Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Masking the Integration of Complementary Shape Cues

Retinal and cortical mechanisms provide for persistence of visual information across intervals of many hundreds of milliseconds, which supports the integration of partial shape cues. The present experiments displayed unknown shapes in a match recognition task, wherein a target shape was quickly followed by a comparison shape; the task was to specify whether the comparison shape was the same or different from the target. The target and comparison shapes were displayed as sparse dots that marked boundary locations. The first experiment successively displayed the target shape as two complementary subsets and found that the probability of correct match remained above chance with up to 500 ms of subset separation. The second experiment demonstrated masking of the target by a random pattern of dots when the target and mask were displayed simultaneously, but with much less or no masking when the two were separated by 100 ms. The third experiment displayed the target subsets with 200 ms of separation and found that match recognition was disrupted when the random-dot mask was displayed midway between the two subsets. Much less masking of an intact target was produced with that amount of temporal separation, which suggests that mechanisms for integration of shape cues have a special vulnerability to masking. The third experiment also found very little impairment of match recognition when the mask was displayed simultaneous with one of the subsets. We hypothesize that there is embedding of the subset pattern within the mask pattern, but additional display of the other subset effectively disembeds the buried partial shape cues.
Comparison of characteristics of centers practicing incremental vs. conventional approaches to hemodialysis delivery – postdialysis recovery time and patient survival

Introduction: Conventional haemodialysis (HD) involves treatment times of around 4 hours thrice weekly, taking no account of residual kidney function (RKF). In incremental HD the frequency and duration of dialysis sessions are individualized according to RKF. There are no studies comparing these approaches. We utilized data from a recent multicenter study to compare patient characteristics and outcomes between a center practicing incremental HD and others using a conventional approach.
Pentraxin 3 deficiency protects from the metabolic inflammation associated to diet-induced obesity.

AIM Low-grade chronic inflammation characterizes obesity and metabolic syndrome. Here we aim at investigating the impact of the acute-phase protein long pentraxin 3 (PTX3) on the immune-inflammatory response occurring during diet-induced obesity. METHODS AND RESULTS PTX3 deficiency in mice fed a high fat diet for 20 weeks protects from weight gain and adipose tissue deposition in visceral and subcutaneous depots. This effect is not related to changes in glucose homeostasis and lipid metabolism but is associated with the improved immune cell phenotype in the adipose tissue of Ptx3 deficient animals which is characterized by M2-macrophages polarization and increased angiogenesis. These findings are recapitulated in humans where carriers of a PTX3 haplotype (PTX3 h2/h2 haplotype), resulting in lower PTX3 plasma levels, presented with a reduced prevalence of obesity and decreased abdominal adiposity compared to non-carriers. CONCLUSIONS Our results support a critical role for PTX3 in the onset of obesity by promoting inflammation and limiting adipose tissue vascularization and delineate PTX3 targeting as a valuable strategy for the treatment of adipose tissue-associated inflammatory response.
Platform ecosystems for the industrial internet of things - A software intensive business perspective

The global competition requires the machine tool industry to provide more flexibility and productivity to its manufacturing customers, enabled through software-intensive services. A platform approach receives an increasing attention within the machine tool industry, offering a solution to provide such services. Software platforms, adapted to the needs of the industry and used in the industrial application are also known as industrial internet of things (iIoT) platforms. Despite the growing interest among manufacturing companies in iIoT platforms, they have been limitedly researched from the economic perspective. Consequently, a further in-depth analysis of platform-based business models in the area of iIoT is still needed. Firstly, this paper offers new insights on technical and economical criteria for business models and design of existing iIoT platforms and transforms them into a taxonomy. These merged criteria provide a detailed perspective on iIoT platforms and support machine tool companies in their decision process of suitable iIoT platforms. The criteria are based on the results of 17 qualitative interviews with companies from the machine tool industry. Secondly, the identified criteria are summed up in a morphological box, in order to reduce the selection complexity of an iIoT platform by the machine tool companies and sharpen the software-intensive business models of the platform providers.
Why feature-based roadmaps fail in rapidly changing markets: A qualitative survey

Context: Companies in highly dynamic markets struggle increasingly with their ability to plan their future product portfolios and to create reliable featuredriven roadmaps. It seems that the traditional process of product roadmap creation that aims at providing a stable plan for all involved stakeholders does not fulfill its purpose anymore. However, the underlying reasons as well as necessary changes to the roadmap process are not widely analyzed and understood. Objective: This paper aims at getting an understanding of current problems and challenges with roadmapping processes in companies that are facing volatile markets with innovative products. It also aims at gathering ideas and attempts on how to react to those challenges. Method: As an initial step towards the objectice a semi-structured expert interview study with a case company in the Smart Home domain was conducted. Four employees from the case company with different roles around product roadmaps have been interviewed and a content analysis of the data has been performed. Results: The study shows a significant consensus among the interviewees about several major challenges and the necessity to change the traditional roadmapping process and format. The interviewees stated that based on their experience traditional feature-based product roadmaps are increasingly losing their benefits (such as good planning certainty) in volatile environments. Furthermore, the ability to understand customer needs and behaviors has become highly important for creating and adjusting product roadmaps. The interviewees see the need for both, sufficiently stable goals on the roadmap and flexibility with respect to products or features to be developed. To reach this target the interviewees proposed to create roadmaps based on outcome goals instead of product features. In addition, it was proposed to decrease the level of detail of the roadmaps and to emphasize the long-term view. Decisions about which feature to develop should be open as long as possible. Expected benefits of such a new way of product roadmapping are higher user-centricity, a stable overall direction, more flexibility with respect to development decisions, and less breaking of commitments.
TCR Affinity Biases Th Cell Differentiation by Regulating CD25, Eef1e1, and Gbp2

Naive CD4+ T lymphocytes differentiate into various Th cell subsets following TCR binding to microbial peptide:MHC class II (p:MHCII) complexes on dendritic cells (DCs). The affinity of the TCR interaction with p:MHCII plays a role in Th differentiation by mechanisms that are not completely understood. We found that low-affinity TCRs biased mouse naive T cells to become T follicular helper (Tfh) cells, whereas higher-affinity TCRs promoted the formation of Th1 or Th17 cells. We explored the basis for this phenomenon by focusing on IL-2R signaling, which is known to promote Th1 and suppress Tfh cell differentiation. SIRP⍺+ DCs produce abundant p:MHCII complexes and consume IL-2, whereas XCR1+ DCs weakly produce p:MHCII but do not consume IL-2. We found no evidence, however, of preferential interactions between Th1 cell–prone, high-affinity T cells and XCR1+ DCs or Tfh cell–prone, low-affinity T cells and SIRP⍺+ DCs postinfection with bacteria expressing the peptide of interest. Rather, high-affinity T cells sustained IL-2R expression longer and expressed two novel Th cell differentiation regulators, Eef1e1 and Gbp2, to a higher level than low-affinity T cells. These results suggest that TCR affinity does not influence Th cell differentiation by biasing T cell interactions with IL-2–consuming DCs, but instead, directly regulates genes in naive T cells that control the differentiation process.
Natural Language Processing for Productivity Metrics for Software Development Profiling in Enterprise Applications

In this paper, we utilize ontology-based information extraction for semantic analysis and terminology linking from a corpus of software requirement specification documents from 400 enterprise-level software development projects. The purpose for this ontology is to perform semi-supervised learning on enterprise-level specification documents towards an automated method of defining productivity metrics for software development profiling. Profiling an enterprise-level software development project in the context of productivity is necessary in order to objectively measure productivity of a software development project and to identify areas of improvement in software development when compared to similar software development profiles or benchmark of these profiles. We developed a semi-novel methodology of applying NLP OBIE techniques towards determining software development productivity metrics, and evaluated this methodology on multiple practical enterprise-level software projects.
Selective decrease of cholinergic signaling from pedunculopontine and laterodorsal tegmental nuclei has little impact on cognition but markedly increases susceptibility to stress

The pedunculopontine tegmental nucleus (PPT) and laterodorsal tegmental nucleus (LDT) are heterogeneous brainstem structures that contain cholinergic, glutamatergic, and GABAergic neurons. PPT/LDT neurons are suggested to modulate both cognitive and noncognitive functions, yet the extent to which acetylcholine (ACh) signaling from the PPT/LDT is necessary for normal behavior remains uncertain. We addressed this issue by using a mouse model in which PPT/LDT cholinergic signaling is highly decreased by selective deletion of the vesicular ACh transporter (VAChT) gene. This approach interferes exclusively with ACh signaling, leaving signaling by other neurotransmitters from PPT/LDT cholinergic neurons intact and sparing other cells. VAChT mutants were examined on different PPT/LDT‐associated cognitive domains. Interestingly, VAChT mutants showed no attentional deficits and only minor cognitive flexibility impairments while presenting large deficiencies in both spatial and cued Morris water maze (MWM) tasks. Conversely, working spatial memory determined with the Y‐maze and spatial memory measured with the Barnes maze were not affected, suggesting that deficits in MWM were unrelated to spatial memory abnormalities. Supporting this interpretation, VAChT mutants exhibited alterations in anxiety‐like behavior and increased corticosterone levels after exposure to the MWM, suggesting altered stress response. Thus, PPT/LDT VAChT‐mutant mice present little cognitive impairment per se, yet they exhibit increased susceptibility to stress, which may lead to performance deficits in more stressful conditions. —Janickova, H. , Kljakic, O. , Rosborough, K. , Raulic, S. , Matovic, S. , Gros, R. , Saksida, L. M. , Bussey, T. J., Inoue, W. , Prado, V. F. , Prado, M. A. M. Selective decrease of cholinergic signaling from pedunculopontine and laterodorsal tegmental nuclei has little impact on cognition but markedly increases susceptibility to stress. FASEB J. 33, 7018–7036 (2019). www.fasebj. org
The Roles of Growth, Maturation, Physical Fitness, and Technical Skills on Selection for a Portuguese Under-14 Years Basketball Team

This study investigated the roles of growth, maturation, physical fitness, and technical skills on selection onto an under-14 years basketball team. The sample consisted of 150 male players, aged 13.3 ± 0.7 years, divided into selected (SE—top players chosen by coaching staff to form an elite regional team) and non-selected (NSE—remaining players) groups. Anthropometry, body composition, biological maturation, and training experience data were collected using standard procedures. Physical fitness was assessed using the Yo-Yo IE2, sit-ups, handgrip, squat jump, countermovement jump, 3 kg medicine ball throw, 20 m sprint, and T-Test. Technical skills were acquired using the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (AAHPERD)’s basketball-specific test battery. Groups were compared using a Student’s t test and multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA), with training experience and biological maturation as covariates. A forward stepwise discriminant function analysis was employed to identify variables that maximized the separation between groups. The results showed that SE players were taller, had greater fat-free mass, greater strength, power, and agility, and were technically more skillful compared with NSE players (p < 0.05) when controlling for training experience and maturation. It was also found that players were best discriminated by the 3 kg medicine ball throw and control dribble, revealing the importance of qualified training to achieve excellence in youth basketball. 92.7% of the basketballers were correctly classified into their original groups. It is therefore confirmed that the additional effects of training experience and biological maturation positively influenced the performance of young basketball players. We recommend that coaches focus not only on players’ body sizes, but also on their skill level, especially during adolescence, when selecting teams in order to promote sustainable long-term development.
BEE INSPIRED DETECTING AND TRACKING OF CURRENTLY DEVELOPING NEWS STORIES FROM THE WEB

In this paper we present an approach to detection and tracking of currently unveiling news stories through analysis of news articles obtained from the Web. Articles are obtained using algorithm inspired by honey bees foraging for food. Due to the distributed dynamic nature of communication protocol utilized among bee workers when foraging for food, we are able to detect, evaluate and retrieve articles related to current news events from the web. During this process key terms related to news stories are identified and relationships between articles are established based on these terms. This results in a graph of nodes modelling the article space. The graph is updated and appended in a flexible way based on the real time changes in the articles. News stories are subsequently extracted from the graph using modularity optimizing graph algorithms.
A leaf-level biochemical model simulating the introduction of C2 and C4 photosynthesis in C3 rice: gains, losses and metabolite fluxes.

This work aims at developing an adequate theoretical basis for comparing assimilation of the ancestral C3 pathway with CO2 concentrating mechanisms (CCM) that have evolved to reduce photorespiratory yield losses. We present a novel model for C3 , C2 , C2 + C4 and C4 photosynthesis simulating assimilatory metabolism, energetics and metabolite traffic at the leaf level. It integrates a mechanistic description of light reactions to simulate ATP and NADPH production, and a variable engagement of cyclic electron flow. The analytical solutions are compact and thus suitable for larger scale simulations. Inputs were derived with a comprehensive gas-exchange experiment. We show trade-offs in the operation of C4 that are in line with ecophysiological data. C4 has the potential to increase assimilation over C3 at high temperatures and light intensities, but this benefit is reversed under low temperatures and light. We apply the model to simulate the introduction of progressively complex levels of CCM into C3 rice, which feeds > 3.5 billion people. Increasing assimilation will require considerable modifications such as expressing the NAD(P)H Dehydrogenase-like complex and upregulating cyclic electron flow, enlarging the bundle sheath, and expressing suitable transporters to allow adequate metabolite traffic. The simpler C2 rice may be a desirable alternative.
Preparation of Squalene Oil-Based Emulsion Adjuvants Employing a Self-Emulsifying Drug Delivery System and Assessment of Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae-Specific Antibody Titers in BALB/c Mice

In this study, a self-emulsifying drug delivery system (SEDDS) was employed to prepare novel squalene oil-based emulsion adjuvants. Deionized water, 0.01% and 0.02% (w/v) carbomer solutions of C-971P NF and C-940 grades were used to prepare emulsions containing 3%, 5% and 10% of squalene oil. Altogether 15 candidate emulsions were prepared and used as adjuvants for the delivery of a combination vaccine containing a porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) antigen and inactivated Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae (J101 strain) antigen. Most of the emulsions showed droplet sizes in the submicron range and maintained zeta potential values between −40 mV to 0 mV for six months, indicating good physical stability as a vaccine adjuvant. Emulsion-based candidate adjuvants prepared with SEDDS technology stimulated IgG, IgG1 and IgG2a like a currently commercially available adjuvant, Montanide ISATM 201, and they were safe and their Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae-specific antibody titers were considered as comparable with that of Montanide ISATM 201.
Genetic counselors' preferences for coverage of preimplantation genetic diagnosis: A discrete choice experiment

Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) allows couples to test for a genetically affected embryo prior to implantation. Patient access to this ethically complex and expensive technology differs markedly across jurisdictions, with differences in private/public insurance coverage and variations in patient inclusion and diagnostic criteria. The objective of the study was to identify trade‐offs regarding PGD coverage decisions amongst genetic counselors. To quantify stated preferences for PGD coverage, we conducted a discrete choice experiment with Canadian genetic counselors (GC) considering attributes regarding the scope of testing (PGD indication, risk of the condition and number of cycles covered) and patient inclusion criteria (fertility status and family history). Multinomial logit regression was used to estimate trade‐offs amongst attributes using part‐worth utilities and importance scores. The completed response rate was 41% with 126 GC completing the survey. Risk of the genetic condition was the most important attribute. Overall, GC were more responsive to the scope of testing criteria including the condition's risk (importance score of 42%) and PGD indication (31%) rather than family history (11%) and fertility status (8%). Based on this study's attributes and levels, condition characteristics are prioritized even above patient characteristics for PGD coverage.
Security Analysis of Devolo HomePlug Devices

Vulnerabilities in smart devices often are particular severe from a privacy point of view. If these devices form central components of the underlying infrastructure, such as Wifi repeaters, even an entire network may be compromised. The devastating effects of such a compromise recently became evident in light of the Mirai botnet. In this paper, we conduct a thorough security analysis of so-called HomePlug devices, which are used to establish network communication over power lines. We identify multiple security issues and find that hundreds of vulnerable devices are openly connected to the Internet across Europe. 87 % run an outdated firmware, showing the deficiency of manual updates in comparison to automatic ones. However, even the default configurations of updated devices lack basic security mechanisms.
Live imaging of marked chromosome regions reveals their dynamic resolution and compaction in mitosis

When human cells enter mitosis, chromosomes undergo substantial changes in their organization to resolve sister chromatids and compact chromosomes. To comprehend the timing and coordination of these events, we need to evaluate the progression of both sister chromatid resolution and chromosome compaction in one assay. Here we achieved this by analyzing changes in configuration of marked chromosome regions over time, with high spatial and temporal resolution. This assay showed that sister chromatids cycle between nonresolved and partially resolved states with an interval of a few minutes during G2 phase before completing full resolution in prophase. Cohesins and WAPL antagonistically regulate sister chromatid resolution in late G2 and prophase while local enrichment of cohesin on chromosomes prevents precocious sister chromatid resolution. Moreover, our assay allowed quantitative evaluation of condensin II and I activities, which differentially promote sister chromatid resolution and chromosome compaction, respectively. Our assay reveals novel aspects of dynamics in mitotic chromosome resolution and compaction that were previously obscure in global chromosome assays.
Safe investigation of isolated change in bowel habit with a flexible sigmoidoscopy? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION Public awareness campaigns have led to increasing referrals of patients to colorectal surgery for possible cancer. Change in bowel habit, is traditionally described as a symptom of a left sided bowel cancer. If this is the case in practice, it raises the potentially attractive option of investigating such patients with flexible sigmoidoscopy only. This study sought to systematically review the literature describing tumour location of patients with bowel cancer presenting with left-sided symptoms to establish the safety of potential investigation of these patients with flexible sigmoidoscopy alone. METHODS A systematic review of studies reporting both the presenting symptoms of patients with bowel cancer and the location of their cancer in the bowel was prospectively registered (CRD42017072492). MEDLINE, EMBASE and CENTRAL were searched with no date or language restriction. RESULTS Seven studies were included. Isolated change in bowel habit (with or without rectal bleeding) was a presenting symptom of 73% (95% CI 41-96%, I2 = 99%) of left-sided cancers but also in 13% (95% CI 2-30%, I2 = 96%) of right-sided cancers. In all patients with cancer who presented with isolated change in bowel habit (with or without rectal bleeding), the cancer was right sided in 8% (95% CI 4-12%, I2 = 69%). CONCLUSIONS There is a higher than expected risk that if a cancer is diagnosed in a patient presenting with either an isolated change in bowel habit or a combination of change in bowel habit with rectal bleeding, the cancer may be right sided.