Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Conjunctival melanomas: prognostic factors a review and an analysis of a series.

CONJUNCTIVAL MELANOMAS SCARCITY WELL-STUDIED AND published cases of conjunctival melanomas makes it difficult to assess prognostic factors for these neoplasms. Several authorities321 28 have emphasized similarities between skin and conjunctival melanomas; therefore, the extensive literature on the relatively common melanoma of the skin might yield information of value in evaluating the prognosis of melanomas of the conjunctiva. by to predict the outcome of skin melanomas, utilizes many ofthese factors.
A Framework for Optimizing the Uplink Performance of Distributed Antenna Systems under a Constrained Backhaul

It has recently been shown that multi-cell cooperations in cellular networks, enabling distributed antenna systems and joint transmission or joint detection across cell boundaries, can significantly increase capacity, especially that of users at cell borders. Such concepts, typically implicitly assuming unlimited information exchange between base stations, can also be used to increase the network fairness. In practical implementations, however, the large amounts of received signals that need to be quantized and transmitted via an additional backhaul between the involved cells to central processing points, will be a non-negligible issue. In this paper, we thus introduce an analytical framework to observe the uplink performance of cellular networks in which joint detection is only applied to a subset of selected users, aiming at achieving best possible capacity and fairness improvements under a strongly constrained backhaul between sites. This reveals a multi-dimensional optimization problem, where we propose a simple, heuristic algorithm that strongly narrows down and serializes the problem while still yielding a significant performance improvement.
"Let the players play!" & other earnest remarks about videogame authorship

This exploratory case study describes how middle school youth authored videogames at an urban summer camp using Kodu, a visual programming language and game creation tool. The study details how the youth took on authorship and gave and withdrew agency to their intended game players through a process of continuous revision. Connections to traditional literacy are made and future research on the transfer of literacy practices between informal and formal learning environments are suggested.
Random unitaries in non-commutative tori, and an asymptotic model for q-circular systems

We consider the concept of q-circular system, which is a deformation of the circular system from free probability, taking place in the framework of the so-called “qcommutation relations”. We show that certain averages of random unitaries in noncommutative tori behave asymptotically like a q-circular system. More precisely: let q be in (−1, 1); let s, k be positive integers; let (ρij)1≤i<j≤ks be independent random variables with values in the unit circle, such that ∫ ρij = q, ∀ 1 ≤ i < j ≤ ks; and let U1, . , Uks be random unitaries such that UiUj = ρijUjUi, ∀1 ≤ i < j ≤ ks. If we set: Xr := 1 √ k ( Ur + Ur+s + · · · + Ur+(k−1)s ), 1 ≤ r ≤ s, then the family X1, . , Xs behaves for k → ∞ like a q-circular system with s elements. The above result generalizes to the case when instead of the hypothesis “ ∫ ρij = q” we start with “ ∫ ρij = z”, where z is a complex number such that |z| < 1. In this case the limit distribution of X1, . , Xs is what we call a z-circular system. From the combinatorial point of view, the new feature brought in by a z-circular system is that its description involves the enumeration of oriented crossings of certain pairings; it is only in the case when z = z = q that the orientations cancel out, allowing the q-circular system to be described via non-oriented crossings. As a consequence of the result, one can easily construct families of random matrices which converge in distribution to q-circular (or more generally z-circular) systems. ∗Research supported by a grant from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council, Canada.
Loss of genetic variability in social spiders: genetic and phylogenetic consequences of population subdivision and inbreeding

The consequences of population subdivision and inbreeding have been studied in many organisms, particularly in plants. However, most studies focus on the short‐term consequences, such as inbreeding depression. To investigate the consequences of both population fragmentation and inbreeding for genetic variability in the longer term, we here make use of a natural inbreeding experiment in spiders, where sociality and accompanying population subdivision and inbreeding have evolved repeatedly. We use mitochondrial and nuclear data to infer phylogenetic relationships among 170 individuals of Anelosimus spiders representing 23 species. We then compare relative mitochondrial and nuclear genetic variability of the inbred social species and their outbred relatives. We focus on four independently derived social species and four subsocial species, including two outbred–inbred sister species pairs. We find that social species have 50% reduced mitochondrial sequence divergence. As inbreeding is not expected to reduce genetic variability in the maternally inherited mitochondrial genome, this suggests the loss of variation due to strong population subdivision, founder effects, small effective population sizes (colonies as individuals) and lineage turnover. Social species have < 10% of the nuclear genetic variability of the outbred species, also suggesting the loss of genetic variability through founder effects and/or inbreeding. Inbred sociality hence may result in reduction in variability through various processes. Sociality in most Anelosimus species probably arose relatively recently (0.1–2 mya), with even the oldest social lineages having failed to diversify. This is consistent with the hypothesis that inbred spider sociality represents an evolutionary dead end. Heterosis underlies a species potential to respond to environmental change and/or disease. Inbreeding and loss of genetic variability may thus limit diversification in social Anelosimus lineages and similarly pose a threat to many wild populations subject to habitat fragmentation or reduced population sizes.
Pathogen-Induced Apoptotic Neutrophils Express Heat Shock Proteins and Elicit Activation of Human Macrophages1

Ingestion of aged or irradiated apoptotic neutrophils actively suppresses stimulation of macrophages (Mφ). Many bacterial pathogens can also provoke apoptosis in neutrophils, but little is known about how such apoptotic cells influence Mφ activation. We found that neutrophils undergoing apoptosis induced by UV irradiation, Escherichia coli, or Staphylococcus aureus could either stimulate or inhibit Mφ activation. In contrast to Mφ that had ingested irradiated apoptotic neutrophils, Mφ that had phagocytosed bacteria-induced apoptotic neutrophils exhibited markedly increased production of the proinflammatory cytokine TNF-α, but not the anti-inflammatory cytokine TGF-β. Moreover, ingestion of bacteria, but not UV-induced apoptotic neutrophils, caused increased expression of FcγRI on Mφ, and this effect was not provoked directly by bacteria associated with the apoptotic neutrophils. Instead, we found that a link between pathogen-induced apoptotic neutrophils and up-regulation of the heat shock proteins HSP60 and HSP70, and we also observed that recombinant HSP60 and HSP70 potentiated LPS-stimulated production of TNF-α in Mφ. The opposing macrophage responses to neutrophils undergoing apoptosis induced in different ways may represent a novel mechanism that regulates the extent of the immune response to invading microbes in two steps: first by aiding the functions of Mφ at an early stage of infection, and subsequently by deactivating those cells through removal of uninfected apoptotic neutrophils. HSP induction in neutrophils may provide the danger signals required to generate a more effective macrophage response.
(‐)Epicatechin stimulates ERK‐dependent cyclic AMP response element activity and up‐regulates GluR2 in cortical neurons

Emerging evidence suggests that the cellular actions of flavonoids relate not simply to their antioxidant potential but also to the modulation of protein kinase signalling pathways. We investigated in primary cortical neurons, the ability of the flavan‐3‐ol, (‐)epicatechin, and its human metabolites at physiologically relevant concentrations, to stimulate phosphorylation of the transcription factor cAMP‐response element binding protein (CREB), a regulator of neuronal viability and synaptic plasticity. (‐)Epicatechin at 100–300 nmol/L stimulated a rapid, extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK)‐ and PI3K‐dependent, increase in CREB phosphorylation. At micromolar concentrations, stimulation was no longer apparent and at the highest concentration tested (30 μmol/L) (‐)epicatechin was inhibitory. (‐)Epicatechin also stimulated ERK and Akt phosphorylation with similar bell‐shaped concentration‐response characteristics. The human metabolite 3′‐O‐methyl‐(‐)epicatechin was as effective as (‐)epicatechin at stimulating ERK phosphorylation, but (‐)epicatechin glucuronide was inactive. (‐)Epicatechin and 3′‐O‐methyl‐(‐)epicatechin treatments (100 nmol/L) increased CRE‐luciferase activity in cortical neurons in a partially ERK‐dependent manner, suggesting the potential to increase CREB‐mediated gene expression. mRNA levels of the glutamate receptor subunit GluR2 increased by 60%, measured 18 h after a 15 min exposure to (‐)epicatechin and this translated into an increase in GluR2 protein. Thus, (‐)epicatechin has the potential to increase CREB‐regulated gene expression and increase GluR2 levels and thus modulate neurotransmission, plasticity and synaptogenesis.
An InP-Based Optical Equalizer Monolithically Integrated With a Semiconductor Optical Amplifier

We present the first optical equalizer realized on Indium Phosphide material that is also monolithically integrated with a semiconductor optical amplifier. We show that the device can mitigate inter-symbol interference arising from narrowband optical filtering of 40-Gb/s non-return-to-zero data. Significant improvement in the measured bit-error rates after optical equalization of the filtered signal is reported. It is shown that the device can also mitigate the impairments arising from residual chirp and electrical filtering in the transmitter and receiver.
On updates that constrain the features' connections during learning

In many multiclass learning scenarios, the number of classes is relatively large (thousands,.), or the space and time efficiency of the learning system can be crucial. We investigate two online update techniques especially suited to such problems. These updates share a sparsity preservation capacity: they allow for constraining the number of prediction connections that each feature can make. We show that one method, exponential moving average, is solving a "discrete" regression problem for each feature, changing the weights in the direction of minimizing the quadratic loss. We design the other method to improve a hinge loss subject to constraints, for better accuracy. We empirically explore the methods, and compare performance to previous indexing techniques, developed with the same goals, as well as other online algorithms based on prototype learning. We observe that while the classification accuracies are very promising, improving over previous indexing techniques, the scalability benefits are preserved.
A new benzylisoquinoline alkaloid from Argemone mexicana

A new benzylisoquinoline alkaloid, argemexirine, together with two known protoberberine alkaloids, dl-tetrahydrocoptisine and dihydrocoptisine, have been isolated from the methanolic extract of the whole plant of Argemone mexicana L. The compounds were identified by spectral and chemical evidence. This is the first report of these alkaloids in this plant species.
A surveillance 3D hand-tracking-based Tele-operated UGV

Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs) are becoming of wider interest in surveillance and defense applications. UGVs could be either autonomous or Tele-operated. Autonomous unmanned systems require a path guidance computer-based system. For Tele-operated unmanned systems, different methods are used to operate such systems. One way is to use wired or wireless remote control (RC) boards or joysticks. Wireless RC systems enable the control of unmanned systems thousands of miles away. Conventional joystick and button-based RC systems are usually convenient when it comes to operating an unmanned system with simple or limited functionalities. It also does not require a lot of computational power to interpret the operator's commands. On the other hand, when the Tele-operated unmanned system includes many and complex functionalities, using conventional RC systems may not be the best choice. In this work we propose an unconventional 3D Hand-Tracking-Based Tele-Operating system to control a UGV carrying a 4-DOF robotic arm. Results show that the proposed system from the perspective of a number of operators was easier to control the UGV and the robotic arm when compared to joystick-based RC systems.
Abatacept treatment reduces disease activity in early primary Sjögren's syndrome (open-label proof of concept ASAP study)

Objective To assess the efficacy and safety of abatacept in patients with early and active primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS). Methods All 15 patients (12 women, three men) included in the open-label Active Sjögren Abatacept Pilot study met the revised American-European Consensus Group criteria for pSS and were biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drug-naive. Patients were treated with eight intravenous abatacept infusions on days 1, 15 and 29 and every 4 weeks thereafter. Follow-up was conducted at 4, 12, 24 (on treatment), 36 and 48 weeks (off treatment). Disease activity was assessed with European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) Sjögren's Syndrome Disease Activity Index (ESSDAI) and EULAR Sjögren's Syndrome Patient Reported Index (ESSPRI). Several other functional, laboratory and subjective variables were analysed. Generalised estimating equations were used to analyse parameters over time. Results ESSDAI, ESSPRI, rheumatoid factor and IgG levels decreased significantly during abatacept treatment and increased post-treatment. Salivary and lacrimal gland function did not change during treatment. Fatigue and health-related quality of life (HR-QoL) improved significantly during treatment. No serious side effects or infections were seen. Conclusions In this open-label study, abatacept treatment is effective, safe and well tolerated, and results in improved disease activity, laboratory parameters, fatigue and HR-QoL in patients with early and active pSS. Trial registration number 2009-015558-40.
Acrosin activity in pelleted frozen sperm does not correlate with in vitro fertilization of oocytes

Summary. Spermatozoa pelleted after swim‐up were frozen and then analysed in batches for acrosin activity, using a spectrophotometric method, and expressed as μIU μg DNA−1. A total of 259 sperm samples were analysed and the acrosin activity compared with fertilization in vitro. Of these, 224 samples fertilized at least one oocyte and 35 samples failed to fertilize any oocyte. Analysis by Student's t‐test indicated that there was a statistically significant difference (P=0.02) in acrosin activity between the two groups. However, when samples that failed to fertilize were matched for concentration, motility and normal morphology with samples that fertilized, this significance was lost (P=0.77). It is concluded that total acrosin in pelleted sperm frozen after regular swim‐up, does not correlate with fertilizing ability of spermatozoa used for insemination.
Comparison of two types of visual quality analyzer for the measurement of high order aberrations.

AIM To compare the difference and agreement of KR-1W and iTrace for measurement of high order aberrations. METHODS KR-1W and iTrace were respectively used in a group of healthy people (40 volunteers, 32 eyes) to measure the high order aberration (HOA) of corneal, internal and total ocular. The clinical difference and agreement of two instruments were respectively evaluated by paired-samples t-test and Bland-Altman analysis. RESULTS The paired-samples t-test showed that the corneal HOA measured by the two instruments had no statistical differences (P>0.05); but the internal and total ocular HOA had significant statistical differences (P<0.05), and the mean results measured by iTrace were higher than that of KR-1W. However, Bland-Altman analysis revealed that the HOA of corneal and internal were all in 95% limits of agreement; and just one point of total ocular HOA was beyond the 95% limits of agreement. CONCLUSION KR-1W and iTrace were consistent well in the measurement of corneal, internal and total ocular HOA, especially for the cornea.
Budget of tropospheric ozone during TOPSE from two chemical transport models

[1] The tropospheric ozone budget during the Tropospheric Ozone Production about the Spring Equinox (TOPSE) campaign has been studied using two chemical transport models (CTMs): HANK and the Model of Ozone and Related chemical Tracers, version 2 (MOZART-2). The two models have similar chemical schemes but use different meteorological fields, with HANK using MM5 (Pennsylvania State University, National Center for Atmospheric Research Mesoscale Modeling System) and MOZART-2 driven by European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) fields. Both models simulate ozone in good agreement with the observations but underestimate NOx. The models indicate that in the troposphere, averaged over the northern middle and high latitudes, chemical production of ozone drives the increase of ozone seen in the spring. Both ozone gross chemical production and loss increase greatly over the spring months. The in situ production is much larger than the net stratospheric input, and the deposition and horizontal fluxes are relatively small in comparison to chemical destruction. The net production depends sensitively on the concentrations of H2O, HO2 and NO, which differ slightly in the two models. Both models underestimate the chemical production calculated in a steady state model using TOPSE measurements, but the chemical loss rates agree well. Measures of the stratospheric influence on tropospheric ozone in relation to in situ ozone production are discussed. Two different estimates of the stratospheric fraction of O3 in the Northern Hemisphere troposphere indicate it decreases from 30–50% in February to 15–30% in June. A sensitivity study of the effect of a perturbation in the vertical flux on tropospheric ozone indicates the contribution from the stratosphere is approximately 15%.
Invasive termites in a changing climate: A global perspective

Abstract Termites are ubiquitous insects in tropical, subtropical, and warm temperate regions and play an important role in ecosystems. Several termite species are also significant economic pests, mainly in urban areas where they attack human‐made structures, but also in natural forest habitats. Worldwide, approximately 28 termite species are considered invasive and have spread beyond their native ranges, often with significant economic consequences. We used predictive climate modeling to provide the first global risk assessment for 13 of the world's most invasive termites. We modeled the future distribution of 13 of the most serious invasive termite species, using two different Representative Concentration Pathways (RCPs), RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5, and two projection years (2050 and 2070). Our results show that all but one termite species are expected to significantly increase in their global distribution, irrespective of the climatic scenario and year. The range shifts by species (shift vectors) revealed a complex pattern of distributional changes across latitudes rather than simple poleward expansion. Mapping of potential invasion hotspots in 2050 under the RCP 4.5 scenario revealed that the most suitable areas are located in the tropics. Substantial parts of all continents had suitable environmental conditions for more than four species simultaneously. Mapping of changes in the number of species revealed that areas that lose many species (e.g., parts of South America) are those that were previously very species‐rich, contrary to regions such as Europe that were overall not among the most important invasion hotspots, but that showed a great increase in the number of potential invaders. The substantial economic and ecological damage caused by invasive termites is likely to increase in response to climate change, increased urbanization, and accelerating economic globalization, acting singly or interactively.
DNA Lesions Induced by Replication Stress Trigger Mitotic Aberration and Tetraploidy Development

During tumorigenesis, cells acquire immortality in association with the development of genomic instability. However, it is still elusive how genomic instability spontaneously generates during the process of tumorigenesis. Here, we show that precancerous DNA lesions induced by oncogene acceleration, which induce situations identical to the initial stages of cancer development, trigger tetraploidy/aneuploidy generation in association with mitotic aberration. Although oncogene acceleration primarily induces DNA replication stress and the resulting lesions in the S phase, these lesions are carried over into the M phase and cause cytokinesis failure and genomic instability. Unlike directly induced DNA double-strand breaks, DNA replication stress-associated lesions are cryptogenic and pass through cell-cycle checkpoints due to limited and ineffective activation of checkpoint factors. Furthermore, since damaged M-phase cells still progress in mitotic steps, these cells result in chromosomal mis-segregation, cytokinesis failure and the resulting tetraploidy generation. Thus, our results reveal a process of genomic instability generation triggered by precancerous DNA replication stress.
Seed germination and viability of herbicide resistant and susceptible Chenopodium album populations after ensiling, digestion by cattle and manure storage

Chenopodium album became a problem weed in sugar beet production, due to resistance to metamitron, a key herbicide in this crop. Dispersal of the seeds from resistant biotypes may occur due to spread by wind, animals, agricultural machinery or manure. This study examined the effect of ensiling, digestion by cattle and storage in slurry and farmyard manure on the germination and viability of the seeds of one susceptible and three resistant C.album populations. After 4weeks in a maize silo, seed viability of C.album populations was reduced drastically to 0-5%. Incubation for 24h in the rumen followed by a post-ruminal digestion in vitro of intact seeds only resulted in a small reduction in viability in one C.album population. Storage in a slurry cellar for 16weeks reduced the viability of intact seeds of the C.album populations to 25-60%. Only 0-1% of the seeds remained viable after storage in a farmyard manure heap for 4weeks. An accelerated ageing experiment showed seed persistence to be population specific and less related to seed weight. Keeping a fresh maize silo closed for at least 4weeks and heaping farmyard manure are excellent preventive measures to limit the spread of resistant C.album seeds between fields.
Hemi-central retinal artery occlusion in young adults

only 16 cases may be KOH positive. The utility of BA/CA for the detection of fungi in the clinics may differ from that in the study. We calculated the predictive values of the positive test for various media. The values were 72.7%, 83.3%, 88.2%, and 61.5% for BA, CA, NNA, and BHI, respectively. The predictive value of the positive test depends upon sensitivity, specificity, and disease prevalence. [3] These predictive values are 100% for KOH-positive cases and values may be significantly lower in the clinics, where KOH positivity is 16%.