Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Impressions of Dominance are Made Relative to others in the Visual Environment

Face judgments of dominance play an important role in human social interaction. Perceived facial dominance is thought to indicate physical formidability, as well as resource acquisition and holding potential. Dominance cues in the face affect perceptions of attractiveness, emotional state, and physical strength. Most experimental paradigms test perceptions of facial dominance in individual faces, or they use manipulated versions of the same face in a forced-choice task but in the absence of other faces. Here, we extend this work by assessing whether dominance ratings are absolute or are judged relative to other faces. We presented participants with faces to be rated for dominance (target faces), while also presenting a second face (non-target faces) that was not to be rated. We found that both the masculinity and sex of the non-target face affected dominance ratings of the target face. Masculinized non-target faces decreased the perceived dominance of a target face relative to a feminized non-target face, and displaying a male non-target face decreased perceived dominance of a target face more so than a female non-target face. Perceived dominance of male target faces was affected more by masculinization of male non-target faces than female non-target faces. These results indicate that dominance perceptions can be altered by surrounding faces, demonstrating that facial dominance is judged at least partly relative to other faces.
Deriving component designs from global requirements

This paper is concerned with the early development phases of distributed applications, service compositions and workflow systems. It deals with the transformation of a global requirements model, which makes abstraction from the physical distribution of the different system functions, into a system design that identifies a certain number of distributed components. The temporal constraints of the global requirements on the execution of the different activities imply certain coordination messages between the different systemion from the physical distribution of the different system functions, into a system design that identifies a certain number of distributed components. The temporal constraints of the global requirements on the execution of the different activities imply certain coordination messages between the different system components. The paper presents a transformation algorithm that derives, from a given global behavior, the local behaviors for each of the system components including the exchange of coordination messages for the global synchronization of the activities. In contrast to earlier work, strong and weak sequencing is distinguished and the primitive sub-activities included in the global behavior descriptions may be collaborations involving several components.
Staphylococcus aureus Adapts to Oxidative Stress by Producing H2O2-Resistant Small-Colony Variants via the SOS Response

ABSTRACT The development of chronic and recurrent Staphylococcus aureus infections is associated with the emergence of slow-growing mutants known as small-colony variants (SCVs), which are highly tolerant of antibiotics and can survive inside host cells. However, the host and bacterial factors which underpin SCV emergence during infection are poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate that exposure of S. aureus to sublethal concentrations of H2O2 leads to a specific, dose-dependent increase in the population frequency of gentamicin-resistant SCVs. Time course analyses revealed that H2O2 exposure caused bacteriostasis in wild-type cells during which time SCVs appeared spontaneously within the S. aureus population. This occurred via a mutagenic DNA repair pathway that included DNA double-strand break repair proteins RexAB, recombinase A, and polymerase V. In addition to triggering SCV emergence by increasing the mutation rate, H2O2 also selected for the SCV phenotype, leading to increased phenotypic stability and further enhancing the size of the SCV subpopulation by reducing the rate of SCV reversion to the wild type. Subsequent analyses revealed that SCVs were significantly more resistant to the toxic effects of H2O2 than wild-type bacteria. With the exception of heme auxotrophs, gentamicin-resistant SCVs displayed greater catalase activity than wild-type bacteria, which contributed to their resistance to H2O2. Taken together, these data reveal a mechanism by which S. aureus adapts to oxidative stress via the production of a subpopulation of H2O2-resistant SCVs with enhanced catalase production.
An Analysis of Conductor Surface Roughness Effects on Signal Propagation for Stripline Interconnects

Conductors with a roughened surface have significant effects on high-speed signal propagation on backplane traces designed for a 10+ Gb/s network. An accurate approach to evaluate these effects, including the signal attenuation and the phase delay, is proposed in this paper. A differential extrapolation roughness measurement technique is first used to extract the dielectric properties of the substrate used for lamination, and then a periodic model is used to calculate an equivalent roughened conductor surface impedance, which is then used to modify the transmission line per-unit-length parameters R and L. The results indicate that the conductor surface roughness increases the conductor loss significantly as well as noticeably increasing the effective dielectric constant. This approach is validated using both a full-wave simulation tool and measurements, and is shown to be able to provide robust results for the attenuation constant within ±0.2 Np/m up to 20 GHz.
The effects of caregiver and household HIV on child development: a community-based longitudinal study of young children.

OBJECTIVE Many studies that document child outcomes in the context of parental HIV - which has been established as a risk factor for child development - focus on older children/adolescents. Studies also concentrate on the status of the primary caregiver, not other household members who might be infected. DESIGN This study examined the effects of caregiver and household HIV on child development (4-13 years) in South Africa and Malawi (2011-2014). METHODS Data were gathered from 989 children and their primary caregivers at baseline and repeated at 12-15 months follow-up (86.5% follow-up rate). Only caregivers of a single child and caregiver/child dyads without missing data were included, providing a sample of 808 dyads for analysis. Children were divided into three groups according to caregiver-reported HIV burden: having an HIV-positive primary caregiver (19.8%), having HIV in the household (14.2%) or no HIV (66%). RESULTS The HIV burden was positively associated with an array of negative child outcomes, often mediated by caregiver depression levels. Family HIV burden at baseline affected child behavioural problems at follow-up indirectly through carer depression (B = 0.02; CI = 0.003, 0.06). Internalizing (B = 0.02; CI = 0.002, 0.05) and externalizing problems at follow-up (B = 0.01; CI = 0.0002, 0.03) were also indirectly affected by family HIV burden through caregiver depression. CONCLUSIONS The data suggest that family HIV can affect child development, emphasizing the important role of depression in the pathway to such an effect. Community-based interventions directed at alleviating parental depression in the presence of HIV may help to interrupt the cycle of family HIV and adverse child outcomes.
Optical size effects in ultrathin ZnO nanowires

Single crystal ZnO wurtzite nanowires grown along the c-axis with diameters down to 4 nm were synthesized by a catalytic vapor transport technique. Photoluminescence spectra of these wires indicate a blue shift of the free exciton by 19 meV due to confinement. This result was obtained by analyzing the line shape of the blue-shifted LO phonon replica of the free exciton. In addition, a surface-related excitonic luminescence feature centered at 3.366 eV was observed with a strongly elevated thermal activation energy.
Sampling of communication systems with bandwidth expansion

Many communication systems are bandwidth-expanding: the transmitted signal occupies a bandwidth larger than the symbol rate. The sampling theorems of Kotelnikov, Shannon, Nyquist et al. discussed by Unser (see Proceedings of the IEEE, vol. 88, no.4, p.569-87, 2000) shows that in order to represent a bandlimited signal, it is necessary to sample at what is popularly referred to as the Shannon or Nyquist rate. However, in many systems, the required sampling rate is very high and expensive to implement. We show that it is possible to get suboptimal performance by sampling close to the symbol rate of the signal, using well-studied algorithmic components. This work is based on previous results on sampling for some classes of non-bandlimited signals. We extend these sampling results to the case when there is noise. In our exposition, we use ultra wideband (UWB) signals as an example of how our framework can be applied.
One-round Strongly Secure Key Exchange with Perfect Forward Secrecy and Deniability

Traditionally, secure one-round key exchange protocols in the PKI setting have either achieved perfect forward secrecy, or forms of deniability, but not both. On the one hand, achieving perfect forward secrecy against active attackers seems to require some form of authentication of the messages, as in signed Diffie-Hellman style protocols, that subsequently sacrifice deniability. On the other hand, using implicit authentication along the lines of MQV and descendants sacrifices perfect forward secrecy in one round and achieves only weak perfect forward secrecy instead. We show that by reintroducing signatures, it is possible to satisfy both a very strong key-exchange security notion, which we call eCK-PFS, as well as a strong form of deniability, in one-round key exchange protocols. Our security notion for key exchange is stronger than, e.g., the extended-CK model, and captures perfect forward secrecy. Our notion of deniability, which we call peer-and-time deniability, is stronger than that offered by, e.g., the SIGMA protocol. We propose a concrete protocol and prove that it satisfies our definition of key-exchange security in the random oracle model as well as peer-and-time deniability. The protocol combines a signed-Diffie-Hellman message exchange with an MQV-style key computation, and offers a remarkable combination of advanced security properties.
Cognitive and motor development of 8-year-old children born after ICSI compared to spontaneously conceived children.

BACKGROUND As a continuation of two large-scale, multicentre studies on the development of 5-year-old ICSI children, we present results of the follow-up study undertaken on the cognitive and motor development of 8-year-old ICSI children. METHODS Developmental outcomes of 151 8-year-old singletons born through ICSI after 32 weeks of gestation were compared with those of 153 singletons of the same age born after spontaneous conception (SC). Part of this population was seen in a cohort at the age 5 years. Outcome measures include Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Revised (WISC-R) and Movement Assessment Battery for Children (ABC). RESULTS Regarding intellectual functioning, ICSI children tend to obtain significantly higher total (P < 0.01), verbal (P < 0.01) and performance (P < 0.05) intelligence scores than SC children, nevertheless remaining in similar ranges. These effects are small (Cohen's d < 0.50). High maternal educational level stayed in the regression as a factor accounting for some of the variance in total IQ between the groups. In terms of motor development, no significant differences were found between ICSI and SC children regarding overall motor skills, manual, balance and ball skills. CONCLUSION In this follow-up study, ICSI and SC children show a comparable cognitive and motor development until the age of 8 years.
Multi-degree of freedom hydraulic pressure driven safety active catheter

We aimed to develop an active catheter that could be used safely in human blood vessels. We proposed and developed a new type of micro valve and incorporated this into a hydraulic pressure drive system with multi-degree of freedom, to produce an active catheter that was compact and required no electrical power for operation. We experimentally verified the good operational performance of a prototype of this active catheter
E-Shaped Patch Antenna modeling with MoM and RWG basis functions

In this paper, we put the emphasis on the analysis and modeling of an E-Shaped Patch Antenna for wireless communications. This antenna can be designed to provide an Ultra Wide Bandwidth. The Method of Moment is utilized for the analysis. We use the Mixed Potential Integral Equation (MPIE) in conjunction with the Rao, Wilton and Glisson triangular discretization (RWG basis functions). A comprehensive parametric study has been carried out to understand the effects of various dimensional parameters and to optimize the performance of the antenna.
Effect of finishing and polishing direction on the marginal adaptation of resin-based composite restorations in vitro

Effect of finishing and polishing direction on the marginal adaptation of resin-based composite restorations in vitro. " ii To my fiance, Éric, for his unconditional support and love despite the distance To my parents for layering the foundation of determination and for their encouragements To my mentors, for their help, support and willingness to teach anytime iii ACKNOWLEDGMENTS I would like to express my sincere appreciation to my mentors, Dr. for their availability, invaluable assistance and suggestions. Allamargot to have taught me and allowed me to use the field emission scanning electron microscope for this research project. I thank Maggie Hogan from the Dows Institute for Dental Research for her help in teeth collection and for her suggestions. I would like to thank Laval University as well as my colleagues Dr. for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to fulfill my professional goal. Finally, I thank the faculty, the staff and my precious classmates in Denehy who made me feel at home and part of the Iowa Family. viii LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1. Field emission scanning electron microscope image of prepared enamel etched with 37% phosphoric acid for 20 seconds. The result is a partial dissolution of enamel prisms and interprismatic substance. Figure 3. A 90°cavosurface angle is parallel to enamel rods whereas a 45° bevel and a 30° bevel expose the end of enamel rods and allow a smooth transition in shade and texture between the resin-based composite and the tooth structure. Figure 9. Standardization of preparation in order to obtain two 30° bevels on each specimen. Having set a width of 3 mm, calculations were made to determine the exact depth of 0. Figure 15. On each specimen, both margins were finished and polished with the same technique, one from the resin-based composite to the tooth structure (C-T) (left margin) and the other from the tooth structure to the resin-based composite (T-C) (right margin). Figures 23. Initial observation of replicas at low magnification to localize the margins. These two images also show the 2 mm outline marks done with a caliper prior to sputter coating and the vertical central mark intended to separate and localize the two margins. Figure 24. Marginal adaptation measured with ImageJ software (ImageJ 1.44p, Wayne Rasband, National Institute of Health, USA). The length of the entire studied margin was measured as well as the length of any artifact and all defects belonging …
Magnetostriction : theory and applications of magnetoelasticity

This outstanding reference provides a comprehensive discussion of magnetoelasticity based on three accepted descriptions of magnetostriction: elastomagnetic matrices, a group symmetrical description, and a tensor formalism. It explores recent advances that rely mainly on Callen's work and emphasizes the influence of temperature, stress, and composition on the Joule magnetostriction of soft ferromagnets. The author offers a comprehensive examination of magnetoelastic effects useful for a variety of significant applications, including the Villari-, direct and inverse Wiedemann-, Matteuci-, ? E-, and invar-effects. This vital work also addresses fundamental topics, including pressure dependence of the Curie temperature, form effect, and magnetostriction in paramagnets, diamagnets, superconductors, and antiferromagnets. The last chapter is devoted to technical aspects such as experimental methods, technically useful materials (e.g., Terfenol-D and 2605SC Metglas), and various illustrative applications. Magnetostriction is one reference no physicist, materials scientist, or geophysicist should be without.
Encrypting data to pervasive contexts

Pervasive applications evolve around the user's context, making it a full-fledged communication party. However, no equivalent approach to End-to-End communication exists that allows a sender to bind data, through encryption, to a target context. Existing solutions require central infrastructures or only apply to the immediate context, restricting pervasive applications. We propose Encryption to Trusted Contexts (ETC), a communication security building block that enforces context bindings while preserving the data handling and forwarding mechanisms of the original application. Our approach leverages a Broadcast Encryption scheme to protect data in transit and binds decryption to the verification of an expressive, flexible context specification based on trusted, unforgeable sensing. Data can then be encrypted from and to any context, securely exchanged among devices, and made accessible only within the specified context. We demonstrate the feasibility of ETC in a prototypical implementation for ARM TrustZone devices, realizing communication security for context-driven, pervasive applications.
Effects of Changes in Extracellular Ionic Concentrations on Aortic Baroreceptors with Nonmyelinated Afferent Fibers

The effects of ionic changes upon one of the two classes of aortic baroreceptors, those having unmyelinated axons or C-fibers, have not been examined heretofore. Differences from results in aortic baroreceptors with myelinated axons might be expected because of differences in accessible surface area-volume relationships. Recordings were obtained using an in vitro aortic arch-aortic nerve preparation from 21 aortic C-fibers in 15 normotensive Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKR) 13–17 weeks old. During a slow pressure ramp, the endings responded with an irregular discharge. However, if the discharge was averaged over 10–20 seconds, the average discharge correlated well with the pressure level in the arch. The maximal discharge increased with faster ramp rates but the threshold was not shifted over the range of ramp rates employed. The relationship between pressure and discharge was tested during alterations in the extracellular concentrations of Na, K, and Ca ([Na]o, [K]o, and [Ca]o). A 12% decrease in [Na]o clearly decreased the firing in the aortic C-fibers during a ramp stimulus. During a pressure step, the initial discharge was not decreased but the steady state discharge was clearly depressed. When the aortic arch was perfused continuously at constant pressure, a decrease in Na of only 6% depressed the activity. Doubling [K]o increased firing for a few minutes and was followed by a reduction of discharge. Previous reports have shown no effect on myelinated baroreceptor discharge by a 12% decrease in [Na]o, a change which significantly depressed firing in all C-fiber baroreceptors in this study. Thus, C-fiber baroreceptors are more sensitive to changes in extracellular ionic composition than are baroreceptors with myelinated axons.
Coronary Artery Disease and Risk of Major Vascular Events After Cerebral Infarction

Background and Purpose— The impact of asymptomatic coronary artery disease on the risk of major vascular events in patients with cerebral infarction is unknown. Methods— Four hundred five patients with acute cerebral infarction underwent carotid, femoral artery, thoracic, and abdominal aorta ultrasound examination. Of 342 patients with no known coronary heart disease, 315 underwent coronary angiography. We evaluated the 2-year risk of major vascular events (myocardial infarction, resuscitation after cardiac arrest, hospitalization for unstable angina or heart failure, stroke, or major peripheral arterial disease events) in patients with known coronary heart disease (n=63), and in the no known coronary heart disease group (n=315) as a function of coronary angiographic status (n=315). Results— At 2 years, the estimated risk of major vascular events was 11.0% (95% confidence interval, 8.2–14.7). According to baseline coronary angiography, estimated risk was 3.4% in patients with no coronary artery disease (n=120), 8.0% with asymptomatic coronary artery stenosis <50% (n=113), 16.2% with asymptomatic coronary artery stenosis ≥50% (n=81), and 24.1% with known coronary heart disease (P<0.0001). Using no coronary artery disease as the reference, the age- and sex-adjusted hazard ratio (95% confidence interval) of vascular events was 2.10 (0.63–6.96) for asymptomatic coronary stenosis <50%, 4.36 (1.35–14.12) for asymptomatic coronary stenosis ≥50%, and 6.86 (2.15–21.31) for known coronary artery disease. Conclusions— In patients with nonfatal cerebral infarction, presence and extent of asymptomatic stenoses on coronary angiography are strong predictors of major vascular events within 2 years.
Multifunctional Au@IPN-pNIPAAm nanogels for cancer cell imaging and combined chemo-photothermal treatment

A facile approach was established for fabricating photothermo-responsive nanogels for simultaneous optical temperature-sensing, cell imaging, and combined chemo-photothermal treatment. The strategy for preparing the hybrid Au@IPN-pNIPAAm nanogels involved two steps, consisting of growing an acrylamide monolayer on a single gold nanoparticle, followed by in situ polymerization and crosslinking of N-isopropylacrylamide and acrylamide. The hybrid Au@IPN-pNIPAAm nanogels exhibited not only biocompatibility at low concentration <200 μg ml−1, but also good function on cellular imaging by using dark-field microscopy. Furthermore, the integration of the unique scattering properties of AuNP core and the reversible thermo-responsive volume phase transition of IPN-pNIPAAm shell could offer a thermo-/photo-triggered release of a model anticancer drug 5-fluorouracil from Au@IPN-pNIPAAm nanogels. Hence, the hybrid Au@IPN-pNIPAAm nanogels, may offer broad opportunities for combined diagnosis and therapy.
DR Detection of Fundus Retinal Images: Review

Retinal images of humans play an important role in the detection and diagnosis of many eye diseases for ophthalmologists. Ocular fundus image can provide information on pathological changes and early signs of diabetic retinopathy. During the last decade, Retinal image analysis is maturing as a field, making steady progress towards automated detection and representation of eye diseases. This paper reviews the algorithms and techniques used for DR detection.