than typical PTS1 protein import. Competition experiments with both PTS1 and PTS2 proteins revealed that PTS2 protein import was inhibited by addition of excess PTS2 protein, but it was enhanced by the addition of PTS1 proteins. Mature thiolase alone, lacking the PTS2 signal, was not imported into peroxisomes, confirming that the PTS2 signal is necessary for thiolase import. In competition experiments, mature thiolase did not affect the import of a PTS1 protein, but it did decrease the amount of radiolabeled full-length thiolase that was imported. This is consistent with a mechanism by which the mature protein competes with the full-length thiolase during assembly of an import complex at the surface of the membrane. Finally, the addition of zinc to PTS2 protein imports increased the level of thiolase bound and imported into the organelles.
Nicotine Delays Puberty In Male Rat

Immature male albino rats, 30 days of age, were treated with 0.3 mg nicotine/100 g body weight either orally or intraperitoneally for 30 days. All the animals were autopsied on the 61 st day, by which time they were sexually mature. Testis, epididymis, seminal vesicle, prostate gland and vas deferens were dissected out, weighed, and processed for biochemical and histological studies. Weight of testis and accessory sex organs of nicotine treated group was significantly reduced. The total cholesterol content was increased while protein, DNA and RNA contents were decreased. The acid phosphatase content was also decreased whereas that of alkaline phosphatase was increased. The surface epithelial cell height of accessory sex organs was decreased along with secretory activity. No spermatozoan was observed in the cauda epididymis of intraperitoneal nicotine treated rats. The changes in the testis and accessory sex organs may be due to reduced output of pituitary FSH and LH which are important to initiate the spermatogenesis and steroidogensis. The absence of spermatozoa in the cauda epididymis and reduction in the activities of accessory sex organs indicates the delay caused by nicotine in the attainment of puberty.
Myogenin Protein Stability Is Decreased by BMP-2 through a Mechanism Implicating Id1*

Bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) induces a switch in differentiation of mesenchymal cells from the myogenic to the osteogenic lineage. Here we describe that in C2C12 cells, BMP-2 decreases myogenin expression induced by des-(1,3) insulin-like growth factor-1 (des-(1,3)IGF-1) or ectopically expressed from a constitutive promoter, even in conditions where myogenin mRNA levels were unaffected. Addition of BMP-2 decreases myogenin protein half-life to 50%, whereas proteasome inhibitors abolish these effects. Forced expression of Id1, either by transient transfection or under the control of an inducible system, causes degradation of myogenin in the absence of BMP-2. In contrast, E47 overexpression blocks the inhibitory effect of BMP-2 on myogenin levels. Finally, expression of E47 in 293 cells stabilizes myogenin, an effect that is dependent on the heterodimerization mediated by their helix-loop-helix. Our findings indicate that induction of Id1 not only blocks transcriptional activity but also induces myogenin degradation by blocking formation of myogenin-E47 protein complexes.
Evaluation of foramen magnum in sex determination from human crania by using discriminant function analysis

Background: Many studies have been conducted on different populations on sexual dimorphism with respect to the cranial base. The present research was undertaken to study the accuracy and reliability of the foramen magnum in sex determination by using discriminant function analysis. Methods: 140 adult skulls (70 of either sex) were included in the study. Length, breadth index and area of foramen magnum were subjected to discriminant function analysis. Results: The accuracy of sex classification was up to 75.7% using a single variable. The least value was obtained from the index of the foramen magnum i.e. 57.9%. Three discriminant function equations were calculated based on these measurements. In stepwise analysis, breadth of foramen magnum was found to be more discriminating variable providing an accuracy of 75.7%. Conclusion: It can be concluded from the results that the measurements of foramen magnum of cranium provides valuable results and suitable for sex determination when other methods are inconclusive.
HPV vaccine acceptability among men: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective To understand rates of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine acceptability and factors correlated with HPV vaccine acceptability. Design Meta-analyses of cross-sectional studies. Data sources We used a comprehensive search strategy across multiple electronic databases with no date or language restrictions to locate studies that examined rates and/or correlates of HPV vaccine acceptability. Search keywords included vaccine, acceptability and all terms for HPV. Review methods We calculated mean HPV vaccine acceptability across studies. We conducted meta-analysis using a random effects model on studies reporting correlates of HPV vaccine acceptability. All studies were assessed for risk of bias. Results Of 301 identified studies, 29 were included. Across 22 studies (n=8360), weighted mean HPV vaccine acceptability=50.4 (SD 21.5) (100-point scale). Among 16 studies (n=5048) included in meta-analyses, perceived HPV vaccine benefits, anticipatory regret, partner thinks one should get vaccine and healthcare provider recommendation had medium effect sizes, and the following factors had small effect sizes on HPV vaccine acceptability: perceived HPV vaccine effectiveness, need for multiple shots, fear of needles, fear of side effects, supportive/accepting social environment, perceived risk/susceptibility to HPV, perceived HPV severity, number of lifetime sexual partners, having a current sex partner, non-receipt of hepatitis B vaccine, smoking cigarettes, history of sexually transmitted infection, HPV awareness, HPV knowledge, cost, logistical barriers, being employed and non-white ethnicity. Conclusions Public health campaigns that promote positive HPV vaccine attitudes and awareness about HPV risk in men, and interventions to promote healthcare provider recommendation of HPV vaccination for boys and mitigate obstacles due to cost and logistical barriers may support HPV vaccine acceptability for men. Future investigations employing rigorous designs, including intervention studies, are needed to support effective HPV vaccine promotion among men.
Troublesome Tinnitus in Children: Epidemiology, Audiological Profile, and Preliminary Results of Treatment

Introduction. Although tinnitus often has a significant impact on individual's life, there are still few reports relating to tinnitus in children. In our tinnitus clinic, children with distressing tinnitus constitute about 0,5% of all our patients. Objectives. The aim of this study was to analyse children with troublesome tinnitus as regards epidemiology, audiological profile, and preliminary effects of the therapy. Methods. A retrospective study was carried out involving the cases of 143 children consulted in our Tinnitus Clinic in 2009. The selected group with troublesome tinnitus was evaluated and classified for proper category of Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT). Results. The study showed that 41.3% of the children suffered from bothersome tinnitus. In this group 44.1% of the patients demonstrated normal hearing. The success of the therapy after 6 months was estimated on 81.4% of significant improvement. Conclusions. It is recommended that a questionnaire include an inquiry about the presence of tinnitus during hearing screening tests.
Do Liberal Arts Colleges Really Foster Good Practices in Undergraduate Education?

Researchers estimated the net effects of liberal arts colleges on 19 measures of good practices in undergraduate education grouped into seven categories. Analyses of 3-year longitudinal data from five liberal arts colleges, four research universities, and seven regional universities were conducted. Net of a battery of student precollege characteristics, whether or not a student was enrolled full-time and lived on campus, and the academic selectivity of the institution attended, liberal arts colleges evidenced stronger positive impacts on a broad range of empirically vetted good practices in undergraduate education than did either research universities or regional institutions. The impact was most pronounced in the initial year of postsecondary education.
Understanding optimal criminal networks

We develop a theory of optimal networks in the context of criminal organizations. In this framework the criminals choose their network links with others according to a set of specified costs and benefits to participation. The optimal number and configuration of links within each network is solved for a set of 10,000 parameter simulations specifying the direct cost of links between agents, the benefit to connections, and the cost of being in the network with others. In addition, agents determine the size of the optimal network. This framework allows consideration of a variety of crime policy scenarios. In particular, removing the ‘key player’, the best strategy when the network is exogenous, may not be the optimal strategy in an environment in which the agents can change the size and structure of the network endogenously. More generally, optimal crime policy may be different if the criminals are aware of the policing strategy and can alter their network.
Developmental changes in the cochlear hair cell mechanotransducer channel and their regulation by transmembrane channel–like proteins

Vibration of the stereociliary bundles activates calcium-permeable mechanotransducer (MT) channels to initiate sound detection in cochlear hair cells. Different regions of the cochlea respond preferentially to different acoustic frequencies, with variation in the unitary conductance of the MT channels contributing to this tonotopic organization. Although the molecular identity of the MT channel remains uncertain, two members of the transmembrane channel–like family, Tmc1 and Tmc2, are crucial to hair cell mechanotransduction. We measured MT channel current amplitude and Ca2+ permeability along the cochlea’s longitudinal (tonotopic) axis during postnatal development of wild-type mice and mice lacking Tmc1 (Tmc1−/−) or Tmc2 (Tmc2−/−). In wild-type mice older than postnatal day (P) 4, MT current amplitude increased ∼1.5-fold from cochlear apex to base in outer hair cells (OHCs) but showed little change in inner hair cells (IHCs), a pattern apparent in mutant mice during the first postnatal week. After P7, the OHC MT current in Tmc1−/− (dn) mice declined to zero, consistent with their deafness phenotype. In wild-type mice before P6, the relative Ca2+ permeability, PCa, of the OHC MT channel decreased from cochlear apex to base. This gradient in PCa was not apparent in IHCs and disappeared after P7 in OHCs. In Tmc1−/− mice, PCa in basal OHCs was larger than that in wild-type mice (to equal that of apical OHCs), whereas in Tmc2−/−, PCa in apical and basal OHCs and IHCs was decreased compared with that in wild-type mice. We postulate that differences in Ca2+ permeability reflect different subunit compositions of the MT channel determined by expression of Tmc1 and Tmc2, with the latter conferring higher PCa in IHCs and immature apical OHCs. Changes in PCa with maturation are consistent with a developmental decrease in abundance of Tmc2 in OHCs but not in IHCs.
Genetic Dissection of T 4 Lysis

t is the holin gene for coliphage T4, encoding a 218-amino-acid (aa) protein essential for the inner membrane hole formation that initiates lysis and terminates the phage infection cycle. T is predicted to be an integral membrane protein that adopts an N-C topology with a single transmembrane domain (TMD). This holin topology is different from those of the well-studied holins S105 (3 TMDs; N-C) of the coliphage lambda and S68 (2 TMDs; N-C) of the lambdoid phage 21. Here, we used random mutagenesis to construct a library of lysis-defective alleles of t to discern residues and domains important for holin function and for the inhibition of lysis by the T4 antiholin, RI. The results show that mutations in all 3 topological domains (N-terminal cytoplasmic, TMD, and C-terminal periplasmic) can abrogate holin function. Additionally, several lysis-defective alleles in the C-terminal domain are no longer competent in binding RI. Taken together, these results shed light on the roles of the previously uncharacterized N-terminal and C-terminal domains in lysis and its real-time regulation.
Bullying y factores de riesgo para la salud en estudiantes de secundaria

Coexistence among students has grown as a deep problem in our classrooms. Teachers have to face disrupting attitudes (verbal and physical aggressions, drug-taking, etc). Moreover, studies suggest that drug use is part of the lives of many adolescents, considering that this is a "normalization" of consumption. The aim of our investigation is researching into the possible associations between those students who are involved in bullying and determined ways of behaving that imply health risks (drug-taking, etc.) Upon a sample taken from 886 students of Compulsory Secondary Education, the following evaluation instruments were used: the Test BULL-S and a survey – taken ad hoc- about health risks. The results of this study show that a 20.8 % of the students are involved in bullying, playing different roles. Among the selected variables, the bullies are more inclined to consuming tobacco and alcohol, as well as showing other types of behaviour that imply a high risk for their health.
On Disgust and Moral Judgments: A Review

While there is a continuing debate on whether cognitive or emotional mechanisms underlie moral judgments, recent studies have illustrated that emotions—particularly disgust—play a prominent role in moral reasoning. This review explores the role of disgust in moral judgments. I distinguish between three relevant claims regarding its involvement in moral cognition and argue that the least appealing (i.e., disgust is just anger in disguise) is also the one with the least empirical support.
Membrane‐Bound Form of ADP‐Ribosyl Cyclase in Rat Cortical Astrocytes in Culture

Abstract: ADP‐ribosyl cyclase activities in cultured rat astrocytes were examined by using TLC for separation of enzymatic products. A relatively high rate of [3H]cyclic ADP‐ribose production converted from [3H]NAD+ by ADP‐ribosyl cyclase (2.015 ± 0.554 nmol/min/mg of protein) was detected in the crude membrane fraction of astrocytes, which contained ∼50% of the total cyclase activity in astrocytes. The formation rate of [3H]ADP‐ribose from cyclic ADP‐ribose by cyclic ADP‐ribose hydrolase and/or from NAD+ by NAD glycohydrolase was low and enriched in the cytosolic fraction. Although NAD+ in the extracellular medium was metabolized to cyclic ADP‐ribose by incubating cultures of intact astrocytes, the presence of Triton X‐100 in the medium for permeabilizing cells increased cyclic ADP‐ribose production three times as much. Isoproterenol and GTP increased [3H]cyclic ADP‐ribose formation in crude membrane‐associated cyclase activity. This isoproterenol‐induced stimulation of membrane‐associated ADP‐ribosyl cyclase activity was confirmed by cyclic GDP‐ribose formation fluorometrically. This stimulatory action was blocked by prior treatment of cells with cholera toxin but not with pertussis toxin. These results suggest that ADP‐ribosyl cyclase in astrocytes has both extracellular and intracellular actions and that signals of β‐adrenergic stimulation are transduced to membrane‐bound ADP‐ribosyl cyclase via G proteins within cell surface membranes of astrocytes.
Conjugated linoleic acid inhibits mutagenesis by 2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine in the prostate of Big Blue rats.

2-Amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine (PhIP) is a potent mutagen and carcinogen formed at high temperature during the cooking of meat. PhIP induces tumors in the colon and prostate of male rats and in the mammary gland of female rats and has been associated with the etiology of human cancers. We have recently demonstrated that PhIP induces mutations in the prostate in Big Blue transgenic rats. In the current study we have examined the effect of a dietary anti-carcinogen, conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), on PhIP-induced mutagenesis in the prostate. CLA is a mixture of positional and geometric isomers of linoleic acid and has been reported to inhibit various chemical-induced cancers in rodent models. Fifty day old male Big Blue rats were fed a standard diet containing 100 p.p.m. PhIP for 47 days, which induced a mutation frequency of 14.6 x 10(-5) in the prostate, 5.1-fold higher than that of controls. The addition of 1% CLA (w/w) in the diet starting 1 week prior to exposure to PhIP decreased PhIP-induced mutagenesis by 38% (P = 0.03). The predominant class of mutation induced by PhIP is -1 frameshifts involving the loss of G:C base pairs, followed by G:C-->T:A transversions and G:C-->A:T transitions. Addition of CLA to the diet significantly changed the PhIP-induced mutation spectrum; notably, -1 frameshifts and G:C-->A:T transitions were selectively inhibited, suggesting involvement of mismatch repair. This is the first report to show the protective effect of CLA against PhIP-induced mutagenesis in the prostate on both mutation frequency and mutational spectrum. The inhibitory effect of CLA against PhIP-induced mutagenicity suggests a possibility for its application in human chemoprevention studies.
Improved Split-Ring Resonator for Microfluidic Sensing

We present a method of making low-loss split-ring resonators (SRRs) for microfluidic sensing at microwave frequencies using silver-coated copper wire. We show that a simple geometric modification and the use of square cross-section wire give greater electric field confinement in the capacitive region of the resonant sensor. We use a combination of theoretical analysis, finite-element simulations, and empirical measurements to demonstrate the subsequent increases in the sensitivity of these SRRs for complex permittivity measurements of some common solvents.
Analysis of retinal arteriolar structure in never-treated patients with essential hypertension

Objective Increased wall-to-lumen ratio of small arteries is a predictor of adverse cardiovascular prognosis. We aimed to analyze retinal arteriolar structure in never-treated patients with essential hypertension and to test whether elevated blood pressure is associated with an increased wall-to-lumen ratio of retinal arterioles. Methods The study cohort comprised 21 untreated male patients with essential hypertension (mean age 39.1 ± 5.4 years) and 29 untreated normotensive men (mean age 36.7 ± 5.9 years). Wall-to-lumen ratio of retinal arterioles was assessed in vivo using scanning laser Doppler flowmetry. Results Patients with essential hypertension had a higher wall-to-lumen ratio of retinal arterioles than normotensive individuals (0.36 ± 0.1 vs. 0.28 ± 0.1, P = 0.028). Wall cross-sectional area of retinal arterioles did not differ between the study groups. The growth index, indicating the percentage of difference in average wall cross-sectional area of retinal arterioles between both groups, was 18%. Both systolic (r = 0.360, P = 0.010) and diastolic (r = 0.536, P < 0.001) blood pressures were related to wall-to-lumen ratio of retinal arterioles. Multiple regression analysis including a variety of known cardiovascular risk factors revealed that blood pressure is independently associated with an increased wall-to-lumen ratio of retinal arterioles (systolic blood pressure: β = 0.417, P = 0.012; diastolic blood pressure: β = 0.548, P = 0.001). Conclusion The changes in arteriolar structure of retinal vessels in our study cohort revealed a similar pattern to that observed previously by other investigators in subcutaneous small arteries in essential hypertension. Blood pressure emerged as an important and independent determinant of wall-to-lumen ratio of retinal arterioles.
Empowering Patients Using Smart Mobile Health Platforms: Evidence From A Randomized Field Experiment

With today’s technological advancements, mobile phones and wearable devices have become extensions of an increasingly diffused and smart digital infrastructure. In this paper, we examine mobile health (mHealth) platforms and their health and economic impacts on the outcomes of chronic disease patients. To do so, we partnered with a major mHealth firm that provides one of the largest mobile health app platforms in Asia specializing in diabetes care. We designed and implemented a randomized field experiment based on detailed patient health activities (e.g., steps, exercises, sleep, food intake) and blood glucose values from 1,070 diabetes patients over several months. Our main findings show that the adoption of the mHealth app leads to an improvement in health behavior, which in turn leads to both short term metrics (such as reduction in patients’ blood glucose and glycated hemoglobin levels) and longer-term metrics (such as hospital visits and medical expenses). Patients who adopted the mHealth app undertook higher levels of exercise, consumed healthier food with lower calories, walked more steps and slept for longer times on a daily basis. They also were more likely to substitute offline visits with telehealth. A comparison of mobile versus PC-enabled versions of the same app demonstrates that the mobile version has a stronger effect than PC version in helping patients make these behavioral modifications with respect to diet, exercise, and lifestyle, which ultimately leads to an improvement in their healthcare outcomes. We also compared outcomes when the platform facilitates personalized health reminders to patients vis-à-vis generic (non-personalized) reminders. Surprisingly, we found that personalized mobile messages with patient-specific guidance can have an inadvertent (smaller) effect on patient app engagement and lifestyle changes, leading to a lower health improvement. However, they are more like to encourage a substitution of offline visits by telehealth. Overall, our findings indicate the massive potential of mHealth technologies and platform design in achieving better healthcare outcomes.