Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Facial Expressions of Emotion: Are Angry Faces Detected More Efficiently?

The rapid detection of facial expressions of anger or threat has obvious adaptive value. In this study, we examined the efficiency of facial processing by means of a visual search task. Participants searched displays of schematic faces and were required to determine whether the faces displayed were all the same or whether one was different. Four main results were found: (1) When displays contained the faces, people were slower in detecting the absence of a discrepant face when the faces displayed angry (or sad/angry) rather than happy expressions. (2) When displays contained a discrepant face people were faster in detecting this when the discrepant face displayed an angry rather than a happy expression. (3) Neither of these patterns for same and different displays was apparent when face displays were inverted, or when just the mouth was presented in isolation. (4) The search slopes for angry targets were significantly lower than for happy targets. These results suggest that detection of angry facial expressions is fast and efficient, although does not “pop-out” in the traditional sense.
Neuroprotective and Axon Growth-Promoting Effects following Inflammatory Stimulation on Mature Retinal Ganglion Cells in Mice Depend on Ciliary Neurotrophic Factor and Leukemia Inhibitory Factor

After optic nerve injury retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) normally fail to regenerate axons in the optic nerve and undergo apoptosis. However, lens injury (LI) or intravitreal application of zymosan switch RGCs into an active regenerative state, enabling these neurons to survive axotomy and to regenerate axons into the injured optic nerve. Several factors have been proposed to mediate the beneficial effects of LI. Here, we investigated the contribution of glial-derived ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) to LI-mediated regeneration and neuroprotection using wild-type and CNTF-deficient mice. In wild-type mice, CNTF expression was strongly upregulated in retinal astrocytes, the JAK/STAT3 pathway was activated in RGCs, and RGCs were transformed into an active regenerative state after LI. Interestingly, retinal LIF expression was correlated with CNTF expression after LI. In CNTF-deficient mice, the neuroprotective and axon growth-promoting effects of LI were significantly reduced compared with wild-type animals, despite an observed compensatory upregulation of LIF expression in CNTF-deficient mice. The positive effects of LI and also zymosan were completely abolished in CNTF/LIF double knock-out mice, whereas LI-induced glial and macrophage activation was not compromised. In culture CNTF and LIF markedly stimulated neurite outgrowth of mature RGCs. These data confirm a key role for CNTF in directly mediating the neuroprotective and axon regenerative effects of inflammatory stimulation in the eye and identify LIF as an additional contributing factor.
Memory fragments as components of autobiographical knowledge

Adults described and dated two kinds of personal remembrances: a fragment--a memory moment that is largely bereft of context--and an episodic, personal event memory--a narrative that consists of a number of related events. In Experiment 1 subjects reported memories from when they were 0-8 years of age and in Experiment 2, from when they were 0-16 years of age. Fragments were judged to be older than event memories, especially in Experiment 2 where the estimated ages of most fragments were from 0 to 8 years and of most episodic memories, from 8 to 16 years. Ratings of various features of the two kinds of memories also differed. We conclude that isolated memory moments possess validity and that although they are most likely to arise when the autobiographical memory system is not fully developed, they can also originate during a time when it is. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Language: en
Integrating Quantitative and Qualitative Data in Mixed Methods Research--Challenges and Benefits.

This paper is concerned with investigating the integration of quantitative and qualitative data in mixed methods research and whether, in spite of its challenges, it can be of positive benefit to many investigative studies. The paper introduces the topic, defines the terms with which this subject deals and undertakes a literature review to outline the challenges and benefits of employing this approach to research. The specific terms research, educational research, research methodologies and methods, research design, quantitative approaches, qualitative approaches and mixed methods approaches are all defined. Mixed methods approaches are outlined in terms of their challenges and benefits, with the researcher offering a personal opinion in conclusion to the paper. The conclusion that was drawn was that provided that mixed methods research was a suitable approach to any given project, its use would yield positive benefits, in that the use of differing approaches has the potential to provide a greater depth and breadth of information which is not possible utilising singular approaches in isolation. In spite of its time-consuming nature, and the suspicion with which some quarters of academia still regard mixed methods research, it does afford opportunities for researchers to have an informed conversation or debate involving information that is generated by both quantitative and qualitative collection methods. Furthermore, evidence would suggest that, rather than restricting the opportunities for research by only utilising either qualitative or quantitative methods, a mixed methods approach provides researchers with a greater scope to investigate educational issues using both words and numbers, to the benefit of educational establishments and society as a whole.
A common variant near TGFBR3 is associated with primary open angle glaucoma

Primary open angle glaucoma (POAG), a major cause of blindness worldwide, is a complex disease with a significant genetic contribution. We performed Exome Array (Illumina) analysis on 3504 POAG cases and 9746 controls with replication of the most significant findings in 9173 POAG cases and 26 780 controls across 18 collections of Asian, African and European descent. Apart from confirming strong evidence of association at CDKN2B-AS1 (rs2157719 [G], odds ratio [OR] = 0.71, P = 2.81 × 10−33), we observed one SNP showing significant association to POAG (CDC7–TGFBR3 rs1192415, ORG-allele = 1.13, Pmeta = 1.60 × 10−8). This particular SNP has previously been shown to be strongly associated with optic disc area and vertical cup-to-disc ratio, which are regarded as glaucoma-related quantitative traits. Our study now extends this by directly implicating it in POAG disease pathogenesis.
ElSe: ellipse selection for robust pupil detection in real-world environments

Fast and robust pupil detection is an essential prerequisite for video-based eye-tracking in real-world settings. Several algorithms for image-based pupil detection have been proposed in the past, their applicability, however, is mostly limited to laboratory conditions. In real-world scenarios, automated pupil detection has to face various challenges, such as illumination changes, reflections (on glasses), make-up, non-centered eye recording, and physiological eye characteristics. We propose ElSe, a novel algorithm based on ellipse evaluation of a filtered edge image. We aim at a robust, inexpensive approach that can be integrated in embedded architectures, e.g., driving. The proposed algorithm was evaluated against four state-of-the-art methods on over 93,000 hand-labeled images from which 55,000 are new eye images contributed by this work. On average, the proposed method achieved a 14.53% improvement on the detection rate relative to the best state-of-the-art performer. Algorithm and data sets are available for download: ftp://emmapupildata@messor.informatik. uni-tuebingen.de (password:eyedata).
Epidemiological, Evolutionary, and Coevolutionary Implications of Context-Dependent Parasitism

Victims of infection are expected to suffer increasingly as parasite population growth increases. Yet, under some conditions, faster-growing parasites do not appear to cause more damage, and infections can be quite tolerable. We studied these conditions by assessing how the relationship between parasite population growth and host health is sensitive to environmental variation. In experimental infections of the crustacean Daphnia magna and its bacterial parasite Pasteuria ramosa, we show how easily an interaction can shift from a severe interaction, that is, when host fitness declines substantially with each unit of parasite growth, to a tolerable relationship by changing only simple environmental variables: temperature and food availability. We explored the evolutionary and epidemiological implications of such a shift by modeling pathogen evolution and disease spread under different levels of infection severity and found that environmental shifts that promote tolerance ultimately result in populations harboring more parasitized individuals. We also find that the opportunity for selection, as indicated by the variance around traits, varied considerably with the environmental treatment. Thus, our results suggest two mechanisms that could underlie coevolutionary hotspots and coldspots: spatial variation in tolerance and spatial variation in the opportunity for selection.
Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium utilizes the ClpPX and Lon proteases for optimal fitness in the ceca of chickens

Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium (S. Typhimurium) is a leading cause of salmonellosis. Poultry and poultry products are implicated in transmission of Salmonella to humans. In 2013, an outbreak of S. Typhimurium occurred that comprised 39 states within the United States and was associated with backyard flocks of chickens. Colonization of the avian host by S. Typhimurium requires numerous genetic factors encoded within the bacterium. Of particular interest are genetic factors induced by alternative sigma factors within S. Typhimurium since these genetic elements are important for adaptation to different environmental stresses. The heat shock response is a dedicated change in gene regulation within bacteria in response to several stresses, specifically growth at 42°C. Because chickens have a higher body temperature than other animals (42°C) the hypothesis was tested that components of the heat shock response are important for optimal fitness within the chicken. To this end, deletion of the heat shock proteases clpPX (BTNC0022) or lon (BTNC0021) was accomplished and the bacterial fitness in vivo was compared to the “wild-type” strain (NC1040) using a competition assay. One-day-old chicks were orally gavaged with an equal mixture of NC1040 and either BTNC0022 or BTNC0021. Quantification of viable bacteria over time by using plate counts indicated that deletion of either heat shock protease resulted in significantly reduced colonization of the chicken ceca compared to the wild-type strain. To satisfy the molecular Koch's postulates, clpPX and lon mutants were complemented in trans using a low-copy number plasmid for additional in vivo experiments. Complementation studies confirmed the importance of either heat shock protease to colonization of the chicken ceca. This report demonstrated that both ClpPX and Lon were important for optimal fitness within chickens. Moreover, these results suggested that components of the heat shock may be critical factors used by S. Typhimurium for colonization of poultry. The use of feed additives or other treatments that inactivate or inhibit ClpPX or Lon may reduce the bacterial burden of S. Typhimurium in poultry.
Fractional Order Linear Quadratic Regulator

In this paper, we formulate the fractional linear quadratic regulator (LQR) problem. The analytical solution of fractional optimal control near the origin and infinity are derived. It is shown that the optimal control to the linear fractional system can be computed through the corresponding fractional Euler-Lagrange equations. Moreover, the analytical analysis of right-sided fractional equation is discussed, which relates to the construction and solution of fractional LQR problems. The matrix Mittag-Leffler function is used here to serve as the fundamental solution of high-dimension linear fractional equations. More detailed discussions about fractional systems and right-sided fractional operators are provided and summarized. Finally, two illustrated simulation results are provided as a proof of concept.
Mirror Symmetry and Closed String Tachyon Condensation

We study closed string tachyon condensation using the RG flow of the worldsheet theory. In many cases the worldsheet theory enjoys N=2 supersymmetry, which provides analytic control over the flow, due to non-renormalization theorems. Moreover, Mirror symmetry sheds light on the RG flow in such cases. We discuss the relevant tachyon condensation in the context of both compact and non-compact situations which lead to very dierent conclusions. Furthermore, the tachyon condensation leads to non-trivial
Morning surge and variability in blood pressure: a new therapeutic target?

Ambulatory blood pressure (BP) exhibits significant diurnal variation with modification of various psychological and physical stimulations during daily living.1 There is a consensus that the average ambulatory BP levels over 24 hours are more closely associated with hypertensive target organ damage and cardiovascular event than clinical BP.2 In addition, exaggerated ambulatory BP variation may be important in addition to the average BP level. However, results of previous studies that attempted to demonstrate the association between BP variability and cardiovascular disease are inconsistent. Some studies have found that ambulatory BP variability is a significant and independent determinant of target organ damage and poor cardiovascular prognosis,3,4 whereas others have not found an independent association.5 The reason for these inconsistent results is partly the modification of diurnal BP variation. Abnormal diurnal BP variation, such as marked nocturnal BP falls (extreme dippers) or the exaggerated morning BP surge, and reverse diurnal BP variation patterns with higher sleep BP than awake BP (risers) are risks for target organ damage and cardiovascular events.6–8 These phenotypes of ambulatory BP variability are associated partly with each other and with 24-hour ambulatory BP variability. Abnormal diurnal BP variability is associated with other relatively shorter BP variability, such as orthostatic BP variabilities in elderly hypertensives. In this issue, Zakopoulos …
Série Scientifique Scientific Series Ambiguous Volatility and Asset Pricing in Continuous Time

CIRANO Le CIRANO est un organisme sans but lucratif constitué en vertu de la Loi des compagnies du Québec. Le financement de son infrastructure et de ses activités de recherche provient des cotisations de ses organisations-membres, d'une subvention d'infrastructure du Ministère du Développement économique et régional et de la Recherche, de même que des subventions et mandats obtenus par ses équipes de recherche. CIRANO is a private non-profit organization incorporated under the Québec Companies Act. Its infrastructure and research activities are funded through fees paid by member organizations, an infrastructure grant from the Ministère du Développement économique et régional et de la Recherche, and grants and research mandates obtained by its research teams.
Climate changes and Hymenoptera venom allergy: are there some connections?

Purpose of review This review aims to update the world status of the main allergenic stinging Hymenoptera. Recent findings In this review, we consider the problems that social Hymenoptera (bees, wasps and ants) could represent in the nearest future for human health in different parts of the world. Summary Distribution and consistency of allergenic species including venomous insects are interested by accelerated dynamics caused by climate changes and globalization. Owing to the expansion of ranges of native species and colonization of invasive ones, even in the uncertainty of present available models, new challenges presented by stinging Hymenoptera should be expected in the future.
Soil Type Dependent Rhizosphere Competence and Biocontrol of Two Bacterial Inoculant Strains and Their Effects on the Rhizosphere Microbial Community of Field-Grown Lettuce

Rhizosphere competence of bacterial inoculants is assumed to be important for successful biocontrol. Knowledge of factors influencing rhizosphere competence under field conditions is largely lacking. The present study is aimed to unravel the effects of soil types on the rhizosphere competence and biocontrol activity of the two inoculant strains Pseudomonas jessenii RU47 and Serratia plymuthica 3Re4-18 in field-grown lettuce in soils inoculated with Rhizoctonia solani AG1-IB or not. Two independent experiments were carried out in 2011 on an experimental plot system with three soil types sharing the same cropping history and weather conditions for more than 10 years. Rifampicin resistant mutants of the inoculants were used to evaluate their colonization in the rhizosphere of lettuce. The rhizosphere bacterial community structure was analyzed by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis of 16S rRNA gene fragments amplified from total community DNA to get insights into the effects of the inoculants and R. solani on the indigenous rhizosphere bacterial communities. Both inoculants showed a good colonization ability of the rhizosphere of lettuce with more than 106 colony forming units per g root dry mass two weeks after planting. An effect of the soil type on rhizosphere competence was observed for 3Re4-18 but not for RU47. In both experiments a comparable rhizosphere competence was observed and in the presence of the inoculants disease symptoms were either significantly reduced, or at least a non-significant trend was shown. Disease severity was highest in diluvial sand followed by alluvial loam and loess loam suggesting that the soil types differed in their conduciveness for bottom rot disease. Compared to effect of the soil type of the rhizosphere bacterial communities, the effects of the pathogen and the inoculants were less pronounced. The soil types had a surprisingly low influence on rhizosphere competence and biocontrol activity while they significantly affected the bottom rot disease severity.
Cloud Federations in the Sky: Formation Game and Mechanism

The amount of computing resources required by current and future data-intensive applications is expected to increase dramatically, creating high demands for cloud resources. The cloud providers' available resources may not be sufficient enough to cope with such demands. Therefore, the cloud providers need to reshape their business structures and seek to improve their dynamic resource scaling capabilities. Federated clouds offer a practical platform for addressing this service management issue. We introduce a cloud federation formation game that considers the cooperation of the cloud providers in offering cloud IaaS services. Based on the proposed federation formation game, we design a cloud federation formation mechanism that enables the cloud providers to dynamically form a cloud federation maximizing their profit. In addition, the proposed mechanism produces a stable cloud federation structure, that is, the participating cloud providers in the federation do not have incentives to break away from the federation. We analyze the performance of the proposed mechanism by performing extensive experiments. The results of the experiments show that the cloud federation obtained by our proposed mechanism is stable, yielding high profit for the participating cloud providers.
Degrees of freedom in lasso problems

We derive the degrees of freedom of the lasso fit, placing no assumptions on the predictor matrix $X$. Like the well-known result of Zou, Hastie and Tibshirani [Ann. Statist. 35 (2007) 2173-2192], which gives the degrees of freedom of the lasso fit when $X$ has full column rank, we express our result in terms of the active set of a lasso solution. We extend this result to cover the degrees of freedom of the generalized lasso fit for an arbitrary predictor matrix $X$ (and an arbitrary penalty matrix $D$). Though our focus is degrees of freedom, we establish some intermediate results on the lasso and generalized lasso that may be interesting on their own.
Global Psychophysical Judgments of Intensity: Summary of a Theory and Experiments

This invention relates to a coating resin composition including an acrylic resin (A) having a hydroxyl group and an alicyclic epoxy group attached to side chains thereof, an alicyclic epoxy resin (B) having an epoxy equivalent weight of 100-1000, an organoalkoxy silane compound (C) having a glycidyl group and a hydrolyzable alkoxy silane group contained in one molecule thereof, and an aluminum chelate compound (D). The composition is stably storable, highly curable at low temperature (80° C. or below) and capable of producing a highly weatherable coating, and is useful particularly as a coating resin composition of a one-pack type and a coating derivable therefrom. The composition also exhibits various superior coating performance characteristics (bonding, appearance, weathering resistance, chemical resistance, solvent resistance and the like) in a well-balanced state.
Sharp isoperimetric inequalities via the ABP method

We prove some old and new isoperimetric inequalities with the best constant using the ABP method applied to an appropriate linear Neumann problem. More precisely, we obtain a new family of sharp isoperimetric inequalities with weights (also called densities) in open convex cones of $\mathbb{R}^n$. Our result applies to all nonnegative homogeneous weights satisfying a concavity condition in the cone. Remarkably, Euclidean balls centered at the origin (intersected with the cone) minimize the weighted isoperimetric quotient, even if all our weights are nonradial ---except for the constant ones. We also study the anisotropic isoperimetric problem in convex cones for the same class of weights. We prove that the Wulff shape (intersected with the cone) minimizes the anisotropic weighted perimeter under the weighted volume constraint. As a particular case of our results, we give new proofs of two classical results: the Wulff inequality and the isoperimetric inequality in convex cones of Lions and Pacella.
Hydrophilic Domain II of Escherichia coli Dr Fimbriae Facilitates Cell Invasion

ABSTRACT Uropathogenic and diarrheal Escherichia coli strains expressing adhesins of the Dr family bind to decay-accelerating factor, invade epithelial cells, preferentially infect children and pregnant women, and may be associated with chronic or recurrent infections. Thus far, no fimbrial domain(s) that facilitates cell invasion has been identified. We used alanine scanning mutagenesis to replace selected amino acids in hydrophilic domain II of the structural fimbrial subunit DraE and evaluated recombinant mutant DraE for attachment, invasion, and intracellular compartmentalization. The mutation of amino acids V28, T31, G33, Q34, T36, and P40 of DraE reduced or abolished HeLa cell invasion but did not affect attachment. Electron micrographs showed a stepwise entry and fusion of vacuoles containing Escherichia coli mutants T36A and Q34A or corresponding beads with lysosomes, whereas vacuoles with wild-type Dr adhesin showed no fusion. Mutants T31A and Q34A, which were deficient in invasion, appeared to display a reduced capacity for clustering decay-accelerating factor. Our findings suggest that hydrophilic domain II may be involved in cell entry. These data are consistent with the interpretation that in HeLa cells the binding and invasion phenotypes of Dr fimbriae may be separated.