Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Definiteness and indefiniteness: a study in reference and grammaticality prediction

Preface Introduction 1. Meaning and Grammaticality Prediction in Generative Grammar 2. Syntactic and Semantic Causes of Ungrammaticality 3. The Referential Meaning of Definiteness 4. The Semantic Contrast between Definiteness and Indefiniteness 5. Ungrammaticalities Arising from the Semantic Contrast between Definiteness and Indefiniteness 6. Conclusions and Hypotheses for the Theory of Grammar Notes References Index
Propagation of structured light beams after multiple reflections in a spiral phase plate

Abstract. This work presents propagation dynamics of structured light (complex light) containing optical vortices after it has undergone multiple reflections in a spiral phase plate (SPP) device having a nonzero surface reflection. In the calculations, the thick-plate approximation is assumed as it is expected to give a more accurate representation of the standard geometry of an SPP device from a low-surface reflection to a high-surface reflection. Calculations showing the propagation of counter-rotating optical vortices are presented, and the effect of the statistical nature of photons on the observation of the angular intensity modulation of the beam is discussed.
GEO: A Computational Design Framework for Automotive Exterior Facelift

Exterior facelift has become an effective method for automakers to boost the consumers’ interest in an existing car model before it is redesigned. To support the automotive facelift design process, this study develops a novel computational framework – Generator, Evaluator, Optimiser (GEO), which comprises three components: a StyleGAN2-based design generator that creates different facelift designs; a convolutional neural network (CNN)-based evaluator that assesses designs from the aesthetics perspective; and a recurrent neural network (RNN)-based decision optimiser that selects designs to maximise the predicted profit of the targeted car model over time. We validate the GEO framework in experiments with real-world datasets and describe some resulting managerial implications for automotive facelift. Our study makes both methodological and application contributions. First, the generator’s mapping network and projection methods are carefully tailored to facelift where only minor changes are performed without affecting the family signature of the automobile brands. Second, two evaluation metrics are proposed to assess the generated designs. Third, profit maximisation is taken into account in the design selection. From a high-level perspective, our study contributes to the recent use of machine learning and data mining in marketing and design studies. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that uses deep generative models for automotive regional design upgrading and that provides an end-to-end decision-support solution for automakers and designers.
Association between IL-27p28 gene polymorphisms and susceptibility to allergic rhinitis

Background Interleukin-27 (IL-27) is a cytokine composed of two subunits, EBI3 and p28, which is an important mediator in regulating the differentiation of TCD4 + cells and plays an important role in immune-related disorders. This study aimed to elucidate the potential association of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the IL-27p28 gene with serum IL-27 levels and the risk of allergic rhinitis (AR). Materials and methods The study included 130 patients with AR and 130 healthy individuals. To evaluate the association between IL-27p28 gene SNPs (rs153109 and rs181206) and the risk of AR, the Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method was used. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was also used to determine the serum level of IL-27 in patients with AR and healthy individuals. Results Our results did not show a significant relationship between IL-27p28 gene polymorphisms (rs153109 and rs181206) with the risk of AR and serum IL-27 levels. However, our results indicated that the serum level of IL-27 in patients with AR (342 ± 299 pg/mL) was significantly lower than the healthy controls (455 ± 274 pg/mL) (p = 0.02). Conclusion Our findings suggested that IL-27p28 SNPs (rs181206 and rs153109) are not associated with susceptibility to AR, but decreased serum IL-27 levels may be associated with the development of AR.
On the effect of roughness parameters on adherence using the three-point bending test (ISO 14679:1997)

ABSTRACT In the present work, a specific three-point bending test is applied to evaluate how the roughness can impact the bond strength (adherence) and the mechanism of interfacial failure initiation. The study is conducted using an aluminum alloy 2024-T3 as substrate and the DGEBA (polyepoxide bisphenol A diglycidyl ether) /DETA (diethylenetriamine) as adhesive, considering different abrasive surface treatments. An optimal roughness is reached to maximize the critical force during failure initiation; besides, the roughness impacted the failure propagation mechanism and the failure initiation area for each abrasive treatment. A power-law regression is considered to correlate the critical force and the failure initiation area, considering different average roughness. Local assessment using a mechanical profilometer and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) with Focused Ion Beam (FIB) are applied to measure the residual adhesive thickness at failure initiation and failure propagation zones as well as the initiation-to-propagation transitions. It is constated that the residual adhesive thickness is dependent on the average roughness of the substrate. Finally, Weibull’s analysis is undertaken to demonstrate that the mechanism of failure initiation for all substrate groups is essentially the same, although the failure propagation mechanism can be different.
Effects of food supplementation and helminth removal on space use and spatial overlap in wild rodent populations

1. Animal space use and spatial overlap can have important consequences for population-level processes such as social interactions and pathogen transmission. Identifying how environmental variability and inter-individual variation affect spatial patterns and in turn influence interactions in animal populations is a priority for the study of animal behavior and disease ecology. Environmental food availability and macroparasite infection are common drivers of variation, but there are few experimental studies investigating how they affect spatial patterns of wildlife. 2. Bank voles (Clethrionomys glareolus) are a tractable study system to investigate spatial patterns of wildlife and are amenable to experimental manipulations. We conducted a replicated, factorial field experiment in which we provided supplementary food and removed helminths in vole populations in natural forest habitat and monitored vole space use and spatial overlap using capture-mark-recapture methods. 3. Using network analysis, we quantified vole space use and spatial overlap. We compared the effects of food supplementation and helminth removal and investigated the impact of season, sex, and reproductive status on space use and spatial overlap. 4. We found that food supplementation decreased vole space use while helminth removal increased space use. Space use also varied by sex, reproductive status, and season. Spatial overlap was similar between treatments despite up to three-fold differences in population size. 5. By quantifying the spatial effects of food availability and macroparasite infection on wildlife populations, we demonstrate the potential for space use and population density to trade off and maintain consistent spatial overlap in wildlife populations. This has important implications for spatial processes in wildlife including pathogen transmission.
Single innate immune effectors control ecological microbiome bacteria across evolutionary timescales

Antimicrobial peptides are host-encoded antibiotics that combat invading microbes and help shape the microbiome in plants and animals. However, little is known about how the host antimicrobial peptide repertoire is evolutionarily adapted to its microbiome. Here we characterize the function and evolution of the Diptericin antimicrobial peptide family of Diptera. Using mutations affecting the two Diptericins ( Dpt ) of D. melanogaster , we reveal the specific role of DptA against the pathogen Providencia rettgeri and DptB against the gut mutualist Acetobacter . Strikingly, presence of DptA- or DptB- like genes across Diptera correlates with the presence of Providencia and Acetobacter in their environment. Moreover, presence of DptA- and DpB- like genes is sufficient to predict host resistance against infection by these bacteria across a broad range of fly species. Our study explains the evolutionary logic behind the bursts of rapid evolution of an antimicrobial peptide family, and reveals how the host immune repertoire adapts itself to changing microbial environments.
Oxytocin enhances the triangular association among behavioral performance, resting state, and task-state functional connectivity

The role of oxytocin (OT) in social behavior and social brain networks has been widely documented. However, the effect of OT on the association between social behavior and brain functional connectivity (FC) is yet to be comprehensively explored. In this study, using a face-perception task and multiple connectome-based predictive (CPM) models, we aimed to: 1) determine whether OT could enhance the association between task behavioral performance, resting-state functional connectivity (rsFC), and task-state functional connectivity (tsFC), and 2) if so, determine the role of OT in enhancing this triangular association. We found that both rsFC and tsFC could independently and significantly predict task performance in the OT group, but not in the placebo (PL) group. In addition, the correlation coefficient between rsFC and tsFC was substantially higher in the OT group than in the PL group. The strength of these associations could be partly explained by OT altering the brain’s FCs related to social cognition and face-perception in both resting and task states, mainly in brain regions such as the limbic system, prefrontal cortex (PFC), temporal poles (TP), and temporoparietal junction (TPJ). Together, these results suggest that neuropeptides can increase the consistency of individual differences in different modalities (e.g., behavioral and brain level data).
Biomimetic human lung alveolar interstitium chip with extended longevity

Determining the mechanistic causes of lung diseases, developing new treatments thereof, and assessing toxicity whether from chemical exposures or engineered nanomaterials would benefit significantly from a preclinical human lung alveolar interstitium model of physiological relevance. The existing preclinical models have limitations because they fail to replicate the key anatomical and physiological characteristics of human alveoli. Thus, a human lung alveolar interstitium chip was developed to imitate key alveolar microenvironmental factors including: an electrospun nanofibrous membrane as the analogue of the basement membrane for co-culture of epithelial cells with fibroblasts embedded in 3D collagenous gels; physiologically relevant interstitial matrix stiffness; interstitial fluid flow; and 3D breathing-like mechanical stretch. The biomimetic chip substantially improved epithelial barrier function compared to transwell models. Moreover, the chip having a gel made of a collagen I-fibrin blend as the interstitial matrix sustained the interstitium integrity and further enhanced the epithelial barrier resulting in a longevity that extended beyond eight weeks. The assessment of multiwalled carbon nanotube toxicity on the chip was in line with the animal study.
Understanding the effects of moisture content and temperature on dormancy release in sunflower (Helianthus annuus L) achenes

The effects of moisture content (MC) and storage temperature (ST) on seed longevity have been modeled for many species. In contrast, our understanding on the combined effects of MC and ST on dormancy release (DR) in “dry” orthodox seeds is still insufficient to build robust predictive models. We used freshly harvested, dormant sunflower achenes to explore the effects of MC (4-10%) in combination with a wide range of ST (−18°C to +30°C) on DR dynamics, embryo responsiveness to abscisic acid (ABA) and deterioration indicators. Storage temperatures allowing full DR were inversely related to achene MC, ranging from >25°C for MC4% to sub-zero temperatures for MC10%, resembling a phase diagram. Rates of DR were plotted along a RH gradient. Combinations of MCxST optimal for DR were between ca. 40-60%RH. Increasing RH from 60 to 80% inhibited DR. Higher RH>80-85% promoted partial DR together with rapid ageing. We suggest that reactions promoting full DR are favored alongside a physical (glassy) transition and are not oxidative. We propose biophysical coordinates to guide future studies on the mechanisms involved in DR, but also to develop predictive models useful to define post-harvest conditions that maximize sunflower seed quality. Highlights □ The effects of moisture content (MC) and storage temperature (ST) on dormancy release and deterioration were investigated in sunflower achenes using a factorial design. □ Dormancy release was promoted by MCxST combinations in equilibrium with a RH between 40 and 60% and was delayed outside this range. □ Storage temperatures optimal for dormancy release were inversely related to achene MC, ranging from >25°C for MC4% to sub-zero temperatures for MC10%, resembling a phase diagram. □ Dormancy release and ageing are promoted within distinct, non-overlapping regions along the RH gradient supporting different types of reactions for each process.
Differential and overlapping effects between exogenous and endogenous attention shape perceptual facilitation during visual processing

Visuospatial attention is not a monolithic process and can be divided into different functional systems. In this framework, exogenous attention reflects the involuntary orienting of attention resources following a salient event, whereas endogenous attention corresponds to voluntary orienting based on the goals and intentions of individuals. Previous work shows that these attention processes map onto distinct functional systems, yet evidence suggests that they are not fully independent. In the current work, we investigated the differential and overlapping effects of exogenous and endogenous attention on visual processing. We combined spatial cueing of visuospatial attention, electroencephalography (EEG), and multivariate pattern analysis (MVPA) to examine where and when the effects of exogenous and endogenous attention were maximally different and maximally similar. Critically, MVPA provided new insights by examining whether classifiers trained to decode the cueing effect for one attention process (e.g., exogenous attention) can successfully decode the cueing effect for the other attention process (e.g., endogenous attention). These analyses uncovered differential and overlapping effects between exogenous and endogenous attention. Next, we combined principal component analyses, single-trial event-related potentials, and mediation analysis to determine whether these effects facilitate perception, as indexed by the behavioral spatial cueing effects of exogenous and endogenous attention. This approach revealed that three EEG components shape the cueing effects of exogenous and endogenous attention at various times after target onset. Altogether, our study provides a comprehensive account about how overlapping and differential processes of endogenous and exogenous relate to perceptual facilitation in the context of visuospatial attention. Significance Statement Top-down and bottom-up attention represent separate functional systems in the brain. Previous research suggests, however, that they are not fully independent, and can interfere with each other. In the present study, the authors use machine learning techniques and recordings of brain activity to investigate differences and similarities between top-down and bottom-up attention during the visual processing of stimuli. This approach allowed them to explore how top-down and bottom-up attention processes facilitate perception. Their results show that top-down and bottom-up attention operate differently as early as 100ms after the onset of a target. In contrast, they operate similarly 200ms after the target onset. Most importantly, these effects are directly related to the participants’ perceptual behavior. In sum, our study shows that top-down and bottom-up attention support the perception of stimuli through overlapping and distinct spatio-temporal brain patterns.
Exogenous attention interferes with endogenous attention processing via lateralized alpha power

Current theories of attention differentiate exogenous (bottom-up) from endogenous (top-down) orienting of visuospatial attention. While both forms of attentional processing engage different processes, endogenous and exogenous attention are thought to share processing resources, as shown by recent empirical evidence of their functional interactions. Here, we aim to uncover the neurobiological basis of how salient events that drive exogenous attention disrupts endogenous attention processes. We hypothesize that interference from exogenous attention over endogenous attention involves alpha-band activity, a neural marker of visuospatial attention. To test this hypothesis, we contrast the effects of endogenous attention across two experimental conditions: a single cueing condition where endogenous attention is engaged in isolation, and a double cueing condition where endogenous attention is concurrently engaged with exogenous attention. Our results are consistent with previous work and show that the concurrent engagement of exogenous attention interferes with endogenous attention processes. Importantly, we evaluate our main hypothesis using a moderated mediation model. We found that changes in alpha-band activity mediate the relationship between endogenous attention and its benefits on task performance, and that the interference of exogenous attention on endogenous attention occurs via the moderation of this indirect effect. Altogether, our results substantiate a model of attention, whereby top-down and bottom-up attentional processes compete for shared neurophysiological resources. This model accounts for the observed patterns of interference between exogenous and endogenous attention. Significance Statement Scientists differentiate top-down and bottom-up visuospatial attention processes. While bottom-up attention is rapidly engaged by emerging demands from the environment, top-down attention reflects slow voluntary shifts of attention. Several lines of research substantiate the idea that top-down and bottom-up attentional processes involve distinct brain systems. An increasing number of studies, however, argue that both attention systems share brain processing resources. The current study examines how salient visual events that engage bottom-up processes interfere with top-down processes. Using neurophysiological recordings and multivariate pattern classification techniques, the researchers show that both top-down and bottom-up attention processes do share brain resources expressed via alpha-band neurophysiological activity (8-12 Hz). The results further demonstrate that the interference patterns observed over brain activity in the alpha-band between both attention systems explains, in part, the interference between top-down and bottom-up attention at the behavioural level. The authors conclude by proposing a model of visuospatial attention whereby the dynamics between both attention systems are determined by their competition for limited brain processing resources.
Cleavage furrow-directed cortical flows bias mechanochemical pathways for PAR polarization in the C. elegans germ lineage

During development, the conserved PAR polarity network is continuously redeployed, requiring that it adapts to changing cellular contexts and environmental cues. How it does so and the degree to which these adaptations reflect changes in its fundamental design principles remain unclear. Here, we investigate the process of PAR polarization within the highly tractable C. elegans germline P lineage, which undergoes a series of iterative asymmetric stem cell-like divisions. Compared to the zygote, we observe significant differences in the pattern of polarity emergence, including an inversion of the initial unpolarized state, changes in symmetry breaking cues, and the timings with which anterior and posterior PARs segregate. Beneath these differences, however, polarity establishment remains reliant on the same core pathways identified in the zygote, including conserved roles for cortical actin flows and PAR-dependent self-organization. Intriguingly, we find that cleavage furrow-directed cortical actin flows play a similar symmetry-breaking role for the germline cell P1 as centrosome-induced cortical flows in the zygote. Through their ability to induce asymmetric accumulation of PAR-3 clusters, these furrow-directed flows directly couple the geometry of polarization to cell division, which could be a general strategy for cells to ensure proper organization within dynamically growing systems, such as embryos. In summary, our data suggest that coupling of novel symmetry-breaking cues with highly adaptable core mechanochemical circuits enable robust PAR polarity in response to changing developmental contexts.
Physico-chemical and microbiological characteristics of honey produced by stingless bees (Meliponula beccarii) from the Oromia Region, Ethiopia

The study was designed to characterize the Physico-chemical and microbiological properties of stingless bee honey (Meliponula beccarii L.) in the Oromia Region, Ethiopia. About thirty-nine (39) honey samples were collected from underground soils through an excavation of natural nests. The study revealed that the mean values of physicochemical parameters for honey samples were: moisture content (30.69±0.29), ash content (0.16±0.01), electrical conductivity (0.44±0.2), pH (3.30±0.03), free acidity (92.39±4.45), HMF (6.58±0.36), fructose (36.48±0.54), glucose (27.67±0.43),sucrose(1.24±0.18), maltose (1.2±0.18) and reducing sugar (64.15±0.75). Stingless bee honey in this study is characterized as possessing higher moisture content and free acidity, but a lower level of sugar as compared to Apis mellifera honey standard. The occurrence of microorganisms in the stingless honey sample ranged from 2.55 × 10 4 to 1.9 × 103 CFU/ml for Aerobic Mesophilic, 1.68 x104 to 9 x102 CFU/ml for yeast, and 1.8 x103 to 2 x102 CFU/ml for mold. The number of aerobic spore-forming bacteria was at non-detectable levels in all samples while Staphylococci species was detectable only in a sample obtained from Guduru. This indicated that there might be contamination during the harvesting, processing, and storage of stingless bee honey samples. The microbiological and physicochemical properties of stingless bee honey are different from those of A. mellifera honey and need to establish for specific quality standards to promote its commercialization.