Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Assessing Clark's nutcracker seed-caching flights using maternally inherited mitochondrial DNA of whitebark pine

Maternally inherited mitochondrial DNA haplotypes in whitebark pine (Pinus albicaulis Engelm.) were used to examine the maternal genetic structure at three hierarchical spatial scales: fine scale, coarse scale, and inter - population. These data were used to draw inferences into Clark's nutcracker (Nucifraga columbiana Wilson) seed- caching flight distances. Statistical analyses of fine-scale and coarse-scale distribution of haplotypes showed no appar - ent signs of deviation from a random pattern. This suggests nutcrackers are effective in dispersal of seed within popu - lations, which is consistent with data gathered on nutcracker seed-caching behavior. However, the lack of homogeneity in haplotype frequencies among populations indicates nutcrackers rarely disperse seeds across large gaps (>20 km) in subalpine habitat. Resume : Les auteurs ont utilise des haplotypes d'ADN mitochondrial transmis maternellement chez le pin a ecorce blanche (Pinus albicaulis Engelm.) afin d'etudier la structure genetique maternelle a trois echelles spatiales hierarchi- ques : a grande et a petite echelles, et parmi les populations. Ces donnees ont permis d'inferer les distances de vol du casse-noix d'Amerique (Nucifraga columbiana Wilson) pour etablir ses caches de graines. Les analyses statistiques de la distribution des haplotypes a grande et a petite echelles n'ont pas montre de signes d'une deviation par rapport a une distribution aleatoire. Cette observation suggere que les casse-noix dispersent efficacement les graines a l'interieur des populations, ce qui est consistant avec les donnees se rapportant aux habitudes d'entreposage des graines chez cette espece. Cependant, une heterogeneite des frequences d'haplotypes a ete remarquee parmi les populations, impliquant que les casse-noix traversent rarement des grandes trouees (>20 km) pour disperser des graines, au sein de l'habitat su- balpin. (Traduit par la Redaction) Richardson et al. 1107
Text Categorization for Multi-label Documents and Many Categories

In this paper, we propose a new classification method that addresses classification in multiple categories of textual documents. We call it Matrix Regression (MR) due to its resemblance to regression in a high dimensional space. Experiences on a medical corpus of hospital records to be classified by ICD (International Classification of Diseases) code demonstrate the validity of the MR approach. We compared MR with three frequently used algorithms in text categorization that are k-Nearest Neighbors, Centroide and Support Vector Machine. The experimental results show that our method outperforms them in both precision and time of classification.
Comparing two models to generate hyper-heuristics for the 2d-regular bin-packing problem

The idea behind hyper-heuristics is to discover some combination of straightforward heuristics to solve a wide range of problems. To be worthwhile, such combination should outperform the single heuristics. This paper presents two Evolutionary-Computation-based Models to producehyper-heuristics that solve two-dimensional bin-packing problems. The first model uses an XCS-type Learning Classifier System which learns a solution procedure when solving individual problems. The second model is based on a GA that uses a variable-length representation, which evolves combinations of condition-action rules producing hyper-heuristics after going through alearning process which includes training and testing phases.Both approaches, when tested and compared using a large set ofbenchmark problems, perform better than the combinations ofsingle heuristics. The testbed is composed of problems used inother similar studies in the literature. Some additional instances of the testbed were randomly generated.
LOXL 2 catalytically inactive mutants mediate epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition

Lysyl-oxidase-like 2 (LOXL2) is a member of the lysyl oxidase family that catalyzes the cross-linking of collagens or elastins in the extracellular matrix, thus regulating the tensile strength of tissues. However, many reports have suggested different intracellular roles for LOXL2, including the ability to regulate gene transcription and tumor progression. We previously reported that LOXL2 mediates epithelial-tomesenchymal transition (EMT) by Snail1-dependent and independent mechanisms, related to E-cadherin silencing and downregulation of epidermal differentiation and cell polarity components, respectively. Whether or not the catalytic activity of LOXL2 is required to induce/sustain EMT is actually unknown. Here we show that LOXL2 catalytic inactive mutants collaborate with Snail1 in Ecadherin gene repression to trigger EMT and, in addition, promote FAK/Src pathway activation to support EMT. These findings reveal a non-conventional role of LOXL2 on regulating epithelial cell plasticity.
Wisconsin Card Sorting Revisited: Distinct Neural Circuits Participating in Different Stages of the Task Identified by Event-Related Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging

The Wisconsin Card Sorting Task (WCST) has been used to assess dysfunction of the prefrontal cortex and basal ganglia. Previous brain imaging studies have focused on identifying activity related to the set-shifting requirement of the WCST. The present study used event-related functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to study the pattern of activation during four distinct stages in the performance of this task. Eleven subjects were scanned while performing the WCST and a control task involving matching two identical cards. The results demonstrated specific involvement of different prefrontal areas during different stages of task performance. The mid-dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (area 9/46) increased activity while subjects received either positive or negative feedback, that is at the point when the current information must be related to earlier events stored in working memory. This is consistent with the proposed role of the mid-dorsolateral prefrontal cortex in the monitoring of events in working memory. By contrast, a cortical basal ganglia loop involving the mid-ventrolateral prefrontal cortex (area 47/12), caudate nucleus, and mediodorsal thalamus increased activity specifically during the reception of negative feedback, which signals the need for a mental shift to a new response set. The posterior prefrontal cortex response was less specific; increases in activity occurred during both the reception of feedback and the response period, indicating a role in the association of specific actions to stimuli. The putamen exhibited increased activity while matching after negative feedback but not while matching after positive feedback, implying greater involvement during novel than routine actions.
Consumption of Bt Maize Pollen Expressing Cry1Ab or Cry3Bb1 Does Not Harm Adult Green Lacewings, Chrysoperla carnea (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae)

Adults of the common green lacewing, Chrysoperla carnea (Stephens) (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae), are prevalent pollen-consumers in maize fields. They are therefore exposed to insecticidal proteins expressed in the pollen of insect-resistant, genetically engineered maize varieties expressing Cry proteins derived from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). Laboratory experiments were conducted to evaluate the impact of Cry3Bb1 or Cry1Ab-expressing transgenic maize (MON 88017, Event Bt176) pollen on fitness parameters of adult C. carnea. Adults were fed pollen from Bt maize varieties or their corresponding near isolines together with sucrose solution for 28 days. Survival, pre-oviposition period, fecundity, fertility and dry weight were not different between Bt or non-Bt maize pollen treatments. In order to ensure that adults of C. carnea are not sensitive to the tested toxins independent from the plant background and to add certainty to the hazard assessment, adult C. carnea were fed with artificial diet containing purified Cry3Bb1 or Cry1Ab at about a 10 times higher concentration than in maize pollen. Artificial diet containing Galanthus nivalis agglutinin (GNA) was included as a positive control. No differences were found in any life-table parameter between Cry protein containing diet treatments and control diet. However, the pre-oviposition period, daily and total fecundity and dry weight of C. carnea were significantly negatively affected by GNA-feeding. In both feeding assays, the stability and bioactivity of Cry proteins in the food sources as well as the uptake by C. carnea was confirmed. These results show that adults of C. carnea are not affected by Bt maize pollen and are not sensitive to Cry1Ab and Cry3Bb1 at concentrations exceeding the levels in pollen. Consequently, Bt maize pollen consumption will pose a negligible risk to adult C. carnea.
Valores y sexismo en adolescentes argentinos.

En los ultimos anos, las expresiones mas abiertas y hostiles del sexismo hacia las mujeres han mutado a manifestaciones mas veladas y sutiles. No obstante, a la fecha son casi nulas las investigaciones que han explorado esta problematica en poblacion adolescente. Habida cuenta de esta carencia, y considerando que estudios recientes posicionan a los valores humanos como una variable fundamental para examinar las problematicas de genero, la presente investigacion se oriento al analisis de las posibles vinculaciones entre los valores (individualismocolectivismo) y el sexismo en adolescentes escolarizados argentinos. Participaron 202 individuos (72 varones y 130 mujeres) de 15.25 anos de edad promedio. Los sujetos respondieron en forma anonima y voluntaria, en horas de clase cedidas por los docentes, una serie de instrumentos que midieron las variables en estudio. Los resultados indican: (1) mayor colectivismo horizontal y sexismo benevolo en la muestra total; (2) mayores niveles de individualismo vertical y de sexismo hostil entre los varones; (3) el sexo (masculino), el individualismo vertical y el colectivismo vertical predicen el sexismo hostil; (4) el individualismo tanto vertical como horizontal predicen el sexismo benevolo. Se discuten las implicancias teoricas de estos hallazgos y se efectuan sugerencias para futuros estudios.
Monotone iterative method for boundary value problems of fuzzy differential equations

This paper provides some existence results about first-order fuzzy differential equation with two-point boundary value condition. Firstly, we study a class of linear fuzzy differential equation and some necessary conditions for the existence of solutions are provided. Based on these conditions and the upper and lower solutions method, we obtain some existence results about first-order nonlinear differential equations with the same boundary value condition.
The Evolution of Male-Male Sexual Behavior in Humans

Abstract This paper examines male-male sexual behavior from an evolutionary perspective. I begin with a discussion of the major difficulties associated with the scientific study of homosexuality and a clarification of some concepts in human sexuality and evolutionary psychology. Following is a presentation of several established evolutionary theories of homosexuality and a critique of their major assumptions. Based on common patterns of male-male sexual behavior in humans identified by anthropologists, I argue that the evolutionary origin of male-male sexual behavior is based on the same dominance-submission mechanisms that gave rise to male-female sexual behavior. Further, I argue that male-male sexual behavior evolved more fully in human males than in other primate males because male-male alliances played a greater role in human male reproductive success. Specifically, male-male sexual behavior is speculated to be an exaptation of the sociosexual behavior used by primates to establish, regulate, and maintain relationships. It is posited that same-sex sexual behavior in human males reinforced alliances that contributed directly to male survival and indirectly to male reproduction. This alliance theory of the evolution of male-male sexual behavior is compatible with broader current theory on human evolution. The same neurological mechanism theorized to be involved in male-female sexual attraction and behavior is purported to mediate male-male sexual attraction and behavior. Finally, I argue that exclusive same-sex attraction in human males is due to an interaction between genetic, cultural, developmental and psychological factors. doi:10.1300/J056v18n04_02
Dissociable contribution of the parietal and frontal cortex to coding movement direction and amplitude

To reach for an object, we must convert its spatial location into an appropriate motor command, merging movement direction and amplitude. In humans, it has been suggested that this visuo-motor transformation occurs in a dorsomedial parieto-frontal pathway, although the causal contribution of the areas constituting the “reaching circuit” remains unknown. Here we used transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) in healthy volunteers to disrupt the function of either the medial intraparietal area (mIPS) or dorsal premotor cortex (PMd), in each hemisphere. The task consisted in performing step-tracking movements with the right wrist towards targets located in different directions and eccentricities; targets were either visible for the whole trial (Target-ON) or flashed for 200 ms (Target-OFF). Left and right mIPS disruption led to errors in the initial direction of movements performed towards contralateral targets. These errors were corrected online in the Target-ON condition but when the target was flashed for 200 ms, mIPS TMS manifested as a larger endpoint spreading. In contrast, left PMd virtual lesions led to higher acceleration and velocity peaks—two parameters typically used to probe the planned movement amplitude—irrespective of the target position, hemifield and presentation condition; in the Target-OFF condition, left PMd TMS induced overshooting and increased the endpoint dispersion along the axis of the target direction. These results indicate that left PMd intervenes in coding amplitude during movement preparation. The critical TMS timings leading to errors in direction and amplitude were different, namely 160–100 ms before movement onset for mIPS and 100–40 ms for left PMd. TMS applied over right PMd had no significant effect. These results demonstrate that, during motor preparation, direction and amplitude of goal-directed movements are processed by different cortical areas, at distinct timings, and according to a specific hemispheric organization.
Bullying in Schools and What to Do About It

Bullying is now widely recognised as a serious problem that affects many children in schools. It can take many forms, including direct verbal and physical harassment and indirect forms such as deliberate exclusion and the targeting of individuals using cyber technology. Continual and severe bullying can cause both short term and long term damage, making it difficult for victims to form intimate relationships with others and for habitual bullies to avoid following a delinquent lifestyle and becoming perpetrators of domestic violence. Even though this type of abuse affects many of our school children, Ken Rigby believes there are grounds for optimism. This passionate and motivating book shows that there are ways of reducing the likelihood of bullying occurring in a school and effective ways of tackling cases when they do occur. Using up-to-date studies, Bullying in Schools helps us to understand the nature of bullying and why it so often takes place in schools. Importantly, it examines and evaluates what schools can do to promote more positive peer relationships within the school community and take effective and sustainable action to deal with problems that may arise. Teachers, parents, school leaders, policy makers, and health professionals will find it invaluable and empowering.
Continuous Spikes and Waves during Sleep: Electroclinical Presentation and Suggestions for Management

Continuous spikes and waves during sleep (CSWS) is an epileptic encephalopathy characterized in most patients by (1) difficult to control seizures, (2) interictal epileptiform activity that becomes prominent during sleep leading to an electroencephalogram (EEG) pattern of electrical status epilepticus in sleep (ESES), and (3) neurocognitive regression. In this paper, we will summarize current epidemiological, clinical, and EEG knowledge on CSWS and will provide suggestions for treatment. CSWS typically presents with seizures around 2–4 years of age. Neurocognitive regression occurs around 5-6 years of age, and it is accompanied by subacute worsening of EEG abnormalities and seizures. At approximately 6–9 years of age, there is a gradual resolution of seizures and EEG abnormalities, but the neurocognitive deficits persist in most patients. The cause of CSWS is unknown, but early developmental lesions play a major role in approximately half of the patients, and genetic associations have recently been described. High-dose benzodiazepines and corticosteroids have been successfully used to treat clinical and electroencephalographic features. Corticosteroids are often reserved for refractory disease because of adverse events. Valproate, ethosuximide, levetiracetam, sulthiame, and lamotrigine have been also used with some success. Epilepsy surgery may be considered in a few selected patients.
Should your MOOC forum use a reputation system?

Massive open online courses (MOOCs) rely primarily on discussion forums for interaction among students. We investigate how forum design affects student activity and learning outcomes through a field experiment with 1101 participants on the edX platform. We introduce a reputation system, which gives students points for making useful posts. We show that, as in other settings, use of forums in MOOCs is correlated with better grades and higher retention. Reputation systems additionally produce faster response times and larger numbers of responses per post, as well as differences in how students ask questions. However, reputation systems have no significant impact on grades, retention, or the students' subjective sense of community. This suggests that forums are essential for MOOCs, and reputation systems can improve the forum experience, but other techniques are needed to improve student outcomes and community formation. We also contribute a set of guidelines for running field experiments on MOOCs.
Hypoglycemic effect and mechanism of honokiol on type 2 diabetic mice

Background Honokiol is one of the main bioactive constituents of the traditional Chinese herbal drug Magnolia bark (Cortex Magnoliae officinalis, Hou Po). The aim of this study was to probe its anti-type 2 diabetes mellitus effects and the underlying mechanism. Methods Type 2 diabetic mouse model was established by intraperitoneally injecting with streptozotocin. Fasting blood glucose, body weight, and lipid profile were measured. The subcutaneous adipose tissue, skeletal muscle, and liver were isolated as well as homogenized. The phospho-insulin receptor β-subunit (IRβ), IRβ, phospho-AKT, AKT, phospho-ERK1/2, ERK1/2, phosphotyrosine, and actin were examined by Western blot assay. Cell viability or cytotoxicity was analyzed by using MTT method. The inhibitory potencies of honokiol on the protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) activity were performed in reaction buffer. Molecular docking and dynamic simulation were also analyzed. Results In in vivo studies, oral treatment with 200 mg/kg honokiol for 8 weeks significantly decreases the fasting blood glucose in type 2 diabetes mellitus mice. The phosphorylations of the IRβ and the downstream insulin signaling factors including AKT and ERK1/2 significantly increase in adipose, skeletal muscle, and liver tissue of the honokiol-treated mice. Moreover, honokiol enhanced the insulin-stimulated phosphorylations of IRβ, AKT, and ERK1/2 in a dose-dependent manner in C2C12 myotube cells. Meanwhile, honokiol enhanced insulin-stimulated GLUT4 translocation. Importantly, honokiol exhibited reversible competitive inhibitory activity against PTP1B with good selectivity in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, using molecular docking and dynamic simulation approaches, we determined the potential binding mode of honokiol to PTP1B at an atomic level. Conclusion These findings indicated the hypoglycemic effects of honokiol and its mechanism that honokiol improved the insulin sensitivity by targeting PTP1B. Therefore, our study may highlight honokiol as a promising insulin sensitizer for the therapy of type 2 diabetes.
Mining Temporal Profiles of Mobile Applications for Usage Prediction

Due to the proliferation of mobile applications (abbreviated as Apps) on smart phones, users can install many Apps to facilitate their life. Usually, users browse their Apps by swiping touch screen on smart phones, and are likely to spend much time on browsing Apps. In this paper, we design an AppNow widget that is able to predict users' Apps usage. Therefore, users could simply execute Apps from the widget. The main theme of this paper is to construct the temporal profiles which identify the relation between Apps and their usage times. In light of the temporal profiles of Apps, the AppNow widget predicts a list of Apps which are most likely to be used at the current time. AppNow consists of three components, the usage logger, the temporal profile constructor and the Apps predictor. First, the usage logger records every App start time. Then, the temporal profiles are built by applying Discrete Fourier Transform and exploring usage periods and specific times. Finally, the system calculates the usage probability at current time for each App and shows a list of Apps with highest probability. In our experiments, we collected real usage traces to show that the accuracy of AppNow could reach 86% for identifying temporal profiles and 90% for predicting App usage.
Spatial Filtering for Robust Myoelectric Control

Pattern recognition techniques have been applied to extract information from electromyographic (EMG) signals that can be used to control electrical powered hand prostheses. In this paper, optimized spatial filters that enhance separation properties of EMG signals are investigated. In particular, different multiclass extensions of the common spatial patterns algorithm are applied to high-density surface EMG signals acquired from the forearms of ten healthy subjects. Visualization of the obtained filter coefficients provides insight into the physiology of the muscles related to the performed contractions. The CSP methods are compared with a commonly used pattern recognition approach in a six-class classification task. Cross-validation results show a significant improvement in performance and a higher robustness against noise than commonly used pattern recognition methods.