Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Behavioral and Brain Functions

Background: Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder affecting sociocommunicative behavior, but also sensorimotor skill learning, oculomotor control, and executive functioning. Some of these impairments may be related to abnormalities of the caudate nuclei, which have been reported for autism. Methods: Our sample was comprised of 8 high-functioning males with autism and 8 handedness, sex, and age-matched controls. Subjects underwent functional MRI scanning during performance on simple visuomotor coordination tasks. Functional connectivity MRI (fcMRI) effects were identified as interregional blood oxygenation level dependent (BOLD) signal cross-correlation, using the caudate nuclei as seed volumes. Results: In the control group, fcMRI effects were found in circuits with known participation of the caudate nuclei (associative, orbitofrontal, oculomotor, motor circuits). Although in the autism group fcMRI effects within these circuits were less pronounced or absent, autistic subjects showed diffusely increased connectivity mostly in pericentral regions, but also in brain areas outside expected anatomical circuits (such as visual cortex). Conclusion: These atypical connectivity patterns may be linked to developmental brain growth disturbances recently reported in autism and suggest inefficiently organized functional connectivity between caudate nuclei and cerebral cortex, potentially accounting for stereotypic behaviors and executive impairments. Background Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder affecting social, cognitive, linguistic and sensorimotor abilities. These qualitative deficits are pervasive and long lasting. While genetic factors are known to be strong [1], consistent neurological markers for the disorder remain to be fully established. Behavioral markers identifying deficits in sensorimotor processing and social skills are apparent as early as one year of age [2,3]. Sensorimotor deficits include fine motor apraxia [4-6], reduced postural control [7,8], and impaired imitation [9]. Individuals with autism also have delays in language development [10], impaired Published: 16 October 2006 Behavioral and Brain Functions 2006, 2:34 doi:10.1186/1744-9081-2-34 Received: 07 June 2006 Accepted: 16 October 2006 This article is available from: http://www.behavioralandbrainfunctions. com/content/2/1/34 © 2006 Turner et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Behavioral and Brain Functions

Background: Recent research has implicated deficits of the working memory (WM) and attention in dyslexia. The N100 component of event-related potentials (ERP) is thought to reflect attention and working memory operation. However, previous studies showed controversial results concerning the N100 in dyslexia. Variability in this issue may be the result of inappropriate match up of the control sample, which is usually based exclusively on age and gender. Methods: In order to address this question the present study aimed at investigating the auditory N100 component elicited during a WM test in 38 dyslexic children in comparison to those of 19 unaffected sibling controls. Both groups met the criteria of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10). ERP were evoked by two stimuli, a low (500 Hz) and a high (3000 Hz) frequency tone indicating forward and reverse digit span respectively. Results: As compared to their sibling controls, dyslexic children exhibited significantly reduced N100 amplitudes induced by both reverse and forward digit span at Fp1, F3, Fp2, Fz, C4, Cz and F4 and at Fp1, F3, C5, C3, Fz, F4, C6, P4 and Fp2 leads respectively. Memory performance of the dyslexics group was not significantly lower than that of the controls. However, enhanced memory performance in the control group is associated with increased N100 amplitude induced by high frequency stimuli at the C5, C3, C6 and P4 leads and increased N100 amplitude induced by low frequency stimuli at the P4 lead. Conclusion: The present findings are in support of the notion of weakened capture of auditory attention in dyslexia, allowing for a possible impairment in the dynamics that link attention with short memory, suggested by the anchoring-deficit hypothesis. Published: 26 June 2009 Behavioral and Brain Functions 2009, 5:26 doi:10.1186/1744-9081-5-26 Received: 24 November 2008 Accepted: 26 June 2009 This article is available from: http://www.behavioralandbrainfunctions. com/content/5/1/26 © 2009 Papageorgiou et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
A Simple Method to Assess the Effects of Soil Spatial Variability on the Performance of a Shallow Foundation

ABSTRACT: The performance of a geotechnical structure is controlled not by the properties of soil at a point but by the average over a certain line, area or volume, as pointed out by Vanmarcke (1977) who proposed the variance function. This paper develops his idea, and attempts to specify the size of the local averaging of soil parameters to evaluate the resulting variability in performance of a geotechnical structure. In other words, the mean and variance of a local average of a geotechnical parameter for an appropriate volume are used to evaluate the effects of soil spatial variability on the performance of a geotechnical structure. The size seems to be highly dependent on the type of geotechnical problem under consideration. This paper examines the deformation and stability of a shallow foundation to specify the averaging volume size. The results suggest that the concept can be extended to many other geotechnical reliability analyses.
Course of ice phenomena in small water reservoir in Katowice (Poland) in the winter season 2011/2012

Abstract Investigations on the ice phenomena were carried out on a small water reservoir located in the northern part of Katowice, at A4 motorway, in terrains of the Shopping-Service Centre “3 Ponds” (“Trzy Stawy”). Observations on the course of ice phenomena were performed in the winter season 2011/2012. Measurements were started in the moment occurrence of the first forms of the ice phenomena and were finished after their complete disappearance. The investigations had a character of systematic, daily observations and consisted in the mapping of ice phenomena. Among basic research aims should be numbered as follows: evaluation of the ice phenomena course, the identification of the ice phenomena forms, determination of changes in the range of ice cover and its characteristics in terms of recreational use as well. The first effects of low air temperatures occurred on the 19th November of 2011. At the beginning the ice phenomena in a form of so-called shore naledi and shore ice appeared. The formation of a compact ice cover happened not before than after nearly two months. Permanent ice cover formed on 16th January 2012. At the end of ice cover occurrence its crashing followed, reflecting in a form of numerous fissures in the ice. The complete disappearance of processes and forms ice phenomena happened on the 21st March 2012. Ice phenomena in the winter season 2011/2012 occurred for 124 days from the 18th November 2011 till the 21st March 2012, including uninterruptedly for 65 days. Ice cover in the initial stage had an ephemeral character. Safe recreational use of ice cover at the reservoir (e.g. walking, fishing, ice skating) was possible only for about 20 days, when its thickness exceeded 15 cm and ice composition had a homogenous (crystalline) structure. The course of ice phenomena indicates their quasinatural character, resulting from the natural conditions.
Using airborne scanning laser altimetry (LiDAR) to estimate surface connectivity of floodplain water bodies

This study tested the applicability of airborne scanning laser altimetry (LiDAR) for characterizing surface connectivity of floodplain water bodies by comparing it with in situ measurements of water levels, and examined whether LiDAR derived data accurately predicted the occurrence of globally imperilled unionid mussels. We intensively examined 10 isolated and 3 connected floodplain water bodies (IWBs and CWBs, respectively) located within a 15‐km lowland segment of the Kiso River in Japan. Using a digital elevation model (DEM) of floodplain ground surface, which is derived from LiDAR, and water surface DEM, which is obtained from records of water level fluctuations, the frequency of surface connectivity between IWBs and the main channel (inundation frequency) was calculated. Inundation frequency of IWBs was also measured in situ using water level and temperature probes. Also, the occurrence of mussels in CWBs and IWBs were examined. LiDAR derived data well predicted in situ derived one with a high level of accuracy (r2 > 0.77), validating the LiDAR‐based approach. Some errors existed in the predictive model, indicating that the applicability of LiDAR data is limited by its spatial resolution and snapshot nature. The occurrence of mussels was positively explained by an increasing level of inundation frequency, and the high accuracies of empirical models were validated using data for other 67 water bodies within the study segment. This study overall demonstrated a high potential of LiDAR data for efficiently monitoring hydrological and biological conditions of floodplain water bodies in the Kiso River and beyond. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Distribution patterns of some primary and secondary cetrarioid species

World-wide distribution maps for 39 cetrarioid lichen species from four genera, Allocetraria, Cetrelia, Cetreliopsis and Tuckneraria, are presented. The taxa chosen represent both primary and secondary species in the same genus, which makes it possible to compare the global distribution patterns of closely allied taxa with different strategies of reproduction. The centers of diversity are suggested for each genus on the basis of distribution maps. Presumed pairs of primary and secondary species are presented for Allocetraria, Cetrelia and Cetreliopsis. The majority of primary species (22 taxa) have restricted distribution areas in the region where the diversity and speciation centers of these genera are most probably situated (eastern and southeastern Asia). Still, this is not the absolute rule as two primary Allocetraria species (A. madreporiformis, A. stracheyi) have spread from their distribution center (Asia) to North America. Of the 15 secondary species treated here, six sorediate lichens (Allocetraria oakesiana, Cetrelia cetrarioides, C. chicitae, C. monachorum, C. olivetorum and Tuckneraria laureri) occur extensively on two, three or even four continents, although the diversity centers of all these genera lie in rather restricted areas in Asia. Only one sorediate taxon (Cetreliopsis laeteflava) has a limited distribution area close to the diversity center of the genus Cetreliopsis. Isidiate species are less successful in their distribution. All four discussed species (Allocetraria isidiigera, Cetrelia braunsiana, C. isidiata and Tuckneraria togashii) have "stayed" in Asia. Distribution of lobulate species demonstrates a pattern similar to that of isidiate taxa.
Recent glacier changes in the Kashmir Alpine Himalayas, India

Abstract Using Landsat data at decadal interval (1980–2013), the glacier fluctuations (glacier area, equilibrium line altitude and specific mass balance) of nine benchmark glaciers in Kashmir Himalaya were estimated. The observed changes were related to topographic and climatic variables in order to understand their influence. From the data analysis, it was observed that the glaciers have shrunk by 17%, ELA has shifted upwards (80–300 m) and SMB shows variation in glacier mass loss from −0.77 to −0.16 m.w. e. Annual air temperature showed a significant increasing trend, and a slight but insignificant decrease in precipitation was observed during the period. It is evident that in the same climatic regime, varying topography plays a key role in determining the glacier changes. It is believed that the observed changes in the glacier geometry and dynamics, if continued, shall have adverse effect on the streamflows, water supplies and other dependent sectors in the region.
Spatial variability of Antarctic Peninsula net surface mass balance

[1] Measurements from ice cores and snow pits collected over the last 50 years are used to examine how net surface mass balance varies across the Antarctic Peninsula to give the first detailed map of mass balance for the region. A total of 211 reliable mass balance measurements were available for the preparation of the map, but some areas were found to be very data sparse. The analysis suggests that the largest values of mass balance are found along the spine of the northern part of the peninsula, where over 2.5 m yr−1 water equivalent (WE) has been measured. A secondary peak of more than 2.0 m yr−1 WE is determined along the mountains of eastern Alexander Island. Precipitation minus evaporation (P-E) fields from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts reanalysis project are compared with our analysis of in situ data. The model fields are found to have peak values of P-E of only half the amounts found from the measurements; the greatest model values are located on the western side of the peninsula. Areas where a high density of in situ data is available, including King George VI Sound and the high south central plateau part of the peninsula, show a high spatial variability of net surface mass balance, suggesting that local orographic features play a major part in dictating the mass balance.
The farnesyl transferase inhibitor (FTI) lonafarnib improves nuclear morphology in ZMPSTE24-deficient fibroblasts from patients with the progeroid disorder MAD-B

ABSTRACT Several related progeroid disorders are caused by defective post-translational processing of prelamin A, the precursor of the nuclear scaffold protein lamin A, encoded by LMNA. Prelamin A undergoes farnesylation and additional modifications at its C-terminus. Subsequently, the farnesylated C-terminal segment is cleaved off by the zinc metalloprotease ZMPSTE24. The premature aging disorder Hutchinson Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS) and a related progeroid disease, mandibuloacral dysplasia (MAD-B), are caused by mutations in LMNA and ZMPSTE24, respectively, that result in failure to process the lamin A precursor and accumulate permanently farnesylated forms of prelamin A. The farnesyl transferase inhibitor (FTI) lonafarnib is known to correct the aberrant nuclear morphology of HGPS patient cells and improves lifespan in children with HGPS. Importantly, and in contrast to a previous report, we show here that FTI treatment also improves the aberrant nuclear phenotypes in MAD-B patient cells with mutations in ZMPSTE24 (P248L or L425P). As expected, lonafarnib does not correct nuclear defects for cells with lamin A processing-proficient mutations. We also examine prelamin A processing in fibroblasts from two individuals with a prevalent laminopathy mutation LMNA-R644C. Despite the proximity of residue R644 to the prelamin A cleavage site, neither R644C patient cell line shows a prelamin A processing defect, and both have normal nuclear morphology. This work clarifies the prelamin A processing status and role of FTIs in a variety of laminopathy patient cells and supports the FDA-approved indication for the FTI Zokinvy for patients with processing-deficient progeroid laminopathies, but not for patients with processing-proficient laminopathies.
Biostimulation of Soil Microbial Activity Through Organic Fertilizer and Almond tree Association

Many studies have confirmed the validity of plant cover and organic farming in ameliorating soil quality. The goal of this study was to investigate the efficiency of rehabilitation practices in a degraded soil ecosystem consisting of: (i) organic or inorganic fertilization; and (ii) presence or absence of almond trees. The experiments were carried out for 2 years in the South of Italy in three fields characterized by different slope (0%, 2%, and 6%). Each field was split up into two parts, one assigned to organic fertilization and the other assigned to mineral fertilization, and planted with almond trees using GF677 or Franco rootstocks. The results showed that the organic fertilization, particularly in the presence of the Franco rootstock, resulted more effective in increasing soil organic matter content and microbial activity especially in the 0% and 2% slopes. However, in the 6% slope, where a lower soil metabolism was observed, an improvement of chemical and biochemical soil properties was generally evident for both fertilization systems. The Franco rootstock improved soil quality and maintaining a good production, whereas the GF677 has exploited more soil resources, resulting in a higher growth and yield; therefore, the use of almond tree with Franco rootstock associated with organic matter application is a useful practice in order to preserve soil quality and to rehabilitate degraded soils. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
SEASONAL EFFECT ON THE ISOTOPIC PATTERN OF RAINWATER IN LEBANON

Journal of Environmental Hydrology Volume 15 Paper 20 September 2007 1 Rainwater chemistry and isotopic parameters were studied over a four year period at representative coastal and highland sites in Lebanon. Major inorganic ion composition showed that calcium and sulfate in rainwater had a crustal origin, while potassium, sodium and chlorine had a marine sea spray origin. All rain samples had an average pH varying between 5.6 and 6.8, showing that precipitation tends to be alkaline. Environmental isotopes provide a local meteoric water line in Lebanon that is close to the Mediterranean line, showing that local precipitation is affected by the humid Mediterranean climate. Isotopic characterization of rainwater showed a depletion in both δ 18O and δD values in highland stations compared to coastal stations. Season, temperature and rainfall amount strongly influence the depletion in isotopic parameters at continental stations. An evaporative enrichment in rainwater occurs during warm months (November) when rain amounts are small. The seasonal effect is pronounced in both coastal and continental sites in December and January. Tritium data of monthly precipitation from all sites within Lebanon show that there are no significant differences in seasonal effect between stations. SEASONAL EFFECT ON THE ISOTOPIC PATTERN OF RAINWATER IN LEBANON
Prevalence of cervical precancers or cancers in women with ASC-H/HSIL cytology according to Aptima HPV (AHPV) assay-detected HPV genotypes and age

Objective: Aimed to potentially risk-stratify patients with different cervical cytology diagnoses, by HPV genotypes and/or age, we have conducted a series of studies to examine the prevalence of cervical precancers and cancers for women with different cytology diagnoses. This paper will be focusing on patients with ASC-H/HSIL cytology. Methods: In total, 1183 patients aged 20-78 years with atypical squamous cells, cannot rule out HSIL (ASC-H)/HSIL by cytology underwent AHPV assay and cervical biopsy in a developed region in southern China were included in this study. Results: Overall, 59.2% women with ASC-H/HSIL cytology had cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN)2/3 lesions while 1.6% had adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS) lesions. Compared to other groups, HPV-16+ group (80.8%) showed a significantly higher prevalence of CIN2/3 than other genotype+ groups (p<0.0001). Further, HPV-16+ (9.3%) or HPV-18/45+ (6.3%) group showed a significantly higher prevalence of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) than other genotype+ groups (p<0.0001). The prevalence of AIS glandular lesions in HPV-18/45+ group (13.8%) is significantly higher than other genotype groups (p<0.0001). When stratified by age, younger group showed a significantly higher prevalence of CIN2/3 (p=0.009) while older group presented an obvious higher prevalence of SCC (p<0.0001). Conclusions: In this patient population, among women with ASC-H/HSIL cytology, HPV positive groups are at significantly higher risk of CIN2/3 compared to HPV negative group. Specifically, prevalence of CIN2/3 and SCC is significantly higher in HPV-16+ group while AIS lesions are more prevalent among HPV-18/45+ patients. In addition, younger group showed a significantly higher prevalence of CIN2/3 while older group presented an obvious higher prevalence of SCC.
The effect of groundwater overexploitation on land subsidence and sinkhole occurrences, western Iran

The main objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the declining groundwater level and land subsidence and sinkhole collapse in the Hamedan central plain, western Iran. In the last three decades, the increase in the use of groundwater for agricultural and industrial expansion accompanied by successive droughts has greatly lowered the groundwater level in the area. This has resulted in land subsidence and increased sinkhole occurrence. In this paper, both hydrogeological and geotechnical investigations were performed to identify a mechanism to explain the changes in the occurrence of these geological hazards. This study identifies three main triggering factors for the development of land subsidence and sinkhole formation. These factors include the presence of fine-grained materials (for land subsidence) and karstic limestone bedrock (for sinkhole formation), increase of effective stress, and generation of turbulent groundwater flow at the soil–bedrock interface. Risk of the occurrence of sinkholes affects planning decisions for most types of development in the study area. As a result of this study a sinkhole susceptibility map was generated indicating the location of hazardous regions.
Topological Dynamics of Functional Brain Connectome in Working Memory Processing

This research paper delves into the neural processes underlying working memory through the lens of complex network analysis. Employing this approach, the study aims to unravel the rapid mechanisms governing working memory. The investigation focuses on discerning the dynamics of topological features of functional brain networks during various stages of working memory, namely encoding, storage and retrieval. The study unveils that the functional brain networks exhibit distinct topologies contingent on the specific phase of working memory. Notably, the patterns of alteration in the global integration/segregation and centrality of the network are contingent on the frequency range of the electroencephalogram signal from $\alpha$ - to $\beta$-rhythm. In the $\alpha$ band range, the networks evince a heightened integration and centrality alongside reduced segregation in early phases and decrease of integration and centrality to late phases. Significantly, in contrast to the $\alpha$-rhythm, the $\beta$-rhythm networks show a substantial increase in integration during the shift from the storage phase to the retrieval phase. These findings underscore the peculiar interplay between the frequency-dependent neural dynamics and the topological organization of functional brain networks during various phases of working memory execution process. The research provides crucial insights into the intricate orchestration of cognitive processes, unraveling how various subprocesses of working memory influence network characteristics across different electroencephalogram frequency ranges.