Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Starting School Improves Preschoolers' Ability to Discriminate Child Faces

Children take many years to become as skilled as adults in differentiating among faces and there is debate about the role of face experience in improving their skills. Here we tested whether the increase in exposure to the faces of children associated with entering school leads to improved face discrimination for this face category. To do so, we compared the face discrimination abilities of 3- to 4-year-old children who began attending school for the first time with those of age-matched controls not yet in school. Both groups completed a 2-alternative forced-choice matching task with adult and child faces, presented both in an upright and inverted orientation, at Time 1 (within the first month of entering school for the school group) and at Time 2 (5 months later). Between Time 1 and Time 2, both groups improved in discriminating between adult faces, but only the preschoolers improved for child faces. These effects were not modulated by inversion. Overall, these results suggest that, during the preschool years, a natural increase in exposure to the faces of 1 face category leads to improved discrimination of novel exemplars of this face category.
Parsing Conjunctions Deterministically

Conjunctions have always been a source of problems for natural language parsers. This paper shows how these problems may be circumvented using a rule-based, wait-and-see parsing strategy. A parser is presented which analyzes conjunction structures deterministically, and the specific rules it uses are described and illustrated. This parser appears to be faster for conjunctions than other parsers in the literature and some comparative timings are given.
Study of the radiation emitted by a radio base station on near-field situation

This paper shows a study of the electromagnetic radiation in near-field situations for a radio-base mobile antenna. Through a routine developed in Matlab the electric field, the magnetic field and the power density are calculated, and the results are compared with Brazilian standards and ICNIRP limits. The obtained results show that for smaller distances to the antenna the values of electric and magnetic fields and power density are above the ones required by Brazilian standards.
Comparing the programming demands of single-user and multi-user applications

Synchronous multi-user applications are designed to support two or more simultaneous users. The RENDEZVOUSTM1 system is an infrastructure for building such multi-user applications. Several multi-user applications, such as a tic-tac-toe game. a multi-user CardTable application, and a multi-user whiteboard have been or are being constructed with the RENDEZVOUS system. We argue that there are at least three dimensions of programming complexity that are differentially affected by the programming of multi-user applications as compared to the programming of single-user applications. The first, concurrency, addresses the need to cope with parallel activities. The second dimension, abstraction, addresses the need to separate the user-int~rface from an underlying application abstraction, The thmd dimension, roles, addresses the need to differentially characterize users and customize the user-interface appropriately. Certainly, single-user applications often deal with these complexities; we argue that multi-user applications cannot avoid them. [Keyworcls: User Interface Management System, Computer-Supported Cooperative Work, groupware, programming, dialogue separation, concurrency, roles]
CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE Relationship between peripheral airway dysfunction, airway obstruction, and neutrophilic inflammation in COPD

Background: Considerable research has been conducted into the nature of airway inflammation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) but the relationship between proximal airways inflammation and both dynamic collapse of the peripheral airways and HRCT determined emphysema severity remains unknown. A number of research tools have been combined to study smokers with a range of COPD severities classified according to the GOLD criteria. Methods: Sixty five subjects (11 healthy smokers, 44 smokers with stage 0–IV COPD, and 10 healthy nonsmokers) were assessed using lung function testing and HRCT scanning to quantify emphysema and peripheral airway dysfunction and sputum induction to measure airway inflammation. Results: Expiratory HRCT measurements and the expiratory/inspiratory mean lung density ratio (both indicators of peripheral airway dysfunction) correlated more closely in smokers with the severity of airflow obstruction (r=20.64, p,0.001) than did inspiratory HRCT measurements (which reflect emphysema severity; r=20.45, p,0.01). Raised sputum neutrophil counts also correlated strongly in smokers with HRCT indicators of peripheral airway dysfunction (r=0.55, p,0.001) but did not correlate with HRCT indicators of the severity of emphysema. Conclusions: This study suggests that peripheral airway dysfunction, assessed by expiratory HRCT measurements, is a determinant of COPD severity. Airway neutrophilia, a central feature of COPD, is closely associated with the severity of peripheral airway dysfunction in COPD but is not related to the overall severity of emphysema as measured by HRCT.
Small interfering RNA-induced CHFR silencing sensitizes oral squamous cell cancer cells to microtubule inhibitors

Alterations in the function of cell cycle checkpoints are frequently detected in oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCCs), and are often associated with the sensitivity of the cancer cells to chemotherapeutic drugs. Recently, a mitotic checkpoint gene, Chfr, was shown to be inactivated by promoter methylation and point mutations in various human tumors. Here we show that the absence of its product, CHFR, is associated with mitotic checkpoint dysfunction, and that cancer cells lacking CHFR are sensitive to microtubule inhibitors. Checkpoint impairment appears to be caused by a prophase defect in this case, as OSCC cells lacking CHFR showed phosphorylation of histone H3 on Ser10 and translocation of cyclin B1 to the nucleus. When CHFR-deficient OSCC cells were treated with a microtubule inhibitor (docetaxel or paclitaxel), significant numbers of apoptotic cells were observed. Moreover, disruption of CHFR using small interfering RNA (siRNA) impaired the mitotic checkpoint, thereby reducing the ability of OSCC cells to arrest at G2/M phase and making them more sensitive to microtubule inhibitors. Our results suggest that CHFR could be a useful molecular target for chemotherapy.
An Energy-Efficient Technique to Combat DOS Attacks in Delay Tolerant Networks

A delay tolerant network is a highly constrained networking environment which is low in resources such as memory, bandwidth and battery power. In opportunistic DTNs, nodes cooperatively forward packets for each other through the carry-store-and-forward paradigm. Opportunistic data forwarding can be abused by an adversary by injecting spurious packets in order to waste the resources of the network. To guard against such attacks, it is important to authenticate packets at intermediate nodes. Packet authentication in itself comes with overheads such as computation cost and energy consumption which can be exploited by an attacker to mount a denial of service attack. We propose the use of light-weight DTN-cookies to protect this vital security service from such malicious exploitation. We show through simulations that our proposed mechanisms can improve network performance and save considerable amount of power even in the presence of attackers.
On the shape of paleomagnetic data sets

A quick and easy method to analyze the shape of paleomagnetic data sets is described and illustrated. The elongation E of a set of directions of virtual geomagnetic poles VGP is defined as E ≡ k2/k3, where k2 and k3 are the second and third eigenvalues of the Bingham distribution. It is shown that E<3 or so indicates that the distribution is significantly elongate, although the size of the sample and the paleolatitude both affect this conclusion. Because the azimuth of k2 gives the direction of elongation, it can be used to help determine why a particular distribution is elongate. It is shown that for most units from the craton both directions and VGP are nearly circular, except for units magnetized at very low latitudes. In general, poles are more circular than directions. Some units formed in plate margin locations also are circular, but many are highly elongate. Many units from the western Cordillera of North America have highly elongate distributions that are compatible with origin within a shear zone; others are obviously underformed internally. Units formed during extension are less commonly elongate, but some show the probably effects of normal faulting. It is hoped that shape analysis will be part of any complete paleomagnetic study in the future.
Integrating status and event phenomena in formal specifications of interactive systems

In this paper we investigate the appropriateness of formal specification languages for the description of user interface phenomena. Specifically, we are concerned with the distinction between continuously available information, which we call status, and atomic, non-persistent information, which we call events. We propose a hybrid model and notation to address status and event phenomena symmetrically. We demonstrate the effectiveness of this model for designing and understanding mixed control interaction, an especially important topic in the design of multi-user systems.
Multicomponent analysis of a digital Trail Making Test

Abstract Objective: The purpose of the current study was to use a newly developed digital tablet-based variant of the TMT to isolate component cognitive processes underlying TMT performance.Method: Similar to the paper-based trail making test, this digital variant consists of two conditions, Part A and Part B. However, this digital version automatically collects additional data to create component subtest scores to isolate cognitive abilities. Specifically, in addition to the total time to completion and number of errors, the digital Trail Making Test (dTMT) records several unique components including the number of pauses, pause duration, lifts, lift duration, time inside each circle, and time between circles. Participants were community-dwelling older adults who completed a neuropsychological evaluation including measures of processing speed, inhibitory control, visual working memory/sequencing, and set-switching. The abilities underlying TMT performance were assessed through regression analyses of component scores from the dTMT with traditional neuropsychological measures.Results: Results revealed significant correlations between paper and digital variants of Part A (rs = .541, p < .001) and paper and digital versions of Part B (rs = .799, p < .001). Regression analyses with traditional neuropsychological measures revealed that Part A components were best predicted by speeded processing, while inhibitory control and visual/spatial sequencing were predictors of specific components of Part B. Exploratory analyses revealed that specific dTMT-B components were associated with a performance-based medication management task.Conclusions: Taken together, these results elucidate specific cognitive abilities underlying TMT performance, as well as the utility of isolating digital components.
System Level Design Space Exploration for Multiprocessor System on Chip

Future embedded systems will integrate hundreds of processors. Current design space exploration methods cannot cope with such a complexity. It is mandatory to extend these methods in order to meet future design constraints. We believe one solution is to add a new design exploration step above current methods. This extension corresponds to an abstraction rising to provide designer with a restricted design space. We propose in this work to enrich the classical exploration approaches by a pre-exploration step which reduces the architecture design space. This new step (i) simplifies (ii) performs and (iii) makes possible, for a complex application the architecture exploration for future tera-scale multiprocessor-based systems. This method drastically reduces the architecture space at a higher level of the design flow which mitigates the codesign complexity and enables the designer to explore a large set of architectures.
Inhibition of Various Steps in the Replication Cycle of Vesicular Stomatitis Virus Contributes to Its Photoinactivation by AIPcS4 or Pc4 and Red Light

Abstract— Vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) was used as a model virus to study the processes involved in photoinactivation by aluminum phthalocyanine tetrasulfonate (AlPcS4) or silicon phthalocyanine HOSiPcOSi(CH3)2(CH2)3N(CH3)2 (Pc4) and red light. Previously a very rapid decrease in the intracellular viral RNA synthesis after photodynamic treatment was observed. This decrease was correlated to different steps in the replication cycle. Binding of VSV to host cells and internalization were only slightly impaired and could be visualized by electron microscopy. The capability of the virus to fuse with membranes in an acidic endosomal environment was studied using both pyrene‐labeled liposomes and a hemolysis assay as a model. These tests indicate a rapid decrease of fusion capacity after AlPcS4 treatment, which correlated with the decrease in RNA synthesis. For Pc4 treatment no such correlation was found. The fusion process is the first step in the replication cycle, affected by AlPcS4 treatment, but also in vitro RNA polymerase activity was previously shown to be inhibited. Inactivation of VSV by Pc4 treatment is apparently caused by damage to a variety of viral components. Photodynamic treatment of virus suspensions with both sensitizers causes formation of 8‐oxo‐7,8‐dihydroguanosine in viral RNA as measured by HPLC with electrochemical detection. This damage might be partly responsible for inhibition of the in vitro viral RNA polymerase activity by photodynamic treatment.
A Survey of Practice and Knowledge of Refugee and Migrant Pregnant Mothers Surrounding Neonatal Jaundice on the Thailand–Myanmar Border

Background: In populations with a high prevalence of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, practices that can induce haemolysis need to be identified to raise awareness of preventable risks. The aim of this survey was to determine the proportion of prospective mothers using haemolytic agents and their knowledge and practice surrounding neonatal jaundice. Methods: Pregnant mothers were invited to participate in a cross-sectional survey conducted at Shoklo Malaria Research Unit on the Thailand–Myanmar border. Results: From 12 April 2015 to 12 June 2015, 522 pregnant women completed the survey. Mothball use in the household was reported by 41.4% (216 of 522) of prospective mothers and menthol containing products on baby skin by 46.7% (244 of 522). Conclusion: Just over 40% of the households reported use of naphthalene-containing mothballs. Future health promotion activities that focus on reducing naphthalene mothball and menthol-containing products use have the potential to reduce rates of severe neonatal jaundice in this population.
Patent portfolio analysis of cities: statistics and maps of technological inventiveness

ABSTRACT Cities can be considered as engines of the knowledge-based economy, because they are the primary sites of knowledge production activities that subsequently shape the rate and direction of technological change and economic growth. Patents provide rich information to analyse the knowledge specialization of specific places, such as technological details and information on inventors and entities involved. The technology codes attributed at the level of individual patent documents can be used to indicate the diversity and scope of the knowledge claims underlying a specific invention. In this study we introduce tools for portfolio analysis in terms of patents that provide insights into the technological specialization of cities. The mapping and analysis of patent portfolios of cities exploits data derived from the Unites States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and dedicated tools (at https://leydesdorff.net/software/patents/). The results allow policy makers and other stakeholders to identify promising areas of further knowledge development, including smart specialization strategies.
Insight into Metabolic 1H-MRS Changes in Natalizumab Induced Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy Brain Lesions

Background Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is a severe complication of immunosuppressive therapies, especially of natalizumab in relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis (MS). Metabolic changes within PML lesions have not yet been described in natalizumab-associated PML in MS patients. Objective To study metabolic profiles in natalizumab-associated PML lesions of MS patients by 1H magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) at different stages during the PML course. To assess changes associated with the occurrence of the immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS). Methods 20 patients received 1H-MRS and imaging at 3 T either in the pre-IRIS, IRIS, early-post-PML, or late post-PML setting. Five of these patients received individual follow-up examinations, including the pre-IRIS or IRIS phase. Clinical worsening was described by changes in the Karnofsky Performance Scale (KPS) and the expanded disability status scale (EDSS) 1 year before PML and scoring at the time of 1H-MRS. Results In PML lesions, increased levels of the Lip/Cr ratio, driven by rising of lipid and reduction of Creatine, were found before the occurrence of IRIS (p = 0.014) with a maximum in the PML–IRIS group (p = 0.004). By contrast, marked rises of Cho/Cr in PML lesions were detected exclusively during the IRIS phase (p = 0.003). The Lip/Cr ratio decreased to above-normal levels in early-post-PML (p = 0.007, compared to normal appearing white matter (NAWM)) and to normal levels in the late-post-PML group. NAA/Cho was reduced compared to NAWM in the pre-IRIS, IRIS, and early-post-PML group. In NAA/Cr, the same effect was seen in the pre-IRIS and early-post-PML group. These cross-sectional results were confirmed by the individual follow-up examinations of four patients. NAA/Cho, Cho/Cr, and the lipid rise relative to NAWM in PML lesions were significantly correlated with the residual clinical worsening (KPS change) in post-PML patients (Spearman correlations ρ = 0.481, p = 0.018; ρ = −0.505, p = 0.014; and ρ = −0.488, p = 0.020). Conclusion 1H-MRS detected clinically significant dynamic changes of metabolic patterns in PML lesions during the course of natalizumab-associated PML in MS patients. Lip/Cr and Cho/Cr may provide additional information for detecting the onset of the IRIS phase in the course of the PML disease.
Detection of lymph node metastasis in ovarian carcinoma and uterine corpus carcinoma by preoperative computerized tomography or magnetic resonance imaging.

OBJECTIVE Preoperative CT or MRI findings were compared with the results of staging the laparotomy to evaluate the accuracy of CT or MRI for detecting pelvic and para-aortic lymph-node metastases. METHODS In evaluating CTs in 95 ovarian carcinomas, we examined plain and contrast images made in 1- to 1.5-cm-thick slices from the pubis to the xiphoid process. Lymph nodes 1.5 cm or larger were considered to be positive. MRIs of 60 uterine corpus carcinomas utilized T1-weighted contrast, T2-weighted, and short-inversion time inversion-recovery (STIR) images. RESULTS CT had a sensitivity of 60.9% and a specificity of 93.1%. The positive and negative predictive values were 73.7% and 88.2%, respectively. The diagnostic accuracy of CT for detecting para-aortic lymph-node metastases exceeded that for pelvic node metastases. The results of MRI indicated that the T1-weighted image and STIR image were the most accurate in identifying metastatic nodes. CONCLUSIONS These results indicate that the most practical approach might be to search for enlarged lymph nodes by CT, and to follow-up with MRI when CT scans are questionable.
Tagging with DHARMA, a DHT-based approach for resource mapping through approximation

We introduce collaborative tagging and faceted search on structured P2P systems. Since a trivial and brute force mapping of an entire folksonomy over a DHT-based system may reduce scalability, we propose an approximated graph maintenance approach. Evaluations on real data coming from Last.fm prove that such strategies reduce vocabulary noise (i.e., representation's overfitting phenomena) and hotspots issues.
Ground-based remote sensing of vertical distribution of aerosols with sky radiance measurements: numerical simulation

Atmospheric aerosols play important roles in climate radiative forcing as well as environmental issues. In addition to microphysical and optical parameters, its vertical distribution is also important for both surface visibility, transport and related boundary layer stratification. Satellite-borne instruments, such as MODIS, AVHRR have monitored global aerosol distribution, but ground-based optical remote sensing is still of significance for validation and more detailed observation, such as diurnal variation and vertical distribution. In this paper, numerical simulations are conducted for clear atmosphere with various vertical structures of atmospheric aerosols. The sun direct observation is used to derive aerosol optical depth. In sun-zenith principal plane, pairs of directional scattered radiances symmetrically to solar direction (i.e. scattering angles are same but one is near zenith and the other near horizon) may be used to derive aerosol’s vertical distribution.