Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Neural mechanisms of language development in infancy

Abstract Understanding the neural processes underpinning individual differences in early language development is of increasing interest, as it is known to vary in typical development and to be quite heterogeneous in neurodevelopmental conditions. However, few studies to date have tested whether early brain measures are indicative of the developmental trajectory of language, as opposed to language outcomes at specific ages. We combined recordings from two longitudinal studies, including typically developing infants without a family history of autism, and infants with increased likelihood of developing autism (infant‐siblings) (N = 191). Electroencephalograms (EEG) were recorded at 6 months, and behavioral assessments at 6, 12, 18, 24 and 36 months of age. Using a growth curve model, we tested whether absolute EEG spectral power at 6 months was associated with concurrent language abilities, and developmental change in language between 6 and 36 months. We found evidence of an association between 6‐month alpha‐band power and concurrent, but not developmental change in, expressive language ability in both infant‐siblings and control infants. The observed association between 6‐month alpha‐band power and 6‐month expressive language was not moderated by group status, suggesting some continuity in neural mechanisms.
Progress and perspectives in the low-energy kaon-nucleon/nuclei interaction studies at the DAΦNE collider

Low-energy QCD is still lacking experimental results, fundamental for reaching a good understanding of the strangeness sector. The information provided by the low energy kaon- nucleon/nuclei interaction is accessible through the study of kaonic atoms and kaonic nuclear processes. The lightest atomic systems, namely the kaonic hydrogen and the kaonic deuterium, provide the isospin dependent kaon-nucleon scattering lengths by measuring the X-rays emitted during their de-excitation to the 1s level. The most precise kaonic hydrogen measurement to date, together with an exploratory measurement of kaonic deuterium and of upper-level transitions in kaonic helium 3 and kaonic helium 4 were carried out at the DAΦNE collider by the SIDDHARTA collaboration. Presently, a significantly upgraded setup developped by the SIDDHARTA-2 collaboration is ready to perform a precise measurement of kaonic deuterium and, afterwards, of heavier exotic atoms. In parallel, the kaon-nuclei interaction at momenta below 130 MeV/c is studied by the AMADEUS collaboration, using the KLOE detector and a dedicated setup inserted in the central region, near the interaction point. Preliminary results of the study of charged antikaons interacting with nuclei are shown, including an analysis of the controversial Λ(1405).
Discovery of Brassica Yellows Virus and Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus in Diaphorina citri and Changes in Virome Due to Infection with ‘Ca. L. asiaticus’

The cross transmission of pathogenic viruses between different farming systems or plant communities is a major threat to plants and animals and, potentially, human health. The use of metagenomics is an effective approach to discover viruses and vectors. ABSTRACT Detection of new viruses or new virus hosts is essential for the protection of economically important agroecosystems and human health. Increasingly, metatranscriptomic data are being used to facilitate this process. Such data were obtained from adult Asian citrus psyllids (ACP) (Diaphorina citri Kuwayama) that fed solely on mandarin (Citrus ×aurantium L.) plants grafted with buds infected with ‘Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus’ (CLas), a phloem-limited bacterium associated with the severe Asian variant of huanglongbing (HLB), the most destructive disease of citrus. Brassica yellows virus (BrYV), the causative agent of yellowing or leafroll symptoms in brassicaceous plants, and its associated RNA (named as BrYVaRNA) were detected in ACP. In addition, the porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV), which affects pigs and is economically important to pig production, was also found in ACP. These viruses were not detected in insects feeding on plants grafted with CLas-free buds. Changes in the concentrations of insect-specific viruses within the psyllid were caused by coinfection with CLas. IMPORTANCE The cross transmission of pathogenic viruses between different farming systems or plant communities is a major threat to plants and animals and, potentially, human health. The use of metagenomics is an effective approach to discover viruses and vectors. Here, we collected buds from the CLas-infected and CLas-free mandarin (Citrus ×aurantium L. [Rutaceae: Aurantioideae: Aurantieae]) trees from a commercial orchard and grafted them onto CLas-free mandarin plants under laboratory conditions. Through metatranscriptome sequencing, we first identified the Asian citrus psyllids feeding on plants grafted with CLas-infected buds carried the plant pathogen, brassica yellows virus and its associated RNA, and the swine pathogen, porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus. These discoveries indicate that both viruses can be transmitted by grafting and acquired by ACP from CLas+ mandarin seedlings.
The π-Full Tight Riesz Orders on A(Ω)

Let G be a lattice-ordered group (l-group), and let t, u∈ G+ . We write tπu if t ∧ g = 1 is equivalent to u ∧ g = 1, and say that a tight Riesz order T on G is π-full if t ∈ T and t π U imply u∈T. We study the set of π-full tight Riesz orders on an l-permutation group (G, Ω), Ω a totally ordered set.
I STITUTO DI A NALISI DEI S ISTEMI

Classifiers built through supervised learning techniques are widely used in computational biology. Examples are neural networks, decision trees and support vector machines. Recently, an extension of Regularized Generalized Eigenvalues Classifier (ReGEC) has been proposed, in which prior knowledge is included. When knowledge is formalized as a set of linear constraints to the ReGEC, the resulting non linear classifier has a lower complexity and halves the misclassification error with respect to the original method. In this work, we show how logic programming can extract knowledge from data to enhance classification models produced by ReGEC. The knowledge extraction method is based on two phases: a feature selection phase and a rules extraction phase. Feature selection is formulated as an integer programming problem that extends a set covering problem. The extraction phase is performed through the iterative solution of different instances of the same minimum cost satisfiability problem that models the logic separation rules used for classification. The overall method, that we call LF-ReGEC, guarantees that the number of points in the training set is not increased and the resulting model does not overfit the problem. Furthermore, the overall accuracy of the method is increased. Finally, the method is compared with other methods using genomic and proteomic data sets taken from the literature.
Computation of selected eigenvalues of generalized eigenvalue problems

We examine and develop techniques for obtaining a few selected eigenvalues of the generalized eigenvalue problem Ax = [lambda]Bx, where A and B are n[times]n, nonsymmetric, banded complex matrices. One way of obtaining the desired eigenvalues is to use a direct method to compute all the eigenvalues. Direct methods are computationally intensive and destroy the sparsity of the matrices A and B. Iterative methods, on the other hand, maintain the sparsity of the matrices and compute only a few eigenvalues. The iterative algorithms that we consider are the Arnoldi and Lanczos methods. We use a shift and invert strategy to increase the rate of convergence towards the desired eigenvalues. We compare these two approaches for a model problem, which arises from considering the linear stability of compressible boundary layers and some other test problems. We present a general scheme to compute the eigenvalues lying inside a [open quotes]box[close quotes] in the complex plane. We also outline a procedure to separate the converged eigenvalues from spurious approximations. In addition, this procedure can also improve the approximations to the eigenvalues of interest. Numerical results obtains on a CRAY Y-MP are presented. 20 refs., 3 figs., 10 tabs.
Single‐nucleus RNA sequencing unveils critical regulators in various hippocampal neurons for anti‐N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptor encephalitis

Anti‐N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptor (NMDAR) encephalitis is a neuropsychiatric disease with variable clinical manifestations caused by NMDAR autoantibody. The underlying molecular underpinnings of this disease are rarely characterized on a genomic scale. Anti‐NMDAR encephalitis mainly affects the hippocampus, however, its effect on gene expression in hippocampal neurons is unclear at present. Here, we construct the active and passive immunization mouse models of anti‐NMDAR encephalitis, and use single‐nucleus RNA sequencing to investigate the diverse expression profile of neuronal populations isolated from different hippocampal regions. Dramatic changes in cell proportions and differentially expressed genes were observed in excitatory neurons of the dentate gyrus (DG) subregion. In addition, we found that ATP metabolism and biosynthetic regulators related genes in excitatory neurons of DG subregion were significantly affected. Kcnq1ot1 in inhibitory neurons and Meg3 in interneurons also changed. Notably, the latter two molecules exhibited opposite changes in different models. Therefore, the above genes were used as potential targets for further research on the pathological process of anti‐NMDAR encephalitis. These data involve various hippocampal neurons, which delineate a framework for understanding the hippocampal neuronal circuit and the potential molecular mechanisms of anti‐NMDAR encephalitis.
Parthenogenesis in dipterans: a genetic perspective

Parthenogenesis has been documented in almost every phylum of animals, and yet this phenomenon is largely understudied. It has particular importance in dipterans since some parthenogenetic species are also disease vectors and agricultural pests. Here, we present a catalogue of parthenogenetic dipterans, although it is likely that many more remain to be identified, and we discuss how their developmental biology and interactions with diverse environments may be linked to different types of parthenogenetic reproduction. We discuss how the advances in genetics and genomics have identified chromosomal loci associated with parthenogenesis. In particular, a polygenic cause of facultative parthenogenesis has been uncovered in Drosophila mercatorum, allowing the corresponding genetic variants to be tested for their ability to promote parthenogenesis in another species, Drosophila melanogaster. This study probably identifies just one of many routes that could be followed in the evolution of parthenogenesis. We attempt to account for why the phenomenon has evolved so many times in the dipteran order and why facultative parthenogenesis appears particularly prevalent. We also discuss the significance of coarse genomic changes, including non-disjunction, aneuploidy, and polyploidy and how, together with changes to specific genes, these might relate to both facultative and obligate parthenogenesis in dipterans and other parthenogenetic animals.
Seasonal ecosystem linkages contribute to the maintenance of migratory polymorphism in a salmonid population

The influence of resource subsidies on animal growth, survival and reproduction is well understood, but their ultimate effects on life history have been less explored. Some wild species have a partially migratory life history, wherein migration is dictated based upon threshold traits regulated in part by the seasonal availability of resources. We conducted a large-scale field manipulation experiment where we provided a terrestrial invertebrate subsidy to red-spotted masu salmon. Individuals in stream reaches that received a subsidy had, on average, a 53% increase in growth rate relative to those in control reaches. This increased growth resulted in a greater proportion of individuals reaching the threshold body size and smolting in the autumn. Consequently, 19–55% of females in subsidized reaches became migratory, whereas 0–14% became migratory in the control reaches. Our findings highlight seasonal ecosystem linkage as a key ecosystem property for maintaining migratory polymorphism in partially migratory animals.
The motion of a layer of yield-stress material on an oscillating plate

Abstract The motion of a finite layer of Bingham material on a solid plate that executes in-plane oscillations was reported previously by Balmforth et al. (J. Non-Newtonian Fluid Mech., vol. 158, issue 1–3, 2009, pp. 46–53). There, it was suggested that multiple yielded regions may arise within the material; this contrasts to start-up flow of the same material for which only one yielded region is generated. Here, we explore quantitatively the fluid physics of this oscillatory flow problem through analytical approximations and further numerical computation. Four new key topological properties concerning the generation and termination of the yielded regions are reported. It is shown that the existence of multiple yielded regions is equivalent to the layer never becoming entirely rigid during the periodic motion. For small inertia, the flow is approximately time-reversible with only a single yielded region generated at the plate. For large inertia, shear stress in the material decays rapidly as a function of distance from the plate. A thin zone of yielded material detaches periodically from the plate, and subsequently terminates within the layer. At high oscillation frequency, there can be any number $N$ of distinct rigid regions, satisfying $N= \lfloor 1- {\rm \pi}^{-1} \log B \rfloor$ where $B$ is the Bingham number. It is also shown that for $B>0.5370$, there are at most one yielded region and one rigid region throughout the motion. These theoretical results can be used as a basis for oscillatory rheometry, allowing for measurement of the yield stress using existing apparatus.
Engaging community pharmacists in tuberculosis-directly observed treatment: a mixed-methods study

Abstract Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of implementing community pharmacy-based tuberculosis-directly observed treatment (TB-DOT) in Malaysia. Background: Tuberculosis (TB) eradication is one of the top priorities in the public health agenda in Malaysia. While public-private mix (PPM) initiatives have been launched, community pharmacists remain undervalued assets in TB management. Methods: A two-phase mixed-methods study targeting community pharmacists was conducted in Malaysia between March and October 2021. The first phase was an online self-administered survey developed according to the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR). The second phase was a semi-structured interview to allow deeper understanding on the quantitative results. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive analysis while qualitative data were analysed using thematic analysis with a semi-inductive approach. The data were triangulated to enhance comprehensiveness and credibility of the findings. Findings: The survey was completed by 388 community pharmacists, and 23 pharmacists participated in the interview. Most community pharmacists indicated their willingness to serve as TB-DOT supervisors (70.1%). Qualitative results supported the findings. Community pharmacy-based TB-DOT service was perceived as an avenue to improve TB management and outcomes and to enhance the professional role of pharmacists in TB service at primary care settings. This was also perceived as a feasible intervention with the potential to strengthen the National TB Control programme. This initiative needs be reinforced with adequate support from the public healthcare sector for a strong partnership in ensuring success.
EM Based Stochastic Maximum Likelihood Approach for Localization of Near-field Sources in 3-D

Abstract The goal of this paper is to estimate the locations of unknown sources in 3-D space from the data collected by a 2-D rectangular array. Various studies employing different estimation methods under near-field and far-field assumptions were presented in the past. In most of the previous studies, location estimations of sources at the same plane with the antenna array were carried out by using algorithms having constraints for various situations indeed. In this study, location estimations of sources that are placed at a different plane from the antenna array is given. In other words, locations of sources in 3-D space is estimated by using a 2-D rectangular array. Maximum likelihood (ML) method is chosen as the estimator since it has a better resolution performance than the conventional methods in the presence of less number and highly correlated source signal samples and low signal to noise ratio. Besides these superiorities, stability, asymptotic unbiasedness, asymptotic minimum variance properties as well as no restrictions on the antenna array are motivated the application of ML approach. Despite these advantages, ML estimator has computational complexity. However, this problem is tackled by the application of Expectation/Maximization (EM) iterative algorithm which converts the multidimensional search problem to one dimensional parallel search problems in order to prevent computational complexity. EM iterative algorithm is therefore adapted to the localization problem by the data (complete data) assumed to arrive to the sensors separately instead of observed data (incomplete data). Furthermore, performance of the proposed algorithm is tested by deriving Cramer-Rao bounds based on the concentrated likelihood approach. Finally, the applicability and effectiveness of the proposed algorithm is illustrated by some numerical simulations
Designing With, not for Students: Prioritizing Student Voice Using Liberatory Design Thinking

Test: The Test phase is where prototypes are enacted, and successful design is explored. In this phase, the design team is able to get speci ﬁ c feedback from community members, check their assumptions, and learn how to improve the design. Feedback is seen as a gift in this phase. Depending on the feedback received, the design team is then able to return to the prototype phase and try again and edit if needed. Key questions to ask in this phase are:
Redesigning Student Success

ESIGN THINKING can be effective in Higher Education to help teams improve student outcomes if one deploys strategies to translate and embed the design process. This article offers an overview and bene ﬁ ts of design thinking, along with guidance and advice for institutions and leaders who want to apply this approach but don ’ t know where to begin.
Reinforcement learning with Gaussian process regression using variational free energy

Abstract The essential part of existing reinforcement learning algorithms that use Gaussian process regression involves a complicated online Gaussian process regression algorithm. Our study proposes online and mini-batch Gaussian process regression algorithms that are easier to implement and faster to estimate for reinforcement learning. In our algorithm, the Gaussian process regression updates the value function through only the computation of two equations, which we then use to construct reinforcement learning algorithms. Our numerical experiments show that the proposed algorithm works as well as those from previous studies.
Two-dimensional metal halide perovskites and their heterostructures: from synthesis to applications

Abstract Size- and shape-dependent unique properties of the metal halide perovskite nanocrystals make them promising building blocks for constructing various electronic and optoelectronic devices. These unique properties together with their easy colloidal synthesis render them efficient nanoscale functional components for multiple applications ranging from light emission devices to energy conversion and storage devices. Recently, two-dimensional (2D) metal halide perovskites in the form of nanosheets (NSs) or nanoplatelets (NPls) are being intensively studied due to their promising 2D geometry which is more compatible with the conventional electronic and optoelectronic device structures where film-like components are usually employed. In particular, 2D perovskites exhibit unique thickness-dependent properties due to the strong quantum confinement effect, while enabling the bandgap tuning in a wide spectral range. In this review the synthesis procedures of 2D perovskite nanostructures will be summarized, while the application-related properties together with the corresponding applications will be extensively discussed. In addition, perovskite nanocrystals/2D material heterostructures will be reviewed in detail. Finally, the wide application range of the 2D perovskite-based structures developed to date, including pure perovskites and their heterostructures, will be presented while the improved synergetic properties of the multifunctional materials will be discussed in a comprehensive way.
Design and performance of a wide-bandwidth and sensitive instrument for near-infrared spectroscopic measurements on human tissue

The article describes an instrument designed to perform in vivo near-infrared spectroscopic measurements on human tissues. The system integrates five continuous-wave laser diode sources emitting in the near-infrared spectral region and a low-noise detection system based on an avalanche photodiode. The optical probe is based on a compact, reliable, and low-cost fiber based system with four quantitative measuring points. The excellent sensitivity of the instrument allows one to perform quantitative assessments of the hemoglobin concentration exploiting precise absorption measurements close to the absorption peak of the water: 975 nm. Moreover, a good signal to noise ratio is obtained also at a high acquisition rate, allowing us to follow rapid changes in oxidative metabolism. The system bandwidth is selectable within the range 2.3–27 Hz, i.e., 20 channels (five chromatic and four spatial channels) can be acquired 27 times for each measuring second, whereas the system amplification can be set to measure opti.
Analytic calculation of the optical properties of graphite

We present an analytic calculation of the dielectric constant of graphite valid in the spectral range dominated by π-electron transitions. An orthogonal, nearest-neighbor tight-binding description of electron bands is applied and interaction between different graphite layers is ignored. In addition to the optical response. a simple closed-form expression for the density of states is obtained. The only free parameter is the π-electron transfer integral, which we determine from a comparison with experiments. The analytic result agrees reasonably with measured spectra and the agreement is further improved by the inclusion of broadening. To the best of our knowledge, the present analytic calculation is the first for any real material.