Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Anti-cancer Effect and Active Phytochemicals of Houttuynia cordata Thunb. against Human Breast Cancer Cells

Background: Houttuynia cordata Thunb (HCT) is a medicinal herb used in Southeast Asia. Aim of this work: This study aimed at investigating the cytotoxicity of this plant extract and fractions towards human breast cancer MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cells. HCT’s phytoactive compounds are determined. Materials and methods: Cell viability was determined by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The mode of cell death was measured by staining with annexin V-FITC and propidium iodide (PI) employing flow cytometry technique. The oxidative stress was measured by using 2’,7’-dihydrodichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA) and dihydroethidium (DHE+) fluorescent probes and using a fluorescence microplate reader. HCT phytochemicals were characterized by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Results: The proliferation of MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cells was dramatically decreased by the crude extract and individual fraction of HCT. Ethyl acetate was the solvent fraction with the highest toxicity against MCF-7 cells, followed by dichloromethane, crude, and hexane fractions, respectively, whereas in MDA-MB231 cells, dichloromethane, crude, hexane, and ethyl acetate fractions each had the strongest impact, respectively. The methanol fraction had no effect on either cell line up to 200 μg/ml. The extract and fractions were less harmful to the NIH3T3 normal murine fibroblast cell line. The mode of both cell death was apoptosis evidenced by the increase of cell population stained with annexin V-FITC and PI. The fluorescence probes of both DCFH-DA and DHE in MDA-MB-231 cell line were enhanced. Phenolic acids included chlorogenic acid (CA), gallic acid (GA), transcoumaric acid (TCA), vanillic acid (VA), and syringic acid (SA), as well as flavonoids like quercetin and rutin, were identified as the active phytochemicals in the crude and fractions by using HPLC method. Conclusion: MDA-MB-231cells underwent apoptosis via oxidative stress when induced with HCT hexane fraction. Phenolic acids and flavonoids were identified in HCT’s extract and fractions.
Circular economy through waste reverse logistics under extended producer responsibility in Finland

Extended producer responsibility (EPR) is commonly implemented as a strategy in waste management. The core of the concept itself is a waste reverse logistics (WRL), which dictates how the collection, inspection and processing of end-of-life products are performed. Existing studies of EPR mainly focused on single products instead of using broader perspective on national level. Its contribution towards circular economy through slowing and closing the loops also has not been widely discussed. This study examined the system architecture of the policy instruments used in the EPR and the similarities of the WRL networks across different products. A case study was used to investigate six products: portable batteries and accumulators, paper, packaging, vehicles, electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) and tyres. The study generated a WRL framework. It is also observed that closing the loop through recycling is the primary circular strategy and is found in all products, whereas closing and slowing the loop strategy through reuse/repair, remanufacture and repurposing is found in packaging, tyres, vehicles and EEE. This study shows that EPR can close the material loop, although improvement in design for the environment is necessary. It creates challenges and opportunities for the government, producer responsibility organization and producers to improve existing conditions by implementing new initiatives such as design for the environment indicators, standardization, tax and subsidy systems and tariffs for disposal fees.
Social Sustainability, Leadership and Human Resource Management

One of the most significant expectations faced by managers today is to succeed in integrating sustainability into an organization’s functions (Ajmal et al., 2018). The goal of this special issue is to raise interest into topics related to social sustainability in the functions of leadership and human resource management (HRM). More specifically, knowledge and understanding are produced of the social and human dimensions of organizational life in different organizational and socio-cultural settings. The theme of this special issue is still rather new and dispersed in both management research and management practice. Therefore, we present several significant perspectives that we believe are of relevance to learning more about social sustainability, leadership and HRM. The case studies in this issue provide in-depth, rich and multiple information about various real-life events and phenomena in the context of the theme.
On optimal Sampling in low and high dimension

During my PhD, I had the chance to learn and work under the great supervision of my advisor R emi (Munos) in two elds that are of particular interest to me. These domains are Bandit Theory and Compressed Sensing. While studying these domains I came to the conclusion that they are connected if one looks at them trough the prism of optimal sampling. Both these elds are concerned with strategies on how to sample the space in an e cient way: Bandit Theory in low dimension, and Compressed Sensing in high dimension. In this Dissertation, I present most of the work my co-authors and I produced during the three years that my PhD lasted.
Membrane binding of endocytic myosin-1s is inhibited by a class of ankyrin repeat proteins

Myosin-1s are monomeric actin-based motors that function at membranes. Myo1 is the single myosin-1 isoform in Schizosaccharomyces pombe that works redundantly with Wsp1-Vrp1 to activate the Arp2/3 complex for endocytosis. Here, we identified Ank1 as an uncharacterized cytoplasmic Myo1 binding partner. We found that in ank1Δ cells, Myo1 dramatically redistributed from endocytic patches to decorate the entire plasma membrane and endocytosis was defective. Biochemical analysis and structural predictions suggested that the Ank1 ankyrin repeats bind the Myo1 lever arm and the Ank1 acidic tail binds the Myo1 TH1 domain to prevent TH1-dependent Myo1 membrane binding. Indeed, Ank1 over-expression precluded Myo1 membrane localization and recombinant Ank1 blocked purified Myo1 liposome binding in vitro. Based on biochemical and cell biology analyses, we propose budding yeast Ank1 and human OSTF1 are functional Ank1 orthologs and that cytoplasmic sequestration by small ankyrin repeat proteins is a conserved mechanism regulating myosin-1s in endocytosis. Summary Fission yeast long-tailed myosin-1 binds Ank1. Ank1 ankyrin repeats associate with the Myo1 lever arm and Ank1 acidic tail binds the Myo1 TH1 domain to inhibit Myo1 membrane binding. Ank1 orthologs exists in budding yeast (Ank1) and humans (OSTF1).
Psychedelic concentrations of nitrous oxide reduce functional differentiation in frontoparietal and somatomotor cortical networks

Like classical psychedelics, nitrous oxide reduces functional differentiation in human frontoparietal and somatomotor networks, flattening functional brain geometry and disrupting temporal dynamics in association with the psychedelic experience. Despite the longstanding use of nitrous oxide and descriptions of its psychological effects more than a century ago, there is a paucity of neurobiological investigation of associated psychedelic experiences. We measure the brain’s functional geometry (through analysis of cortical gradients) and temporal dynamics (through analysis of co-activation patterns) using human resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging data acquired before and during administration of 35% nitrous oxide. Both analyses demonstrate that nitrous oxide reduces functional differentiation in frontoparietal and somatomotor networks. Importantly, the subjective psychedelic experience induced by nitrous oxide is inversely correlated with the degree of functional differentiation. Thus, like classical psychedelics acting on serotonin receptors, nitrous oxide flattens the functional geometry of the cortex and disrupts temporal dynamics in association with psychoactive effects.
Human-level reinforcement learning performance of recurrent neural networks is linked to hyperperseveration, not directed exploration

A key feature of animal and human decision-making is to balance the exploration of unknown options for information gain (directed exploration) versus selecting known options for immediate reward (exploitation), which is often examined using restless bandit tasks. Recurrent neural network models (RNNs) have recently gained traction in both human and systems neuroscience work on reinforcement learning, due to their ability to show meta-learning of task domains. Here we comprehensively compared the performance of a range of RNN architectures as well as human learners on restless four-armed bandit problems. The best-performing architecture (LSTM network with computation noise) exhibited human-level performance. Cognitive modeling first revealed that both human and RNN behavioral data contain signatures of higher-order perseveration, i.e., perseveration beyond the last trial, but this effect was more pronounced in RNNs. In contrast, human learners, but not RNNs, exhibited a positive effect of uncertainty on choice probability (directed exploration). RNN hidden unit dynamics revealed that exploratory choices were associated with a disruption of choice predictive signals during states of low state value, resembling a win-stay-loose-shift strategy, and resonating with previous single unit recording findings in monkey prefrontal cortex. Our results highlight both similarities and differences between exploration behavior as it emerges in meta-learning RNNs, and computational mechanisms identified in cognitive and systems neuroscience work.
On the relation between XX[*] X[*]X in an indefinite inner product space

The relations between the canonical forms for pairs (XX[∗],H) and (X[∗]X,H) , with nilpotent matrices XX[∗] and X[∗]X , are studied. We show that for some specific cases which are obtained by imposing restrictions on rank X or rank X[∗]X or both, the relations between these canonical forms can be found. Mathematics subject classification (2000): 47B50, 15A21.
Discovery of Type IV filament membrane alignment complex homologs in H. pylori that promote soft-agar migration

The stomach pathogen Helicobacter pylori utilizes two scaffold proteins, CheW and CheV1, to build critical chemotaxis arrays. Chemotaxis helps bacteria establish and maintain infection. Mutants lacking either of these chemotaxis proteins have different soft agar phenotypes: deletion of cheW creates non-chemotactic strains, while deletion of cheV1 results in 50% loss of chemotaxis. In this work, we characterized the cheV1 deletion mutant phenotype in detail. cheV1 deletion mutants had poor soft-agar migration initially, but regained migration ability over time. This improved bacterial migration was stable, suggesting a genetic suppressor phenotype, termed Che+. Whole-genome sequencing analysis of four distinct cheV1 Che+ strains revealed single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in a common gene, HPG27_252 (HP0273). These SNPs were predicted to truncate the encoded protein. To confirm the role of HPG27_252 in the cheV1 phenotype, we created a targeted deletion of HPG27_252 and found that loss of HPG27_252 enhanced soft-agar migration. HPG27_252 and CheV1 appear to interact directly, based on bacterial two-hybrid analysis. HPG27_252 is predicted to encode a 179 amino acid, 21 kDa protein annotated as a hypothetical protein. Computational analysis revealed this protein to be a remote homolog of the PilO Type IV filament membrane alignment complex protein. Although H. pylori is not known to possess Type IV filaments, our analysis showed it retains an operon of genes for homologs of PilO, PilN, and PilM, but does not possess other Type IV pili genes. Our data suggest the PilO homolog plays a role in regulating H. pylori chemotaxis and motility, suggesting new ideas about evolutionary steps for controlling migration through semi-solid media.
Mapping the dynamics of visual feature coding: Insights into perception and integration

The basic computations performed in the human early visual cortex are the foundation for visual perception. While we know a lot about these computations, a key missing piece is how the coding of visual features relates to our perception of the environment. To investigate visual feature coding, interactions, and their relationship to human perception, we investigated neural responses and perceptual similarity judgements to a large set of visual stimuli that varied parametrically along four feature dimensions. We measured neural responses using electroencephalography (N=16) to 256 grating stimuli that varied in orientation, spatial frequency, contrast, and colour. We then mapped the response profiles of the neural coding of each visual feature and their interactions, and related these to independently obtained behavioural judgements of stimulus similarity. The results confirmed fundamental principles of feature coding in the visual system, such that all four features were processed simultaneously but differed in their dynamics, and there was distinctive conjunction coding for different combinations of features in the neural responses. Importantly, modelling of the behaviour revealed that every stimulus feature contributed to perceptual judgements, despite the untargeted nature of the behavioural task. Further, the relationship between neural coding and behaviour was evident from initial processing stages, signifying that the fundamental features, not just their interactions, contribute to perception. This study highlights the importance of understanding how feature coding progresses through the visual hierarchy and the relationship between different stages of processing and perception. Author summary This study investigates the foundational computations in the human early visual cortex that underlie visual perception. Using electroencephalography (EEG), neural responses to 256 grating stimuli with variations in orientation, spatial frequency, contrast, and colour were measured in 16 participants. We explored how the neural coding of these visual features and their interactions relate to perceptual similarity judgments. Results confirmed simultaneous processing of all four features with distinct dynamics, revealing conjunction coding for various feature combinations. Behavioural modelling demonstrated that each stimulus feature contributes to perceptual judgments. This work emphasizes the significance of understanding feature coding progression through the visual hierarchy and its relationship to perception from early processing stages.
Photonic-crystal lasers on silicon for chip-scale optical interconnects

Optical interconnects are expected to reduce the power consumption of ICT instruments. To realize chip-to-chip or chip-scale optical interconnects, it is essential to fabricate semiconductor lasers with a smaller energy cost. In this context, we are developing lambda-scale embedded active-region photonic-crystal (LEAP) lasers as light sources for chip-scale optical interconnects. We demonstrated the first continuous-wave (CW) operation of LEAP lasers in 2012 and reported a record low threshold current and energy cost of 4.8 μA and 4.4 fJ/bit at 10 Gbit/s in 2013. We have also integrated photonic crystal photodetectors on the same InP chip and demonstrated waveform transfer along 500-μm-long waveguides. Although LEAP lasers exhibit excellent performance, they have to be integrated on Si wafers for use as light sources for chip-scale optical interconnects. In this paper, we give a brief overview of our LEAP lasers on InP and report our recent progress in fabricating them on Si. We bonded the InP wafers with quantum-well gain layers directly on thermally oxidized Si wafers and performed all process steps on the Si wafer, including high-temperature regrowth. After this process modification, we again achieved CW operation and obtained a threshold current of 57 μA with a maximum output power of more than 3.5 μW at the output waveguides. An output light was successfully guided through 500 × 250-nm InP waveguides.
Onset of the Thermal Convection in a Finite Two-Dimensional Box

Thermal instability of a fluid in a finite rectangular box is investigated, assuming the flow field to be two-dimensional. The horizontal plates are assumed to be rigid and perfectly thermal conducting. Three cases of boundary conditions for the vertical side walls are considered, which are rigid and perfectly conducting, rigid and perfectly insulating, and stress free and perfectly insulating boundary conditions. The critical condition of the linear stability of the motionless state is obtained for various aspect ratios of the box. It is concluded that the stability characteristics are very different between the cases of rigid and stress free side walls. Asymptotic expressions of the critical Rayleigh number are obtained for very wide and very narrow boxes respectively. The Moffatt vortices are confirmed up to the second.
Theories of Financing for Entrepreneurial Firms: A Review

This article provides an overview of literature related to capital structure theories for entrepreneurial firms. It identifies gaps and controversial areas in existing literature and also discusses potential directions for future research. Credit rationing, signalling by risk-bearing, the learning market demand idea, and the flexibility theory of capital structure are consistent with many patterns of financing of entrepreneurial firms. Credit rationing is the dominant area of research. Several directions have emerged that need answers such as for example which channel of credit rationing represents its main driving force. More empirical research is expected in signalling by risk-bearing. More theoretical and empirical research is expected regarding learning market demand and flexibility ideas. Pecking-order theory and trade-off theory play a significant role in large corporations but not so much in SMEs. More research is required investigating modified versions of each theory.
Non-invasive classification of gas–liquid two-phase horizontal flow regimes using an ultrasonic Doppler sensor and a neural network

The identification of flow pattern is a key issue in multiphase flow which is encountered in the petrochemical industry. It is difficult to identify the gas–liquid flow regimes objectively with the gas–liquid two-phase flow. This paper presents the feasibility of a clamp-on instrument for an objective flow regime classification of two-phase flow using an ultrasonic Doppler sensor and an artificial neural network, which records and processes the ultrasonic signals reflected from the two-phase flow. Experimental data is obtained on a horizontal test rig with a total pipe length of 21 m and 5.08 cm internal diameter carrying air-water two-phase flow under slug, elongated bubble, stratified-wavy and, stratified flow regimes. Multilayer perceptron neural networks (MLPNNs) are used to develop the classification model. The classifier requires features as an input which is representative of the signals. Ultrasound signal features are extracted by applying both power spectral density (PSD) and discrete wavelet transform (DWT) methods to the flow signals. A classification scheme of ‘1-of-C coding method for classification’ was adopted to classify features extracted into one of four flow regime categories. To improve the performance of the flow regime classifier network, a second level neural network was incorporated by using the output of a first level networks feature as an input feature. The addition of the two network models provided a combined neural network model which has achieved a higher accuracy than single neural network models. Classification accuracies are evaluated in the form of both the PSD and DWT features. The success rates of the two models are: (1) using PSD features, the classifier missed 3 datasets out of 24 test datasets of the classification and scored 87.5% accuracy; (2) with the DWT features, the network misclassified only one data point and it was able to classify the flow patterns up to 95.8% accuracy. This approach has demonstrated the success of a clamp-on ultrasound sensor for flow regime classification that would be possible in industry practice. It is considerably more promising than other techniques as it uses a non-invasive and non-radioactive sensor.
Uniform cover inequalities for the volume of coordinate sections and projections of convex bodies

Abstract The classical Loomis–Whitney inequality and the uniform cover inequality of Bollobás and Thomason provide upper bounds for the volume of a compact set in terms of its lower dimensional coordinate projections. We provide further extensions of these inequalities in the setting of convex bodies. We also establish the corresponding dual inequalities for coordinate sections; these uniform cover inequalities for sections may be viewed as extensions of Meyer’s dual Loomis–Whitney inequality.
The Vertical Structure of a Tornado near Happy, Texas, on 5 May 2002: High-Resolution, Mobile, W-band, Doppler Radar Observations

Abstract A mobile, W-band Doppler radar scanned, at close range, portions of a tornado near Happy, Texas, on 5 May 2002. Simultaneous boresighted video images were also recorded, which facilitated correlating the radar-observed features of the tornado with its visual features. Range–height indicators (RHIs) of radar reflectivity and Doppler velocity were collected that detail, with high spatial resolution, aspects of the vertical structure of the tornado near the ground. Most of the RHIs showed a column of a weak-echo hole from about 60 m above the ground up to the top of the domain at 800–1000 m above the ground; the hole was roughly 40% broader about 100 m above the ground as it was above, resulting in a characteristic pear-shaped vertical cross section of reflectivity. In this tornado, the condensation funnel was much narrower than the width of the weak-echo hole; the visible debris cloud near the ground was approximately just as wide as the hole above 150 m. The mean depth of the debris cloud was arou.