Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Hidden Markov model analysis reveals the advantage of analytic 1 eye movement patterns in face recognition across cultures 2

27 It remains controversial whether culture modulates eye movement behavior in 28 face recognition. Inconsistent results have been reported regarding whether cultural 29 differences in eye movement patterns exist, whether these differences affect 30 recognition performance, and whether participants use similar eye movement patterns 31 when viewing faces from different ethnicities. These inconsistencies may be due to 32 substantial individual differences in eye movement patterns within a cultural group. 33 Here we addressed this issue by conducting individual-level eye movement data 34 analysis using hidden Markov models (HMMs). Each individual’s eye movements 35 were modeled with an HMM. We clustered the individual HMMs according to their 36 similarities and discovered three common patterns in both Asian and Caucasian 37 participants: holistic (looking mostly at the face center), left-eye-biased analytic 38 (looking mostly at the two individual eyes in addition to the face center with a slight 39 bias to the left eye), and right-eye-based analytic (looking mostly at the right eye in 40 addition to the face center ). The frequency of participants adopting the three patterns 41 did not differ significantly between Asians and Caucasians, suggesting little 42 modulation from culture. Significantly more participants (75%) showed similar eye 43 movement patterns when viewing ownand other-race faces than different patterns. 44 Most importantly, participants with left-eye-biased analytic patterns performed 45 significantly better than those using either holistic or right-eye-biased analytic 46 patterns. These results suggest that active retrieval of facial feature information 47 through an analytic eye movement pattern may be optimal for face recognition 48 regardless of culture. 49 50
Relationship between food waste, diet quality, and environmental sustainability

Improving diet quality while simultaneously reducing environmental impact is a critical focus globally. Metrics linking diet quality and sustainability have typically focused on a limited suite of indicators, and have not included food waste. To address this important research gap, we examine the relationship between food waste, diet quality, nutrient waste, and multiple measures of sustainability: use of cropland, irrigation water, pesticides, and fertilizers. Data on food intake, food waste, and application rates of agricultural amendments were collected from diverse US government sources. Diet quality was assessed using the Healthy Eating Index-2015. A biophysical simulation model was used to estimate the amount of cropland associated with wasted food. This analysis finds that US consumers wasted 422g of food per person daily, with 30 million acres of cropland used to produce this food every year. This accounts for 30% of daily calories available for consumption, one-quarter of daily food (by weight) available for consumption, and 7% of annual cropland acreage. Higher quality diets were associated with greater amounts of food waste and greater amounts of wasted irrigation water and pesticides, but less cropland waste. This is largely due to fruits and vegetables, which are health-promoting and require small amounts of cropland, but require substantial amounts of agricultural inputs. These results suggest that simultaneous efforts to improve diet quality and reduce food waste are necessary. Increasing consumers’ knowledge about how to prepare and store fruits and vegetables will be one of the practical solutions to reducing food waste.
A Study of Acoustically Activated Nanodroplets

A STUDY OF ACOUSTICALLY ACTIVATED NANODROPLETS Songita Choudhury, Ph.D. University of Nebraska, 2018 Supervisor: Thomas R. Porter, M.D. Current treatment of acute myocardial infarction (AMI), which is the main pathophysiological event leading to death in the United States, has advanced considerably with the introduction of emergent percutaneous interventions, but there remains an urgent need for novel techniques to rapidly and accurately detect infarcted or ischemic tissue that results from AMI. Ultrasound contrast agents, also known as microbubbles (MB), have become commonplace in echocardiography. However, MBs are purely intravascular tracers and unable to cross endothelial barriers due to size. The limitations of MBs, namely size and short circulation times within the human body, led to the development of phase-change agents (PCA) or nanodroplets (ND). The size and stability of NDs introduced potential for development of applications that extend into the extravascular space. In this dissertation, we presented a novel method for detection and quantification of the infarct zone after AMI through the delayed contrast enhancement of a PCA. The first study characterized the properties of a ND formed from a MB precursor before in vitro and in vivo experiments were performed to understand the acoustic behavior of the particle. The results from this study demonstrated that a significant population of NDs < 250 nm in size could be formulated, and a commercial ultrasound system could be utilized to activate and visualize the PCA. The NDs also had significantly different acoustic behavior than their precursor.
Genome-Wide Association Study of Cadmium Accumulation at the Seedling Stage in Rapeseed (Brassica napus L.)

Cadmium is a potentially toxic heavy metal to human health. Rapeseed (Brassica napus L.), a vegetable and oilseed crop, might also be a Cd hyperaccumulator, but there is little information on this trait in rapeseed. We evaluated Cd accumulation in different oilseed accessions and employed a genome-wide association study to identify quantitative trait loci (QTLs) related to Cd accumulation. A total of 419 B. napus accessions and inbred lines were genotyped with a 60K Illumina Infinium SNP array of Brassica. Wide genotypic variations in Cd concentration and translocation were found. Twenty-five QTLs integrated with 98 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) located at 15 chromosomes were associated with Cd accumulation traits. These QTLs explained 3.49–7.57% of the phenotypic variation observed. Thirty-two candidate genes were identified in these genomic regions, and they were 0.33–497.97 kb away from the SNPs. We found orthologs of Arabidopsis thaliana located near the significant SNPs on the B. napus genome, including NRAMP6 (natural resistance-associated macrophage protein 6), IRT1 (iron-regulated transporter 1), CAD1 (cadmium-sensitive 1), and PCS2 (phytochelatin synthase 2). Of them, four candidate genes were verified by qRT-PCR, the expression levels of which were significantly higher after exposure to Cd than in the controls. Our results might facilitate the study of the genetic basis of Cd accumulation and the cloning of candidate Cd accumulation genes, which could be used to help reduce Cd levels in edible plant parts and/or create more efficient hyperaccumulators.
Site-selective measurement of coupled spin pairs in an organic semiconductor

Significance Pairs of spins in molecular materials have attracted significant interest as intermediates in photovoltaic devices and light-emitting diodes. However, isolating the local spin and electronic environments of such intermediates has proved challenging due to the complex structures in which they reside. Here we show how exchange coupling can be used to select and characterize multiple coexisting pairs, enabling joint measurement of their exchange interactions and optical profiles. We apply this to spin-1 pairs formed by photon absorption whose coupling gives rise to total-spin S=0,1 and 2-pair configurations with drastically different properties. This presents a way of identifying the molecular conformations involved in spin-pair processes and generating design rules for more effective use of interacting spins. From organic electronics to biological systems, understanding the role of intermolecular interactions between spin pairs is a key challenge. Here we show how such pairs can be selectively addressed with combined spin and optical sensitivity. We demonstrate this for bound pairs of spin-triplet excitations formed by singlet fission, with direct applicability across a wide range of synthetic and biological systems. We show that the site sensitivity of exchange coupling allows distinct triplet pairs to be resonantly addressed at different magnetic fields, tuning them between optically bright singlet (S=0) and dark triplet quintet (S=1,2) configurations: This induces narrow holes in a broad optical emission spectrum, uncovering exchange-specific luminescence. Using fields up to 60 T, we identify three distinct triplet-pair sites, with exchange couplings varying over an order of magnitude (0.3–5 meV), each with its own luminescence spectrum, coexisting in a single material. Our results reveal how site selectivity can be achieved for organic spin pairs in a broad range of systems.
Can the tea tree oil (Australian native plant: Melaleuca alternifolia Cheel) be an alternative treatment for human demodicosis on skin?

Abstract Australian tea tree oil (TTO) and its extract terpinen-4-ol (T4O) are found to be effective in moderating demodex-related diseases. Their possible effects are lowering the mite counts, relieving the demodex-related symptoms and modulating the immune system especially the inflammatory response. This review summarizes the topical treatments of TTO and T4O in human demodicosis, their possible mechanism of actions, side-effects and potential resistance in treating this condition. Although current treatments other than TTO and T4O are relatively effective in controlling the demodex mite population and the related symptoms, more research on the efficacy and drug delivery technology is needed in order to assess its potential as an alternative treatment with minimal side-effect profile, low toxicity and low risk of demodex resistance.
Impact of intracranial extension on survival in stage IV nasopharyngeal carcinoma: identification of a subset of patients with better prognosis.

OBJECTIVE T-stage is an imperfect prognostic indicator for patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma. We evaluated the effect of extent of intracranial involvement on survival after conventional radiotherapy in patients with Stage T4 nasopharyngeal carcinoma. METHODS We conducted a retrospective analysis of the results of computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging and treatment outcomes in 84 consecutive patients with Stage T4 nasopharyngeal carcinoma during the period September 1993 to December 2002 in Taiwan. The patients were subcategorized into those who had limited intracranial involvement (primary nasopharyngeal tumors with involvement of the unilateral cavernous sinus or the parasellar region only) or extensive involvement (extension of the tumors to the bilateral cavernous sinus or the parasellar region, into the orbit and the ethmoid sinus anteriorly, or to the prepontine region and the posterior cranial fossa). RESULTS Extensive intracranial involvement was found in 51.2% of the patients. Among these patients, the 5-year rate of overall survival after conventional radiotherapy was only 3.4%. In contrast, the 5-year survival among patients with limited intracranial involvement was 42.9%. This difference was significant (P < 0.001). In the multivariate analysis, extensive intracranial involvement, advanced age and a nodal status of N3 correlated with poor overall survival (all P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Among patients with T4 nasopharyngeal carcinoma, better treatment outcomes were associated with limited intracranial involvement. We conclude that a subdivision of Stage T4 nasopharyngeal carcinoma disease based on the extent of intracranial involvement would provide better prognostic information.
Helicobacter Pylori vacA Gene Detection in Saliva of Patients with Upper Gastrointestinal Disorders in Accra, Ghana

Helicobacter pylori play an essential role in the pathogenesis of upper gastrointestinal disorders. The diagnostic role of the bacterium thus has been a subject of intense investigations. In this study we used an immune-chromatographic method and the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect H. pylori in the saliva of patients with clinically diagnosed upper gastrointestinal disorders. Thirty such patients reporting to the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital (Accra, Ghana) for upper gastrointestinal endoscopy consented for this study. Saliva samples were collected from each subject and analysed for H. pylori antibodies using a rapid immuno-chromatographic assay and H. pylori DNA by nested PCR using specific primers. Ten (33.3%) out of the 30 samples tested positive for the saliva antibody test with the most prevalent gastrointestinal disorders among the positive subjects being peptic ulcer (60%) followed by gastritis (30%) and esophagitis (10%). Following nested PCR analysis, a 346bp fragment of the vacA (m2) gene region of H. pylori was amplified in 9 (90%) out the 10 samples that were positive by the rapid immuno-chromatographic assay. Saliva samples could serve as a reliable non-invasive alternative to detect the presence of H. pylori infection in synergy with available diagnostic methods in Ghana.
The relationship between psychopathology, psychosocial adjustment, social support and quality of life in multiple sclerosis

Objectives: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease which affects physical,psychological and social functioning of patients. In this study we aim to indicate psychiatric comorbidity, some psychosocial factors and their associations with quality of life in patients with MS. Methods: A total of 227 patients underwent psychiatric examination and the following scales were applied: Socio-demographic data form, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life-54 (MSQOL-54), Psychosocial Adjustment to Illness Scale-Self report (PAIS-SR) and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS). Results: Among 227 patients with MS, 67.8% (n = 154) had psychiatric diagnosis; 24.2% (n = 55) had depression,19.8% (n = 45) had adjustment disorder, 14.9% (n = 34) had anxiety disorder, 7.1% (n=16) had dysthymic disorder and 1.8% (n = 4) had bipolar disorder. Patients with a psychiatric diagnosis had lower scores in role limitations due to emotional problems, emotional well-being, health perceptions, social function, cognitive function, health distress and mental health composite of MSQOL-54. PAIS-SR and MSPSS scores were significantly lower in MS patients with a psychiatric diagnosis. PAIS-SR scores were negatively correlated with role limitations-emotional, emotional well-being, social function, sexual function, satisfaction with sexual function, physical health composite and mental health composite scores of MSQOL-54. MSPSS total score was positively correlated with emotional well-being score of MSQOL-54. Conclusions: In MS patients, there is a high prevalence of psychopathology and it is associated with quality of life, perceived social support and psychosocial adjustment of the patients. Quality of life is reduced especially in emotional and mental aspects in patients with a psychiatric diagnosis. Diagnosis and treatment of psychopathology in MS patients seems crucial to decrease disease burden.
RANGER-DTL 2.0: rigorous reconstruction of gene-family evolution by duplication, transfer and loss

Abstract Summary RANGER-DTL 2.0 is a software program for inferring gene family evolution using Duplication-Transfer-Loss reconciliation. This new software is highly scalable and easy to use, and offers many new features not currently available in any other reconciliation program. RANGER-DTL 2.0 has a particular focus on reconciliation accuracy and can account for many sources of reconciliation uncertainty including uncertain gene tree rooting, gene tree topological uncertainty, multiple optimal reconciliations and alternative event cost assignments. RANGER-DTL 2.0 is open-source and written in C++ and Python. Availability and implementation Pre-compiled executables, source code (open-source under GNU GPL) and a detailed manual are freely available from http://compbio.engr. uconn.edu/software/RANGER-DTL/. Supplementary information Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Order Protection through Delayed Messaging

Several financial exchanges (e.g., IEX and NYSE American) recently introduced messaging delays to protect ordinary investors from high-frequency traders who exploit stale orders. To capture the impact of such delays, we propose a simple parametric model of the continuous double auction market format. The model examines the dynamics of midpoint pegged order queues and finds their steady states. It shows how messaging delays can protect pegged orders and improve investor welfare, but typically increase queuing costs. Recently available field data show that the empirical distribution of queued pegged orders is highly leptokurtotic and resembles the discrete Laplace distribution predicted by the model. This paper was accepted by Haoxiang Zhu, finance.
How big is that cookie ?

Integral geometry studies the link between expectation of random variables and geometrical quantities like length, area or curvature. This thesis focuses on how expectation of random variables can be used to define reasonable notions of geometrical size. The simple idea of looking at the shadow when a compact convex body in R is orthogonally projected onto a random k-dimensional subspace will generate a collection of “continuous invariant valuations”. A theorem of Hadwiger concludes that this collection spans the vector space of all continuous invariant valuations, and thus integral geometry elegantly provides a complete description about the size of a compact convex body. Furthermore, some of these valuations turn out to be extensions of familiar geometrical concepts like surface area, but escape the typically required continuity or smoothness conditions and offer an alternative interpretation of these concepts. In choosing a k-dimensional subspace at random, one needs to specify a probability measure that is “invariant under the symmetries of Euclidean space” so that the size of an object is unchanged after it is displaced by a Euclidean motion. We explore the possibility of imposing measures without such restrictions to obtain new kinds of geometries, and perform this exploration on a generic smooth manifold. Finally, we look at how a variant of the integral geometric ideas explored permits the study of geometrical quantities of a different flavor: various forms of curvature. Harvard University 2015 Barry Jia Hao Tng Advisor: Oliver Knill
Validity, Reliability, Feasibility, and Usefulness of Pain Monitor: A Multidimensional Smartphone App for Daily Monitoring of Adults With Heterogenous Chronic Pain

Objectives: Ecological momentary assessment has been recommended in the management of chronic pain. Smartphone apps might be a useful tool for that purpose. This goal of this study was to develop and test a multidimensional smartphone app for adults with chronic pain. A multidisciplinary team developed the app content after a series of meetings, considering clinical guidelines for pain measurement. The content included pain intensity and interference, fatigue, mood, perceived health status, activity level, side effects of the medication, use of rescue medication, and pain-related sychological constructs (catastrophizing, acceptance, fear, and coping). Methods: Thirty-eight participants (21 to 59 y) used the app, called Pain Monitor, twice a day during 30 consecutive days. Patients completed a set of well-established measures at the beginning and end of the study via paper-and-pencil. Weekly phone assessments were also made for pain intensity, pain interference, fatigue, and mood. Results: Construct validity was revealed by moderate-to-strong correlations between app content and traditional measures. Feasibility was supported by high compliance (between 70% and 82%) and high acceptability and ease of use. Both side effects of the medication and use of rescue medication were found to be useful tools to guide treatment. Discussion: The new assessment protocol in the app allows for an easy and rapid multidimensional assessment of chronic pain patients.
Only look once, mining distinctive landmarks from ConvNet for visual place recognition

Recently, image representations derived from Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) have been demonstrated to achieve impressive performance on a wide variety of tasks, including place recognition. In this paper, we take a step deeper into the internal structure of CNNs and propose novel CNN-based image features for place recognition by identifying salient regions and creating their regional representations directly from the convolutional layer activations. A range of experiments is conducted on challenging datasets with varied conditions and viewpoints. These reveal superior precision-recall characteristics and robustness against both viewpoint and appearance variations for the proposed approach over the state of the art. By analyzing the feature encoding process of our approach, we provide insights into what makes an image presentation robust against external variations.
(1+ Є)-approximation for facility location in data streams

@ space. Our PTAS is significantly faster than any previously known (1 + e)-approximation algorithm for the problem, and is also relatively simple. Our algorithm for dynamic geometric data streams is the first (1 + e)-approximation algorithm for the cost of the facility location problem with polylogarithmic space, and it resolves an open problem in the streaming area. Both algorithms are based on a novel and simple decomposition of an input point set P into small subsets Pi, such that: • the cost of solving the facility location problem for each Pi is small (which means that for each Pi one needs to open only a small, polylogarithmic number of facilities), •
Adaptive variability to low-pH river discharges inAcartia tonsaand stress responses to highPCO2conditions

Environmental transitions leading to spatial physical–chemical gradients are of ecological and evolutionary interest because they are able to induce variations in phenotypic plasticity. Thus, the adaptive variability to low-pH river discharges may drive divergent stress responses [ingestion rates (IR) and expression of stress-related genes such as Heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) and Ferritin] in the neritic copepod Acartia tonsa facing changes in the marine chemistry associated to ocean acidification (OA). These responses were tested in copepod populations inhabiting two environments with contrasting carbonate system parameters (an estuarine versus coastal area) in the Southern Pacific Ocean, and assessing an in situ and 96-h experimental incubation under conditions of high pressure of CO2 (PCO2 1200 ppm). Adaptive variability was a determining factor in driving variability of copepods’ responses. Thus, the food-rich but colder and corrosive estuary induced a traits trade-off expressed as depressed IR under in situ conditions. However, this experience allowed these copepods to tolerate further exposure to high PCO2 levels better, as their IRs were on average 43% higher than those of the coastal individuals. Indeed, expression of both the Hsp70 and Ferritin genes in coastal copepods was significantly higher after acclimation to high PCO2 conditions. Along with other recent evidence, our findings confirm that adaptation to local fluctuations in seawater pH seems to play a significant role in the response of planktonic populations to OA-associated conditions. Facing the environmental threat represented by the inter-play between multiple drivers of climate change, this biological feature should be examined in detail as a potential tool for risk mitigation policies in coastal management arrangements.