Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Model of Visual Motion Processing in Area MT of Primates

Motion perception requires the visual system to satisfy two conflicting demands: first, spatial integration of signals from neighboring regions of the visual field to overcome noisy signals, and second, sensitivity to small velocity differences to segment regions corresponding to different objects (Braddick, 1993). We have developed a computational model for the visual processing of motion in area MT that accounts for these conflicting demands. The model has two types of units, similar to those found in area MT. One type of unit in the model integrates information about the direction motion to estimate the local velocity; these local velocity units compete among themselves to determine the most likely local velocity. A second type of unit selects regions of the visual field where the velocity estimates are most reliable; these selection units have nonclassical receptive field surrounds by virtue of competition with pools of similar units across the visual field. The output of the model is a distributed segmentation of the image into patches that support distinct objects moving with a common velocity. T h e processing of motion in the primate's visual cortex begins in area V1, where cells with reliable selec-tivity for direction of motion are found (Maunsell and Newsome, 1987); however, these cells d o not detect true velocity but instead are tuned to a limited range of spatiotemporal frequencies and exhibit spatially restricted receptive fields so that they can report only the perpendicular component of the velocity for straight edges. This so-called aperture problem is illustrated in figure 27.1. T o overcome these limitations and compute true local velocity measurements, it is necessary to integrate motion responses from cells with a variety of directions and spatiotemporal frequency tunings over a Neurons that respond selectively to velocity over a wide range of spatial frequencies are found in visual area M T , which receives a direct projection from area A class of cells in M T , the "pattern cells" of Movshon and colleagues (1985), respond to the direction of overall motion of plaid patterns composed of two differently oriented gratings rather than to the direction of the individual components. Psychophysical studies suggest that the perceived velocity of such patterns generally is close to the velocity that is uniquely consistent with the constraints imposed by the individual component's motions (Adelson and Movshon, 1982), although other possibilities have been suggested (Wilson et al., 1992; Rubin and Hochstein, 1993). In …
Distributed under Creative Commons Cc-by 4.0 the Helical Domain of the Ecor124i Motor Subunit Participates in Atpase Activity and Dsdna Translocation

Type I restriction-modification enzymes are multisubunit, multifunctional molecular machines that recognize specific DNA target sequences, and their multisubunit organization underlies their multifunctionality. EcoR124I is the archetype of Type I restriction-modification family IC and is composed of three subunit types: HsdS, HsdM, and HsdR. DNA cleavage and ATP-dependent DNA translocation activities are housed in the distinct domains of the endonuclease/motor subunit HsdR. Because the multiple functions are integrated in this large subunit of 1,038 residues, a large number of interdomain contacts might be expected. The crystal structure of EcoR124I HsdR reveals a surprisingly sparse number of contacts between helicase domain 2 and the C-terminal helical domain that is thought to be involved in assembly with HsdM. Only two potential hydrogen-bonding contacts are found in a very small contact region. In the present work, the relevance of these two potential hydrogen-bonding interactions for the multiple activities of EcoR124I is evaluated by analysing mutant enzymes using in vivo and in vitro experiments. Molecular dynamics simulations are employed to provide structural interpretation of the functional data. The results indicate that the helical C-terminal domain is involved in the DNA translocation, cleavage, and ATPase activities of HsdR, and a role in controlling those activities is suggested.
Reflectionless Filter Structures

This paper expands on the previously described reflectionless filters-i.e., filters having, in principle, identically zero reflection coefficient at all frequencies-by introducing a wide variety of new reflectionless structures that were not part of the original publication. In addition to extending the lumped-element derivation to include transmission line filters, this is achieved by the introduction of a novel method wherein the left- and right-hand-side stopband terminations are coupled to each other using a two-port sub-network. Specific examples of the sub-network are given, which increase the stopband attenuation per filter cell and steepen the cutoff response without disrupting the reflectionless property or increasing the insertion loss in the passband. It is noteworthy that a common feature of all the structures derived by these methods is that most, if not all, of the reactive elements are of equal normalized value. This greatly simplifies the tuning requirements, and has facilitated their implementation as monolithic microwave integrated circuits (MMICs). A number of examples of MMIC reflectionless filters constructed in this way are presented and their results compared to the theory.
Genetic analysis of susceptibility to infection with Ascaris lumbricoides.

Epidemiologic studies of helminthic infections have shown that susceptibility to these parasites frequently aggregates in families, suggesting the possible involvement of genetic factors. This paper presents a genetic epidemiologic analysis of Ascaris lumbricoides infection in the Jirel population of eastern Nepal. A total of 1,261 individuals belonging to a single pedigree were assessed for intensity of Ascaris infection at two time points. Following an initial assessment in which all individuals were treated with albendazole, a follow-up examination was performed one year later to evaluate reinfection patterns. Three measures of worm burden were analyzed, including eggs per gram of feces, direct worm counts, and worm biomass (weight). For all traits, variance component analysis of the familial data provided unequivocal evidence for a strong genetic component accounting for between 30% and 50% of the variation in worm burden. Shared environmental (i.e., common household) effects account for between 3% and 13% of the total phenotypic variance.
A Comparative Case Study of HTTP Adaptive Streaming Algorithms in Mobile Networks

HTTP Adaptive Streaming (HAS) techniques are now the dominant solution for video delivery in mobile networks. Over the past few years, several HAS algorithms have been introduced in order to improve user quality-of-experience (QoE) by bit-rate adaptation. Their difference is mainly the required input information, ranging from network characteristics to application-layer parameters such as the playback buffer. Interestingly, despite the recent outburst in scientific papers on the topic, a comprehensive comparative study of the main algorithm classes is still missing. In this paper we provide such comparison by evaluating the performance of the state-of-the-art HAS algorithms per class, based on data from field measurements. We provide a systematic study of the main QoE factors and the impact of the target buffer level We conclude that this target buffer level is a critical classifier for the studied HAS algorithms. While buffer-based algorithms show superior QoE in most of the cases, their performance may differ at the low target buffer levels of live streaming services. Overall, we believe that our findings provide valuable insight for the design and choice of HAS algorithms according to networks conditions and service requirements.
Cloning and expression in Escherichia coli of the dnaK gene of Zymomonas mobilis

The DnaK protein of Zymomonas mobilis (DnaKz) was identified and found to be 80% identical to the DnaK protein of Escherichia coli on the basis of the sequence of the N-terminal 21 amino acids. The dnaKz gene was cloned and found to be expressed in a thermosensitive dnaK mutant of Escherichia coli. Expression of the foreign gene restored a thermoresistant phenotype but failed to modulate the heat shock response in E. coli.
Ranging behaviour and habitat preferences of the Martial Eagle: Implications for the conservation of a declining apex predator

Understanding the ranging behaviours of species can be helpful in effective conservation planning. However, for many species that are rare, occur at low densities, or occupy challenging environments, this information is often lacking. The Martial Eagle (Polemaetus bellicosus) is a low density apex predator declining in both non-protected and protected areas in southern Africa, and little is known about its ranging behaviour. We use GPS tags fitted to Martial Eagles (n = 8) in Kruger National Park (KNP), South Africa to describe their ranging behaviour and habitat preference. This represents the first time that such movements have been quantified in adult Martial Eagles. Territorial eagles (n = 6) held home ranges averaging ca. 108 km2. Home range estimates were similar to expectations based on inter-nest distances, and these large home range sizes could constrain the carrying capacity of even the largest conservation areas. Two tagged individuals classed as adults on plumage apparently did not hold a territory, and accordingly ranged more widely (ca. 44,000 km2), and beyond KNP boundaries as floaters. Another two territorial individuals abandoned their territories and joined the ‘floater’ population, and so ranged widely after leaving their territories. These unexpected movements after territory abandonment could indicate underlying environmental degradation. Relatively high mortality of these wide-ranging ‘floaters’ due to anthropogenic causes (three of four) raises further concerns for the species’ persistence. Habitat preference models suggested Martial Eagles used areas preferentially that were closer to rivers, had higher tree cover, and were classed as dense bush rather than open bush or grassland. These results can be used by conservation managers to help guide actions to preserve breeding Martial Eagles at an appropriate spatial scale.
Cultural and clinical factors associated with antihypertensive medication adherence in Vietnamese policemen

The purpose of this study is to characterize Vietnamese policemen with hypertension, to report the proportion of hypertension control and medication adherence in Vietnamese policemen, and to explore cultural and clinical factors related to antihypertensive medication adherence. A cross-sectional study design was used. A convenience sample of 100 policemen with hypertension was recruited in Vietnam. A total score of 80% or more on the Medication Adherence scale was defined as medication adherence. Medication adherence was reported in 64% of the participants, but hypertension control was found in only 53%. Medication adherence was higher in the participants with higher perceived susceptibility to hypertension-related complications, higher perceived benefit of Western antihypertensive medications, longer duration of time since diagnosis, and fewer prescribed blood pressure lowering medications. Vietnamese policemen are at high risk for poor medication adherence and hypertension management. Culturally and clinically appropriate nursing interventions for hypertension management in Vietnamese policemen
Mineralogical Analysis of The Haulani Quadrangle on the Dwarf Planet Ceres

Quadrangle Ac-H-6 ‘Haulani’ is one of five quadrangles that cover the equatorial region of the dwarf planet Ceres. This quadrangle is notable for the high albedo (bright) ejecta that extend around crater Haulani, which gives the name to the quadrangle. In Dawn’s Framing Camera (FC) color-ratio composite images, crater Haulani is clearly distinct compared to surrounding terrains. Haulani’s bright material displays a very small or even negative ("blue") spectral slope in the range from the visible to the near infrared, which is a peculiar occurrence compared to rest of the quadrangle and more generally to the average surface of Ceres. Hyperspectral images returned by the Visible and InfraRed (VIR) mapping spectrometer onboard Dawn enabled a careful mineralogical analysis of the Haulani quadrangle. In the High-Altitude Mapping Orbit HAMO phase, yielding an average pixel resolution of ~0.38 km, VIR obtained nearly global coverage of quadrangle Ac-H-6. Based on this dataset, crater Haulani also stands out compared to the rest of the quadrangle. The spectral features centered at 2.7 and 3.06 µm, respectively indicative of the presence of hydrous minerals and ammoniated phyllosilicates, show a decrease of band depth in the floor and in Haulani’s bright ejecta, corresponding to the blue spectral slope. Similar, but less prominent, spectral behavior, is observed in other small craters found within this quadrangle.
Impact of coronary heart disease on cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease: a prospective longitudinal cohort study in primary care.

BACKGROUND Arteriosclerotic disorders increase the risk of dementia. As they have common causes and risk factors, coronary heart disease (CHD) could influence the course of dementia. AIM To determine whether CHD increases the speed of cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease, and to discuss the potential for secondary cardiovascular prevention to modify this decline. DESIGN AND SETTING Prospective multicentre cohort study in general practices in six cities in Germany. METHOD Participants were patients with probable mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's dementia or mixed dementia (n = 118; mean age 85.6 [±3.4] years, range 80-96 years). The authors assessed the presence of CHD according to the family physicians' diagnosis. Cognitive performance was measured during home visits for up to 3 years in intervals of 6 months, using Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Clinical Dementia Rating Sum of Boxes (CDR-SoB). The authors also recorded whether patients died in the observation period. RESULTS At baseline, 65 patients (55%) had CHD and/or a heart condition following a myocardial infarction. The presence of CHD accelerated cognitive decline (MMSE, P<0.05) by about 66%, and reduced cognitive-functional ability (CDR-SoB, P<0.05) by about 83%, but had no impact on survival. CONCLUSION The study shows that CHD has a significant influence on cognitive decline in older patients with late-onset dementia. The dementia process might therefore be positively influenced by cardiovascular prevention, and this possible effect should be further investigated.
Fast Set Bounds Propagation Using a BDD-SAT Hybrid

Binary Decision Diagram (BDD) based set bounds propagation is a powerful approach to solving set-constraint satisfaction problems. However, prior BDD based techniques incur the significant overhead of constructing and manipulating graphs during search. We present a set-constraint solver which combines BDD-based set-bounds propagators with the learning abilities of a modern SAT solver. Together with a number of improvements beyond the basic algorithm, this solver is highly competitive with existing propagation based set constraint solvers.
Physical and Mechanical Properties of Marble under the Combined Effects of Chemical Solutions and Freeze–Thaw Cycles

Because of the increasingly common use of rocks in engineering projects in cold regions, an understanding of the degradation of rocks during freeze–thaw cycles has become especially important. Because the water in contact with rocks is often contaminated with pollutants that are either acidic or basic, it is also important to determine the effects of the freeze–thaw cycles on rocks when they come in contact with acids and bases. Uniaxial and triaxial compression tests were conducted on marble specimens under the combined effect of water chemical corrosion and freeze–thaw cycles. The variation of mechanical properties of marble specimens was analyzed under uniaxial and triaxial compression. A damage variable based on the porosity of marble was found to determine quantitatively the chemical corrosion and freeze–thaw damage degrees of marble specimens. Test results showed that for different chemical solutions (distilled water, sulfuric acid solution, and sodium hydroxide solution) and with increasing freeze–thaw cycles, the deterioration of the physical and mechanical parameters of marble specimens aggravated gradually. Moreover, the peak strength and elasticity modulus of marble specimens decreased exponentially, but the peak strain increased linearly. The acidic sulfuric acid solution accelerated the degradation of the marble specimens compared to water alone, but the basic sodium hydroxide solution slowed the freeze–thaw damage of the marble specimens compared to pure water. When the number of freeze–thaw cycles exceeded 50, this inhibition effect no longer existed. The damage degradation of rock produced by water chemical solutions, together with the freeze–thawing cycles, simultaneously affects the damage deterioration degree of marble.
Semantic metadata annotation: tagging Medline abstracts for enhanced information access

Purpose - The object of this study is to develop methods for automatically annotating the argumentative role of sentences in scientific abstracts. Working from Medline abstracts, sentences were classified into four major argumentative roles: objective, method, result, and conclusion. The idea is that, if the role of each sentence can be marked up, then these metadata can be used during information retrieval to seek particular types of information such as novelty, conclusions, methodologies, aims/goals of a scientific piece of work. Design/methodology/approach - Two approaches were tested: linguistic cues and positional heuristics. Linguistic cues are lexico-syntactic patterns modelled as regular expressions implemented in a linguistic parser. Positional heuristics make use of the relative position of a sentence in the abstract to deduce its argumentative class. Findings - The experiments showed that positional heuristics attained a much higher degree of accuracy on Medline abstracts with an F-score of 64 per cent, whereas the linguistic cues only attained an F-score of 12 per cent. This is mostly because sentences from different argumentative roles are not always announced by surface linguistic cues. Research limitations/implications - A limitation to the study was the inability to test other methods to perform this task such as machine learning techniques which have been reported to perform better on Medline abstracts. Also, to compare the results of the study with earlier studies using Medline abstracts, the different argumentative roles present in Medline had to be mapped on to four major argumentative roles. This may have favourably biased the performance of the sentence classification by positional heuristics. Originality/value - To the best of one's knowledge, this study presents the first instance of evaluating linguistic cues and positional heuristics on the same corpus.
Combined Ventricular Systolic and Arterial Stiffening in Patients With Heart Failure and Preserved Ejection Fraction: Implications for Systolic and Diastolic Reserve Limitations

Background—Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HF-nlEF) is common in aged individuals with systolic hypertension and is frequently ascribed to diastolic dysfunction. We hypothesized that such patients also display combined ventricular-systolic and arterial stiffening that can exacerbate blood pressure lability and diastolic dysfunction under stress. Methods and Results—Left ventricular pressure-volume relations were measured in patients with HF-nlEF (n=10) and contrasted with asymptomatic age-matched (n=9) and young (n=14) normotensives and age- and blood pressure-matched controls (n=25). End-systolic elastance (stiffness) was higher in patients with HF-nlEF (4.7±1.5 mm Hg/mL) than in controls (2.1±0.9 mm Hg/mL for normotensives and 3.3±1.0 mm Hg/mL for hypertensives;P <0.001). Effective arterial elastance was also higher (2.6±0.5 versus 1.9±0.5 mm Hg/mL) due to reduced total arterial compliance; the latter inversely correlated with end-systolic elastance (P =0.0001). Body size and stroke volumes were similar and could not explain differences in ventricular-arterial stiffening. HF-nlEF patients also displayed diastolic abnormalities, including higher left ventricular end-diastolic pressures (24.3±4.6 versus 12.9±5.5 mm Hg), caused by an upward-shifted diastolic pressure-volume curve. However, isovolumic relaxation and the early-to-late filling ratio were similar in age- and blood pressure-matched controls. Ventricular-arterial stiffening amplified stress-induced hypertension, which worsened diastolic function, and predicted higher cardiac energy costs to provide reserve output. Conclusion—Patients with HF-lnEF have systolic-ventricular and arterial stiffening beyond that associated with aging and/or hypertension. This may play an important pathophysiological role by exacerbating systemic load interaction with diastolic function, augmenting blood pressure lability, and elevating cardiac metabolic demand under stress.
Global hybrid attitude estimation on the Special Orthogonal group SO(3)

This paper presents a hybrid attitude and gyro-bias observer, on the Special Orthogonal group SO(3), leading to global exponential stability results. The proposed observer relies on a hysteresis-based switching between different configurations. Each observer configuration is derived from a non-differentiable potential function on SO(3). The proposed hybrid observer can be, explicitly, expressed in terms of inertial vector measurements. Simulation results are given to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed attitude observer.
The Results of Single Bundle Versus Double Bundle ACL Reconstruction Surgery, a Retrospective Study and Review of Literature

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the results of single bundle and double bundle surgical techniques for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Methods: In this study, all single bundle and double bundle ACL reconstruction surgeries that were done in our university hospital from January 2008 to December 2012 were enrolled. All patients were followed at 2,6,12, 24 weeks and 1 a 2 years post operatively. On last follow up all patients were evaluated by clinical examination, KT-1000 and Lysholm questionnaire. Results: Seventy five patients were operated using single bundle and eighty five patients with double bundle technique. Fifty seven percent of patients in single bundle and 80% of patients in double bundle group had experienced pain during follow-up period. None of cases had knee extension or flexion loss. The average side to side differences using KT-1000 was 3.5 ± 0.38 (2.9-4.1) millimeters in single bundle group and 3.39 ± 0.39 (2.8-4) millimeters in double bundle group. These results showed no significant difference between two groups (P= 0.31). Lysholm score improved significantly in both groups, but there was no significant difference between them. Conclusion: According to this study the clinical results of single bundle ACL reconstruction was similar to double bundle reconstruction in short term follow up. Further studies are needed to evaluate the long term results.