Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Explicit and Incidental Facial Expression Processing: An fMRI Study

Considerable evidence indicates that processing facial expression involves both subcortical (amygdala and basal ganglia) and cortical (occipito-temporal, orbitofrontal, and prefrontal cortex) structures. However, the specificity of these regions for single types of emotions and for the cognitive demands of expression processing, is still unclear. This functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study investigated the neural correlates of incidental and explicit processing of the emotional content of faces expressing either disgust or happiness. Subjects were examined while they were viewing neutral, disgusted, or happy faces. The incidental task required subjects to decide about face gender, the explicit task to decide about face expression. In the control task subjects were requested to detect a white square in a greyscale mosaic stimulus. Results showed that the left inferior frontal cortex and the bilateral occipito-temporal junction responded equally to all face conditions. Several cortical and subcortical regions were modulated by task type, and by facial expression. Right neostriatum and left amygdala were activated when subjects made explicit judgements of disgust, bilateral orbitofrontal cortex when they made judgement of happiness, and right frontal and insular cortex when they made judgements about any emotion.
Amino acids in comets and meteorites: stability under gamma radiation and preservation of the enantiomeric excess

Amino acids in Solar system bodies may have played a key role in the chemistry that led to the origin of life on Earth. We present laboratory studies testing the stability of amino acids against high energy radiation. All the 20 chiral amino acids in the levo form found in the proteins of the current terrestrial biochemistry were irradiated in the solid state with γ-radiation to a dose of 3.2 MGy, which is the dose equivalent to that produced by radionuclide decay in comets and asteroids in 1.05 x 10 9 yr. For each amino acid the radiolysis degree and the radioracemization degree were measured by differential scanning calorimetry and by optical rotatory dispersion spectroscopy. From these measurements, a radiolysis rate constant k dsc and a radioracemization rate constant k rac were determined for each amino acid and extrapolated to a dose of 14 MGy, which corresponds to the expected total dose delivered by natural radionuclide decay to all the organic molecules present in comets and asteroids in 4.6 x 10 9 yr, the age of the Solar system. It is shown that all the amino acids studied can survive a radiation dose of 14 MGy, although certain fractions of them are lost as a result of radiolytic processes. Similarly, the radioracemization process accompanying the radiolysis does not extinguish the initial enantiomeric enrichment. Knowledge of the radiolysis and radioracemization rate constants may permit the calculation of the original concentrations of the amino acids at the time of the formation of the Solar system, starting from the concentration found today in carbonaceous chondrites. For some amino acids the concentration in the pre-solar nebula could have been up to 6 times higher than that currently observed in meteorites. The preservation of an original enatiomeric excess is also expected. This study adds experimental support to the suggestion that amino acids were formed in the interstellar medium and in chiral excess and then were incorporated into comets and asteroids at the epoch of Solar system formation.
National Prevalence of Asthma and Chemical Hypersensitivity: An Examination of Potential Overlap

Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate the linkage between asthma and chemical hypersensitivity. Methods: The authors conducted a population study with a random sample of 1057 geographically weighted cases to determine the prevalence of both asthma and chemical hypersensitivity in the American population and to explore their co-occurrence. Results: A total of 14.1% of the respondents reported being diagnosed with asthma and 11.2% reported a hypersensitivity to chemicals. Of those with asthma, 27.2% also reported being hypersensitive to chemicals and 7.4% reported also being diagnosed with multiple chemical sensitivities (MCS). Of those diagnosed with MCS, 42% reported also being diagnosed with asthma. Additionally, 29.7% of those with asthma said air fresheners caused breathing difficulties, and 37.2% found scented products irritating. Conclusions: The results indicate that there is significant overlap between some forms of asthma and chemical hypersensitivity.
Scaling of tree vascular transport systems along gradients of nutrient supply and altitude

A recent metabolic scaling theory predicts that plants minimize resistance to hydraulic conduction in the bulk transport network by narrowing the diameter of xylem conduits distally. We hypothesized that trees growing at high altitude or on nutrient-depleted soils would prioritize survival over minimizing hydraulic resistance, and that their vascular systems would be structured differently from those of trees growing under more benign conditions. In fact, conduits were observed to narrow towards the periphery of vascular system within all 45 trees of three species we investigated, and scaling relationships were indistinguishable across a range of environments. Thus, conduit tapering relationships appear to be invariant with respect to environmental conditions.
Micron-scale assessment of molecular lipid organization in human stratum corneum using microprobe X-ray diffraction[S]

Lipid and protein components of the stratum corneum (SC) are organized in complex supramolecular arrangements. Exploring spatial relations between various possible substructures is important for understanding the barrier function of this uppermost layer of epidermis. Here, we report the first study where micro-focus X-ray scattering was used for assessing fine structural variations of the human skin barrier with micrometer resolution. We found that the scattering profiles were unchanged when scanning in the direction parallel to the SC surface. Furthermore, small-angle scattering profiles did not change as a function of depth in the SC, confirming that the lipid lamellar spacings remained the same throughout the SC. However, the wide-angle scattering data showed that the orthorhombic phase was more abundant in the middle layers of the SC, whereas the hexagonal phase dominated in the surface layers both at the external and the lowest part of the SC; i.e., the lipids were most tightly packed in the middle region of the SC. Taken together, our results demonstrate that microprobe X-ray diffraction provides abundant information about spatial variations of the SC lipid structure and thus may be a promising tool for assessing the effects of topical formulations on the barrier function of skin.
Abnormal Neuronal Migration Changes the Fate of Developing Neurons in the Postnatal Olfactory Bulb

Neuronal precursors are continuously integrated into the adult olfactory bulb (OB). The vast majority of these precursor cells originates from the subventricular zone and migrates along the rostral migratory stream (RMS) en route to the OB. This process, called postnatal neurogenesis, results from intricate pathways depending both on cell-autonomous factors and extrinsic regulation provided by the local environment. Using electroporation in postnatal mice to label neuronal precursors with green fluorescent protein (GFP) and to reduce the expression levels of doublecortin (DCX) with short-hairpin (Sh) RNA, we investigated the consequences of impairing migration on the fate of postnatal-formed neurons. First, we showed that electroporation of Dcx ShRNA plasmid efficiently knocks down the expression of DCX and disrupts cells migration along the RMS. Second, we found misplaced anomalous migrating cells that displayed defects in polarity and directionality. Third, patch-clamp recordings performed at 5–7 days post-electroporation (dpe) revealed increased density of voltage-dependent Na+ channels and enhanced responsiveness to GABAA receptor agonist. At later time points (i.e., 12 and 30 dpe), most of the Dcx ShRNA+ cells developed in the core of the OB and displayed aberrant dendritic length and branching. Additional analysis revealed the formation of GABAergic and glutamatergic synaptic inputs on the mispositioned neurons. Finally, quantifying fate determination by numbering the proportion of GFP+/calretinin+ newborn neurons revealed that Dcx ShRNA+ cells acquire mature phenotype despite their immature location. We conclude that altering the pace of migration at early stages of postnatal neurogenesis profoundly modifies the tightly orchestrated steps of neuronal maturation, and unveils the influence of microenvironment on controlling neuronal development in the postnatal forebrain.
Comparative pharmacokinetics of two extended half‐life FVIII concentrates (Eloctate and Adynovate) in adolescents with hemophilia A: Is there a difference?

Essentials The PK parameters of Eloctate vs Adynovate were compared using one‐stage and chromogenic assays in 25 boys (12‐18 years). The FVIII levels were taken at 3, 24, 48, and 72 hours following a dose of either FVIII; levels analyzed by WAPPS PK program. The PK profiles (half‐life, clearance, and time to 5%, 3%, and 1%) were not statistically different for the two EHL FVIIIs. The significant interpatient variability in PK is mainly related to VWF levels (and blood group).
Implicit learning shapes new conscious percepts and representations

basic postulate of implicit learning research is that performance improvement testifies to the acquisition of knowledge, and a large part of the literature in this area is devoted to the question of deciding whether or not this knowledge is implicit. Most authors argue that it is, thus admitting that implicit learning provides unconscious knowledge, at least in some sense. The papers in this issue by Dienes and Berry (1997; henceforth D&B) and Neal and Hesketh (1997; N&H) provide a new illustration of this dominant position. In contrast, some researchers (e.g., Perruchet & Pacteau, 1990) have been critical of this idea. They argue that the pieces of knowledge assumed to be implicit either are not necessary for performance or can be shown to be conscious when proper tests are administered (for a review, see Shanks & St. John, 1994). Our objective here is to continue beyond this critical view, by suggesting that the very question of the implicit or explicit nature of the knowledge that emerges from a learning episode may not be meaningful. We will present, first, the outlines of an alternative view of implicit learning (described in more detail in Perruchet & Gallego, in press, and Perruchet & Vinter, in press); then, we will show that this alternative view undermines the validity of the research aimed at providing positive or negative evidence for dissociations, whether between tasks or between processes. Implicit Knowledge as Optional Inference As pointed out by N&H, " virtually all information processing models appear to assume that complex forms of information processing occur outside of awareness " (p. 34). However, this is a tacit assumption, and the possibility that this mode of processing differs from the conscious one is not even discussed. Information processing models construe (unconscious) mental activities as mimicking the organization of our conscious modes of thought. In the same way that we solve a problem by performing intentional operations on explicit representations, the adaptive behavior that occurs outside awareness is assumed to be due to unconscious operations acting on implicit representations. Let us consider an example from auditory perception to illustrate that another view of mental life is possible. Humans are able to state the spatial orientation of a sound-emitting object, thanks to the processing of binaural cues. The binaural listener makes use of the physical differences in stimulation that arise between the two ears because of their separation in space. For instance, …
A Fast Multiscale Spatial Regularization for Sparse Hyperspectral Unmixing

Sparse hyperspectral unmixing from large spectral libraries has been considered to circumvent the limitations of endmember extraction algorithms in many applications. This strategy often leads to ill-posed inverse problems, which can greatly benefit from spatial regularization strategies. However, existing spatial regularization strategies lead to large-scale nonsmooth optimization problems. Thus, efficiently introducing spatial context in the unmixing problem remains a challenge and a necessity for many real world applications. In this letter, a novel multiscale spatial regularization approach for sparse unmixing is proposed. The method uses a signal-adaptive spatial multiscale decomposition based on segmentation and oversegmentation algorithms to decompose the unmixing problem into two simpler problems: one in an approximation image domain and another in the original domain. Simulation results using both synthetic and real data indicate that the proposed method outperforms the state-of-the-art total variation-based algorithms with a computation time comparable to that of their unregularized counterparts.
CAMA Centre for Applied Macroeconomic Analysis Global Banks , Financial Shocks and International Business Cycles : Evidence from an Estimated Model CAMA Working Paper 30 / 2013 May 2013

This paper estimates a two-country model with a global bank, using US and Euro Area (EA) data, and Bayesian methods. The estimated model matches key US and EA business cycle statistics. Empirically, a model version with a bank capital requirement outperforms a structure without such a constraint. A loan loss originating in one country triggers a global output reduction. Banking shocks matter more for EA macro variables than for US real activity. Banking shocks account for about 3%-5% of the unconditional variance of US GDP and for 4%-14% of the variance of EA GDP. During the Great Recession (2007-09), banking shocks accounted for about 12%-20% of the fall in US and EA GDP, and for more than a third of the fall in EA investment and employment.
Broadband 90$^{\circ}$  Differential Phase Shifter Constructed Using a Pair of Multisection Radial Line Stubs

The current paper proposes a broadband 90° differential phase shifter using a pair of multisection radial transmission-line (TL) stubs. The scattering parameters of the differential phase shifter are calculated based on the radial TL theory to evaluate the differential phase shifter's performance. Global optimization is performed using the TL model followed by a local optimization based on a more accurate electromagnetic simulation. The measured operating bandwidth of the circuit is 101.5%, which is larger than many designs in the literature.
Investigation of the Impact of Below-Knee Compression Garments on Markers of Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage and Performance in Endurance Runners: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Compression garment utilization is very popular among runners despite a lack of consensus in the literature regarding a beneficial impact. The aim of the study was to investigate the impact of training and competing with compression garments on exercise-induced muscle damage and performance in ultramarathon runners. Hypothesis: Compression garments will reduce the severity of exercise-induced muscle damage and improve performance in long-distance runners compared with control conditions. Study Design: Prospective, randomized controlled trial. Level of Evidence: Level 1. Methods: The study was conducted in healthy, uninjured endurance runners (n = 41) participating in a 56-km ultramarathon. The experimental group (n = 20; 14 males, 6 females) trained for 6 weeks and participated in the race wearing below-knee compression garments while the control group (n = 21; 15 males, 6 females) did not. Participants were tested on 4 occasions for various markers of exercise-induced muscle damage and running performance. Results: Ankle circumference measurements increased significantly less (P = 0.01, Cohen d = 0.9) in the experimental group from immediately after until 2 days post-race compared with the control group. No further statistically significant changes were detected over time in midcalf circumferences, muscle architecture, or race performance. Selected pain ratings were statistically significant and worse in the experimental group. Conclusion: There are limited indications of a beneficial impact of compression garments with improvements in ankle circumference measurements. No ergogenic impact was detected. Clinical Relevance: There is limited evidence to support the continued utilization of commercially available below-knee compression garments during running for the purpose of muscle recovery or as a performance aid.
Time synchronization in ad hoc networks

Ubiquitous computing environments are typically based upon ad hoc networks of mobile computing devices. These devices may be equipped with sensor hardware to sense the physical environment and may be attached to real world artifacts to form so-called smart things. The data sensed by various smart things can then be combined to derive knowledge about the environment, which in turn enables the smart things to "react" intelligently to their environment. For this so-called sensor fusion, temporal relationships (X happened before Y) and real-time issues (X and Y happended within a certain time interval) play an important role. Thus physical time and clock synchronization are crucial in such environments. However, due to the characteristics of sparse ad hoc networks, classical clock synchronization algorithms are not applicable in this setting. We present a time synchronization scheme that is appropriate for sparse ad hoc networks
Effect of Lumican on the Migration of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Endothelial Progenitor Cells: Involvement of Matrix Metalloproteinase-14

Background Increasing number of evidence shows that soluble factors and extracellular matrix (ECM) components provide an optimal microenvironment controlling human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) functions. Successful in vivo administration of stem cells lies in their ability to migrate through ECM barriers and to differentiate along tissue-specific lineages, including endothelium. Lumican, a protein of the small leucine-rich proteoglycan (SLRP) family, was shown to impede cell migration and angiogenesis. The aim of the present study was to analyze the role of lumican in the control of MSC migration and transition to functional endothelial progenitor cell (EPC). Methodology/Principal Findings Lumican inhibited tube-like structures formation on Matrigel® by MSC, but not EPC. Since matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), in particular MMP-14, play an important role in remodelling of ECM and enhancing cell migration, their expression and activity were investigated in the cells grown on different ECM substrata. Lumican down-regulated the MMP-14 expression and activity in MSC, but not in EPC. Lumican inhibited MSC, but not EPC migration and invasion. The inhibition of MSC migration and invasion by lumican was reversed by MMP-14 overexpression. Conclusion/Significance Altogether, our results suggest that lumican inhibits MSC tube-like structure formation and migration via mechanisms that involve a decrease of MMP-14 expression and activity.
Performance of TCP over different routing protocols in mobile ad-hoc networks

TCP/IP is the standard networking protocol on the Internet and is also the most widely used. Due to these reasons, its use over mobile ad-hoc networks is a certainty. Ad-hoc networks are prone to link failures due to mobility. TCP is unable to distinguish between losses due to route failures and losses due to congestion. As a result, the throughput degrades significantly when nodes move. It is therefore essential to study how TCP performs over ad-hoc networks. We have used simulations in the cmu extension to ns to analyse the performance of TCP Tahoe over a set of routing protocols including the signal stability adaptive routing protocol which we have implemented in ns-2. We identify characteristics in each of these routing protocols that determine the behaviour of TCP over them.
The Insulin Receptor Plays a Critical Role in T Cell Function and Adaptive Immunity

T cell activation is an energy-demanding process fueled by increased glucose consumption and accompanied by upregulation of the insulin receptor (INSR). In this article, we report that silencing the INSR in inducible knockdown rats impairs selective T cell functions but not thymocyte development. Glucose transport and glycolysis in activated CD4+ T cells were compromised in the absence of the INSR, which was associated with alterations in intracellular signaling pathways. The observed metabolic defects coincided with reduced cytokine production, proliferation, and migration, as well as increased apoptosis of CD4+ T cells. The cytotoxicity of CD8+ T cells in response to alloantigens was also diminished under these conditions, whereas the frequency and suppressive capacity of regulatory T cells were unaffected. The observed impairments proved to be decisive in vivo because silencing of the INSR attenuated clinical symptoms in animal models of acute graft-versus-host disease and multiple sclerosis. Taken together, our results suggest that upregulation of the INSR on T cells following activation is required for efficient adaptive immunity.
Response Inhibition is Linked to Emotional Devaluation: Behavioural and Electrophysiological Evidence

To study links between the inhibition of motor responses and emotional evaluation, we combined electrophysiological measures of prefrontal response inhibition with behavioural measures of affective evaluation. Participants first performed a Go–Nogo task in response to Asian and Caucasian faces (with race determining their Go or Nogo status), followed by a trustworthiness rating for each face. Faces previously seen as Nogo stimuli were rated as less trustworthy than previous Go stimuli. To study links between the efficiency of response inhibition in the Go–Nogo task and subsequent emotional evaluations, the Nogo N2 component was quantified separately for faces that were later judged to be high versus low in trustworthiness. Nogo N2 amplitudes were larger in response to low-rated as compared to high-rated faces, demonstrating that trial-by-trial variations in the efficiency of response inhibition triggered by Nogo faces, as measured by the Nogo N2 component, co-vary with their subsequent affective evaluation. These results suggest close links between inhibitory processes in top-down motor control and emotional responses.