Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Hippocampal Lateralization and Memory in Children and Adults

Abstract The neural organization of cognitive processes, particularly hemispheric lateralization, changes throughout childhood and adolescence. Differences in the neural basis of relational memory between children and adults are not well characterized. In this study we used magnetoencephalography to observe the lateralization differences of hippocampal activation in children and adults during performance of a relational memory task, transverse patterning (TP). The TP task was paired with an elemental control task, which does not depend upon the hippocampus. We contrasted two hypotheses; the compensation hypothesis would suggest that more bilateral activation in children would lead to better TP performance, whereas the maturation hypothesis would predict that a more adult-like right-lateralized pattern of hippocampal activation would lead to better performance. Mean-centered partial least squares analysis was used to determine unique patterns of brain activation specific to each task per group, while diminishing activation that is consistent across tasks. Our findings support the maturation hypothesis that a more adult-like pattern of increased right hippocampal lateralization in children leads to superior performance on the TP task. We also found dynamic changes of lateralization throughout the time course for all three groups, suggesting that caution is needed when interpreting conclusions about brain lateralization. (JINS, 2013, 19, 1–11)
Visual feedback attitude synchronization in leader-follower type visibility structures

In this paper we consider visual feedback attitude synchronization in leader-follower type visibility structures in SE(3). We first define visual robotic networks consisting of the dynamics describing rigid body motion, visibility structures among bodies and visual measurements. We then propose a visual feedback attitude synchronization law combining a vision-based observer with attitude synchronization law presented in our previous works. We moreover prove that the robotic network with the control law achieves visual feedback attitude synchronization in the absence of communication and measurement of the states. Finally, the validity of the proposed control law is demonstrated through both numerical simulations and experiments on a planar testbed.
A Method for Building a Referent Business Activity Model for Evaluating Information Systems: Results from a Case Study

In this dynamic age of corporate acquisitions, mergers, and enterprise integration, decisions concerning the evaluation and selection of information systems require comparing the functionality of each candidate system to the intended business activities that it will support. However, consensus on the definition of business activities used to support this evaluation is rare. What is needed is a referent business activity model that defines the business in a manner to serve as the basis for determining how well each candidate system supports the business. This paper 1) defines the referent business activity model concept; 2) provides an example from a case study of business activity modeling; and 3) demonstrates the utility of this model in defining functional requirements for selecting the optimal system from a set of 30 legacy systems to be used throughout the United States Department of Defense (DoD). Twenty-nine DoD business experts were able to construct a referent business activity model consisting of 65 business activities organized in a hierarchical manner. These activities served as the foundation for a questionnaire of 165 questions used to select three information systems out of the over 300 known systems that supported one or more of the 65 business activities. This experience demonstrated the feasibility of achieving consensus among business experts on one referent business model. It also demonstrated the utility of that model in evaluating legacy systems. This case provides a detailed example that business experts can bridge the gulf of ambiguous systems requirements that exists between real-world business activities and the information systems that support them.
Cadmium Removal from Aqueous Solution by a Tunisian Smectitic Natural and Activated Clay: Thermodynamic Study

The removal of heavy metals from industrial waste streams has become one of the most important applications in wastewater treatment in terms of protecting public health and environment. The recovery of metals present in the industrial effluents by adsorption onto natural materials constitutes a technological option increasingly studied throughout the world. However, the implementation of such process on an industrial scale requires the use of adsorbents easily available and inexpensive. Clay in these two forms natural and activated answers very well to these two requirements. The present research aimed the study of the capacity of fixing of cadmium present in aqueous solution, by two types of clay: natural and activated. The adsorption capacity of adsorbent was investigated using batch experiments. The influence of pH, temperature and adsorbent dose were investigated and the experimental data obtained were evaluated and fitted using adsorbent equilibrium isotherms. Adsorption isotherms of cadmium onto natural and activated clay were determined and correlated with common isotherm equations such as the Langmuir and Freundlich models. The Langmuir model agrees very well with experimental data. The thermodynamic parameters obtained indicated that the adsorption of cadmium ions onto natural clay was a spontaneous and an endothermic process.
Goltz Syndrome with Mild Intellectual Disability and Excoriation (Skin-picking) - A Case Report

Background: Goltz syndrome is a rare X-linked genetic syndrome of PORCN gene abnormality. It occurs predominantly in females while showing lethality for males. Most of the cases reported in the literature are bilateral with developmental defects in skin, skeletal, dentition, ocular and soft tissue. Case Presentation: Ms. X, 18-year old unmarried short statured female presented with symptoms of mild intellectual disability and excoriation, ocular colobomas, skin lesions, malocclusion of dentition, syndactyly, facial asymmetry and low set ears. Conclusion: This case is reported due to its rarity and highlights the importance of the psychiatric evaluation in detecting mild intellectual disability along with excoriation (skin-picking) in a characteristic Goltz syndrome.
Functional Inference in Frailty Measurement Error Models for Clustered Survival Data Using the SIMEX Approach

We consider frailty models for clustered survival data in the presence of measurement errors in covariates. We  rst show that when the measurement error is accounted for in a full likelihood analysis but the distribution of the unobserved covariate is misspeci ed, the maximum likelihood estimators are asymptotically biased, especially for the variance component, whose bias can be substantial. We then discuss making inference using functional estimation via the SIMEX method where no distribution of the unobserved error-prone covariate is assumed. The SIMEX method is easy to implement by repeatedly  tting standard frailty models. We study the asymptotic properties of the SIMEX estimates and show that they are consistent and asymptotically normal. In simulation studies, we compare the SIMEX method and the likelihood method in terms of ef ciency and robustness. We also propose a SIMEX score test for the variance component to test for the within-cluster correlation and evaluate its performance through simulation studies. The SIMEX variance component score test does not require specifying distributions for the random effect and the unobserved error-prone covariate, and is easy to implement by repeatedly  tting standard Cox models. The proposed methods are illustrated using the Kenya parasitemia data.
Augmented immunological activities of recombinant lipopolysaccharide possessing the mannose homopolymer as the O-specific polysaccharide

Recombinant lipopolysaccharide possessing the mannose homopolymer as the O-specific polysaccharide was manufactured genetically by transforming Escherichia coli K-12 with various rfb genes capable of synthesizing the mannose homopolymer. Recombinant lipopolysaccharide exhibited levels of anticomplement activity, adjuvant activity, and regional lymph node-enlarging activity much higher than those exhibited by the original rough-type lipopolysaccharide from E. coli K-12 or lipopolysaccharide possessing the heteropolysaccharide from E. coli O111. Immunological activities of recombinant lipopolysaccharide were as strong as those of wild-type lipopolysaccharide possessing the mannose homopolymer. Characteristic activities of wild-type lipolysaccharide possessing the mannose homopolymer were exhibited by recombinant lipopolysaccharide. The abilities of lipopolysaccharide to activate B cells polyclonally and to produce cytokines did not seem to be related to the presence of the mannose homopolymer. Therefore, it was suggested that the mannose homopolymer in the O-specific polysaccharide might exclusively enhance anticomplement activity, adjuvant activity, and regional lymph node-enlarging activity among various lipid A activities.
Kinetic Analysis of Pairing and Strand Exchange Catalyzed by RecA

RecA is a 38-kDa protein from Escherichia coli that polymerizes on single-stranded DNA, forming a nucleoprotein filament that pairs with homologous duplex DNA and carries out strand exchange in vitro. In this study, we measured RecA-catalyzed pairing and strand exchange in solution by energy transfer between fluorescent dyes on the ends of deoxyribo-oligonucleotides. By varying the position of the dyes in separate assays, we were able to detect the pairing of single-stranded RecA filament with duplex DNA as an increase in energy transfer, and strand displacement as a decrease in energy transfer. With these assays, the kinetics of pairing and strand displacement were studied by stopped-flow spectrofluorometry. The data revealed a rapid, second order, reversible pairing step that was followed by a slower, reversible, first order strand exchange step. These data indicate that an initial unstable intermediate exists which can readily return to reactants, and that a further, rate-limiting step (or steps) is required to effect or complete strand exchange.
A Comparative Study of Adaptation-Mode Control for Generalized Sidelobe Cancellers in Human-Robot Communication

This paper presents a comparative study of adaptation-mode control (AMC) for generalized sidelobe cancellers in human-robot communication. Performance of recently proposed two AMC structures, namely, NBM-SLBM (nested blocking matrix-symmetric leaky blocking matrix) and M-SLBM (multiple symmetric leaky blocking matrix), are evaluated by computer simulations and in a real environment. In the computer simulations, it is shown that M-SLBM exhibits superior performance to NBM-SLBM. However, in the real environment, the performance of M-SLBM is degraded. This degradation comes from unexpected tonal interference in a frequency range covered by an SLBM, leading to errors. An appropriate selection between NBM-SLBM and M-SLBM is necessary based on the environment.
Partnership for Advanced Computing in Europe Performance Improvement in Kernels by Guiding Compiler Auto-Vectorization Heuristics

Vectorization support in hardware continues to expand and grow as we still continue on superscalar architectures. Unfortunately, compilers are not always able to generate optimal code for the hardware; detecting and generating vectorized code is extremely complex. Programmers can use a number of tools to aid in development and tuning, but most of these tools require expert or domain-specific knowledge to use. In this work we aim to provide techniques for determining the best way to optimize certain codes, with an end goal of guiding the compiler into generating optimized code without requiring expert knowledge from the developer. Initially, we study how to combine vectorization reports with iterative compilation and code generation and summarize our insights and patterns on how the compiler vectorizes code. Our utilities for iterative compilation and code generation can be further used by non-experts in the generation and analysis of programs. Finally, we leverage the obtained knowledge to design a Support Vector Machine classifier to predict the speedup of a program given a sequence of optimization. We show that our classifier is able to predict the speedup of 56% of the inputs within 15% overprediction and 50% underprediction, with 82% of these accurate within 15% both ways.
Designing transaction platforms for IT-beased dynamic sourcing: The case of mobile payment services

Developments in information and other communication technologies have led to more insourcing and outsourcing opportunities for organizations. The traditional model of isolated IT outsourcing by a single organization is being eclipsed by a new trend of sourcing through interorganizational networks and IT-based virtual organizations. Dynamic sourcing is becoming a core characteristic of virtual organizations, especially information-intensive industries, in which interdependent organizational units promote specific core competencies and cooperative advantages. Transaction platforms are examples of dynamic, flexible, sourcing-based interorganizational systems that can be used in this process. Since in the management of these organizations one is considered to be capable of systematically influencing the relevant design variables, design theory can be used to affect organizational structures. By doing so, one can aim to improve the functioning of those structures. The design of transaction platforms is important for realizing new interorganizational and even cross-industrial structures. Transaction platforms in mobile commerce have become an example of how interorganizational structures permit different organizations to leverage their core competencies in order to achieve cooperative advantages. In addition, M-commerce transaction platforms are a good area to focus on because of the various ways in which these platforms can be applied, the widespread and easy availability of mobile services, and therefore the potential of M-commerce to become a highly remunerative branche of industry in the future.
Comparison analysis between PLS and NN in noninvasive blood glucose concentration prediction

A series pair data of NIR spectral and measured BGL are collected for an OGTT experiment from a healthy volunteer. The collected data are then calibrated by using partial least squares (PLS) regression and feed-forward back-propagation neural network (NN). A comparative analysis between both calibration models is analysed. From the PLS and NN calibration models, root mean square error prediction of 0.5282mmol/L and 0.2952mmol/L, respectively, were achieved. The correlation factor of 0.9247 and 0.9863 were obtained from PLS and NN calibration models respectively.
The melatonin rhythm-generating enzyme: molecular regulation of serotonin N-acetyltransferase in the pineal gland.

A remarkably constant feature of vertebrate physiology is a daily rhythm of melatonin in the circulation, which serves as the hormonal signal of the daily light/dark cycle: melatonin levels are always elevated at night. The biochemical basis of this hormonal rhythm is one of the enzymes involved in melatonin synthesis in the pineal gland-the melatonin rhythm-generating enzyme-serotonin N-acetyltransferase (arylalkylamine N-acetyltransferase, AA-NAT, E.C. 2.3.1.87). In all vertebrates, enzyme activity is high at night. This reflects the influences of internal circadian clocks and of light. The dynamics of this enzyme are remarkable. The magnitude of the nocturnal increase in enzyme activity ranges from 7- to 150-fold on a species-to-species basis among vertebrates. In all cases the nocturnal levels of AA-NAT activity decrease very rapidly following exposure to light. A major advance in the study of the molecular basis of these changes was the cloning of cDNA encoding the enzyme. This has resulted in rapid progress in our understanding of the biology and structure of AA-NAT and how it is regulated. Several constant features of this enzyme have become apparent, including structural features, tissue distribution, and a close association of enzyme activity and protein. However, some remarkable differences among species in the molecular mechanisms involved in regulating the enzyme have been discovered. In sheep, AA-NAT mRNA levels show relatively little change over a 24-hour period and changes in AA-NAT activity are primarily regulated at the protein level. In the rat, AA-NAT is also regulated at a protein level; however, in addition, AA-NAT mRNA levels exhibit a 150-fold rhythm, which reflects cyclic AMP-dependent regulation of expression of the AA-NAT gene. In the chicken, cyclic AMP acts primarily at the protein level and a rhythm in AA-NAT mRNA is driven by a noncyclic AMP-dependent mechanism linked to the clock within the pineal gland. Finally, in the trout, AA-NAT mRNA levels show little change and activity is regulated by light acting directly on the pineal gland. The variety of mechanisms that have evolved among vertebrates to achieve the same goal-a rhythm in melatonin-underlines the important role melatonin plays as the hormonal signal of environmental lighting in vertebrates.
A comparison of some properties of bovine conglutinin with those of rabbit immuno-conglutinin.

A number of properties of bovine conglutinin and rabbit immuno-conglutinin (I-K) have been compared. These are summarized in Table 1. [Table: see text] Bovine conglutinin is seen to be an antigenically specific β1 globulin which reacts with the alexinated complex only in the presence of calcium. A reaction with zymosan and with agar also occurs which is dependent on calcium ions but not on the presence of complement. For this reason EDTA-containing buffers should be used in immuno-diffusion studies on conglutinin. From conglutinated zymosan substantially purified preparations of conglutinin have been obtained. Rabbit immuno-conglutinin is seen to show the properties to be expected of an antibody to fixed complement. A preliminary account is given of an immuno-histological technique employing conglutination which will detect bound complement of various species in tissues. By EDTA elution of conglutinated γ-globulin aggregates alexinated with guinea-pig complement a preparation of C′1 has been obtained which had C′1 haemolytic activity and which gives a single line in the β1 region on immunoelectrophoresis with an anti-guinea-pig globulin serum.
Autonomous Knowledge Acquisition of a Service Robot by Probabilistic Perception Planning

This paper presents a concept for active scene modeling by autonomous knowledge acquisition of a service robot in a kitchen scenario. Perceiving complex scenes with multiple objects at arbitrary positions is often difficult from a single measurement due to object ambiguities, object occlusions or environmental influences. The incorporation of several sequential measurements helps to improve scene knowledge. In this work a probabilistic active perception framework is developed which plans future sensing actions with respect to uncertainties in the current scene model, unseen spaces and actuation costs of the service robot. Scenes consist of an unknown number of objects, whose poses are modeled in continuous 6D space. The object database contains 100 different household items. The uncertainties in the recognition process and of state transition are probabilistically modeled and basis for planning future perceptions. The active perception system for autonomous service robots is evaluated in experiments in a kitchen environment. In 200 test runs the efficiency and satisfactory behavior of the proposed methodology is shown in comparison to a random and an incremental action selection strategy.
Human Parainfluenza Virus Infection of the Airway Epithelium: Viral Hemagglutinin-Neuraminidase Regulates Fusion Protein Activation and Modulates Infectivity

ABSTRACT Three discrete activities of the paramyxovirus hemagglutinin-neuraminidase (HN) protein, receptor binding, receptor cleaving (neuraminidase), and triggering of the fusion protein, each affect the promotion of viral fusion and entry. For human parainfluenza virus type 3 (HPIV3), the effects of specific mutations that alter these functions of the receptor-binding protein have been well characterized using cultured monolayer cells, which have identified steps that are potentially relevant to pathogenesis. In the present study, proposed mechanisms that are relevant to pathogenesis were tested in natural host cell cultures, a model of the human airway epithelium (HAE) in which primary HAE cells are cultured at an air-liquid interface and retain functional properties. Infection of HAE cells with wild-type HPIV3 and variant viruses closely reflects that seen in an animal model, the cotton rat, suggesting that HAE cells provide an ideal system for assessing the interplay of host cell and viral factors in pathogenesis and for screening for inhibitory molecules that would be effective in vivo. Both HN′s receptor avidity and the function and timing of F activation by HN require a critical balance for the establishment of ongoing infection in the HAE, and these HN functions independently modulate the production of active virions. Alterations in HN′s F-triggering function lead to the release of noninfectious viral particles and a failure of the virus to spread. The finding that the dysregulation of F triggering prohibits successful infection in HAE cells suggests that antiviral strategies targeted to HN′s F-triggering activity may have promise in vivo.
High-Performance Poly-Si Thin-Film Transistors With L-Fin Channels

For the first time, we construct poly-Si thin-film transistors (TFTs) with novel L-shaped poly-Si fin channels (poly-Si TFTs with L-fin channels, called LFin-TFTs). The L-fin channels of LFin-TFTs are similar to the multiple-gated fin channels of FinFETs. The LFin-TFTs exhibit a low supply gate voltage (3 V), a good subthreshold swing (SS) ~ 190 mV/dec, and a high on/off current ratio (I<sub>ON</sub>/I<sub>OFF</sub>)>; 10<sup>6</sup> (V<sub>D</sub>=1 V) without hydrogen-related plasma treatments. After Ni salicidation, the devices exhibit steep SS ~ 148 mV/dec and I<sub>ON</sub>/I<sub>OFF</sub> ~ 10<sup>7</sup>. After NH<sub>3</sub> plasma treatment, the characteristics of the devices are further improved. The LFin-TFTs have steeper SS ~ 132 mV/dec, higher (I<sub>ON</sub>/I<sub>OFF</sub>)>; 10<sup>7</sup>, and threshold voltage (V<sub>TH</sub>) ~ 0.036 V.
Up-regulation of Caveolin Attenuates Epidermal Growth Factor Signaling in Senescent Cells*

Senescent human diploid fibroblasts do not respond to growth factors like epidermal growth factor (EGF), although they have a normal level of receptors and downstream signaling molecules. To examine the mechanism of signaling attenuation, we investigated Erk activation after EGF stimulation in senescent cells. Senescent cells did not phosphorylate Erk-1/2 after EGF stimulation, whereas young cells did. In those senescent cells, we found an increased level of caveolin proteins and strong interactions between caveolin-1 and EGF receptor. Electron microscopic analysis demonstrated an increased number of caveolae structures in senescent cells. More interestingly, brain, spleen, and lung from 26-month-old rats showed substantial increases of caveolin proteins. However, in the case of p53-induced senescence, caveolin-1 was not induced, and EGF stimulation phosphorylated Erk-1/2 as much as young control cells. Finally, we overexpressed caveolin-1 in young human diploid fibroblasts in which the activation of Erk-1/2 upon EGF stimulation was significantly suppressed. These results suggest that the unresponsiveness of senescent fibroblasts to EGF stimulation may be due to the overexpression of caveolins, which seems to be independent of growth arrest and other aging phenotypes.