Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Category and modality deficits of semantic memory in patients with left hemisphere pathology

Abstract Fifty patients with left unilateral cerebral lesions and 25 with right unilateral cerebral lesions were assessed on a new test, graded in difficulty across: (1) two sets of living things (animals and fruit and vegetables); and (2) two sets of inanimate artefacts (objects with and without a skilled cultural movement implicit in their use). The test consists of coloured photographs and measures naming ability, comprehension of the spoken name, and comprehension of the written name. Category knowledge in patients with right hemisphere pathology was very similar to the normal population but within the left hemisphere group unique subgroup patterns (as well as individual profiles) were found of category-and modality-specific breakdowns of semantic knowledge. Comprehension was found to be less vulnerable for man-made artefacts in spoken form, and less vulnerable for living things in written form. Single case instances of highly circumscribed category and modality effects occurred in 18% of the group. T.
Beta activity in the premotor cortex is increased during stabilized as compared to normal walking

Walking on two legs is inherently unstable. Still, we humans perform remarkable well at it, mostly without falling. To gain more understanding of the role of the brain in controlling gait stability we measured brain activity using electro-encephalography (EEG) during stabilized and normal walking. Subjects walked on a treadmill in two conditions, each lasting 10 min; normal, and while being laterally stabilized by elastic cords. Kinematics of trunk and feet, electro-myography (EMG) of neck muscles, as well as 64-channel EEG were recorded. To assess gait stability the local divergence exponent, step width, and trunk range of motion were calculated from the kinematic data. We used independent component (IC) analysis to remove movement, EMG, and eyeblink artifacts from the EEG, after which dynamic imaging of coherent sources beamformers were determined to identify cortical sources that showed a significant difference between conditions. Stabilized walking led to a significant increase in gait stability, i.e., lower local divergence exponents. Beamforming analysis of the beta band activity revealed significant sources in bilateral pre-motor cortices. Projection of sensor data on these sources showed a significant difference only in the left premotor area, with higher beta power during stabilized walking, specifically around push-off, although only significant around contralateral push-off. It appears that even during steady gait the cortex is involved in the control of stability.
On the frame error rate of transmission schemes on quasi-static fading channels

It is known that the frame error rate of turbo codes on quasi-static fading channels can be accurately approximated using the convergence threshold of the corresponding iterative decoder. This paper considers quasi-static fading channels and demonstrates that non-iterative schemes can also be characterized by a similar threshold based on which their frame error rate can be readily estimated. In particular, we show that this threshold is a function of the probability of successful frame detection in additive white Gaussian noise, normalized by the squared instantaneous signal-to-noise ratio. We apply our approach to uncoded binary phase shift keying, convolutional coding and turbo coding and demonstrate that the approximated frame error rate is within 0.4 dB of the simulation results. Finally, we introduce performance evaluation plots to explore the impact of the frame size on the performance of the schemes under investigation.
Improving Grammaticality in Statistical Sentence Generation: Introducing a Dependency Spanning Tree Algorithm with an Argument Satisfaction Model

Abstract-like text summarisation requires a means of producing novel summary sentences. In order to improve the grammaticality of the generated sentence, we model a global (sentence) level syntactic structure. We couch statistical sentence generation as a spanning tree problem in order to search for the best dependency tree spanning a set of chosen words. We also introduce a new search algorithm for this task that models argument satisfaction to improve the linguistic validity of the generated tree. We treat the allocation of modifiers to heads as a weighted bipartite graph matching (or assignment) problem, a well studied problem in graph theory. Using BLEU to measure performance on a string regeneration task, we found an improvement, illustrating the benefit of the spanning tree approach armed with an argument satisfaction model.
Late lustration programmes in Romania and Poland: supporting or undermining democratic transitions?

In 2006, Poland and Romania embarked on renewed lustration programmes. These late lustration policies expanded the scope and transparency measures associated with lustration as a form of transitional justice. While early lustration measures targeted political elites, late lustration policies include public and private sector positions, such as journalists, academics, business leaders, and others in ‘positions of public trust’. Given the legal controversy and moral complexity surrounding lustration, why lustrate so late in the post-communist transition and why expand the policies? The dominant explanation is that lustration is a tool of party politics and is a threat to democratic consolidation. However, the late lustration programmes do not fit this hypothesis neatly. The new laws have been restructured and packaged with other reform programmes, specifically anticorruption programmes. Late lustration has evolved to include economic and social, as well as political concerns. As such, some post-communist governments in Central and Eastern Europe appear to be trying to use lustration as a way to further the democratic transitions by addressing remaining public concerns about corruption, distrust, and inequality.
MicroRNA-7 inhibits the stemness of prostate cancer stem-like cells and tumorigenesis by repressing KLF4/PI3K/Akt/p21 pathway

Up to now, the molecular mechanisms underlying the stemness of prostate cancer stem cells (PCSCs) are still poorly understood. In this study, we demonstrated that microRNA-7 (miR-7) appears to be a novel tumor-suppressor miRNA, which abrogates the stemness of PCSCs and inhibits prostate tumorigenesis by suppressing a key stemness factor KLF4. MicroRNA-7 is down-regulated in prostate cancer cells compared to non-tumorigenic prostate epithelial cells. Restoration of miR-7 suppresses the expression of the stemness factor KLF4 in PCSCs and inhibits prostate tumorigenesis both in vitro and in vivo. Interestingly, the suppression of the stemness of PCSCs by miR-7 is sustained for generations in xenografts. Analysis of clinical samples also revealed a negative correlation between miR-7 expression and prostate tumor progression. Mechanistically, overexpression of miR-7 may lead to a cell cycle arrest but not apoptosis, which seems achieved via suppressing the KLF4/PI3K/Akt/p21 pathway. This study identifies miR-7 as a suppressor of PCSCs' stemness and implicates its potential application for PCa therapy.
New Trends on Optical Fiber Tweezers

In the last few decades, optical trapping has played an unique role concerning contactless trapping and manipulation of biological specimens. More recently, optical fiber tweezers (OFTs) are emerging as a desirable alternative to bulk optical systems. In this paper, an overview of the state of the art of OFTs is presented, focusing on the main fabrication methods, their features and main achievements. In addition, new OFTs fabricated by guided wave photo polymerization are reported. Their theoretical and experimental characterization is given and results demonstrating its application in the manipulation of yeast cells and the organelles of plant cells are presented.
Melatonin as an antioxidant and its semi-lunar rhythm in green macroalga Ulva sp.

The presence and role of melatonin in plants are still under debate owing to difficulties of identification and quantification. Accordingly, although it has been frequently proposed that melatonin acts as an antioxidant in phototrophic organisms, experimental data on its physiological role are scarce. This study describes the use of a rapid and simple new method for quantification of melatonin in the marine macroalga Ulva sp. , organisms routinely exposed to tide-related environmental stresses and known for their high tolerance to abiotic conditions. The method was used here to show that exposure to oxidative stress-inducing environmental conditions (elevated temperature and heavy metals) induced a rise in melatonin level in the algae. Addition of exogenous melatonin alleviated the algae from cadmium-induced stress. Interestingly, although the algae were taken from a culture growing free floating and kept under constant photoperiod and water level, they exhibited a semi-lunar rhythm of melatonin levels that correlated with predicted spring tides. The correlation can probably be interpreted as reflecting preparation for predicted low tides, when the algae are exposed to increasing temperature, desiccation, and salinity, all known to induce oxidative stress. Given the simplicity of the described method it can easily be adapted for the study of melatonin in many other phototrophic organisms. These results provide, for the first time, experimental data that support both an antioxidant role for melatonin and its semi-lunar rhythm in macroalgae.
Particulate matter (PM) episodes at a suburban site in Hong Kong: evolution of PM characteristics and role of photochemistry in secondary aerosol formation

Abstract. Episodes with high concentrations of particulate matter (PM) across the seasons were investigated during four 1-month campaigns at a suburban site in Hong Kong. High-resolution time-of-flight aerosol mass spectrometer (HR-ToF-AMS) measurements revealed that both regional transport and secondary formation contributed to high PM levels during the episodes at this site. Based on distinct meteorological conditions, episodes were categorized into three types: liquid water content (LWC), solar irradiance (IR), and long-range transport (LRT). Despite the difference in meteorological conditions, all episodes were characterized by a high fraction of sulfate (45–56 %) and organics (23–34 %). However, aerosols in LWC episodes were less aged, consisting of the lowest fraction of secondary organic aerosol (SOA) and the highest fraction of small particles. Large particles mixed internally while freshly formed small particles mixed externally in LWC episodes. Aerosols in LRT episodes, by contrast, were the most aged and consisted of the highest proportion of low-volatility oxygenated organic aerosol (LVOOA) and the lowest proportion of small particles. Both small and large particles mixed externally in LRT episodes. The highest proportion of semi-volatile oxygenated organic aerosol (SVOOA) and a medium proportion of small particles were observed in IR episodes. Both small and large particles were likely externally mixed during IR episodes. Furthermore, aerosols experienced the most dramatic size increase and diurnal variation, with a time lag between SVOOA and LVOOA and a gradual increase in carbon oxidation state ( OS c ≈ 2 × O : C − H : C). Five out of 10 episodes were of the IR type, further reflecting the importance of this type of episode. The evolution of aerosol components in one particular episode of the IR type, which exhibited a clear land–sea breeze pattern, was examined in detail. Sulfate and SOA due to photochemical aging were very efficiently produced during the course of 6 h. The “less-oxidized” SOA (SVOOA) was initially formed at a higher rate than the “more-oxidized” SOA (LVOOA). The SVOOA transformed to LVOOA at the later stage of photochemical aging. This transformation was further supported by mass spectral analysis, which showed an increase in the most oxidized ion (CO2+) and decreases in moderately oxidized ones (C2H3O+, C3H3O+ and C3H5O+). By measuring the physical and chemical properties of PM in a highly time-resolved manner, the current study was able to demonstrate the dynamic and complex nature of PM transformation during high-PM episodes.
Accelerated aging of intervertebral discs in a mouse model of progeria

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is a common and debilitating disorder that results in reduced flexibility of the spine, pain, and reduced mobility. Risk factors for IDD include age, genetic predisposition, injury, and other environmental factors such as smoking. Loss of proteoglycans (PGs) contributes to IDD with advancing age. Currently there is a lack of a model for rapid investigation of disc aging and evaluation of therapeutic interventions. Here we examined progression of disc aging in a murine model of a human progeroid syndrome caused by deficiency of the DNA repair endonuclease, ERCC1–XPF (Ercc1−/Δ mice). The ERCC1‐deficient mice showed loss of disc height and degenerative structural changes in their vertebral bodies similar to those reported for old rodents. Compared to their wild‐type littermates, Ercc1−/Δ mice also exhibit other age‐related IDD characteristics, including premature loss of disc PG, reduced matrix PG synthesis, and enhanced apoptosis and cell senescence. Finally, the onset of age‐associated disc pathologies was further accelerated in Ercc1−/Δ mice following chronic treatment with the chemotherapeutic agent mechlorethamine. These results demonstrate that Ercc1−/Δ mice represent an accurate and rapid model of disc aging and provide novel evidence that DNA damage negatively impacts PG synthesis. © 2010 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 28:1600–1607, 2010
The Domestic Violence Epidemic in South Africa: Legal and Practical Remedies

Domestic violence is a serious problem which permeates every level of South African society. There are a number of mistaken ideas about it, such as that only poor women get beaten, or that battered women ask for it.1 However, the fact of the matter is that violence within the home can happen to anybody. Violence of this nature is often hidden from view and is not discussed openly. This can be for a number of reasons. For example, women are afraid to speak out about what they are undergoing due to fear of retaliation by their partner. Some also fear other people’s reactions to them should they choose to disclose the abuse2; they therefore opt to remain silent in order to maintain the appearance of a happy family home. Furthermore, women in South Africa are predominantly still under the control of men and often simply accept their position as the victim. As a result, it is impossible to quantify the full extent of the problem, and statistics tend to underestimate its full extent. However, the Department of Justice has estimated that one in four women have been subjected to domestic violence.3 Moreover, in a speech made at the 1995 National Conference on Women Abuse and Domestic
On the Factorial Structure of the SAT and Implications for Next-Generation College Readiness Assessments

The name “SAT” has become synonymous with college admissions testing; it has been dubbed “the gold standard. ” Numerous studies on its reliability and predictive validity show that the SAT predicts college performance beyond high school grade point average. Surprisingly, studies of the factorial structure of the current version of today’s SAT, revised in 2005, have not been reported, if conducted. One purpose of this study was to examine the factorial structure of two administrations of the SAT (October 2010 and May 2011), testing competing models (e.g., one-factor—general ability; two factor—mathematics and “literacy”; three factor—mathematics, critical reading, and writing). We found support for the two-factor model with revise-in-context writing items loading on (and bridging) a reading and writing factor equally, thereby bridging these factors into a literacy factor. A second purpose was to draw tentative implications of our finding for the “next generation” SAT or other college readiness exams in light of Common Core State Standards Consortia efforts, suggesting that combining critical reading and writing (including the essay) would offer unique revision opportunities. More specifically, a reading and writing (combined) construct might pose a relevant problem or issue with multiple documents to be used to answer questions about the issue(s) (multiple-choice, short answer) and to write an argumentative/analytical essay based on the documents provided. In this way, there may not only be an opportunity to measure students’ literacy but also perhaps students’ critical thinking—key factors in assessing college readiness.
Factors Affecting Career Choice Among Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Students

This investigation assessed the factors affecting career choice among 474 current undergraduate and graduate speech-language pathology and audiology students (from four universities). A 14-item questionnaire was developed that included questions related to general influence of career choice and whether or not the participants had previously been, or are currently, diagnosed with a communication disorder. Results indicated that both indirect and direct personal exposure to either field can be a significant factor in career choice for students. The majority of participants (70%; n = 331) indicated that the desire to work in a helping profession most directly affected their decision to become a speech-language pathologist or audiologist. Findings highlight those variables that affected a student’s decision to enter these fields and will assist human resource managers with the recruitment of professionals to our workforce.
Impact of Coaching on Malingered Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms on the M-FAST and the TSI

ABSTRACT Of the existing posttraumatic stress disorder dissimulation studies, relatively few have employed a coaching challenge using the Miller Forensic Assessment of Symptoms Test and/or Trauma Symptom Inventory. The current investigation employed a coaching procedure that included both symptom specific information and strategies for avoiding detection on psychological validity scales. Participants were 68 undergraduate psychology students from a major mid-Atlantic university. Participants in the control groups were instructed to answer all interview and self-report items honestly. Those who were instructed to malinger were provided with a scenario in which they were to feign psychological trauma symptoms in order to secure financial gain through civil litigation. Unlike previous research, those who were provided with symptoms and/or symptoms and strategies were found to be no more successful at malingering PTSD than were those who were not provided with this information. While only two-thirds of the simulators were detected as malingering using the M-FAST total score or TSI validity scales, nearly 90% were identified when these measures were utilized together.
Putting the group in your pocket: Using collective identity to enhance personal and collective self-esteem.

Social identity theory argues that individuals rely on group memberships to form and protect their self-concepts. The authors tested this assumption in therapy groups by teaching members to rely on their group membership during their day-to-day activities. Participants in the control condition received general information about therapy, whereas those in the experimental condition were guided through an examination of the value of their therapy group and carried a card with them that symbolized their group membership. After 1 week, group members who received the intervention had greater private collective self-esteem than those who did not receive the intervention. The authors' findings support both social identity theory and the utility of interventions designed to enhance the psychological impact of the therapeutic group. When the group therapy session ended, the therapist closed the session by saying, "Put the group into your pockets and carry us with you: Rely on us when you need support, guidance, and feel alone. " The therapist was aware that the group provided more than a useful context for carrying out explorations of members' interpersonal and psychological difficulties. The group, when incorporated in group members' identities, provided them with resources that they could draw upon outside of the therapy session in times of stress and adversity. Does "putting the group in your pocket"— expanding the private, individualistic self to include a component derived from one's membership in a therapeutic group—help group members cope with threats to their personal adjustment? Studies conducted in a number of diverse theoretical and empirical domains, such as examinations of minority groups, groups in conflict with other groups, and change promoting groups, all attest to the beneficial consequences of a positive social or group identity
Cyclooxygenase‐2 expression correlates with phaeochromocytoma malignancy: evidence for a Bcl‐2‐dependent mechanism

Aims: Phaeochromocytomas are rare but potentially life‐threatening neuroendocrine tumours of the adrenal medulla or sympathetic nervous system ganglia. There are no histological features which reliably differentiate benign from malignant phaeochromocytomas. The aim of the study was to evaluate cyclooxygenase (COX)‐2 and Bcl‐2 as tissue‐based biomarkers of phaeochromocytoma prognosis.
Educational Level as a Modulator of Cognitive Performance and Neuropsychyatric Features in Parkinson Disease

ObjectivesTo test a possible association between the educational level (EL), cognitive performance, and neuropsychiatric features in Parkinson disease (PD). BackgroundAn inverse association has been reported between EL and cognitive dysfunction in patients with senile dementia of Alzheimer type but it is yet unsettled whether education has a similar effect on cognition in PD. MethodsSeventy-two PD patients (45 males, mean age 68.7±11.6 y) underwent a detailed neurologic examination, a battery of neuropsychologic tests, and questionnaires for the evaluation of psychosis, sleep disturbances, and depression. According to the number of educational years, patients were divided into 3 groups: low EL (0 to 8 y), (15 patients), intermediate EL (9 to 12 y) (28 patients), and high EL (≥13 y) (29 patients). ResultsPatients with a higher EL had a better cognitive function and an association was found between the patients' EL and their scores in various neuropsychologic tests mainly those sensitive to frontal lobe dysfunction. Low education was associated with an increased risk for hallucinations and a trend for more depression, delusions, and sleep disturbances. ConclusionsThe association between high educational attainment and the lower risk of cognitive dysfunction suggest that education might modulate cognitive performance in PD.
Why Small Businesses Were Hit Harder

Although both large and small businesses felt the sting of job losses during the 2007-09 downturn, small fi rms experienced disproportionate declines. A study of the recession’s employment effect on small fi rms suggests that poor sales and economic uncertainty were the main reasons for their weak performance and sluggish recovery—problems that affected large fi rms too, but to a lesser degree. Although a tightened credit supply constrained some small fi rms, weak consumer demand for the fi rms’ products and services was a more pressing factor, reducing revenues and dampening new investment spending.