Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Recent developments in the understanding of the interactions between the vestibular system, memory, the hippocampus, and the striatum

Over the last two decades, evidence has accumulated to demonstrate that the vestibular system has extensive connections with areas of the brain related to spatial memory, such as the hippocampus, and also that it has significant interactions with areas associated with voluntary motor control, such as the striatum in the basal ganglia. In fact, these functions are far from separate and it is believed that interactions between the striatum and hippocampus are important for memory processing. The data relating to vestibular-hippocampal-striatal interactions have considerable implications for the understanding and treatment of Alzheimer's Disease and Parkinson's Disease, in addition to other neurological disorders. However, evidence is accumulating rapidly, and it is difficult to keep up with the latest developments in these and related areas. The aim of this review is to summarize and critically evaluate the relevant evidence that has been published over the last 2 years (i.e., since 2021), in order to identify emerging themes in this research area.
Magnetospheric responses to solar wind Pc5 density fluctuations: Results from 2D hybrid Vlasov simulation

Ultra-low frequency (ULF) waves are routinely observed in Earth’s dayside magnetosphere. Here we investigate the influence of externally-driven density variations in the near-Earth space in the ULF regime using global 2D simulations performed with the hybrid-Vlasov model Vlasiator. With the new time-varying boundary setup, we introduce a monochromatic Pc5 range periodic density variation in the solar wind. A breathing motion of the magnetopause and changes in the bow shock standoff position are caused by the density variation, the time lag between which is found to be consistent with propagation at fast magnetohydrodynamic speed. The oscillations also create large-scale stripes of variations in the magnetosheath and modulate the mirror and electromagnetic ion cyclotron modes. We characterize the spatial-temporal properties of ULF waves at different phases of the variation. Less prominent EMIC and mirror mode wave activities near the center of magnetosheath are observed with decreasing upstream Mach number. The EMIC wave occurrence is strongly related to pressure anisotropy and β ‖, both vary as a function of the upstream conditions, whereas the mirror mode occurrence is highly influenced by fast waves generated from upstream density variations.
Microbial and human transcriptional profiling of coronavirus disease 2019 patients: Potential predictors of disease severity

The high morbidity of patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) brings on a panic around the world. COVID-19 is associated with sex bias, immune system, and preexisting chronic diseases. We analyzed the gene expression in patients with COVID-19 and in their microbiota in order to identify potential biomarkers to aid in disease management. A total of 129 RNA samples from nasopharyngeal, oropharyngeal, and anal swabs were collected and sequenced in a high-throughput manner. Several microbial strains differed in abundance between patients with mild or severe COVID-19. Microbial genera were more abundant in oropharyngeal swabs than in nasopharyngeal or anal swabs. Oropharyngeal swabs allowed more sensitive detection of the causative SARS-CoV-2. Microbial and human transcriptomes in swabs from patients with mild disease showed enrichment of genes involved in amino acid metabolism, or protein modification via small protein removal, and antibacterial defense responses, respectively, whereas swabs from patients with severe disease showed enrichment of genes involved in drug metabolism, or negative regulation of apoptosis execution, spermatogenesis, and immune system, respectively. Microbial abundance and diversity did not differ significantly between males and females. The expression of several host genes on the X chromosome correlated negatively with disease severity. In this way, our analyses identify host genes whose differential expression could aid in the diagnosis of COVID-19 and prediction of its severity via non-invasive assay.
Effects of social experience on abstract concepts in semantic priming

Humans can understand thousands of abstract words, even when they do not have clearly perceivable referents. Recent views highlight an important role of social experience in grounding of abstract concepts and sub-kinds of abstract concepts, but empirical work in this area is still in its early stages. In the present study, a picture-word semantic priming paradigm was employed to investigate the contribution effect of social experience that is provided by real-life pictures to social abstract (SA, e.g., friendship, betrayal) concepts and emotional abstract (EA, e.g., happiness, anger) concepts. Using a lexical decision task, we examined responses to picture-SA word pairs (Experiment 1) and picture-EA word pairs (Experiment 2) in social/emotional semantically related and unrelated conditions. All pairs shared either positive or negative valence. The results showed quicker responses to positive SA and EA words that were preceded by related vs. unrelated prime pictures. Specifically, positive SA words were facilitated by the corresponding social scene pictures, whereas positive EA words were facilitated by pictures depict the corresponding facial expressions and gestures. However, such facilitatory effect was not observed in negative picture-SA/EA word conditions. This pattern of results suggests that a facilitatory effect of social experience on abstract concepts varies with different sub-kinds of abstract concepts, that seems to be limited to positive SA concepts. Overall, our findings confirm the crucial role of social experience for abstract concepts and further suggest that not all abstract concepts can benefit from social experience, at least in the semantic priming.
Sexism Identification In Social Media Using Deep Learning Models

Every minute, millions of information are posted in social media especially in Twitter, which includes sensitive information. Sexism identification in social media is a tedious task. This paper is a challenge given by sEXism Identification in Social neTworks(EXIST) at IberLEF 2022 to identify sexism in the specified dataset obtained from tweets. The dataset contains text in English and Spanish languages with sexism expressions. The specified text is identified as sexist and non-sexist by LaBSE model and multilingual BERT classification model. The predicted text and the performance are measured in different scaling and it is found that LaBSE model performed better. The F1 score of 75.30% is attained in Task1 related to identification of sexism. The preprocessing step
Magnaporthe oryzae CK2 Accumulates in Nuclei, Nucleoli, at Septal Pores and Forms a Large Ring Structure in Appressoria, and Is Involved in Rice Blast Pathogenesis

Magnaporthe oryzae (Mo) is a model pathogen causing rice blast resulting in yield and economic losses world-wide. CK2 is a constitutively active, serine/threonine kinase in eukaryotes, having a wide array of known substrates, and involved in many cellular processes. We investigated the localization and role of MoCK2 during growth and infection. BLAST search for MoCK2 components and targeted deletion of subunits was combined with protein-GFP fusions to investigate localization. We found one CKa and two CKb subunits of the CK2 holoenzyme. Deletion of the catalytic subunit CKa was not possible and might indicate that such deletions are lethal. The CKb subunits could be deleted but they were both necessary for normal growth and pathogenicity. Localization studies showed that the CK2 holoenzyme needed to be intact for normal localization at septal pores and at appressorium penetration pores. Nuclear localization of CKa was however not dependent on the intact CK2 holoenzyme. In appressoria, CK2 formed a large ring perpendicular to the penetration pore and the ring formation was dependent on the presence of all CK2 subunits. The effects on growth and pathogenicity of deletion of the b subunits combined with the localization indicate that CK2 can have important regulatory functions not only in the nucleus/nucleolus but also at fungal specific structures such as septa and appressorial pores.
Multi-Input RIM for Named-Entity Recognition in Spanish Clinical Reports

This paper summarizes the CLaC submission for the LivingNER competition which concerns recognition and normalization of named entities in Spanish clinical reports. We integrate diverse external knowledge sources such as BETO (Spanish BERT), UMLS, and POS information using the mi-RIM (Multi-Input Recurrent Independent Modules) architecture. At LivingNER 2022, we obtain a micro-F1 of 93 . 2 (signifi-cantly outperforming the competition mean at 82.3) for Subtask 1 (Named Entity Recognition) and for Subtask 2 (normalization) we obtain a micro-F1 of 91 . 9 for the normalization task.
Technical section Dehydration of core/shell fruits

Dehydrated core/shell fruits, such as jujubes, raisins and plums, show very complex buckles and wrinkles on their exocarp. It is a challenging task to model such complicated patterns and their evolution in a virtual environment even for professional animators. This paper presents a uni ﬁ ed physically-based approach to simulate the morphological transformation for the core/shell fruits in the dehydration process. A ﬁ nite element method (FEM), which is based on the multiplicative decomposition of the deformation gradient into an elastic part and a dehydrated part, is adopted to model the morphological evolution. In the method, the dehydration pattern can be conveniently controlled through physically prescribed parameters according to the geometry and material of the real fruits. The effects of the parameters on the ﬁ nal dehydrated surface patterns are investigated and summarized in detail. Experiments on jujubes, wolfberries, raisins and plums are given, which demonstrate the ef ﬁ cacy of the method. & 2014 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an open access article under the CC BY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/).
Is there a trade-off between aggressiveness and host generalism across Phytophthora infestans 1 (potato and tomato blight) populations? A synthesis of global cross-inoculation data

Phytophthora infestans is among the most destructive of plant diseases. Pathogen lineages have 13 varying degrees of host preference among potato and tomato, from no specificity to extreme specialisation. How host specificity impacts fitness among pathogen populations is unclear. 15 Comparing the pathogenicity of both population types can shed light on the determinants of host 16 specificity in P. infestans . A trade-off between generalism and quantitative aggressiveness can explain 17 the variation among pathogen populations. I assessed the existence of such a trade-off by analysing 18 the global cross-inoculation data on potato and tomato isolates. In addition, host specificity was 19 assessed for change over time. The synthesis included 44 and 34 data points for potato and tomato 20 isolates respectively. Potato isolates overall did not prefer their original host significantly more than 21 tomato isolates. Isolates from potato can generally infect tomato with similar aggressiveness (in terms 22 of lesion growth rate) and specificity as in reverse. There was a modest trade-off between generalism 23 and aggressiveness, where high specificity was associated with significantly greater aggressiveness. 24 However, this trade-off did not explain the presence of generalist strains that are equally aggressive as 25 specialist strains. A portion of generalists has high aggressiveness equal to the most host specific 26 strains. For tomato isolates, there was a significant change towards generalism over the last few 27 decades. This synthesis reveals several novel observations on the evolutionary ecology of the blight 28 pathogen. Many unresolved questions on host specificity and aggressiveness remain which are 29 discussed.
The cancer-associated RBM39 bridges the pre-mRNA, U1 and U2 snRNPs to regulate alternative splicing

Pharmacologic depletion of RNA-binding motif 39 (RBM39) using aryl sulfonamides represents a promising anti-cancer therapy. However, its efficiency correlates with the expression level of DCAF15 which acts at the interface between RBM39, the drug and the E3-ubiquitin ligase. Consequently, the identification of alternative approaches to deplete RBM39 independently of DCAF15 is required. Here, we combined transcriptomic analysis, functional assays, and structural biology to elucidate the molecular mechanisms governing RBM39 homeostasis. Our data revealed that RBM39 autoregulates the splicing of its own pre-mRNA by triggering the inclusion of a poison exon. During this process, RBM39 selects the 3’-splice site of the toxic exon, helps the recruitment of U1 snRNP on its weak 5’-splice site and bridges the 3’-splice site recognition machinery. The elucidation of the molecular mechanisms controlling RBM39 homeostasis provides unprecedented insights into alternative 3’-splice site selection and a solid frame to design alternative anti-cancer therapies.
Rejection of inappropriate synaptic partners mediated by transcellular FLRT2-UNC5 signaling

During nervous system development, neurons choose synaptic partners with remarkable specificity; however, the cell-cell recognition mechanisms governing rejection of inappropriate partners remain enigmatic. Here we show that mouse retinal neurons avoid inappropriate partners using the FLRT2-UNC5 receptor-ligand system. Within the inner plexiform layer (IPL), FLRT2 is expressed by direction-selective (DS) circuit neurons, whereas UNC5C/D are expressed by non-DS neurons projecting to adjacent IPL sublayers. In vivo gain- and loss-of-function experiments demonstrate that FLRT2-UNC5 binding eliminates growing DS dendrites that have strayed from the DS circuit IPL sublayers. Abrogation of FLRT2-UNC5 binding allows mistargeted arbors to persist, elaborate, and acquire synapses from inappropriate partners. Conversely, UNC5C misexpression within DS circuit sublayers inhibits dendrite growth and drives arbors into adjacent sublayers. Mechanistically, UNC5s promote dendrite elimination by interfering with FLRT2-mediated adhesion. Based on their broad expression, FLRT-UNC5 recognition is poised to exert widespread effects upon synaptic partner choices across the nervous system.
Restoring the True Form of the Gigantic Blue Whale for the First Time, and Mass Estimation

Using photographs of swimming blue whales and mounted skeletons, the body form of the largest known animal is correctly restored, no previous effort having been entirely accurate in part because of the absence of rigorous technical efforts prior to this study. The maximum total length/depth ratio is about 7.5-8.1, with the greatest depth in the chest forward of midlength. There is a subtle ventral concavity between the chest and abdomen. The chest is broader than deep, contradicting mounted skeletons in which the ribs are articulated too vertically so that the chest is falsely deeper than broad. The tip of the mandible is fairly blunt, although the throat pouch is streamlined when cruising, the head is very large. The result is an elongated, tear drop, hydrodynamically optimized shape. A volume based mass estimate based on the restoration is close to that observed in harvested blue whales relative to length, and indicates that the largest individuals reach ~200 tonnes.
Immunopeptidomics reveals determinants of Mycobacterium tuberculosis antigen presentation on MHC class I

CD8+ T cell recognition of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb)-specific peptides presented on major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC-I) contributes to immunity to tuberculosis (TB), but the principles that govern presentation of Mtb antigens on MHC-I are incompletely understood. In this study, mass spectrometry (MS) analysis of the MHC-I repertoire of Mtb-infected primary human macrophages reveals that substrates of Mtb’s type VII secretion systems (T7SS) are overrepresented among Mtb-derived peptides presented on MHC-I. Quantitative, targeted MS shows that ESX-1 activity contributes to presentation of Mtb antigens on MHC-I, consistent with a model in which Mtb T7SS substrates access a cytosolic antigen processing pathway via ESX-1-mediated phagosome permeabilization. Chemical inhibition of proteasome activity, lysosomal acidification, or cysteine cathepsin activity did not block presentation of Mtb antigens on MHC-I, suggesting involvement of other proteolytic pathways or redundancy among multiple pathways. Our study identifies Mtb antigens presented on MHC-I that could serve as targets for TB vaccines, and reveals an important role for T7SS activity in presentation of Mtb antigens on MHC-I.
Receptor binding domain (RBD) antibodies contribute more to SARS-CoV-2 neutralization when target cells express high levels of ACE2

Neutralization assays are experimental surrogates for the effectiveness of infection- or vaccine-elicited polyclonal antibodies and therapeutic monoclonal antibodies targeting SARS-CoV-2. However, the measured neutralization can depend on details of the experimental assay. Here we systematically assess how ACE2 expression in target cells affects neutralization by antibodies to different spike epitopes in lentivirus pseudovirus neutralization assays. For high ACE2-expressing target cells, receptor binding domain (RBD) antibodies account for nearly all neutralizing activity in polyclonal human sera. But for lower ACE2-expressing target cells, antibodies targeting regions outside the RBD make a larger (although still modest) contribution to serum neutralization. These serum-level results are mirrored for monoclonal antibodies: N-terminal domain (NTD) antibodies and RBD antibodies that do not compete for ACE2 binding incompletely neutralize on high ACE2-expressing target cells, but completely neutralize on cells with lower ACE2 expression. Our results show that ACE2 expression level in the target cells is an important experimental variable, and that high ACE2 expression emphasizes the role of a subset of RBD-directed antibodies.
Associations Between Adolescents' Subjectively Experienced Emotions and Psychophysiological Reactions in Achievement Situations

Abstract:This study investigated associations of early adolescents' (N=190, median age = 12) subjectively experienced emotions and psychophysiological reactions in achievement situations. Self-reported questions assessed adolescents' experienced emotions. Additionally, adolescents' autonomic nervous system (ANS) reactions were recorded; skin-conductance response (SCR) and heart rate (HR) were used to measure sympathetic nervous system activity, and heart rate variability (HRV) was used to measure parasympathetic nervous system activity. The between-person-level results of multilevel modeling showed that increased HR was associated with higher levels of hope and fear and that decreased SCR was associated with a higher level of hopelessness. In turn, increased HRV was moderately associated with lower surprise at the within-person level. The results also showed that gender, hyperactivity, depressive symptoms, and cognitive ability moderated some of the associations between experienced emotions and physiological reactions. For example, high hyperactivity was related to stronger associations between SCR and hope and high depressive symptoms were related to a stronger association between HR and surprise. These findings enhance current understandings of connections between experienced emotions and psychophysiological reactions in achievement situations.
Microbleeds Predict Intracerebral Hemorrhage in Hemodialysis Patients

which followed up on our previous cross-sectional study, we investigated whether the presence of CMBs was a predictor of future stroke (particularly ICH) in hemodialysis patients. Background and Purpose —In hemodialysis patients, previous reports have described a high prevalence of cerebral microbleeds (CMBs), but no longitudinal studies have been performed to determine the clinical significance of CMBs in these patients. In this study, we investigated whether the presence of CMBs was a predictor of future strokes in hemodialysis patients. Methods —Cranial MRI, including T2*-weighted magnetic resonance imaging, was performed on 179 hemodialysis patients with no past history of cerebrovascular events. The patients were followed prospectively until death or renal transplantation. We used the Cox proportional hazards model with inverse probability of treatment weighting using the propensity score to compare the event-free survivals of patients with/without CMBs. For sensitivity analyses, stratification by propensity score quintile and regression adjustment were used. Results —CMBs were detected in 45 of the 179 patients. During a median follow-up period of 5.0 years, stroke occurred in 24 patients, including 12 with intracerebral hemorrhage and 12 with cerebral infarctions. Cox proportional hazards analysis with inverse probability of treatment weighting using the propensity score revealed that the presence of CMBs was a strong and significant predictor of intracerebral hemorrhage (hazard ratio, 26.53; 95% confidence interval, 2.88– 244.90) but not cerebral infarction (hazard ratio, 0.91; 95% confidence interval, 0.25–3.34). Sensitivity analyses yielded similar results. Conclusions —This study showed that the presence of CMBs was an independent and strong predictor of intracerebral hemorrhage in stroke-free hemodialysis patients, indicating that hemodialysis patients with CMBs should be carefully monitored for future onset of intracerebral hemorrhage. ( Stroke . 2015;46:2107-2112. DOI: 10.1161/ no=0) in the logistic analysis. P val-ues of were considered statistically significant. These results were STATA/SE 13.1
ARCHAEOMETRIC STUDIES ON A BLUE GLASS FRAGMENT FROM POMPEII: CASE STUDY

A sample of Roman glass found in Regio I, Insula 14, during the 1950’s Pompeii excavation was examined by Raman and Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The analyzed specimen was selected based on its intense blue color and its well-preserved aspect. The purpose of the work was the chemical characterization of Pompeii’s glass in correlation to the actual knowledge of Roman glassmaking technology from the Mediterranean area. The results suggested that the Pompeii’s glass was a soda-lime-silica glass, but with a higher calcium content that, given the low content of lead, was used to stabilize the glass. The sample was in origin produced most likely as non-decolorized primary raw materials from eastern Mediterranean sites. Moreover, the intense blue color was related to the use mainly of cobalt, present in a weighty amount, and likely used as important coloring agents in the ancient secondary glass-making workshop.
Contextualized Consciousness: The Contribution of Study Abroad to Self-Understandings of Black Male Student Travelers

Abstract:While the benefits of study abroad travel are touted throughout international education literature, many highlighted travelers are White, middle-class women. The unique needs of and benefits experienced by underrepresented travelers must be explored. The authors present the following themes uncovered from the reflections of eight Black male students who studied internationally: the interconnectivity of race and gender; the importance of context for self-understanding; and the value of collective reflection. These themes illustrate specific ways in which study abroad travel contributes to Black males' enhanced self-understandings, a characteristic which has been linked to more general academic and professional benefits. As such, the authors argue international education's potential to be a valuable, high-impact practice for Black men.