Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Generative Grammar: A Meaning First Approach

The theory of language must predict the possible thought—signal (or meaning—sound or sign) pairings of a language. We argue for a Meaning First architecture of language where a thought structure is generated first. The thought structure is then realized using language to communicate the thought, to memorize it, or perhaps with another purpose. Our view contrasts with the T-model architecture of mainstream generative grammar, according to which distinct phrase-structural representations—Phonetic Form (PF) for articulation, Logical Form (LF) for interpretation—are generated within the grammar. At the same time, our view differs from early transformational grammar and generative semantics: We view the relationship between the thought structure and the corresponding signal as one of compression. We specify a formal sketch of compression as a choice between multiple possible pronounciations balancing the desire to transmit information against the effort of pronounciation. The Meaning First architecture allows a greater degree of independence between thought structures and the linguistic signal. We present three arguments favoring this type of independence. First we argue that scopal properties can be better explained if we only compare thought structures independent of the their realization as a sentence. Secondly, we argue that Meaning First architecture allows contentful late insertion, an idea that has been argued for in Distributed Morphology already, but as we argue is also motivated by the division of the logical and socio-emotive meaning content of language. Finally, we show that only the Meaning First architecture provides a satisfying account of the mixing of multiple languages by multilingual speakers, especially for cases of simultaneous articulation across two modalities in bimodal speakers. Our view of the structure of grammar leads to a reassessment of priorities in linguistic analyses: while current mainstream work is often focused on establishing one-to-one relationships between concepts and morphemes, our view makes it plausible that primitive concepts are frequently marked indirectly or unpronounced entirely. Our view therefore assigns great value to the understanding of logical primitives and of compression.
Propelling a Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experience Using an Open-Access Online Undergraduate Research Journal

The University of British Columbia has developed a course-based undergraduate research experience (CURE) that engages students in authentic molecular microbiology research. This capstone course is uniquely built around an open-access online undergraduate research journal entitled Undergraduate Journal of Experimental Microbiology and Immunology (UJEMI). Students work in teams to derive an original research question, formulate a testable hypothesis, draft a research proposal, carry out experiments in the laboratory, and publish their results in UJEMI. The CURE operates in a feed forward manner whereby student-authored UJEMI publications drive research questions in subsequent terms of the course. Progress toward submission of an original manuscript is scaffolded using a series of communication assignments which facilitate formative development. We present a periodic model of our CURE that guides students through a research cycle. We review two ongoing course-based projects to highlight how UJEMI publications prime new research questions in the course. A journal-driven CURE represents a broadly applicable pedagogical tool that immerses students in the process of doing science.
Comparison of the Isotopic Composition of Hg and Pb in Two Atmospheric Bioaccumulators in a Pyrenean Beech Forest (Iraty Forest, Western Pyrenees, France/Spain)

Mercury (Hg) and lead (Pb) isotopic compositions were investigated in mosses and lichens collected in a large mountainous beech forest (Iraty Forest) located on the French-Spanish Pyrenean border. Hg isotopic signature in topsoil samples were also analyzed in selected sampling sites. This is the first work that uses the complementary information of both isotopic systems in two distinct atmospheric bioaccumulators. Mosses and lichens present characteristic accumulation due to their integration times, displaying different information on metal pollution over the area. Hg and Pb concentrations in annual moss shoots represent recent atmospheric accumulation, while whole lichen thalli integrates a process of accumulation over a longer period. Lead isotope ratios in mosses are consistent with reported data corresponding to the actual European atmospheric background (206Pb/207Pb ∼ 1.158), while Hg isotopic composition reflects potential uptake of both dry and wet Hg depositions. For lichens, Pb isotopic composition exhibits the contribution of a longer integration period of both industrial Pb emissions and legacy of leaded gasoline pollution. Hg isotopes in lichens discriminate two main groups: a larger one representing the background atmospheric contribution and a second one corresponding to unexpected higher Hg content. The similarities in odd and even Mass-independent fractionation of Hg isotopes between topsoils and lichens from the larger group, support the idea that foliage uptake is the main input of Hg in soils. The second group of lichens exhibits more negative δ202Hg (down to –4.69‰) suggesting a new source of fractionation in this area, probably related to lichens aging and/or stubble and grass fires due to pastoral activities. This study demonstrates that using both Hg and Pb isotopic signature in lichens and mosses allows to trace atmospheric sources and environmental pathways of these metals in forested ecosystems. This original data set in a remote environment provides also new information on the fate of atmospheric Pb and Hg depositions.
Factors Influencing Vitamin D Levels in Neonatal Umbilical Cord Blood: A Two-Center Study From Tibet and Shenyang

Objective: To investigate the factors influencing the levels of vitamin D (vitD) in the umbilical cord blood of neonates born in Naqu, Tibet (4,500 m above sea level), and Shenyang, Liaoning Province (500 m above sea level). Methods: This prospective study was conducted from June 2017 to October 2018 in Naqu (the plateau group) and Shenyang, (the non-plateau group). Healthy mothers that gave birth to healthy neonates of >2,000g after 38 weeks' gestation were enrolled in the study, as were their neonates. After separation of serum from the umbilical cord and mothers for routine biochemical tests, discarded samples were remained for analyses of vitD, calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and parathyroid hormone (PTH). Questionnaires were developed covering the demographic characteristics and possible risk factors for neonatal vitD deficiency of mothers. Statistical analysis was performed to identify associations between the calcium, phosphorus, ALP, PTH, maternal factors and neonatal vitD levels. Results: In total, 295 neonates and 225 mothers were enrolled in the study. VitD deficiency was common in neonates and mothers. The risk of vitD deficiency was higher in the plateau group than in the non-plateau group. The mean levels of 25-hydroxy vitD (25(OH)D) in mothers and neonates from the plateau group were 8.49 ± 4.12 ng/mL and 10.17 ± 5.07 ng/mL, respectively. Such levels were significantly lower than those in the non-plateau group (19.77 ± 9.57 ng/mL and 23.93 ± 11.01 ng/mL, respectively). The vitD levels of neonates and mothers were highest in the summer and lowest in the winter. Cord blood vitD was positively correlated with the vitD levels in mothers' serum (r = 0.75, P < 0.05). Increased PTH levels in mothers and decreased cord blood calcium levels were risk factors for neonatal vitD deficiency. A lack of vitD supplementation during pregnancy was associated with an 8.91-fold higher probability of neonatal vitD deficiency (OR = 8.91, 95% CI = 1.521–9.429, P < 0.001). Conclusions: The levels of neonatal and maternal vitD in the plateau group were generally lower than those in the non-plateau group. VitD supplementation during pregnancy could effectively reduce the risk of vitD deficiency in neonates.
Synthesis and Characterization of ZSM-5／β Co-Crystalline Zeolite

ZSM-5/β co-crystalline zeolites with different content of ZSM-5 have been synthesized by adding different amount of ZSM-5 to the synthetic system ofβ zeolite with NaAlO2, silica sol as the source of aluminum and silica, respectively, and TEA+ as the template under controlled condition of the synthesis. The ZSM-5/β co-crystalline zeolite was studied by XRD, SEM, BET and NH3-TPD. The reaction activity of toluene alkylation was investigated with a mixture of toluene-methanol as the feedstock in a pulse micro-reactor over the ZSM-5/β co-crystalline zeolite. It is found that ZSM-5/β co-crystalline zeolite has two kinds of zeolite structure including ZSM-5 and β zeolite, not in the form of a physical mixture. The pore structure of ZSM-5/β co-crystalline zeolites is different from that forβ zeolite, ZSM-5and their physical mixture. In addition, the peaks of both high and low temperature desorption of ammonia over the ZSM-5/β co-crystalline zeolite shift 23 ℃ to lower temperatures and the acid amount of its strong acid is 3% more than the physical mixture. So the ZSM-5/β co-crystalline zeolite produces the highest content of xylene, which is 10.4% higher than the physical mixture. And the ZSM-5/β co-crystalline zeolite has better selectivity for toluene alkylation and weaker de-methylation than β zeolite, ZSM-5 and their physical mixture.
Ideal Cardiovascular Health Metrics and Incidence of Ischemic Stroke Among Hypertensive Patients: A Prospective Cohort Study

Background: This study aimed to assess the relationship between ideal cardiovascular health (CVH) metrics and incident ischemic stroke (IS) in hypertensive patients, especially those with hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy). Methods: A prospective cohort study enrolled 5,488 hypertensive patients in Nanshan District of Shenzhen City in southern China from September 2011 to December 2017. CVH metrics were defined according to the American Heart Association. Cox proportional hazards models were used to examine the associations between the number of ideal CVH metrics and the incidence of IS by calculating multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CI. Results: During an average follow-up of 5.7 years, 340 IS patients were identified. Compared with those having 0 ideal CVH metrics, the HRs (95% CIs) for IS among those with 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5–6 ideal CVH metrics were 0.62 (0.31–1.25), 0.37 (0.19–0.74), 0.37 (0.18–0.74), 0.34 (0.16–0.71), and 0.28 (0.12–0.63), respectively (P < 0.001). An ideal healthy diet score and ideal fasting blood glucose level were independently associated with IS among participants, with HRs (95% CIs) of 0.53 (0.33–0.86) and 0.32 (0.17–0.66), respectively. Additionally, compared with those with normal total homocysteine (tHcy) levels (<15 μmol/L), the HR (95% CI) for IS among participants with HHcy and who had 5–6 ideal CVH metrics was 0.50 (0.27–0.92). Conclusion: An increased number of ideal CVH metrics was inversely associated with the incidence of IS in hypertensive patients. The participants with HHcy who had 5–6 ideal CVH metrics exhibited a lower IS risk than those with normal tHcy levels.
Which Factors Affect the Occurrence of Off-Target Effects Caused by the Use of CRISPR/Cas: A Systematic Review in Plants

CRISPR/Cas enables a targeted modification of DNA sequences. Despite their ease and efficient use, one limitation is the potential occurrence of associated off-target effects. This systematic review aims to answer the following research question: Which factors affect the occurrence of off-target effects caused by the use of CRISPR/Cas in plants? Literature published until March 2019 was considered for this review. Articles were screened for relevance based on pre-defined inclusion criteria. Relevant studies were subject to critical appraisal. All studies included in the systematic review were synthesized in a narrative report, but studies rated as high and medium/high validity were reported separately from studies rated as low and medium/low or unclear validity. In addition, we ran a binary logistic regression analysis to verify five factors that may affect the occurrence of off-target effects: (1) Number of mismatches (2) Position of mismatches (3) GC-content of the targeting sequence (4) Altered nuclease variants (5) Delivery methods. In total, 180 relevant articles were included in this review containing 468 studies therein. Seventy nine percentage of these studies were rated as having high or medium/high validity. Within these studies, 6,416 potential off-target sequences were assessed for the occurrence of off-target effects. Results clearly indicate that an increased number of mismatches between the on-target and potential off-target sequence steeply decreases the likelihood of off-target effects. The observed rate of off-target effects decreased from 59% when there is one mismatch between the on-target and off-target sequences toward 0% when four or more mismatches exist. In addition, mismatch/es located within the first eight nucleotides proximal to the PAM significantly decreased the occurrence of off-target effects. There is no evidence that the GC-content significantly affects off-target effects. The database regarding the impact of the nuclease variant and the delivery method is very poor as the majority of studies applied the standard nuclease SpCas9 and the CRISPR/Cas system was stably delivered in the genome. Hence, a general significant impact of these two factors on the occurrence of off-target effects cannot be proved. This identified evidence gap needs to be filled by systematic studies exploring these individual factors in sufficient numbers.
We, Them, and It: Dictator Game Offers Depend on Hierarchical Social Status, Artificial Intelligence, and Social Dominance

We investigated the influence of social status on behavior in a modified dictator game (DG). Since the DG contains an inherent dominance gradient, we examined the relationship between dictator decisions and recipient status, which was operationalized by three social identities and an artificial intelligence (AI). Additionally, we examined the predictive value of social dominance orientation (SDO) on the behavior of dictators toward the different social and non-social hierarchical recipients. A multilevel model analysis showed that recipients with the same status as the dictator benefited the most and the artificial intelligence the least. Furthermore, SDO, regardless of social status, predicted behavior toward recipients in such a way that higher dominance was associated with lower dictator offers. In summary, participants treated other persons of higher and lower status equally, those of equal status better and, above all, an algorithm worst. The large proportion of female participants and the limited variance of SDO should be taken into account with regard to the results of individual differences in SDO.
Long Noncoding RNA AFAP1-AS1 Is a Critical Regulator of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Tumorigenicity

Background The long noncoding RNA actin filament associated protein 1 antisense RNA1 (AFAP1-AS1) is a critical player in various cancers. However, the clinical value and functional mechanisms of AFAP1-AS1 during the tumorigenicity of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) remain unclear. Here, we investigated the clinical application and potential molecular mechanisms of AFAP1-AS1 in NPC tumorigenesis and progression. Methods The expression level of AFAP1-AS1 was determined by qRT-PCR in 10 paired fresh human NPC tissues and adjacent normal tissues. RNAscope was performed on 100 paired paraffin-embedded NPC and adjacent nontumor specimens. The biological functions of AFAP1-AS1 were assessed by in vitro and in vivo functional experiments. RNA-protein pull-down assays were performed to detect and identify the AFAP1-AS1-interacting protein KAT2B. Protein-RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assays were conducted to examine the interaction of AFAP1-AS1 and KAT2B. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) and luciferase analyses were utilized to identify the binding site of transcription intermediary factor 1 alpha (TIF1α) and H3K14ac on the RBM3 promoter. Results AFAP1-AS1 is upregulated in NPC and is a poor prognostic indicator for survival in NPC patients. AFAP1-AS1 was required for NPC proliferation in vitro and tumorigenicity in vivo. Mechanistic investigations suggested that AFAP1-AS1 binds to KAT2B and promotes acetyltransferase activation at two residues (E570/D610). KAT2B further promotes H3K14 acetylation and protein binding to the bromo domain of TIF1α. Consequently, TIF1α acts as a nuclear transcriptional coactivator of RBM3 transcription, leading to YAP mRNA stabilization and enhanced NPC tumorigenicity. Conclusions Our findings suggest that AFAP1-AS1 functions as an oncogenic biomarker and promotes NPC tumorigenicity through enhanced KAT2B acetyltransferase activation and YAP mRNA stabilization.
Assessments of 16 Exploited Fish Stocks in Chinese Waters Using the CMSY and BSM Methods

Sixteen marine fish species (populations) exploited by Chinese fisheries were assessed, using published time series of catch and the CMSY and BSM methods. Given the catch times series as inputs, some ancillary information and reasonable constraints, carrying capacity, maximum sustainable yield, and likely time series of biomass and exploitation rate were estimated. The results show that one (7%) of the assessed species was severely depleted, four species (27%) were fully/overfished, six (40%) were outside of safe biological limits, one species (7%) was recovering and three species (20%) were in a healthy state at the end year of their assessment. However, one species, Pacific sardine (Sardinops sagax), could not be assessed using CMSY, as the exceedingly large fluctuations of its biomass were mainly environmentally driven. These results correspond with previous knowledge on the status of fish populations along the coast of China, where overfishing is rampant. Based on these assessments, some of the benefits that would result from a reduction of the excessive fishing effort are outlined.
Small and Intermediate Calcium Activated Potassium Channels in the Heart: Role and Strategies in the Treatment of Cardiovascular Diseases

Calcium-activated potassium channels are a heterogeneous family of channels that, despite their different biophysical characteristics, structures, and pharmacological signatures, play a role of transducer between the ubiquitous intracellular calcium signaling and the electric variations of the membrane. Although this family of channels was extensively described in various excitable and non-excitable tissues, an increasing amount of evidences shows their functional role in the heart. This review aims to focus on the physiological role and the contribution of the small and intermediate calcium-activated potassium channels in cardiac pathologies.
Hypoxic Preconditioning Enhances Cellular Viability and Pro-angiogenic Paracrine Activity: The Roles of VEGF-A and SDF-1a in Rat Adipose Stem Cells

To achieve the full therapeutic potential of implanted adipose stem cells (ASCs) in vivo, it is crucial to improve the viability and pro-angiogenic properties of the stem cells. Here, we first simulated the conditions of ischemia and hypoxia using the in vitro oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) model and confirmed that hypoxic preconditioning of ASCs could provide improved protection against OGD and enhance ASC viability. Second, we assessed the effect of hypoxic preconditioning on pro-angiogenic potential of ASCs, with a particular focus on the role of vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) and stromal derived factor-1a (SDF-1a) paracrine activity in mediating angiogenesis. We found that the conditioned medium of ASCs (ASCCM) with hypoxic preconditioning enhanced angiogenesis by a series of angiogenesis assay models in vivo and in vitro through the upregulation of and a synergistic effect between VEGF-A and SDF-1a. Finally, to investigate the possible downstream mechanisms of VEGF/VEGFR2 and SDF-1a/CXCR4 axes-driven angiogenesis, we evaluated relevant protein kinases involved the signal transduction pathway of angiogenesis and showed that VEGF/VEGFR2 and SDF-1a/CXCR4 axes may synergistically promote angiogenesis by activating Akt. Collectively, our findings demonstrate that hypoxic preconditioning may constitute a promising strategy to enhance cellular viability and angiogenesis of transplanted ASCs, therein improving the success rate of stem cell-based therapies in tissue engineering.
From Patch to Catchment: A Statistical Framework to Identify and Map Soil Moisture Patterns Across Complex Alpine Terrain

Climate warming in alpine regions is changing patterns of water storage, a primary control on alpine plant ecology, biogeochemistry, and water supplies to lower elevations. There is an outstanding need to determine how the interacting drivers of precipitation and the critical zone (CZ) dictate the spatial pattern and time evolution of soil water storage. In this study, we developed an analytical framework that combines intensive hydrologic measurements and extensive remotely-sensed observations with statistical modeling to identify areas with similar temporal trends in soil water storage within, and predict their relationships across, a 0.26 km2 alpine catchment in the Colorado Rocky Mountains, U.S.A. Repeat measurements of soil moisture were used to drive an unsupervised clustering algorithm, which identified six unique groups of locations ranging from predominantly dry to persistently very wet within the catchment. We then explored relationships between these hydrologic groups and multiple CZ-related indices, including snow depth, plant productivity, macro- (102->103 m) and microtopography (<100-102 m), and hydrological flow paths. Finally, we used a supervised machine learning random forest algorithm to map each of the six hydrologic groups across the catchment based on distributed CZ properties and evaluated their aggregate relationships at the catchment scale. Our analysis indicated that ~40–50% of the catchment is hydrologically connected to the stream channel, lending insight into the portions of the catchment that likely dominate stream water and solute fluxes. This research expands our understanding of patch-to-catchment-scale physical controls on hydrologic and biogeochemical processes, as well as their relationships across space and time, which will inform predictive models aimed at determining future changes to alpine ecosystems.
The Footprint of Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation on the Intensity of Tropical Cyclones Over the Western North Pacific

Sea surface temperature (SST) over the western North Pacific (WNP) exhibits strong decadal to multidecadal variability and in this region, warm waters fuel the tropical cyclones (TCs). Observational records show pronounced decadal variations in WNP TC metrics during 1950–2018. Statistical analysis of the various TC metrics suggests that the annual average intensity of WNP TCs is closely linked to the AMO (r = 0.86 at decadal timescales, p < 0.05). Observations and coupled atmosphere-ocean simulations show that the decadal WNP SST variations regarded as the primary driver of TC intensity, are remotely controlled by the AMO. Corresponding to the WNP SST warming, the local SLP gets lower and the tropospheric air becomes warmer and moister, enhancing atmospheric instability and the generation of convective available potential energy. These favorable changes in the background environment provide more “fuel” to the development of deep convection and intensify the WNP TCs. The footprints of AMO in WNP SST and atmospheric states through trans-basin interaction eventually exert a significant impact on the TC intensity over the WNP region.