Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Aesthetic emotions, what are their cognitive functions?

DIFFICULTIES OF DEFINING “AESTHETIC” A huge number of publications are devoted to aesthetic emotions; Google Scholar gives 319,000 references. Nevertheless, finding a definition of what is aesthetic is not easy. Most authors use no definitions. Wikipedia (2013) gives a circular definition: “aesthetic emotions. are felt during aesthetic activity. ” This is similar to the “institutional theory of art” that defines art as what is considered so by an accepted art institution (Dickie, 1974). In 70 years of discussions in the Journal of Aesthetic and Art Criticism this theory, despite its obvious flaws, remains accepted among philosophers of art. Scientists studying emotions should aspire for a more meaningful definition, yet it is not easy to find. For example, Juslin (2013) devotes a special section in his work introducing aesthetic emotions as a fundamental innovation of his theory of musical emotions, yet no definition of aesthetic is given. Difficulties of contemporary theorists attempting to define “aesthetic” might be related to Kant (1790). He rejected an older idea that aesthetic is related to a special perception ability (Baumgarten, 1992/1750) and attempted to define aesthetic as related to knowledge. This article suggests that Kant came amazingly close to the contemporary scientific understanding, and it clarifies why he could not formulate this idea to his satisfaction. The best he could do is to say that aesthetic emotion is disinterested. On many pages he has repeated that this only concerns everyday mundane interests, that the beautiful is related to some of the most important human interests, that a better definition is needed, but “today” he could not give a satisfactory positive definition of what it is. From Schiller to this very day many discussions continue the false tradition of characterizing aesthetics and beautiful as disinterested (Wikipedia, 2013; Stanford Encyclopedia Stolnitz, 1960; Scruton, 1974, 2007; Guyer, 1997; de Sousa, 2013; Juslin, 2013; Zangwill, 2013; to name just a few among thousands). This article defines aesthetic and the beautiful in correspondence with Kantian ideas, our deepest intuitions about the beautiful, the Aristotelian “unity in manifold,” (Aristotle, 1995) and in agreement with contemporary understanding of the neural mechanisms of emotions and cognition.
Phase-field model for binary alloys.

We present a phase-field model (PFM) for solidification in binary alloys, which is found from the phase-field model for a pure material by direct comparison of the variables for a pure material solidification and alloy solidification. The model appears to be equivalent with the Wheeler-Boettinger-McFadden (WBM) model [A.A. Wheeler, W. J. Boettinger, and G. B. McFadden, Phys. Rev. A 45, 7424 (1992)], but has a different definition of the free energy density for interfacial region. An extra potential originated from the free energy density definition in the WBM model disappears in this model. At a dilute solution limit, the model is reduced to the Tiaden et al. model [Physica D 115, 73 (1998)] for a binary alloy. A relationship between the phase-field mobility and the interface kinetics coefficient is derived at a thin-interface limit condition under an assumption of negligible diffusivity in the solid phase. For a dilute alloy, a steady-state solution of the concentration profile across the diffuse interface is obtained as a function of the interface velocity and the resultant partition coefficient is compared with the previous solute trapping model. For one dimensional steady-state solidification, where the classical sharp-interface model is exactly soluble, we perform numerical simulations of the phase-field model: At low interface velocity, the simulated results from the thin-interface PFM are in excellent agreement with the exact solutions. As the partition coefficient becomes close to unit at high interface velocities, whereas, the sharp-interface PFM yields the correct answer.
Augmentation of spontaneous macrophage-mediated cytolysis by eosinophil peroxidase

Eosinophil peroxidase (EPO), a cationic protein purified from horse blood, adhered to four different types of tumor cells, markedly potentiating their lysis by preformed or enzymatically generated H(2)0(2) (up to 76-fold, as assayed in serum-containing tissue culture medium without supplemental halide). Similarly, compared with uncoated tumor cells, EPO-coated tumor cells were up to 32 times more sensitive to lysis when incubated with macrophages or granulocytes whose respiratory burst was triggered by PMA. However, EPO-coated tumor cells were also readily lysed by bacillus Calmette- Guerin-activated macrophages in the absence of exogenous triggering agents. This spontaneous cytolysis was rapid (50 percent at 2 h) and potent (50 percent lysis at macrophage/tumor cell ratios of 1.5 to 4.6), and was observed with both a peroxide-sensitive tumor (TLX9) and a peroxide-resistant tumor (NK lymphoma). Under the conditions used, neither EPO alone nor macrophages alone were spontaneously cytolytic. Neither EPO nor EPO-coated tumor cells triggered a detectable increment in H(2)0(2) release from macrophages. Nonetheless, spontaneous macrophage-mediated cytolysis of EPO- coated tumor cells was completely inhibitable by catalase (50 percent inhibition, 23 U/ml), although not by heated catalase, indicating a requirement for H(2)0(2). Cytolysis was also completely inhibitable by azide (50 percent inhibition, 2.6 X 10 -5 M), indicating a requirement for enzymatic activity of EPO. Thus, a cytophilic peroxidase from eosinophils and H(2)0(2) spontaneously released from activated macrophages interacted synergistically in a physiologic medium to destroy tumor cells.
An Arabidopsis Mitochondrial Uncoupling Protein Confers Tolerance to Drought and Salt Stress in Transgenic Tobacco Plants

Background Plants are challenged by a large number of environmental stresses that reduce productivity and even cause death. Both chloroplasts and mitochondria produce reactive oxygen species under normal conditions; however, stress causes an imbalance in these species that leads to deviations from normal cellular conditions and a variety of toxic effects. Mitochondria have uncoupling proteins (UCPs) that uncouple electron transport from ATP synthesis. There is evidence that UCPs play a role in alleviating stress caused by reactive oxygen species overproduction. However, direct evidence that UCPs protect plants from abiotic stress is lacking. Methodology/Principal Findings Tolerances to salt and water deficit were analyzed in transgenic tobacco plants that overexpress a UCP (AtUCP1) from Arabidopsis thaliana. Seeds of AtUCP1 transgenic lines germinated faster, and adult plants showed better responses to drought and salt stress than wild-type (WT) plants. These phenotypes correlated with increased water retention and higher gas exchange parameters in transgenic plants that overexpress AtUCP1. WT plants exhibited increased respiration under stress, while transgenic plants were only slightly affected. Furthermore, the transgenic plants showed reduced accumulation of hydrogen peroxide in stressed leaves compared with WT plants. Conclusions/Significance Higher levels of AtUCP1 improved tolerance to multiple abiotic stresses, and this protection was correlated with lower oxidative stress. Our data support previous assumptions that UCPs reduce the imbalance of reactive oxygen species. Our data also suggest that UCPs may play a role in stomatal closure, which agrees with other evidence of a direct relationship between these proteins and photosynthesis. Manipulation of the UCP protein expression in mitochondria is a new avenue for crop improvement and may lead to crops with greater tolerance for challenging environmental conditions.
Assessment of a Possible Link Between Hyperhomocysteinemia and Hyperuricemia

Background/Aim Hyperhomocysteinemia and hyperuricemia are both considered risk factors for coronary artery disease. However, the relationship between the 2 has not yet been thoroughly investigated. This study aimed to evaluate this relationship more closely. Material and Methods This study is a retrospective cross-sectional analysis of data from a screening center in Israel assessing 16,477 subjects, within an age range of 20 to 80 years. Results The mean age of the study sample was 46 years, and 68% were males. Hyperuricemia was found in 24.9% and 14.6% of subjects with elevated and normal homocysteine serum levels, respectively (P < 0.001). A positive association was found between homocysteine serum levels and uric acid serum levels. Compared with subjects with normal homocysteine serum levels, those with hyperhomocysteinemia had an odds ratio (OR) for hyperuricemia of 1.7 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.5–1.9) and 1.6 (95% CI, 1.1–2.5) for males and females, respectively. After multivariate adjustment for age, hypertension, body mass index, estimated glomerular filtration rate, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and thiazide use, the association remained significant in males (OR, 1.5; 95% CI, 1.3–1.7; P < 0.001) but not in females (OR, 0.9; 95% CI, 0.6–1.6; P = 0.82). Conclusions This large cohort showed a significant association between hyperhomocysteinemia and hyperuricemia. Sex differences were observed. This study suggests that accelerated atherosclerosis may be a consequence of the combined effect of these 2 factors.
Further Results on Predicting Cognitive Abilities for Adaptive Visualizations

Previous work has shown that some user cognitive abilities relevant for processing information visualizations can be predicted from eye tracking data. Performing this type of user modeling is important for devising user-adaptive visualizations that can adapt to a user’s abilities as needed during the interaction. In this paper, we contribute to previous work by extending the type of visualizations considered and the set of cognitive abilities that can be predicted from gaze data, thus providing evidence on the generality of these findings. We also evaluate how quality of gaze data impacts prediction.
Fragmenting probation

A continuing criticism of the Transforming Rehabilitation (TR) reforms is that they fragment the process of probation supervision and, as a consequence, are likely to damage the network of relationships (between workers from different agencies as well as between supervisor and supervisee) that encourages compliance with orders and desistance from offending (PA/PCA, 2013; Ugwudike, 2013; McNeill and Robinson G, 2013; Robinson A, 2014). This short article reports on a research study that explored probation practice in an increasingly fragmented environment. The article outlines the implications of some of the study’s findings for the developing practice of community rehabilitation companies (CRCs) and highlights points of particular concern if good practice is to be maintained and practitioner expertise sustained.
Innate Immunity and Human B Cell Clonal Expansion: Effects on the Recirculating B2 Subpopulation1

Foci of autoantigen-specific B lymphocytes in nonlymphoid tissues have been associated with development of autoimmune disease. To better understand the genesis of such ectopic lymphoid tissue, this study investigated whether several B cell-tropic innate immune system molecules, known to be elevated in response to inflammatory stimuli, can cooperate in fostering the T cell-independent clonal expansion of mature human B2 cells under conditions of limiting BCR engagement. Notable synergy was observed between BCR coligation with the C3dg-binding CD21/CD19 costimulatory complex, B cell-activating factor belonging to the TNF family (BAFF), and IL-4 in generating B cell progeny with sustained CD86 and DR expression. The synergy was observed over a wide range of BCR:ligand affinities and involved: 1) cooperative effects at promoting early cell cycle progression and viability; 2) BCR:CD21 coligation-promoted increases in BAFF receptors that were highly regulated by IL-4; 3) reciprocal effects of IL-4 and BAFF at dampening daughter cell apoptosis typical of stimulation by BCR:CD21 and either cytokine alone; and 4) BAFF-sustained expression of antiapoptotic Mcl-1 within replicating lymphoblasts. The results suggest that significant clonal proliferation of recirculating B2 cells occurs upon limited binding to C3dg-coated Ag in an inflammatory in vivo milieu containing both BAFF and IL-4. When rare autoantigen-presenting B cells undergo such expansions, both B cell and T cell autoimmunity may be promoted.
Think Eternally: Improved Algorithms for the Temp Secretary Problem and Extensions

The \emph{Temp Secretary Problem} was recently introduced by Fiat et al. It is a generalization of the Secretary Problem, in which commitments are temporary for a fixed duration. We present a simple online algorithm with improved performance guarantees for cases already considered by Fiat et al.\ and give competitive ratios for new generalizations of the problem. In the classical setting, where candidates have identical contract durations $\gamma \ll 1$ and we are allowed to hire up to $B$ candidates simultaneously, our algorithm is $(\frac{1}{2} - O(\sqrt{\gamma}))$-competitive. For large $B$, the bound improves to $1 - O\left(\frac{1}{\sqrt{B}}\right) - O(\sqrt{\gamma})$. Furthermore we generalize the problem from cardinality constraints towards general packing constraints. We achieve a competitive ratio of $1 - O\left(\sqrt{\frac{(1+\log d + \log B)}{B}}\right) -O(\sqrt{\gamma})$, where $d$ is the sparsity of the constraint matrix and $B$ is generalized to the capacity ratio of linear constraints. Additionally we extend the problem towards arbitrary hiring durations. Our algorithmic approach is a relaxation that aggregates all temporal constraints into a non-temporal constraint. Then we apply a linear scaling algorithm that, on every arrival, computes a tentative solution on the input that is known up to this point. This tentative solution uses the non-temporal, relaxed constraints scaled down linearly by the amount of time that has already passed.
Is it all coming together? Thoughts on urban studies and the present crisis:

What remains a constant in this series is the crisis of the model of development and urbanisation which ‘the West’ exported to the Rest and in which it now, though reluctant to face the fact, finds itself entrapped, still haunted and incapacitated by spectres, able to assume, invoke but not deliver civilisation and ‘the city’. This deliberately eccentric series, excentric to the established pieties of the social sciences, returns to some of the notions and narratives previously explored in the light of aspects of three recent (and equally excentric) publications, moving on from the first of these, Revolt and Crisis in Greece (edited by Antonis Vradis and Dimitris Dalakoglou), to the second, Magical Marxism (Andy Merrifield,) leaving the third, Payback (Margaret Atwood), for the last of the series. There is a continuing focus on the Greek insurrection which is now extended – drawing on a distinction between revolutionary and radical spaces and times – to aspects of the OccupyWallStreet movement. The project seeks to bring together a range of disciplines on a transdisciplinary rather than an interdisciplinary basis. This continues to involve a series of experiments in ‘critical epic’, moving across spaces and times and their attempted appropriations, seeking to resurrect and redirect the much abused notion – much abused by mainstream urban studies, by positivism and by mechanistic forms of materialism, – of a science of society in the making, one that ‘brings people (back) in’ and seeks to go beyond, without losing, the magic of the enthusiasm for radical change and sense of evident blockages (‘entrapments’) experienced in the here and now. It is thus particularly attentive to cultural as well as economic dimensions of ‘the crisis’, with an emphasis on the political dimension that is pre-rather than post-political.
Intense THz pulses cause H2AX phosphorylation and activate DNA damage response in human skin tissue

Recent emergence and growing use of terahertz (THz) radiation for medical imaging and public security screening raise questions on reasonable levels of exposure and health consequences of this form of electromagnetic radiation. In particular, picosecond-duration THz pulses have shown promise for novel diagnostic imaging techniques. However, the effects of THz pulses on human cells and tissues thus far remain largely unknown. We report on the investigation of the biological effects of pulsed THz radiation on artificial human skin tissues. We observe that exposure to intense THz pulses for ten minutes leads to a significant induction of H2AX phosphorylation, indicating that THz pulse irradiation may cause DNA damage in exposed skin tissue. At the same time, we find a THz-pulse-induced increase in the levels of several proteins responsible for cell-cycle regulation and tumor suppression, suggesting that DNA damage repair mechanisms are quickly activated. Furthermore, we find that the cellular response to pulsed THz radiation is significantly different from that induced by exposure to UVA (400 nm).
A PVT tolerant BPF using turn-off MOSFET for bio applications in 0.13μm CMOS

This paper presents a PVT tolerant BPF for bio-medical applications, which operate at very low frequencies. As the BPF used in this area has a very large time constant, the cut-off frequency of the BPF is very susceptible to PVT variations. In order to avoid such variation, the proposed architecture uses a replica LPF and negative feedback to enable a PVT invariant time constant. Simulation result shows that the variation of the frequency response of the proposed BPF remains under 1% with the following PVT variations: process (ss, tt, ff), voltage (1.1V to 2.0V) and temperature (0°C to 100°C). The circuit has been implemented using 0. 13μm CMOS technology with a supply voltage of 1.2V and 3.3V and it consumes 200nW.
Behavior, Cognition and Context

The behavioral revolution has profoundly affected how we conceptualize behavior. The rational agent of standard microeconomic theory has been found wanting and, in its place, new formulations have been presented which take seriously human traits like myopia and loss aversion. These developments have found their way into economic geography, although there remains ambivalence about models of behavior in space and time that emphasise cognition over context. Here, an argument is presented to the effect that the behavioral revolution offers a way of understanding common problems in economic geography, such as co-location, clusters of innovation, the diffusion of innovation, and home bias. It is noted that earlier versions of behavioralism stressed bounded rationality but under-estimated the far-reaching consequences of the behavioral revolution. To explain the significance of these developments for understanding the intersection between cognition and context, we look closely at behavior in time and space. In the penultimate section of the paper the implications of behavioralism for institutions are briefly considered, emphasising the role that collective action in or through institutions can play in ameliorating the adverse effects of behavioral biases and anomalies.
Some Problems in Conceptualizing Organizational Climate: A Case Study of a Bank

The author is concerned with ways of ordering the complex, reciprocal network of variables that comprise organizations. Using a model based upon a study of interpersonal relations in a bank, he finds three interrelated "systems" of variables: the formal policies, procedures, and positions of the organization; personality factors including individual needs, values, and abilities; and the complicated pattern of variables associated with the individual's efforts to accommodate his own ends with those of the organization. He concludes that the study of organization requires research simultaneously on these various levels of analysis. The author is a member of the faculty of the Department of Industrial Relations in Yale University.
The Biology of Orthodontic Treatment Time; Days versus Years

Invariably every potential orthodontic patient in the consultation or treatment planning phase is eager to know the proposed total duration of treatment. Motivation with compliance and commitment to treatment are important factors for the patient and the family along with associated financial implications. The clinician must be prepared to provide therapy that meets the specific lifestyle needs of patients, especially with an increasing segment of the adult population now seeking orthodontic care [1]. Treatment efficiency translates directly into practice financial health for the clinician because unanticipated prolonged treatment time erodes profitability. Cost efficiencies become even more important as the size of a practice grows and are an area of interest for a third party (insurance) provider [2]. A system that accurately predicts orthodontic treatment time is key to both the clinician and patient because it provides a vitally important tool in practice building [2] for the clinician and is directly related to greater overall patient satisfaction [3]. Furthermore, a system of braces that safely, predictably and effectively treats a broad cross section of clinical presentations non-extraction, while substantially reducing orthodontic treatment time presents an extremely desirable therapy for both clinician and patient.
Humor styles, risk perceptions, and risky behavioral choices in college students

Abstract Sense of humor has been identified as a possible factor that leads to riskier behavioral choices, which could, in turn, contribute to health problems and reduced longevity. In previous studies, sense of humor was viewed as a one-dimensional, positive personal quality: the potential impact of maladaptive styles of humor was not acknowledged. The current study assesses both adaptive and maladaptive humor styles and relates them to perceived risk, and to the performance of risky behavior. The results do not support the suggestion that a sense of humor – when considered as a cheerful, carefree, and optimistic orientation – is related to assessments of risk or risky choices. Although humor styles did predict risk perception and risky behavior, it was the maladaptive, aggressive humor style that was related to a lower perception of risk, and higher rates of predicted and actual risky behavior. Humor styles that reflect a positive mindset, and that were predictive of less chronic worry, were not consistently or reliably associated with perceiving situations as less risky or with higher rates of risky behavior. Further research is needed to clarify why an aggressive humor style was predictive of risk assessment and risky choices.
Recognizing Contributors and Cost of Information: An Experiment on Public Goods

We experimentally investigate the impact of visibility of contributors and cost of information on public good contributions. First, we vary recognizing all, highest or lowest contributors. Second, we investigate the effect of imposing a cost on viewing contributors. Recognizing all contributors significantly increases contributions relative to the baseline, even when viewing contributors' information is costly. This effect holds even though the identities of contributors are viewed less than ten percent of the time. Recognizing only highest contributors does not increase contributions compared to not recognizing contributors, but recognizing only lowest contributors is as effective as recognizing all contributors. These findings support our conjecture that aversion from shame is a more powerful motivator for giving than anticipation of prestige.