Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Sex-Differences of Face Coding: Evidence from Larger Right Hemispheric M170 in Men and Dipole Source Modelling

The processing of faces relies on a specialized neural system comprising bilateral cortical structures with a dominance of the right hemisphere. However, due to inconsistencies of earlier findings as well as more recent results such functional lateralization has become a topic of discussion. In particular, studies employing behavioural tasks and electrophysiological methods indicate a dominance of the right hemisphere during face perception only in men whereas women exhibit symmetric and bilateral face processing. The aim of this study was to further investigate such sex differences in hemispheric processing of personally familiar and opposite-sex faces using whole-head magnetoencephalography (MEG). We found a right-lateralized M170-component in occipito-temporal sensor clusters in men as opposed to a bilateral response in women. Furthermore, the same pattern was obtained in performing dipole localization and determining dipole strength in the M170-timewindow. These results suggest asymmetric involvement of face-responsive neural structures in men and allow to ascribe this asymmetry to the fusiform gyrus. This specifies findings from previous investigations employing event-related potentials (ERP) and LORETA reconstruction methods yielding rather extended bilateral activations showing left asymmetry in women and right lateralization in men. We discuss our finding of an asymmetric fusiform activation pattern in men in terms of holistic face processing during face evaluation and sex differences with regard to visual strategies in general and interest for opposite faces in special. Taken together the pattern of hemispheric specialization observed here yields new insights into sex differences in face perception and entails further questions about interactions between biological sex, psychological gender and influences that might be stimulus-driven or task dependent.
The Relation between Bank Resolutions and Information Environment: Evidence from the Auctions for Failed Banks

This study examines the impact of disclosure requirements on the resolution costs of failed banks. Consistent with the hypothesis that disclosure requirements mitigate information asymmetries in the auctions for failed banks, I find that, when failed banks are subject to more comprehensive disclosure requirements, regulators incur lower costs of closing a bank and retain a lower portion of the failed bank's assets, while bidders that are geographically more distant are more likely to participate in the bidding for the failed bank. The paper provides new insights into the relation between disclosure and the reorganization of a banking system when the regulators' preferred plan of action is to promote the acquisition of undercapitalized banks by healthy ones. The results suggest that disclosure regulation policy influences the cost of resolution of a bank and, as a result, could be an important factor in the definition of the optimal resolution strategy during a banking crisis event.
Whither Goes Character Education? Objectives, Pedagogy, and Research in Education Programs

Following a brief history of moral education in the twentieth century, ten representative contemporary character education programs are reviewed. Similarities and differences between the programs are noted with regard to their objectives, pedagogy, and research. It is concluded that while these programs are highly diverse with regard to theoretical assumptions and pedagogical practice, emerging research in the field offers the hopeful promise that, theory and practice may be advanced in a systematic manner.
Unmasking Upstream Gene Expression Regulators with miRNA-corrected mRNA Data

Expressed micro-RNA (miRNA) affects messenger RNA (mRNA) abundance, hindering the accuracy of upstream regulator analysis. Our objective was to provide an algorithm to correct such bias. Large mRNA and miRNA analyses were performed on RNA extracted from bovine liver and mammary tissue. Using four levels of target scores from TargetScan (all miRNA:mRNA target gene pairs or only the top 25%, 50%, or 75%) Using four levels of target scores from TargetScan (all miRNA:mRNA target gene pairs or only the top 25%, 50%, or 75%) and four levels of the magnitude of miRNA effect (ME) on mRNA expression (30%, 50%, 75%, and 83% mRNA reduction), we generated 17 different datasets (including the original dataset). For each dataset, we performed upstream regulator analysis using two bioinformatics tools. We detected an increased effect on the upstream regulator analysis with larger miRNA:mRNA pair bins and higher ME. The miRNA correction allowed identification of several upstream regulators not present in the analysis of the original dataset. Thus, the proposed algorithm improved the prediction of upstream regulators.
Accuracy of a Wrist-Worn Wearable Device for Monitoring Heart Rates in Hospital Inpatients: A Prospective Observational Study

Background As the sensing capabilities of wearable devices improve, there is increasing interest in their application in medical settings. Capabilities such as heart rate monitoring may be useful in hospitalized patients as a means of enhancing routine monitoring or as part of an early warning system to detect clinical deterioration. Objective To evaluate the accuracy of heart rate monitoring by a personal fitness tracker (PFT) among hospital inpatients. Methods We conducted a prospective observational study of 50 stable patients in the intensive care unit who each completed 24 hours of heart rate monitoring using a wrist-worn PFT. Accuracy of heart rate recordings was compared with gold standard measurements derived from continuous electrocardiographic (cECG) monitoring. The accuracy of heart rates measured by pulse oximetry (Spo2.R) was also measured as a positive control. Results On a per-patient basis, PFT-derived heart rate values were slightly lower than those derived from cECG monitoring (average bias of −1.14 beats per minute [bpm], with limits of agreement of 24 bpm). By comparison, Spo2.R recordings produced more accurate values (average bias of +0.15 bpm, limits of agreement of 13 bpm, P<.001 as compared with PFT). Personal fitness tracker device performance was significantly better in patients in sinus rhythm than in those who were not (average bias −0.99 bpm vs −5.02 bpm, P=.02). Conclusions Personal fitness tracker–derived heart rates were slightly lower than those derived from cECG monitoring in real-world testing and not as accurate as Spo2.R-derived heart rates. Performance was worse among patients who were not in sinus rhythm. Further clinical evaluation is indicated to see if PFTs can augment early warning systems in hospitals. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02527408; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02527408 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/6kOFez3on)
Socioeconomic inequalities in outcome of pregnancy and neonatal mortality associated with congenital anomalies: population based study

Objectives To investigate socioeconomic inequalities in outcome of pregnancy and neonatal mortality associated with congenital anomalies. Design Retrospective population based registry study. Setting East Midlands and South Yorkshire regions of England (representing about 10% of births in England and Wales). Participants All registered cases of nine selected congenital anomalies with poor prognostic outcome audited as part of the United Kingdom’s fetal anomaly screening programme with an end of pregnancy date between 1 January 1998 and 31 December 2007. Main outcome measures Socioeconomic variation in the risk of selected congenital anomalies; outcome of pregnancy; incidence of live birth and neonatal mortality over time. Deprivation measured with the index of multiple deprivation 2004 at super output area level. Results There were 1579 fetuses registered with one of the nine selected congenital anomalies. There was no evidence of variation in the overall risk of these anomalies with deprivation (rate ratio for the most deprived 10th with the least deprived 10th: 1.05, 95% confidence interval 0.89 to 1.23). The rate ratio varied with type of anomaly and maternal age (deprivation rate ratio adjusted for maternal age: 1.43 (1.17 to 1.74) for non-chromosomal anomalies; 0.85 (0.63 to 1.15) for chromosomal anomalies). Of the nine anomalies, 86% were detected in the antenatal period, and there was no evidence that this varied with deprivation (rate ratio 0.99, 0.84 to 1.17). The rate of termination after antenatal diagnosis of a congenital anomaly was lower in the most deprived areas compared with the least deprived areas (63% v 79%; rate ratio 0.80, 0.65 to 0.97). Consequently there were significant socioeconomic inequalities in the rate of live birth and neonatal mortality associated with the presence of any of these nine anomalies. Compared with the least deprived areas, the most deprived areas had a 61% higher rate of live births (1.61, 1.21 to 2.15) and a 98% higher neonatal mortality rate (1.98, 1.20 to 3.27) associated with a congenital anomaly. Conclusions Antenatal screening for congenital anomalies has reduced neonatal mortality through termination of pregnancy. Socioeconomic variation in decisions regarding termination of pregnancy after antenatal detection, however, has resulted in wide socioeconomic inequalities in liveborn infants with a congenital anomaly and subsequent neonatal mortality.
Simultaneous Mutations in Multi-Viral Proteins Are Required for Soybean mosaic virus to Gain Virulence on Soybean Genotypes Carrying Different R Genes

Background Genetic resistance is the most effective and sustainable approach to the control of plant pathogens that are a major constraint to agriculture worldwide. In soybean, three dominant R genes, i.e., Rsv1, Rsv3 and Rsv4, have been identified and deployed against Soybean mosaic virus (SMV) with strain-specificities. Molecular identification of virulent determinants of SMV on these resistance genes will provide essential information for the proper utilization of these resistance genes to protect soybean against SMV, and advance knowledge of virus-host interactions in general. Methodology/Principal Findings To study the gain and loss of SMV virulence on all the three resistance loci, SMV strains G7 and two G2 isolates L and LRB were used as parental viruses. SMV chimeras and mutants were created by partial genome swapping and point mutagenesis and then assessed for virulence on soybean cultivars PI96983 (Rsv1), L-29 (Rsv3), V94-5152 (Rsv4) and Williams 82 (rsv). It was found that P3 played an essential role in virulence determination on all three resistance loci and CI was required for virulence on Rsv1- and Rsv3-genotype soybeans. In addition, essential mutations in HC-Pro were also required for the gain of virulence on Rsv1-genotype soybean. To our best knowledge, this is the first report that CI and P3 are involved in virulence on Rsv1- and Rsv3-mediated resistance, respectively. Conclusions/Significance Multiple viral proteins, i.e., HC-Pro, P3 and CI, are involved in virulence on the three resistance loci and simultaneous mutations at essential positions of different viral proteins are required for an avirulent SMV strain to gain virulence on all three resistance loci. The likelihood of such mutations occurring naturally and concurrently on multiple viral proteins is low. Thus, incorporation of all three resistance genes in a soybean cultivar through gene pyramiding may provide durable resistance to SMV.
Analyzing and supporting collaboration in cooperative computer-mediated communication

Two methods for fostering collaborative behavior are compared: a feedback-mechanism to scaffold collaborative behavior, and use of distributed learning resources. Based on recent research on what constitutes effective collaboration behavior, we developed a coding scheme to categorize learner-learner interaction as collaboration. In a collaboration environment for learner dyads specifically implemented to test our hypotheses, a human observer identified, in parallel with students' interactions, instances of real collaboration, and gave online feedback. In the same two-factorial design, we varied the resources available to the partners. The influence of these interventions on outcomes related to knowledge acquisition, problem-solving, group climate and collaborative behavior was tested. Results suggest there are benefits in providing a feedback approach in fostering collaboration and enhancing problem-solving quality.
The Effect of Threat on Preferences for Male Versus Female Candidates

In the United States, there is a continuing question of why the political bodies of the government, (i.e. the Senate and the House of Representatives) lack descriptive representation for women (Paxton, Kunovich & Hughes, 2007). We have seen a growing body of research that tries to explain this lack of female politicians. While many explanations have been found that partially explain this, such as incumbent status favoring men, and fewer political role models for women (Paxton, Kunovich & Hughes, 2007), there still has been no definitive answer. There is reason to believe that threat may play a role in a lack of female political leaders, as threat has been found to create powerful shifts in political attitudes in individuals that may make them prefer male candidates over female candidates (Jost & Thórisdóttir, 2011). This study examines the relationship between threat and preferences, voting intentions, and stereotypes of male versus female candidates with gendered descriptions. In order to examine this question, we manipulated threat using mortality salience (used in previous Terror Management Theory studies, e.g., Rosenblatt, Greenberg, Solomon, Pyszczynski, & Lyon, 1989) and had participants answer questions regarding either a male or female candidate with a gendered description (Huddy & Terkildsen, 1993). We find in this study that threat does not have an impact on preferences, voting intention, or perception of gendered traits. This research does, however, demonstrate the need for further research regarding threat and candidate gender.
Superfield algorithms for topological field theories

A superfield algorithm for master actions of a class of gauge field theories including topological ones in arbitrary dimensions is presented generalizing a previous treatment in two dimensions. General forms for master actions in superspace are given, and possible theories are determined by means of a ghost number prescription and the master equations. The resulting master actions determine the original actions together with their gauge invariances. Generalized Poisson sigma models in arbitrary dimensions are constructed by means of this algorithm, and other applications in low dimensions are given including the Chern-Simon model.
Effects of Metallicity and AGN Activity on the Mid-Infrared Dust Emission of Galaxies

Using a sample of the Spitzer SWIRE-field galaxies whose optical spectra are taken from Data Release 4 of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey, we study possible correlations between the mid-infrared (MIR) dust emission from these galaxies and both their metallicities and AGN activities. We find that both metallicity and AGN activity are well correlated with the following ratios: PAH-to-star, VSG-to-star, and PAH-to-VSG, which can be characterized by νLν[8 μm(dust)]/νLν[3.6 μm], νLν[24 μm]/νLν[3.6 μm], and νLν[8 μm(dust)]/νLν[24 μm], respectively. We argue that our MIR-metallicity correlation could be explained by either the amount of dust (ongoing dust formation) or dust destruction (PAHs and VSGs could be destroyed by hard and intense radiation fields), and that the MIR-AGN correlation could arise due to either PAH destruction or an enhanced VSG continuum by the central AGN.
Ephrins and their Eph receptors: multitalented directors of embryonic development

Ephrins are membrane‐bound ligands for the Eph family of protein tyrosine kinase receptors. Recent genetic studies have indicated that these molecules play key roles in diverse biological processes such as the development of the nervous system and angiogenesis. In the nervous system, they provide positional information by employing mechanisms that involve repulsion of migrating cells and growing axons. Understanding the mechanisms that mediate these biological responses will help to establish the molecular basis of topographic positioning within the developing embryo. Eph receptors have been conserved in a variety of eukaryotic species from Caenorhabditis elegans to man. They constitute the largest subgroup within the tyrosine protein kinase receptor family, with 14 receptors in mammals known to date. These receptors interact with cell‐surface‐bound ligands known as ephrins. The Eph receptors and their ephrin ligands can be divided into two classes based on structural features and binding affinities (Eph Nomenclature Committee, 1997; Figure 1). Type A ephrins are attached to the outer leaflet of the plasma membrane by a glycosyl phosphatidylinositol (GPI) moiety and they bind to the type A class of structurally related Eph receptors (Eph Nomenclature Committee, 1997). Type B ephrins have, in addition to their extracellular domain, a single transmembrane domain and a cytoplasmic tail. They bind to type B Eph receptors (Eph Nomenclature Committee, 1997). With the exception of EphA4, which can bind members of class A and class B ephrins, there appears to be very limited cross‐talk between the A and B classes (Gale et al ., 1996). Although there is a high degree of promiscuity between ephrins and Eph receptors of the same class, they may not be functionally interchangeable. For instance, there are considerable differences in binding affinities between different ligand–receptor pairs within the same class, suggesting that there may be preferred ligands for certain receptors …
Vulnerability and Poverty : What are the causes and how are they related ?

This paper aims to analyze how the terms ‘vulnerability’ and ‘poverty’ can be elucidated in a variety of ways, with different meanings, different implications and their interrelationship. The analysis shows poverty is generally associated with deprivation of health, education, food, knowledge, influence over one’s environment and the many other things that make the difference between truly living and merely surviving. There is another universal aspect of poverty, which makes it particularly painful and difficult to escape is: Vulnerability. The poor are more vulnerable than any other group to health hazards, economic down-turns, natural catastrophes, and even man-made violence. Shocks such as illness, injury and loss of livelihood have dreadful impacts, and are significant causes of poverty. Scholars argue that vulnerability and poverty are comprised of economic, social, cultural, political and environmental factors, thus to identify the full range of factors, this paper encompasses an interdisciplinary analysis with some case studies from developing countries.
The distribution of maxima of approximately Gaussian random fields

Motivated by the problem of testing for the existence of a signal of known parametric structure and unknown "location" (as explained below) against a noisy background, we obtain for the maximum of a centered, smooth random field an approximation for the tail of the distribution. For the motivating class of problems this gives approximately the significance level of the maximum score test. The method is based on an application of a likelihood-ratio-identity followed by approximations of local fields. Numerical examples illustrate the accuracy of the approximations.
Evaluation of Rapid Blood Sample Collection in the Detection of Circulating Filarial Antigens for Epidemiological Survey by rWbSXP-1 Capture Assay

Background Lymphatic filariasis is a neglected tropical disease leading to profound disfiguring causing socio economic burden in the tropics. Current diagnosis strategies available during field surveys and epidemics are based on traditional microscopic detections and a few antigen/antibody assays. We have compared different sampling methodologies and standardized the highly sensitive and reliable rWbSXP-1 antigen detection assay to our new sampling methodology. Methodology Samples collected as serum, whole blood, whole blood on filter paper and whole blood on microscopic slides from patients belonging to various clinical groups of filariasis [endemic normal(EN), chronic pathology(CP), microfilaraemic(MF) and non-endemic normal(NEN)] were collected and standardized the rWbSXP-1 antigen detection assay using monoclonal antibody raised against rWbSXP-1 protein. The whole blood collected on microscopic slide based sampling method was employed in the field and the presence of circulating filarial antigen (CFA) was assessed using the rWbSXP-1 assay. Principal Findings The sampling methods were compared and no significant difference was observed for the detection of CFA (MF, P = 0.304, EN, P = 0.675, CP, P = 0.5698, NEN, P = 0.4494). Further the optimized sampling method was utilized to collect the 1106 samples from Polur, Tiruvannamalai. The rWbSXP-1 assay gave 98 antigen positive results whereas the microscopic method gave only 17. Conclusions Four sampling methodologies were analyzed and the new sampling methodology of whole blood collected on microscopic slide was found to be convenient for the detection of CFA using rWbSXP-1 antigen detection assay. The 1106 samples from Polur were collected using the new method. The rWbSXP-1 antigen assay perceived a 7.32% increased result which was read as false negatives on the conventional microscopic staining method. This new sampling methodology coupled with the rWbSXP-1 antigen assay can be used in epidemiological surveys for lymphatic filariasis and the same sampling methodology can be expanded to other antigen based high affinity assays.
Under the Influence: Pay-Offs to Legislative Support Parties under Minority Governments

Abstract Previous studies show that in multiparty systems the formation of minority governments can be a rational choice. To ensure survival and policy implementation, minority governments make concessions to non-cabinet parties. In this study, we empirically analyse the pay-offs given to support parties under minority governments. We argue that the content of support agreements is conditioned by support party type. Results are based on a two-stage empirical investigation: a text analysis of 10 explicit support arrangements for minority governments in Romania and a within-case comparison of two Romanian minority cabinets with different support arrangements. We employ an original data set of support agreements and elite interviews with former minority cabinet members. We empirically confirm that ethno-regional parties are mostly policy-seeking and target benefits for their specific groups. In contrast, mainstream parties make stronger claims for office distribution. The analysis challenges the widespread understanding that all support parties are mostly policy-seeking.