Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Implicit Estimation of Sound-arrival Time

I n perceiving the sound produced by the movement of a visible object, the brain coordinates the auditory and visual input 1–3 so that no delay is noticed even though the sound arrives later (for distant source objects, such as aircraft or firework displays, this is less effective). Here we show that coordination occurs because the brain uses information about distance that is supplied by the visual system to calibrate simultaneity. Our findings indicate that auditory and visual inputs are coordinated not because the brain has a wide temporal window for auditory integration, as was previously thought, but because the brain actively changes the temporal location of the window depending on the distance of the visible sound source. Seven subjects with normal vision and hearing were presented through headphones with a burst of white noise (90 decibels sound-pressure level, 10-ms duration, with 4-ms rise and fall times), the spectrum of which had been processed (by using head-related transfer functions) to simulate an external sound from a frontal direction. Brief light flashes (10 ms) were produced by an array of five green light-emitting diodes (LEDs) at different distances from the subjects (1–50 m; Fig. 1). The intensity of the light flash was 14.5 candelas per square metre at a viewing distance of 1 m, and was increased in proportion to the square of the viewing distance for the other distances in order to produce consistent intensity at the eye. The difference in onset times between the sound and light stimuli was varied randomly from ǁ125 ms to 175 ms in steps of 25 ms. Subjects were instructed to look at the centre of the LED array and to imagine that the LEDs were the source of both light and sound, while listening to the sound directly from the sound source. To eliminate possible bias effects, we used a two-alternative forced-choice task to measure subjective simultaneity: in this task, observers judged whether the light was presented before or after the sound. Twenty responses were obtained for each condition. To determine the stimulus-onset asynchrony that corresponded to subjective simultaneity, we estimated the 50% point (the point of subjective equality) by fitting a cumulative normal-distribution function to each individual's data using a maximum-likelihood curve-fitting technique. When the LED array was 1 m away, the point of subjective equality occurred at a sound delay of about 5 ms; however, the sound delay at this point …
The crystal structure of the mycobacterium tuberculosis Rv3019c‐Rv3020c ESX complex reveals a domain‐swapped heterotetramer

Mycobacterium tuberculosis encodes five gene clusters (ESX‐1 to ESX‐5) for Type VII protein secretion systems that are implicated in mycobacterial pathogenicity. Substrates for the secretion apparatus are encoded within the gene clusters and in additional loci that lack the components of the secretion apparatus. The best characterized substrates are the ESX complexes, 1:1 heterodimers of ESAT‐6 and CFP‐10, the prototypical member that has been shown to be essential for Mycobacterium tuberculosis pathogenesis. We have determined the structure of EsxRS, a homolog of EsxGH of the ESX‐3 gene cluster, at 1.91 Å resolution. The EsxRS structure is composed of two four‐helix bundles resulting from the 3D domain swapping of the C‐terminal domain of EsxS, the CFP‐10 homolog. The four‐helix bundles at the extremities of the complex have a similar architecture to the structure of ESAT‐6·CFP‐10 (EsxAB) of ESX‐1, but in EsxRS a hinge loop linking the α‐helical domains of EsxS undergoes a loop‐to‐helix transition that creates the domain swapped EsxRS tetramer. Based on the atomic structure of EsxRS and existing biochemical data on ESX complexes, we propose that higher order ESX oligomers may increase avidity of ESX binding to host receptor molecules or, alternatively, the conformational change that creates the domain swapped structure may be the basis of ESX complex dissociation that would free ESAT‐6 to exert a cytotoxic effect.
MtDNA CytB Structure of Rhombomys opimus (Rodentia: Gerbellidae), the Main Reservoir of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in the Borderline of Iran-Turkmenistan

Background: Great gerbils, Rhombomys opimus, are the main reservoir host of zoonootic cutaneous leishmaniasis (ZCL) in Iran and neighboring countries. Based on morphological traits two subspecies R. opimus sodalis and R. opimus sargadensis have reported in the country. However, variation in infection rate and signs to Leishmania parasites, phenotype, size, and sexual polymorphisms demand more details to elucidate clearly the role of great gerbils in ZCL epidemiology. Methods: PCR-RFLP and PCR-direct sequencing were used to analyze mitochondrial DNA cytochrome B (mtDNA-cytB) gene structure of R. opimus collected from Golestan and Khorasan-e-Razavi Provinces in 2011 that are neighbor to Turkmenistan Country where ZCL is endemic in both sides of the borderline. Results: All of the specimens (n= 61) were morphologically or genetically similar to the typical R. opimus sodalis. However, there were 9 (1.5%) DNA substitutions throughout the 583 bp of the Cyt b gene of the samples sequenced comprising six DNA haplotypes. Maximum likelihood or neighbor joining phylogenetic trees inferred from the sequences could resolve the populations according to their subspecies as well as geographical origins. Discussion: The DNA polymorphisms in the great gerbils may correspond to the signs and infection rate in the animal. However, further studies are needed to match these six haplotypes with different signs and parasite sustaining following infection with L. major in the great gerbils.
Sample gathering problem for different robots with limited capacity

In this paper we consider the problem of using mobile robots to collect a set of samples that are arbitrarily distributed in the environment. The robots are not necessarily identical and each one has a finite capacity, being able to transport only a given number of samples at each time. Furthermore, the number of transporting routes for robots can be also upper bounded. The problem is addressed in this paper by using a mathematical programming approach, namely developing a Mixed Integer Linear Program (MILP). The solution provides the optimal assignment of robots to samples, with respect to gathering all samples in a storage area in minimum time. The method is supported through simulation examples implemented in Matlab by using the CPLEX MILP solver.
Rapid Direct Detection and Differentiation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex in Sputum by Real-Time PCR

Tuberculosis status as the second leading causes of significant morbidity and mortality from an infectious disease worldwide, after human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Sample collection was conducted at the Institute of Chest and Respiratory Diseases/Baghdad Medical City in Baghdad. The collection interval was from August to October 2014, 629 suspected TB patients were examined during this period. The results revealed among total 629 specimens, 56 (8.9%) of the specimens were positive by direct examination and 573 (91.1%) negative specimens by smear microscopy. Fifty six DNA samples were extracted from positive ZN smears of sputum specimens and 40 samples from healthy persons (as control) were subjected to molecular diagnosis by real time PCR to detect and differentiate of M. tuberculosis, M. bovis and M. bovis BCG. The results were clarified that the 48 samples (85.72%) were M. tuberculosis, 2 samples (3.57%) were mixed of M. tuberculosis and M. bovis, no M. bovis BCG was detected, and 6 (10.71%) were negative. These findings propose that M. bovis plays a minor role compared to M. tuberculosis in the etiology of pulmonary tuberculosis in Baghdad.
TRADE FACILITATION INDICATORS: THE POTENTIAL IMPACT OF TRADE FACILITATION ON DEVELOPING COUNTRIES’ TRADE

This document is the addendum to the paper TAD/TC/WP(2012)24 and provides findings on transit trade indicators. JT03331822 Complete document available on OLIS in its original format This document and any map included herein are without prejudice to the status of or sovereignty over any territory, to the delimitation of international frontiers and boundaries and to the name of any territory, city or area. Summary of findings The addendum presents findings from the OECD analysis of transit trade indicators and complements the analysis undertaken for the import/export TFIs. It provides preliminary results for the impact of transit trade measures and identifies the challenges implied by further research in this area. Transit trade was recognized as a significant issue for developing landlocked and transit countries and separate transit indicators were developed within the current phase of work. Available public data in the area of transit measures are very limited. Data were thus collected for twenty seven African and Asian countries through a direct collaboration with the USAID Trade Hubs for West Africa and Southern Africa and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN ESCAP). The quantitative analysis focuses on developing landlocked and transit countries and provides important insights with respect to the status of implementation of different transit measures, as well as first potential impacts of such identified measures on trade flows patterns. Preliminary estimations point to a rather important impact of transit formalities and transit agreements and cooperation. Results are rather similar and robust at the manufacturing sector level, but much less so at the agricultural level. The import/export TFIs also have a significant impact on landlocked countries' trade, including here the Formalities and the Information availability dimensions. More precise results would be subject to the improvement of the information available in the database for transit measures and to addressing remaining methodological challenges.
Heterogeneity and Seroprevalence of a Newly Identified Avian Hepatitis E Virus from Chickens in the United States

ABSTRACT We recently identified and characterized a novel virus, designated avian hepatitis E virus (avian HEV), from chickens with hepatitis-splenomegaly syndrome (HS syndrome) in the United States. Avian HEV is genetically related to but distinct from human and swine HEVs. To determine the extent of genetic variation and the seroprevalence of avian HEV infection in chicken flocks, we genetically identified and characterized 11 additional avian HEV isolates from chickens with HS syndrome and assessed the prevalence of avian HEV antibodies from a total of 1,276 chickens of different ages and breeds from 76 different flocks in five states (California, Colorado, Connecticut, Virginia, and Wisconsin). An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using a truncated recombinant avian HEV ORF2 antigen was developed and used to determine avian HEV seroprevalence. About 71% of chicken flocks and 30% of chickens tested in the study were positive for antibodies to avian HEV. About 17% of chickens younger than 18 weeks were seropositive, whereas about 36% of adult chickens were seropositive. By using a reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) assay, we tested 21 bile samples from chickens with HS syndrome in California, Connecticut, New York, and Wisconsin for the presence of avian HEV RNA. Of the 21 bile samples, 12 were positive for 30- to 35-nm HEV-like virus particles by electron microscopy (EM). A total of 11 of the 12 EM-positive bile samples and 6 of the 9 EM-negative bile samples were positive for avian HEV RNA by RT-PCR. The sequences of a 372-bp region within the helicase gene of 11 avian HEV isolates were determined. Sequence analyses revealed that the 11 field isolates of avian HEV had 78 to 100% nucleotide sequence identities to each other, 79 to 88% identities to the prototype avian HEV, 76 to 80% identities to chicken big liver and spleen disease virus, and 56 to 61% identities to other known strains of human and swine HEV. The data from this study indicated that, like swine and human HEVs, avian HEV isolates are genetically heterogenic and that avian HEV infection is enzoonotic in chicken flocks in the United States.
Interleukin 18 and neutrophil-gelatinase associated lipocalin in assessment of the risk of contrast-induced nephropathy in children

The aim of the study was to determine the usefulness of interleukin 18 (IL-18) and neutrophil-gelatinase associated lipocalin (NGAL) in the risk assessment of contrast nephropathy in children. The study included patients among whom radiological examinations were performed using intravascular contrast agent. The material consisted of 33 children (19 girls, 14 boys) aged 6.37 ±5.41 years. 20/33 (61%) of patients had hydronephrosis, 9/33 (27%) had other urinary tract defects referred as “no hydronephrosis” and 4/33 (12%) had urolithiasis. NGAL determination was performed with the use of Human Lipocalin-2 / NGAL Immunoassay. To determine the concentration of human IL-18 an ELISA Kit (MBL International Corporation) was used. There were no statistically significant differences in the concentrations of NGAL and IL-18 in serum determined before the procedure, and after the administration of contrast agent. Concentrations of NGAL and IL-18 were determined in urine three times: before the procedure, 2-4 hours after administration of the contrast agent, and 48 hours after the performed procedure. The analysis showed that the concentration of IL-18 and NGAL in urine did not differ significantly in three consecutive preformed measurements. The study has also found no statistically significant differences between serum creatinine before and 48 hours after injection of contrast. Implementation of new biomarkers such as NGAL and IL-18 expands the possibilities of renal function assessment in children undergoing radiological procedures using contrast agents. In examined children with normal or slightly impaired renal function they did not demonstrate the risk of contrast nephropathy.
EFFECT OF CREAKY VOICE SIMULATION ON THIRD-TONE PERCEPTION IN MANDARIN CHINESE

The notes and articles in this series are progress reports on work being carried on by students and faculty in the Department. Because these papers are not finished products, readers are asked not to cite from them without noting their preliminary nature. The authors welcome any comments and suggestions that readers might offer. Mandarin tones have traditionally been described by differences in pitch. However, the second tone (rising) and third tone (low/dipping) are perceptually close and have been shown to be a problematic pair for L1 and L2 Mandarin learners. Creaky voice has been observed in third-tone production, and has been shown to aid accurate identification. This study finds that creaky voice resynthesized in second-tone tokens can cause third tone identification, which leads to a reconsideration of the role of phonation, in comparison with pitch, when listeners distinguish these two tones. 1. INTRODUCTION. The object of this study is an examination of how voice quality, creaky voice in particular, interacts with the perception of tone in Mandarin. Mandarin Chinese is widely-known as a textbook example of a " tone language. " Standard Mandarin (Putonghua) has four contrastive tones, which are characterized by relative pitch (fundamental frequency, F0) levels or trajectories: T1-high (55), T2-rising (35), T3-low/dipping (21(4)) and T4-falling (51). 1 T3, described as 'low' and/or 'dipping,' is subject to phonological and morphophonological rules that determine its surface pitch realization. The rising component of the tone (the " 4 " in the " 214 ") only surfaces when the word is utterance-final or in citation. Additionally, when T3 is followed by another T3, it changes to T2. Many studies have shown that T3 presents the most difficulty for both L1 and L2 learners of Mandarin, perhaps due to this allotony. Alongside the pitch differences, creaky voice is observed in T3 productions as well. See figure 1 for an illustration.
Noticing the self: Implicit assessment of self-focused attention using word recognition latencies.

Self-focused attention is difficult to measure. Two studies developed an implicit measure of self-focus based on word recognition latencies. Self-focused attention activates self-content, so self-focused people should recognize self-relevant words more quickly. Study 1 measured individual-differences in self-focused attention. People scoring high in private self-consciousness recognized self-relevant words more quickly. Study 2 manipulated objective self-awareness with a writing task. People who wrote about distinctive self-aspects (high self-awareness) recognized self-relevant words more quickly compared to people who wrote about a neutral topic (low self-awareness) and people who did no writing (control). The discussion considers implications for future research on self-focused attention.
The impact of affectivity on the behaviour of Portuguese adolescents / El impacto de la afectividad en la conducta de los adolescentes portugueses

Abstract The theoretical literature about affectivity shows its influence over positive and negative behaviour. This study analyses the impact of affectivity on the behaviour of Portuguese adolescents, as this knowledge is considered relevant to promoting skills and decreasing risky behaviours in adolescents. A total of 696 students (M = 15.22 years old; SD = 1.4) participated in this study by responding to the PANAS-N (Positive and Negative Affect Schedule) and SDQ (Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire). The former measures the level of affect while the latter measures prosocial behaviours, emotional symptoms and behavioural problems. The results showed that positive affect positively influences prosocial behaviour. Emotional symptoms and behaviour problems are negatively affected by positive affect, and positive symptoms and behaviours by negative affect. Moreover, boys had higher scores on behaviour problems, while girls had higher scores in prosocial behaviour and emotional symptoms. For these reasons, affectivity should be considered in programmes to reduce behaviour problems and emotional symptoms.
Fatty Acid Composition of Egg Yolk from Chickens Fed a Diet including Marigold (Tagetes erecta L.)

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of diet supplemented with marigold on egg yolk fatty acid composition and egg quality parameters. Sixty hens were assigned into three groups and fed diets supplemented with 0 (control), 10 g kg−1, or 20 g kg−1 marigold for 42 days. Eggs collected at the 6th week of the study were analyzed for fatty acid analysis. Laying performance, egg quality parameters, and feed intake were also evaluated. Yolk color scores in the group fed the 20 g kg−1 marigold-supplemented diet were found greater than control (10.77 versus 9.77). Inclusion of 20 g kg−1 marigold in diet influenced egg weights adversely compared to the control. Diet supplemented with 10 g kg−1 or 20 g kg−1 marigold increased the levels of C16:0 and C18:0 and decreased levels of C16:1 (n-7) and C18:1 (n-9) in the egg yolk. Also, diet including marigold increased total saturated fatty acids (SFA) and decreased monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) in the egg yolk.
Prevalence of Canid Gastrointestinal Helminths Eggs in Soils from Playgroundswithin Kisii Municipality, Kenya

Human zoonosis threatens public health disease surveillance, management, control and eventual elimination. Nowadays, people and pets share private and public utilities oblivious of the potential risk of zoonotic pathogen transmissions. Toxocariasis is one of the most prevalent zoonotic helminthic infections that are transmitted by cats and dogs through soils contaminations. The present study sought to determine the extent at which soils from playgrounds in Kisii municipality, Kenya are contaminated with eggs of canid gastrointestinal helminths. The wandering quarter method was used to collect soil samples from playgrounds in Nyamataro, Daraja Mbili, Nubia and Jogoo areas. Zinc sulphate floatation method was used to separate ova, cysts and larvae that were observed microscopically. Fifty five (55) out of 84 (65.5%) samples were found to be positively contaminated with canid gastrointestinal helminths (P<0.001) where 37/55 (67.27%) were contaminated with either Toxocara sp. , Ancylostoma sp. or Strongyloides sp. while 18/55 (32.73%) were contaminated with mixed helminths; Toxacara sp. and Ancylostoma sp. (33.3%) or Toxacara sp. and Strongyloides sp. (66.6%). Toxocara sp. being the most prevalent helminth in all the samples collected (56.8%; P<0.001). Results show that soil samples from play grounds within the Kisii municipality were contaminated with a variety of canid gastrointestinal helminths. Therefore, it implies that the population is at risk of intermittent zoonotic epidemic outbreaks. Necessitating implementation of mass treatment and public health programmes to treat infected animals and educate the population of the possibility of acquiring saprozoonoses.
Analytical study of gums found in final molasses from six South African mills for the 2011/2012 milling season.

Gums are high molecular weight carbohydrates which are precipitated from sugar processing solutions with acidified alcohol. Previous research reported that gums found in sugar processing streams contribute to processing problems and reduced sugar recoveries. Gums arise from the metabolism within the sugarcane plant and from external microbial activity during both cane handling and cane processing, and concentrate in final molasses (FM) streams. An investigation of gums found in the FM from six South African sugarcane mills was conducted by the Sugar Milling Research Institute NPC on weekly samples received during the 2011/2012 milling season. The gums were isolated from the samples and their composition and structure were determined by gas chromatography mass spectroscopy. Other analyses reported on the FM samples include the measurement of pol, brix, dry solids, sugars, ash, target purity difference and viscosity. This study details how the composition and structure of the FM gums differs within and between the mills investigated over the 2011/2012 season. Also highlighted are differences in the gums between mills processing irrigated cane and those that process rainfed cane.
Charge-mode parallel architecture for matrix-vector multiplication

An internally analog, externally digital architecture for matrix-vector multiplication is presented. Fully parallel processing allows for high data throughput and minimal latency. The analog architecture incorporates an array of charge-mode analog computational cells with dynamic storage and row-parallel flash analog-to-digital converters (ADC). Each of the cells includes a dynamic storage element and a charge injection device computing binary inner product of two arguments. The matrix elements are stored in the array of computational cells in bit-parallel fashion, and the input vector is presented bit-serially. Digital post-processing is then performed on the ADC outputs to construct the resulting product with precision higher than that of each conversion. The analog architecture is tailored for high-density and low power VLSI implementation, and matrix dimensions of 128/spl times/512 and ADC resolution of 6 bits for an overall resolution in excess of 8 bits are feasible on a 3 mm/spl times/3 mm chip in standard CMOS 0.5 /spl mu/m technology.