Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Could left-right discrimination difficulty represent a constraint on comprehension of spatial descriptions for L2 sign language learners?

For adult learners whose first language is a spoken language, learning a visual language such as ASL (American Sign Language) or BSL (British Sign Language) represents new challenges. Signers describe spatial scenes and events from their own perspective – the narrator’s perspective - which requires the viewer to perform 180 degrees mental rotation of the signer’s hands in order to infer the meaning of signs and spatial relations correctly. Native and experienced signers might be therefore habitually subjected to performing mental reversal of signs (Emmorey, 1998). This paper presents some evidence suggesting that signers do not perform true mental rotation during their sign comprehension. Under this assumption, this paper considers the possibility that late adult L2 sign language learners who experience left-right discrimination difficulty can employ cognitive strategies, such as mental rotation, nevertheless, when comprehending signed spatial descriptions. This enables them to transform themselves into a more convenient perspective and aids their interpretation of signed spatial descriptions. It is also hypothesised that left-right discrimination difficulty in late adult L2 sign language learners can represent a constraint on their comprehension of signed spatial constructions. The subjects were 23 adult British Sign Language learners as L2, all of whom had a spoken language as their first language. A questionnaire was used to elicit the subjects’ own perception of their left-right discrimination ability, their ease of sign comprehension in the classroom, hand switching and handedness. The subjects were also given a basic mental rotation test. The preliminary data based on the subjects’ self-report in a questionnaire indicate that there is a percentage of BSL learners who experience both left-right discrimination and mental rotation difficulties. These learners are predicted to have increased difficulty comprehending and learning visually presented signs, particularly spatial constructions. The predictions are also partially supported by the qualitative data collected in a questionnaire which provide an invaluable insight into the individual learning experiences of BSL as L2 in adulthood. “Late-learners of sign language have been argued to have a “phonological bottleneck” that causes them to expend additional cognitive effort deciphering phonological patterns” (Emmorey, 2006).
Fractal Phenomena in Ferroelectrics

This paper discusses on ferroelectricity from fractal analysis viewpoints. Micro to macro ferroelectric domain growth changes the domain dynamics, leading to the changes in various physical properties such as dielectric permittivity, loss, polarization hysteresis, light scattering and acoustic emission. *Corresponding author: Uchino, K. International Ctr. for Actuators & Transducers, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA, E-mail: kenjiuchino@psu.edu
Implementation of USB 3.0 SuperSpeed physical layer using Verilog HDL

In this proposed design it mainly includes USB 3.0, Physical Layer along with USB 2.0 functionality with Super speed functionality. Physical Layer mainly contains PCI Express and PIPE interface. This proposed design transferred data from transmitter to receiver serially. This design manages to transfer data either on 2.5GT/s or on 5.0GT/s depends upon the mode and rate. The design generates clock that runs on two different frequencies i.e. 125MHz and 250MHz that used to transfer data on parallel interface. This Design manages to capture the data that are coming asynchronously and lock the receiver clock with incoming asynchronous serial data. The architecture for USB 3.0 Physical Layer has been proposed in this paper. The proposed model is implemented and verified using Verilog HDL.
Use of Motion Information in Super-Resolution Mosaicing

In this paper, we present a super-resolution (SR) method based on iterative backprojections. Motion information is used for the synthesis of the restoration filter in the SR method. Both, the blur estimation and the choice of the degradation model, are based on estimated global motion. The method is applied to highly under-sampled images such as DC images of MPEG compressed video and medical magnetic resonance (MR) images. Results of the comparison of our blur model with some common blur models are encouraging.
Heritability of reproductive hormones in adult male twins.

BACKGROUND Proper functioning of the male reproductive axis depends on complex feedback systems between several hormones. In this study, the genetic contribution of various endocrine components of the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis is evaluated and previously observed differences in FSH and inhibin B levels between mono- (MZ) and dizygotic (DZ) twins are re-investigated. METHODS Inhibin B, FSH, LH, sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) and testosterone levels were assayed in 128 adult males (20 MZ twin pairs, 7 single MZ twins, 10 DZ twin pairs, 27 single DZ twins and 34 siblings of twins, constituting 10 sibling pairs), aged 15.6-68.7 years. Hormone levels were compared across zygosity groups and heritability estimates were obtained using maximum likelihood variance component analysis. RESULTS Heritability estimates ranged from 56% (testosterone) to 81% (inhibin B and SHBG). For LH and FSH, the heritability was estimated at 68% and 80% respectively. No mean differences in hormone levels were observed across groups. CONCLUSIONS All measured hormones are highly heritable. A difference in the FSH-inhibin B feedback system between DZ twin males and MZ twin males could not be confirmed.
Lower limb enthesopathy in patients with psoriasis without clinical signs of arthropathy: a hospital-based case–control study

Background: Psoriasis is associated with a form of spondyloarthropathy in 10–30% of cases. A major feature of psoriatic arthritis is enthesitis. In some patients with psoriasis the presence of enthesitis could be underdiagnosed. Objective: To investigate the presence of lower limbs entheseal abnormalities in patients with chronic plaque psoriasis without signs and symptoms of psoriatic arthritis. Methods: Thirty patients with psoriasis and 30 controls underwent ultrasonographic evaluation of Achilles, quadriceps, patellar entheses and plantar aponeurosis. Ultrasonographic findings were scored according to the Glasgow Ultrasound Enthesitis Scoring System (GUESS). Results: Mean GUESS score was significantly higher in patients with psoriasis as compared with controls: 7.9 (0.6) vs 2.9 (0.3); p<0.0001. In particular, the thickness of all tendons examined was significant higher in cases than in controls (p<0.0001), as well as the number of enthesophytes in all sites examined. In both cases and controls, the GUESS score was directly correlated with age (r = 0.22; p = 0.008), body mass index (r = 0.23, p = 0.0067) and waist circumference (r = 0.17; p = 0.02). In contrast, the GUESS score was not correlated with the duration and severity of psoriasis according to the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (r = 0.03; p = 0.8) and body surface area involvement (r = 0.07; p = 0.6). Conclusions: Entheseal abnormalities can be documented by ultrasonography in clinically asymptomatic patients with psoriasis. These findings could be related to a subclinical entheseal psoriatic inflammation. We suggest close follow-up of patients with psoriasis with entheseal abnormalities for early diagnosis of psoriatic arthritis.
Utility of Psychological Screening for the Diagnosis of Pediatric Episodic Vertigo

Background/Objectives Childhood episodic vertigo has been reported to be associated with migraine or childhood periodic syndromes such as benign paroxysmal vertigo of childhood. There is discrete evidence that unexpected recurrent vertigo is associated with a high level of depression and anxiety in adults. However, only a few studies describe the frequency and characteristics of psychiatric comorbidity in vertiginous children. The aim of this study is to evaluate the incidence and characteristics of emotional and behavioral problems using outpatient-based psychological screening tools in children with episodic vertigo attacks. Methods A total of 105 patients and 138 controls, aged 4 to 17 years, were enrolled. All were identified with a primary complaint of recurrent episodic vertigo. All patients received a complete battery of audiological and vestibular tests. Psychological assessment was performed using standardized questionnaires, including Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), Children’s Depression Inventory (CDI), and Screen for Child Anxiety Related Emotional Disorders (SCARED). Results Compared with community controls, children presenting vertigo attacks had significantly higher mean scores on almost all scales of SDQ, CDI, and SCARED, except two parameters, namely, prosocial behavior and separation anxiety. About half of the patients, compared to 10 to 11% of the controls, had significant levels of distress that could adversely impact treatment outcomes and might need psychiatric consultation. Significant distress or impairment in social interactions was more prominent in older ages. Conclusion Our findings suggest that children/adolescents with recurrent episodic vertigo should be screened for possible associated psychological symptoms.
Ultrasonography-an aid in orbital tumor diagnosis.

Introduction Ultrasonography is an invaluable aid in the diagnosis and management of orbital disease because it can visualize and localize the position of orbital lesions when all other tests are negative. The soft tissues of the orbit may be examined with an instrument which has a resolving power of 0.2 mm. in depth by 0.3 mm. laterally. The appearance of the ultrasonogram differs from the other diagnostic records with which you are acquainted because ultrasound both penetrates and outlines soft tissues of the body. The ultrasonographic appearance of the normal orbit and a brief review of the technique of examination must be presented before proceeding with the case presentations of this paper. 1 Ultrasonography can best be understood by the ophthalmologist if it is described as slit-lamp microscopy of the eye in which high frequency sound has been substituted for the light source. The slit section is approximately 0.3 mm.
Adaptive Visualization of Plans

It is often dicult for humans to understand what course of action is proposed in a plan or workow. This is particularly the case for long plans, or plans with multiple actors. Our contributions are a) the ability to present plans as both text and graphics and b) a method of ltering and highlighting, in both modalities, which focuses the information presentation to the portion of the plan which is relevant to a particular user { i.e., a view based on their roles and capabilities.
Egg Consumption and Risk of Type 2 Diabetes in Men and Women

OBJECTIVE—Whereas limited and inconsistent findings have been reported on the relation between dietary cholesterol or egg consumption and fasting glucose, no previous study has examined the association between egg consumption and type 2 diabetes. This project sought to examine the relation between egg intake and the risk of type 2 diabetes in two large prospective cohorts. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—In this prospective study, we used data from two completed randomized trials: 20,703 men from the Physicians' Health Study I (1982–2007) and 36,295 women from the Women's Health Study (1992–2007). Egg consumption was ascertained using questionnaires, and we used the Cox proportional hazard model to estimate relative risks of type 2 diabetes. RESULTS—During mean follow-up of 20.0 years in men and 11.7 years in women, 1,921 men and 2,112 women developed type 2 diabetes. Compared with no egg consumption, multivariable adjusted hazard ratios for type 2 diabetes were 1.09 (95% CI 0.87–1.37), 1.09 (0.88–1.34), 1.18 (0.95–1.45), 1.46 (1.14–1.86), and 1.58 (1.25–2.01) for consumption of <1, 1, 2–4, 5–6, and ≥7 eggs/week, respectively, in men (P for trend <0.0001). Corresponding multivariable hazard ratios for women were 1.06 (0.92–1.22), 0.97 (0.83–1.12), 1.19 (1.03–1.38), 1.18 (0.88–1.58), and 1.77 (1.28–2.43), respectively (P for trend <0.0001). CONCLUSIONS—These data suggest that high levels of egg consumption (daily) are associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes in men and women. Confirmation of these findings in other populations is warranted.
Size-dependent output power saturation of vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser diodes

We demonstrate efficient vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser diodes with high output power levels. Improved output power in these pillar-etched devices is achieved through a 60% lower thermal resistance by using a 15-/spl mu/m-thick Au-plated heat spreading layer on the top surface with a size of 300/spl times/300 /spl mu/m/sup 2/. The maximum continous wave output power increases almost linearly with laser diameter, before it saturates at 42 mW for an unmounted Au-plated device of 64-/spl mu/m diameter. A simple analytical model describes the laser output characteristics and the size-dependent saturation behavior of the maximum output power.
What Is Your Diagnosis?

Multiple cases of upper respiratory disease developed in a free-range flock of Brahma chickens. The flock consisted of 70 hens and 4 roosters; approximately 40 birds became ill or died. Clinical signs were sneezing, coughing, and mucoid nasal and ocular discharge. A subset of birds also developed torticollis, with most of the animals dying within 1 week of developing clinical disease. The entire flock had been recently treated for 7 days with tetracycline (211 mg/L in the drinking water q24h). The owner had reported a problem with raccoons (Procyon lotor) on the property. The carcass of a hen with signs of torticollis (Fig 1), ataxia, and general unresponsiveness to stimuli was submitted to the Diagnostic Center for Population and Animal Health at Michigan State University for necropsy. The hen that was presented for a pathologic evaluation weighed 1.95 kg and had very poor body condition, as evidenced by a prominent keel. The oral cavity and trachea contained a moderate amount of yellow-white mucoid material. The thoracic air sacs were slightly opaque, and the pleural surfaces were diffusely thickened with sticky, yellow mucoid material. Multiple nodular masses were attached to the mesentery and mesovarium, and a large (6 3 2 3 1-cm) mass extended from the infundibulum of the oviduct (Fig 2). On cut section, the masses contained caseous material. The ovary contained 3, dark redbrown, 2–4-cm masses (Fig 3). A 4-mm-diameter, yellow-tan, caseous plug was present within both external ear canals, extending toward the middle ear. At necropsy, various tissue samples were fixed in neutral-buffered 10% formalin, routinely processed, embedded in paraffin, sectioned, and stained with hematoxylin and eosin. On histologic examination, inflammatory infiltrate was present within the mesentery and mesovarium consisting of
Analysis of Expressed Sequence Tags and Characterization of a Novel Gene, Slmg7, in the Midgut of the Common Cutworm, Spodoptera litura

Background Out of total 3,081 assembled expressed sequence tags (ESTs) sequences representing 6,815 high-quality ESTs identified in three cDNA libraries constructed with RNA isolated from the midgut of Spodoptera litura, 1,039 ESTs showed significant hits and 1,107 ESTs did not show significant hits in BLAST searches. It is of interest to clarify whether or not these ESTs that did not show hits function in S. Litura. Results Twenty “no-hit” ESTs containing at least one putative open reading frame were selected for further expression analysis. The results from northern blot analysis showed that six of the selected ESTs are expressed in the larval midgut of this insect at different levels, suggesting that these ESTs represent true mRNA products, whereas the other 14 ESTs could not be detected. Homologues of the four larval midgut-predominant genes (Slmg2, Slmg7, Slmg9 and Slmg17) were detected in the genomes of other lepidopteran insects but not in Drosophila melanogaster. A novel gene, Slmg7, is expressed at a high level specifically in the midgut during each of the larval stages. Slmg7 is a single copy gene and encodes a 143-amino acids protein. The SLMG7 protein was localized to the cytoplasm of Spli-221 cells. Conclusions Six ESTs from the no hit list are transcribed into mRNA and are mainly expressed in the midgut of S. litura. Slmg7 is a novel gene that is localized to the cytoplasm.
Livestock genetic origins: Goats buck the trend

The domestic goat (Capra hircus) often is dismissed as the “poor man's cow” for its ability to thrive on meager fodder and cope with harsh environments. However, this belies the economic and archaeological importance of the species. From an agricultural standpoint, the world's 700 million goats provide reliable access to meat, milk, skins, and fiber for small farmers—particularly in developing countries. In addition, accumulating archaeological evidence indicates that goats, in the form of their wild progenitor—the bezoar (Capra aegagrus), were the first wild herbivores to be domesticated (Fig. 1). These studies suggest that this happened ≈10,000 years ago at the dawn of the Neolithic in the region known as the Fertile Crescent (1, 2). Therefore these sturdy animals may have been the first “walking larders” and by example, could have triggered subsequent domestications of the full repertoire of Euroasian livestock species that have provided the bulk of the animal protein consumed by ever-expanding human populations.
Characterization of Healthy and Pathological Voice Through Measures Based on Nonlinear Dynamics

In this paper, we propose to quantify the quality of the recorded voice through objective nonlinear measures. Quantification of speech signal quality has been traditionally carried out with linear techniques since the classical model of voice production is a linear approximation. Nevertheless, nonlinear behaviors in the voice production process have been shown. This paper studies the usefulness of six nonlinear chaotic measures based on nonlinear dynamics theory in the discrimination between two levels of voice quality: healthy and pathological. The studied measures are first- and second-order Renyi entropies, the correlation entropy and the correlation dimension. These measures were obtained from the speech signal in the phase-space domain. The values of the first minimum of mutual information function and Shannon entropy were also studied. Two databases were used to assess the usefulness of the measures: a multiquality database composed of four levels of voice quality (healthy voice and three levels of pathological voice); and a commercial database (MEEI Voice Disorders) composed of two levels of voice quality (healthy and pathological voices). A classifier based on standard neural networks was implemented in order to evaluate the measures proposed. Global success rates of 82.47% (multiquality database) and 99.69% (commercial database) were obtained.
Modeling the Dynamic Regulation of Nitrogen Fixation in the Cyanobacterium Trichodesmium sp

ABSTRACT A physiological, unbalanced model is presented that explicitly describes growth of the marine cyanobacterium Trichodesmium sp. at the expense of N2 (diazotrophy). The model involves the dynamics of intracellular reserves of carbon and nitrogen and allows the uncoupling of the metabolism of these elements. The results show the transient dynamics of N2 fixation when combined nitrogen (NO3−, NH4+) is available and the increased rate of N2 fixation when combined nitrogen is insufficient to cover the demand. The daily N2 fixation pattern that emerges from the model agrees with measurements of rates of nitrogenase activity in laboratory cultures of Trichodesmium sp. Model simulations explored the influence of irradiance levels and the length of the light period on fixation activity and cellular carbon and nitrogen stoichiometry. Changes in the cellular C/N ratio resulted from allocations of carbon to different cell compartments as demanded by the growth of the organism. The model shows that carbon availability is a simple and efficient mechanism to regulate the balance of carbon and nitrogen fixed (C/N ratio) in filaments of cells. The lowest C/N ratios were obtained when the light regime closely matched nitrogenase dynamics.
A comparison of three brain–computer interfaces based on event-related desynchronization, steady state visual evoked potentials, or a hybrid approach using both signals

Brain–computer interface (BCI) systems rely on the direct measurement of brain signals, such as event-related desynchronization (ERD), steady state visual evoked potentials (SSVEPs), P300s, or slow cortical potentials. Unfortunately, none of these BCI approaches work for all users. This study compares two conventional BCI approaches (ERD and SSVEP) within subjects, and also evaluates a novel hybrid BCI based on a combination of these signals. We recorded EEG data from 12 subjects across three conditions. In the first condition, subjects imagined moving both hands or both feet (ERD). In the second condition, subjects focused on one of the two oscillating visual stimuli (SSVEP). In the third condition, subjects simultaneously performed both tasks. We used logarithmic band power features at sites and frequencies consistent with ERD and SSVEP activity, and subjects received real-time feedback based on their performance. Subjects also completed brief questionnaires. All subjects could simultaneously perform the movement and visual task in the hybrid condition even though most subjects had little or no training. All subjects showed both SSVEP and ERD activity during the hybrid task, consistent with the activity in both single tasks. Subjects generally considered the hybrid condition moderately more difficult, but all of them were able to complete the hybrid task. Results support the hypothesis that subjects who do not have strong ERD activity might be more effective with an SSVEP BCI, and suggest that SSVEP BCIs work for more subjects. A simultaneous hybrid BCI is feasible, although the current hybrid approach, which involves combining ERD and SSVEP in a two-choice task to improve accuracy, is not significantly better than a comparable SSVEP BCI. Switching to an SSVEP BCI could increase reliability in subjects who have trouble producing the EEG activity necessary to use an ERD BCI. Subjects who are proficient in both BCI approaches might be able to combine these approaches in different ways and for different goals.