Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Machine Learning in Nano-Scale Biomedical Engineering

Machine learning (ML) empowers biomedical systems with the capability to optimize their performance through modeling of the available data extremely well, without using strong assumptions about the modeled system. Especially in nano-scale biosystems, where the generated data sets are too vast and complex to mentally parse without computational assist, ML is instrumental in analyzing and extracting new insights, accelerating material and structure discoveries and designing experience as well as supporting nano-scale communications and networks. However, despite these efforts, the use of ML in nano-scale biomedical engineering remains still under-explored in certain areas and research challenges are still open in fields such as structure and material design and simulations, communications and signal processing, and bio-medicine applications. In this article, we review the existing research regarding the use of ML in nano-scale biomedical engineering. In more detail, we first identify and discuss the main challenges that can be formulated as ML problems. These challenges are classified in three main categories: structure and material design and simulation, communications and signal processing and biomedicine applications. Next, we discuss the state of the art ML methodologies that are used to countermeasure the aforementioned challenges. For each of the presented methodologies, special emphasis is given to its principles, applications and limitations. Finally, we conclude the article with insightful discussions, that reveal research gaps and highlight possible future research directions.
Dehydroxymethylepoxyquinomicin, a novel nuclear factor-κB inhibitor, induces apoptosis in multiple myeloma cells in an IκBα-independent manner

Nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) is constitutively activated in multiple myeloma cells. Several proteasome inhibitors have been shown to be effective against multiple myeloma and may act by inhibiting degradation of IκBα. Here, we examined the biological effects of a new type of NF-κB inhibitor, dehydroxymethylepoxyquinomicin (DHMEQ), which is reported to directly inhibit the cytoplasm-to-nucleus translocation of NF-κB. A multiple myeloma cell line, 12PE, which is defective for IκBα protein, was utilized to determine if IκBα is concerned with the action of DHMEQ. Meanwhile, U266 was used as a multiple myeloma cell line with normal IκBα. A proteasome inhibitor, gliotoxin, which is an inhibitor of degradation of phosphorylated IκBα, failed to inhibit translocation of NF-κB in 12PE. In contrast, DHMEQ equally inhibited translocation of NF-κB to the nucleus and induced apoptosis to both multiple myeloma cell lines, suggesting that apoptosis resulting from DHMEQ is IκBα independent. DHMEQ also induced apoptosis in freshly isolated multiple myeloma cells. After DHMEQ treatment, cleavage of caspase-3 and down-regulation of cyclin D1 were observed in both cell lines. In addition, administration of DHMEQ resulted in a significant reduction in tumor volume in a plasmacytoma mice model compared with control mice. Our results show that DHMEQ could potentially be a new type of molecular target agent for multiple myeloma.
COALESCE: Component Assembly by Learning to Synthesize Connections

We introduce COALESCE, the first data-driven framework for component-based shape assembly which employs deep learning to synthesize part connections. To handle geometric and topological mismatches between parts, we remove the mismatched portions via erosion, and rely on a joint synthesis step, which is learned from data, to fill the gap and arrive at a natural and plausible part joint. Given a set of input parts extracted from different objects, COALESCE automatically aligns them and synthesizes plausible joints to connect the parts into a coherent 3D object represented by a mesh. The joint synthesis network, designed to focus on joint regions, reconstructs the surface between the parts by predicting an implicit shape representation that agrees with existing parts, while generating a smooth and topologically meaningful connection. We demonstrate that our method significantly outperforms prior approaches including baseline deep models for 3D shape synthesis, as well as state-of-the-art methods for shape completion.
A Case For Adaptive Deep Neural Networks in Edge Computing

Edge computing offers an additional layer of compute infrastructure closer to the data source before raw data from privacy-sensitive and performance-critical applications is transferred to a cloud data center. Deep Neural Networks (DNNs) are one class of applications that are reported to benefit from collaboratively computing between the edge and the cloud. A DNN is partitioned such that specific layers of the DNN are deployed onto the edge and the cloud to meet performance and privacy objectives. However, there is limited understanding of: (a) whether and how evolving operational conditions (increased CPU and memory utilization at the edge or reduced data transfer rates between the edge and the cloud) affect the performance of already deployed DNNs, and (b) whether a new partition configuration is required to maximize performance. A DNN that adapts to changing operational conditions is referred to as an `adaptive DNN'. This paper investigates whether there is a case for adaptive DNNs in edge computing by considering three questions: (i) Are DNNs sensitive to operational conditions? (ii) How sensitive are DNNs to operational conditions? (iii) Do individual or a combination of operational conditions equally affect DNNs? The exploration is carried out in the context of 8 pre-trained DNN models and the results presented are from analyzing nearly 2 million data points. The results highlight that network conditions affects DNN performance more than CPU or memory related operational conditions. Repartitioning is noted to provide a performance gain in a number of cases, thus demonstrating the need for adaptive DNNs.
Temperature: Diet Interactions Affect Survival through Foraging Behavior in a Bromeliad‐Dwelling Predator

Temperature, food quantity and quality play important roles in insect growth and survival, influencing population dynamics as well as interactions with other community members. However, the interaction between temperature and diet and its ecological consequences have been poorly documented. Toxorhynchites are well‐known biocontrol agents for container‐inhabiting mosquito larvae. We found that Toxorhynchites haemorrhoidalis larvae (Diptera: Culicidae) inhabiting water‐filled rosettes of tank bromeliads catch and eat prey of both aquatic (mosquito larvae) and terrestrial origin (ants), using distinct predatory methods. They carried out frontal attacks on ants, but ambushed mosquito larvae. In choice tests, T. haemorrhoidalis favored terrestrial prey. Temperature had a significant effect on predator development and survival through its interaction with diet, but did not alter the preference for ants. T. haemorrhoidalis larvae emerged quickly when fed only mosquito larvae, whereas all individuals died before pupation when fed only ants. We conclude that behavioral factors (i.e., attraction to ants that disturb the surface of the water) overtake physiological factors (i.e., the adverse outcome of elevated temperature and an ant‐based diet) in determining a predator's response to temperature:diet interactions. Finally, because T. haemorrhoidalis larvae preferentially feed on terrestrial insects in tank bromeliads, mosquito larvae may indirectly benefit from predation release.
Normal approximation via non-linear exchangeable pairs

We propose a new functional analytic approach to Stein's method of exchangeable pairs that does not require the pair at hand to satisfy any approximate linear regression property. We make use of this theory in order to derive abstract bounds on the normal and Gamma approximation of certain functionals in the Wasserstein distance. Moreover, we illustrate the relevance of this approach by means of three instances of situations to which it can be applied: Functionals of independent random variables, finite population statistics and functionals on finite groups. In the independent case, and in particular for symmetric $U$-statistics, we demonstrate in which respect this approach yields fundamentally better bounds than those in the existing literature. Finally, we apply our results to provide Wasserstein bounds in a CLT for subgraph counts in geometric random graphs based on $n$ i.i. d. points in Euclidean space as well as to the normal approximation of Pearson's statistic.
Computational linguistic assessment of textbook and online learning media by means of threshold concepts in business education

Threshold concepts are key terms in domain-based knowledge acquisition. They are regarded as building blocks of the conceptual development of domain knowledge within particular learners. From a linguistic perspective, however, threshold concepts are instances of specialized vocabularies, exhibiting particular linguistic features. Threshold concepts are typically used in specialized texts such as textbooks -- that is, within a formal learning environment. However, they also occur in informal learning environments like newspapers. In this article, a first approach is taken to combine both lines into an overarching research program - that is, to provide a computational linguistic assessment of different resources, including in particular online resources, by means of threshold concepts. To this end, the distributive profiles of 63 threshold concepts from business education (which have been collected from threshold concept research) has been investigated in three kinds of (German) resources, namely textbooks, newspapers, and Wikipedia. Wikipedia is (one of) the largest and most widely used online resources. We looked at the threshold concepts' frequency distribution, their compound distribution, and their network structure within the three kind of resources. The two main findings can be summarized as follows: Firstly, the three kinds of resources can indeed be distinguished in terms of their threshold concepts' profiles. Secondly, Wikipedia definitely appears to be a formal learning resource.
LY503430, a Novel α-Amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionic Acid Receptor Potentiator with Functional, Neuroprotective and Neurotrophic Effects in Rodent Models of Parkinson's Disease

Glutamate is the major excitatory transmitter in the brain. Recent developments in the molecular biology and pharmacology of the α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionic acid (AMPA) subtype of glutamate receptors have led to the discovery of selective, potent, and systemically active AMPA receptor potentiators. These molecules enhance synaptic transmission and play important roles in plasticity and cognitive processes. In the present study, we first characterized a novel AMPA receptor potentiator, (R)-4′-[1-fluoro-1-methyl-2-(propane-2-sulfonylamino)-ethyl]-biphenyl-4-carboxylic acid methylamide (LY503430), on recombinant human GLUA1–4 and native preparations in vitro and then evaluated the potential neuroprotective effects of the molecule in rodent models of Parkinson's disease. Results indicated that submicromolar concentrations of LY503430 selectively enhanced glutamate-induced calcium influx into human embryonic kidney 293 cells transfected with human GLUA1, GLUA2, GLUA3, or GLUA4 AMPA receptors. The molecule also potentiated AMPA-mediated responses in native cortical, hippocampal, and substantia nigra neurons. We also report here that LY503430 provided dose-dependent functional and histological protection in animal models of Parkinson's disease. The neurotoxicity after unilateral infusion of 6-hydroxydopamine into either the substantia nigra or the striatum of rats and that after systemic 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine in mice were reduced. Interestingly, LY503430 also had neurotrophic actions on functional and histological outcomes when treatment was delayed until well after (6 or 14 days) the lesion was established. LY503430 also produced some increase in brain-derived neurotrophic factor in the substantia nigra and a dose-dependent increases in growth associated protein-43 (GAP-43) expression in the striatum. Therefore, we propose that AMPA receptor potentiators offer the potential of a new disease modifying therapy for Parkinson's disease.
Isolation, chemical characterization and in vitro antioxidant activities of polysaccharides from Aconitum coreanum

The water-soluble crude polysaccharide Aconitum coreanum polysaccharides (ACPS) was extracted from A. coreanum and purified by Diethylaminoethyl cellulose and Sepharose CL-6B chromatography, giving three polysaccharide fractions coded as ACPSA-1, ACPSB-2 and ACPSB-3. Their chemical and physical characteristics of polysaccharide fractions, and antioxidant capacity, including scavenging activity against DPPH radicals, superoxide and hydroxyl radicals, and chelating ability, were valuated in this paper. Experiment results showed that ACPS-2 and ACPS-3 exhibited significantly antioxidant activity at a concentration-dependent manner. The polysaccharide fractions can be developed as new antioxidant agents. Key words: Aconitum coreanum, polysaccharide, purification, characterization, antioxidant activity.
Trapping efficiency for foxes (Vulpes vulpes) in central New SouthWales: age and sex biases and the effects of reduced fox abundance

A total of 276 red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) was captured over 40 597 trap-nights during 1994–96 at three separate sites in central New South Wales, resulting in an overall trapping efficiency of one fox per 147 trap-nights. Trapping using multiple trap sets placed at carcases was 3.2 times more efficient than trapping using single trap sets. During 1994–95, when two of the sites suffered a severe drought, fox abundance declined to less than 0.2 foxes km–1 of spotlight transect; trapping efficiency at those sites also declined, to an average of one fox per 315 trap-nights. Mean trapping efficiency for non-drought periods was one fox per 135 trap-nights, 2.3 times more efficient than during the drought period. In 1995 and 1996, 353 foxes were shot in areas adjacent to each site. This gave the opportunity to compare sex and age biases between the trapped and shot samples: the ratio of males to females was significantly higher in the trapped sample than in the shot sample, and there was also a significantly higher ratio of adults to juveniles in the trapped sample than in the shot sample.
Variation in Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D in Free-Ranging New-World Tropical Bats

Vitamin D (represented by D2 or D3) is considered essential for normal calcium homeostasis. It is either synthesized in the skin following ultraviolet-B irradiation of provitamin D3 (7-dehydrocholesterol), or ingested in the diet as vitamin D2 or vitamin D3. Most neotropical bats are nocturnal, roost in dark places, and consume diets that lack vitamin D and thus have no other known source of this important nutrient. A few species, namely fish-eating (piscivores) and blood-eating (sanguivores), however, have the potential to ingest large quantities of dietary vitamin D. In this study, blood serum collected from five nocturnal, neotropical bats (including three plant-visiting species, one fish-eating species and one blood-eating species), was analyzed using a competitive protein binding assay (CPBA) to determine concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], the major circulating vitamin D metabolite. Caveroosting (absence of sunlight), plant-visiting species (Artibeus jamaicensis, Brachyphylla cavernarum, and Monophyllus redmani) had a mean serum concentration of 25(OH)D between 7–15 ng/ml, values that are less than sufficient for humans. By contrast, caveroosting, sanguivorous Desmodus rotundus and piscivorous Noctilio leporinus, species which have access to dietary vitamin D, had a mean serum concentration of 25(OH)D between 236–247 ng/ml, with high values to 400 ng/ml, the highest recorded for any vertebrate taxon. These findings support the hypothesis that circulating 25(OH)D concentrations in bats are strongly influenced by dietary habits.
Route Planning Algorithms for Car Navigation

• A submitted manuscript is the version of the article upon submission and before peer-review. There can be important differences between the submitted version and the official published version of record. People interested in the research are advised to contact the author for the final version of the publication, or visit the DOI to the publisher's website. • The final author version and the galley proof are versions of the publication after peer review. • The final published version features the final layout of the paper including the volume, issue and page numbers.
Acariens du Genre Cheyletus (Prostigmata: Cheyletidae) recoltes dans La Region Afrotropicale

ABSTRACT Five species of Cheyletus (Prostigmata: Cheyletidae) have been recognized among material from Afrotropical Region, i. e. C. malaccensis Oudemans, 1903, C. eruditus (Schrank, 1781), C. nidicolus Fain, 1972, C. zumpti Fain, 1972 and C. rwandae Fain, 1972. Figures of the last three species are given. A system of nomenclature is proposed for the idiosomal chaetotaxy in the genus Cheyletus.
Intrusion Detection Systems for Intra-Vehicle Networks: A Review

A modern vehicle is a complex system of sensors, electronic control units, and actuators connected through different types of intra-vehicle networks to control and monitor the state of the vehicle. In addition, modern vehicles are becoming increasingly connected to the outside world through V2X technologies. However, these provide new attack surfaces that increase the cybersecurity risk to modern vehicles. To this end, there are two distinct and key challenges that need to be addressed to ensure safety and consumer trust. While modern vehicles must be equipped with the best countermeasures against cybersecurity threats, a reliable mechanism shall be also in place to detect the potential intrusions of the system while in operation, which is termed as intrusion detection. This paper provides a structured and comprehensive review of the state of the art of the intra-vehicle intrusion detection systems (IDSs) for passenger vehicles. We first provide an overview of intra-vehicle networks before reviewing contemporary research in intra-vehicle IDSs. The approach employed is to categorize the reviewed works based on their detection technique and to examine the used feature and feature selection methods, evaluation dataset, attack type, performance metrics, and benchmark models. This paper also presents outstanding research challenges and gaps in intra-vehicle IDS research.
Managing Knowledge Networks: Productivity: efficiency and effectiveness

The information context of the modern organization is rapidly evolving in the face of intense global competition. Information technologies, including databases, new telecommunications systems, and software for synthesizing information, make a vast array of information available to an ever expanding number of organizational members. Management's exclusive control over knowledge is steadily declining, in part because of the downsizing of organizations and the decline of the number of layers in an organizational hierarchy. These trends, as well as issues surrounding the Web 2.0 and social networking, mean that it is increasingly important that we understand how informal knowledge networks impact the generation, capturing, storing, dissemination, and application of knowledge. This innovative book provides a thorough analysis of knowledge networks, focusing on how relationships contribute to the creation of knowledge, its distribution within organizations, how it is diffused and transferred, and how people find it and share it collaboratively.
Genetic variability of the soil‐feeding termite Labiotermes labralis (Termitidae, Nasutitermitinae) in the Amazonian primary forest and remnant patches

Abstract. 1 Tropical rainforest fragmentation may increase the risk of extinction of limited dispersers such as soil‐feeding termites which play a fundamental role in soil structure and fertility. 2 We tested the hypothesis that population genetic structure of Labiotermes labralis, one of the most abundant soil‐feeders in the Amazonian primary forest, may vary in response to local ecological conditions. 3 As a pre‐requisite, two factors that may have important consequences on population genetic structure were examined: colony social organisation and infection by Wolbachia bacterium. This cytoplasmic endosymbiont is able to manipulate arthropod reproduction and thus, to alter patterns of mtDNA variation. 4 Three sites in French Guiana showing variable level of forest disturbance were studied. Three hundred and thirty‐eight neuters and 14 primary reproductives from 17 colonies were genotyped using six microsatellites to analyse colony and population genetic structure. Moreover, one sequence of the COII mitochondrial gene was obtained for each nest. 5 We showed that all nests were monogamous. In a single site, all nests were infected by the same Wolbachia strain. This pattern of infection was not associated to a particular mitochondrial haplotype. 6 In the most disturbed site, a significant inbreeding coefficient associated with high relatedness between primary reproductives suggested that anthropogenic habitat fragmentation has induced genetic isolation of the population; a result reinforced by the mitochondrial data. Thus, habitat fragmentation might have serious consequences for the persistence of L. labralis populations in French Guiana.
Conservation Value of Cacao Agroforestry Systems for Terrestrial Herbaceous Species in Central Sulawesi, Indonesia

Tropical secondary forest and agroforestry systems have been identified as important refuges for the local species diversity of birds and other animal groups, but little is known about the importance of these systems for terrestrial herbs. In particular, few studies report how the conversion from tropical forest to technified cacao plantation affects the species richness and the community structure of herbs. We conducted surveys in 43 cacao plantations along the border of the Lore Lindu National Park in Central Sulawesi, ranging from agroforests to technified cacao, categorizing the plantations as rustic cacao, planted shade cacao, and technified cacao. We recorded 91 herb species. Of the 74 species determined to species level, 21 were also found in natural forests, while 53 were recorded only in agricultural habitats. Araceae was the most forest‐dependent plant family while Asteraceae included the highest number of nonforest species. Overall, the presence of forest species was confined to moderately intensively managed rustic and planted shaded plantations. Distance from the forest, which has been identified as a crucial parameter for the diversity and composition of other taxa in cacao agroforests, only played a minimal role for herbs. Our study suggests that native forest herbs maybe more vulnerable to forest conversion than animal groups. The intensification of cacao plantation management increases the presence of weedy species to the detriment of native forest species.