Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The association of personality with anxious and depressive psychopathology

The questions of to what extent and in which ways personality dimensions are associated with anxious and depressive psychopathology are still unresolved. Most research has focused on “neuroticism” and “extraversion,” or traits related to these personality dimensions. Neuroticism was originally described as reflecting emotional instability and anxiety proneness (Eysenck & Rachman, 1965). This trait was hypothesized to be related to the “visceral brain,” more often called the “limbic system,” which was supposed to regulate emotional expression and to control autonomic responses. According to Eysenck (1967), neurotic subjects are characterized by higher levels of autonomic activity (or reactivity), mediated by the visceral brain. Extraversion was described as reflecting sociability, liveliness, impulsivity, and the level of ease and pleasure felt in the company of others (Eysenck & Rachman, 1965). The last-mentioned trait was theorized to be related to the ascending reticular activating system, with a higher level of arousal in introverts and a higher level of inhibition in extraverts (Eysenck, 1967). A wide range of electrophysiological and other psychophysiological studies confirmed this hypothesis (Stelmack, 1981). Cloninger (1986) proposed that “harm avoidance,” an anxiety-related trait, is positioned between neuroticism and extraversion. This positioning was confirmed by a strong positive correlation with neuroticism (r = .63) and a strong negative correlation with extraversion (r = –.55), as measured with
Adipose Stromal Cells Contain Phenotypically Distinct Adipogenic Progenitors Derived from Neural Crest

Recent studies have shown that adipose-derived stromal/stem cells (ASCs) contain phenotypically and functionally heterogeneous subpopulations of cells, but their developmental origin and their relative differentiation potential remain elusive. In the present study, we aimed at investigating how and to what extent the neural crest contributes to ASCs using Cre-loxP-mediated fate mapping. ASCs harvested from subcutaneous fat depots of either adult P0-Cre/or Wnt1-Cre/Floxed-reporter mice contained a few neural crest-derived ASCs (NCDASCs). This subpopulation of cells was successfully expanded in vitro under standard culture conditions and their growth rate was comparable to non-neural crest derivatives. Although NCDASCs were positive for several mesenchymal stem cell markers as non-neural crest derivatives, they exhibited a unique bipolar or multipolar morphology with higher expression of markers for both neural crest progenitors (p75NTR, Nestin, and Sox2) and preadipocytes (CD24, CD34, S100, Pref-1, GATA2, and C/EBP-delta). NCDASCs were able to differentiate into adipocytes with high efficiency but their osteogenic and chondrogenic potential was markedly attenuated, indicating their commitment to adipogenesis. In vivo, a very small proportion of adipocytes were originated from the neural crest. In addition, p75NTR-positive neural crest-derived cells were identified along the vessels within the subcutaneous adipose tissue, but they were negative for mural and endothelial markers. These results demonstrate that ASCs contain neural crest-derived adipocyte-restricted progenitors whose phenotype is distinct from that of non-neural crest derivatives.
Knowledge-based scene analysis with saccadic eye movements

The perception of an image by a human observer is usually modeled as a parallel process in which all parts of the image are treated more or less equivalently, but in reality the analysis of scenes is a highly selective procedure, in which only a small subset of image locations is processed by the precise and efficient neural machinery of foveal vision. To understand the principles behind this selection of the 'informative' regions of images we have developed a hybrid system, which consists of a combination of a knowledge-based reasoning system wit a low-level preprocessing by linear and nonlinear neural operators. This hybrid system is intended as a first step towards a compete model of the sensorimotor system of saccadic scene analysis. In the analysis of a scene, the system calculates in each step which eye movement has to be made to reach a maximum of information about the scene. The possible information gain is calculated by means of a parallel strategy which is suitable for adaptive reasoning. The output of the system is a fixation sequence, and finally, a hypothesis about the scene.
Association of Common Genetic Variants in the MAP4K4 Locus with Prediabetic Traits in Humans

Mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase kinase 4 (MAP4K4) is expressed in all diabetes-relevant tissues and mediates cytokine-induced insulin resistance. We investigated whether common single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the MAP4K4 locus associate with glucose intolerance, insulin resistance, impaired insulin release, or elevated plasma cytokines. The best hit was tested for association with type 2 diabetes. Subjects (N = 1,769) were recruited from the Tübingen Family (TÜF) study for type 2 diabetes and genotyped for tagging SNPs. In a subgroup, cytokines were measured. Association with type 2 diabetes was tested in a prospective case-cohort study (N = 2,971) derived from the EPIC-Potsdam study. Three SNPs (rs6543087, rs17801985, rs1003376) revealed nominal and two SNPs (rs11674694, rs11678405) significant associations with 2-hour glucose levels. SNPs rs6543087 and rs11674694 were also nominally associated with decreased insulin sensitivity. Another two SNPs (rs2236936, rs2236935) showed associations with reduced insulin release, driven by effects in lean subjects only. Three SNPs (rs11674694, rs13003883, rs2236936) revealed nominal associations with IL-6 levels. SNP rs11674694 was significantly associated with type 2 diabetes. In conclusion, common variation in MAP4K4 is associated with insulin resistance and β-cell dysfunction, possibly via this gene’s role in inflammatory signalling. This variation’s impact on insulin sensitivity may be more important since its effect on insulin release vanishes with increasing BMI.
Pattern of Emotional Benefits Induced by Regular Singing and Music Listening in Dementia

To the Editor: Behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSDs), such as depression and anxiety, are highly prevalent symptoms in persons with dementia (PWDs) and represent one of the most complex, stressful, and costly aspects of dementia care. Previous studies have demonstrated that the capacity of music to evoke emotions and memories is often preserved even in severe Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and that music therapy or musical activities can enhance mood and social interaction in PWDs, although more evidence is needed. In a recent randomized controlled trial, the cognitive and emotional effectiveness of two types of caregiver-implemented musical activities, singing and music listening, were compared with standard care in individuals with mild to moderate dementia. Singing and music listening improved Mini-Mental State Examination scores and attention and executive function test scores and reduced depression symptoms, as indicated by the Cornell–Brown Scale for Quality of Life in Dementia (CBS) total score. Extending this study, the aim of the current study was to determine whether singing and music listening, which differ motorically, cognitively, and emotionally, would show a distinct pattern of emotional benefits on the subscales of the CBS.
Introduction of DNA into S. pombe Cells

Methods of transformation rely upon conditioning cells to take up DNA, and growing them under selective conditions to establish and maintain the plasmid or integration. Different methods may be used, including electroporation, treatment with lithium cations, or protoplast treatment which removes the cell wall. Protoplasts prepared as for transformation can also be induced to fuse with each other and undergo karyogamy, which provides a means of mating sterile strains.
[Validation of equations to assess body composition using anthropometric data in Chilean preschool children].

BACKGROUND Validated equations to measure body composition in Chilean preschool children are lacking, since the only international equation available was developed in obese, and undernourished Caucasian children. Due to the increase in overweight and obesity in Chile, it is essential to have simple and reliable instruments to assess children. AIM To design and validate anthropometric equations to estimate body fat (BF) and total body water (TBW) to be applicable in children aged 3 to 5 years, using deuterated water dilution as a reference method. MATERIALS AND METHODS Weight, height, circumferences and skinfold thickness were evaluated in 238 children aged 3 to 5 years, attending Junta Nacional de Jardines Infantiles (JUNJI). Several equations were developed using multiple regression models to estimate body water and fat. The proposed equations were validated against a sample of 77 children previously evaluated, using Bland and Alunan agreement analysis, that compares average differences of both methods with the average of predicted and estimated values. RESULTS New equations for TBW and BF were obtained, accounting for 86% and 72% in estimated variability. The agreement analysis showed a mean difference 0.001 +/- 0.32 and 0.07 +/- 0.56 kg, for TBW and BF, respectively, confirming the validity of the equations. CONCLUSIONS The new validated equations in Chilean children aged 3 to 5 years, have an adequate and predictive capacity, especially useful for evaluating TBW and BF change in cohorts.
Cachability of Web Objects

Abstract Much work on the performance of Web proxy caching has focused on high-level metrics such as hit rate and byte hit rate, but has ignored all the information related to the cachability of Web objects. Uncachable objects include those fetched by dynamic requests, objects with uncachable HTTP status code, objects with the uncachable HTTP header, objects with an HTTP 1.0 cookie, and objects without a last-modified header. Although some researchers filter the Web traces before they use them for analysis or simulation,many do not have a comprehensive understanding of the cachability of Web objects. In this paper we evaluate all the reasons that a Web object might be uncachable. We use traces from NLANR. Since these traces do not contain HTTP header information, we replay them using request generator to get the response header information. We find that between 15% and 40% of Web objects in our traces can not be cached by a Web proxy server . We use a LRU simulator to show the performance gap when the cachability is either considered or not. We show the characteristics of the cachable data set and find that all its characteristics are fairly similar to that of total data set. Finally, we present some additional results for the cachable and total data set: (1) The main reasons for uncachability are: dynamic requests, responses without last-modified header, responses with HTTP "302 Moved Temporarily" status code, and responses with a HTTP/1.0 cookie. (2) The cachability of Web objects can not be ignored in simulation because uncachable objects comprise a huge percentage of the total trace. Simulations without cachability consideration will be misleading.
Oppositions and Ideology in News Discourse

1. Introducing constructed opposites in news discourse 2. Lexical semantic approaches to opposition 3. The role of syntactic frames in opposition triggering 4. The role of conceptual relations in opposition triggering 5. Case study 1: The ideological function of clustered oppositions in the representation of anti-war protestors 6. Case Study 2: A comparison of the role of constructed oppositions in two news reports of a Countryside Alliance protest march 7. Oppositions and Ideological Cohesion 8. A new approach to studying the construction of 'us' and 'them' in News Discourse Bibliography Index
Guidelines for the Recording and Evaluation of Pharmaco-EEG Data in Man: The International Pharmaco-EEG Society (IPEG)

The International Pharmaco-EEG Society (IPEG) presents updated guidelines summarising the requirements for the recording and computerised evaluation of pharmaco-EEG data in man. Since the publication of the first pharmaco-EEG guidelines in 1982, technical and data processing methods have advanced steadily, thus enhancing data quality and expanding the palette of tools available to investigate the action of drugs on the central nervous system (CNS), determine the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of novel therapeutics and evaluate the CNS penetration or toxicity of compounds. However, a review of the literature reveals inconsistent operating procedures from one study to another. While this fact does not invalidate results per se, the lack of standardisation constitutes a regrettable shortcoming, especially in the context of drug development programmes. Moreover, this shortcoming hampers reliable comparisons between outcomes of studies from different laboratories and hence also prevents pooling of data which is a requirement for sufficiently powering the validation of novel analytical algorithms and EEG-based biomarkers. The present updated guidelines reflect the consensus of a global panel of EEG experts and are intended to assist investigators using pharmaco-EEG in clinical research, by providing clear and concise recommendations and thereby enabling standardisation of methodology and facilitating comparability of data across laboratories.
The effect of Ramadan intermittent fasting on lipid peroxidation in healthy young men while controlling for diet and sleep: A pilot study

Aims: We hypothesized that if we control for lifestyle changes during Ramadan, Ramadan Islamic intermittent fasting (IF) reduces oxidative stress. This study was conducted to examine the effect of Islamic IF during and outside of Ramadan on the circadian changes in lipid peroxidation marker malondialdehyde (MDA) during and outside while controlling for potential confounders. Methods: Serum MDA concentration was measured in eight healthy male volunteers at baseline (BL), after fasting for 1 week before Ramadan (BL fasting), and during Ramadan. Blood samples were drawn at 22:00, 02:00, 04:00, 06:00, and 11:00. The participants were admitted to the sleep laboratory and monitored for 24 h on the day of the measurements. In the laboratory, each participant received meals of fixed compositions and caloric contents based on their ideal body weights. Light exposure, physical activity, and total sleep duration were uniformly maintained during the three study periods. Results: The participants had a mean age of 26.6 ± 4.9 years and a mean body mass index of 23.7 ± 3.5 kg/m2. No significant changes were observed in MDA levels and blood glucose during BL, BL fasting, or Ramadan. Conclusion: In this pilot study, under conditions of fixed sleep-wake schedules and caloric intake, Ramadan IF does not alter serum MDA levels in healthy subjects. Larger studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Do Cloacal Pathogenic Microbes Behave as Sexually Transmitted Parasites in Birds

In birds, microparasites found in both the reproductive and the digestive tracts may be transmitted through copulations via cloacal contact (male-to-female and vice versa) and/or through the seminal fluid (mainly male-to-female). Most importantly, such cloacal microparasites are affected by and may in turn affect sexual selection processes and the evolution of mating systems. Here I provide preliminary comparative evidence that at least some cloacal microparasites tend to be distributed in hosts according to the host's mating system and as broadly expected from predictions of sexual selection theory. The patterns, however, are more suggestive than conclusive. There is a non-significant trend for polyg- amy to be associated with higher richness of cloacal microparasite taxa; with body size, however, also having a positive association with both polygamy and parasite richness. Although increased sexual plumage dichromatism tends to be asso- ciated with decreased cloacal microparasite richness, indicating that secondary sexual traits may be used by sexual part- ners to discriminate between infected and uninfected individuals, qualitative trends also suggest that non-mating periods of the year tend to be associated with slightly higher levels of prevalence and richness of cloacal microparasites. Given this variability of results, it is suggested that future studies should focus on specialist sexually transmitted microbes, to be compared with more generalist one.
The neural basis of the abnormal self‐referential processing and its impact on cognitive control in depressed patients

Persistent pondering over negative self‐related thoughts is a central feature of depressive psychopathology. In this study, we sought to investigate the neural correlates of abnormal negative self‐referential processing (SRP) in patients with Major Depressive Disorder and its impact on subsequent cognitive control‐related neuronal activation. We hypothesized aberrant activation dynamics during the period of negative and neutral SRP in the rostral anterior cingulate cortex (rACC) and in the amygdala in patients with major depressive disorder. Additionally, we assumed abnormal activation in the fronto‐cingulate network during Stroop task execution. 19 depressed patients and 20 healthy controls participated in the study. Using an event‐related functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) design, negative, positive and neutral self‐referential statements were displayed for 6.5 s and followed by incongruent or congruent Stroop conditions. The data were analyzed with SPM8. In contrast to controls, patients exhibited no significant valence‐dependent rACC activation differences during SRP. A novel finding was the significant activation of the amygdala and the reward‐processing network during presentation of neutral self‐referential stimuli relative to baseline and to affective stimuli in patients. The fMRI analysis of the Stroop task revealed a reduced BOLD activation in the right fronto‐parietal network of patients in the incongruent condition after negative SRP only. Thus, the inflexible activation in the rACC may correspond to the inability of depressed patients to shift their attention away from negative self‐related stimuli. The accompanying negative affect and task‐irrelevant emotional processing may compete for neuronal resources with cognitive control processes and lead thereby to deficient cognitive performance associated with decreased fronto‐parietal activation. Hum Brain Mapp 36:2781–2794, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A Data-Parallel Algorithm to Reliably Solve Systems of Nonlinear Equations

Numerical methods based on interval arithmetic are efficient means to reliably solve nonlinear systems of equations. Algorithm bc3revise is an interval method that tightens variables' domains by enforcing a property called box consistency. It has been successfully used on difficult problems whose solving eluded traditional numerical methods.We present a new algorithm to enforce box consistency that is simpler than bc3revise, faster, and easily data parallelizable. A parallel implementation with Intel SSE2 SIMD instructions shows that an increase in performance of up to an order of magnitude and more is achievable.
The influence of age, duration of diabetes, cataract, and pupil size on image quality in digital photographic retinal screening.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effect of age, duration of diabetes, cataract, and pupil size on the image quality in digital photographic screening. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Randomized groups of 3,650 patients had one-field, non-mydriatic, 45 degrees digital retinal imaging photography before mydriatic two-field photography. A total of 1,549 patients were then examined by an experienced ophthalmologist. Outcome measures were ungradable image rates, age, duration of diabetes, detection of referable diabetic retinopathy, presence of early or obvious central cataract, pupil diameter, and iris color. RESULTS The ungradable image rate for non-mydriatic photography was 19.7% (95% CI 18.4-21.0) and for mydriatic photography was 3.7% (3.1-4.3). The odds of having one eye ungradable increased by 2.6% (1.6-3.7) for each extra year since diagnosis for nonmydriatic, by 4.1% (2.7-5.7) for mydriatic photography irrespective of age, by 5.8% (5.0-6.7) for non-mydriatic, and by 8.4% (6.5-10.4) for mydriatic photography for every extra year of age, irrespective of years since diagnosis. Obvious central cataract was present in 57% of ungradable mydriatic photographs, early cataract in 21%, no cataract in 9%, and 13% had other pathologies. The pupil diameter in the ungradable eyes showed a significant trend (P < 0.001) in the three groups (obvious cataract 4.434, early cataract 3.379, and no cataract 2.750). CONCLUSIONS The strongest predictor of ungradable image rates, both for non-mydriatic and mydriatic digital photography, is the age of the person with diabetes. The most common cause of ungradable images was obvious central cataract.
Mining frequent item sets by opportunistic projection

In this paper, we present a novel algorithm Opportune Project for mining complete set of frequent item sets by projecting databases to grow a frequent item set tree. Our algorithm is fundamentally different from those proposed in the past in that it opportunistically chooses between two different structures, array-based or tree-based, to represent projected transaction subsets, and heuristically decides to build unfiltered pseudo projection or to make a filtered copy according to features of the subsets. More importantly, we propose novel methods to build tree-based pseudo projections and array-based unfiltered projections for projected transaction subsets, which makes our algorithm both CPU time efficient and memory saving. Basically, the algorithm grows the frequent item set tree by depth first search, whereas breadth first search is used to build the upper portion of the tree if necessary. We test our algorithm versus several other algorithms on real world datasets, such as BMS-POS, and on IBM artificial datasets. The empirical results show that our algorithm is not only the most efficient on both sparse and dense databases at all levels of support threshold, but also highly scalable to very large databases.
Model-Based Design and Evaluation of a Brachiating Monkey Robot with an Active Waist

We report on the model-based development of a monkey robot that is capable of performing continuous brachiation locomotion on swingable rod, as the intermediate step toward studying brachiation on the soft rope or on horizontal ropes with both ends fixed. The work is different from other previous works where the model or the robot swings on fixed bars. The model, which is composed of two rigid links, was inspired by the dynamic motion of primates. The model further served as the design guideline for a robot that has five degree of freedoms: two on each arm for rod changing and one on the waist to initiate a swing motion. The model was quantitatively formulated, and its dynamic behavior was analyzed in simulation. Further, a two-stage controller was developed within the simulation environment, where the first stage used the natural dynamics of a two-link pendulum-like model, and the second stage used the angular velocity feedback to regulate the waist motion. Finally, the robot was empirically built and evaluated. The experimental results confirm that the robot can perform model-like swing behavior and continuous brachiation locomotion on rods.