Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Prefrontal oxygenation correlates to the responses in facial skin blood flows during exposure to pleasantly charged movie

Our laboratory reported that facial skin blood flow may serve as a sensitive tool to assess an emotional status. Cerebral neural correlates during emotional interventions should be sought in relation to the changes in facial skin blood flow. To test the hypothesis that prefrontal activity has positive relation to the changes in facial skin blood flow during emotionally charged stimulation, we examined the dynamic changes in prefrontal oxygenation (with near‐infrared spectroscopy) and facial skin blood flows (with two‐dimensional laser speckle and Doppler flowmetry) during emotionally charged audiovisual challenges for 2 min (by viewing comedy, landscape, and horror movie) in 14 subjects. Hand skin blood flow and systemic hemodynamics were simultaneously measured. The extents of pleasantness and consciousness for each emotional stimulus were estimated by subjective rating from −5 (the most unpleasant; the most unconscious) to +5 (the most pleasant; the most conscious). Positively charged emotional stimulation (comedy) simultaneously decreased (P < 0.05) prefrontal oxygenation and facial skin blood flow, whereas negatively charged (horror) or neutral (landscape) emotional stimulation did not alter or slightly decreased them. Any of hand skin blood flow and systemic cardiovascular variables did not change significantly during positively charged emotional stimulation. The changes in prefrontal oxygenation had a highly positive correlation with the changes in facial skin blood flow without altering perfusion pressure, and they were inversely correlated with the subjective rating of pleasantness. The reduction in prefrontal oxygenation during positively charged emotional stimulation suggests a decrease in prefrontal neural activity, which may in turn elicit neurally mediated vasoconstriction of facial skin blood vessels.
Observer annotation of affective display and evaluation of expressivity: face vs. face-and-body

A first step in developing and testing a robust affective multimodal system is to obtain or access data representing human multimodal expressive behaviour. Collected affect data has to be further annotated in order to become usable for the automated systems. Most of the existing studies of emotion or affect annotation are monomodal. Instead, in this paper, we explore how independent human observers annotate affect display from monomodal face data compared to bimodal face-and-body data. To this aim we collected visual affect data by recording the face and face-and-body simultaneously. We then conducted a survey by asking human observers to view and label the face and face-and-body recordings separately. The results obtained show that in general, viewing face-and-body simultaneously helps with resolving the ambiguity in annotating emotional behaviours.
Analysis of executables for WCET concerns

In this paper we present an analysis of assembly code for safety-critical embedded environments. Since local and global variables are the core concepts affecting the control flow of such programs, we first concentrate on classifying memory accesses as candidates for local or global variables. This is achieved by an interprocedural analysis of affine equality relations. We present how to refine this information via a combined affine equality relation and interval analysis. Thus, we achieve a sufficiently accurate classification of memory accesses in this class of binaries. As an application, we refine WCET analyses by yielding alignment properties of memory accesses.
Deterministic Black-Box Identity Testing pi-Ordered Algebraic Branching Programs

In this paper we study algebraic branching programs (ABPs) with restrictions on the order and the number of reads of variables in the program. Given a permutation $\pi$ of $n$ variables, for a $\pi$-ordered ABP ($\pi$-OABP), for any directed path $p$ from source to sink, a variable can appear at most once on $p$, and the order in which variables appear on $p$ must respect $\pi$. An ABP $A$ is said to be of read $r$, if any variable appears at most $r$ times in $A$. Our main result pertains to the identity testing problem. Over any field $F$ and in the black-box model, i.e. given only query access to the polynomial, we have the following result: read $r$ $\pi$-OABP computable polynomials can be tested in $\DTIME[2^{O(r\log r \cdot \log^2 n \log\log n)}]$. Our next set of results investigates the computational limitations of OABPs. It is shown that any OABP computing the determinant or permanent requires size $\Omega(2^n/n)$ and read $\Omega(2^n/n^2)$. We give a multilinear polynomial $p$ in $2n+1$ variables over some specifically selected field $G$, such that any OABP computing $p$ must read some variable at least $2^n$ times. We show that the elementary symmetric polynomial of degree $r$ in $n$ variables can be computed by a size $O(rn)$ read $r$ OABP, but not by a read $(r-1)$ OABP, for any $0 < 2r-1 \leq n$. Finally, we give an example of a polynomial $p$ and two variables orders $\pi \neq \pi'$, such that $p$ can be computed by a read-once $\pi$-OABP, but where any $\pi'$-OABP computing $p$ must read some variable at least $2^n$
UvA-DARE ( Digital Academic Repository ) Neural mechanisms , temporal dynamics , and individual differences in interference control

& Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) methods may help in understanding processes of response capture and response inhibition in conflict tasks, such as the Simon task. However, data-driven approaches thus far have not yielded consistent insights into these processes. Here, a theory-driven approach is introduced that capitalizes on individual differences in the processes of central interest. Based on the so-called activation–suppression model, specific behavioral parameters for each individual derived from reaction time (RT) distribution analysis were computed and entered into model-based fMRI analyses. These parameters correspond closely to the processes of inappropriate location-driven response activation (capture) and the subsequent inhibition of this activation as detailed by the model. Data from 24 participants revealed activation in the pre-supplementary motor area, which covaried with the RT distribution measure of response capture. Activation in the right inferior frontal cortex was found to covary with the RT distribution measure of response inhibition. These results, which are consistent against the backdrop of the larger literature on cognitive control, could have been derived neither from the standard data-driven fMRI approach, nor from inspecting overall mean RT alone. &
Removal of Perineuronal Nets in the Medial Prefrontal Cortex Impairs the Acquisition and Reconsolidation of a Cocaine-Induced Conditioned Place Preference Memory

Pyramidal neurons in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) critically contribute to cocaine-seeking behavior in humans and rodents. Activity of these neurons is significantly modulated by GABAergic, parvalbumin-containing, fast-spiking interneurons, the majority of which are enveloped by specialized structures of extracellular matrix called perineuronal nets (PNNs), which are integral to the maintenance of many types of plasticity. Using a conditioned place preference (CPP) procedure, we found that removal of PNNs primarily from the prelimbic region of the mPFC of adult, male, Sprague Dawley rats impaired the acquisition and reconsolidation of a cocaine-induced CPP memory. This impairment was accompanied by a decrease in the number of c-Fos-positive cells surrounded by PNNs. Following removal of PNNs, the frequency of inhibitory currents in mPFC pyramidal neurons was decreased; but following cocaine-induced CPP, both frequency and amplitude of inhibitory currents were decreased. Our findings suggest that cocaine-induced plasticity is impaired by removal of prelimbic mPFC PNNs and that PNNs may be a therapeutic target for disruption of cocaine CPP memories.
Islamic Headdress Influences How Emotion is Recognized from the Eyes

Previous research has shown a negative bias in the perception of whole facial expressions from out-group members. Whether or not emotion recognition from the eyes is already sensitive to contextual information is presently a matter of debate. In three experiments we tested whether emotions can be recognized when just the eyes are visible and whether this recognition is affected by context cues, such as various Islamic headdresses vs. a cap or a scarf. Our results indicate that fear is still well recognized from a briefly flashed (100 ms) image of a women wearing a burqa with less than 20% transparency of the eye region. Moreover, the type of headdress influences how emotions are recognized. In a group of participants from non-Islamic background, fear was recognized better from women wearing a niqāb than from women wearing a cap and a shawl, whereas the opposite was observed for happy and sad expressions. The response patterns showed that fearful and anger labels were more often attributed to women with a niqāb vs. a cap and a shawl and again, an opposite pattern was observed for the happy response. However, there was no general response bias: both correct and incorrect responses were influenced by the facial expression as well. Anxiety levels and/or explicit negative associations with the Islam as measured via questionnaires did not mediate the effects. Consistent with the face literature, we conclude that the recognition of emotions from the eyes is also influenced by context.
Resection margins and R1 rates in pancreatic cancer – are we there yet?

The prognosis of pancreatic cancer is poor, even for those patients who undergo surgical resection. The rate of local recurrence is high, despite the fact that in most series complete (‘R0’) resection is reported to be achieved in the majority of patients. The discrepancy between pathological assessment and clinical outcome indicates that microscopic margin involvement (R1) is frequently underreported, and potential causes for this are discussed in this review. Special emphasis is given to the variation that exists between currently used dissection techniques and their impact on the assessment of the resection margins in pancreatoduodenectomy specimens.
Managing User Involvement in Service Innovation

Although user involvement is frequently practiced in companies, the research findings regarding its benefits for innovation are contradictory. This article experimentally assesses the contributions made by users in comparison with professional service developers and examines how the implementation of user involvement affects the outcome. During periods of 12 days, three different groups were assigned the task of generating ideas for end user telecom services. One group consisted of professional de signers, whereas the other two consisted of ordinary users. The users in one of the groups coped with idea creation by themselves, whereas the other group consulted a service design expert at two controlled meetings who provided feedback regarding technical feasibility. Involving users makes the ideas more original, holding a higher perceived user value, but the users’ideas are less producible on aver-age. The outcome was also affected by how user involvement was implemented. Scholarly and managerial implications conclude the article.
A Genetic Algorithm for the Set Partitioning Problem

In this paper we present a genetic algorithm-based heuristic for solving the set partitioning problem. The set partitioning problem is an important combinatorial optimisation problem used by many airlines as a mathematical model for ight crew scheduling. We develop a steady-state genetic algorithm in conjunction with a specialised heuristic feasibility operator for solving the set partitioning problem. Some basic genetic algorithm components, such as tness deenition, parent selection and population replacement are modiied. The performance of our algorithm is evaluated on a large set of real-world set partitioning problems provided by the airline industry. Computational results show that the genetic algorithm-based heuristic is capable of producing high-quality solutions. In addition a number of the ideas presented (separate tness, unntness scores and subgroup population replacement) are applicable to any genetic algorithm for constrained problems.
Mitral Cells of the Olfactory Bulb Perform Metabolic Sensing and Are Disrupted by Obesity at the Level of the Kv1.3 Ion Channel

Sixty-five percent of Americans are over-weight. While the neuroendocrine controls of energy homeostasis are well known, how sensory systems respond to and are impacted by obesity is scantily understood. The main accepted function of the olfactory system is to provide an internal depiction of our external chemical environment, starting from the detection of chemosensory cues. We hypothesized that the system additionally functions to encode internal chemistry via the detection of chemicals that are important indicators of metabolic state. We here uncovered that the olfactory bulb (OB) subserves as an internal sensor of metabolism via insulin-induced modulation of the potassium channel Kv1.3. Using an adult slice preparation of the olfactory bulb, we found that evoked neural activity in Kv1.3-expressing mitral cells is enhanced following acute insulin application. Insulin mediated changes in mitral cell excitability are predominantly due to the modulation of Kv1.3 channels as evidenced by the lack of effect in slices from Kv1.3-null mice. Moreover, a selective Kv1.3 peptide blocker (ShK186) inhibits more than 80% of the outward current in parallel voltage-clamp studies, whereby insulin significantly decreases the peak current magnitude without altering the kinetics of inactivation or deactivation. Mice that were chronically administered insulin using intranasal delivery approaches exhibited either an elevation in basal firing frequency or fired a single cluster of action potentials. Following chronic administration of the hormone, mitral cells were inhibited by application of acute insulin rather than excited. Mice made obese through a diet of ∼32% fat exhibited prominent changes in mitral cell action potential shape and clustering behavior, whereby the subsequent response to acute insulin stimulation was either attenuated or completely absent. Our results implicate an inappropriate neural function of olfactory sensors following exposure to chronic levels of the hormone insulin (diabetes) or increased body weight (obesity).
The use of power gyrator structures for energy processing in photovoltaic solar facilities

This paper provides a classification of high efficiency switching power-gyrator structures and their use as cells for energy processing in photovoltaic solar facilities. Having into account the properties of these topologies presented in the article, their inclusion in solar facilities allows increasing the performance of the whole installation. Thus, the design, simulation and implementation of a G-type power gyrator are carried out throughout the text. In addition, in order to obtain the maximum power from the photovoltaic solar panel, a maximum power point tracking (MPPT) is mandatory in the energy processing path. Therefore, the practical implementation carried out includes a control loop of the power gyrator in order to track the aforementioned maximum power point of the photovoltaic solar panel.
Type-hover-swipe in 96 bytes: a motion sensing mechanical keyboard

We present a new type of augmented mechanical keyboard, capable of sensing rich and expressive motion gestures performed both on and directly above the device. Our hardware comprises of low-resolution matrix of infrared (IR) proximity sensors interspersed between the keys of a regular mechanical keyboard. This results in coarse but high frame-rate motion data. We extend a machine learning algorithm, traditionally used for static classification only, to robustly support dynamic, temporal gestures. We propose the use of motion signatures a technique that utilizes pairs of motion history images and a random forest based classifier to robustly recognize a large set of motion gestures on and directly above the keyboard. Our technique achieves a mean per-frame classification accuracy of 75.6% in leave-one-subject-out and 89.9% in half-test/half-training cross-validation. We detail our hardware and gesture recognition algorithm, provide performance and accuracy numbers, and demonstrate a large set of gestures designed to be performed with our device. We conclude with qualitative feedback from users, discussion of limitations and areas for future work.
DVB-S2 spectrum efficiency improvement with hierarchical modulation

We study the design of a DVB-S2 system in order to maximise spectrum efficiency. This task is usually challenging due to channel variability. Modern satellite communications systems such as DVB-SH and DVB-S2 rely mainly on a time sharing strategy to optimise the spectrum efficiency. Recently, we showed that combining time sharing with hierarchical modulation can provide significant gains (in terms of spectrum efficiency) compared to the best time sharing strategy. However, our previous design does not improve the DVB-S2 performance when all the receivers experience low or large signal-to-noise ratios. In this article, we introduce and study a hierarchical QPSK and a hierarchical 32-APSK to overcome the previous limitations. We show in a realistic case based on DVB-S2 that the hierarchical QPSK provides an improvement when the receivers experience poor channel condition, while the 32-APSK increases the spectrum efficiency when the receivers experience good channel condition.
Least square channel estimation for large-MIMO multi-cell downlink with reduced number of pilots

Channel estimation is key to enabling effective multiuser transmission in multiple-input multiple-output cellular networks. Thanks to technology advances and a shift to higher frequency carriers, recently there is an increasing interest in using very large antenna arrays at both ends of a wireless link, which is known as massive MIMO. In this work the problem of reducing large overhead due to pilot transmission for estimating massive MIMO channel elements in the uplink of a time division duplex (TDD) system with pilot contamination is considered. Through an analytical framework, a modified least-square (LS) algorithm is proposed, which requires less numbers of pilots than number of unknown channel elements that does not sacrifice system performance. Simulation results show the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm in terms of reducing the numbers of pilot terms with insignificant sum-rate loss.
Research progress of metrology of digital modulation error parameters

Digital modulation error parameters, such as error vector magnitude EVM, is important in test and measurement of information system. This paper introduces the technology research progress in the metrology of digital modulation error parameters. First, we point out the basic problems existing in the field, which is about traceability and parameter range of calibration, and describe the relevant research, such as the thinking and technology of the `RF waveform metrology'. Then, we highlight the research progress of our team: 1). The metrology method and system for digital demodulation error parameter based on CW combination, which fits BPSK, QPSK, 8PSK, 16QAM, 64QAM modulation: this method can achieve traceability and error setting ability in a wide range, when standard EvmRms is 1.585%, the expanded uncertainty (k=2) is 0.009%. 2). The metrology method and system for digital demodulation error parameter based on analog AM or PM. 3). The metrology method and system for digital demodulation error parameter based on IQ gain imbalance and phase imbalance. 4). The metrology method and system for digital demodulation error parameter based on analog PM in the aspect of GMSK and FSK modulation. 5). The metrology method and system for digital demodulation error parameter based on Baseband waveform design. Based on these methods, our proposal are given as follows: first, establish public metrology standard for digital modulation error parameters; second, develop a new type of instrument "vector signal analyzer calibrator".
Beyond diagnosis : case formulation approaches in CBT

The Development of Case Formulation Approaches (M. Bruch). The UCL Case Formulation Model: Clinical Applications and Procedures (M. Bruch). Understanding Persons in the Context of Their Problems: A Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy Perspective (W. Dryden). The Reformulation of Panic Attacks and a Successful Cognitive-Behavioural Treatment of Social Evaluative Anxiety (G. Davison & M. Gann). Using a Case Formulation to Understand and Treat a Person with Generalised Anxiety Disorder (F. Bond). Context Focused Analysis: An Experimentally Derived Model for Working with Complex Problems with Children, Adolescents and Systems (D. Lane). Managing the Therapeutic Relationship in Behavior Therapy: The Need for a Case Formulation (P. AuBuchon & V. Malatesta). AIDS Phobia, Compulsive Rituals and Undifferentiated Somatoform Disorder (H. Reinecker). Utilising Case Formulations in Manual-Based Treatments (F. Bond). Indexes.
Apoptosis in lymphoid and parenchymal cells during sepsis: findings in normal and T- and B-cell-deficient mice.

OBJECTIVES To determine if apoptosis (programmed cell death) occurs systemically in lymphoid and parenchymal cells during sepsis. To examine the potential role of T and B cells in the apoptotic process using knockout mice deficient in mature T and B lymphocytes. DESIGN Prospective, randomized, controlled trial. SETTING Animal laboratory in a university medical setting. INTERVENTIONS Cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) (n = 34) or sham surgery (n = 13) was performed in female ND4 mice and, 15 to 22 hrs postoperatively, thymus, lung, heart, spleen, ileum, colon, liver, kidney, brain, and muscle were obtained and examined for apoptosis. A second group of mice (Rag-1) which are totally deficient in mature T and B cells also underwent CLP (n = 14) or sham surgery (n = 14) and had examination of tissues for apoptosis. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS Four methods with varying sensitivities and specificities were used to detect apoptosis, including: a) DNA agarose gel electrophoresis; b) terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL); c) electron microscopy; and d) light microscopy. In CLP mice, multiple methods demonstrated apoptosis in lymphocytes in thymus, spleen, ileum, colon, lung, and skeletal muscle. In addition to lymphocytes, parenchymal cells in ileum, colon, lung, and to a lesser extent, in skeletal muscle and kidney were apoptotic in CLP mice. There was no evidence of apoptosis by any method of detection in liver, brain, or heart. Results in Rag-1 mice which are deficient in T and B cells demonstrated extensive apoptosis in thymus, spleen, and ileum with less degrees of apoptosis in colon and lung. Both lymphoid cells and parenchymal cells were apoptotic. Rag-1 mice which underwent CLP did not die prematurely and there were no apparent observable differences in the physical response (tachypnea, piloerection, lethargy, etc), or intra-abdominal bowel inflammation/adhesions compared with CLP mice with normal T and B cells. CONCLUSIONS Apoptosis is an important mechanism of cell death in lymphocytes and parenchymal cells in sepsis and occurs systemically in many organs. Apoptosis may be an important cause of immunologic suppression in sepsis by inducing widespread lymphocyte depletion. Alternately, apoptosis may be beneficial to host survival by down-regulating the inflammatory response which accompanies sepsis. The degree to which parenchymal cell apoptosis is contributing to multiple organ failure cannot be determined from the present study. Findings in Rag-1 mice demonstrate that mature T and B cells and their secretory products are not necessary for apoptosis to occur during sepsis and that apoptotic cell death is not restricted to T or B cells. Apoptosis may be a key regulator of the balance between the pro- and anti-inflammatory process.