Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Replacing Language: Children Use Non-Linguistic Cues and Comparison in Category Formation

Language is a powerful instrument for extracting relational information from stimuli. In a label extension task common labels invite comparison processes that help children focus on the more subtle relational similarity and away from the readily available perceptual similarity of the stimuli. The current experiment aims to explore whether non-linguistic representations of category membership are sufficient to invite such abstractions of relational information. Preschool children were asked to extend a category to either a relational or an object match. When given the opportunity to compare two instances of the category, and provided with a nonlinguistic cue children extended the category to the relational match. These results further extend the benefit of comparison in learning, and suggest that language labels are not the only cue children can use in category formation.
Understanding customers' hotel revisiting behaviour: a sentiment analysis of online feedback reviews

ABSTRACT Customer retention has been one of the most recognized research issues in the service industry. The next on the list is predicting customer behaviour or understanding customer intent, which is particularly important for the hospitality and tourism industries. This study investigates the customers' hotel revisiting behaviour using a large-scale customer review data, which can shed light on the potentiality of (i) identifying the factors that are associated with the customer revisiting behaviour and attracting more customers to reuse their services and (ii) predicting future customer revisiting behaviour to a hotel. We analyse the data of 105,126 customers of an online hotel reservation service, and conduct a sentimental analysis on the user feedback reviews. By comparing one-time visitors and re-visitors, our analysis shows that the feedback reviews of re-visitors tend to (i) contain more words in a sentence and (ii) reveal more positive/negative sentiments than those of one-time visitors. On the other hand, the feedback reviews of one-time visitors tended to include more analytical and anxious words than those of re-visitors. The findings can serve as a foundation for the use of big data analysis in hospitality and tourism research.
Functional Analysis of the NHR2 Domain Indicates that Oligomerization of Neuralized Regulates Ubiquitination and Endocytosis of Delta during Notch Signaling

ABSTRACT The Notch pathway plays an integral role in development by regulating cell fate in a wide variety of multicellular organisms. A critical step in the activation of Notch signaling is the endocytosis of the Notch ligands Delta and Serrate. Ligand endocytosis is regulated by one of two E3 ubiquitin ligases, Neuralized (Neur) or Mind bomb. Neur is comprised of a C-terminal RING domain, which is required for Delta ubiquitination, and two Neur homology repeat (NHR) domains. We have previously shown that the NHR1 domain is required for Delta trafficking. Here we show that the NHR1 domain also affects the binding and internalization of Serrate. Furthermore, we show that the NHR2 domain is required for Neur function and that a point mutation in the NHR2 domain (Gly430) abolishes Neur ubiquitination activity and affects ligand internalization. Finally, we provide evidence that Neur can form oligomers in both cultured cells and fly tissues, which regulate Neur activity and, by extension, ligand internalization.
A Porcine Rib Cartilage Model for Practicing Ear-Framework Fabrication

Abstract Surgical training models should be readily available to enable practice in vitro until the trainee is comfortable with the procedure. It is also important that the anatomy of the training model sufficiently resembles that of humans. Here, we present our model for training surgeons to fabricate costal cartilage for total ear reconstruction, using porcine rib cartilage. Pig ribs are very familiar and available at grocery stores at a low cost. The greatest advantage of this training model is the realistic anatomy and tactile nature similar to that of human cartilage. Using this training model, trainees could learn how to fabricate an auricular framework that is stable and aesthetically pleasing.
On the evolution of the Castel Goffredo hosiery cluster: a life cycle perspective

ABSTRACT The ‘life cycle’ approach has become popular in studies on industrial clusters. However, some concerns have been raised over the inherent determinism of this approach and its tendencies to focus exclusively on cluster internal dynamics while neglecting the role of external factors and socio-economic contingencies. This paper addresses these criticisms by investigating the long-term development of Castel Goffredo, a traditional textile cluster in Italy. In our analysis, we identify and characterize the main stages of the life cycle and its antecedents. We single out the main triggering factors behind each of these stages and show that a variety of factors, both external and internal to the cluster, contributed to its development. Our findings confirm that an ‘adaptive’ cycle approach, which focuses also on contingencies and external factors, appear to be appropriate for investigating the long-term evolution of clusters.
Contract-based program repair without the contracts

Automated program repair (APR) is a promising approach to automatically fixing software bugs. Most APR techniques use tests to drive the repair process; this makes them readily applicable to realistic code bases, but also brings the risk of generating spurious repairs that overfit the available tests. Some techniques addressed the overfitting problem by targeting code using contracts (such as pre- and postconditions), which provide additional information helpful to characterize the states of correct and faulty computations; unfortunately, mainstream programming languages do not normally include contract annotations, which severely limits the applicability of such contract-based techniques. This paper presents JAID, a novel APR technique for Java programs, which is capable of constructing detailed state abstractions—similar to those employed by contract-based techniques—that are derived from regular Java code without any special annotations. Grounding the repair generation and validation processes on rich state abstractions mitigates the overfitting problem, and helps extend APR's applicability: in experiments with the DEFECTS4J benchmark, a prototype implementation of JAID produced genuinely correct repairs, equivalent to those written by programmers, for 25 bugs—improving over the state of the art of comparable Java APR techniques in the number and kinds of correct fixes.
G‐CSF preferentially supports the generation of gut‐homing Gr‐1high macrophages in M‐CSF‐treated bone marrow cells

The G‐CSF is best known for its activity in the generation and activation of neutrophils. In addition, studies on G‐CSF−/− or G‐CSFR−/− mice and BMC cultures suggested a role of G‐CSF in macrophage generation. However, our understanding on the role of G‐CSF in macrophage development is limited. Here, using in vitro BMC models, we demonstrated that G‐CSF promoted the generation of Gr‐1high/F4/80+ macrophage‐like cells in M‐BMCs, likely through suppressing cell death and enhancing generation of Gr‐1high/F4/80+ macrophage‐like cells. These Gr‐1high macrophage‐like cells produced “M2‐like” cytokines and surface markers in response to LPS and IL‐4/IL‐13, respectively. Adoptive transfer of EGFP‐expressing (EGFP+) M‐BMCs showed a dominant, gut‐homing phenotype. The small intestinal lamina propria of G‐CSFR−/− mice also harbored significantly reduced numbers of Gr‐1high/F4/80+ macrophages compared with those of WT mice, but levels of Gr‐1+/F4/80− neutrophil‐like cells were similar between these mice. Collectively, these results suggest a novel function of G‐CSF in the generation of gut‐homing, M2‐like macrophages.
Parameter selection and programming recommendations for the ACE and CIS speech-processing strategies in the Nucleus 24 cochlear implant system

Abstract This study evaluated a range of programming parameters available for the ACE and CIS speech-processing strategies in the Nucleus 24 cochlear implant system. Specifically, the effect on speech perception of adjustments to the number of channels and the stimulation rate in the CIS strategy, and the effect of adjustments to the number of maxima in the ACE strategy were investigated in a group of adult subjects. Based on these findings, and the results of a previous study (Vandali et al., 2000), a number of recommendations for programming were identified that could improve efficiency in the clinical setting where time may be limited. The results suggest that speech perception benefits may be maximized for an individual cochlear implant recipient through concentration on selection of the appropriate stimulation rate. When using the CIS strategy, the number of channels should also be optimized. Adjustment to the number of maxima in the ACE strategy was found to be less likely to provide improvements in speech recognition for a given individual when the number of maxima parameter is set to eight or 12.
A comparison of the quality of intrusive memories in post-traumatic stress disorder and depression

As in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), intrusive memories (IMs) also play an important role in depression. Evidence about the comparative quality of IMs in PTSD and depression is limited and inconsistent. A total of 28 adults with PTSD, 29 with depression, and 30 controls identified intrusive and voluntary segments of narrative memories of key events. Self-report and language measures of memory quality were obtained. Depressed and PTSD participants reported higher frequency of IMs and higher IM-related interference than controls. IMs in PTSD participants were distinguished from depressed and control participants by higher self-rated distress, higher self-rated sensory quality, and a higher proportion of sensory words in the narrative. The depressed and control groups did not differ on IM quality. PTSD IM segments had more sensory content than voluntary segments and fewer temporal markers. The IM segments of the depressed and control groups had fewer temporal markers than the voluntary segments. Depression severity predicted fewer sensory words in the IM after considering peri-event dissociation and arousal but did not add to the prediction of other IM qualities. A strong sensory quality is a distinctive feature of IMs in PTSD but not in depression. Basic sensory processes contribute to the intrusiveness of remembering in PTSD but not in depression.
Thrombocytopenia and infections

ABSTRACT Introduction: Acquired thrombocytopenia recognizes a myriad of causes. Among these, infectious diseases play a relevant role since a low platelet count is commonplace along with other abnormal laboratory data. Areas covered: This narrative review, after a brief presentation of the possible pathogenic mechanisms, is focused on the most prevalent infections associated with thrombocytopenia, namely those attributable to hepatitis C virus (HCV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and Helicobacter pylori. Expert commentary: An underlying HCV or HIV infection should always be suspected in patients at risk who present with isolated thrombocytopenia. The eradication of Helicobacter pylori is advisable in infected patients with secondary immune thrombocytopenia, because this will increase the platelet count in a substantial number of cases, thus avoiding more aggressive and prolonged treatments.
Smooth muscle cell to elastic lamina connections in developing mouse aorta. Role in aortic medial organization.

BACKGROUND The structural and functional intigration of smooth muscle cells and elastic laminae in the aortic media is not well established. Detailed information concerning normal ultrastructural features of the aortic media will provide a better understanding of the medial changes that occur in vascular diseases such as hypertension and aortic aneurysms. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN The ultrastructural development and organization of connections between smooth muscle cells and elastic laminae in the mouse aortic media were studied by light and electron microscopy. RESULTS Early in development, the smooth muscle cells become linked to the elastic laminae by bundles of microfibrils. These microfibrils become progressively infiltrated with elastin so as to form extensions of elastin from the elastic laminae in the adult media. Each elastin extension spans obliquely from the elastic lamina to the surface of the smooth muscle cell where it attaches in a region of membrane occupied by an intracellular membrane-associated dense plaque. On the cytoplasmic face of the plaque, a contractile filament bundle penetrates and anchors in an orientation similar to that of the extracellular elastin extension. The contractile filament bundle traverses the cell obliquely and anchors in a dense plaque on the opposite side of the cell that is in turn linked to the next elastic lamina by another elastin extension. The extracellular elastin extensions and the intracellular contractile filament bundles thus form a "contractile-elastic unit," a continuous line of structures that links adjacent elastic laminae. The oblique orientation of the contractile-elastic units reverses direction in successive smooth muscle cell layers in a herringbone-like pattern. Thus, tension transmitted to one elastic lamina by the smooth muscle cells on either side results in a uniform force exerted on the elastic lamina in one circumferential direction, that on the adjacent elastic laminae being in the opposite direction. CONCLUSIONS Results from this study demonstrate the presence of smooth muscle cell to elastic lamina connections that form early in development as contractile-elastic units; basic units of aortic medial ultrastructure. The overall organization of the contractile-elastic units within the aortic media is proposed to provide a means for coordinating contractile and elastic tensions in response to mechanical stresses imposed on the vessel wall.
Emergent effects in massive agent swarms in real-time game environments

Computational efficiency and hence the scale of agent-based swarm simulations is bound by the nearest neighbour computation for each agent. This article proposes the use of GPU texture memory to implement lookup tables for a spatial partitioning based k-Nearest Neighbours algorithm. These improvements allow simulation of swarms of 220 agents at higher rates than the current best alternative algorithms. This approach is incorporated into an existing framework for simulating steering behaviours allowing for a complete implementation of massive agent swarm simulations, with per agent behaviour preferences, on a Graphics Processing Unit. These simulations have enabled an investigation of the emergent dynamics that occur when massive swarms interact with a choke point in their environment. Various modes of sustained dynamics with temporal and spatial coherence are identified when a critical mass of agents is simulated and some elementary properties are presented. The algorithms presented in this article enable researchers and content designers in games and movies to implement truly massive agent swarms in real time and thus provide a basis for further identification and analysis of the emergent dynamics in these swarms. This will improve not only the scale of swarms used in commercial games and movies but will also improve the reliability of swarm behaviour with respect to content design goals.
Hormone receptor, HER2/NEU and EGFR expression in ovarian carcinoma--is here a prognostic phenotype?

PURPOSE We aimed to evaluate the effects of hormone receptor, HER2, and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) expression on epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) prognosis and investigate whether or not phenotypic subtypes might exist. MATERIALS AND METHODS The medical records of 82 patients who were diagnosed with EOC between 2003 and 2012 and treated by platinum-based chemotherapy were retrospectively evaluated. Expression of EGFR, oestrogen (ER), progesterone (PR), and cerbB2 (HER2) receptors were assessed immunohistochemically on paraffin-embedded tissues of these patients. Three phenotypic subtypes were defined according to ER, PR, and HER2 expression and associations of these with EGFR expression, clinicopathologic features, platinum sensitivity, and survival were investigated. RESULTS When we classified EOC patients into three subtypes, 63.4% had hormone receptor positive (HR(+)) (considering breast cancer subtypes, luminal A), 18.3% had triple negative, and 18.3% had HER2(+) disease. EGFR positivity was observed in 37 patients (45.1%) and was significantly more frequent with advanced disease (p=0.013). However, no significant association with other clinicopathologic features and platinum sensitivity was observed. HER2(+) patients had significantly poorer outcomes than HER2(-) counterparts (triple negative and HR positive patients) (p=0.019). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that the strongest risk factor for death was residual disease after primary surgery. CONCLUSIONS Triple negative EOC may not be an aggressive phenotype as in breast cancer. The HER2 positive EOC has more aggressive behaviour compared to triple negative and HR(+) phenotypes. EGFR expression is more frequent in advanced tumours, but is not related with poorer outcome. Additional ovarian cancer molecular subtyping using gene expression analysis may provide more reliable data.
Migration and Remittances Nexus: Economic Implications and Analysis

The main goal of our paper was to apply our research methodology on the specific case of the Ukrainian migration and remittances in the Czech Republic. In contrast to previous studies, we provide a more detailed insight into the specifications of remittance behaviour and test assumptions in the Ukraine-Czech Republic country models. A range of testing is defined by the hypotheses capturing determinants of probability to send mo ney transfers, their volume, spending behaviour and probability of having skilled position. Our results demonstrate that reverse economic effects of remittances on the source country might be simply combination of regular and occasional form with different weight. Therefore, we conclude that the development of migration policy should not neglect microeconomic effects that have potential to solve aggregate level problems .
Novel Pyrophosphate-Forming Acetate Kinase from the Protist Entamoeba histolytica

ABSTRACT Acetate kinase (ACK) catalyzes the reversible synthesis of acetyl phosphate by transfer of the γ-phosphate of ATP to acetate. Here we report the first biochemical and kinetic characterization of a eukaryotic ACK, that from the protist Entamoeba histolytica. Our characterization revealed that this protist ACK is the only known member of the ASKHA structural superfamily, which includes acetate kinase, hexokinase, and other sugar kinases, to utilize inorganic pyrophosphate (PPi)/inorganic phosphate (Pi) as the sole phosphoryl donor/acceptor. Detection of ACK activity in E. histolytica cell extracts in the direction of acetate/PPi formation but not in the direction of acetyl phosphate/Pi formation suggests that the physiological direction of the reaction is toward acetate/PPi production. Kinetic parameters determined for each direction of the reaction are consistent with this observation. The E. histolytica PPi-forming ACK follows a sequential mechanism, supporting a direct in-line phosphoryl transfer mechanism as previously reported for the well-characterized Methanosarcina thermophila ATP-dependent ACK. Characterizations of enzyme variants altered in the putative acetate/acetyl phosphate binding pocket suggested that acetyl phosphate binding is not mediated solely through a hydrophobic interaction but also through the phosphoryl group, as for the M. thermophila ACK. However, there are key differences in the roles of certain active site residues between the two enzymes. The absence of known ACK partner enzymes raises the possibility that ACK is part of a novel pathway in Entamoeba.
Analysis of the attack potential in low cost spoofing of fingerprints

The use of biometrics in smartphones keeps growing. Every day, we use our phones to store sensitive data (such as photos, bank accounts and documents), so we rely on the security manufacturers offer when protecting our private life. It is well known that it is possible to hack into a smartphone using fake fingers made of Play-Doh and other easy-to-obtain materials but, to what extent? Is this true for all users or only for specialists with deep knowledge on biometrics? To test this, we performed an evaluation: 15 simulated attackers with no background in biometrics were asked to create fake fingers of several materials out of a silicon mold, and they had one week to attack the fingerprint sensors of 5 very well-known smartphones. Each had to, at least, use 3 bona-fide capture subjects, summing a total of 5,841 attempts. Their starting point was a short video of a researcher performing the attack and apart from that, they were on their own. This paper will provide the results achieved, as well as an analysis on the attack potential of this kind of biometric implementations. All results are given following the metrics of the standard ISO/IEC 30107-3.
OPERAM: A Collaborative Semantic Workspace for Software Verification

Collaboration is an important issue when developing software, because it involves working together towards a common goal. This work presents OPERAM, a collaborative semantic workspace that allows comparing the modeling performed at earlier stages of software development with JAVA code. OPERAM provides useful information for professionals involved in the task of developing code and even managing the project. OPERAM aims to allow monitoring of the project, helping users to be aware of the context they are working, allowing carry out verification of software development, confronting the modeling performed with source-code produced during the programming phase. We present its main features and architecture. In this paper the main features and architecture of OPERAM are presented, as well as a validation was conducted to prove the effectiveness of OPERAM. The results show the value of the workspace as a tool to support collaboration and software verification.