Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Immunological Competence of Different Domestic Chicken Breeds Against Avian Influenza Infection

SUMMARY. To evaluate the effect of selection for high laying performance on the capacity to respond to an infection with avian influenza virus (AIV), four different chicken lines were tested: A white layer and a brown layer breed originating from a commercial breeding program, and a white layer and a brown layer line maintained as a conservation flock for decades without any selection. The different chicken breeds were infected with AIV of different pathotypes (low pathogenic to high pathogenic) to evaluate and compare their immunological competence. Morbidity and mortality rates, as well as viral shedding, were investigated as parameters of virus infection. Immune cells in blood samples collected after different time points following inoculation were identified. In general, the chickens of the two phylogenetically related brown layer lines (irrespective of the performance type) were more resistant to infection with the selected AIVs, reflected by a lower mortality rate (low virulent AIV) or a prolonged length of survival before succumbing to the disease (highly virulent AIV). Corresponding to these results, CD8-positive cell counts were reduced in both white layer lines. This observation was also confirmed in an in vivo allogenic transfer experiment, in which brown layers eliminated the transferred cells in a shorter time period. In conclusion, our results do not support the theory of reduced immunological competence of high-performance layer breeds, at least against AIV infection. Instead, brown layer strains had a faster CD8-positive immune cell response after viral or allogenic stimulus than the phylogenetically distant white layers, resulting in better resistance against AIV infection.
Design of flexonic mobile node using 3D compliant beam for smooth manipulation and structural obstacle avoidance

Motivated by the needs to develop dexterous flexonic mobile node (FMN) for structural health monitoring where obstacle avoidance is among the most challenging tasks, this paper presents a novel FMN design for navigating on iron-based structures. Unlike most existing magnetic wheel designs, the FMN uses fixed-magnet configuration contributing to smooth motion, self-maintained orientation and automatic negotiation of concave corners. Taking into account of several stringent considerations (including tight dimension, efficient attachment and manipulation flexibility) to facilitate avoidance of structural obstacles in tight space, a prototype FMN incorporating a compliant beam (that results in more DOFs than designs with multiple links and pin/ball joints), along with a 3-step strategy for negotiating a convex corner, has been developed. Although controlling a continuous deforming beam is challenging given limited number of actuators, both simulation and experimental results confirm a simple input/output relation between the rear axle displacement and front axle rotation, which is anticipated to facilitate control implementation of FMN for obstacle avoidance.
Improved possibilistic C-means clustering algorithms

A possibilistic approach was proposed in a previous paper for C-means clustering, and two algorithms realizing this approach were reported in two previous papers. Although the possibilistic approach is sound, these two algorithms tend to find identical clusters. In this paper, we modify and improve these algorithms to overcome their shortcoming. The numerical results demonstrate that the improved algorithms can determine proper clusters and they can realize the advantages of the possibilistic approach.
URBAN DESIGN URBANISTYKA

This paper discusses spatial integration in an urban environment that consists of dispersed fragments of various development forms and origins. The discussion is presented on a specific example — the vicinity of Dworzec Towarowy in Kraków. The specificity of this type of place was determined so as to present the processes that formed its current state of development throughout history, and to identify current problems and spatial bar - riers. Then, a proposal of the development of the area was prepared, including the improvement of its spatial coherence and the creation of a new, user-friendly space. Examples of design measures that can be taken in a difficult space affected by disintegration were considered to improve the quality of the area’s development
Receptivity of young Chinese to American and global brands: psychological underpinnings

Purpose – The purpose of this paper was to examine psychological variables of young Chinese to determine their impact on identification with global consumer culture, attitudes toward global and USA brands and intention to buy USA brands. The independent or psychological variables examined were self-monitoring, life satisfaction, brand relevance, social demonstration effect, change-seeking behavior and reference groups (interacted and non-interacted). The goal was to understand what forces drive global and USA brand preferences. Design/methodology/approach – Data were collected in Guangzhou, China, in 2013 through a survey administered to 152 young Chinese respondents. Confirmatory factor analysis and reliability coefficients verified the psychometrics of each scale. Subsequently, the sample was divided into high versus low groups for each of the independent variables to perform mean tests for each on each of the four dependent variables. Findings – The results showed that all the hypotheses were supported.
Regional distribution of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor mRNA in the adult mouse brain.

Brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a protein that allows the survival of specific neuronal populations. This study reports on the distribution of the BDNF mRNA in the adult mouse brain, where the BDNF gene is strongly expressed, using quantitative Northern blot analysis and in situ hybridization. All brain regions examined were found to contain substantial amounts of BDNF mRNA, the highest levels being found in the hippocampus followed by the cerebral cortex. In the hippocampus, which is also the site of highest nerve growth factor (NGF) gene expression in the central nervous system (CNS), there is approximately 50‐fold more BDNF mRNA than NGF mRNA. In other brain regions, such as the granule cell layer of the cerebellum, the differences between the levels of BDNF and NGF mRNAs are even more pronounced. The BDNF mRNA was localized by in situ hybridization in hippocampal neurons (pyramidal and granule cells). These data suggest that BDNF may play an important role in the CNS for a wide variety of adult neurons.
A modified normalized min‐sum algorithm for LDPC decoding using order statistics

In this paper, we propose a new modified normalized min‐sum algorithm for low‐density parity‐check decoding. Instead of normalizing the results of the check node renew calculations by a single modification factor, we use two different modification factors to normalize the results of check node renew calculations. One modification factor for the position of the first minimum value and another modification factor for other positions. We obtain two modification factors by theoretical analysis using the theory of order statistics. Simulation results show that the new modified normalized min‐sun algorithm achieves better bit error rate performance than normalized min‐sun algorithm without adding implementation complexity. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
American Society of Clinical Oncology 2006 update of the breast cancer follow-up and management guidelines in the adjuvant setting.

PURPOSE To update the 1999 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) guideline on breast cancer follow-up and management in the adjuvant setting. METHODS An ASCO Expert Panel reviewed pertinent information from the literature through March 2006. More weight was given to studies that tested a hypothesis directly relating testing to one of the primary outcomes in a randomized design. RESULTS The evidence supports regular history, physical examination, and mammography as the cornerstone of appropriate breast cancer follow-up. All patients should have a careful history and physical examination performed by a physician experienced in the surveillance of cancer patients and in breast examination. Examinations should be performed every 3 to 6 months for the first 3 years, every 6 to 12 months for years 4 and 5, and annually thereafter. For those who have undergone breast-conserving surgery, a post-treatment mammogram should be obtained 1 year after the initial mammogram and at least 6 months after completion of radiation therapy. Thereafter, unless otherwise indicated, a yearly mammographic evaluation should be performed. Patients at high risk for familial breast cancer syndromes should be referred for genetic counseling. The use of CBCs, chemistry panels, bone scans, chest radiographs, liver ultrasounds, computed tomography scans, [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography scanning, magnetic resonance imaging, or tumor markers (carcinoembryonic antigen, CA 15-3, and CA 27.29) is not recommended for routine breast cancer follow-up in an otherwise asymptomatic patient with no specific findings on clinical examination. CONCLUSION Careful history taking, physical examination, and regular mammography are recommended for appropriate detection of breast cancer recurrence.
Pulse and Meter as Neural Resonance

The experience of musical rhythm is a remarkable psychophysical phenomenon, in part because the perception of periodicities, namely pulse and meter, arise from stimuli that are not periodic. One possible function of such a transformation is to enable synchronization between individuals through perception of a common abstract temporal structure (e.g., during music performance). Thus, understanding the brain processes that underlie rhythm perception is fundamental to explaining musical behavior. Here, we propose that neural resonance provides an excellent account of many aspects of human rhythm perception. Our framework is consistent with recent brain‐imaging studies showing neural correlates of rhythm perception in high‐frequency oscillatory activity, and leads to the hypothesis that perception of pulse and meter result from rhythmic bursts of high‐frequency neural activity in response to musical rhythms. High‐frequency bursts of activity may enable communication between neural areas, such as auditory and motor cortices, during rhythm perception and production.
Temporary Percutaneous Pedicle Screw Fixation for Treatment of Thoracolumbar Injuries in Young Adults

Abstract Objective Bone-only injuries of the spine, including Chance fractures, are commonly managed nonoperatively. However, selected patients may benefit from surgical stabilization. In this report, the authors describe a method of temporary internal fixation with percutaneous pedicle screws for patients with intractable pain and thoracolumbar fractures. Methods We reviewed the medical records and imaging studies of three patients 17 to 21 years old with thoracolumbar fractures that were treated with temporary internal fixation. The patients had bone-only injuries without a major deformity. Additionally, they had severe pain that was uncontrolled with parenteral pain medications and prevented mobilization with traditional external bracing. For fixation, pedicle screws were placed percutaneously in the level above and below the fracture. No arthrodesis was performed. After 6 months, fracture healing was evaluated radiographically. Once confirmed, the instrumentation was removed. Outcomes examined include length of stay, pain control, time to ambulation, and fracture healing. Results Three patients were included in the review, ages 17 to 21 (mean 18.7) years. Two patients had classic Chance fractures, and the third had bilateral pars fractures with a compression fracture at the same level. All patients had severe pain despite bracing. Postoperatively, all patients had significant pain reduction that facilitated rapid mobilization. At 6 months after surgery, fracture healing was verified with radiographic imaging and the instrumentation was removed. There were no complications. Conclusions Temporary internal bracing of bone-only thoracolumbar fractures in young adults is a safe and effective treatment strategy in selected patients. This procedure provides rapid pain control and early mobilization without sacrificing any spinal motion segments.
Israeli Acute Paralysis Virus Infection Leads to an Enhanced RNA Interference Response and Not Its Suppression in the Bumblebee Bombus terrestris

RNA interference (RNAi) is the primary antiviral defense system in insects and its importance for pollinator health is indisputable. In this work, we examined the effect of Israeli acute paralysis virus (IAPV) infection on the RNAi process in the bumblebee, Bombus terrestris, and whether the presence of possible functional viral suppressors could alter the potency of the host’s immune response. For this, a two-fold approach was used. Through a functional RNAi assay, we observed an enhancement of the RNAi system after IAPV infection instead of its suppression, despite only minimal upregulation of the genes involved in RNAi. Besides, the presence of the proposed suppressor 1A and the predicted OrfX protein in IAPV could not be confirmed using high definition mass spectrometry. In parallel, when bumblebees were infected with cricket paralysis virus (CrPV), known to encode a suppressor of RNAi, no increase in RNAi efficiency was seen. For both viruses, pre-infection with the one virus lead to a decreased replication of the other virus, indicating a major effect of competition. These results are compelling in the context of Dicistroviridae in multi-virus/multi-host networks as the effect of a viral infection on the RNAi machinery may influence subsequent virus infections.
Grandparent Caregivers' Perception of the Stress of Surrogate Parenting

Abstract This paper examined the relationship between sociodemo-graphic factors, Stressors, and resources, and the perception of stress by grandparents caring for their grandchildren. A sample of 129 grandparents had face-to-face interviews. A hierarchical block regression analysis produced a model that accounted for 49 percent of the variance. For the first block (sociodemographic factors) younger age and being white were significant, but in the context of the second block, these variables disappeared and being employed, having conflict with the grandchildren's parent, and grandchild problems were significant. The final block, in which resources were added, found that being employed, having conflict with the children's parent, grandchild problems, and lack of family resources were associated with high perception of stress. These findings suggest strategies for social work intervention.
Influence of an early-onset age of type 1 diabetes on cerebral structure and cognitive function.

OBJECTIVE Children who develop type 1 diabetes before age 7 years (early-onset diabetes; EOD) have comparatively poorer cognitive abilities. Whether this relates to psychosocial consequences of chronic illness or organic factors related to diabetes and its complications remains unresolved. We hypothesized that if differences in neuroradiological structure and cognitive ability coexisted in those who had EOD, then an organic component to their etiology was likely. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS A cohort of 71 young adults with long-duration type 1 diabetes diagnosed during childhood or adolescence participated in a cross-sectional evaluation of cognitive ability (neuropsychological test battery) and brain structure (magnetic resonance imaging). Diabetes onset age, preceding severe hypoglycemia exposure, retinopathy status, and diabetes duration were examined as potential correlates of cognitive and neuroradiological differences. No participants had previous neuropsychological pathology. RESULTS In EOD participants (n = 26), current intellectual ability (Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Revised performance IQ; P = 0.03) and information processing ability (Choice Reaction Time; P = 0.006) were comparatively poorer than was observed in those with later- onset diabetes (n = 45). Furthermore, lateral ventricular volumes were 37% greater (P = 0.002) and ventricular atrophy was more prevalent (61 vs. 20%; P = 0.01) in the EOD group than in those who had later-onset type 1 diabetes. CONCLUSIONS An early childhood onset of type 1 diabetes was associated with mild central brain atrophy and significant differences in intellectual performance in adulthood, implying that neurodevelopment may be adversely affected by EOD. The differences observed in brain structure support an organic contribution to their etiology but do not exclude a coexistent contribution of psychosocial factors.
DIGITAL SIGNAL PROCESSING TEACHING: A PRAAT BASED APPROACH

Digital Signal Processing (DSP) is a significant and increasing subject area in many disciplines such as, Electrical/Computer Engineering (ECE), Communication Engineering, Computer Science and other Engineering/Science disciplines. With the growing of DSP job market, the DSP course has become very popular among ECE students, and it is still considered to be a difficult and complex one to study. Praat, a speech analysis software, is proposed to apply in signal processing teaching in this paper. More DSP algorithms, even real-time signal processing algorithms are simulated by Praat and its script language that the object of using the software further enlarged to the signal processing area. The authors have enhanced the learning experience for their students by using the software during the teaching, and reduced the difficulty in understanding of DSP theories and algorithms.
Multivariate Autoregressive Mixture Models for Music Auto-Tagging

We propose the multivariate autoregressive model for content based music auto-tagging. At the song level our approach leverages the multivariate autoregressive mixture (ARM) model, a generative time-series model for audio, which assumes each feature vector in an audio fragment is a linear function of previous feature vectors. To tackle tagmodel estimation, we propose an efficient hierarchical EM algorithm for ARMs (HEM-ARM), which summarizes the acoustic information common to the ARMs modeling the individual songs associated with a tag. We compare the ARM model with the recently proposed dynamic texture mixture (DTM) model. We hence investigate the relative merits of different modeling choices for music time-series: i) the flexibility of selecting higher memory order in ARM, ii) the capability of DTM to learn specific frequency basis for each particular tag and iii) the effect of the hidden layer of the DT versus the time efficiency of learning and inference with fully observable AR components. Finally, we experiment with a support vector machine (SVM) approach that classifies songs based on a kernel calculated on the frequency responses of the corresponding song ARMs. We show that the proposed approach outperforms SVMs trained on a different kernel function, based on a competing generative model.
Promotion of indoleacetic Acid oxidase isoenzymes in tobacco callus cultures by indoleacetic Acid.

Indoleacetic acid oxidase in tobacco callus cultures (Nicotiana tabacum L., cv. White Gold) was composed of at least two groups of isoenzymes, which were distinctly different in electrophoretic mobilities and in responses to growth substances. Indoleacetic acid had dual effects; at low concentrations it promoted the development of two fast-migrating indoleacetic acid oxidase isoenzymes, but at high concentrations it increased the level of other indoleacetic acid oxidase isoenzymes with low and moderate electrophoretic mobilities. However, indoleacetic acid was not unique in such effects; 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid and 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetic acid were effective at concentrations lower than that of indoleacetic acid.A correlation was apparent between the relative levels of the two groups of indoleacetic acid oxidase isoenzymes and the rate and type of growth, as affected by auxins. The development of the fast-migrating anionic indoleacetic acid oxidase isoenzymes was accompanied by a type of growth characterized by rapid growth rate, high water content, and friable tissues. On the other hand, a further increase in the isoenzymes of slower migrating rate was associated with growth retardation.The indoleacetic acid-mediated increase of the fast-migrating indoleacetic acid oxidase isoenzymes was dependent on the level of kinetin, suggesting a multiple control by different types of growth substances. The inhibition of the formation of the fast-migrating isoenzymes by actinomycin D and cycloheximide suggests a requirement for both RNA and protein synthesis.
HMMer acceleration using systolic array based reconfigurable architecture

HMMer is a widely-used bioinformatics software package that uses profile Hidden Markov Models (HMMs) to model the primary structure consensus of a family of protein or nucleic acid sequences. However, with the rapid growth of both sequence and model databases, it is more and more time-consuming to run HMMer on traditional computer architecture. With the development of modern field programmable gate array (FPGA) technology, applications can be accelerated using CPU-FPGA cooperative system by mapping computational-intensive work onto FPGA. In this paper, the computation kernel of HMMer, P7Viterbi, is selected to be accelerated by FPGA. After carefully data dependency analysis, we proposed a systolic array based reconfigurable architecture to exploit both inter-module and intra-module parallelism. There is an infrequent feedback loop in P7Viterbi to update the value of beginning state (B state), which limits further parallelization. Previous work either ignored the feedback loop or serialized the process, leading to loss of either precision or efficiency. Our proposed architecture can exploit maximum parallelism without loss of precision. The proposed architecture speculatively runs with fully parallelism assuming that the feedback loop does not take place. If the rare feedback case actually occurs, a rollback mechanism is used to ensure correctness. Results show that by using Xilinx Virtex-5 110T FPGA, the proposed architecture can achieve about a 56.8 times speedup compared with that of Intel Core2 Duo 2.33GHz CPU.
Probabilistic and Piecewise Deterministic models in Biology

We present recent results on Piecewise Deterministic Markov Processes (PDMPs), involved in biological modeling. PDMPs, first introduced in the probabilistic literature by Davis (1984), are a very general class of Markov processes and are being increasingly popular in biological applications. They also give new interesting challenges from the theoretical point of view. We give here different examples on the long time behavior of switching Markov models applied to population dynamics, on uniform sampling in general branching models applied to structured population dynamic, on time scale separation in integrate-and-fire models used in neuroscience, and, finally, on moment calculus in stochastic models of gene expression.
Projective reconstruction from line correspondences

The paper gives a practical rapid algorithm for doing projective reconstruction of a scene consisting of a set of lines seen in three or more images with uncalibrated cameras. The algorithm is evaluated on real and ideal data to determine its performance in the presence of varying degrees of noise. By carefully consideration of sources of error, it is possible to get accurate reconstruction with realistic levels of noise. The algorithm can be applied to images from different cameras or the same camera. For images with the same camera with unknown calibration, it is possible to do a complete Euclidean reconstruction of the image. This extends to the case of uncalibrated cameras previous results on scene reconstruction from lines,. <<ETX>>