Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evidence for modulation of EEG microstates by mental workload levels and task types

Electroencephalography (EEG) microstate analysis has become a popular tool for studying the spatial and temporal dynamics of large‐scale electrophysiological activities in the brain in recent years. Four canonical topographies of the electric field (classes A, B, C, and D) have been widely identified, and changes in microstate parameters are associated with several psychiatric disorders and cognitive functions. Recent studies have reported the modulation of EEG microstate by mental workload (MWL). However, the common practice of evaluating MWL is in a specific task. Whether the modulation of microstate by MWL is consistent across different types of tasks is still not clear. Here, we studied the topographies and dynamics of microstate in two independent MWL tasks: NBack and the multi‐attribute task battery (MATB) and showed that the modulation of MWL on microstate topographies and parameters depended on tasks. We found that the parameters of microstates A and C, and the topographies of microstates A, B, and D were significantly different between the two tasks. Meanwhile, all four microstate topographies and parameters of microstates A and C were different during the NBack task, but no significant difference was found during the MATB task. Furthermore, we employed a support vector machine recursive feature elimination procedure to investigate whether microstate parameters were suitable for MWL classification. An averaged classification accuracy of 87% for within‐task and 78% for cross‐task MWL discrimination was achieved with at least 10 features. Collectively, our findings suggest that topographies and parameters of microstates can provide valuable information about neural activity patterns with a dynamic temporal structure at different levels of MWL, but the modulation of MWL depends on tasks and their corresponding functional systems. Moreover, as a potential indicator, microstate parameters could be used to distinguish MWL.
Higher adherence to the Mediterranean Diet is associated with lower micronutrient inadequacy in children: the SENDO project

Abstract Objective: To assess whether the Mediterranean Diet (MedDiet) is associated with lower micronutrients inadequacy in a sample of Spanish preschoolers. Design: We conducted a cross-sectional study with 4–5-year-old children participating in the SENDO project. Information was gathered through an online questionnaire completed by parents. Dietary information was collected with a previously validated semi-quantitative FFQ. The estimated average requirements or adequate intake levels as proposed by the Institute of Medicine were used as cut-off point to define inadequate intake. Statistical analyses: Crude and multivariable adjusted estimates were calculated with generalised estimated equations to account for intra-cluster correlation between siblings. Participants: We used baseline information of 1153 participants enrolled in the SENDO project between January 2015 and June 2022. Main outcomes measures: OR and 95 % CI of presenting an inadequate intake of ≥ 3 micronutrients associated with the MedDiet. Results: The adjusted proportion of children with inadequate intake of ≥ 3 micronutrients was 27·2 %, 13·5 % and 8·1 % in the categories of low, medium and high adherence to the MedDiet, respectively. After adjusting for all potential confounders, children who had a low adherence to the MedDiet showed a significant lower odds of inadequate intake of ≥ 3 micronutrients compared to those with a high adherence (OR 9·85; 95 % CI 3·33, 29·09). Conclusion: Lower adherence to the MedDiet is associated with higher odds of nutritional inadequacy.
Single-cell Transcriptomics Reveals Activation of Macrophages in All-trans Retinoic Acid (atRA)-induced Cleft Palate

Cleft palate is among the most common birth defects with an impact on swallowing and speaking and is difficult to diagnose with ultrasound during pregnancy. In this study, we systematically capture the cellular composition of all-trans retinoic acid (atRA)-exposed and normal embryonic gestation 16.5 days mouse palate by the single-cell RNA sequencing technique. The authors identified 14 major cell types with the largest proportion of fibroblasts. The proportion of myeloid cells in atRA-exposed palate was markedly higher than those in the normal palate tissue, especially M1-like macrophages and monocytes. The upregulated genes of the different expression genes between atRA-exposed palate and normal palate tissue were linked to the biological processes of leukocyte chemotaxis and migration. Protein TLR2, CXCR4, THBS1, MRC1, transcription factor encoding genes Cebpb, Fos, Jun, Rela, and signaling pathway IL-17 and phagosome were found to be significantly involved in these processes. Subsequently, cellular communication network analysis suggested that myeloid-centered cell interactions SELL, SELPLG, MIF, CXCL, ANNEXIN, THBS, and NECTIN were significantly more activated in atRA-exposed palate. Overall, we delineate the single-cell landscape of atRA-induced cleft palate, revealing the effects of overexposure to atRA during palate tissue development and providing insights for the diagnosis of cleft palate.
Isolated shallow marine sand bodies : sequence stratigraphic analysis and sedimentologic interpretation

Isolated Shallow Marine Sand Bodies: Sequence Stratigraphic Analysis and Sedimentologic Interpretation - Isolated shallow marine sand bodies are significant hydrocarbon reservoirs and understanding sand body genesis and geometry is critical to successful exploration and exploitation of these deposits. Recent advances in sequence stratigraphy have rekindled and refocused the discussions surrounding these important reservoirs. This volume stems from a 1995 SEPM sponsored targeted research conference that brought together the proponents of the differing interpretations to discuss facts and principles as they relate to isolated shallow marine sand bodies, using the controversial Lower Campian Shannon Sandstone as the focus for discussion.
Multimodal interactions drive chromatin phase separation and compaction

Significance A correct balance between gene silencing and gene activation is essential for normal cellular function. It is established that this balance involves the reversible formation of compact, transcriptionally inactive heterochromatin and, according to recent hypotheses, may also require phase separation of heterochromatin. However, the molecular mechanism governing gene silencing remains elusive. Here, we show that chromatin compaction can occur in absence of phase separation, and we elucidate the interactions driving compaction. Our results provide insights into the molecular basis of the regulation of gene silencing.
Integrating direct electrical brain stimulation with the human connectome

Abstract Neurological and neurodevelopmental conditions are a major public health concern for which new therapies are urgently needed. The development of effective therapies relies on the precise mapping of the neural substrates causally involved in behaviour generation. Direct electrical stimulation (DES) performed during cognitive and neurological monitoring in awake surgery is currently considered the gold standard for the causal mapping of brain functions. However, DES is limited by the focal nature of the stimulation sites, hampering a real holistic exploration of human brain functions at the network level. We used 4137 DES points derived from 612 glioma patients in combination with human connectome data—resting-state functional MRI, n = 1000 and diffusion weighted imaging, n = 284—to provide a multimodal description of the causal macroscale functional networks subtending 12 distinct behavioural domains. To probe the validity of our procedure, we (i) compared the network topographies of healthy and clinical populations; (ii) tested the predictive capacity of DES-derived networks; (iii) quantified the coupling between structural and functional connectivity; and (iv) built a multivariate model able to quantify single subject deviations from a normative population. Lastly, we probed the translational potential of DES-derived functional networks by testing their specificity and sensitivity in identifying critical neuromodulation targets and neural substrates associated with postoperative language deficits. The combination of DES and human connectome data resulted in an average 29.4-fold increase in whole brain coverage compared to DES alone. DES-derived functional networks are predictive of future stimulation points (97.8% accuracy) and strongly supported by the anatomical connectivity of subcortical stimulations. We did not observe any significant topographical differences between the patients and the healthy population at both group and single subject level. Showcasing concrete clinical applications, we found that DES-derived functional networks overlap with effective neuromodulation targets across several functional domains, show a high degree of specificity when tested with the intracranial stimulation points of a different stimulation technique and can be used effectively to characterize postoperative behavioural deficits. The integration of DES with the human connectome fundamentally advances the quality of the functional mapping provided by DES or functional imaging alone. DES-derived functional networks can reliably predict future stimulation points, have a strong correspondence with the underlying white matter and can be used for patient specific functional mapping. Possible applications range from psychiatry and neurology to neuropsychology, neurosurgery and neurorehabilitation.
Hypoxia‐inducible microRNA‐155 negatively regulates epithelial barrier in eosinophilic esophagitis by suppressing tight junction claudin‐7

MicroRNA (miRNA)‐mediated mRNA regulation directs many homeostatic and pathological processes, but how miRNAs coordinate aberrant esophageal inflammation during eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is poorly understood. Here, we report a deregulatory axis where microRNA‐155 (miR‐155) regulates epithelial barrier dysfunction by selectively constraining tight junction CLDN7 (claudin‐7). MiR‐155 is elevated in the esophageal epithelium of biopsies from patients with active EoE and in cell culture models. MiR‐155 localization using in situ hybridization (ISH) in patient biopsies and intra‐epithelial compartmentalization of miR‐155 show expression predominantly within the basal epithelia. Epithelial miR‐155 activity was evident through diminished target gene expression in 3D organotypic cultures, particularly in relatively undifferentiated basal cell states. Mechanistically, generation of a novel cell line with enhanced epithelial miR‐155 stable overexpression induced a functionally deficient epithelial barrier in 3D air–liquid interface epithelial cultures measured by transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER). Histological assessment of 3D esophageal organoid cultures overexpressing miR‐155 showed notable dilated intra‐epithelial spaces. Unbiased RNA‐sequencing analysis and immunofluorescence determined a defect in epithelial barrier tight junctions and revealed a selective reduction in the expression of critical esophageal tight junction molecule, claudin‐7. Together, our data reveal a previously unappreciated role for miR‐155 in mediating epithelial barrier dysfunction in esophageal inflammation.
Human anti-C1q autoantibodies bind specifically to solid-phase C1q and enhance phagocytosis but not complement activation

Significance Autoantibodies against complement component C1q are associated with several autoimmune diseases.These autoantibodies specifically bind to ligand-bound, solid-phase C1q, but not fluid-phase C1q. We identified nine human anti-C1q clones from healthy individuals and produced them recombinantly. We found that these autoantibodies recognize the collagen-like region of solid-phase C1q, when C1q is in complex with a range of its natural ligands. Electron microscopy revealed that multiple antibodies bind a single C1q molecule and further identified the region of C1q targeted by these mAbs. Binding of anti-C1q does not increase complement activation on immune complexes; however, we demonstrated that anti-C1q autoantibodies bound to solid-phase C1q can activate immune cells by engaging Fc-receptors. Anti-C1q autoantibodies may thereby contribute to pathological processes in autoimmune disease.
Characterization and catalytic investigation of fungal single-module nonribosomal peptide synthetase in terpene-amino acid meroterpenoid biosynthesis

Abstract Hybrid natural products are compounds that originate from diverse biosynthetic pathways and undergo a conjugation process, which enables them to expand their chemical diversity and biological functionality. Terpene-amino acid meroterpenoids have garnered increasing attention in recent years, driven by the discovery of noteworthy examples such as the anthelmintic CJ-12662, the insecticidal paeciloxazine, and aculene A (1). In the biosynthesis of terpene-amino acid natural products, single-module nonribosomal peptide synthetases (NRPSs) have been identified to be involved in the esterification step, catalyzing the fusion of modified terpene and amino acid components. Despite prior investigations into these NRPSs through gene deletion or in vivo experiments, the enzymatic basis and mechanistic insights underlying this family of single-module NRPSs remain unclear. In this study, we performed biochemical characterization of AneB by in vitro characterization, molecular docking, and site-directed mutagenesis. The enzyme reaction analyses, performed with L-proline and daucane/nordaucane sesquiterpene substrates, revealed that AneB specifically esterifies the C10-OH of aculenes with L-proline. Notably, in contrast to ThmA in CJ-12662 biosynthesis, which exclusively recognizes oxygenated amorpha-4,11-diene sesquiterpenes for L-tryptophan transfer, AneB demonstrates broad substrate selectivity, including oxygenated amorpha-4,11-diene and 2-phenylethanol, resulting in the production of diverse unnatural prolyl compounds. Furthermore, site-directed mutagenesis experiments indicated the involvement of H794 and D798 in the esterification catalyzed by AneB. Lastly, domain swapping between AneB and ThmA unveiled that the A‒T domains of ThmA can be effectively harnessed by the C domain of AneB for L-tryptophan transfer, thus highlighting the potential of the C domain of AneB for generating various terpene-amino acid meroterpenoid derivatives. One-Sentence Summary The enzymatic basis and mechanistic insights into AneB, a single-module NRPS, highlight its capacity to generate various terpene-amino acid meroterpenoid derivatives.
Impact of radioiodine therapy on recurrence and survival outcomes in intermediate‐risk papillary thyroid carcinoma —A systematic review and meta‐analysis

The utility of radioiodine (RAI) therapy in intermediate‐risk papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) remains a topic of ongoing discussion. This systematic review and meta‐analysis aimed to consolidate existing evidence on the impact of postoperative RAI therapy on recurrence and survival outcomes in intermediate‐risk PTC.
Bottom's Dream and the amplification of filamentary gas structures and stellar spiral arms

Theories of spiral structure traditionally separate into tight-winding Lin-Shu spiral density waves and the swing-amplified material patterns of Goldreich&Lynden-Bell and Julian&Toomre. In this paper we consolidate these two types of spirals into a unified description, treating density waves beyond the tight-winding limit, in the regime of shearing and non-steady open spirals. This 'shearing wave' scenario novelly captures swing amplification that enables structure formation above conventional Q thresholds. However, it also highlights the fundamental role of spiral forcing on the amplification process in general, whether the wave is shearing or not. Thus it captures resonant and non-resonant mode growth through the donkey effect described by Lynden-Bell&Kalnajs and, critically, the cessation of growth when donkey behavior is no longer permitted. Our calculations predict growth exclusive to trailing spirals above the Jeans length, the prominence of spirals across a range of orientations that increases with decreasing arm multiplicity, and a critical orientation where growth is fastest that is the same for both modes and material patterns. Predicted structures are consistent with highly regular, high-multiplicity gaseous spur features and long filaments spaced close to the Jeans scale in spirals and bars. Applied to stellar disks, conditions favor low multiplicity (m<5) open trailing spirals with pitch angles in the observed range $10 deg$<$i_p$<$50 deg$. The results of this work serve as a basis for describing spirals as a unified class of transient waves, abundantly stimulated but narrowly selected for growth depending on local conditions.
EXPLORING ABORIGINAL FORESTRY AND ECOSYSTEM-BASED MANAGEMENT: A CASE STUDY OF COWICHAN TRIBES

As First Nations people in British Columbia regain control over the land and resources in their traditional territories, frameworks to guide aboriginal forestry will be required. First Nations share a common desire for control over their forest resources and need to be able to select approaches to management that reflect their values, meet their objectives, and suit the characteristics of their land-bases and communities. Ecosystem-based management (EBM) has been proposed as an appropriate tool for First Nations interested in pursuing forestry that meets traditional, social, economic, and ecological objectives. Major themes of EBM include maintenance of ecological integrity, adaptive management, cooperation and collaboration, and integration of social values. In this study, I explore the usefulness of EBM as a tool for aboriginal forestry at Cowichan Tribes, a First Nation located on southeastern Vancouver Island, British Columbia. Through case study research, I examine the opportunities, challenges, and options for implementation associated with Cowichan Tribes' approach to forestry based on an analysis of data from a survey of community forest values and an evaluation of a recently developed Cowichan Tribes' Forest Policy. Cowichan Tribes' Forest Policy shares characteristics of an EBM approach to forestry. Opportunities associated with using EBM as a tool for aboriginal forestry at Cowichan Tribes include that it may: facilitate the incorporation of traditional values and knowledge, enhance participation in forest related activities, provide alternatives to status quo forest practices, provide opportunities for community involvement, provide opportunities to develop better relationships with external parties, and validate community social values within a resource management framework. Challenges posed by using EBM as a tool to aboriginal forestry involve: limited control over the landscape, limited capacity to do research, forgoing short-term economic benefits, lack of institutional flexibility and long-term support, lack of meaningful accommodation by external parties, and difficulty soliciting community participation. The main current options for First Nations involvement in forestry in BC are each evaluated in terms of their usefulness for Cowichan Tribes. The options were rated in the following order of descending usefulness: co-management, treaty settlement lands, on Reserve, Crown tenures, and joint-ventures.
R3D-SWIN: Use Shifted Window Attention for Single-View 3D Reconstruction

Recently, vision transformers have performed well in various computer vision tasks, including voxel 3D reconstruction. However, the windows of the vision transformer are not multi-scale, and there is no connection between the windows, which limits the accuracy of voxel 3D reconstruction. Therefore, we propose a voxel 3D reconstruction network based on shifted window attention. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first work to apply shifted window attention to voxel 3D reconstruction. Experimental results on ShapeNet verify our method achieves SOTA accuracy in single-view reconstruction.
On Optimal Consistency-Robustness Trade-Off for Learning-Augmented Multi-Option Ski Rental

The learning-augmented multi-option ski rental problem generalizes the classical ski rental problem in two ways: the algorithm is provided with a prediction on the number of days we can ski, and the ski rental options now come with a variety of rental periods and prices to choose from, unlike the classical two-option setting. Subsequent to the initial study of the multi-option ski rental problem (without learning augmentation) due to Zhang, Poon, and Xu, significant progress has been made for this problem recently in particular. The problem is very well understood when we relinquish one of the two generalizations -- for the learning-augmented classical ski rental problem, algorithms giving best-possible trade-off between consistency and robustness exist; for the multi-option ski rental problem without learning augmentation, deterministic/randomized algorithms giving the best-possible competitiveness have been found. However, in presence of both generalizations, there remained a huge gap between the algorithmic and impossibility results. In fact, for randomized algorithms, we did not have any nontrivial lower bounds on the consistency-robustness trade-off before. This paper bridges this gap for both deterministic and randomized algorithms. For deterministic algorithms, we present a best-possible algorithm that completely matches the known lower bound. For randomized algorithms, we show the first nontrivial lower bound on the consistency-robustness trade-off, and also present an improved randomized algorithm. Our algorithm matches our lower bound on robustness within a factor of e/2 when the consistency is at most 1.086.
AutoDIR: Automatic All-in-One Image Restoration with Latent Diffusion

We propose an all-in-one image restoration system with latent diffusion, named AutoDIR, which can automatically detect and restore images with multiple unknown degradations. Our main hypothesis is that many image restoration tasks, such as super-resolution, motion deblur, denoising, low-light enhancement, dehazing, and deraining can often be decomposed into some common basis operators which improve image quality in different directions. AutoDIR aims to learn one unified image restoration model capable of performing these basis
AV2AV: Direct Audio-Visual Speech to Audio-Visual Speech Translation with Unified Audio-Visual Speech Representation

This paper proposes a novel direct Audio-Visual Speech to Audio-Visual Speech Translation (AV2AV) framework, where the input and output of the system are multimodal (i.e., audio and visual speech). With the proposed AV2AV, two key advantages can be brought: 1) We can perform real-like conversations with individuals worldwide in a virtual meeting by utilizing our own primary languages. In contrast to Speech-to-Speech Translation (A2A), which solely translates between audio modalities, the proposed AV2AV directly translates between audio-visual speech. This capability enhances the dialogue experience by presenting synchronized lip movements along with the translated speech. 2) We can improve the robustness of the spoken language translation system. By employing the complementary information of audio-visual speech, the system can effectively translate spoken language even in the presence of acoustic noise, showcasing robust performance. To mitigate the problem of the absence of a parallel AV2AV translation dataset, we propose to train our spoken language translation system with the audio-only dataset of A2A. This is done by learning unified audio-visual speech representations through self-supervised learning in advance to train the translation system. Moreover, we propose an AV-Renderer that can generate raw audio and video in parallel. It is designed with zero-shot speaker modeling, thus the speaker in source audio-visual speech can be maintained at the target translated audio-visual speech. The effectiveness of AV2AV is evaluated with extensive experiments in a many-to-many language translation setting. Demo page is available on https://choijeongsoo.github. io/av2av.