Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Incentive-elicited Striatal Activation in Adolescent Children of Alcoholics

Aims Deficient recruitment of motivational circuitry by non-drug rewards has been postulated as a pre-morbid risk factor for substance dependence (SD). We tested whether parental alcoholism, which confers risk of SD, is correlated with altered recruitment of ventral striatum (VS) by non-drug rewards in adolescence. Design During functional magnetic resonance imaging, adolescent children of alcoholics (COA; age 12–16 years) with no psychiatric disorders (including substance abuse) and similarly aged children with no risk factors responded to targets to win or avoid losing $0, $0.20, $1, $5 or a variable amount (ranging from $0.20 to $5). Results In general, brain activation by either reward anticipation or outcome notification did not differ between COA and age/gender-matched controls. Cue-elicited reward anticipation activated portions of VS in both COA and controls. In nucleus accumbens (NAcc), signal change increased with anticipated reward magnitude (with intermediate recruitment by variable incentives) but not with loss magnitudes. Reward deliveries activated the NAcc and mesofrontal cortex in both COA and controls. Losses activated anterior insula bilaterally in both groups, with more extensive right anterior insula activation by losses in controls. NAcc signal change during anticipation of maximum rewards (relative to non-reward) correlated positively with both Brief Sensation-Seeking Scale scores and with self-reported excitement in response to maximum reward cues (relative to cues for non-reward). Conclusions Among adolescents with no psychiatric disorders, incentive-elicited VS activation may relate more to individual differences in sensation-seeking personality than to presence of parental alcoholism alone. Future research could focus on adolescents with behavior disorders or additional risk factors.
El Niño suppresses Antarctic warming

Here we present new isotope records derived from snow samples from the McMurdo Dry Valleys, Antarctica and re‐analysis data of the European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts (ERA‐40) to explain the connection between the warming of the Pacific sector of the Southern Ocean [ Jacka and Budd, 1998 ; Jacobs et al., 2002 ] and the current cooling of the terrestrial Ross Sea region [ Doran et al., 2002a ]. Our analysis confirms previous findings that the warming is linked to the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) [ Kwok and Comiso, 2002a , 2002b ; Carleton, 2003 ; Ribera and Mann, 2003 ; Turner, 2004 ], and provides new evidence that the terrestrial cooling is caused by a simultaneous ENSO driven change in atmospheric circulation, sourced in the Amundsen Sea and West Antarctica.
RHAU helicase stabilizes G4 in its nucleotide-free state and destabilizes G4 upon ATP hydrolysis

The DEAH-box ATP-dependent RHAU helicases specifically unfold RNA and DNA G-quadruplexes (G4s). However, it remains unclear how the RHAU's G4 unfolding activity is coupled to different stages of the ATPase cycle. Here, using a single-molecule manipulation approach, we show that binding of Drosophila RHAU stabilizes an intramolecularly folded parallel DNA G4 against mechanical unfolding in its nucleotide-free and in its AMP-PNP or ADP bound states, while it destabilizes the G4 when coupled to ATP hydrolysis. Importantly, our results show that the ADP·AlF\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \usepackage{amsmath} \usepackage{wasysym} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{upgreek} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \begin{document} }{}$_4^-$\end{document}-bound RHAU does not stabilize the G4. We also found that both a single-stranded 3′ DNA tail and the RSM domain of RHAU that binds specifically to the G4 structure, are dispensable for the stabilization of the G4, but both are required for G4 destabilization. Our study provides the first evidence that the unfolding kinetics of a G-quadruplex can be modulated by different nucleotide-bound states of the helicase.
Investigating emotional facial recognition in trait anxious individuals: an eye-tracking study

The current study examined the relationship between the recognition of the six basic emotions as a function of trait anxiety. Previous research has led to conflicting findings; one study reported increased accuracy for expressions of fear, and another finding no differences as a function of trait anxiety. As suggested by previous literature, the current study included eye movement measures to further investigate the processing of emotional expressions in anxious individuals. The current study also utilized four intensities of emotional expressions, a new addition to anxiety literature, as well as incorporated a measure of emotional dysregulation. The task consisted of a free viewing recognition task of expressions of the six basic emotions. Results from the current study revealed no accuracy or viewing time differences as a function of trait anxiety, however, a robust relationship was found between level of trait anxiety and emotional dysregulation. Clinical implications and future directions are discussed.
Homogenized models for a short-time filtration and for acoustic waves propagation in a porous media

We consider a linear system of differential equations describing a joint motion of elastic porous body and fluid occupying porous space. The rigorous justification, under various conditions imposed on physical parameters, is fulfilled for homogenization procedures as the dimensionless size of the pores tends to zero, while the porous body is geometrically periodic and a characteristic time of processes is small enough. Such kind of models may describe, for example, hydraulic fracturing or acoustic or seismic waves propagation. As the results, we derive different types of homogenized equations involving non-isotropic Stokes system for fluid velocity coupled with acoustic equations for the solid component or different types of acoustic equations, depending on ratios between physical parameters. The proofs are based on Nguetseng's two-scale convergence method of homogenization in periodic structures.
Gender-preferential text mining of e-mail discourse

This paper describes an investigation of authorship gender attribution mining from e-mail text documents. We used an extended set of predominantly topic content-free e-mail document features such as style markers, structural characteristics and gender-preferential language features together with a support vector machine learning algorithm. Experiments using a corpus of e-mail documents generated by a large number of authors of both genders gave promising results for author gender categorisation.
Sex Differences in Extreme Response Style

The main objective of this investigation was to study the influence of sex on extreme response style as measured by a semantic differential. The previous studies led to a general hypothesis formulated as follows. Normal males and females differ from each other with regard to their mean extreme response style scores with females having the greater extreme response scores on the semantic differential.
The Market Value and Cost of Solar Photovoltaic Electricity Production

The high cost of power from solar photovoltaic (PV) panels has been a major deterrent to the technology’s market penetration. Proponents have argued, however, that typical analyses overlook many of the benefits of solar PV. Some of those benefits are in the realm of environmental and security externalities, but others occur within the electricity markets. In this paper, I attempt to do a more complete market valuation of solar PV. I incorporate the fact that power from solar PV panels is generated disproportionately at times when electricity is most valuable due to high demand and increased line losses. I find that the degree to which the timing of solar PV production enhances its value depends very much on the extent to which wholesale prices peak with demand, which in turn depends on the proportion of reserve capacity held in the system. In a typical US system with substantial excess capacity, I find that the favorable timing of solar PV production increases its value by 0%-20%, but if the system were run with more reliance on price-responsive demand and peaking prices, the premium value of solar PV would be in the 30%-50% range. Solar PV is also argued to have enhanced value within an electrical grid, because the power is produced at the location of the end-user and therefore can reduce the costs of transmission and distribution investments. My analysis, however, suggests that actual installation of solar PV systems in California has not significantly reduced the cost of transmission and distribution infrastructure, and is unlikely to do so in other regions. I then bring together these adjustments to the valuation of solar PV power with calculations of its cost to analyze the market value of solar PV. The market benefits of installing the current solar PV technology, even after adjusting for its timing and transmission advantages, are calculated to be much smaller than the costs. The difference is so large that including current plausible estimates of the value of reducing greenhouse gases still does not come close to making the net social return on installing solar PV today positive.
Pif1 is a force-regulated helicase

Pif1 is a prototypical member of the 5′ to 3′ DNA helicase family conserved from bacteria to human. It has a high binding affinity for DNA, but unwinds double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) with a low processivity. Efficient DNA unwinding has been observed only at high protein concentrations that favor dimerization of Pif1. In this research, we used single-molecule fluorescence resonance energy transfer (smFRET) and magnetic tweezers (MT) to study the DNA unwinding activity of Saccharomyces cerevisiae Pif1 (Pif1) under different forces exerted on the tails of a forked dsDNA. We found that Pif1 can unwind the forked DNA repetitively for many unwinding-rezipping cycles at zero force. However, Pif1 was found to have a very limited processivity in each cycle because it loosened its strong association with the tracking strand readily, which explains why Pif1 cannot be observed to unwind DNA efficiently in bulk assays at low protein concentrations. The force enhanced the unwinding rate and the total unwinding length of Pif1 significantly. With a force of 9 pN, the rate and length were enhanced by more than 3- and 20-fold, respectively. Our results imply that the DNA unwinding activity of Pif1 can be regulated by force. The relevance of this characteristic of Pif1 to its cellular functions is discussed.
p120 Catenin Is Required for the Stress Response in Drosophila

p120ctn is a ubiquitously expressed core component of cadherin junctions and essential for vertebrate development. Surprisingly, Drosophila p120ctn (dp120ctn) is dispensable for adherens junctions and development, which has discouraged Drosophila researchers from further pursuing the biological role of dp120ctn. Here we demonstrate that dp120ctn loss results in increased heat shock sensitivity and reduced animal lifespan, which are completely rescued by ectopic expression of a dp120ctn-GFP transgene. Transcriptomic analysis revealed multiple relish/NF-κB target genes differentially expressed upon loss of dp120ctn. Importantly, this aberrant gene expression was rescued by overexpression of dp120ctn-GFP or heterozygosity for relish. Our results uncover a novel role for dp120ctn in the regulation of animal stress response and immune signalling. This may represent an ancient role of p120ctn and can influence further studies in Drosophila and mammals.
The Factors Motivating Voluntary Disclosure of Carbon Information: Evidence Based on Italian Listed Companies

The purpose of this research is to examine how environmental committees, institutional shareholdings, and board independence affect managerial carbon disclosure decisions, particularly those of firms belonging to highly polluting industries. We focus on Italian firms that operate in a code law environment but that have the option either to adopt the unitary corporate structure prevalent in common law countries or to retain the dual corporate structure used in code law countries. We use weighted and unweighted carbon disclosure indexes based on the Kyoto Protocol requirements. The findings show that all factors greatly affect voluntary carbon disclosure and that their impact is especially strong for firms in highly polluting industries. This study has important implications for managers and regulators.
Explaining Leakage of Public Funds

Using panel data from a unique survey of public primary schools in Uganda, The authors assess the degree of leakage of public funds in education. The survey data reveal that on average during 1991-95 schools received only 13 percent of the central government's allocation for the schools'nonwage expenditures. Most of the allocated funds were used by public officials for purposes unrelated to education or captured for private gain (leakage). The survey data also reveal large variations in leakage across schools. A small set of school-specific variables can explain a significant part of this variation. Specifically, the authors find that larger schools receive a larger share of the intended funds per student. Schools with children of wealthier parents also experience a lower degree of leakage, while schools with a higher share of unqualified teachers receive less. After addressing potential selection and measurement issues, the authors show that these school characteristics have a quantitatively large impact on the degree of leakage. The findings are consistent with the view that resource flows-and leakage-are endogenous to schools'sociopolitical endowment. Rather than being passive recipients of flows from government, schools use their bargaining power relative to other parts of government to secure greater shares of funding. Public resources are therefore not allocated according to the rules underlying the government's budget decisions, with obvious equity and efficiency implications. The survey findings had a direct impact on policy in Uganda. As evidence on the degree of leakage became public knowledge, the central government enacted a number of changes: it began publishing monthly transfers of public funds to the districts in newspapers, broadcasting them on radio, and requiring schools to post information on inflow of funds. An initial assessment of these reforms shows that the flow of funds improved dramatically, from 13 percent on average reaching schools in 1991-95 to around 90 percent in 1999. These improvements emphasize the role of information in mobilizing"voice"for better public expenditure outcomes.
Analysis of technical efficiency among community-based seed producers in the savannas of Borno State, Nigeria

The study examined the socio-economic characteristics of participating seed farmers in a community-based seed production scheme organized by the project, Promoting Sustainable Agriculture in Borno State (PROSAB). In addition, it determined the technical efficiency of resource use in PROSAB seed farms. Farm level survey data from 396 seed producers who cultivated maize, cowpea, soybean, rice, groundnut and sorghum were obtained using well structured questionnaires. The production parameters were estimated simultaneously with those of the models of inefficiency effects. Using the maximum likelihood estimation technique, asymptotic parameter estimates were evaluated to describe production inputs and efficiency determinants. Based on the results of gross margin analysis, the observed profit margins across the seed types conclusively revealed that every one naira spent in cultivating the seeds, some levels of financial benefits were derived as indicated by the output/input indices. Results further revealed that labour, farm size, seed and fertilizer were the most important inputs across the six crops. Inefficiency model analysis further revealed that the duration of the crop grown and ecological region predominantly affected the seed farm level of technical efficiency in input use. A mean technical efficiency of between 55% and 58% was identified, meaning that seed production under the scheme can still be increase by about 45% and 42% using available technology. The study recommends that, given the significance of seeds that have a shorter duration to maturity, quick maturing varieties of seeds should be promoted among farmers in the study area. Also, timely access to land augmenting input like fertilizer should be ensured.
High intake of fruit and vegetables is related to low oxidative stress and inflammation in a group of patients with type 2 diabetes

Background Patients with type 2 diabetes have increased levels of oxidative stress and inflammation. A high fruit and vegetable intake may be beneficial. Objective To study whether fruit and vegetable intake and levels of plasma antioxidants relate to markers of oxidative stress and inflammation in a group of patients with type 2 diabetes. Further, to investigate whether plasma antioxidants are good biomarkers for intake of fruit and vegetables. Design Patients with type 2 diabetes were studied. Their dietary intake and levels of plasma antioxidants, and markers of oxidative stress and inflammation were analysed. Results Fruit and vegetable intake was inversely related to oxidative stress. Plasma carotenoids were negatively correlated with inflammation. The plasma levels of α-carotene and β-carotene showed strongly positive associations with fruit and vegetable intake. Conclusions The results suggest that fruit and vegetable intake may decrease oxidative stress and inflammation in this group of patients. An increased intake of fruit and vegetables can therefore be beneficial for patients with type 2 diabetes, since these patients are documented to have raised oxidative stress and inflammation. The study support the usefulness of plasma α-carotene and β-carotene as biomarkers for fruit and vegetable intake.
Cognitive Coexistence between Infrastructure and Ad-hoc Systems

The rapid proliferation of wireless systems makes interference management more and more important. This paper presents a novel cognitive coexistence framework, which enables an infrastructure system to reduce interference to ad-hoc or peer-to-peer communication links in close proximity. Motivated by the superior resources of the infrastructure system, we study how its centralized resource allocation can accommodate the ad-hoc links based on sensing and predicting their interference patterns. Based on an ON/OFF continuous-time Markov chain model, the optimal allocation of power and transmission time is formulated as a convex optimization problem and closed-form solutions are derived. The optimal scheduling is extended to the case where the infrastructure channel is random and rate constraints need only be met in the long-term average. Finally, the multi-terminal case is addressed and the problem of optimal sub-channel allocation discussed. Numerical performance analysis illustrates that utilizing the superior flexibility of the infrastructure links can effectively mitigate interference.
Exploring the phenomenology of clinical and non-clinical depression: a Q-methodological study

The lived experience of depression is taken as a starting point for this research which aims to document and explore the variety of experiences of depression among a diverse sample of participants who have been diagnosed with and/or self-report as having had an experience or experiences of depression, either currently or in the past. Using Q-methodology and drawing on social constructionism and existential-phenomenology (particularly the work of Kenneth Gergen, Rom Harre and Martin Heidegger), I ask the questions ‘How do participants experience (clinical and non-clinical/self-identified) depression? How do participants’ experiences resemble or differ from established psychiatric and clinical psychology accounts of depression and how might the findings be relevant to existential counselling psychology practice? There were two phases to this empirical study. Firstly, a preliminary focus group study was conducted using a ‘clinical’ and a ‘non-clinical’ group and thematic analysis was used to analyse the data which provided information and materials for the development of the concourse of statements used in the main sorting task. Secondly, the main Q-methodological study required 46 participants to sort (online) a series of 58 experiential statements along a continuum ‘most like me when I’m depressed’ to ‘least like me when I’m depressed. ’ Nine of these statements were based upon the current DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for major depression. Principal component’s factor analysis produced eight interpretable factors which represent eight different (but shared) experiences of depression as follows; 1) ‘Clinical’/suicidal depression, 2) The ‘blues’/overcoming loss and bereavement, 3) Anxious/’anti-clinical’ depression, 4) Emotionally devoid/isolated depression, 5) Sadness and loss/surviving depression, 6) Alienated/helpless depression, 7) The ‘blues’/surviving through self-reliance, 8) Loss of meaning/depression as part of the cycle of life. These different experiences are explicated in detail and in relation to the placement of the DSM diagnostic statements. Only one of the factors showed a strong similarity to the DSM criteria while all the other factors revealed experiences that may not be captured by those measures. The results are considered in relation to social constructionist critiques and existential-phenomenological philosophy. Finally, the relevance of the findings for existential-phenomenological counselling psychology practice is discussed.
Examining the Therapeutic Processes Associated With Conservative Christian Parental Acceptance of Their Son or Daughter’s Lesbian, Gay, or Bisexual Orientation

Parents with strong conservative Christian religious beliefs may view their son or daughter’s lesbian, gay, or bisexual (LGB) orientation disclosure as a family crisis, and as a result, may seek out support and direction from a Licensed Christian Mental Health Practitioner (LCMHP). The counsel that the LCMHP provides, and a parent’s subsequent responses to his or her disclosing son or daughter, can have substantive and enduring positive or negative impacts on the youth’s physical and mental health. While it is known that parents can become more accepting of their LGB-oriented son or daughter, the processes by which greater acceptance occurs for conservative Christian parents has yet to be fully examined. The present study employed an interpretative phenomenological analysis research methodology to garner a greater understanding of the conservative Christian parental acceptance phenomena that occurs within the context of a therapeutic engagement between parents and an LCMHP. Providing a greater understanding of the processes and meanings associated with this phenomenon will provide LCMHPs with information that could assist them in helping conservative Christian parents to better navigate their relationship with their LGB-oriented son or daughter.
An epistemic break from “expertise”: Misunderstanding Terrorism by Marc Sageman

ABSTRACT Professor Marc Sageman’s latest contribution to terrorism “studies” builds on an ever-increasing critique of a field in which “expertise” is something that is largely taken for granted, rather than empirically “known”. His book Misunderstanding Terrorism seeks to refocus our attention towards what is knowable through a Bayesian analysis based on his unique access to acts of terrorism within the Western world. Key, however, is his framing of what terrorism “is”, and to that effect, this review article first assesses the work of two individuals writing on terrorism, Rafaello Pantucci and Shiraz Maher, to place Sageman’s significant book within a wider context of terrorism literature.