Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Healthy co-twins of patients with affective disorders show reduced risk-related activation of the insula during a monetary gambling task.

BACKGROUND Healthy first-degree relatives of patients with affective disorders are at increased risk for affective disorders and express discrete structural and functional abnormalities in the brain reward system. However, value-based decision making is not well understood in these at-risk individuals. METHODS We investigated healthy monozygotic and dizygotic twins with or without a co-twin history of affective disorders (high-risk and low-risk groups, respectively) using functional MRI during a gambling task. We assessed group differences in activity related to gambling risk over the entire brain. RESULTS We included 30 monozygotic and 37 dizygotic twins in our analysis. Neural activity in the anterior insula and ventral striatum increased linearly with the amount of gambling risk in the entire cohort. Individual neuroticism scores were positively correlated with the neural response in the ventral striatum to increasing gambling risk and negatively correlated with individual risk-taking behaviour. Compared with low-risk twins, the high-risk twins showed a bilateral reduction of risk-related activity in the middle insula extending into the temporal cortex with increasing gambling risk. Post hoc analyses revealed that this effect was strongest in dizygotic twins. LIMITATIONS The relatively old average age of the mono- and dizygotic twin cohort (49.2 yr) may indicate an increased resilience to affective disorders. The size of the monozygotic high-risk group was relatively small (n = 13). CONCLUSION The reduced processing of risk magnitude in the middle insula may indicate a deficient integration of exteroceptive information related to risk-related cues with interoceptive states in individuals at familial risk for affective disorders. Impaired risk processing might contribute to increased vulnerability to affective disorders.
Comparative adverse effects of PEG-or NaCl- induced osmotic stress on germination and early seedling growth of potential medicinal plant Matricaria chamomilla

The adverse effects of salinity and PEG-induced water stress on growth of Matricaria chamomilla were assessed at the germination stage using osmotic solution of NaCl (0, -0.175, 0.358, -0.541, -0.716 MPa), and polyethylene glycol (PEG 6000) (0, -0.05, -0.1, -0.2, -0.3 MPa), respectively. Effect of NaCl salinity stress (0, 40, 80, 120 and 190 mM NaCl) at early growth stage of chamomile was also studied. The levels of NaCl and PEG-induced water stress were determined in first experiment. Both seed germination rate and seedling growth reduced with increasing osmotic potential of growth medium either due to NaCl or due to PEG. However, PEG-induced osmotic stress caused more growth inhibition compared with NaCl-induced osmotic stress. Seeds were not germinate at -0.8 MPa of NaCl and -0.4 MPa of PEG. In conclusion, adverse effects of salt stress on germination and early growth of chamomile is due to Na accumulation in addition to its osmotic stress.
Envisaging the Future Air Traffic Management System

The International Civil Aviation Organization (2005) Global Operational Concept proposes significant changes to the organization and delivery of air traffic management (ATM) services in the next 15 years. The aim of this article is to envisage the potential impact that these changes could have on the organization of work, the allocation of roles and responsibilities, and the demands that are placed on the people in those roles. The analysis is carried out using an abstraction hierarchy, analyzing the changes in the purpose and priorities of the future ATM system, the functions that it performs, the way that these functions might be allocated, and the types of displays and decision support tools that people will require to carry out these functions.
Fuzzy sliding motion controller for six-degree-of-freedom robotic manipulator

Sliding mode control and fuzzy tuning techniques are combined to generate a robust and an accurate fuzzy sliding controller for non-linear systems. The control law consisting of equivalent control, robust control, and fuzzy control is designed such that the equivalent control satisfies desirable dynamics. Reaching the sliding surface is guaranteed by the robust control term even in the presence of parameter and disturbance uncertainties. Fuzzy tuning schemes are employed to reduce the chattering problem around the sliding surface. The method is applied to the control of a six-degree-of-freedom robotic manipulator. Simulation results verify the validity of the proposed approach.
Consumer mashups: end-user perspectives and acceptance model

The emergence of web mashups has opened interesting possibilities for searching, combining, and reusing information in a simple, lightweight manner. However, actual research on user perceptions and consumer acceptance of mashup technology has received little attention. This paper presents a user acceptance model for consumer mashups, to precisely identify what factors lead to their adoption and to what extent. Our empirical results show that 'performance expectancy' of a mashup platform is the most important attribute in predicting and explaining user's intention to use a consumer mashup platform, this attribute being further explained by the factor 'organization of existing day-today activities'. The presented model can serve as a reference for mashup designers to design platforms having better user acceptance.
Effects of weak transcranial alternating current stimulation on brain activity—a review of known mechanisms from animal studies

Rhythmic neuronal activity is ubiquitous in the human brain. These rhythms originate from a variety of different network mechanisms, which give rise to a wide-ranging spectrum of oscillation frequencies. In the last few years an increasing number of clinical research studies have explored transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) with weak current as a tool for affecting brain function. The premise of these interventions is that tACS will interact with ongoing brain oscillations. However, the exact mechanisms by which weak currents could affect neuronal oscillations at different frequency bands are not well known and this, in turn, limits the rational optimization of human experiments. Here we review the available in vitro and in vivo animal studies that attempt to provide mechanistic explanations. The findings can be summarized into a few generic principles, such as periodic modulation of excitability, shifts in spike timing, modulation of firing rate, and shifts in the balance of excitation and inhibition. These effects result from weak but simultaneous polarization of a large number of neurons. Whether this can lead to an entrainment or a modulation of brain oscillations, or whether AC currents have no effect at all, depends entirely on the specific dynamic that gives rise to the different brain rhythms, as discussed here for slow wave oscillations (∼1 Hz) and gamma oscillations (∼30 Hz). We conclude with suggestions for further experiments to investigate the role of AC stimulation for other physiologically relevant brain rhythms.
Astrophysicists’ Conversational Connections on Twitter

Because Twitter and other social media are increasingly used for analyses based on altmetrics, this research sought to understand what contexts, affordance use, and social activities influence the tweeting behavior of astrophysicists. Thus, the presented study has been guided by three research questions that consider the influence of astrophysicists’ activities (i.e., publishing and tweeting frequency) and of their tweet construction and affordance use (i.e. use of hashtags, language, and emotions) on the conversational connections they have on Twitter. We found that astrophysicists communicate with a variety of user types (e.g. colleagues, science communicators, other researchers, and educators) and that in the ego networks of the astrophysicists clear groups consisting of users with different professional roles can be distinguished. Interestingly, the analysis of noun phrases and hashtags showed that when the astrophysicists address the different groups of very different professional composition they use very similar terminology, but that they do not talk to each other (i.e. mentioning other user names in tweets). The results also showed that in those areas of the ego networks that tweeted more the sentiment of the tweets tended to be closer to neutral, connecting frequent tweeting with information sharing activities rather than conversations or expressing opinions.
Auffinden von Spaltenkorrelationen mithilfe proaktiver und reaktiver Verfahren

Zur Verbesserung von Statistikdaten in relativen Datenbanksystemen werden seit einigen Jahren Verfahren fur das Finden von Korrelationen zwischen zwei oder mehr Spalten entwickelt. Dieses Wissen uber Korrelationen ist notwendig, weil der Optimizer des Datenbankmanagementsystems (DBMS) bei der Anfrageplanerstellung sonst von Unabhangigkeit der Daten ausgeht, was wiederum zu groben Fehlern bei der Kostenschatzung und somit zu schlechten Ausfuhrungsplanen fuhren kann. Die entsprechenden Verfahren gliedern sich grob in proaktive und reaktive Verfahren: Erstere liefern ein gutes Gesamtbild uber samtliche vorhandenen Daten, mussen dazu allerdings selbst regelmasig auf die Daten zugreifen und benotigen somit Kapazitat des DBMS. Letztere uberwachen und analysieren hingegen die Anfrageergebnisse und liefern daher nur Korrelationsannahmen fur bereits abgefragte Daten, was einerseits das bisherige Nutzerinteresse sehr gut widerspiegelt, andererseits aber bei Anderungen desWorkloads versagen kann. Dafur wird einzig bei der Uberwachung der Anfragen DBMS-Kapazitat benotigt, es erfolgt kein eigenstandiger Zugriff auf die Daten. Im Zuge dieser Arbeit werden beide Ansatze miteinander verbunden, um ihre jeweiligen Vorteile auszunutzen. Dazu werden die sich ergebenden Herausforderungen, wie sich widersprechende Korrelationsannahmen, aufgezeigt und als Losungsansatz u. a. der zusatzliche Einsatz von reaktiv erstellten Statistiken vorgeschlagen.
Placental Malaria: Hypertension, VEGF, and Prolactin

The findings by Muehlenbachs et al. [1] that placental malaria (PM) is associated with hypertension in first-time mothers aged 18–20 years is significant, and not to be explained at this time of writing. The authors also provide data suggesting that the maternal–fetal conflict, during chronic PM and hypertension in first-time mothers, involves the VEGF pathway. Previously [2–5], I have posited that prolactin might have a role in PM and these new findings might provide further indirect evidence for such a role. It should be remembered that there is an extensive and decades-old literature (see Horrobin's chapter 23 in [6]) on the role of prolactin in hypertension; and more specifically, the relationship between prolactin and pregnancy-related hypertension [7,8]. Regarding the VEGF pathway, Malaguarnera et al. [9] have recently shown that prolactin induces VEGF production in human macrophages. It is conceivable that hyperprolactinemia (pituitary and/or placental) could up-regulate placental macrophage production of VEGF. Space does not permit a discussion of the well known fact of increased pregnancy-related prolactin in first-time mothers, but this has been noted elsewhere [2] concerning maternal malaria. Although there has been controversy of late [2,10], regarding my “prolactin hypothesis” in maternal malaria, it is time definitive experiments be conducted to ascertain if prolactin is playing a role in PM, and in other infectious diseases as well.
On full aspect conveyed object inspection at high speed

Removing faulty products from a production line at an early production stage can lead to significant waste reduction and an improvement in quality. In order to inspect all of the visible surfaces of conveyed objects, a structured light system comprising two cameras and laser sources is presented. High speed cameras are used to provide accurate inspection at high belt speeds. The system locates and extracts information from multiple objects within a scene and then performs dimensional analysis on the extracted data from two opposing viewpoints. The objects are tracked as they move through the inspection area allowing for a full inspection. The dimensional measurements from each viewpoint are then brought together for a final accept or reject decision.
Complementing the data warehouse with information filtered from the web

The data warehouse is considered to be the best way to organize transactional data. However, as many researches claim data warehouse should be augmented with external textual information. The objective of this chapter is to examine the requirements for profiling in the data warehouse environment. Profiles created in the data warehouse are then utilized to filter information. The goal of the sketched system is to support users in his situated actions. We explore many issues concerning personalization, such as information overflow, user models, and situatedness. We also analyze the factors that influence the filtering process. Finally, we draw some conclusions that should be considered during extension of the evaluated system.
Are magnetic hot stars intrinsic X-ray sources?

Context. X-ray surveys carried out with the Einstein and ROSAT satellites have resulted in rather unexpected detections of X-ray emission from late B-type and early A-type stars. These stars possess neither winds like early-type stars nor convective envelopes as late-type stars, so that the origin and production mechanism of this X-emission is unclear. Aims. We investigate whether the presence of large magnetic fields is related to the observed X-ray emission. Methods. We carried out Chandra high-angular resolution observations of a sample of late B-type and A-type stars with measured magnetic fields in the range from 0.2-17 kG. Out of the selected 10 sample stars, 6 objects had been previously detected as X-ray sources, some of them, however, with high positional uncertainty and a low signal-to-noise ratio, while 4 of our sample stars do have large magnetic fields but no previous detections of X-ray emission. Results. Our Chandra data confirm all previous ROSAT detections with an extremely high significance, and the limits of the offsets between X-ray and optical positions are greatly improved. In particular, HD 215441, known as Babcock's star with the strongest magnetic field by far (17 kG) of our sample stars, a rather faint and somewhat marginal ROSAT source, can clearly be detected. However, none of the 4 ROSAT non-detections could be detected with the new Chandra observations. Conclusions. The pure existence of a magnetic field of kiloGauss strength on a late B-type or A-type star is therefore not necessarily a prerequisite for finding X-ray emission among these stars. Understanding the observed X-ray emission from Babcock's star is a challenge for observational and theoretical astrophysics.
THE NEUTRAL DIVERGENCE OF QUANTITATIVE TRAITS

In the preceding chapter, we learned how the opposing forces of random genetic drift and mutation lead to an equilibrium level of within-population genetic variance. In contrast, the phenotypic variance among isolated populations may continue to increase nearly indefinitely for neutral characters, as isolated demes or species recurrently acquire and become fixed for independent mutations. Here, we explore neutral factors that can drive the evolutionary dynamics of the among-population variance. As in Chapter 10, we will start with the situation in which the time span is short enough that most of the change in population-mean phenotypes is driven by drift acting on existing variation rather than by new alleles introduced by mutation. We then explore the consequences of longer-term divergence, with mutation playing an increasingly dominant role, showing that eventually the rate of divergence for neutral characters may become essentially independent of local effective population sizes. We conclude by using this theory to first develop statistical tests of whether an observed pattern of phenotypic divergence is consistent with model of strict neutral drift and mutation. We then review the application of these tests to both standard morphological traits and to divergence in the patterns of gene regulation across species. Although few quantitative traits may actually evolve in a purely neutral fashion, a more compelling case for selection can always be made if the hypothesis of neutrality can be formally rejected. For example, an observed divergence of isolated lines that is significantly less than the neutral expectation provides evidence of stabilizing selection, whereas the reverse supports a role for diversifying selection. In addition, as populations become diminishingly small in size, drift begins to overwhelm selection, promoting nearly neutral patterns of evolution. Recall that Chapters 7-9 considered the complementary topic of tests for departures from neutrality at specific loci, as opposed to specific traits, which is our focus here.
Socioeconomic, Psychiatric and Materiality Determinants and Risk of Postpartum Depression in Border City of Ilam, Western Iran

Background. Postpartum depression (PPD) is considered as one of the mood disturbances occurring during 2-3 months after delivery. The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of PPD and its associated risk factors in border city of Ilam, western Iran. Methods. Through a descriptive cross-sectional study in 2011, overall, 197 women who attended Obstetrics & Gynecology clinics postpartumly in the border city of Ilam, western Iran, were randomly recruited. A standard questionnaire that was completed by a trained midwife through face to face interviews was used for data gathering. Results. Mean age ± standard deviations was 27.9 ± 5.2 years. Prevalence of PPD was estimated to be 34.8% (95% CI: 27.7–41.7). A significant difference was observed among depression scores before and after delivery (P ≤ 0.001). Type of delivery (P = 0.044), low socioeconomic status (P = 0.011), and women having low educational level (P = 0.009) were the most important significant risk factors associated with PPD. The regression analysis showed that employed mothers compared to housekeepers were more at risk for PPD (adjusted OR = 2.01, 95% CI: 1.22–2.28, P = 0.003). Conclusions. Prevalence of PPD in western Iran was slightly higher than the corresponding rate from either national or international reports.
A Process over all Stationary Covariance Kernels

I define a process over all stationary covariance kernels. I show how one might be able to perform inference that scales as O(nm) in a GP regression model using this process as a prior over the covariance kernel, with n datapoints and m < n. I also show how the stationarity assumption can be relaxed.
Detecting Curvilinear Relationships: A Comparison of Scoring Approaches Based on Different Item Response Models

There is a growing use of noncognitive assessments around the world, and recent research has posited an ideal point response process underlying such measures. A critical issue is whether the typical use of dominance approaches (e.g., average scores, factor analysis, and the Samejima's graded response model) in scoring such measures is adequate. This study examined the performance of an ideal point scoring approach (e.g., the generalized graded unfolding model) as compared to the typical dominance scoring approaches in detecting curvilinear relationships between scored trait and external variable. Simulation results showed that when data followed the ideal point model, the ideal point approach generally exhibited more power and provided more accurate estimates of curvilinear effects than the dominance approaches. No substantial difference was found between ideal point and dominance scoring approaches in terms of Type I error rate and bias across different sample sizes and scale lengths, although skewness in the distribution of trait and external variable can potentially reduce statistical power. For dominance data, the ideal point scoring approach exhibited convergence problems in most conditions and failed to perform as well as the dominance scoring approaches. Practical implications for scoring responses to Likert-type surveys to examine curvilinear effects are discussed.
Form and Function in the Platyrrhine Skull: A Three‐Dimensional Analysis of Dental and TMJ Morphology

Cranial and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) form has been shown to reflect masticatory forces and mandibular range of motion, which vary in relation to feeding strategy. Similarly, the dentition, as the portion of the masticatory apparatus most directly involved in triturating food items, strongly reflects dietary profile. Fine control over condylar and mandibular movements guides the teeth into occlusion, while the topography and position of the dental arcade mediate mandibular movements. We hypothesize that masticatory, and particularly TMJ, morphology and dental form covary in predictable ways with one another and with diet. We employed three‐dimensional geometric morphometric techniques to examine inter‐specific variation in ten platyrrhine species. Landmarks were collected on six datasets describing the upper and lower molars, cranium, glenoid fossa, mandible, and mandibular condyle; two‐block partial least squares analyses were performed to assess covariation between cranial morphology, dentition, and diet. Significant relationships were identified between the molars and the cranium, mandible, and glenoid fossa. Some of these shape complexes reflect feeding strategy; for example, higher crowned/cusped dentitions, as found in primates consuming larger quantities of structural carbohydrates (e.g., Alouatta and Saimiri), correspond to anteroposterior longer and deeper glenoid fossae. These results indicate strong covariance between dental and TMJ form, aspects of which are related to feeding behavior. However, other aspects of morphological variation display a strong phylogenetic signal; we must therefore examine further ways in which to control for phylogeny when examining covariation in interspecific masticatory form. Anat Rec, 298:29–47, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Search-based refactoring: Towards semantics preservation

Refactoring restructures a program to improve its structure without altering its behavior. However, it is challenging to preserve the domain semantics of a program when refactoring is decided/implemented automatically. Indeed, a program could be syntactically correct, have the right behavior, but model incorrectly the domain semantics. In this paper, we propose a multi-objective optimization approach to find the best sequence of refactorings that maximizes quality improvements (program structure) and minimizes semantic errors. To this end, we use the non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm (NSGA-II) to find the best compromise between these two conflicting objectives. We report the results of our experiments on different open source projects.
Dynamic Prioritization of Traffic in Home Networks

To enhance the experience of a home network user, prioritization of network traffic is important. Previous solutions to this problem assigned priorities in a static manner. Even though there has been some efforts to assign priorities dynamically, these solutions only used interactivity of applications to prioritize traffic. We present Contextual Router, which achieves better prioritization by detecting all the flows generated in a home network and assigning priorities in a dynamic manner using various features of flows collected from each user’s machine.