Large Language Model Displays Emergent Ability to Interpret Novel Literary Metaphors

Recent advances in the performance of large language models (LLMs) have sparked debate over whether, given sufficient training, high-level human abilities emerge in such generic forms of artificial intelligence (AI). Despite the exceptional performance of LLMs on a wide range of tasks involving natural language processing and reasoning, there has been sharp disagreement as to whether their abilities extend to more creative human abilities. A core example is the ability to interpret novel metaphors. Given the enormous and non curated text corpora used to train LLMs, a serious obstacle to designing tests is the requirement of finding novel yet high quality metaphors that are unlikely to have been included in the training data. Here we assessed the ability of GPT4, a state of the art large language model, to provide natural-language interpretations of novel literary metaphors drawn from Serbian poetry and translated into English. Despite exhibiting no signs of having been exposed to these metaphors previously, the AI system consistently produced detailed and incisive interpretations. Human judges, blind to the fact that an AI model was involved, rated metaphor interpretations generated by GPT4 as superior to those provided by a group of college students. In interpreting reversed metaphors, GPT4, as well as humans, exhibited signs of sensitivity to the Gricean cooperative principle. In addition, for several novel English poems GPT4 produced interpretations that were rated as excellent or good by a human literary critic. These results indicate that LLMs such as GPT4 have acquired an emergent ability to interpret complex metaphors, including those embedded in novel poems

Investigation of the role of the extracellular matrix molecule Tenascin-C in the regulation of structural and functional plasticity of the cerebellum and in shaping of the behavior of the mouse after exposure to enriched environment conditions

Tenascin-C (TnC) je glikoprotein prisutan u vanćelijskom matriksu (VĆM) različitih tkiva kičmenjaka tokom razvića, gde je uključen u regulaciju ćelijskog rasta, migracije i adhezije preko aktivacije različitih unutarćelijskih signalnih puteva. Ekspresija TnC je značajno smanjenja u adultnom organizmu, međutim ostaje prisutna samo u određenim perifernim tkivima, kao i u delovima centralnog nervnog sistema koji zadržavaju visok nivo plastičnosti, kao što je mali mozak, gde je uočena njegova uloga u modulaciji sinaptičkih funkcija. Obogaćena sredina (OS) oblikuje mnoge aspekte ponašanja i stoga može da posluži kao pristup za proučavanje neuronalne plastičnosti u adultnom organizmu. Izlaganje OS dovodi do brojnih promena na molekularnom i ćelijskom nivou u različitim regionima mozga uključujući mali mozak. Cilj ove studije je bio da se ispita uloga TnC u modulaciji strukturne plastičnosti malog mozga indukovane OS praćenjem distribucije perineuronalnih mreža (PNM), promene u veličini i gustini ekscitatornih i inhibitornih presinaptičkih završetaka, kao i aktivnosti glavnih enzima koji vrše razgradnju VĆM, MMP-2 i MMP-9. Takođe, ova studija je imala za cilj da ispita kako nedostatak TnC interaguje sa spoljašnjom sredinom u oblikovanju različitih domena ponašanja povezanih sa funkcijom malog mozga. U te svrhe, miševi sa nedostatkom TnC (TnC-/-) ili MMP-9 (MMP-9-/-) i odgovarajući kontrolni miševi starosti 3 nedelje su izlagani standardnim uslovima gajenja (SS) ili OS 4 ili 8 nedelja. Ova studija je pokazala da izlaganje OS u toku 8 nedelja dovodi do smanjenja intenziteta bojenja na PNM, kao i smanjenja u veličini GABAergičkih i povećanja broja i veličine glutamatergičkih sinaptičkih završetaka u kontrolnim miševima. Nasuprot tome, TnC-/- miševi su pokazali smanjen intenzitet bojenja na PNM u poređenju sa kontrolnim životinjama gajenim u SS, dok njihovo izlaganje OS nije dovelo da smanjenja, već do blagog povećanja intenziteta PNM...Tenascin-C (TnC) is a glycoprotein present in the extracellular matrix (ECM) of a variety of vertebrate tissues during development, where it plays multiple roles in cell growth, migration and adhesion by activating diverse intracellular signaling pathways. Expression of TnC is markedly downregulated in the adulthood, persisting in a few peripheral structures and in central nervous system areas known to retain high degree of plasticity, such as the cerebellum, where it is involved in the modulation of synaptic functions. Enriched environment (EE) shapes many aspects of behavior and may, therefore, serve as a paradigm to study neuronal plasticity in the adult. Exposure to EE leads to numerous changes at the molecular and cellular levels, which target various brain regions including the cerebellum. The aim of present study was to examine the role of TnC in the modulation of cerebellar structural plasticity induced by the exposure to EE by following the appearance of perineuronal nets (PNN), changes in size and density of excitatory and inhibitory synaptic terminals, and the activity of major ECM degrading enzymes, MMP-2 and MMP-9. Furthermore, the present study aimed to examine how TnC deficiency interacts with the environment in shaping different behavioral domains associated with the cerebellum. To this end, 3-week-old mice lacking TnC (TnC-/-) or MMP-9 (MMP-9-/-) and corresponding wild-type mice were exposed to standard conditions (SC) or an enriched environment (EE) for 4 or 8 weeks. The present study shows that 8 weeks of exposure to EE leads to reduced staining of PNN, reduction in the size of GABAergic and increase in the number and size of glutamatergic synaptic terminals in wild-type mice. Conversely, TnC-/- mice showed reduced staining of PNNs compared to wild-type mice maintained under standard conditions, while exposure to EE did not further reduce, but even slightly increased PNN staining..

Prediction of emission of gaseous pollutants on national level using artificial neural networks models

Radi realizacije koncepta održivog razvoja u narednim decenijama, kao jedan od značajanijih segmenata jeste očuvanje i kontrola kvaliteta vazduha. U tom smislu su na globalnom nivou osnovane brojne organizacije, podržane određenim međunarodno zakonodavno-pravnim mehanizmima. Obaveza država članica pomenutih organizacija i potpisnica konvencija je podnošenje izveštaja o trenutnim i budućim emisijama određenih zagađujućih materija, definisanih kroz indikatore koji se odnose na vazduh i klimatske promene. Radi realizacije preuzetih obaveza potrebno je primeniti odgovarajuće modele koji će na što precizniji, jednostavniji i ekonomičniji način proceniti emisiju određenih polutanata u vazduh. Postojeći modeli koji se koriste za proračun trenutnih i budućih emisija zagađujućih materija su zasnovani na inventarskom pristupu i podrazumevaju poznavanje i primenu velikog broja ulaznih parametara. Da bi proračun emisije prema postojećim modelima bio što precizniji, zahteva se poznavanje više stotina specifičnih parametara za određenu državu i svaki od izvora emisije, koji zavise od primenjene tehnologije, vrste goriva, kao i drugih informacija. Određivanje ulaznih parametara za postojeće modele je izuzetno složeno i zahteva korišćenje brojnih resursa da bi se utvrdila njihova vrednost. Poslednjih godina, sa razvojem računarske tehnologije, veštačke neuronske mreže (ANN - Artificial Neural Networks) su vrlo često korišćene za modelovanje u različitim oblastima. Predstavljaju sofisticirane tehnike modelovanja koje su u mogućnosti da modeluju veoma komleksne i nelinearne funkcije. U okviru ove disertacije osnovni ciljevi su bili razvoj ANN modela za predviđanje nacionalnih emisija sledećih gasovitih zagađujućih materija: amonijaka, nemetanskih isparljivih organskih jedinjenja, metana, azotovih oksida i gasova staklene bašte. Za razvoj ANN modela za predviđenje emisije amonijaka korišćena je višeslojna perceptron arhitektura (MLP - Multilayer Perceptron) – troslojna mreža. MLP model je najpre optimizovan primenom proba i greška procedure kojom je određen optimalan broj skrivenih neurona, aktivaciona funkcija i backpropagation algoritam obučavanja. Analiza glavnih komponenti (PCA - Principal Component Analysis) je primenjena na originalnim ulaznim podacima radi redukcije korelacije između ulaznih promenljivih. Dobijeni rezultati ANN modela kreiranih sa transformisanim ulazima, tj. glavnim komponentama (PCA - MLP) su pokazali da ima mnogo bolje performanse u odnosu na ANN model kreiran sa originalnim ulaznim promenljivama (MLP). U fazi validacije modela, kreirani MLP i PCA - MLP modeli su poređeni sa regresionim modelom razvijenim sa glavnim komponentama, kao ulaznim parametrima (PCR - Principal Component Regression ). Rezultati poređenja ova tri modela su pokazali da PCA - MLP model daje najbolje rezultate predviđanja sa relativnom greškom ispod 20% za SAD i većinu Evropskih država koje su bile uključene u razvoj modela...In order to implement concept of sustainable development in the coming decades, one of significant segments is to prevent further degradation of air quality influenced by emission of pollutants. Regarding this, numerous organizations have been founded on global level, supported by certain international legislative-legal mechanisms. Obligation of member countries and convention signees is submission of reports on current and future emissions of specific pollutants defined through indicators regarding air and climate changes. In order to realize commitments, it is necessary to apply suitable models which will, in the simplest, most precise and most economical way estimate the emission of certain pollutants into the air. Existing models that are used for estimation of current and future emission of pollutants are based on inventory approach and imply knowledge and implementation of numerous input parameters. In order to estimate emission more precisely according to existing models, it is necessary to have the knowledge of hundreds of specific parameters for certain country as well as every emission source, that depend on applied technology, type of fuel and other information. Setting input parameters for existing models is extremely complicated and requires use of numerous resources so as to determine their value. In recent years, along with development of computer technology, artificial neural networks (ANN) have often been used for modeling in different fields. They present sophisticated modeling techniques that are able to model very complex and nonlinear functions. Basic goals within this dissertation was development of ANN model for prediction of national emissions of following gaseous pollutants: ammonia, non-methane volatile organic compounds, methane, nitrogen oxides and greenhouse gases. Multilayer perceptron architecture (MLP) - three-layer network was used for the development of ANN model for estimation of ammonia emission. MLP model was firstly optimized by application of trials and errors of the procedure by which the optimum number of hidden neurons, activation function and back-propagation training algorithm is determined. Principal Components Analysis (PCA) is applied on original input data in order to reduce correlation between input variables. Obtained results of ANN model, created with transformed inputs, or, principal components (PCA - MLP) have shown that it has much better performance in comparison with ANN model, created with original input variables (MLP). In the phase of model validation, created MLP and PCA - MLP models are compared with regression model developed with principal components as input parameters (PCR). Comparison results of these three models have shown that PCA - MLP model provides best estimation results with relative error under 20% for USA and most European countries that are involved in model development..

Ispitivanja varijabilnosti morfometrijskih karakteristika buše i gatačkog goveda u cilju očuvanja autohtonog genoma

With the objective of studying and protecting genomes of autochthonous breeds of cattle, investigations were performed of the variability of morphometric characteristics of the autochthonous breeds Busa and Gatacko cattle, as well as a retrospective analysis of the development of the examined populations. The investigations covered 97 cows, specifically 22 head of western Herzegovina Busa cattle, 24 head of eastern Herzegovina Busa cattle, and 51 head of Gatacko cattle. Morphometric measurements were examined: height at withers, body length, foot circumference, and chest girth. The obtained data were processed statistically, and variability was established using simple variance analysis with an unequal number of repetitions. The significance of the obtained differences from the three investigated localities was tested using the F test and t-test. A significant degree of variability was established for the morphological characteristics within the examined populations, as well as between the populations. The established differences are primarily a result of the influence of different natural conditions and breeding conditions, as well as the genome share of Alpine cattle, with which the Busa has been crossbred.U cilju proučavanja i zaštite genoma autohtonih rasa goveda, izvršena su ispitivanja varijabilnosti morfometrijskih karakteristika buše i gatačkog govečeta, kao i retrospektivna analiza razvoja ispitivanih populacija. Istraživanjem je obuhvaćeno 97 krava i to 22 grla zapadnohercegovač ke buše, 24 grla istočnohercegovačke buše i 51 grlo gatačkog goveda. Ispitivane su morfometrijske mere: visina do vrha grebena, dužina trupa, obim cevanice i obim grudi. Dobijeni podaci su statistički obrađeni, a utvrđivanje varijabilnosti je vršeno prostom analizom varijance sa nejednakim brojem ponavljanja. Značajnost dobijenih razlika sa tri istraživana lokaliteta je testirana F i t-testom. Utvrđen je značajan stepen varijabilnosti morfoloških karakteristika unutar ispitivanih populacija, kao i između populacija. Utvrđene razlike pre svega su rezultat uticaja različitih prirodnih uslova i uslova gajenja kao i udela genoma alpskih goveda, sa kojima je buša ukrštana

A design concept for radiation hardened RADFET readout system for space applications

Instruments for measuring the absorbed dose and dose rate under radiation exposure, known as radiation dosimeters, are indispensable in space missions. They are composed of radiation sensors that generate current or voltage response when exposed to ionizing radiation, and processing electronics for computing the absorbed dose and dose rate. Among a wide range of existing radiation sensors, the Radiation Sensitive Field Effect Transistors (RADFETs) have unique advantages for absorbed dose measurement, and a proven record of successful exploitation in space missions. It has been shown that the RADFETs may be also used for the dose rate monitoring. In that regard, we propose a unique design concept that supports the simultaneous operation of a single RADFET as absorbed dose and dose rate monitor. This enables to reduce the cost of implementation, since the need for other types of radiation sensors can be minimized or eliminated. For processing the RADFET's response we propose a readout system composed of analog signal conditioner (ASC) and a self-adaptive multiprocessing system-on-chip (MPSoC). The soft error rate of MPSoC is monitored in real time with embedded sensors, allowing the autonomous switching between three operating modes (high-performance, de-stress and fault-tolerant), according to the application requirements and radiation conditions

A Comparison of MGMT Testing by MSP and qMSP in Paired Snap-Frozen and Formalin-Fixed Paraffin-Embedded Gliomas

Comparative analysis of the conventional methylation-specific PCR (MSP) vs. the quantitative MSP (qMSP) assessment of the O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) promoter methylation status in 34 snap-frozen (SF) glioma samples was performed. The accuracy of the semi-quantitative MSP was compared with the corresponding qMSP semi-quantitative values using two semi-quantitative cut-off values (0—unmethylated and 1—weakly methylated) to discriminate methylated from unmethylated samples. In the case of the cut-off value 0, MSP test showed 80.0% sensitivity and 78.9% specificity compared to the reference qMSP analysis. However, when using the cut-off value 1, the diagnostic accuracy of the MSP test was significantly higher (85.7% sensitivity, 85.2% specificity). Fleiss’ Kappa statistical analyses indicated moderate agreement (Fleiss’ Kappa Coefficient = 0.509; 70.59% agreement) between MSP and qMSP semi-quantitative measurements of MGMT promoter methylation in glioma patients, justifying the conventional MSP use in diagnostics and confirming its high reliability. Further, we aimed to compare the validity of SF and formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) glioma samples for MGMT testing. Statistical analyses indicated moderate overall agreement of FFPE glioma samples and SF MSP semi-quantitative measurements (Fleiss’ Kappa Coefficient = 0.516/0.509; 70.0% agreement) and emphasized their low reliability in the assessment of highly methylated MGMT promoter samples

Biological Indication of Heavy Metal Pollution in the Areas of Donje Vlase and Cerje (Southeastern Serbia) Using Epiphytic Lichens

The performance of two epiphytic lichen species (Evernia prunastri (L.) Ach. and Parmelia sulcata Taylor) as bioindicators of heavy metal pollution in natural areas around the city of Nis (southeastern Serbia) were evaluated. The concentration of 19 heavy metals in lichen samples was measured by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy. For the majority of the elements the concentrations found in Parmelia sulcata Taylor were higher than in Evernia prunastri (L.) Ach. In addition, interspecific differences in heavy metal accumulation between Evernia prunastri (L.) Ach. and Parmelia sulcata Taylor are observed. Parmelia sulcata Taylor showed a tendency to accumulate Fe, Mn, Ni and Ti while Evernia prunastri (L.) Ach. preferentially concentrated Cu on both locations. A clear distinction between lithogenic (Mn-Cu-Ti) and atmospheric elements (Ni-Co-Cr-Ag-Pb-Hg) was achieved by cluster analysis

A map of the large day-night temperature gradient of a super-Earth exoplanet.

Over the past decade, observations of giant exoplanets (Jupiter-size) have provided key insights into their atmospheres, but the properties of lower-mass exoplanets (sub-Neptune) remain largely unconstrained because of the challenges of observing small planets. Numerous efforts to observe the spectra of super-Earths--exoplanets with masses of one to ten times that of Earth--have so far revealed only featureless spectra. Here we report a longitudinal thermal brightness map of the nearby transiting super-Earth 55 Cancri e (refs 4, 5) revealing highly asymmetric dayside thermal emission and a strong day-night temperature contrast. Dedicated space-based monitoring of the planet in the infrared revealed a modulation of the thermal flux as 55 Cancri e revolves around its star in a tidally locked configuration. These observations reveal a hot spot that is located 41 ± 12 degrees east of the substellar point (the point at which incident light from the star is perpendicular to the surface of the planet). From the orbital phase curve, we also constrain the nightside brightness temperature of the planet to 1,380 ± 400 kelvin and the temperature of the warmest hemisphere (centred on the hot spot) to be about 1,300 kelvin hotter (2,700 ± 270 kelvin) at a wavelength of 4.5 micrometres, which indicates inefficient heat redistribution from the dayside to the nightside. Our observations are consistent with either an optically thick atmosphere with heat recirculation confined to the planetary dayside, or a planet devoid of atmosphere with low-viscosity magma flows at the surface

Highly contiguous assemblies of 101 drosophilid genomes

Over 100 years of studies in Drosophila melanogaster and related species in the genus Drosophila have facilitated key discoveries in genetics, genomics, and evolution. While high-quality genome assemblies exist for several species in this group, they only encompass a small fraction of the genus. Recent advances in long-read sequencing allow high-quality genome assemblies for tens or even hundreds of species to be efficiently generated. Here, we utilize Oxford Nanopore sequencing to build an open community resource of genome assemblies for 101 lines of 93 drosophilid species encompassing 14 species groups and 35 sub-groups. The genomes are highly contiguous and complete, with an average contig N50 of 10.5 Mb and greater than 97% BUSCO completeness in 97/101 assemblies. We show that Nanopore-based assemblies are highly accurate in coding regions, particularly with respect to coding insertions and deletions. These assemblies, along with a detailed laboratory protocol and assembly pipelines, are released as a public resource and will serve as a starting point for addressing broad questions of genetics, ecology, and evolution at the scale of hundreds of species