Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Middle Temporal Area Does Not Relay Vestibular Signals

The primate brain middle temporal (MT) and medial superior temporal (MST) areas have an intriguing relationship. It is conventionally thought that MT neurons respond to retinal motion stimuli ([Born and Bradley, 2005][1]), whereas MST cells respond both to retinal and extraretinal inputs ([Assad and
Domestic Sovereign Bond Market In Morocco

We estimate the latent factors that underlie the dynamics of the sovereign bond yield curve in Morocco during 2004–14 based on the Dynamic Nelson-Siegel model. On this basis, we explore the interaction between macroeconomic variables and the yield curve, which is of direct relevance to macroeconomic policy-making. In Morocco’s context, we find that tighter monetary policy increases short-end maturities, and that the impact is small and short-lived. Economic activity is also briefly but significantly impacted, suggesting that even under a pegged exchange rate, monetary policy autonomy and effectiveness can be increased through greater central bank independence. Fiscal improvements significantly lower yield levels. Policy conclusions are that improvement in the fiscal and monetary policy frameworks, as well as greater financial sector development and inclusion, could benefit Morocco and strengthen the transmission mechanisms and effectiveness of macroeconomic policies. JEL Classification Numbers: G12; E43; E44; E58
Effects of V2V communication on time headway for autonomous vehicles

In this paper, we investigate the benefits of Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) communication for autonomous vehicles employing a Constant Time Headway Policy (CTHP). It is known that ACC equipped vehicles employing a CTHP must maintain a time headway that is lower bounded by 2τ<inf>0</inf> for string stability, where τ<inf>0</inf> is the maximum value of parasitic actuation lag. We show the following: (1) if acceleration of preceding vehicle (obtained via V2V communication) were also to be used, then the minimum employable time headway can be reduced to τ<inf>0</inf> (2) if the position and velocity information of r immediately preceding vehicles ahead were to be used, then the minimum employable time headway can be reduced to 4τ<inf>0</inf>/(1 + r); and (3) furthermore, if the acceleration of ‘r’ immediately preceding vehicle is used, then the minimum employable headway can be reduced to 2τ<inf>0</inf>/(1 + r).
Preference based personalization of hearing aids

The procedure involved in fitting hearing aids has become highly extensive, due to the vast number of parameters in modern hearing aids. An interactive system that automatically optimizes the hearing aid setting for individual users is an interesting alternative in comparison with manual hearing aid fitting procedures. In this thesis, an iterative interactive framework for personalization of hearing aids based on user preferences is presented. For a particular user, the framework models a preference function over hearing aid settings with a Gaussian process based on a minimum of observations. An observation is a subjective rating of the overall preference of the processed sound resulting from a particular hearing aid setting. New observations are suggested based a novel active learning criterion developed in this project. With the novel active learning criterion the next subjectively rated setting becomes the setting for which the preference has the highest probability of being larger than the preference for the currently preferred setting given a Gaussian process estimated preference function. Simulations and a pilot experiment show that the framework discovers a personalized setting in few iterations compared with the number of possible settings. Furthermore, the framework has the capability to model complex preference functions, although an improved interactive experimental paradigm is required to account for inconsistent subjective preference assessments.
Horizontal Gene Transfer and Assortative Recombination within the Acinetobacter baumannii Clinical Population Provide Genetic Diversity at the Single carO Gene, Encoding a Major Outer Membrane Protein Channel

ABSTRACT We described previously the presence in Acinetobacter baumannii of a novel outer membrane (OM) protein, CarO, which functions as an l-ornithine OM channel and whose loss was concomitant with increased carbapenem resistance among clonally related nosocomial isolates of this opportunistic pathogen. Here, we describe the existence of extensive genetic diversity at the carO gene within the A. baumannii clinical population. The systematic analysis of carO sequences from A. baumannii isolates obtained from public hospitals in Argentina revealed the existence of four highly polymorphic carO variants among them. Sequence polymorphism between the different A. baumannii CarO variants was concentrated in three well-defined protein regions that superimposed mostly to predicted surface-exposed loops. Polymorphism among A. baumannii CarO variants was manifested in differential electrophoretic mobilities, antigenic properties, abilities to form stable oligomeric structures, and l-ornithine influx abilities through the A. baumannii OM under in vivo conditions. Incongruence between the phylogenies of the clinical A. baumannii isolates analyzed and those of the carO variants they harbor suggests the existence of assortative (entire-gene) carO recombinational exchange within the A. baumannii population. Exchange of carO variants possessing differential characteristics mediated by horizontal gene transfer may constitute an A. baumannii population strategy to survive radically changing environmental conditions, such as the leap from inanimate sources to human hosts and vice versa, persistence in a compromised host, and/or survival in health care facilities.
Handling uncertain input in multi-user human-robot interaction

In this paper we present results from a user evaluation of a robot bartender system which handles state uncertainty derived from speech input by using belief tracking and generating appropriate clarification questions. We present a combination of state estimation and action selection components in which state uncertainty is tracked and exploited, and compare it to a baseline version that uses standard speech recognition confidence score thresholds instead of belief tracking. The results suggest that users are served fewer incorrect drinks when the uncertainty is retained in the state.
ELECTROPHYSIOLOGIC AND RETINAL PENETRATION STUDIES FOLLOWING INTRAVITREAL INJECTION OF BEVACIZUMAB (AVASTIN)

Purpose: Intravitreal bevacizumab (Avastin; Genentech Inc., San Francisco, CA) is a new treatment for age-related macular degeneration. The aim of this study was to evaluate retinal penetration and toxicity of bevacizumab. Methods: Ten albino rabbits were injected intravitreally with 0.1 mL (2.5 mg) of Avastin into one eye and 0.1 mL saline into the fellow eye. The electroretinogram (ERG) was recorded after 3 hours, 3 days, and 1, 2, and 4 weeks. The visual evoked potential (VEP) was recorded after 4 weeks. Confocal immunohistochemistry was used to assess retinal penetration. Results: The ERG responses of the control and experimental eyes were similar in amplitude and pattern throughout the follow-up period. The flash VEP responses of the experimental eyes were of normal pattern and amplitude and did not differ from those recorded by stimulation of the control eye alone. Full thickness retinal penetration was present at 24 hours and was essentially absent at 4 weeks. Conclusions: Bevacizumab was found to be nontoxic to the retina of rabbits based on electrophysiologic studies. Full thickness retinal penetration may explain observed clinical effects of intravitreal bevacizumab. Although it is difficult to directly extrapolate to humans, our study supports the safe use of intravitreal bevacizumab injection.
Psychophysics Behavior of Human Tactile Mechanism to Discriminate Extremely Thin Copper Foils.

In this study, our objective is to analyze human tactile mechanism behavior in recognizing extremely thin foils using the psychophysics method. Seven pairs of copper foils ranging in thickness from 20 ~ 150 μm were used in the experiment. We applied the method of constant stimuli to define the difference threshold between the materials. In order to increase the detection rate, contact between human tactile function and the metal foils was maintained. As a result, the Weber fraction c consistently reduces as thickness increases. However, the slope decrement is steep compared to previous experimentation (using stainless steel as base). We also validated the behavior of the undetected regions up to 150-μm thicknesses. This achievement was quite significant considering the higher thickness test ratio. In future, further comparison shall be made using different material type.
An Overview on Clustering Methods

Clustering is a common technique for statistical data analysis, which is used in many fields, including machine learning, data mining, pattern recognition, image analysis and bioinformatics. Clustering is the process of grouping similar objects into different groups, or more precisely, the partitioning of a data set into subsets, so that the data in each subset according to some defined distance measure. This paper covers about clustering algorithms, benefits and its applications. Paper concludes by discussing some limitations.
Relationship between molecular connectivity and carcinogenic activity: a confirmation with a new software program based on graph theory.

For a database of 826 chemicals tested for carcinogenicity, we fragmented the structural formula of the chemicals into all possible contiguous-atom fragments with size between two and eight (nonhydrogen) atoms. The fragmentation was obtained using a new software program based on graph theory. We used 80% of the chemicals as a training set and 20% as a test set. The two sets were obtained by random sorting. From the training sets, an average (8 computer runs with independently sorted chemicals) of 315 different fragments were significantly (p < 0.125) associated with carcinogenicity or lack thereof. Even using this relatively low level of statistical significance, 23% of the molecules of the test sets lacked significant fragments. For 77% of the molecules of the test sets, we used the presence of significant fragments to predict carcinogenicity. The average level of accuracy of the predictions in the test sets was 67.5%. Chemicals containing only positive fragments were predicted with an accuracy of 78.7%. The level of accuracy was around 60% for chemicals characterized by contradictory fragments or only negative fragments. In a parallel manner, we performed eight paired runs in which carcinogenicity was attributed randomly to the molecules of the training sets. The fragments generated by these pseudo-training sets were devoid of any predictivity in the corresponding test sets. Using an independent software program, we confirmed (for the complex biological endpoint of carcinogenicity) the validity of a structure-activity relationship approach of the type proposed by Klopman and Rosenkranz with their CASE program. ImagesFigure 1.Figure 2.Figure 3.Figure 4.Figure 5.Figure 6.
Characterizing and Identifying Incipient Carious Lesions in Dental Enamel Using Micro-Raman Spectroscopy

Early detection of dental caries is vital if improved patient outcomes are to be achieved by reversal of the demineralization process. Current techniques used by dentists for identifying carious lesions are effective in identifying more advanced lesions, but do not have sufficient sensitivity and specificity to detect them at the earliest stages. This study focused on characterizing the growth of incipient carious lesions in vitro using micro-Raman spectroscopy. The incipient carious lesions were grown on the buccal faces of human molars by controlled exposure to lactic acid. Lesions were cross-sectioned to expose the subsurface body of the lesion and then examined using micro-Raman spectroscopy. The intensity of the phosphate peaks in the Raman spectra was found to differ significantly between healthy enamel and the demineralized region of the lesions. The sensitivity of the phosphate peaks to the degree of demineralization was observed by taking a series of spectra over the cross section of the lesions. This revealed that the body of the lesion is highly demineralized, but in a narrow surface region (up to 10 µm) there is little demineralization. All the phosphate peaks were found to be sensitive to the degree of demineralization; however, changes in the intensity of the pronounced phosphate peak at 961 cm–1 offer the most promise for identifying lesions. The results indicate that micro-Raman spectroscopy has both the sensitivity and selectivity to identify incipient carious lesions, but the presence of a surface layer with a relatively high mineral content could complicate the analysis.
Structure, function, and regulation of the SLC4 NBCe1 transporter and its role in causing proximal renal tubular acidosis

Purpose of reviewThere has been significant progress in our understanding of the structural and functional properties and regulation of the electrogenic Na+-base transporter NBCe1, a membrane transporter that plays a key role in renal acid–base physiology. The NBCe1 variant NBCe1-A mediates basolateral electrogenic Na+-base transport in the proximal tubule and is critically required for transepithelial bicarbonate absorption. Mutations in NBCe1 cause autosomal recessive proximal renal tubular acidosis (pRTA). The review summarizes recent advances in this area. Recent findingsA topological model of NBCe1 has been established that provides a foundation for future structure-functional studies of the transporter. Critical residues and regions have been identified in NBCe1 that play key roles in its structure, function (substrate transport, electrogenicity) and regulation. The mechanisms of how NBCe1 mutations cause pRTA have also recently been elucidated. SummaryGiven the important role of proximal tubule transepithelial bicarbonate absorption in systemic acid–base balance, a clear understanding of the structure–functional properties of NBCe1 is a prerequisite for elucidating the mechanisms of defective transepithelial bicarbonate transport in pRTA.
PULMONARY BIOACTIVATION OF TRICHLOROETHYLENE TO CHLORAL HYDRATE : RELATIVE CONTRIBUTIONS OF CYP 2 E 1 , CYP 2 F , AND CYP 2 B 1

Pulmonary cytotoxicity induced by trichloroethylene (TCE) is associated with cytochrome P450-dependent bioactivation to reactive metabolites. In this investigation, studies were undertaken to test the hypothesis that TCE metabolism to chloral hydrate (CH) is mediated by cytochrome P450 enzymes, including CYP2E1, CYP2F, and CYP2B1. Recombinant rat CYP2E1 catalyzed TCE metabolism to CH with greater affinity than did the recombinant P450 enzymes, rat CYP2F4, mouse CYP2F2, rat CYP2B1, and human CYP2E1. The catalytic efficiencies of recombinant rat CYP2E1 (Vmax/Km 0.79) for generating CH was greater than those of recombinant CYP2F4 (Vmax/Km 0.27), recombinant mouse CYP2F2 (Vmax/Km 0.11), recombinant rat CYP2B1 (Vmax/Km 0.07), or recombinant human CYP2E1 (Vmax/Km 0.02). Decreases in lung microsomal immunoreactive CYP2E1, CYP2F2, and CYP2B1 were manifested at varying time points after TCE treatment. The loss of immunoreactive CYP2F2 occurred before the loss of immunoreactive CYP2E1 and CYP2B1. These protein decreases coincided with marked reduction of lung microsomal pnitrophenol hydroxylation and pentoxyresorufin O-dealkylation. Rates of CH formation in the microsomal incubations were timedependent and were incremental from 5 to 45 min. The production of CH was also determined in human lung microsomal incubations. The rates were low and were detected in only three of eight subjects. These results showed that, although CYP2E1, CYP2F, and CYP2B1 are all capable of generating CH, TCE metabolism is mediated with greater affinity by recombinant rat CYP2E1 than by recombinant CYP2F, CYP2B1, or human CYP2E1. Moreover, the rates of CH production were substantially higher in murine than in
Musculature of the male genitalia in Rivellia (Diptera: Platystomatidae)

Abstract The musculature of male genitalia was studied hitherto only in two species of Tephritidae, one species of Platystomatidae, one species of Pallopteridae, and three species of Ulidiidae of the superfamily Tephritoidea. The split of the hypandrium from one structure into three (the hypandrium and two lateral sclerites) is traced. The hypandrial origin of the lateral sclerites of the hypandrial complex is shown based on the localization of muscle attachment sites. The subepandrial origin of the inner lobes of the surstyli is also confirmed.
Side-channel vulnerability factor: A metric for measuring information leakage

There have been many attacks that exploit side-effects of program execution to expose secret information and many proposed countermeasures to protect against these attacks. However there is currently no systematic, holistic methodology for understanding information leakage. As a result, it is not well known how design decisions affect information leakage or the vulnerability of systems to side-channel attacks. In this paper, we propose a metric for measuring information leakage called the Side-channel Vulnerability Factor (SVF). SVF is based on our observation that all side-channel attacks ranging from physical to microarchitectural to software rely on recognizing leaked execution patterns. SVF quantifies patterns in attackers' observations and measures their correlation to the victim's actual execution patterns and in doing so captures systems' vulnerability to side-channel attacks. In a detailed case study of on-chip memory systems, SVF measurements help expose unexpected vulnerabilities in whole-system designs and shows how designers can make performance-security trade-offs. Thus, SVF provides a quantitative approach to secure computer architecture.
Onset of Pup Locomotion Coincides with Loss of NR2C/D-Mediated Cortico-Striatal EPSCs and Dampening of Striatal Network Immature Activity

Adult motor coordination requires strong coincident cortical excitatory input to hyperpolarized medium spiny neurons (MSNs), the dominant neuronal population of the striatum. However, cortical and subcortical neurons generate during development large ongoing patterns required for activity-dependent construction of networks. This raises the question of whether immature MSNs have adult features from early stages or whether they generate immature patterns that are timely silenced to enable locomotion. Using a wide range of techniques including dynamic two-photon imaging, whole cell or single-channel patch clamp recording in slices from Nkx2.1-GFP mice, we now report a silencing of MSNs that timely coincides with locomotion. At embryonic stage (as early as E16) and during early postnatal days, genetically identified MSNs have a depolarized resting membrane potential, a high input resistance and lack both inward rectifying (IKIR) and early slowly inactivating (ID) potassium currents. They generate intrinsic voltage-gated clustered calcium activity without synaptic components. From postnatal days 5–7, the striatal network transiently generates synapse-driven giant depolarizing potentials when activation of cortical inputs evokes long lasting EPSCs in MSNs. Both are mediated by NR2C/D-receptors. These immature features are abruptly replaced by adult ones before P10: MSNs express IKIR and ID and generate short lasting, time-locked cortico-striatal AMPA/NMDA EPSCs with no NR2C/D component. This shift parallels the onset of quadruped motion by the pup. Therefore, MSNs generate immature patterns that are timely shut off to enable the coordination of motor programs.
Graph partitioning using annealed neural networks

A new algorithm, called mean field annealing (MFA), is applied to the graph partitioning problem. The MFA algorithm combines characteristics of the simulated annealing algorithm and the Hopfield neural network. MFA exhibits the rapid convergence of the neural network while preserving the solution quality afforded by stochastic simulated annealing (SSA). The MFA algorithm is developed in the context of the graph partitioning problem. The rate of convergence of MFA on graph bipartitioning problems is as much as 50 times that of SSA, yet does not degrade the quality of the final solution. The temperature behavior of MFA during bipartitioning is analyzed and shown to have an impact on the tuning of neural networks for improved performance. Also presented is a new modification to MFA that supports partitioning of random or structured graphs into three or more bins-a problem that has previously shown resistance to solution by neural networks. <<ETX>>
Two Types of El Nio Events: Cold Tongue El Nio and Warm Pool El Nio

Abstract In this study, two types of El Nino events are classified based on spatial patterns of the sea surface temperature (SST) anomaly. One is the cold tongue (CT) El Nino, which can be regarded as the conventional El Nino, and the other the warm pool (WP) El Nino. The CT El Nino is characterized by relatively large SST anomalies in the Nino-3 region (5°S–5°N, 150°–90°W), while the WP El Nino is associated with SST anomalies mostly confined to the Nino-4 region (5°S–5°N, 160°E–150°W). In addition, spatial patterns of many atmospheric and oceanic variables are also distinctively different for the two types of El Nino events. Furthermore, the difference in the transition mechanism between the two types of El Nino is clearly identified. That is, the discharge process of the equatorial heat content associated with the WP El Nino is not efficient owing to the spatial structure of SST anomaly; as a result, it cannot trigger a cold event. It is also demonstrated that zonal advective feedback (i.e., zonal adve.
Using icon arrangement for fallback authentication on smartphones

In this paper, we present three concepts for fallback authentication on smartphones that exploit the icon arrangement on home screens. A pilot study with three groups (each with n=6) was conducted to evaluate these concepts in terms of usability and security. The results show that most users made no or only few errors. In turn, adversaries had more difficulties in solving the tasks.
Experimental study of transport of a dimer on a vertically oscillating plate

It has recently been shown that a dimer, composed of two identical spheres rigidly connected by a rod, under harmonic vertical vibration can exhibit a self-ordered transport behaviour. In this case, the mass centre of the dimer will perform a circular orbit in the horizontal plane, or a straight line if confined between parallel walls. In order to validate the numerical discoveries, we experimentally investigate the temporal evolution of the dimer's motion in both two- and three-dimensional situations. A stereoscopic vision method with a pair of high-speed cameras is adopted to perform omnidirectional measurements. All the cases studied in our experiments are also simulated using an existing numerical model. The combined investigations detail the dimer's dynamics and clearly show that its transport behaviours originate from a series of combinations of different contact states. This series is critical to our understanding of the transport properties in the dimer's motion and related self-ordered phenomena in granular systems.