Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Early Association of Prosodic Focus with alleen ‘only’: Evidence from Eye Movements in the Visual-World Paradigm

In three visual-world eye tracking studies, we investigated the processing of sentences containing the focus-sensitive operator alleen ‘only’ and different pitch accents, such as the Dutch Ik heb alleen SELDERIJ aan de brandweerman gegeven ‘I only gave CELERY to the fireman’ versus Ik heb alleen selderij aan de BRANDWEERMAN gegeven ‘I only gave celery to the FIREMAN’. Dutch, like English, allows accent shift to express different focus possibilities. Participants judged whether these utterances match different pictures: in Experiment 1 the Early Stress utterance matched the picture, in Experiment 2 both the Early and Late Stress utterance did, and in Experiment 3 neither did. We found that eye-gaze patterns start to diverge across the conditions already as the indirect object is being heard. Our data also indicate that participants perform anticipatory eye-movements based on the presence of prosodic focus during auditory sentence processing. Our investigation is the first to report the effect of varied prosodic accent placement on different arguments in sentences with a semantic operator, alleen ‘only’, on the time course of looks in the visual world paradigm. Using an operator in the visual world paradigm allowed us to confirm that prosodic focus information immediately gets integrated into the semantic parse of the proposition. Our study thus provides further evidence for fast, incremental prosodic focus processing in natural language.
Dynamic behavior for a network of Izhikevich neurons with recurrent synaptic input

Many different neuron models have been devised in order to explain the functioning of neurons. The most common being the Integrate and Fire and the HodkinHuxley models. The integrate and fire neuron model offers fast simulation with simple description of the system. While Hodkin-Huxley model offers a detailed description of the system with slow simulation time. In order to overcome the shortcomings that either model offers, this paper uses the Izhikevich neuron model to simulate large networks (N > 10000) of excitatory and inhibitory neurons. In addition Synaptic weights between the different types of neurons, time dependent random synaptic input, and random connectivity in the network are included in the model to achieve simulations close to actual observations. Simulation results in output that is analogous to many local field potential measurements for the awake cortex.
Molecular Mechanism by Which AMP-Activated Protein Kinase Activation Promotes Glycogen Accumulation in Muscle

OBJECTIVE During energy stress, AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) promotes glucose transport and glycolysis for ATP production, while it is thought to inhibit anabolic glycogen synthesis by suppressing the activity of glycogen synthase (GS) to maintain the energy balance in muscle. Paradoxically, chronic activation of AMPK causes an increase in glycogen accumulation in skeletal and cardiac muscles, which in some cases is associated with cardiac dysfunction. The aim of this study was to elucidate the molecular mechanism by which AMPK activation promotes muscle glycogen accumulation. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS We recently generated knock-in mice in which wild-type muscle GS was replaced by a mutant (Arg582Ala) that could not be activated by glucose-6-phosphate (G6P), but possessed full catalytic activity and could still be activated normally by dephosphorylation. Muscles from GS knock-in or transgenic mice overexpressing a kinase dead (KD) AMPK were incubated with glucose tracers and the AMPK-activating compound 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleoside (AICAR) ex vivo. GS activity and glucose uptake and utilization (glycolysis and glycogen synthesis) were assessed. RESULTS Even though AICAR caused a modest inactivation of GS, it stimulated muscle glycogen synthesis that was accompanied by increases in glucose transport and intracellular [G6P]. These effects of AICAR required the catalytic activity of AMPK. Strikingly, AICAR-induced glycogen synthesis was completely abolished in G6P-insensitive GS knock-in mice, although AICAR-stimulated AMPK activation, glucose transport, and total glucose utilization were normal. CONCLUSIONS We provide genetic evidence that AMPK activation promotes muscle glycogen accumulation by allosteric activation of GS through an increase in glucose uptake and subsequent rise in cellular [G6P].
Optical and structure characterization of cinnamon nanoparticles synthesized by pulse laser ablation in liquid (PLAL)

Organic nanoparticles development is under exploration due to its beneficial applications in nanobiomedical and research interests. PLAL technique of Q-switched 1064-Nd: YAG (10 ns pulse duration, repetition rate 1 Hz and laser energy 20-100 mJ) has inherent advantages and rapid growth of nanoparticles when compared to conventional methods because of the controlled fabricated nanoparticles, stability, and purity. Cinnamon sticks as a target are immersed in 5 ml ethanol medium and irradiated by a laser beam for the growth process. The morphology, optical characteristic, and bonding structure of cinnamon nanoparticles (CNPs) are determined and evaluated by transmission electron microscope (TEM), UV-Visible spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Spherical, homogenous and high crystallinity CNPs was revealed within the particle size range of 2 - 28 nm. The absorption band was found in the ultraviolent region around 259 nm and 319 nm. The present of FTIR spectra confirmed that the nanoparticles were covered by plant secondary metabolites. The experimental findings revealed that the synthesize CNPs in ethanol has a potential for nanomedicine applications.
Approximation by Maximal Cusps in Boundaries of Deformation Spaces of Kleinian Groups

Let M be a compact, oriented, irreducible, atoroidal 3-manifold with nonempty boundary. Let CC0(M ) denote the space of convex cocompact Kleinian groups uniformizing M . We show that any Kleinian group in the boundary of CC0(M ) whose limit set is the whole sphere can be approximated by maximal cusps. Density of maximal cusps on the boundary of Schottky space is derived as a corollary. We further show that maximal cusps are dense in the boundary of the quasiconformal deformation space of any geometrically finite hyperbolic 3-manifold with connected conformal boundary.
On‐Line Monitoring of Physiological Parameters of Insect Cell Cultures during the Growth and Infection Process

On‐line monitoring of insect cell cultures used for the production of recombinant proteins with the baculovirus expression vector system (BEVS) provides valuable tools for the optimization, operation, and control of the production process. The relative permittivity (ϵ′) and CO2 evolution rates (CER) were measured on‐line using the biomass monitor and the infrared CO2 analyzer, respectively. The growth and infection phases of two different cell lines, Spodoptera frugiperda (Sf‐9) and Trichoplusia ni (High‐5), were monitored using the above measurements. These in turn were correlated to the progress of the culture by using the off‐line measurements of protein produced, virus titer, and biovolume, which is the product of viable cell density and mean cell volume. The ϵ′, CER, and the biovolume profiles were closely matched during the growth phase of cells when grown in a batch or fed batch culture. The relationship became more complex when the cultures were either in stationary phase or in the postinfection phase. The ϵ′ profile was found to be a good indicator of the process of synchronous baculoviral infection, showing a plateau between 18 and 24 h postinfection (hpi), the period during which budded virus is produced, and a peak at approximately 48 hpi correlated to the onset of accelerated cell lysis. The CER profile continues to increase after the growth period with a peak around the 24 hpi period, after which there is a decline in the profile corresponding to release of virus as seen from virus titer determinations. This was examined for Sf‐9 cultures under conditions of cell densities from 3 to 50 × 106 cells/mL and MOI values ranging from 0.001 to 1000. The profiles were found to be similar also in the case of the High‐5 cells. Thus both measurements give reliable information regarding the physiological status of the cells as seen from their correlation to virus and protein production. A further combination of these with the off‐line measured parameters such as the biovolume and metabolite concentrations can give a more detailed understanding of the process and help in the better design and automation of these processes.
Isolation of Cellulolytic Fungi and their Degradation on Cellulosic Agricultural Wastes

In this study, 21 different fungi were isolated from saw dust, sprinkled soil (garden, beach and mud), decaying wood particles, decaying leaf and cultured in the laboratory. Among that, high cellulose degrading varieties were screened and the extracted cellulolytic enzymes were examined for their activity by filter paper assay and DNS reagent method. In addition, fungal cultures were grown on rice straw which is a common agro-waste in Asia. In straw substrate, highest activity of 42.61 FPU/mL was recorded by Helminthosporium sp. where, the saccharification was 3.8% followed by Cladosporium sp. (40.36 FPU/mL). Enzymes of Trichoderma sp. and Aspergillus sp. also showed considerable activity.
HER2/CEP17 Ratios and Clinical Outcome in HER2-Positive Early Breast Cancer Undergoing Trastuzumab-Containing Therapy

Background Adjuvant therapy comprising the HER2 receptor antagonist trastuzumab is associated with a significant improvement in disease-free and overall survival as compared to chemotherapy alone in localized HER2-positive breast cancer (BC). However, a subset of HER2-positive tumors seems to respond less favorably to trastuzumab. Various mechanisms have been proposed for trastuzumab resistance, such as high HER2 to Chromosome 17 FISH (HER2/CEP17) ratios and the possibility that single agent trastuzumab may not suffice to efficiently block HER2 downstream signaling thresholds. In a retrospective analysis we evaluated whether HER2/CEP17 ratios might have an impact on disease-free survival (DFS). Methods Clinical records of Stage I-III BC patients with HER2-positive tumors were reviewed at our institution from 2007–2013. We analyzed demographics, tumor characteristics including tumor size and grade, lymph node involvement and estrogen receptor expression as well as treatment with respect to chemotherapeutic regimens from the clinical charts. HER2/CEP17 ratios were determined by routine pathology analysis using in situ fluorescent hybridization (FISH). Upon statistical preview we defined three groups of HER2 amplification based on FISH ratio (2.2 to 4, >4 to 8, >8), in order to evaluate an association between HER2 gene amplification and DFS with trastuzumab containing therapies. DFS was analyzed using Cox-regression. Results A total of 332 patients with HER2-positive BC were reviewed. Median age was 54 (range 23–89) years. The majority of tumors were classified T1 (50%) or T2 (39%), node negative (52%) and of high grade G3 histology (70%). We identified 312 (94%) tumors as immunohistochemistry (IHC) score 3+ and HER2/CEP17 ratios were available from 278 patients (84%). 30% (N = 84) had tumors with high HER2/CEP17 ratios (>8). Univariate analysis found no correlation between outcome, age, histological grade, sequence as well as anthracycline content of chemotherapy. However, a prognostic impact was detected for tumor size (p = 0.02), nodal status (p<0.01), proliferation index (p<0.01), level (≥20%) of estrogen receptor expression (p = 0.03) and neoadjuvant therapeutic setting (p = 0.03), respectively. Importantly, univariate and multivariable analysis revealed that standard trastuzumab containing chemotherapy resulted in impaired disease free survival among tumors with FISH ratio >8 (p<0.01). Although less pronounced, a similar association was found also with respect to high HER2 gene copy numbers (>12) and DFS (p = 0.01). Conclusions In early BC patients, tumors with high HER2 amplification ratios (>8), may less likely respond to standard trastuzumab-containing therapies. Although, we obtained a similar effect for high HER2 gene copy numbers, this provides only an indirect speculation and not a proof that high HER2/CEP17 ratios may induce HER2 resistance.
Do Mendeley Readership Counts Help to Filter Highly Cited WoS Publications better than Average Citation Impact of Journals (JCS)?

In this study, the academic status of users of scientific publications in Mendeley is explored in order to analyse the usage pattern of Mendeley users in terms of subject fields, citation and readership impact. The main focus of this study is on studying the filtering capacity of Mendeley readership counts compared to journal citation scores in detecting highly cited WoS publications. Main finding suggests a faster reception of Mendeley readerships as compared to citations across 5 major field of science. The higher correlations of scientific users with citations indicate the similarity between reading and citation behaviour among these users. It is confirmed that Mendeley readership counts filter highly cited publications (PPtop 10%) better than journal citation scores in all subject fields and by most of user types. This result reinforces the potential role that Mendeley readerships could play for informing scientific and alternative impacts.
AWARD NUMBER: W81XWH-12-1-0609 TITLE: Stem Cell-Based Therapies for Epidermolysis Bullosa

Epidermolysis bullosa is a group of inherited disorders that can be both systemic and life-threatening. Standard treatments for the most severe forms of this disorder, typically limited to palliative care, are ineffective in reducing the morbidity and mortality due to complications of the disease. Emerging therapies—such as the use of allogeneic cellular therapy, gene therapy, and protein therapy—have all shown promise, but it is likely that several approaches will need to be combined to realize a cure. For recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa, each particular therapeutic approach has added to our understanding of type VII collagen (C7) function and the basic biology surrounding the disease. The efficacy of these therapies and the mechanisms by which they function also give us insight into developing future strategies for treating this and other extracellular matrix disorders. “The outcome of any serious research can only be to make two questions grow where only one grew before. ” Thorstein Veblen, The Evolution of the Scientific Point of View, 1908. Born to blister Recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB) is a severe inherited skin disorder characterized by chronic skin blistering, diminished wound healing, joint contractures, esophageal strictures, pseudosyndactyly, corneal abrasions, and a shortened life span [1-3]. Affected individuals suffer through intense pain throughout their lives, with few or no effective treatments available to reduce the severity of their symptoms. Along with the life-threatening infectious complications associated with this disorder, many individuals will develop an aggressive form of squamous cell carcinoma [4,5]. RDEB is caused by mutations in COL7A1, the gene that encodes for C7 [6,7]. One of the most severe types of epidermolysis bullosa, RDEB is typically inherited in an autosomal-recessive fashion. It results from transfer of the mutated COL7A1 copies from both parents, who carry the mutation, to the affected offspring [8]. C7 is the main component of anchoring fibrils, structures that attach the dermis to the epidermis at the dermalepidermal junction [9-11]. The inability of these anchoring fibrils to form and function properly causes the epidermis to not adhere to the underlying dermis [12]. This loss of structural integrity causes the skin to become susceptible to even slight trauma and also hinders the skin from healing productively [13,14]. It is likely that the constant cellular stress from the skin trying to heal itself, along with the resulting chronic inflammation, is the main reason for the increased risk of squamous cell carcinoma in individuals with RDEB [5,15-17]. Owing to its nature and severity, RDEB presents unique challenges for developing successful therapies that simultaneously alleviate the plethora of complications while having a significant impact on survival and quality of life. Recent approaches such as allogeneic cellular therapy, gene therapy, and protein therapy [18-23] show
Chromosome aberration, sister‐chromatid exchange, proliferative rate index, and serum thiocyanate concentration in smokers exposed to low‐dose benzene

Cytogenetical endpoints, i.e., chromosome aberration (CA), sister‐chromatid exchange (SCE), and proliferative rate indexes (PRI), were measured in peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) of 42 workers exposed occupationally to low‐dose benzene, and of 42 controls. The role of smoking habit as a confounding factor of genotoxic effects caused by occupational low‐dose benzene exposure was also studied. The benzene concentrations in the ambient air samples varied from 3 to 20 mg/m3 (mean: 7 mg/m3). The continuous low‐dose benzene exposure significantly increased the CA and SCE frequencies, but did not influence PRI. Smoking levels were characterized by subjective accounts and by serum thiocyanate concentrations (SCN). CA and SCE were not significantly increased in smokers compared to nonsmokers, but the differences were expressed to a greater extent in the case of measurement of SCN concentrations. Determination of SCN proved to be more objective in the assessment of genotoxic effects of smoking as a confounding factor of occupational low‐dose benzene exposure. © 1994 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Construction of Resolvable Spatial Row–Column Designs

Summary Resolvable row–column designs are widely used in field trials to control variation and improve the precision of treatment comparisons. Further gains can often be made by using a spatial model or a combination of spatial and incomplete blocking components. Martin, Eccleston, and Gleeson (1993, Journal of Statistical Planning and Inference34, 433–450) presented some general principles for the construction of robust spatial block designs which were addressed by spatial designs based on the linear variance (LV) model. In this article we define the two‐dimensional form of the LV model and investigate extensions of the Martin et al. principles for the construction of resolvable spatial row–column designs. The computer construction of efficient spatial designs is discussed and some comparisons made with designs constructed assuming an autoregressive variance structure.
Analysis and Design of New Switching Lookup Table for Virtual Flux Direct Power Control of Grid-Connected Three-Phase PWM AC–DC Converter

This paper proposes a comprehensive and systematic approach in developing a new switching lookup table for direct power control (DPC) based on grid virtual flux estimation, implemented in a grid-connected three-phase ac-to-dc converter. The approach provides detailed information regarding the effects of a particular converter voltage space vector to the instantaneous input active and reactive power distributions in the converter system. Thus, the optimal converter switching states are able to be selected by the switching table, allowing the smooth control of the active and the reactive power for each sector. The usage of input ac voltage sensors for synchronization and input power calculation is avoided by applying a virtual flux concept in the control scheme. The grid virtual flux estimation technique is used to extract the grid voltage information from the converter switching states, line currents, and dc-link output voltage. Detailed explanation and analysis regarding the development of virtual flux DPC utilizing the proposed switching lookup table is given in this paper. Finally, the steady-state as well as dynamic performances of the proposed controller is tested both in simulations and laboratory experiments. There exist close agreements between the simulation and experimental results.
Longitudinal Changes in Dental Fear and Coping Behavior in Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults with Cleft Lip and/or Cleft Palate

Objective To determine changes in dental anxiety levels of cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P) children and to explore the role of coping strategies in the development of their dental anxiety. Design Prospective study. Setting Free University Medical Center Amsterdam. Patients A sample of CL/P children (at T1: n = 153, 4 to 18 years, 67 girls; at T2: n = 113, 7 to 21 years, 51 girls). Data were available at both time points for 102 children. Measures Dental anxiety and coping strategies were assessed at the start of the study (T1; mean age: 9.8 years, standard deviation 4.1) and 3 years later (T2; mean age: 13.4 years, standard deviation 3.8). These scores were compared to a normative group of Dutch children. Main Outcome Measure(s) The severity of dental anxiety was indexed using the Parental Version of the Dental Subscale of the Children's Fear Survey Schedule. Dental coping strategies were assessed with the Dental Cope Questionnaire. Results Overall, dental anxiety decreased to a level equal to normative scores of Dutch children. However, 5% of the children became more anxious. At T2, children used significantly fewer coping strategies. Children whose level of dental anxiety increased significantly used more destructive coping strategies than children whose level of dental anxiety decreased significantly or remained stable. Conclusions Results suggest that dental anxiety levels of most CL/P children gradually decline over time. Whereas some coping strategies have the potential to be protective, more destructive coping strategies may put children at greater risk for developing and maintaining their dental anxiety.
Ecological Risk Assessment of Land Use Change in the Poyang Lake Eco-economic Zone, China

Land use/land cover change has been attracting increasing attention in the field of global environmental change research because of its role in the social and ecological environment. To explore the ecological risk characteristics of land use change in the Poyang Lake Eco-economic Zone of China, an eco-risk index was established in this study by the combination of a landscape disturbance index with a landscape fragmentation index. Spatial distribution and gradient difference of land use eco-risk are analyzed by using the methods of spatial autocorrelation and semivariance. Results show that ecological risk in the study area has a positive correlation, and there is a decreasing trend with the increase of grain size both in 1995 and 2005. Because the area of high eco-risk value increased from 1995 to 2005, eco-environment quality declined slightly in the study area. There are distinct spatial changes in the concentrated areas with high land use eco-risk values from 1995 to 2005. The step length of spatial separation of land use eco-risk is comparatively long—58 km in 1995 and 11 km in 2005—respectively. There are still nonstructural factors affecting the quality of the regional ecological environment at some small-scales. Our research results can provide some useful information for land eco-management, eco-environmental harnessing and restoration. In the future, some measures should be put forward in the regions with high eco-risk value, which include strengthening land use management, avoiding unreasonable types of land use and reducing the degree of fragmentation and separation.