Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Disrupted Brain Network Efficiency and Decreased Functional Connectivity in Multi-sensory Modality Regions in Male Patients With Alcohol Use Disorder

Background: Recent studies have reported altered efficiency in selective brain regions and functional networks in patients with alcohol use disorder (AUD). Inefficient processing can reflect or arise from the disorganization of information being conveyed from place to place. However, it remains unknown whether the efficiency and functional connectivity are altered in large-scale topological organization of patients with AUD. Methods: Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rsfMRI) data were experimentally collected from 21 right-handed males with AUD and 21 right-handed, age-, gender- and education-matched healthy controls (HCs). Graph theory was used to investigate inter-group differences in the topological parameters (global and nodal) of networks and inter-regional functional connectivity. Correlations between group differences in network properties and clinical variables were also investigated in the AUD group. Results: The brain networks of the AUD group showed decreased global efficiency when compared with the HC group. Besides, increased nodal efficiency was found in the left orbitofrontal cortex (OFC), while reduced nodal efficiency was observed in the right OFC, right fusiform gyrus (FFG), right superior temporal gyrus, right inferior occipital gyrus (IOG), and left insula. Moreover, hypo-connectivity was detected between the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and right superior occipital gyrus (SOG) in the AUD group when compared with the HC group. The nodal efficiency of the left OFC was associated with cognitive performance in the AUD group. Conclusions: AUD patients exhibited alterations in brain network efficiency and functional connectivity, particularly in regions linked to multi-sensory modalities. These disrupted topological properties may help to obtain a more comprehensive understanding of large-scale brain network activity. Furthermore, these data provide a potential neural mechanism of impaired cognition in individuals with AUD.
Aberrant Development and Synaptic Transmission of Cerebellar Cortex in a VPA Induced Mouse Autism Model

Autistic spectral disorder (ASD) is a prevalent neurodevelopmental disease that affects multiple brain regions. Both clinical and animal studies have revealed the possible involvement of the cerebellum in ASD pathology. In this study, we generated a rodent ASD model through a single prenatal administration of valproic acid (VPA) into pregnant mice, followed by cerebellar morphological and functional studies of the offspring. Behavioral studies showed that VPA exposure led to retardation of critical motor reflexes in juveniles and impaired learning in a tone-conditioned complex motor task in adults. These behavioral phenotypes were associated with premature migration and excess apoptosis of the granular cell (GC) precursor in the cerebellar cortex during the early postnatal period, and the decreased cell density and impaired dendritic arborization of the Purkinje neurons. On acute cerebellar slices, suppressed synaptic transmission of the Purkinje cells were reported in the VPA-treated mice. In summary, converging evidence from anatomical, electrophysiological and behavioral abnormalities in the VPA-treated mice suggest cerebellar pathology in ASD and indicate the potential values of motor dysfunction in the early diagnosis of ASD.
MicroRNAs for the Diagnosis and Management of Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma: A Literature Review

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare and aggressive tumor with a variable incidence among different countries. Occupational asbestos exposure is the most important etiological factor and a very long latency period is widely reported. In the early phase of the disease, clinical signs are absent or not specific. For this reason, the diagnosis is frequently achieved only in the advanced stages. The histopathological diagnosis per se is also very complex, and no known factor can predict the prognosis with certainty. Nonetheless, current survival rates remain very low, despite the use of standard treatments, which include surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The identification of new prognostic and/or diagnostic biomarkers, and the discovery of therapeutic targets is a priority and could lead to a real significant impact on the management of malignant pleural mesothelioma. In this scenario, the role of microRNAs is becoming increasingly relevant, with the promise of a quick translation in the current clinical practice. Despite the relative novelty of this field, the number of works and candidate microRNAs that are present in literature is striking. Unfortunately, to date the microRNAs with the most clinical relevance for MPM are still matter of debate, probably due to the variety of approaches, techniques, and collected samples. Although specific microRNAs (e.g., let-7, miR-15 and miR-16, miR-21, miR-34a, and the miR-200 family) have been reported several times from different groups, the heterogeneity of published data reinforces the need of more comprehensive and unified studies on this topic. In this review we collect and discuss the studies focused on the involvement of microRNAs in different aspects of MPM, from their biological role in tumorigenesis and progression, to their possible application as diagnostic, prognostic and predictive biomarkers. Lastly, we examine their potential value as for the design of therapeutic approaches that could benefit MPM patients.
Changes in Climate and Land Use Over the Amazon Region: Current and Future Variability and Trends

This paper shows recent progress in our understanding of climate variability and trends in the Amazon region, and how these interact with land use change. The review includes an overview of up-to-date information on climate and hydrological variability, and on warming trends in Amazonia, which reached 0.6-0.7 °C over the last 40 years, with 2016 as the warmest year since at least 1950 (0.9 °C +0.3°C). We focus on local and remote drivers of climate variability and change. We review the impacts of these drivers on the length of dry season, the role of the forest in climate and carbon cycles, the resilience of the forest, the risk of fires and biomass burning, and the potential “die back” of the Amazon forests if surpassing a “tipping point”. The role of the Amazon in moisture recycling and transport is also investigated, and a review of model development for climate change projections in the region is included. In sum, future sustainability of the Amazonian forests and its many services requires management strategies that consider the likelihood of multi-year droughts superimposed on a continued warming trend. Science has assembled enough knowledge to underline the global and regional importance of an intact Amazon region that can support policymaking and to keep this sensitive ecosystem functioning. This major challenge requires substantial resources and strategic cross-national planning, and a unique blend of expertise and capacities established in Amazon countries and from international collaboration. This also highlights the role of deforestation control in in support of policy for mitigation options as established in the Paris Agreement of 2015.
Photonic spin Hall effect on the surface of anisotropic two-dimensional atomic crystals

We examine the spin-orbit interaction of light and photonic spin Hall effect on the surface of anisotropic two-dimensional atomic crystals. As an example, the photonic spin Hall effect on the surface of black phosphorus is investigated. The photonic spin Hall effect manifests itself as the spin-dependent beam shifts in both transverse and in-plane directions. We demonstrate that the spin-dependent shifts are sensitive to the orientation of the optical axis, doping concentration, and interband transitions. These results can be extensively extended to other anisotropic two-dimensional atomic crystals. By incorporating the quantum weak measurement techniques, the photonic spin Hall effect holds great promise for detecting the parameters of anisotropic two-dimensional atomic crystals.
Intelligent software control for nuclear power plants

The authors propose a strategy for the introduction of intelligent control in nuclear power plants which recognizes the industry culture. Key features of the proposed strategy are: (i) incremental implementation by means of autonomous modules; (ii) software architectures that cannot propagate faults to other system components; (iii) self-diagnostic features within each module that include automatic fail-safe shutdown and reversion to conventional hardware systems; (iv) controlled degradation of the automated control system, leading to graceful shutdown in the event of major disturbances outside of the system competence to reject; and (v) integration of human operator interfaces with each subsystem and preservation of human competence in the loop. The design of an intelligent controller for a feedwater heater provides an illustrative example for the proposed concept. <<ETX>>
Spatial Distribution of Macroinvertebrates Inhabiting Hydrilla and Coontail Beds in the Atchafalaya Basin, Louisiana

Hydrilla [ Hydrilla verticillata (L.f.) Royle] became established in the Atchafalaya River Basin (ARB) in south central Louisiana during the 1970s, and now dominates the submergent macrophyte community. We examined the potential effects of this shift in macrophyte composition on the distribution of phytomacrofauna by comparing water quality and macroinvertebrate assemblage structure in canopy and sub-canopy habitats at edge and interior locations within hydrilla and native coontail ( Ceratophyllum demersum L.) beds during the latter stages of the 2001 flood pulse. Both plant species exhibited similar water quality characteristics during the study, with significantly higher temperature, dissolved oxygen, and pH levels in canopy habitats. Principal components analysis of log-transformed macroinvertebrate densities identified four assemblages that together accounted for 63.5% of the variation in the density data. The GastropodaHydrachnida assemblage exhibited higher densities in coontail during May-June (declining river stages), and was more abundant at interior locations in both macrophyte beds during July (stable river stages). The Hemiptera-Amphipoda assemblage exhibited higher densities in the canopies of the two plants during both sampling periods, as did the Decapoda-Odonata assemblage in July. The Diptera-Coleoptera assemblage showed a similar trend in vertical distribution, as well as marginally higher densities in hydrilla beds. The continued spread of hydrilla throughout the ARB has reduced the diversity of macrophyte habitats available to phytophilous macroinvertebrates, and has resulted in pervasive hypoxia in the macrophyte sub-canopy over large portions of available littoral habitat, with significant impacts on the vertical distribution of littoral macroinvertebrates.
THE HIGH-AFFINITY IMMUNOGLOBULIN E (IgE) RECEPTOR (FcεRI) MEDIATES IgE-DEPENDENT ALLERGEN PRESENTATION

Low numbers of monocytes with highaffinity IgE receptors and bound-specific IgE, attracted to the late-phase response target area (skin, nose, or lungs) may be a prime cell for the initiation of further Type I immediate and Type I late-phase responses (referred to as T cell mediated, delayed response, in this paper).
Demonstratives and non-embedded nominalisations in three Papuan languages of the Timor-Alor-Pantar family

This paper explores the use of demonstratives in non-embedded clausal nominalisations. We present data and analysis from three Papuan languages of the Timor-Alor-Pantar family in south-east Indonesia. In these languages, demonstratives can apply to the clausal as well as to the nominal domain, contributing contrastive semantic content in assertive stance-taking and attention-directing utterances. In the Timor-Alor-Pantar constructions, meanings that are to do with spatial and discourse locations at the participant level apply to spatial, temporal and mental locations at the state or event level.
The Meaning of Topic and Focus: The 59th Street Bridge Accent

This study provides an illuminating and ground-breaking account of the complex interaction of intonational phenomena, semantics and pragmatics. Based on examples from German and English, and centred on an analysis of the fall-rise intonation contour, a semantic interpretation for two different pitch accents - Focus and Topic - is developed. The cross-sentence, as well as the sentence internal semantic effects of these accents, follow from the given treatment. The account is based on Montogovian possible world semantics and Chomskian generative syntax.
Bootstrapping Trust in Distributed Systems with Blockchains

Michael J. Freedman is a Professor of Computer Science at Princeton University, with a research focus on distributed systems, networking, and security. Recent honors include a Presidential Early Career Award (PECASE) as well as early investigator awards through the NSF and ONR, a Sloan Fellowship, and DARPA CSSG membership. mfreed@cs.princeton. edu Blockchains like Bitcoin and Ethereum have seen significant adop­ tion in the past few years. Beyond their cryptocurrency uses, block­ chains are being used to build new, decentralized versions of DNS and public­key infrastructure (PKI) that have no central points of trust. Such blockchain­based naming and PKI services can be used as a general­purpose “trust layer” for Internet applications. We present the design of a new block­ chain­based naming and storage system called Blockstack. Blockstack powers a production system for 60,000 users and is released as open source software.
Understanding MOOC Learners: Insights from Participation in Coursera MOOC

Massive Open Online Courses (MOOC) are the latest online teaching and learning medium through website and are seen as a key factor in future lesson delivery. One well-established and popular MOOC is Coursera which is provided by Stanford University. Online participation and interactions are complex phenomena and the answers to the questions in regard to Courserians' participation gave considerable insights into knowledge construction in discussion forums. The successful construction of knowledge requires active participation. This article is aimed to observe a Coursera community in its natural setting and to investigate the participants' experiences in Coursera discussion forum. The data was derived from over 60 online interview forums with Coursera learners. Field note data was extracted from 160 days of interaction with the participants. Analysis of the qualitative data revealed some insights about learners' feelings, challenges, ideas and recommendations.
The Effect of Relationship Marketing on Customer Loyalty in the Jordanian Pharmaceutical Industry

The purpose of this research was to study the effect of relationship marketing dimensions on the customer loyalty in the Jordanian Pharmaceutical Industry and to determine which the most important dimensions has the strongest effect on attitude and behavior loyalty. The conceptual model was tested using data collected by means of selfadministrated questionnaire distributed to a 286 pharmacies in Amman Governorate. The results of this research had showed that the relationship marketing dimensions which consist of communication, trust, satisfaction, commitment, social bond and financial bonds affect on attitude and behavior customer loyalty. The research had also found that the communication, satisfaction and financial bonds are the most important dimensions that have the strongest effect on attitude and behavior loyalty and where the social bonds had found been the weakest dimension. The findings of this research can be used as guide line for marketing department in Jordanian pharmaceutical industry to help them to be more successfully in planning their relationship marketing strategy and programs.
Food consumption of different household members in Machakos, Kenya

Food consumption of household members in Kenya was assessed by weighing individual intakes of food over a 48 hour period. Energy intake was low for preschool children, adolescent males and lactating mothers. Protein intake was adequate for all age groups. The other nutrient intakes were marginal to low for most age groups. No difference was observed in the type and quality of diets in either sex at different ages, except toddlers. Within households no significant differences were observed in energy adequacy of fathers and lactating mothers. Comparison of mothers with their children showed only a significant difference with one to three‐year‐old toddlers who had less than adequate energy intakes. Household size, socio‐economic status, season and nutritional status of the mother were not related to the energy intake of household members.
The Systems Engineering Side of Site Reliability Engineering

I n order to run the company's numerous services as efficiently and reliably as possible, Google's Site Reliability Engineering (SRE) organization leverages the expertise of two main disciplines: Software Engineering and Systems Engineering. The roles of Software Engineer (SWE) and Systems Engineer (SE) lie at the two poles of the SRE continuum of skills and interests. While Site Reliability Engineers tend to be assigned to one of these two buckets, there is much overlap between the two job roles, and the knowledge exchange between the two job roles is rather fluid. The collaborative SWE/SE engineering approach was popularized in the Silicon Valley environment, but is now common to locations characterized by a high density of software engineering requiring an operational component. A hybridization of the two skill sets is also demonstrated by lone individuals who hold together complicated software systems by sheer force of will. While Software Engineering is generally well understood in the tech world, Systems Engineering remains a bit more nebulous. What exactly is Systems Engineering at one of these companies? This article takes a closer look at Systems Engineers: what they are, what they do, and how you might become one. The task of defining the exact characteristics of a Systems Engineer at Google, or at any other Silicon Valley tech company that uses classifications like " Developer Operations, " is problematic. Informally, a Systems Engineer might be described as someone who enjoys discovering particularly difficult problems and applying their problem-solving skills in uncharted territory. A Systems Engineer regularly undertakes tasks like dismantling software or hardware, re-engineering and optimizing their design, or finding new uses for the components. Traditional wisdom dictates that " you know a Systems Engineer when you see one. " However, this definition fails to either permit a Systems Engineer to self-identify or to become a better Systems Engineer. Nor does it help tech companies to create a satisfying job ladder and career progression for Systems Engineers. Therefore, pinning down a set of characteristics particular to a Systems Engineer is a necessary and useful exercise. …uses the scientific principles of experimentation and observation to build a body of knowledge that affects the architecture and design of the system as a whole. Complex and ambiguous problems can be solved by: 1. Breaking down the problem into smaller components. 2. Testing assumptions about these components. 3. Continuing in this vein of investigation until a root cause …
Reviewing International Actions against Global Warming: Kyoto Protocol Analysis in Developing Economies

International response to global warming involves several policy options. The Kyoto Protocol is the first protocol designed and supervised by UNFCCC. Many questions have been asked about the Kyoto Protocol and whether it will make the expected difference or not. The current paper analyzes the Kyoto Protocol and reviews its main provisions, opportunities, and shortcomings. An in-depth review of the provisions using SWOT analysis shows that the Kyoto Protocol presents sufficient flexibility for member economies to exercise enough independence to enhance and sustain their sustainable development using friendly environment technology. Explicitly, the agreement puts constraints in Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) projects registration clauses, and in this manner, allows only those projects proved to add value to developmental targets for the host economy. The paper also reviews current international policy options controversies include the debate on adaptation and mitigation actions with special reference to the developing economies. Finally, policy recommendations suggest that the participation of national governments, small organizations, corporations, and civil organizations and individuals are essential in reducing GHG emissions. In this context, global warming is a commitment to change attitudes rather than only an obligation to a regulatory issue.
Analysis of path following and obstacle avoidance for multiple wheeled robots in a shared workspace

SUMMARY The article presents the experimental evaluation of an integrated approach for path following and obstacle avoidance, implemented on wheeled robots. Wheeled robots are widely used in many different contexts, and they are usually required to operate in partial or total autonomy: in a wide range of situations, having the capability to follow a predetermined path and avoiding unexpected obstacles is extremely relevant. The basic requirement for an appropriate collision avoidance strategy is to sense or detect obstacles and make proper decisions when the obstacles are nearby. According to this rationale, the approach is based on the definition of the path to be followed as a curve on the plane expressed in its implicit form f(x, y) = 0, which is fed to a feedback controller for path following. Obstacles are modeled through Gaussian functions that modify the original function, generating a resulting safe path which – once again – is a curve on the plane expressed as f′(x, y) = 0: the deformed path can be fed to the same feedback controller, thus guaranteeing convergence to the path while avoiding all obstacles. The features and performance of the proposed algorithm are confirmed by experiments in a crowded area with multiple unicycle-like robots and moving persons.