Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Dispersal in a Statistically Structured Population: Fat Tails Revisited

Dispersal has long been recognized as a crucial factor affecting population dynamics. Several studies on long‐distance dispersal revealed a peculiarity now widely known as a problem of “fat tail”: instead of the rate of decay in the population density over large distances being described by a normal distribution, which is apparently predicted by the standard diffusion approach, field data often show much lower rates such as exponential or power law. The question as to what are the processes and mechanisms resulting in the fat tail is still largely open. In this note, by introducing the concept of a statistically structured population, we show that a fat‐tailed long‐distance dispersal is a consequence of the fundamental observation that individuals of the same species are not identical. Fat‐tailed dispersal thus appears to be an inherent property of any real population. We show that our theoretical predictions are in good agreement with available data.
Next Generation Sequencing: The Next Iteration of Personalized Medicine: Next generation sequencing, along with expanding databases like The Cancer Genome Atlas, has the potential to aid rational drug discovery and streamline clinical trials.

Next generation sequencing sounds futuristic, maybe because it evokes the television series Star Trek: The Next Generation. “It does seem like science fiction, but next generation sequencing is going to become a science reality in a very big way starting this year,” says David I. Smith, PhD, professor of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology and chairman of the Technology Assessment Group of the Center for Individualized Medicine at Mayo Clinic, in Rochester. “One of the first applications will be in cancer therapy. ” Cancer has long been considered a disease of the genome, so it makes sense that figuring out what’s gone haywire in an individual’s genome can provide major clues about which drugs could block the aberrant pathways that promote cancer and can also help scientists to develop new drugs to hit those targets. Think of next generation sequencing (NGS) applied to cancer care as personalized oncology. Synonymous with second generation sequencing, NGS refers to those DNA sequencing methods that came after capillary-based Sanger sequencing (first generation) back in 2005. Current next generation DNA and RNA sequencing companies include Illumina (TruSeq, HiSeq), Life Technologies (Ion Torrent, SOLiD), Complete Genomics (DNA nanoball sequencing), 454 Sequencing (pyrosequencing), and Oxford Nanopore Technologies (GridION). One reason NGS is making its cancer care debut in 2012 is the dramatic advances in genetic sequencing technologies. Faster, cheaper, and more accurate sequencing technologies are leapfrogging each other on their way to the research community and to academic medical centers, carrying an opportunity to transform how cancer is diagnosed and treated, and to venture capitalists, who see an opportunity to make history and a return on their investment. “Because biopsy samples are becoming smaller and smaller, the concept of a single test and a single drug is completely unsustainable,” says Kevin Krenitsky, MD, Foundation Medicine’s chief operating officer.
Prolonged jaundice and hypothyroidism as the presenting symptoms in a neonate with a novel Prop1 gene mutation (Q83X).

OBJECTIVE To identify the genetic defect in a neonate presented with prolonged jaundice and central hypothyroidism. DESIGN Central hypothyroidism was detected in a neonate initially examined for prolonged jaundice, and levothyroxine therapy was initiated. Direct sequencing of the Prop1 gene was carried out and pituitary function and morphology were evaluated using hormonal testing and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) respectively. METHODS Dynamic hormonal testing was carried out using established methodologies. Hormones were determined by RIA or chemiluminescence immunoassays. Genomic analysis of the Prop1 gene was performed by direct sequencing. MRI protocol: sagittal spin echo T2-weighted scans 2500/90 (TR/TE), plain and contrast-enhanced sagittal and coronal spin echo T1-weighted scans 500/20 (TR/TE). RESULTS Low thyroid hormones (coupled with lack of TSH rise), low GH, normal cortisol and normal prolactin values were detected. Direct sequencing revealed the presence of two mutations in the Prop1 gene: GA296del and Q83X. The Q83X was further confirmed by PvuII restriction digestion and represented a novel Prop1 gene mutation, which was not detected in 100 controls tested. Pituitary enlargement was detected, with respect to normal-for-age controls. CONCLUSIONS (i) The Q83X mutation extends the spectrum of Prop1 gene mutations; (ii) central hypothyroidism in a neonate might constitute the initial sign of Prop1 gene defect; (iii) the patient is the youngest individual with Prop1 gene defect and pituitary enlargement presented to date; and (iv) early detection of Prop1 gene mutations facilitates genetic counseling and ensures prompt management of the anticipated hormonal insufficiencies.
Methylation status of HPV16 E2‐binding sites classifies subtypes of HPV‐associated oropharyngeal cancers

The human papillomavirus (HPV) E2 protein is a transcriptional repressor of the oncogenes E6/E7 and loss of E2 function is considered a key step in carcinogenesis. Integration of HPV into the host genome may disrupt the E2 gene. Furthermore, methylation of CpG dinucleotides in E2‐binding sites (E2BSs) in the HPV upstream regulatory region may interfere with transcriptional repression of E6 and E7 by E2. The authors hypothesized that the CpG methylation status of E2BS identifies subtypes of HPV type 16 (HPV16)‐associated oropharyngeal squamous cell cancers (OPSCC) in association with E2 gene integrity and viral integration.
Expression and function of the murine CD95/FasR/APO‐1 receptor in relation to B cell ontogeny

Mice defective in Fas‐mediated apoptosis (lpr phenotype) have an intrinsic B cell abnormality that predisposes them to autoantibody production. To investigate potential roles for the Fas receptor (FasR) in B cell tolerance, FasR expression and function were evaluated at different stages of B cell development. FasR expression was very low or absent on pro‐ and pre‐B cells, but was detected in early B cell lines and was up‐regulated following IFN‐γ‐induced maturation of the pre‐B cell line 70‐Z. Whereas FasR expression was very low in resting mature sIgM+ B cells, expression was markedly increased following mitogen activation and was also elevated in two mature sIgG+ lymphoma lines. FasR expression correlated strongly with the ability of B cells to undergo Fas‐mediated apoptosis. In addition, although Fas did not appear to play a direct role in apoptosis mediated by cross‐linking of sIg with anti‐IgM, anti‐FasR and sublethal concentrations of anti‐Ig were additive in the induction of apoptosis in the early B cell line WEHI 231. These findings suggest that the Fas pathway is not involved in the elimination of pro‐ and pre‐B cells, but are compatible with an ancillary role for FasR in the elimination of early B cells and elimination of mature B cells following activation.
Differentiation of three common deep-water hermit crabs (Crustacea, Decapoda, Anomura, Parapaguridae) from the South African demersal abundance surveys, including the description of a new species of Paragiopagurus Lemaitre, 1996

Abstract Deep-water hermit crabs of the family Parapaguridae can be abundant (up to 20 kg or 1000 hermit crab individuals per haul) in the trawl bycatch collected during South African demersal abundance research surveys. Until recently, only two parapagurid species had been recognized in the bycatch; Parapagurus bouvieri Stebbing, 1910, and Sympagurus dimorphus (Studer, 1883). Detailed examination of numerous samples of parapagurid specimens from research surveys revealed the existence of a third, undescribed species previously confounded with S. dimorphus, but in fact belonging to a different genus. This new species, Paragiopagurus atkinsonae sp. n. is the 25th in the genus Paragiopagurus Lemaitre, 1996, and has been found only in a small region on the West Coast shelf of South Africa, at depths of 199–277 m. The species is herein fully described and illustrated, including colour images, µCT scans of selected body parts, and CO1 barcode data. The new species is morphologically most similar to P. ventilatus Lemaitre, 2004, a species associated with hydrothermal vents, but differs in armature of the fourth antennal segment (armed with a spine on the dorsolateral distal angle vs. unarmed in P. ventilatus); setation of the antennal flagella (nearly naked vs. with dense setae in P. ventilatus); plumose setation on the third maxillipeds and basal segments of chelipeds (absent vs. present in P. ventilatus); number of rows of scales on the propodal rasp of pereopod 4 (two or three rows vs. one row in P. ventilatus); and degree of telson asymmetry (weakly asymmetrical vs. strongly asymmetrical in P. ventilatus). Paragiopagurus atkinsonae sp. n. is superficially similar to S. dimorphus, with males of the two species showing the same extreme degree of sexual dimorphism on the right cheliped, general light orange colouration, and frequent use of colonial zoanthid carcinoecia for pleonal protection. To aid in future identifications and to facilitate data gathering during surveys, a comparison of P. atkinsonae sp. n. with S. dimorphus is provided, along with descriptions of colouration and photographs of live specimens of all three parapagurid species. Information on taxonomy of the species is summarized, as well as knowledge of their distribution in the demersal research survey regions of South Africa.
Identification and characterization of near‐fatal asthma phenotypes by cluster analysis

Near‐fatal asthma (NFA) is a heterogeneous clinical entity and several profiles of patients have been described according to different clinical, pathophysiological and histological features. However, there are no previous studies that identify in a unbiased way – using statistical methods such as clusters analysis – different phenotypes of NFA. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to identify and to characterize phenotypes of near fatal asthma using a cluster analysis.
GM Food: A Crime against Humanity?

Modern agriculture controls weeds by spraying Roundup containing water and Glyphosate onto crop fields. To enhance Glyphosate penetration through weed leaves, POEA is usually included in Roundup. POEA stands for polyoxyethyleneamine. But weeds alone cannot be sprayed and the POEA enters the leaves of adjacent corn and soybean crops as an emulsion of NP globules that finally reside in the plant crop. NP stands for nanoparticle. Upon ingestion of GM food, metabolic heat in the gut is generally thought to increase the NP temperature. GM stands for genetically modified. But this finds basis in classical physics when in fact QM governs NPs in particular. QM stands for quantum mechanics and requires the heat capacity of NPs to vanish. Conservation of heat in NPs therefore cannot occur by an increase in temperature and instead proceeds by emission of UV radiation. Nearby DNA are damaged and if the scrambled genes are not repaired by the immune system may lead to birth defects, autism, and cancer. Indeed, the UV radiation from NPs supports experiments over the past decade showing NPs damage DNA. Whether altering the DNA of the people of the world by NPs in GM food is discussed as a crime against humanity. 
A Comparative Analysis of Reflectometry Methods for Characterization of Antennas

Traditionally, antenna characterization measurements are performed in the frequency-domain through a Vector Network Analyzer (VNA) in anechoic chamber. Nevertheless, the expensiveness of this set-up prevents it from becoming widespread in laboratories. On such bases, in this paper a time-domain-based approach is comparatively investigated; such a method virtually makes the anechoic chamber unnecessary, thus dramatically reducing the related costs. The proposed approach, based on the evaluation of the scattering parameter (Su) from time domain reflectometry (TDK) data, has been tested for the characterization of a commercial Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) reader antenna. Data acquired in the time-domain are processed in the frequency-domain through a dedicated algorithm, thus allowing the Su extrapolation. Furthermore, results are compared to VNA measurements performed in an anechoic chamber. In order to assess the investigated method, from a metrological point of view, the root mean square error between the results is reported as a figure of merit. This way, it is demonstrated that calibrated time-domain measurements represent an alternative, inexpensive and accurate method for characterizing antennas.
Novel approach to lane and path detection in unmanned ground vehicles

The dire need for reduction in the road deaths has led to a massive development in the field of autonomous vehicles. Autonomous vehicles are a niche market due to the cost involved. To reduce the costs and facilitate the use of autonomous vehicles to the common man, reduction in number of sensors and improvements in the software is desired. This has led to the penetration of the computer vision into the field of autonomous vehicles. In this paper, we present a novel algorithm for lane detection called Vertical Sub-band Spectrum Extraction (VSSE) for urban autonomous vehicles. Also, we propose a novel path detection algorithm called Adaptive Color band Thresholding (ACT) for pastoral areas. Both the algorithms are intended for the purpose of using minimum hardware for real time operation. Experimental results, obtained by applying the proposed algorithms on varying conditions of illumination, markings and other background variations for still images as well as real time video feed, show that the proposed system is in par with more complex systems. A significant detection rate under varying conditions with a relatively simple hardware is observed.
BOLD and Perfusion Response to Finger-Thumb Apposition after Acetazolamide Administration: Differential Relationship to Global Perfusion

The authors studied the effects of altering global cerebral blood flow on both blood oxygen level–dependent (BOLD) response and perfusion response to finger-thumb apposition. A PICORE/QUIPSS II protocol was used to collect interleaved BOLD-weighted and perfusion-weighted images on eight finger-thumb apposition trials. Subjects were studied on a drug-free day and on a day when acetazolamide was administered between the second and third trials. After acetazolamide administration, resting cortical perfusion increased an average of 20% from preadministration levels, whereas the BOLD response to finger-thumb apposition decreased by an average of 35% in the S1M1 hand area. Contrary to predictions from the exhausted cerebrovascular reserve hypothesis and the oxygen limitation model, an effect of acetazolamide on cerebral blood flow response in the S1M1 hand area was not observed. Across the acetazolamide trials, BOLD response was inversely correlated with resting cortical perfusion for individual subject data. These results suggest that resting perfusion affects the magnitude of the BOLD response and is thus an important confounding factor in fMRI studies, and that the physiologic systems that increase cerebral blood flow in response to acetazolamide administration and systems that increase cerebral blood flow in response to altered neural activity appear to have additive effects.
Percutaneous implantation of a second device in patients with residual right-to-left shunt after patent foramen ovale closure.

INTRODUCTION The management of patients with residual right-to-left shunt (rRLS) after percutaneous patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure is debated. The aim of this study was to define the incidence of moderate-to-large rRLS and to report the feasibility, safety and long-term clinical outcome of transcatheter closure of rRLS. METHODS AND RESULTS From June 2000 to March 2013, 322 subjects underwent percutaneous PFO closure. In 39 patients (12.1%) with moderate-to-large rRLS on transcranial Doppler (TCD) and/or transesophageal echocardiogram a second cardiac catheterization was performed with the aim of completing the closure. A second closure device was implanted in 21 patients (53.8%). In the remaining 18 (46.2%), a second device was not delivered for the following reasons: in 13 (72.2%) no residual passage could be crossed, in 5 (27.8%) the residual shunt was deemed to be negligible. No complications occurred. After the second procedure, complete closure was proved by TCD in 16/21 (76.2%) subjects. One patient received a third device. During follow-up (41 ± 19 months), no cerebrovascular ischemic accidents occurred. CONCLUSION A second percutaneous PFO occlusion device can be safely implanted in patients with significant rRLS. However, a moderate-to-large rRLS on TCD and/or TEE may not necessarily represent a significant risk of further paradoxical embolization.
The Effect of the Changes in Accounting Estimates of the Discount Rate to the Costs on Account of Creating Provisions

Summary The aim of the study is to answer the question of how a slight change in the actuarial assumptions (regarding the discount rate used) can affect the amount of the provisions, and consequently create the level of costs in the entity. In order to find the answer the financial statements of 148 stock-exchange-quoted companies from 2007 to 2014 (1184 financial statements in total) were analysed, determining whether the changes in long-term provisions for retirement benefits provisions (due to the use of a different discount) have a significant impact on the financial statements of these companies. The research involved the use of deductive-inductive research methods in the form of literature review and analysis of the content of financial statements. The obtained results indicate that the estimation of the discount rate significantly affects the levels of costs related to creating provisions, which may be an effective tool for manipulating the financial result.
Assessing the Depth of Cognitive Processing as the Basis for Potential User-State Adaptation

Objective: Decoding neurocognitive processes on a single-trial basis with Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) techniques can reveal the user's internal interpretation of the current situation. Such information can potentially be exploited to make devices and interfaces more user aware. In this line of research, we took a further step by studying neural correlates of different levels of cognitive processes and developing a method that allows to quantify how deeply presented information is processed in the brain. Methods/Approach: Seventeen participants took part in an EEG study in which we evaluated different levels of cognitive processing (no processing, shallow, and deep processing) within three distinct domains (memory, language, and visual imagination). Our investigations showed gradual differences in the amplitudes of event-related potentials (ERPs) and in the extend and duration of event-related desynchronization (ERD) which both correlate with task difficulty. We performed multi-modal classification to map the measured correlates of neurocognitive processing to the corresponding level of processing. Results: Successful classification of the neural components was achieved, which reflects the level of cognitive processing performed by the participants. The results show performances above chance level for each participant and a mean performance of 70–90% for all conditions and classification pairs. Significance: The successful estimation of the level of cognition on a single-trial basis supports the feasibility of user-state adaptation based on ongoing neural activity. There is a variety of potential use cases such as: a user-friendly adaptive design of an interface or the development of assistance systems in safety critical workplaces.
Paramyxoviridae use distinct virus-specific mechanisms to circumvent the interferon response.

STAT1 and STAT2 are cellular transcription factors involved in interferon (IFN) signaling and are thus critical for the IFN-induced antiviral state. We have previously shown that the paramyxovirus Simian Virus 5 (SV5) blocks both type I and type II interferon (IFN) signaling by targeting STAT1 for proteasome-mediated degradation. To determine whether this is a feature common to all Paramyxoviridae, we examined the abilities of SV5, Sendai virus (SeV), human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and human parainfluenza viruses types 2 and 3 (hPIV2 and hPIV3, respectively) to block interferon signaling. The results showed that in reporter assays SV5, SeV, and hPIV3 blocked both type I and type II IFN-signaling; hPIV2 blocked type I but not type II IFN-signaling; and RSV failed to block either type I or type II IFN-signaling. In agreement with these results, SV5 and SeV inhibited the formation of the ISGF3 and GAF transcription complexes (essential for type I and type II signaling, respectively). Surprisingly, although hPIV3 inhibited IFN-induction of the ISGF3 complex, GAF complexes were detected in hPIV3-infected cells. hPIV2 also blocked the formation of the ISGF3 complex but not the GAF complex, whereas RSV failed to block the induction of either complex. SV5 was the only virus that caused the degradation of STAT1. Indeed, in SeV- and hPIV3-infected cells STAT1 was phosphorylated on tyrosine 701 (Y701), a characteristic of IFN receptor activation. However, consistent with these viruses blocking IFN signaling downstream of receptor activation, there was a specific reduction in the levels of serine 727 (S727)-phosphorylated forms of STAT1alpha in SeV- and hPIV3-infected cells. In contrast both (Y701)- and (S727)-phosphorylated forms of STAT1 were detected in hPIV2-infected cells but there was a specific loss of STAT2. Both STAT1 (including Y701- and S727-phosphorylated forms) and STAT2 could readily be detected in RSV-infected cells. Despite not being able to block type I or type II IFN signaling, RSV was able to replicate in human cells that produce and respond to IFN, suggesting that RSV must have an alternative method(s) for circumventing the IFN response. These results demonstrate that, although interference with IFN signaling is a common strategy among Paramyxovirinae, distinct virus-specific mechanisms are used to achieve this end.
Larvicidal activity prediction against Aedes aegypti mosquito using computational tools.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES Aedes aegypti is an important vector for transmission of dengue, yellow fever, chikun- gunya, arthritis, and Zika fever. According to the World Health Organization, it is estimated that Ae. aegypti causes 50 million infections and 25,000 deaths per year. Use of larvicidal agents is one of the recommendations of health organizations to control mosquito populations and limit their distribution. The aim of present study was to deduce a mathematical model to predict the larvicidal action of chemical compounds, based on their structure. METHODS A series of different compounds with experimental evidence of larvicidal activity were selected to develop a predictive model, using multiple linear regression and a genetic algorithm for the selection of variables, implemented in the QSARINS software. The model was assessed and validated using the OECDs principles. RESULTS The best model showed good value for the determination coefficient (R2 = 0.752), and others parameters were appropriate for fitting (s = 0.278 and RMSEtr = 0.261). The validation results confirmed that the model hasgood robustness (Q2LOO = 0.682) and stability (R2-Q2LOO = 0.070) with low correlation between the descriptors (KXX = 0.241), an excellent predictive power (R2 ext = 0.834) and was product of a non-random correlation R2 Y-scr = 0.100). INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION The present model shows better parameters than the models reported earlier in the literature, using the same dataset, indicating that the proposed computational tools are more efficient in identifying novel larvicidal compounds against Ae. aegypti.