Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
When “Crack walnuts” lies in different brain regions: Evidence from a voxel-based lesion-symptom mapping study

Abstract Theories of lexical processing differ as to how multimorphemic words, such as compounds, are mentally processed. The most recent findings seem to support the dual route hypothesis, which assumes that complex words can be stored and retrieved either whole or by decomposition into their constituents. Despite great efforts to investigate the cognitive mechanisms involved in processing complex words, very little is known about how compounds are represented in the brain. The present study was designed to address this issue in a group of 20 left-hemispheric stroke patients who were submitted to four picture-naming tasks involving nouns, verbs, noun-noun (NN) and verb-noun (VN) compounds. To determine the brain lesions implicated in these tasks, we analyzed patients’ performances together with their lesions using Voxel-based Lesion Symptom Mapping (VLSM). Results showed that while NN involved the same temporal areas as nouns, VN (although they belong to the noun category) involved different fronto-temporal regions. This latter finding is discussed within the view that distinct mechanisms process the different constituents of complex words. (JINS, 2010, 16, 433–442.)
MANUAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY Section IV : AQUATIC ENVIRONMENTS Chapter 6 : PROTISTAN COMMUNITY STRUCTURE

Protistan assemblages of aquatic ecosystems are the focus of extensive research in aquatic ecology. One stimulus for this work has been the long-standing recognition that phototrophic protists (the unicellular algae) constitute a major fraction of the primary productivity within aquatic ecosystems. Another incentive has been the realization that protozoa (heterotrophic protists) play a pivotal role in the flow of energy and elements in these communities (109, 118). Studies of the abundance, biomass and trophic activities of protists have now been conducted in a wide range of aquatic ecosystems. In addition, many laboratory experiments have examined the general biology and physiology of various protistan species grown under carefully controlled conditions. The synthesis of this information into models of how protistan assemblages are structured and how they function in nature has advanced considerably during the last few decades. Protozoa traditionally have been distinguished from unicellular eukaryotic algae as heterotrophic organisms that exist by absorbing dissolved organic substances (osmotrophy) or more commonly by engulfing prey (phagocytosis). It is important to recognize that the term Protozoa now has more historical significance than phylogenetic or ecological meaning. Modern phylogenetic schemes have merged many 'protozoan' taxa with 'algal' taxa and vice versa. For example, numerous heterotrophic species of chrysophytes and dinoflagellates exist within these traditionally-algal taxa. Heterotrophic species within each group are closely related to chloroplast-bearing species based on ultrastructural features and DNA sequence data but obviously have quite different modes of nutrition than their photosynthetic counterparts (4, 80, 99, 115). In addition to the existence of 'apochlorotic algae', chloroplast-bearing genera exist within the chrysophyte, dinoflagellate, prymnesiophyte, cryptophyte and euglenophyte algae that are capable of phagotrophy in addition to photosynthesis (112, 129, 130). This mixotrophic behavior obscures the distinction between traditional definitions of algae and protozoa and has lead ecologists to conceptualize protistan trophic activity as a continuum of nutritional modes (76). There are also difficulties in the classification of some ciliated protozoa as phototrophs or heterotrophs. Some ciliate species ingest and digest algal prey but are able to retain the chloroplasts of their prey in a functional state, thereby providing those ciliates with limited photosynthetic ability (112, 127). Photosynthesis in green ciliates contributes significantly to the overall nutrition of these protozoa, and may form a notable fraction of the primary productivity of some planktonic communities (33). The close phylogenetic affinities of some flagellated protozoa with algal taxa, as well as the mixed nutrition of many …
Automated Detection of Perturbed Cardiac Physiology During Oral Food Allergen Challenge in Children

This paper investigates the fully automated computer-based detection of allergic reaction in oral food challenges using pediatric ECG signals. Nonallergic background is modeled using a mixture of Gaussians during oral food challenges, and the model likelihoods are used to determine whether a subject is allergic to a food type. The system performance is assessed on the dataset of 24 children (15 allergic and 9 nonallergic) totaling 34 h of data. The proposed detector correctly classified all nonallergic subjects (100 % specificity) and 12 allergic subjects (80 % sensitivity) and is capable of detecting allergy on average 17 min earlier than trained clinicians during oral food challenges, the gold standard of allergy diagnosis. Inclusion of the developed allergy classification platform during oral food challenges recorded would result in a 30% reduction of doses administered to allergic subjects. The results of study introduce the possibility to halt challenges earlier which can safely advance the state of clinical art of allergy diagnosis by reducing the overall exposure to the allergens.
Simulation of Correlated Nonstationary Lumber Properties

A stochastic model has been developed for simulating correlated nonstationary spatial variation of modulus of elasticity (MOE) and parallel to grain compressive strength (σc). Two grades of 38×89mm spruce‐pine‐fir machine stress‐rated lumber, 2400f‐2.0E and 1650f‐1.5E, have been tested to obtain within‐member MOE and σc profiles. Each piece, 4.88‐m long, has been cut into 152‐mm segments where within member σc values have been obtained. Test results have revealed that the within‐member MOE and σc profiles are correlated and nonstationary. The data have been used to develop and verify a stochastic model. Trend‐removal techniques, spectral representation method, bivariate standard normal simulation model, and moving‐average model have been used to generate within‐member MOE and σc profiles. The correlation structure and nonstationary characteristics of the MOE and strength profiles have been preserved. Good agreement has been obtained between model predictions and test data.
The influence of higher order terms of Williams series on a more accurate description of stress fields around the crack tip

In this work, the crack tip stress field is investigated in two different configurations loaded in mode I as well as in mode I + II. The detailed two-dimensional solution includes a conventional finite elements analysis that is compared to results obtained analytically from what is referred to as Williams expansion. The influence of consideration of various numbers of terms of the series expansion on the stress distribution is discussed, and the significance of the multi-parameter fracture mechanics approach is emphasized for some engineering applications, for example, failure of quasi-brittle materials and estimation of plastic zone extent.
Ablating hedgehog signaling in tenocytes during development impairs biomechanics and matrix organization of the adult murine patellar tendon enthesis

Restoring the native structure of the tendon enthesis, where collagen fibers of the midsubstance are integrated within a fibrocartilaginous structure, is problematic following injury. As current surgical methods fail to restore this region adequately, engineers, biologists, and clinicians are working to understand how this structure forms as a prerequisite to improving repair outcomes. We recently reported on the role of Indian hedgehog (Ihh), a novel enthesis marker, in regulating early postnatal enthesis formation. Here, we investigate how inactivating the Hh pathway in tendon cells affects adult (12‐week) murine patellar tendon (PT) enthesis mechanics, fibrocartilage morphology, and collagen fiber organization. We show that ablating Hh signaling resulted in greater than 100% increased failure insertion strain (0.10 v. 0.05 mm/mm, p<0.01) as well as sub‐failure biomechanical deficiencies. Although collagen fiber orientation appears overtly normal in the midsubstance, ablating Hh signaling reduces mineralized fibrocartilage by 32%, leading to less collagen embedded within mineralized tissue. Ablating Hh signaling also caused collagen fibers to coalesce at the insertion, which may explain in part the increased strains. These results indicate that Ihh signaling plays a critical role in the mineralization process of fibrocartilaginous entheses and may be a novel therapeutic to promote tendon‐to‐bone healing. © 2015 The Authors. Journal of Orthopaedic Research published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of the Orthopaedic Research Society. J Orthop Res 33:1142–1151, 2015.
Construction of key signal regulatory network in metastatic colorectal cancer

There are many stages in the development and metastasis of colorectal cancer (CRC). In this study, we compared the differential expression genes in different stages of metastatic CRC. Then, we screened the continuously up-regulated genes and the continuously down-regulated genes that were associated with the development and metastasis of CRC. After analyzing the intersection of differential expression genes in each stage, we screened the continuously up-regulated genes and deviated genes in the extracellular matrix and the continuously down-regulated genes and deviated genes in the mitochrondia of CRC. Then, we performed gene ontology enrichment analysis of the deviated genes in different phases, and we found that key molecular events occurred in the period extending from stage II to III (early stage of metastasis) of CRC. Furthermore, in this period we found that the chemotaxis of inflammatory cells had decreased in the extracellular matrix. On the other hand, the aerobic respiration had increased in the mitochondrion. Then, we constructed protein-protein interaction network of deviated genes in the extracellular matrix and mitochondrion. We used the network module and hub network to analyze the protein-protein interaction network. The network module analysis showed that the protein complex of VEGFA and CCL7-CCR3 is the key node in the extracellular matrix, while MAPK1 is the key node in the mitochondrion. The hub network analysis showed that the signal transmission chain FN1→SPARC→COL1A1→MMP2 is the key regulatory pathway for extracellular signal transmission. Furthermore, it also showed that CAV1→MAPK3→RAF1→NR3C1→MAPK1→ESR1 is the key regulatory pathway for signal transmission in mitochondrion.
The semantics of French continuative rises in SDRT

In this paper, we examine the status of French major continuative prosodic contours, which are mainly realised as ﬁnal rises at the boundary of sentences. We show how to substantiate the common intuition that these contours convey ‘continuation’. We report empirical evidence that indicates that native speakers cannot distinguish major continuatives and questions in isolated discourse segments. We then show how to integrate continuatives into a liberal version of Asher’s SDRT. In essence, we propose that any discourse constituent bearing a major continuative (i) has a default question interpretation when taken in isolation and (ii) constrains attachments at the point where it occurs, when considered in the context of a discourse.
ECG denoising using wavelet transform and filters

ECG (Electrocardiography) is a technology used to measure the health of the heart. This paper describes various noises that contaminate the ECG signal and various techniques that are used to eliminate these noises. An efficient denoising method using wavelet transform is proposed. Results of ‘sym8’ wavelet transform is compared with results of digital filter using ‘blackman window’. SNR (Signal to Noise Ratio) is the parameter used to measure the performance of the output. SNR of ‘sym8’ wavelet transform is seen to be greater than that of the digital filter using ‘blackman window’.
Vibrothermography: Investigation and Development of a New Nondestructive Evaluation Technique.

Abstract : A summary is presented of the major findings of a program whose objective was to investigate the phenomenon of preferential heat generation around damaged regions in materials subjected to mechanical vibrations and to develop an understanding of the mechanisms involved in this process. Vibrothermography is a nondestructive inspection technique based upon the utilization of this phenomenon. It has been found that this technique has much potential for inspecting composite materials. A significant amount of knowledge has been gained concerning the nature of the heat generation process and the relation of the frequency dependence of the heat patterns to the mechanical excitations. (Author)
A Putative Protein O-Fucosyltransferase Facilitates Pollen Tube Penetration through the Stigma–Style Interface1[OPEN]

A putative protein O-fucosyltransferase in Arabidopsis facilitates pollen tube penetration through stigmatic tissue, suggesting that protein O-fucosylation events may play a role in plant reproduction. During pollen-pistil interactions in angiosperms, the male gametophyte (pollen) germinates to produce a pollen tube. To fertilize ovules located within the female pistil, the pollen tube must physically penetrate specialized tissues. Whereas the process of pollen tube penetration through the pistil has been anatomically well described, the genetic regulation remains poorly understood. In this study, we identify a novel Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) gene, O-FUCOSYLTRANSFERASE1 (AtOFT1), which plays a key role in pollen tube penetration through the stigma-style interface. Semi-in vivo growth assays demonstrate that oft1 mutant pollen tubes have a reduced ability to penetrate the stigma-style interface, leading to a nearly 2,000-fold decrease in oft1 pollen transmission efficiency and a 5- to 10-fold decreased seed set. We also demonstrate that AtOFT1 is localized to the Golgi apparatus, indicating its potential role in cellular glycosylation events. Finally, we demonstrate that AtOFT1 and other similar Arabidopsis genes represent a novel clade of sequences related to metazoan protein O-fucosyltransferases and that mutation of residues that are important for O-fucosyltransferase activity compromises AtOFT1 function in vivo. The results of this study elucidate a physiological function for AtOFT1 in pollen tube penetration through the stigma-style interface and highlight the potential importance of protein O-glycosylation events in pollen-pistil interactions.
Safety Culture in Indian Hospitals: A Cultural Adaptation of the Safety Attitudes Questionnaire

Objectives Patient safety is increasingly recognized as a global health concern because of a staggering number of health care–related injuries and deaths. Although many hospitals are attempting to promote a patient safety agenda, there are relatively few options to track progress. The aims of this study were to translate and culturally adapt the Safety Attitudes Questionnaire (SAQ) into Gujarati and to provide evidence for its reliability and validity in hospitals in Gujarat, India. We also present preliminary data on the safety culture in these organizations. Methods The first phase was the cultural adaptation and translation of the SAQ into Gujarati. The second phase was a cross-sectional survey of safety attitudes in 4 private hospitals. Results The survey was distributed to 424 health care workers and elicited an overall response rate of 79%. The questionnaire showed acceptable reliability and preliminary evidence for construct validity among health care workers in 4 private hospitals of varying size. The initial culture score results showed outcomes similar to international standards, with two-thirds of the respondents describing teamwork climate positively and more than half of the respondents describing safety climate positively. Conclusions This study reveals promising initial results for patient safety culture in India, but further study is needed. The development and validation of the SAQ-Gujarati allow additional hospitals to evaluate their patient safety culture. As the first rendition of the SAQ to an Indian setting, the tool could help to initiate safety discourse and improve the potential for institutions to provide feedback to their staff members.
A New Threshold Password Authentication Scheme

The well-known password authentication mechanisms are widely used in networks to protect resources from unauthorized access. The ad hoc networks, due to their dynamic and lack of network infrastructure features, require authentication schemes to ensure security. In this paper, we propose a new threshold password authentication scheme for ad hoc networks. Our scheme can be efficiently implemented in mobile devices, and can achieve mutual authentication with registered users.
Extending the reach of online social networks to opportunistic networks with PodNet

PodNet is an opportunistic architecture allowing to exchange multimedia content, or podcasts, from mobiles to mobiles in an opportunistic fashion using Wifi. Content can originate from the Internet (e.g., YouTube, BBC) but it can also be user generated content (e.g., pictures or video/voice recordings). We have enhanced the PodNet architecture to extend the reach of online social networking applications (e.g., Facebook, Twitter) to opportunistic networks. We'll demonstrate how Facebook feeds (public or private) are distributed opportunistically among the demo devices that are carried by participants. Using additional PodNet gateway components, content generated in the opportunistic domain can be sent to the Internet (e.g. updates on the Facebook page). Eventually, we will demonstrate an Infoscreen (embedded with a PodNet gateway), which displays useful high-level information (campus life, tram schedules) users can subscribe to, to fetch richer content provided through PodNet.
Coprolites reveal ecological interactions lost with the extinction of New Zealand birds

Significance Ancient DNA metabarcoding of coprolites (ancient dung) has greatly improved our ability to investigate the behavior and ecology of extinct species. We use coprolites from extinct New Zealand birds to show how this approach can reveal aspects of dietary behavior, such as the consumption of ectomycorrhizal fungi, and both the distribution and coextinction of parasites. We show how this approach can identify lost ecological interactions, which have key implications for understanding, conserving, and restoring currently threatened ecosystems. Over the past 50,000 y, biotic extinctions and declines have left a legacy of vacant niches and broken ecological interactions across global terrestrial ecosystems. Reconstructing the natural, unmodified ecosystems that preceded these events relies on high-resolution analyses of paleoecological deposits. Coprolites are a source of uniquely detailed information about trophic interactions and the behaviors, gut parasite communities, and microbiotas of prehistoric animal species. Such insights are critical for understanding the legacy effects of extinctions on ecosystems, and can help guide contemporary conservation and ecosystem restoration efforts. Here we use high-throughput sequencing (HTS) of ancient eukaryotic DNA from coprolites to reconstruct aspects of the biology and ecology of four species of extinct moa and the critically endangered kakapo parrot from New Zealand (NZ). Importantly, we provide evidence that moa and prehistoric kakapo consumed ectomycorrhizal fungi, suggesting these birds played a role in dispersing fungi that are key to NZ’s natural forest ecosystems. We also provide the first DNA-based evidence that moa frequently supplemented their broad diets with ferns and mosses. Finally, we also find parasite taxa that provide insight into moa behavior, and present data supporting the hypothesis of coextinction between moa and several parasite species. Our study demonstrates that HTS sequencing of coprolites provides a powerful tool for resolving key aspects of ancient ecosystems and may rapidly provide information not obtainable by conventional paleoecological techniques, such as fossil analyses.
Human dendritic cells activated with MV130 induce Th1, Th17 and IL‐10 responses via RIPK2 and MyD88 signalling pathways

Recurrent respiratory tract infections (RRTIs) are the first leading cause of community‐ and nosocomial‐acquired infections. Antibiotics remain the mainstay of treatment, enhancing the potential to develop antibiotic resistances. Therefore, the development of new alternative approaches to prevent and treat RRTIs is highly demanded. Daily sublingual administration of the whole heat‐inactivated polybacterial preparation (PBP) MV130 significantly reduced the rate of respiratory infections in RRTIs patients, however, the immunological mechanisms of action remain unknown. Herein, we study the capacity of MV130 to immunomodulate the function of human dendritic cells (DCs) as a potential mechanism that contribute to the clinical benefits. We demonstrate that DCs from RRTIs patients and healthy controls display similar ex vivo immunological responses to MV130. By combining systems biology and functional immunological approaches we show that MV130 promotes the generation of Th1/Th17 responses via receptor‐interacting serine/threonine‐protein kinase‐2 (RIPK2)‐ and myeloid‐differentiation primary‐response gene‐88 (MyD88)‐mediated signalling pathways under the control of IL‐10. In vivo BALB/c mice sublingually immunized with MV130 display potent systemic Th1/Th17 and IL‐10 responses against related and unrelated antigens. We elucidate immunological mechanisms underlying the potential way of action of MV130, which might help to design alternative treatments in other clinical conditions with high risk of recurrent infections.
Equalization Techniques of Control and Non-Payload Communication Links for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

In the next years, several new applications involving unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for public and commercial uses are envisaged. In such developments, since UAVs are expected to operate within the public airspace, a key issue is the design of reliable control and non-payload communication (CNPC) links connecting the ground control station to the UAV. At the physical layer, CNPC design must cope with time- and frequency-selectivity (so-called double selectivity) of the wireless channel, due to low-altitude operation and flight dynamics of the UAV. In this paper, we consider the transmission of continuous phase modulated (CPM) signals for UAV CNPC links operating over doubly-selective channels. Leveraging on the Laurent representation for a CPM signal, we design a two-stage receiver: the first one is a linear time-varying (LTV) equalizer, synthesized under either the zero-forcing (ZF) or minimum mean-square error (MMSE) criterion; the second one recovers the transmitted symbols from the pseudo-symbols of the Laurent representation in a simple recursive manner. In addition to LTV-ZF and LTV-MMSE equalizers, their widely-linear versions are also developed, to take into account the possible noncircular features of the CPM signal. Moreover, relying on a basis expansion model of the doubly-selective channel, we derive frequency-shift versions of the proposed equalizers, by discussing their complexity issues and proposing simplified implementations. Monte Carlo numerical simulations show that the proposed receiving structures are able to satisfactorily equalize the doubly-selective channel in typical UAV scenarios.