Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Processing Facial Emotions: An EEG Study of the Differences between Conservatives and Liberals and Across Political Participation

Behavioral differences have been reported between conservatives and liberals when categorizing facial expressions, yet no study explores potential differences in the manner in which the two groups process facial expressions, let alone how partisanship contributes or how political engagement may vary with brain processing of facial expressions. In this context, processing refers to brain patterns following exposure to a facial expression and participants' subsequent attention to the presented facial expressions. This thesis addresses the question of whether political temperament is associated with differences in neural processing. Research subjects participated in an emotion discrimination task while event-related potentials (ERP) were captured in order to explore the neurological processing similarities and differences between conservatives and liberals (also by accounting for partisanship), and those with varying levels of participation, in response to the facial expressions of fear, happiness, anger, disgust, and no emotion (neutral). The findings suggest that, for the P2 component, compared to liberals, conservatives process facial emotions more rapidly but only for particular categories of emotion. When including partisanship in a model, more pronounced differences emerge, with ideology emerging as a factor that captures facial processing differences irrespective of emotion. In terms of participation, those who tend to participate less have higher P1 amplitudes, indicating large cognitive resources spent to process facial information, and also tend to have higher cortisol levels. Introduction The brain is an important frontier for political science research. Although it is often not understood as such, the brain is central to the dispute over whether, where, when, and how genes and the environment interact or, at times, impinge one another when it comes to people's political attitudes and behaviors. To put it bluntly, the brain is the powerhouse for all individual political attitudes and behaviors—the brain is responsible for all behaviors, many of which occur outside the realm of consciousness (Gazzaniga, 2009; Gazzaniga, 2011). The brain bears the imprints of many forces and it is incontrovertible that the brain and its activity is an outgrowth of genes, the environment, the interaction between genes, and the interaction between genes and the entity composed of intricate functions, structures, and mechanisms and is influenced by the interactions of genes and the environment.
Young people who self-harm.

BACKGROUND Self-harm among young people in the UK is possibly increasing but little is known about the reasons young people give for cessation and their link with gender or employment status. AIMS To investigate self-harm in young people, prevalence, methods used, motivations for starting and ceasing, service use, and how these are related to gender, parental social class and current labour market position. METHOD Population-based survey of 1258 18- to 20-year-olds living in the Central Clydeside Conurbation, Scotland. RESULTS Both past and current rates of self-harm were highest among those outside the labour market. This group was most likely to want to kill themselves and did not cite specialist mental health services as helpful in ceasing self-harm. Those in full-time education more often self-harmed for a brief time, mainly to reduce anxiety. CONCLUSIONS Current labour market position was a stronger predictor than parental social class or gender for self-harm, and was linked to level of severity, motivation for starting and ceasing, and service utilisation.
Efficacy and Safety of Corneal Transplantation Using Corneas from Foreign Donors versus Domestic Donors: A Prospective, Randomized, Controlled Trial

Purpose. To assess the efficacy and safety of corneal transplantation using corneas from foreign donors. Methods. One hundred and eight patients needing therapeutic penetrating keratoplasty were randomly divided into 2 groups (54 cases/group): foreign group using foreign donor corneas and domestic group using domestic donor corneas. Clinical outcome and incidence of postoperative complications were compared between groups. Results. No significant difference with respect to the therapeutic outcome and postoperative Best Corrected Visual Acuity (BCVA) and neovascularization by final follow-up was observed between the two groups. The graft thickness in the foreign group was statistically higher than the domestic group at 1 month postoperatively, but not at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. Corneal endothelial cell density in the domestic group was statistically higher than in the foreign group at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. Corneal epithelial abnormalities in the foreign group were significantly higher than that in domestic group. The primary graft failure, incidence of graft survival, and postoperative complications such as immunologic rejection, graft infection, and secondary glaucoma were not significantly different between the two groups. Conclusions. Corneal transplantations using foreign donor corneas are as effective and safe as those using domestic donor corneas.
Adaptive block-based light field coding

A compression scheme is presented that has been designed to e ciently code light elds. Based on video compression techniques, the light eld image array is divided into image blocks. Di erent block-coding modes have been devised to exploit redundancy between images over a wide range of target bit rates. Prediction from multiple reference images further enhance coding e ciency. Rate-constrained mode selection is accomplished by employing Lagrangian optimization. The coder's operational ratedistortion performance is evaluated using di erent light elds. Depending on lighteld scene characteristics and reconstruction quality, compression ratios up to 1000:1 are achieved.
Testing the cosmological principle of isotropy: Local power spectrum estimates of the WMAP data

We apply the Gabor transform methodology proposed in (Hansen et al. 2002, 2003) to the WMAP data in order to test the statistical properties of the CMB fluctuation field and specifically to evaluate the fundamental assumption of cosmological isotropy. In particular, we apply the transform with several apodisation scales, thus allowing the determination of the positional dependence of the angular power spectrum with either high spatial localisation or high angular resolution (ie. narrow bins in multipole space). Practically, this implies that we estimate the angular power spectrum locally in discs of various sizes positioned in different directions: small discs allow the greatest sensitivity to positional dependence, whereas larger discs allow greater sensitivity to variations over different angular scales. In addition, we determine whether the spatial position of a few outliers in the angular power spectrum could suggest the presence of residual foregrounds or systematic effects. For multipoles close to the first peak, the most deviant local estimates from the best fit WMAP model are associated with a few particular areas close to the Galactic plane. Such deviations also include the “dent” in the spectrum just shortward of the first peak which was remarked upon by the WMAP team. Estimating the angular power spectrum excluding these areas gives a slightly higher first Doppler peak amplitude. Finally, we probe the isotropy of the largest angular scales by estimating the power spectrum on hemispheres and reconfirm strong indications of a north-south asymmetry previously reported by other authors. Indeed, there is a remarkable lack of power in a region associated with the north ecliptic pole. With the greater fidelity in l-space allowed by this larger sky coverage, we find tentative evidence for residual foregrounds in the range l = 2 4, which could be associated with the low measured quadrupole amplitudes and other anomalies on these angular scales (eg. planarity and alignment). However, over the range l = 5 40 the observed asymmetry is much harder to explain in terms of residual foregrounds and known systematic effects. By reorienting the coordinate axes, we partition the sky into different hemispheres and search for the reference frame which maximises the asymmetric distribution of power. The north pole for this coordinate frame is found to intersect the sphere at (80 ◦ ,57 ◦ ) in Galactic co-latitude and longitude over almost the entire multipole range l = 5 40. Furthermore, the strong negative outlier at l = 21 and the strong positive outlier at l = 39 as determined from the global power spectrum by the WMAP team, are found to be associated with the northern and southern hemispheres respectively (in this frame of maximum asymmetry). Thus, these two outliers follow the general tendency of the multipoles l = 5 40 to be of systematically lower amplitude in the north and higher in the south. Such asymmetric distributions of power on the sky provide a serious test for the cosmological principle of isotropy.
Microtubule-Depolymerizing Kinesin KLP10A Restricts the Length of the Acentrosomal Meiotic Spindle in Drosophila Females

During cell division, a bipolar array of microtubules forms the spindle through which the forces required for chromosome segregation are transmitted. Interestingly, the spindle as a whole is stable enough to support these forces even though it is composed of dynamic microtubules, which are constantly undergoing periods of growth and shrinkage. Indeed, the regulation of microtubule dynamics is essential to the integrity and function of the spindle. We show here that a member of an important class of microtubule-depolymerizing kinesins, KLP10A, is required for the proper organization of the acentrosomal meiotic spindle in Drosophila melanogaster oocytes. In the absence of KLP10A, microtubule length is not controlled, resulting in extraordinarily long and disorganized spindles. In addition, the interactions between chromosomes and spindle microtubules are disturbed and can result in the loss of contact. These results indicate that the regulation of microtubule dynamics through KLP10A plays a critical role in restricting the length and maintaining bipolarity of the acentrosomal meiotic spindle and in promoting the contacts that the chromosomes make with microtubules required for meiosis I segregation.
The Influence of Social Networking Photos on Social Norms and Sexual Health Behaviors

Two studies tested whether online social networking technologies influence health behavioral social norms, and in turn, personal health behavioral intentions. In Study 1, experimental participants browsed peers' Facebook photos on a college network with a low prevalence of sexually suggestive content. Participants estimated the percentage of their peers who have sex without condoms, and rated their own future intentions to use condoms. Experimental participants, compared to controls who did not view photos, estimated that a larger percentage of their peers use condoms, and indicated a greater intention to use condoms themselves in the future. In Study 2, participants were randomly assigned to view sexually suggestive or nonsexually suggestive Facebook photos, and responded to sexual risk behavioral questions. Compared to participants viewing nonsuggestive photos, those who viewed sexually suggestive Facebook photos estimated that a larger percentage of their peers have unprotected sexual intercourse and sex with strangers and were more likely to report that they themselves would engage in these behaviors. Thus, online social networks can influence perceptions of the peer prevalence of sexual risk behaviors, and can influence users' own intentions with regard to such behaviors. These studies suggest the potential power of social networks to affect health behaviors by altering perceptions of peer norms.
Alexithymia: a relevant psychological variable in near-fatal asthma

Alexithymia is a psychological trait characterised by difficulty in perceiving and expressing emotions and body sensations. Failure to perceive dyspnoea could lead alexithymic asthmatics to underestimate the severity of an asthma exacerbation, and thereby increase the risk of developing a fatal or near-fatal asthma (NFA) attack. The objective of the present study was to determine the prevalence of alexithymia in NFA patients and to analyse their clinical characteristics. Alexithymia was assessed using the Toronto Alexithymia Scale in this multicentric prospective observational study. From 33 Spanish hospitals, 179 NFA patients and 40 non-NFA patients, as a control group, were enrolled. There was a higher proportion of alexithymia in the NFA group than in the non-NFA group (36 versus 13%). Patients with NFA and alexithymia were older than the rest of the NFA group, and had a lower level of education, a higher level of psychiatric morbidity, a higher proportion of severe persistent asthma and a greater number of prior very severe asthma exacerbations (49 versus 27%). Alexithymia, severe persistent asthma and a low level of education were identified as independent variables related to repeated very severe asthma exacerbations. The results show that alexithymia is more frequent in near-fatal asthma patients compared to the rest of asthmatics and is associated with recurrent very severe asthma exacerbations.
A Population Dynamics Analysis of the Interaction between Adaptive Regulatory T Cells and Antigen Presenting Cells

Background Regulatory T cells are central actors in the maintenance of tolerance of self-antigens or allergens and in the regulation of the intensity of the immune response during infections by pathogens. An understanding of the network of the interaction between regulatory T cells, antigen presenting cells and effector T cells is starting to emerge. Dynamical systems analysis can help to understand the dynamical properties of an interaction network and can shed light on the different tasks that can be accomplished by a network. Methodology and Principal Findings We used a mathematical model to describe a interaction network of adaptive regulatory T cells, in which mature precursor T cells may differentiate into either adaptive regulatory T cells or effector T cells, depending on the activation state of the cell by which the antigen was presented. Using an equilibrium analysis of the mathematical model we show that, for some parameters, the network has two stable equilibrium states: one in which effector T cells are strongly regulated by regulatory T cells and another in which effector T cells are not regulated because the regulatory T cell population is vanishingly small. We then simulate different types of perturbations, such as the introduction of an antigen into a virgin system, and look at the state into which the system falls. We find that whether or not the interaction network switches from the regulated (tolerant) state to the unregulated state depends on the strength of the antigenic stimulus and the state from which the network has been perturbed. Conclusion/Significance Our findings suggest that the interaction network studied in this paper plays an essential part in generating and maintaining tolerance against allergens and self-antigens.
A role for seipin in lipid droplet dynamics and inheritance in yeast

Malfunctions of processes involved in cellular lipid storage and mobilization induce the pathogenesis of prevalent human diseases such as obesity, type 2 diabetes and atherosclerosis. Lipid droplets are the main lipid storage depots for neutral lipids in eukaryotic cells, and as such fulfil an essential function to balance cellular lipid metabolism and energy homeostasis. Despite significant progress in identifying key metabolic enzymes involved in lipid storage and their regulation in various model organisms, some fundamental questions as to the biogenesis, subcellular distribution and inheritance of lipid droplets are as yet unsolved. In this study, we applied a set of imaging techniques such as high-resolution four-dimensional (4D) live-cell imaging, quantitative microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and electron tomography to gain insight into the spatio-temporal organization of lipid droplets during cellular growth in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. This analysis revealed a high level of organization of the subcellular positioning of lipid droplets in individual cells, their directed migration towards the cellular periphery and a coordinated transfer of a subpopulation of lipid droplets into daughter cells during cell division. Lipid droplets appear to remain associated with ER membranes during cellular growth independently of their size and subcellular localization. Deletion of FLD1, the functional orthologue of the human BSCL2 gene encoding seipin, leads to impaired dynamics of yeast lipid droplets and defective lipolysis, which might be due to aberrant ER structures in these mutants. Our data suggest a role for yeast seipin as a scaffolding protein that is required for the dynamics of a specific subdomain of the ER, and provide a new aspect for the interpretation of abnormal lipid droplets phenotypes in yeast mutants lacking seipin.
Formulation and Evaluation of Antibacterial Creams and Gels Containing Metal Ions for Topical Application

Background. Skin infections occur commonly and often present therapeutic challenges to practitioners due to the growing concerns regarding multidrug-resistant bacterial, viral, and fungal strains. The antimicrobial properties of zinc sulfate and copper sulfate are well known and have been investigated for many years. However, the synergistic activity between these two metal ions as antimicrobial ingredients has not been evaluated in topical formulations. Objective. The aims of the present study were to (1) formulate topical creams and gels containing zinc and copper alone or in combination and (2) evaluate the in vitro antibacterial activity of these metal ions in the formulations. Method. Formulation of the gels and creams was followed by evaluating their organoleptic characteristics, physicochemical properties, and in vitro antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Results. Zinc sulfate and copper sulfate had a strong synergistic antibacterial activity in the creams and gels. The minimum effective concentration was found to be 3 w/w% for both active ingredients against the two tested microorganisms. Conclusions. This study evaluated and confirmed the synergistic in vitro antibacterial effect of copper sulfate and zinc sulfate in a cream and two gels.
On image denoising methods

The search for efficient image denoising methods still is a valid challenge, at the crossing of functional analysis and statistics. In spite of the sophistication of the recently proposed methods, most algorithms have not yet attained a desirable level of applicability. All show an outstanding performance when the image model corresponds to the algorithm assumptions, but fail in general and create artifacts or remove image fine structures. The main focus of this paper is, first, to define a general mathematical and experimental methodology to compare and classify classical image denoising algorithms, second, to propose an algorithm (Non Local Means) addressing the preservation of structure in a digital image. The mathematical analysis is based on the analysis of the “method noise”, defined as the difference between a digital image and its denoised version. The NL-means algorithm is also proven to be asymptotically optimal under a generic statistical image model. The denoising performance of all considered methods are compared in four ways ; mathematical: asymptotic order of magnitude of the method noise under regularity assumptions; perceptual-mathematical: the algorithms artifacts and their explanation as a violation of the image model; quantitative experimental: by tables of L distances of the denoised version to the original image. The most powerful evaluation method seems, however, to be the visualization of the method noise on natural images. The more this method noise looks like a real white noise, the better the method.
Assessing early memories of youngsters born pre-term : a follow-up study

This study investigates early memories of birth of youngsters born preterm and, furthermore, it investigates to which extent these memories are correlated with the youngsters' mothers information about the same event. Fifteen youngsters median age 12 years (ranging from 9 to 14 years) are followed up and the youngsters' data presented in this paper are derived from interviews, narratives from a 10-picture-set, pulse rates measurements and a drawing session. The youngsters' mothers are also interviewed, separately, about their children's circumstances of birth. The overall results indicate no significant correlations between the mothers' and the youngsters' interviews which suggests that there are no transmitted memories of birth in our assessed sample. Few data from the youngsters' interviews are correlated with their own narratives which show little evidence of verbal memories of birth. The results do not indicate a sex effect on the youngsters' performance and they do not give any evidence that physiological responses (measurements of pulse rates) are significantly oscillating throughout the tasks, i.e., these youngsters did not respond differently, in terms of pre-verbal memories, to different stimuli concerning their circumstances of birth. The lack of evidence of pre-verbal (physiological) memory is in line with the result of poor indication of verbal memories of early event as well.
Transformational leadership and workplace injury and absenteeism: Analysis of a National Nursing Assistant Survey

Background: Transformational leadership (TL) has long been popular among management scholars and health services researchers, but no research studies have empirically tested the association of TL with workplace injuries and absenteeism among nursing assistants (NAs). Purpose: This cross-sectional study seeks to explore whether TL is associated with workplace injuries and absenteeism among NAs. Methodology: We analyzed the 2004 National Nursing Assistant Survey data (n = 2,882). A multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to test the role of TL in the context of workplace performances. Principal Findings: Results reveal that the TL model was positively linked to workplace injury in the level of NAs. Injury-related absenteeism was also associated with the TL style, indicating that TL behaviors may help address workplace absence among NAs. Practice Implications: Findings suggest that introducing TL practices may benefit NAs in improving workplace performances.
MU-MIMO channel emulator with automatic channel sounding feedback for IEEE 802.11ac

This paper proposes a 4×4 MU-MIMO channel emulator with automatic channel sounding feedback used for beam-forming and MU-MIMO precoding features of IEEE 802.11ac. The main contribution of this paper is the design of a MU-MIMO channel emulator capable of sending channel feedback automatically to the AP from the generated channel coefficients after a programmable time duration. This function helps to evaluate the precoding algorithms without channel estimation error and uses very minimal MAC features. The second contribution is the design of single path implementation with serial processing which plays an important role on reducing the hardware complexity. The design choice makes it possible to generate channel coefficients for very high sampling rate systems with little increase in complexity. In addition, single path implementation allows the addition of the feedback channel output with only few additional nonsequential elements which would otherwise double in a parallel implementation. To demonstrate the functionality of our MU-MIMO channel emulator, we present actual hardware emulator results of precoded receive signal constellation on oscilloscope.