Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Abnormal Foraging Behavior Induced by Sublethal Dosage of Imidacloprid in the Honey Bee (Hymenoptera: Apidae)

Abstract Although sublethal dosages of insecticide to nontarget insects have never been an important issue, they are attracting more and more attention lately. It has been demonstrated that low dosages of the neonicotinoid insecticide imidacloprid may affect honey bee, Apis mellifera L. , behavior. In this article, the foraging behavior of the honey bee workers was investigated to show the effects of imidacloprid. By measuring the time interval between two visits at the same feeding site, we found that the normal foraging interval of honey bee workers was within 300 s. However, these honey bee workers delayed their return visit for >300 s when they were treated orally with sugar water containing imidacloprid. This time delay in their return visit is concentration-dependent, and the lowest effective concentration was found to be 50 μg/liter. When bees were treated with an imidacloprid concentration higher than 1,200 μg/liter, they showed abnormalities in revisiting the feeding site. Some of them went missing, and some were present again at the feeding site the next day. Returning bees also showed delay in their return trips. Our results demonstrated that sublethal dosages of imidacloprid were able to affect foraging behavior of honey bees.
Linear-Feedback Sum-Capacity for Gaussian Multiple Access Channels

The capacity region of the -sender Gaussian multiple access channel with feedback is not known in general. This paper studies the class of linear-feedback codes that includes (nonlinear) nonfeedback codes at one extreme and the linear-feedback codes by Schalkwijk and Kailath, Ozarow, and Kramer at the other extreme. The linear-feedback sum-capacity under symmetric power constraints is characterized, the maximum sum-rate achieved by linear-feedback codes when each sender has the equal block power constraint . In particular, it is shown that Kramer's code achieves this linear-feedback sum-capacity. The proof involves the dependence balance condition introduced by Hekstra and Willems and extended by Kramer and Gastpar, and the analysis of the resulting nonconvex optimization problem via a Lagrange dual formulation. Finally, an observation is presented based on the properties of the conditional maximal correlation-an extension of the Hirschfeld-Gebelein-Rényi maximal correlation-which reinforces the conjecture that Kramer's code achieves not only the linear-feedback sum-capacity, but also the sum-capacity itself (the maximum sum-rate achieved by arbitrary feedback codes).
Design and Implementation of a Modular, Flexible, and Fast System for Dynamic Protocol Composition

Distributed systems must communicate. To communicate at all requires high-level protocols be built with manageable complexity. To communicate well requires protocols efficient both in design and implementation. The ASH system provides mechanisms to address both of these needs. To manage complexity, it provides a simple interface that allows protocols to be dynamically composed in a modular manner. As a result, the complexity of building a high-level messaging service is reduced since it can be built from multiple, independent pieces at runtime. To provide efficiency, the ASH interface is designed so that the message processing steps of each protocol (such as checksumming, byteswapping, encryption, etc.) can be dynamically integrated into a single specialized loop that touches each byte of the message at most once. The ASH system is the first to dynamically integrate the data processing elements of each protocol. This ability is crucial since without it dynamic protocol composition cannot be efficient. This paper presents the design and implementation of the ASH system. It is interesting because it uses modern compilation techniques to eliminate the runtime overhead of modularity. To make the system efficient we have had to solve problems ranging from theoretical graph algorithms, to language design, to determining the most efficient way to access unaligned memory, and designing efficient and portable methods of generating executable code at runtime. As a result of careful design and the the use of dynamic code generation to specialize data processing paths, the ASH system provides performance that is comparable to (and in some situations significantly better than) hand-coded, hard-wired protocol implementations. The ASH system has been integrated into the Aegis operating system, and runs on both Ethernet and DEC AN2 networks. A standalone version of the ASH system runs on SPARC, MIPS, and Alpha processors. The system itself will be publically released in the near future.
The Biology and Management of Subglottic Hemangioma: Past, Present, Future

Objectives/Hypothesis: Objectives were 1) to review the presentation, natural history, and management of subglottic hemangioma; 2) to assess the affect of five variables (age, gender, degree of subglottic narrowing, location and extent of subglottic hemangioma, and lack or presence of other hemangioma) and the outcome of six different treatment modalities (conservative monitoring, corticosteroid, laser surgery, tracheotomy, laryngotracheoplasty, and interferon) in the management of subglottic hemangioma; and 3) to present specific guidelines to help determine the best possible treatment modality at the time of initial presentation.
Passion for gambling: a scoping review

ABSTRACT Investigating factors that influence a person’s ability to control gambling behaviour is important. The Dualistic Model of Passion, which includes both harmonious and obsessive passion, has proposed an original framework for studying these factors. However, the concept of passion as it pertains to the gambling experience remains relatively new and uncharted territory. This study entails a scoping review undertaken to determine the current state of knowledge concerning passion for gambling, and to provide recommendations for future research directions. The majority of studies included report a positive association between obsessive passion and gambling problems, whereas results related to harmonious passion were less consistent. Recommendations stemming from this scoping review include refining understanding of the relationship between obsessive passion and gambling problems, and broadening research aims to include more diverse sampling, methods and variables of interest when examining the overall contribution of passion to gamblers’ lived experiences. A final recommendation is to initiate research to test the utility of the Gambling Passion Scale in prevention and intervention programming.
Classifying spaces and fibrations of simplicial sheaves

In this paper, we discuss the construction of classifying spaces of fibre sequences in model categories of simplicial sheaves. One construction proceeds via Brown representability and provides a classification in the pointed model category. The second construction is given by the classifying space of the monoid of homotopy self-equivalences of a simplicial sheaf and provides the unpointed classification.
Duration of Type 2 Diabetes and Very Low Density Lipoprotein Levels Are Associated with Cognitive Dysfunction in Metabolic Syndrome

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is now recognized as an independent risk factor for accelerated cognitive decline and neurological conditions like Alzheimer's disease. Less is known about the neurocognitive function of T2D patients with comorbid metabolic syndrome, despite their elevated risk for impairment. Computerized testing in 47 adults with T2D that met criteria for NCEP metabolic syndrome revealed that cognitive impairment was prevalent, including 13% in tests of memory, 50% in attention, and 35% in executive function. Partial correlations showed that longer duration of diabetes was associated with poorer performance on tests of basic attention (r = −0.43), working memory (r = 0.43), and executive function (r = 0.42). Strong associations between very low density lipoprotein and poor cognitive function also emerged, including tests of set shifting (r = 0.47) and cognitive inhibition (r = −0.51). Findings suggest that patients with T2D that meet criteria for metabolic syndrome are at high risk for cognitive impairment. Prospective studies should look to replicate these findings and examine the possible neuroprotective effects of lipid-lowering medication in this population.
PCR Amplification-Independent Methods for Detection of Microbial Communities by the High-Density Microarray PhyloChip

ABSTRACT Environmental microbial community analysis typically involves amplification by PCR, despite well-documented biases. We have developed two methods of PCR-independent microbial community analysis using the high-density microarray PhyloChip: direct hybridization of 16S rRNA (dirRNA) or rRNA converted to double-stranded cDNA (dscDNA). We compared dirRNA and dscDNA communities to PCR-amplified DNA communities using a mock community of eight taxa, as well as experiments derived from three environmental sample types: chromium-contaminated aquifer groundwater, tropical forest soil, and secondary sewage in seawater. Community profiles by both direct hybridization methods showed differences that were expected based on accompanying data but that were missing in PCR-amplified communities. Taxon richness decreased in RNA compared to that in DNA communities, suggesting a subset of 20% in soil and 60% in groundwater that is active; secondary sewage showed no difference between active and inactive populations. Direct hybridization of dscDNA and RNA is thus a viable alternative to PCR-amplified microbial community analysis, providing identification of the active populations within microbial communities that attenuate pollutants, drive global biogeochemical cycles, or proliferate disease states.
Reducing the Gap between Academia and Industry: The Case for Agile Methods in Thailand

One of the recurring problems in information technology (IT) is a gap between education and industry. The gap takes several forms including difficulty in technology transfer, aligning research with the needs of practitioners, and preparing students to make the most effective contribution upon entering industry. This paper will examine the gap between education and industry, agile methods in the software sector, and computer science higher education in Thailand. We will summarize a new national initiative to establish Thailand as an Educational Hub for the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) region. Further, the results from empirical field research in Thailand will be presented. We then suggest a way to weave these ideas together in a proposal that may advance the interests of both education and industry.
High Level Resistance to TuMV (Turnip Mosaic Virus) in Transgenic Mustard with the Antisense NIb Gene of the Virus

A TuMV-NIb gene fragment was amplified from the total RNA of Mustard leaves infected with TuMV-GZ strain by RT-PCR (Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction). This fragment was cloned into plant binary vector pBI121 in the antisense orientation and transformed into Mustard (Brassica juncea L. Linshicaoyaozi) by Agro bacterium tumefaciens mediated method. 11transgenic T0 plants were obtained. PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction), ELISA (Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay) and Southern blot analysis showed that the TuMV-Nib gene had integrated into the genome of mustard and the heredity of this gene in some lines followed the 3:1 ratio. Both T0 and T1 transgenic plants showed high levels of resistance to TuMV when artificially inoculated with TuMV. Northern blot analysis of T0 transgenic mustard revealed the integrated TuMV-NIb gene can be expressed normally.
Data structures and algorithms for simplifying reversible circuits

Reversible logic is motivated by low-power design, quantum circuits, and nanotechnology. We develop a compact representation of small reversible circuits to generate and store optimal circuits for all 40,320 three-input reversible functions, and millions of four-input circuits. This allows implementing a function optimally in constant time for use in the peephole optimization of larger circuits produced by existing techniques, and guarantees that every three-bit subcircuit is optimal. To generate subcircuits, we use a graph-based data structure and algorithms for circuit restructuring. Finally, we demonstrate a suboptimal circuit for which peephole optimization fails.
Circulating Mediators of Inflammation and Immune Activation in AIDS-Related Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

Background Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) is the most common AIDS-related malignancy in developed countries. An elevated risk of developing NHL persists among HIV-infected individuals in comparison to the general population despite the advent of effective antiretroviral therapy. The mechanisms underlying the development of AIDS-related NHL (A-NHL) are not fully understood, but likely involve persistent B-cell activation and inflammation. Methods This was a nested case-control study within the ongoing prospective Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study (MACS). Cases included 47 HIV-positive male subjects diagnosed with high-grade B-cell NHL. Controls were matched to each case from among participating HIV-positive males who did not develop any malignancy. Matching criteria included time HIV+ or since AIDS diagnosis, age, race and CD4+ cell count. Sera were tested for 161 serum biomarkers using multiplexed bead-based immunoassays. Results A subset of 17 biomarkers, including cytokines, chemokines, acute phase proteins, tissue remodeling agents and bone metabolic mediators was identified to be significantly altered in A-NHL cases in comparison to controls. Many of the biomarkers included in this subset were positively correlated with HIV viral load. A pathway analysis of our results revealed an extensive network of interactions between current and previously identified biomarkers. Conclusions These findings support the current hypothesis that A-NHL develops in the context of persistent immune stimulation and inflammation. Further analysis of the biomarkers identified in this report should enhance our ability to diagnose, monitor and treat this disease.
Real Time Road Signs Recognition

This paper presents a road signs detection and classification system based on a three-step algorithm composed of color segmentation, shape recognition, and a neural network. The final goal of this algorithm is to detect and classify almost all road signs present along Italian roads. Color segmentation was suggested by the aim to achieve real time execution, since color-based segmentation is faster than the one based on shape. In order to save computational time, only the RGB color space, directly supplied by the chosen camera, or color spaces that can be obtained with linear transformations, are considered. Two different methods are used for shape detection, one is based on pattern matching with simple models and the other one is based on edge detection and geometrical cues. The complete set of signs taken in account has been divided in several categories according to their shape and color. Finally for each road signs set a neural network is built and trained.
The Relationship Between Executive Function, Hope, and Depression in Older Adults

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, by 2030, the population of individuals 65 years of age or older is expected to be close to 70 million people, or 20% of the country’s population. This creates a substantial demand as well as opportunity for prevention on medical and health care providers, because individuals in this population are at an increased risk of significant changes in cognitive and mental health. Decline in executive functioning skills is one of the most prevalent changes to affect older adults. Furthermore, depression is strongly associated with impairment in executive functioning, and both have a significant impact on daily living skills. However, research suggests that hope may moderate the effects of declining executive function and depression in older adults. Therefore, providing research that is grounded within a positive neuropsychological framework, will be significant to this population because it may provide evidence for a protecting mechanism against age related emotional distress and cognitive decline. The primary aim of the study was to examine the relationship between executive function and depression within a positive neuropsychological framework. Secondly, the study proposed that hope would serve as a moderating variable between these variables. Overall, this study found evidence that hope is strongly related to executive functioning and depression, such that hope may in fact act as a buffer against depression when an individual is facing deficits in executive functioning. These findings provide support for the continued study and application of counseling and positive psychology to the field of neuropsychology. This study also further provided support for increased need for the treatment of the aging population through a positive neuropsychological framework.
Traffic knowledge discovery from AIS data

Maritime Situational Awareness (i.e., an effective understanding of activities in and impacting the maritime environment) can be significantly improved by knowledge discovery of maritime traffic patterns. The recent build-up of terrestrial networks and satellite constellations of Automatic Identification System (AIS) receivers provides a rich source of cooperative vessel movement information. This vast amount of information can not be fully utilized by human operators and poses new storage and computational challenges. A compact representation of this rapidly increasing amount of information gives operational utility to data which would otherwise be ignored. This paper proposes an unsupervised and incremental learning approach to extract the historical traffic patterns from AIS data. The presented methodology called Traffic Route Extraction for Anomaly Detection (TREAD) effectively processes raw AIS data to infer different levels of contextual information, spanning from the identification of ports and off-shore platforms to spatial and temporal distributions of traffic routes. Furthermore, the accurate understanding of the historical traffic enables the classification and prediction of vessel behaviours as well as the detection of low-likelihood behaviours, or anomalies. The ultimate goal is to provide operators with a configurable knowledge framework supporting day by day decision making and general awareness of vessel pattern of life activity. The methodology is demonstrated via a real-world case study, which can be used as a reference data set for further analysis.
Self-regulation in endurance sports: theory, research, and practice

ABSTRACT There is considerable research interest in psychological aspects of endurance performance. Until recently, research typically lacked a theoretical underpinning, and contemporary research is particularly informed by the psychobiological model of endurance performance. In this critical review, we propose that psychological theories relating to self-regulation, particularly self-efficacy theory and the process model of emotion regulation, could shed more light on how endurance performance is determined and lead to additional understanding of how psychological interventions can be used. We argue that people encounter fewer stressors in most experimental studies than are encountered before and during real-life events. In addition, we argue that most research conducted to date has focused on the forethought and performance phases of self-regulation, rather than the self-reflection phase, and research has not considered the cyclical nature of self-regulation. We also argue that if research participants are not endurance athletes, then their motivation may not be self-determined, and self-regulatory learning may not take place. Recommendations are given for future research, and evidence-based guidance is offered on enhancing performance and improving the quality of experience for endurance athletes.
Live Imaging of Xwnt5A-ROR2 Complexes

Secreted molecules of the Wnt family regulate key decisions in embryogenesis and adult tissue homeostasis by activating a complex network of Wnt signaling pathways. Although the different branches of Wnt signaling have been studied for more than 25 years, fluorophore tagged constructs for live cell imaging of Wnt molecules activating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway have become available only recently. We have generated a fluorophore tagged Wnt construct of the Xenopus Wnt5a protein (Xwnt5A) with the enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP), Xwnt5A-EGFP. This construct activates non-canonical Wnt pathways in an endocytosis dependent manner and is capable of compensating for the loss of endogenous Xwnt5A in Xenopus embryos. Strikingly, non-canonical Wnt pathway activation was restricted to short-range signaling while an inhibitory effect was observed in transwell cell cultures taken as long-range signaling model sytem. We used our Xwnt5A-EGFP construct to analyze in vivo binding of Wnt5A to its co-receptor ROR2 on the microscopic and on the molecular level. On the microscopic level, Xwnt5A-EGFP clusters in the membrane and recruits ROR2-mCherry to these clusters. Applying dual-colour dual-focus line-scanning fluorescence correlation spectroscopy on dorsal marginal zone explants, we identified membrane tethered Xwnt5A-EGFP molecules binding to ROR2-mCherry molecules. Our data favour a model, in which membrane-tethered Wnt-5A recruits ROR2 to form large ligand/receptor clusters and signals in an endocytosis-dependent manner.
School Resource Officers in Public Schools: A National Review

Abstract:School Resource Officers (SROs) have become increasingly commonplace in schools across the nation. The role and purpose of SROs in the educational setting have evolved over time, often without formalized policies or guidelines. Increasingly, SROs have been called upon to deal with school discipline issues, which has inadvertently increased the likelihood of student contact with the juvenile justice system, and promoted the school-to-prison pipeline. This has impacted minorities and students with disabilities, especially those with emotional behavioral disorders, who are disproportionately at risk of exposure to adjudication. The purpose of this review is to examine the availability and nature of current state legislation and Department of Education (DOE) recommendations regarding the use and training of SROs. Additionally, recommendations are provided regarding the use of SROs in public schools to provide administrators with assistance on how to develop safe and effective SRO programs.