Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Neural Correlates of Perceiving Emotional Faces and Bodies in Developmental Prosopagnosia: An Event-Related fMRI-Study

Many people experience transient difficulties in recognizing faces but only a small number of them cannot recognize their family members when meeting them unexpectedly. Such face blindness is associated with serious problems in everyday life. A better understanding of the neuro-functional basis of impaired face recognition may be achieved by a careful comparison with an equally unique object category and by a adding a more realistic setting involving neutral faces as well facial expressions. We used event-related functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to investigate the neuro-functional basis of perceiving faces and bodies in three developmental prosopagnosics (DP) and matched healthy controls. Our approach involved materials consisting of neutral faces and bodies as well as faces and bodies expressing fear or happiness. The first main result is that the presence of emotional information has a different effect in the patient vs. the control group in the fusiform face area (FFA). Neutral faces trigger lower activation in the DP group, compared to the control group, while activation for facial expressions is the same in both groups. The second main result is that compared to controls, DPs have increased activation for bodies in the inferior occipital gyrus (IOG) and for neutral faces in the extrastriate body area (EBA), indicating that body and face sensitive processes are less categorically segregated in DP. Taken together our study shows the importance of using naturalistic emotional stimuli for a better understanding of developmental face deficits.
MyD88 Signaling Controls Autoimmune Myocarditis Induction

Background— Experimental autoimmune myocarditis (EAM) is a CD4+ T-cell–mediated mouse model of postviral cardiomyopathy. Activation of interleukin-1 type 1 and Toll-like receptors that share the common downstream adaptor molecule MyD88 is required for disease induction. The specific role of MyD88 in myocarditis, however, is not known. Methods and Results— In contrast to control littermates, MyD88−/− mice were protected from myocarditis after immunization with &agr;-myosin heavy chain–derived peptide (MyHC-&agr;) and complete Freund’s adjuvant. Disease resistance of MyD88−/− mice resulted from impaired expansion of heart-specific CD4+ T cells after immunization. Intrinsic defects of MyD88−/− CD4+ T cells were excluded. In contrast, MyD88−/− but not MyD88+/+ primary antigen presenting dendritic cells (DCs) were defective in their capacity to prime CD4+ T cells. This defect mainly resulted from the inability of MyD88−/− DCs to release tumor necrosis factor-&agr;. The critical role of MyD88 signaling in DCs in the peripheral lymphatic compartments was finally proven by repetitive injection of activated, MyHC-&agr;–loaded MyD88+/+ DCs that fully restored T-cell expansion and myocarditis in MyD88−/− mice. Conclusions— Autoimmune myocarditis induction depends on MyD88 signaling in self-antigen presenting cells in the peripheral compartments. We conclude that MyD88 might become a target for prevention of heart-specific autoimmunity and cardiomyopathy.
An investigation into machine learning approaches for forecasting spatio-temporal demand in ride-hailing service

In this paper, we present machine learning approaches for characterizing and forecasting the short-term demand for on-demand ride-hailing services. We propose the spatio-temporal estimation of the demand that is a function of variable effects related to traffic, pricing and weather conditions. With respect to the methodology, a single decision tree, bootstrap-aggregated (bagged) decision trees, random forest, boosted decision trees, and artificial neural network for regression have been adapted and systematically compared using various statistics, e.g. R-square, Root Mean Square Error (RMSE), and slope. To better assess the quality of the models, they have been tested on a real case study using the data of DiDi Chuxing, the main on-demand ride hailing service provider in China. In the current study, 199,584 time-slots describing the spatio-temporal ride-hailing demand has been extracted with an aggregated-time interval of 10 mins. All the methods are trained and validated on the basis of two independent samples from this dataset. The results revealed that boosted decision trees provide the best prediction accuracy (RMSE=16.41), while avoiding the risk of over-fitting, followed by artificial neural network (20.09), random forest (23.50), bagged decision trees (24.29) and single decision tree (33.55).
Design of subtractor using nanotechnology based QCA

In this paper we discuss different Subtractors design based on quantum dot cellular automata (QCA). QCA is an emerging nanotechnology for electronic circuits. It has the potential for attractive features such as faster speed, smaller size and low power consumption than transistor based technology. By taking the advantages of QCA we are able to design interesting computational architectures. The Subtractors: Half-Subtractor and Full-Subtractor are designed and simulated using QCADesigner . The QCA designer is a design and simulation tool for quantum dot cellular automata (QCA).
Active articulation model estimation through interactive perception

We introduce a particle filter-based approach to representing and actively reducing uncertainty over articulated motion models. The presented method provides a probabilistic model that integrates visual observations with feedback from manipulation actions to best characterize a distribution of possible articulation models. We evaluate several action selection methods to efficiently reduce the uncertainty about the articulation model. The full system is experimentally evaluated using a PR2 mobile manipulator. Our experiments demonstrate that the proposed system allows for intelligent reasoning about sparse, noisy data in a number of common manipulation scenarios.
The Correlation between Speaking Anxiety, Self-Confidence, and Speaking Achievement of Undergraduate EFL Students of Private University in Palembang

Speaking in a foreign language can be influenced by such psychological aspects as anxiety and self-confidence. The students who have high level of anxiety, worry, fear and low level of self-confidence in foreign language classes may have difficulties in developing their speaking ability. The objective of this research was to find out whether there was a significant correlation between students’ speaking anxiety, self-confidence, and their speaking achievement. The research used correlation design. The data were collected through interviews that were scored by two raters and two questionnaires that were administered to fifth semester students (n = 28) from a Teacher and Training Faculty in Indonesia. The data were analyzed using descriptive and correlational analysis. The results indicated that speaking anxiety has no significant correlation with speaking achievement. Self-confidence has a significant correlation with speech achievement (p = .01). That is, students with self-confidence have higher achievement. So, it is important for teachers and lecturers to encourage students and practice speaking English in front of class, especially to improve the self-confidence when the students are communicating in English.
Text Retrieval Relevance Feedback Techniques for Bag of Words Model in CBIR

probabilistic model, vector space model, image retrieval. Abstract—The state-of-the-art Bag of Words model in ContentBased Image Retrieval has been used for years but the relevance feedback strategies for this model are not fully investigated. Inspired from text retrieval, the Bag of Words model has the ability to use the wealth of knowledge and practices available in text retrieval. We study and experiment the relevance feedback model in text retrieval for adapting it to image retrieval. The experiments show that the techniques from text retrieval give good results for image retrieval and that further improvements is possible.
One-dimensional springflow model for time variant recharge

The linear mathematical model for springflow suggested by Bear (1979) can simulate springflow for an initial instantaneous recharge. A springflow model has been developed, using the Bear model and uhamel's approach, which can simulate springflow for time variant recharge. The suggested model can also be used to compute the time variant recharge to the springflow domain from a given springflow time series. The inverse problem, which contains linear recharge terms and nonlinear depletion terms, has been solved using the Newton-Raphson method for solving a set of nonlinear equations. The model has been tested to compute recharge for Kirkgoz spring, a first magnitude karst spring in the Mediterranean region of Turkey. The estimated annual recharge computed by the model on a monthly basis compared well with the annual recharge which had been estimated (Korkmaz, 1990) using the Bear model.
Cognitive and magnetic resonance imaging brain morphometric correlates of brain-derived neurotrophic factor Val66Met gene polymorphism in patients with schizophrenia and healthy volunteers.

CONTEXT Relatively little is known about genetic determinants of cognitive dysfunction in schizophrenia. Recent studies suggest that a brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) prodomain single nucleotide polymorphism resulting in a valine (Val)-to-methionine (Met) substitution is associated with impaired declarative memory in healthy volunteers and patients with schizophrenia. These studies indicate that the BDNF(Met) variant may mediate hippocampal cognitive functions by modulating intracellular trafficking and activity-dependent BDNF release. To our knowledge, the way in which this functional single nucleotide polymorphism affects other neurocognitive measures has not been examined. Its role in determining cognitive deficits in schizophrenia has also not been systematically studied. OBJECTIVES To characterize the neurocognitive and brain morphometric phenotypic correlates of the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism and to test the specificity of the BDNF(Met) variant on cognitive dysfunction in schizophrenia. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS A comprehensive battery of standardized neuropsychological tests was administered to 144 healthy volunteers and 293 patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorder at a tertiary care university hospital. Approximately two thirds of the sample also underwent high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging brain scans. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Genotype effects (in Met allele carriers vs Val homozygotes) on 5 cognitive domain z scores and magnetic resonance imaging gray matter brain volume measures (Talairach atlas-based cerebral lobes and optimized voxel-based morphometry) were examined using general linear models. RESULTS On verbal memory, there was a significant genotype effect but no genotype x diagnosis effects. In both patients with schizophrenia and healthy volunteers, Met allele carriers had poorer verbal memory performance than their Val-homozygous counterparts. On visuospatial abilities, there were significant genotype and genotype x diagnosis effects. Met allele-associated visuospatial impairment was specific to patients with schizophrenia but not healthy volunteers. There were significant genotype effects on gray matter volumes within brain regions known to subserve these 2 cognitive domains, with Met allele carriers having smaller temporal and occipital lobar gray matter volumes. Optimized voxel-based morphometry further suggests that parietal heteromodal cortical gray matter deficits may underlie visuospatial impairment in patients with schizophrenia carrying the Met allele. CONCLUSIONS We replicated the association between the BDNF(Met) variant and poor medial temporal lobe-related memory performance. The consonance of our cognitive and brain morphology findings further suggests that the BDNF(Met) variant may have a specific role in conferring visuospatial dysfunction in schizophrenia.
Discovery of Multiseeded Multimode Formation of Embedded Clusters in the Rosette Molecular Complex

An investigation based on data from the spatially complete Two Micron All Sky Survey (2MASS) reveals that a remarkable burst of clustered star formation is taking place throughout the southeast quadrant of the Rosette Molecular Cloud. Compact clusters are forming in a multiseeded mode, in parallel and at various places. In addition, sparse aggregates of embedded young stars are extensively distributed. In this study we report the primary results and implications for high-mass and clustered star formation in giant molecular clouds. In particular, we incorporate for the first time the birth of medium- to low-mass stars into the scenario of sequential formation of OB clusters. Following the emergence of the young OB cluster NGC 2244, a variety of manifestations of forming clusters of medium to high mass appears in the vicinity of the swept-up layer of the H II region as well as farther into the molecular cloud. The embedded clusters appear to form in a structured manner, which suggests they follow tracks laid out by the decay of macroturbulence. We address the possible origins of the turbulence. This leads us to propose a tree model to interpret the neat spatial distribution of clusters within a large section of the Rosette complex. Prominent new-generation OB clusters are identified at the root of the tree pattern.
Incident Chronic Kidney Disease and Newly Developed Complications Related to Renal Dysfunction in an Elderly Population during 5 Years: A Community-Based Elderly Population Cohort Study

Background Few studies have evaluated the association between incident chronic kidney disease (CKD) and related complications, especially in elderly population. We attempted to verify the association between GFR and concurrent CKD complications and elucidate the temporal relationship between incident CKD and new CKD complications in a community-based prospective elderly cohort. Method We analyzed the available data from 984 participants in the Korean Longitudinal Study on Health and Aging. Participants were categorized into 6 groups according to eGFR at baseline examination (≥90, 75–89, 60–74, 45–59, 30–44, and <30 ml/min/1.73 m2). Result The mean age of study population was 76 ± 9.1 years and mean eGFR was 72.3 ± 17.0 ml/min/1.73 m2. Compared to eGFR group 1, the odds ratio (OR) for hypertension was 2.363 (95% CI, 1.299-4.298) in group 4, 5.191 (2.074-12.995) in group 5, and 13.675 (1.611-115.806) in group 6; for anemia, 7.842 (2.265-27.153) in group 5 and 13.019 (2.920-58.047) in group 6; for acidosis, 69.580 (6.770-715.147) in group 6; and for hyperkalemia, 19.177 (1.798-204.474) in group 6. Over a 5-year observational period, CKD developed in 34 (9.6%) among 354 participants with GFR ≥ 60 ml/min/1.73 m2 at basal examination. The estimated mean number of new complications according to analysis of co-variance was 0.52 (95% CI, 0.35–0.68) in subjects with incident CKD and 0.24 (0.19–0.29) in subjects without CKD (p = 0.002). Subjects with incident CKD had a 2.792-fold higher risk of developing new CKD complications. A GFR level of 52.4 ml/min/1.73 m2 (p = 0.032) predicted the development of a new CKD complication with a 90% sensitivity. Conclusion In an elderly prospective cohort, CKD diagnosed by current criteria is related to an increase in the number of concurrent CKD complications and the development of new CKD complications.
Transients in porous media: asymptotic time-domain Green functions and limits of current frequency-domain models

Time domain responses of porous media have been studied by some authors, but generally the possible descriptions have been given in the frequency domain. The aim of this paper, limited to materials with rigid skeleton considered as equivalent fluids, is to compare the descriptions by Johnson-Allard ($JA$%) as well as by Pride-Lafarge ($PL$) with i) some analytical, approximate formulas, based upon asymptotic high frequency expansion ; ii) the exact formula by Zwikker and Kosten for the case of cylindrical pores. The paper starts with a short summary of the statement of the different general full frequency models ($JA$ and $PL). $ The Green function in the time domain is shown to exhibit interesting properties of materials. In particular the maximum response depends on one dimensionless parameter only, which is denoted $\xi $ and is the ratio of the travelled distance to the product of the \textquotedblleft frozen\textquotedblright\ sound speed and a characteristic viscous relaxation time. The distance $\xi $ is related to a time domain Stokes number. The numerical computation of the Green function is done by FFT, with some precautions, because of the importance of the higher frequencies on the response shape. The $PL$ description is shown to be the best full frequency general model, but some discrepancies with the exact model appear at short times or short distances. When the distance $\xi $ increases from zero, the asymptotic expansion shows that the maximum of the Green function decreases first as $1/\xi ^{2}$, then exponentially.
Teaching Girls Online Skills: Results of the Wikid Grrls Intervention

In 2013-2016, we designed and implemented Wikid Grrls, a 10-week after-school workshop series to teach online skills to middle school girls in U.S. schools. We interviewed and surveyed eighty participants before and after the workshop. Girls’ online skills and confidence in them increased for the duration of the workshop series. Participants expressed great interest in learning more, but media literacy programs at their schools emphasizing online skills were lacking. Using feminist theories and the reader-to-leader framework, we argue that such media literacy interventions bring immediate learning rewards for participants. Further, we conclude that media literacy classes that include online skills should become regular features in U.S. school curricula instead of being offered merely in voluntary programs. This is essential to narrow gender gaps in digital knowledge creation and sharing. Future research is needed to assess long-term benefits of media literacy interventions to teach online skills longitudinally to see if, and how, such initiatives figure into subsequent schooling and career decisions.
Short-Term Fluctuations in Elderly People’s Sensorimotor Functioning Predict Text and Spatial Memory Performance: The MacArthur Successful Aging Studies

Background: While age-related increases of between-person variability in a variety of cognitive measures are commonly reported in cross-sectional studies, the nature of short-term intraindividual fluctuation in elderly people’s performance is relatively unexplored. Objective: The goal of the present study is to examine short-term fluctuations in elderly people’s sensorimotor functioning and their relations to individual differences in verbal and spatial memory. Methods: Fluctuations in old adults’ (mean = 75.71 years, SD = 6.93 years) sensorimotor performance were investigated by biweekly measurements spanning approximately 7 months. Sensorimotor performance was measured by three walking tasks, including the duration and the number of steps taken to walk a 360-degree circle and to walk 10 feet both at normal and fast pace. Performances of verbal and spatial memory were assessed by weekly measurements of digit memory span, memory for short text and spatial recognition. Results: The magnitude of intraindividual fluctuation in most sensorimotor and memory tasks examined was at least half as great as the level of individual differences across persons. In addition, intraindividual fluctuation in sensorimotor performance is a relatively stable individual attribute, which correlates positively with age and negatively with the levels of sensorimotor, text and spatial memory performance. Although a substantial amount of individual differences in intraindividual fluctuation was shared with mean performance level, variance component and hierarchical regression analyses showed that intraindividual fluctuation in walking steps added significant independent contribution over and above that given by level of performance in predicting text and spatial memory. Conclusion: Taking these results together, we suggest that intraindividual fluctuations in elderly people’s performance should not be ignored or simply treated as measurement error; rather, they are potentially important empirical variables for understanding sensory and cognitive aging and the nature of intraindividual response variations in general.
Cancer Risk Among People With Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes: Disentangling True Associations, Detection Bias, and Reverse Causation

OBJECTIVE Evidence indicates an increased risk of certain cancers among people with type 2 diabetes. Evidence for rarer cancers and for type 1 diabetes is limited. We explored the excess risk of site-specific cancer incidence and mortality among people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes, compared with the general Australian population. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Registrants of a national diabetes registry (953,382) between 1997 and 2008 were linked to national death and cancer registries. Standardized incidence and mortality ratios (SIRs/SMRs) are reported. RESULTS For type 1 diabetes, significant elevated SIRs were observed for pancreas, liver, esophagus, colon and rectum (females only [F]), stomach (F), thyroid (F), brain (F), lung (F), endometrium, and ovary, and decreased SIRs were observed for prostate in males. Significantly increased SMRs were observed for pancreas, liver, and kidney (males only), non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, brain (F), and endometrium. For type 2 diabetes, significant SIRs were observed for almost all site-specific cancers, with highest SIRs observed for liver and pancreas, and decreased risks for prostate and melanoma. Significant SMRs were observed for liver, pancreas, kidney, Hodgkin’s lymphoma, gallbladder (F), stomach (F), and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (F). Cancer risk was significantly elevated throughout follow-up time but was higher in the first 3 months postregistration, suggesting the presence of detection bias and/or reverse causation. CONCLUSIONS Type 1 and type 2 diabetes are associated with an excess risk of incidence and mortality for overall and a number of site-specific cancers, and this is only partially explained by bias. We suggest that screening for cancers in diabetic patients is important.
Is Investment in Africa Too High or Too Low? Macro‐ and Micro‐evidence

Many analysts decry the lack of sufficient investment in Africa, implying that investment in Africa is ‘too low’. We find no evidence that private and public capital are productive in Africa, either in the cross‐country data or in micro‐data from Tanzania. In this restricted sense, investment in Africa is too high rather than too low.
Young Adults Gamble Less When Observed by Peers

Abstract The impact of peer presence on the choices made by young people is yet to be fully understood. Using an incentive compatible experiment, we investigate whether: (1) young people’s willingness to accept known and unknown risks varies when in the presence of an observer of the similar age compared to in private and (2) whether these preferences are affected by having observed peer’s decisions. We find that young adults do not gamble more when observed by peers, rather they become more ambiguity averse.
Mimotope vaccine efficacy gets a "boost" from native tumor antigens

Tumor-associated antigen (TAA)-targeting mimotope peptides exert more prominent immunostimulatory functions than unmodified TAAs, with the caveat that some T-cell clones exhibit a relatively low affinity for TAAs. Combining mimotope-based vaccines with native TAAs in a prime-boost setting significantly improves antitumor immunity.