Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Neural tracking as a diagnostic tool to assess the auditory pathway

When a person listens to sound, the brain time-locks to specific aspects of the sound. This is called neural tracking and it can be investigated by analysing neural responses (e.g., measured by electroencephalography) to continuous natural speech. Measures of neural tracking allow for an objective investigation of a range of auditory and linguistic processes in the brain during natural speech perception. This approach is more ecologically valid than traditional auditory evoked responses and has great potential for research and clinical applications. This article reviews the neural tracking framework and highlights three prominent examples of neural tracking analyses: neural tracking of the fundamental frequency of the voice (f0), the speech envelope and linguistic features. Each of these analyses provides a unique point of view into the human brain’s hierarchical stages of speech processing. F0-tracking assesses the encoding of fine temporal information in the early stages of the auditory pathway, i.e., from the auditory periphery up to early processing in the primary auditory cortex. Envelope tracking reflects bottom-up and top-down speechrelated processes in the auditory cortex and is likely necessary but not sufficient for speech intelligibility. Linguistic feature tracking (e.g. word or phoneme surprisal) relates to neural processes more directly related to speech intelligibility. Together these analyses form a multi-faceted objective assessment of an individual’s auditory and linguistic processing.
Gravity tests, differential accelerometry and interleaved clocks with cold atom interferometers

The remarkable success of light-pulse atom interferometer techniques has motivated competitive research in precision metrology. Gravimeters, gyroscopes and gradiometers based on these techniques are all at the forefront of their respective measurement classes. We show here the progress toward a compact gravity gradiometer for precision gravitational tests. It is well known that these devices suffer from environmental perturbations. Spurious noise may enter through beam steering effects which cause uncommon coupling to gravity in the two accelerometers. The horizontal configuration used here is particularly sensitive to this effect. Additionally, laser frequency noise may significantly limit the interferometer sensitivity. In our device, we have overcome these obstacles to achieve a differential acceleration sensitivity of 4.2 × 10−9g/ √ Hz over a 70 cm baseline. This corresponds to a phase noise of 3.1 mrad/ √ Hz inferred per interferometer which is the best performance achieved in such a system. Using this device, we demonstrate a proof-of-concept measurement of the gravitational constant with a precision of 3 × 10−4, which is competitive with the present limit of 1× 10−4. I discuss improvements which can enable uncertainties falling below 10−5. This experiment can also be interpreted as a test of the inverse square law which statistically constrains a putative Yukawa type fifth force to 8×10−3 near the poorly known length scale of 20 cm. Limits exceeding 10−4 appear to be feasible. We also perform an experiment which tests the atom interferometer in the context of a time-dependent gravity potential. Furthermore, we demonstrate a technique by which one may temporally link interferometer measurements together to provide continuous sampling. This can be used to eliminate the inertial sensor analog of the Dick effect and has important applications in the fields of optical and atomic clocks. vi
Environmental DNA as a management tool for tracking artificial waterhole use in savanna ecosystems

Game parks are the last preserve of many large mammals, and in savanna ecosystems, management of surface waters poses a conservation challenge. In arid and semi-arid regions, water can be a scarce resource during dry seasons and drought. Artificial waterholes are common in parks and reserves across Africa, but can alter mammal community composition by favoring drought intolerant species, with consequences for disease dynamics, and population viability of drought-tolerant species. Analysis of waterborne environmental DNA (eDNA) is increasingly used to inform conservation of rare and invasive species, and conduct large-scale biodiversity assessments. To explore the reliability of eDNA as an indicator of mammal waterhole use in savannas, we compare eDNA metabarcoding and camera traps for documenting artificial waterhole use in the Kruger National Park, South Africa, a global hotspot for mammal diversity. We show that eDNA metabarcoding can recover the majority of mammal species detected by camera traps, including a number of endangered species, but DNA signatures of mammal visitation are temporally limited, with best performance when tracking water-dependent large bodied mammals visiting within two days of sampling. Our results highlight limitation of eDNA based monitoring in these systems, including the lack of long-term eDNA persistence in small and highly utilized waterholes, and variability in detection rates among species. However, we demonstrate that eDNA-based approaches can be used to track mammals of conservation concern, and reflect patterns of recent waterhole use and co-occurrence across water-dependent species, both of which are crucial for making evidence-based decisions regarding water management and provisioning.
Mathematical model of the fast phase of the chlorophyll fluorescence induction curve

In natural conditions, plants are affected by various adverse environmental factors that can disrupt the photosynthetic apparatus, which can reduce the productivity of plants and ultimately reduce their yield. Measurement of the chlorophyll fluorescence induction (CFI) curve is a simple, non-destructive, inexpensive, and fast tool that can be used to analyze photosynthetic reactions and plant conditions. Mathematical modeling of the chlorophyll fluorescence induction curve is important not only for understanding the complex processes of photosynthesis but also can have practical applications in predicting ways to increase plant productivity. Currently, there are a sufficient number of models of varying complexity and detail that describe the processes of photosynthesis, however, no final agreement has been reached. A new model of reactions occurring in the process of the fast phase of the CFI curve, i.e. in the process of electron transport in the electron transport chain (ETC), is presented here. In the ETC model, it is considered as a system of elements in which electrons are sequentially transferred from one element of the system to another, according to the properties of the elements themselves and the connections between them. In addition, the mathematical model is based on the idea of dividing the entire flow of electrons, which moves through the ETC, into a sequence of individual flows. The proposed mathematical model differs in that each stage of electron transfer along the ETC is described separately and sequentially with the help of connection functions. This makes it possible to write the equations for the real OJIP curve and, as a result of their solution, to obtain the parameters of the entire electron transfer process.
Functional plasticity in chromosome–microtubule coupling on the evolutionary time scale

We identify a lethal mutation in a subunit of the Dam1 complex, a chromosome–microtubule coupler in Saccharomyces cerevisiae with point centromeres. However, this mutation is tolerated in organisms with longer regional centromeres, possibly by employing more microtubules to capture each chromosome. The Dam1 complex is essential for mitotic progression across evolutionarily divergent fungi. Upon analyzing amino acid (aa) sequences of Dad2, a Dam1 complex subunit, we identified a conserved 10-aa–long Dad2 signature sequence (DSS). An arginine residue (R126) in the DSS is essential for viability in Saccharomyces cerevisiae that possesses point centromeres. The corresponding arginine residues are functionally important but not essential for viability in Candida albicans and Cryptococcus neoformans; both carry several kilobases long regional centromeres. The purified recombinant Dam1 complex containing either Dad2ΔDSS or Dad2R126A failed to bind microtubules (MTs) or form any visible rings like the WT complex. Intriguingly, functional analysis revealed that the requirement of the conserved arginine residue for chromosome biorientation and mitotic progression reduced with increasing centromere length. We propose that plasticity of the invariant arginine of Dad2 in organisms with regional centromeres is achieved by conditional elevation of the kinetochore protein(s) to enable multiple kinetochore MTs to bind to each chromosome. The capacity of a chromosome to bind multiple kinetochore MTs may mask the deleterious effects of such lethal mutations.
The logical structure of experiments lays the foundation for a theory of reproducibility

The scientific reform movement has proposed openness as a potential remedy to the putative reproducibility or replication crisis. However, the conceptual relationship between openness, replication experiments, and results reproducibility has been obscure. We analyze the logical structure of experiments, define the mathematical notion of idealized experiment, and use this notion to advance a theory of reproducibility. Idealized experiments clearly delineate the concepts of replication and results reproducibility, and capture key differences with precision, allowing us to study the relationship among them. We show how results reproducibility varies as a function of: the elements of an idealized experiment, the true data generating mechanism, and the closeness of the replication experiment to an original experiment. We clarify how openness of experiments is related to designing informative replication experiments and to obtaining reproducible results. With formal backing and evidence, we argue that the current “crisis” reflects inadequate attention to a theoretical understanding of results reproducibility.
Zeb2 DNA-Binding Sites in Neuroprogenitor Cells Reveal Autoregulation and Affirm Neurodevelopmental Defects, Including in Mowat-Wilson Syndrome

Perturbation and mechanistic studies have shown that the DNA-binding transcription factor Zeb2 controls cell fate decision and differentiation and/or maturation in multiple cell lineages in embryos and after birth. In cultured embryonic stem cells (ESCs) Zeb2’s strong upregulation is necessary for the exit from primed pluripotency and for entering general and neural differentiation. We edited mouse ESCs to produce epitope-tagged Zeb2 from one of its two endogenous alleles. Using ChIP-sequencing, we mapped 2,432 DNA-binding sites of Zeb2 in ESC-derived neuroprogenitor cells (NPCs). A new, major site maps promoter-proximal to Zeb2 itself, and its homozygous removal demonstrates that Zeb2 autoregulation is necessary to elicit proper Zeb2-dependent effects in NPC differentiation. We then cross-referenced all Zeb2 DNA-binding sites with transcriptome data from Zeb2 perturbations in ESCs, ventral forebrain in mouse embryos, and adult neurogenesis from the mouse forebrain V-SVZ. While the characteristics of these neurodevelopmental systems differ, we still find interesting overlaps. This contributes to explaining neurodevelopmental disorders caused by ZEB2 deficiency, including Mowat-Wilson Syndrome.
Calculation of illuminance of differently shaped spaces

In this graduation thesis I analyzed, by using VELUX Daylight Visualizer software, how shape of space and shape of window influence on daylight illuminance, by considering minimal requirements of rule books and standards discussing daylight illuminance. I checked what affects have different parameters on illuminance of space. The concerned parameters are reflectivity of interior surfaces, glazing type and space orientation. Spaces have to assure minimal prescribed illuminace which I checked in thesis. Because amount of iluminance impact on psychophysiological effects, I checked if this spaces assure enough illuminance for induce this effects. I came to conclusion that there is not enough daylight illuminance in space except in case of sunny sky and that least suitable space is long and narrow space with window on shorter side. Important conclusion of this thesis is that daylight illuminance of spaces is too small.
The rise of a gas bubble in a viscous liquid

The rise of a gas bubble in a viscous liquid at high Reynolds number is investigated, it being shown that in this case the irrotational solution for the flow past the bubble gives a uniform approximation to the velocity field. The drag force experienced by the bubble is calculated on this hypothesis and the drag coefficent is found to be 32/R, where R is the Reynolds number (based on diameter) of the bubbles rising motion. This result is shown to be in fair agreement with experiment. The theory is extended to non-spherical bubbles and the relation of the resulting theory, which enables both bubble shape and velocity of rise to be predicted, to experiment is discussed. Finally, an inviscid model of the spherical cap bubble involving separated flow is considered.
Analyse de la non-linéarité acoustique de contact pour l’ évaluation et le contrôle non destructif

The nonlinear effects produced by the interaction between a closed crack and an ultrasonic wave can be a good mean for the detection or thecharacterization of such cracks. This work is dedicated to the study and the analysis of the contact acoustic nonlinearity involved during the interaction of acoustic waves and closed cracks. Our approach is based on Finite Element (FE) modeling. The crack is modeled by unilateral contact with Coulomb's friction law, and numerical solutions are computed in the time domain. The numerical tool is used to analyze the method of higher harmonic generation and its relation with contact dynamics. First, the case of an interface between two solids in contact is considered, both numerically and experimentally, and it was shown that the nonlinear behavior depend on the state of stress. Then, nonlinear elastic scattering by a closed crack of various orientations was calculated. A hybrid model coupling FE and semi-analytical solutions was set up to compute the scattered field and to plot directivity diagrams. The nonlinear mechanisms involved in the interaction between a wave and a closed crack are highlighted. Using those results, the non-collinear mixing technique was applied for measuring the nonlinear response of a contact interface and a closed crack. The numerical results, as well as the first experimental results, are very promising for detecting, locating and imaging closed cracks.
How attachment affects users’ continued use intention of tourism mobile platform: A user experience perspective

Continued use intention of customers is a critical factor in the development of tourism mobile platforms (TMP), which reflects the degree of users’ attachment to the platforms. However, existing research in this field intends to investigate users’ attachment to a TMP by focusing on the overall cognitive satisfaction of the users, which deviates from the “cognition-affect” framework in psychology. Following the stimulus–organism–response (S-O-R) framework, this paper draws upon the attachment theory and the user experience theory, and proposes a model depicting how service experience of TMP affects users’ intention to keep using the TMP through the mediation effect of platform attachment. The empirical results (N = 276) showed that functional experience and social experience positively affect TMP users’ development of platform attachment (i.e., platform dependence and platform identity), which in turn enhance their intention to continuously obtain and provide tourism information via the TMP. This study expands the research on the continued use of TMP from an attachment perspective and contributes to the field in both theoretical and practical levels.
Progress of isolation, chemical synthesis and biological activities of natural chalcones bearing 2-hydroxy-3-methyl-3-butenyl group

Chalcones have a three-carbon α,β-unsaturated carbonyl system composed of two phenolic rings. Many chalcones have shown broad spectrum of biological activities with clinical potentials against various diseases. They are usually abundant in seeds, fruit skin, bark and flowers of most edible plants. Among them, chalcones bearing 2-hydroxy-3-methyl-3-butenyl (HMB) group have been reported several times in the past few decades due to their novel scaffolds and numerous interesting biological activities. In this paper, we reviewed the isolation of twelve natural chalcones and a natural chalcone-type compound bearing 2-hydroxy-3-methyl-3-butenyl group discovered so far, and reviewed their synthesis methods and biological activities reported in the literature. We anticipate that this review will inspire further research of natural chalcones.
Astragalus mongholicus powder, a traditional Chinese medicine formula ameliorate type 2 diabetes by regulating adipoinsular axis in diabetic mice

The global morbidity of obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has dramatically increased. Insulin resistance is the most important pathogenesis and therapeutic target of T2DM. The traditional Chinese medicine formula Astragalus mongholicus powder (APF), consists of Astragalus mongholicus Bunge [Fabaceae], Pueraria montana (Lour.) Merr. [Fabaceae], and Morus alba L. [Moraceae] has a long history to be used to treat diabetes in ancient China. This work aims to investigate the effects of APF on diabetic mice and its underlying mechanism. Diabetic mice were induced by High-fat-diet (HFD) and streptozotocin (STZ). The body weight of mice and their plasma levels of glucose, insulin, leptin and lipids were examined. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, histology, and Western blot analysis were performed to validate the effects of APF on diabetic mice and investigate the underlying mechanism. APF reduced hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia, and hyerleptinemia and attenuate the progression of obesity and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, these effects disappeared in leptin deficient ob/ob diabetic mice and STZ-induced insulin deficient type 1 diabetic mice. Destruction of either these hormones would abolish the therapeutic effects of APF. In addition, APF inhibited the protein expression of PTP1B suppressing insulin–leptin sensitivity, the gluconeogenic gene PEPCK, and the adipogenic gene FAS. Therefore, insulin–leptin sensitivity was normalized, and the gluconeogenic and adipogenic genes were suppressed. In conclusion, APF attenuated obesity, NAFLD, and T2DM by regulating the balance of adipoinsular axis in STZ + HFD induced T2DM mice.
A morphological study of schizophrenia with magnetic resonance imaging, advanced analytics, and machine learning

We have performed a morphological analysis of patients with schizophrenia and compared them with healthy controls. Our analysis includes the use of publicly available automated extraction tools to assess regional cortical thickness (inclusive of within region cortical thickness variability) from structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), to characterize group-wise abnormalities associated with schizophrenia based on a publicly available dataset. We have also performed a correlation analysis between the automatically extracted biomarkers and a variety of patient clinical variables available. Finally, we also present the results of a machine learning analysis. Results demonstrate regional cortical thickness abnormalities in schizophrenia. We observed a correlation (rho = 0.474) between patients’ depression and the average cortical thickness of the right medial orbitofrontal cortex. Our leading machine learning technology evaluated was the support vector machine with stepwise feature selection, yielding a sensitivity of 92% and a specificity of 74%, based on regional brain measurements, including from the insula, superior frontal, caudate, calcarine sulcus, gyrus rectus, and rostral middle frontal regions. These results imply that advanced analytic techniques combining MRI with automated biomarker extraction can be helpful in characterizing patients with schizophrenia.
On-sensor binarized CNN inference with dynamic model swapping in pixel processor arrays

Many types of Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) models and training methods have been proposed in recent years aiming to provide efficiency for embedded and edge devices with limited computation and memory resources. The wide variety of architectures makes this a complex task that has to balance generality with efficiency. Among the most interesting camera-sensor architectures are Pixel Processor Arrays (PPAs). This study presents two methods that are useful for embedded CNNs in general but particularly suitable for PPAs. The first is for training purely binarized CNNs, the second is for deploying larger models with a model swapping paradigm that loads model components dynamically. Specifically, this study trains and implements networks with batch normalization and adaptive threshold for binary activations. Then, we convert batch normalization and binary activations into a bias matrix which can be parallelly implemented by an add/sub operation. For dynamic model swapping, we propose to decompose applications that are beyond the capacity of a PPA into sub-tasks that can be solved by tree networks that can be loaded dynamically as needed. We demonstrate our approaches to various tasks including classification, localization, and coarse segmentation on a highly resource constrained PPA sensor-processor.
An anti-inflammatory and low fermentable oligo, di, and monosaccharides and polyols diet improved patient reported outcomes in fibromyalgia: A randomized controlled trial

Background Fibromyalgia (FM) has been associated with dysbiosis and low-grade inflammation. Studies have reported that diet influences clinical features in FM. Objective To evaluate the effect of an anti-inflammatory and low fermentable oligo, di, and monosaccharides and polyols (FODMAP) diet on clinical outcomes of patients with FM. Methods This two arms Randomized Controlled Trial (NCT04007705) included 46 female patients with FM. The intervention group (n = 22) adopted an anti-inflammatory diet for 3 months, excluding gluten, dairy, added sugar, and ultra-processed foods, along with a low FODMAPs diet in the first month. The control group (n = 24) followed general healthy eating recommendations. Both diets were applied by a certified dietitian. Before and after the intervention, participants were assessed regarding pain, fatigue, gastrointestinal symptoms, quality of sleep, and quality of life, through the Revised Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQR), Visual Analogue Pain Scale (VAS), Visual Analog Scale from gastrointestinal symptoms (VAS GI), Brief Pain Inventory (BPI), Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Fatigue Severity Survey (FSS), and The Short Form Health Survey (SF-36). A blood sample was collected and high-sensitive C-Reactive Protein and Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate were quantified. Paired Samples t-test/Wilcoxon and independent samples t-test/Mann−Whitney were used to compare variables between groups. Results After intervention, there was an improvement in intervention group scores of FIQR (p = 0.001), VAS (p = 0.002), BPI (p = 0.011), FSS (p = 0.042), VAS_GI (p = 0.002), PSQI (p = 0.048), and SF36 (p = 0.045) compared to control group. Inflammatory biomarkers (hs-CRP, ESR) did not change in both groups. The intervention was beneficial in the intervention group, regardless of age, disease duration, body mass index variation, and body fat change between baseline and post-intervention. Conclusion An anti-inflammatory and low-FODMAP diet improved clinical features in patients with FM and may be useful as a complement to pharmacological therapy. Clinical Trial Registration [https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04007705], identifier [NCT04007705].