Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Amygdaloid–Striatal Substrates Underlying Odor Hedonics and Odor-Guided Behaviors

tory tubercle by the amygdala. The olfac-tory tubercle is a striatal structure with a cortical-like organization which displays odor-evoked activity and may be criti-cal for olfactory perception (Wesson and Wilson, 2011). The anatomical findings by Novejarque et al. (2011) along with those of previous groups (Usunoff et al., 2009) suggest the involvement of the olfactory tubercle (and perhaps the tubercle’s strong connections with the basal ganglia) in the emotional regulation of olfactory percep-tion and the strong hedonic responses evoked by odors (e.g., Herz and Cupchick, 1995). Despite this, without data showing the role of the olfactory tubercle to olfactory processing, little can be inferred regarding the amygdala innervation of the olfactory tubercle.Another major contribution of the pre-sent study was the finding that all cortical amygdaloid nuclei (excluding the piri-form cortex) innervate the major island of Calleja. This was especially the case for the posteromedial cortical amygdaloid nucleus. The islands of Calleja are dense granule cell clusters residing mostly within layers II and III of the olfactory tubercle in rodents and largely in the nucleus accum-bens in humans. However, the function of the islands of Calleja is unknown. Thus while this finding by Novejarque et al. (2011) is difficult to interpret in terms of functional consequences, it is almost undoubted that the amygdala’s dense innervation of the major island of Calleja will be found important to the emotional modulation of odor perception (given their positioning within the olfactory tubercle) and to the regulation of socio-sexual behaviors.There are ample future directions to link these anatomical findings by Novejarque et al. (2011) to functional significance. First, and most recently discussed, would elimi-nation or inactivation of the major island of Calleja abolish associative changes in odor hedonics? This of course is based upon the
Local Geometry and Evolutionary Conservation of Protein Surfaces Reveal the Multiple Recognition Patches in Protein-Protein Interactions

Protein-protein interactions (PPIs) are essential to all biological processes and they represent increasingly important therapeutic targets. Here, we present a new method for accurately predicting protein-protein interfaces, understanding their properties, origins and binding to multiple partners. Contrary to machine learning approaches, our method combines in a rational and very straightforward way three sequence- and structure-based descriptors of protein residues: evolutionary conservation, physico-chemical properties and local geometry. The implemented strategy yields very precise predictions for a wide range of protein-protein interfaces and discriminates them from small-molecule binding sites. Beyond its predictive power, the approach permits to dissect interaction surfaces and unravel their complexity. We show how the analysis of the predicted patches can foster new strategies for PPIs modulation and interaction surface redesign. The approach is implemented in JET2, an automated tool based on the Joint Evolutionary Trees (JET) method for sequence-based protein interface prediction. JET2 is freely available at www.lcqb. upmc.fr/JET2.
Theoretical results for fully flooded, elliptical hydrodynamic contacts

The influence of the ellipticity parameter and the dimensionless speed, load, and materials parameters on minimum film thickness was investigated. The ellipticity parameter was varied from 1 (a ball-on-plate configuration) to 8 (a configuration approaching a line contact). The dimensionless speed parameter was varied over a range of nearly two orders of magnitude. Conditions corresponding to the use of solid materials of bronze, steel, and silicon nitride and lubricants of praffinic and naphthemic mineral oils were considered in obtaining the exponent in the dimensionless materials parameter. Thirty-four different cases were used in obtaining the minimum film thickness formula H min = 3.63U to the 0.68 power G to the 0.49 power W to the -0.073 power 1-e to the 0.68K power). A simplified expression for the ellipticity parameter was found where k = 1.03 (r(y)/r(x)) to the 0.64 power. Contour plots were also shown which indicate in detail the pressure spike and two side lobes in which the minimum film thickness occurs. These theoretical solutions of film thickness have all the essential features of the previously reported experimental observations based upon optical interferometry.
Construction and Optimization of a Large Gene Coexpression Network in Maize Using RNA-Seq Data1[OPEN]

Large-scale maize coexpression network from RNA-Seq data facilitates gene function and pathway analysis. With the emergence of massively parallel sequencing, genomewide expression data production has reached an unprecedented level. This abundance of data has greatly facilitated maize research, but may not be amenable to traditional analysis techniques that were optimized for other data types. Using publicly available data, a gene coexpression network (GCN) can be constructed and used for gene function prediction, candidate gene selection, and improving understanding of regulatory pathways. Several GCN studies have been done in maize (Zea mays), mostly using microarray datasets. To build an optimal GCN from plant materials RNA-Seq data, parameters for expression data normalization and network inference were evaluated. A comprehensive evaluation of these two parameters and a ranked aggregation strategy on network performance, using libraries from 1266 maize samples, were conducted. Three normalization methods and 10 inference methods, including six correlation and four mutual information methods, were tested. The three normalization methods had very similar performance. For network inference, correlation methods performed better than mutual information methods at some genes. Increasing sample size also had a positive effect on GCN. Aggregating single networks together resulted in improved performance compared to single networks.
Coreference Annotation: Whither?

A sailing system in the form of a sailboard apparatus (20) having a board (22), a mast (24) extending upwardly therefrom for supporting a sail (28). A plurality of elongate, flexible battens (30) extend through pockets (31) formed in the sail (28) to engage with corresponding batten sockets (32) disposed within the sock portion (80) of the sail. Each batten socket (32) includes a forward arcuate portion (110) adapted to swivel about mast (24) and rearwardly extending, arcuate side flanges (112) defining a narrow gap (114) for receiving batten (30) therein. A fabric hinge (118) restrains the forward end portion of the batten (30) against forward movement toward the mast (24) while being substantially free from restraining the forward end portion of the batten (30) against side to side movement between the socket flanges (112) in response to changes in the curvature of batten (30). The bottom socket (32) imports a bending moment on the batten (30) to increase the curvature of the forward portion of the batten, thereby contouring the side (29) so that the maximum draft is located on the forward portion of the sail (28).
Structure-Function Relationship of Monocot Mannose-Binding Lectins

The monocot mannose-binding lectins are an extended superfamily of structurally and evolutionarily related proteins, which until now have been isolated from species of the Amaryllidaceae, Alliaceae, Araceae, Orchidaceae, and Liliaceae. To explain the obvious differences in biological activities, the structure-function relationships of the monocot mannose-binding lectins were studied by a combination of glycan-binding studies and molecular modeling using the deduced amino acid sequences of the currently known lectins. Molecular modeling indicated that the number of active mannose-binding sites per monomer varies between three and zero. Since the number of binding sites is fairly well correlated with the binding activity measured by surface plasmon resonance, and is also in good agreement with the results of previous studies of the biological activities of the mannose-binding lectins, molecular modeling is of great value for predicting which lectins are best suited for a particular application.
Spin-embeddings, two-intersection sets and two-weight codes

Let Delta be one of the dual polar spaces DQ(8, q), DQ(-) (7, q), and let e : Delta -> Sigma denote the spin-embedding of Delta. We show that e(Delta) is a two-intersection set of the projective space Sigma. Moreover, if Delta congruent to DQ(-) (7, q), then e(Delta) is a (q(3) + 1)-tight set of a nonsingular hyperbolic quadric Q(+) (7, q(2)) of Sigma congruent to PG(7, q(2)). This (q(3) + 1)-tight set gives rise to more examples of (q(3) + 1)-tight sets of hyperbolic quadrics by a procedure called field-reduction. All the above examples of two-intersection sets and (q(3) + 1)-tight sets give rise to two-weight codes and strongly regular graphs.
Dominant Flow based Attribute Grouping for Indifferent Movement Detection in Crowd

The growth of technology is heading security systems in a challenging way with amalgamation of different threats and vulnerabilities. Although it is becoming easier day by day to find out the abnormality in the ongoing video with advancement of technology in the field of video cameras, however it is still challenging to detect the undesired event at the time of happening considering the crowd movement in a closed environment. In the following research-paper, we propose a model which proves to be useful and applicable in detection of movement of structured crowd frame by frame in natural sequences. Evaluation results establish the fact that the proposed system is enough capable of detecting the anomalous activities such as merging, splitting or colliding at a point in a certain time than other existing techniques.
Targeting Cancer Cells via the Reactive Oxygen Species-Mediated Unfolded Protein Response with a Novel Synthetic Polyphenol Conjugate

Purpose: The selective killing of tumor cells is an important strategy for cancer therapeutics. The aim of this study was to develop a novel antitumor agent that is safe for normal cells with the ability to selectively target cancer cells. Experimental Design: On the basis of quantitative structure–activity relationship, we synthesized a novel polyphenol conjugate (E)-3-(3,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-1-(2-methoxyphenyl)prop-2-en-1-one (DPP-23). We evaluated the effect of DPP-23 on proliferation, cell cycle, and apoptosis in various tumor cells. We also assessed molecular targets of DPP-23 using genome-wide expression profiling by DNA microarray and real-time PCR array systems. Results: DPP-23 effectively inhibited the growth of cancer cells in vitro and in vivo (xenografts in Balb/c nude mice). At a molecular level, DPP-23 targeted the unfolded protein response (UPR) in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) through the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cancer cells, but not in normal cells, resulting in selective killing of tumor cells via caspase-dependent apoptosis. Conclusions: The selective generation of ROS in cancer cells could be an attractive strategy for the selective killing of cancer cells, while maintaining negligible cytotoxicity to normal cells. DPP-23 represents a promising novel therapeutic agent for the selective production of ROS in cancer cells. Clin Cancer Res; 20(16); 4302–13. ©2014 AACR.
Cerebroprotective activity of Pentapetes phoenicea on global cerebral ischemia in rats

Objectives: The study was performed to evaluate the cerebroprotective activity of methanolic extract (ME) of Pentapetes phoenicea - a folk medicine used as anti-inflammatory and in central nervous system ailments. It has high phenolic and flavonoid contents including rutin. Materials and Methods: Global cerebral ischemia was induced in male albino Wistar rats by temporary bilateral carotid artery occlusion (BCAO) for 30 min, followed by 4 h reperfusion. Groups of rats were pretreated for 10 days with 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg of ME of P. phoenicea and 3 mg/kg of edaravone, a marketed cerebroprotective agent, as standard. Antioxidant enzymes such as, the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), protein content, brain water content, cerebral infarct size and the histopathological changes were measured. Results: P. phoenicea-pretreated groups restored the biochemical parameters significantly in a dose-dependent manner. The ischemic changes were involved with an increase in the concentration of MDA and H2O2, followed by decreased SOD, CAT, GPx, GR, and GST activity in rat brain. The neurodegenaration and its attenuation by P. phoenicea were confirmed by examination of triphenyl tetrazolium chloride staining and histopathological changes in the cerebral ischemic rat brains. Similarly, P. phoenicea reversed the brain water content in the ischemia-reperfusion animals. Conclusion: The result of the study indicates that the treatment with P. phoenicea enhances the antioxidant defense against BCAO-induced global cerebral ischemia/reperfusion and exerts cerebroprotection.
sfiCAN: A Star-Based Physical Fault-Injection Infrastructure for CAN Networks

The dependability requirements of distributed embedded control systems demand appropriate evaluation techniques. Requirements of embedded systems are often tested by means of fault injection. However, for the controller area network (CAN), the potential of this technique has not been fully exploited. This paper presents sfiCAN - a novel physical fault-injection infrastructure that relies on a CAN-compliant hub that allows the injection of faults independently into each node's transmitted or received bits, thereby recreating fault scenarios beyond the capabilities of other injectors for CAN. Notably, it is the first injector that is able to test the behavior under inconsistency scenarios of arbitrary software for CAN nodes and the first that makes it possible to inject faults that may lead to integrity errors without requiring any modifications to the nodes' software or CAN controllers. Moreover, sfiCAN allows the remote and flexible configuration of fault injection and the retrieval of accurate information about the subsequent behavior of the nodes.
A Control-Theoretic Approach to Adaptive Video Streaming in Dense Wireless Networks

Recently, the way people consume video content has been undergoing a dramatic change. Plain TV sets, that have been the center of home entertainment for a long time, are losing ground to hybrid TVs, PCs, game consoles, and, more recently, mobile devices such as tablets and smartphones. The new predominant paradigm is: watch what I want, when I want, and where I want. The challenges of this shift are manifold. On the one hand, broadcast technologies such as DVB-T/C/S need to be extended or replaced by mechanisms supporting asynchronous viewing, such as IPTV and video streaming over best-effort networks, while remaining scalable to millions of users. On the other hand, the dramatic increase of wireless data traffic begins to stretch the capabilities of the existing wireless infrastructure to its limits. Finally, there is a challenge to video streaming technologies to cope with a high heterogeneity of end-user devices and dynamically changing network conditions, in particular in wireless and mobile networks. In the present work, our goal is to design an efficient system that supports a high number of unicast streaming sessions in a dense wireless access network. We address this goal by jointly considering the two problems of wireless transmission scheduling and video quality adaptation, using techniques inspired by the robustness and simplicity of proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controllers. We show that the control-theoretic approach allows to efficiently utilize available wireless resources, providing high quality of experience (QoE) to a large number of users.
Ketogenic Diet Improves Motor Performance but Not Cognition in Two Mouse Models of Alzheimer’s Pathology

Dietary manipulations are increasingly viewed as possible approaches to treating neurodegenerative diseases. Previous studies suggest that Alzheimer’s disease (AD) patients present an energy imbalance with brain hypometabolism and mitochondrial deficits. Ketogenic diets (KDs), widely investigated in the treatment and prevention of seizures, have been suggested to bypass metabolic deficits present in AD brain by providing ketone bodies as an alternative fuel to neurons. We investigated the effects of a ketogenic diet in two transgenic mouse lines. Five months old APP/PS1 (a model of amyloid deposition) and Tg4510 (a model of tau deposition) mice were offered either a ketogenic or a control (NIH-31) diet for 3 months. Body weight and food intake were monitored throughout the experiment, and blood was collected at 4 weeks and 4 months for ketone and glucose assessments. Both lines of transgenic mice weighed less than nontransgenic mice, yet, surprisingly, had elevated food intake. The ketogenic diet did not affect these differences in body weight or food consumption. Behavioral testing during the last two weeks of treatment found that mice offered KD performed significantly better on the rotarod compared to mice on the control diet independent of genotype. In the open field test, both transgenic mouse lines presented increased locomotor activity compared to nontransgenic, age-matched controls, and this effect was not influenced by KD. The radial arm water maze identified learning deficits in both transgenic lines with no significant differences between diets. Tissue measures of amyloid, tau, astroglial and microglial markers in transgenic lines showed no differences between animals fed the control or the ketogenic diet. These data suggest that ketogenic diets may play an important role in enhancing motor performance in mice, but have minimal impact on the phenotype of murine models of amyloid or tau deposition.
CaraClock: an interactive photo viewer designed for family memories

CaraClock is an interactive photo viewing device which allows for the sharing of "Collective Memory" among family members. The server-based algorithm uses a Bayesian Network that employs probabilistic computation to model each user's interpersonal relationships. When multiple CaraClock devices are synchronized, they display related photos according the settings. This often results in serendipitous discoveries for the whole family by reminding them of their collective experiences through images of their past.
Noncontact Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries: Mechanisms and Risk Factors

&NA; Significant advances have recently been made in understanding the mechanisms involved in noncontact anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. Most ACL injuries involve minimal to no contact. Female athletes sustain a two‐ to eightfold greater rate of injury than do their male counterparts. Recent videotape analyses demonstrate significant differences in average leg and trunk positions during injury compared with control subjects. These findings as well as those of cadaveric and MRI studies indicate that axial compressive forces are a critical component in noncontact ACL injury. A complete understanding of the forces and risk factors associated with noncontact ACL injury should lead to the development of improved preventive strategies for this devastating injury.
Improving retention: predicting at-risk students by analysing clicking behaviour in a virtual learning environment

One of the key interests for learning analytics is how it can be used to improve retention. This paper focuses on work conducted at the Open University (OU) into predicting students who are at risk of failing their module. The Open University is one of the worlds largest distance learning institutions. Since tutors do not interact face to face with students, it can be difficult for tutors to identify and respond to students who are struggling in time to try to resolve the difficulty. Predictive models have been developed and tested using historic Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) activity data combined with other data sources, for three OU modules. This has revealed that it is possible to predict student failure by looking for changes in user's activity in the VLE, when compared against their own previous behaviour, or that of students who can be categorised as having similar learning behaviour. More focused analysis of these modules applying the GUHA (General Unary Hypothesis Automaton) method of data analysis has also yielded some early promising results for creating accurate hypothesis about students who fail.
UWB Electric and Magnetic Monopole Antennas

This paper summarizes our recent advances in antenna designs for ultra wideband (UWB) applications. Two types of monopoles are studied and developed in our research group. The first type belongs to the electric monopole with a circular disc fed by three different feeding structures. The second type is the magnetic monopole with an elliptical slot. The performances of these two types of antennas are evaluated in both frequency and time domains. The important design parameters for achieving optimal operations are also analyzed. It is shown that both electric and magnetic monopoles can provide ultra wide bandwidth with nearly omni-directional radiation patterns over the entire frequency band. In addition, the impulse responses of the selected antennas are shown to correspond well to the frequency domain characteristics.
[Comparative study of hospital costs associated with human albumin 20% (Vialebex 20%) or polygeline as a fluid resuscitation strategy for cirrhotic ascites].

OBJECTIVES To compare the hospital costs associated with two fluid resuscitation strategies for cirrhotic ascites: one with human albumin 20% (Vialebex 20%) and one with polygeline. METHODS Multicenter prospective randomized double-blinded comparative trial (that also compared efficacy and tolerance). The economic evaluation was based on direct medical costs throughout the follow-up period: days of hospitalization, hospital consultations, medical procedures, and fluid resuscitation products. This cost-minimization study had a 6-month follow-up period. Daily costs in euros were adjusted over a 30-day period. The study was interrupted prematurely because of an alert due to the bovine origin of the polygeline, and the inclusion objectives could therefore not be met. RESULTS The economic analysis included all patients in the efficacy population (group receiving human albumin 20%: n=30, polygeline group: n=38). It found a standardized cost per patient for 30 days of treatment that was significantly lower (p=0.004) for human albumin 20% (median: 1915 euro; range: 1330-4105) than for polygeline (median: 4612 euro; range: 2138-12234). This difference is related mainly to a reduction in the frequency and duration of hospitalization in specialized units, but also to other aspects of management: hospitalization in other departments, specific solutions for the study products, and hospital procedures. CONCLUSION The economic results of this trial favor a fluid resuscitation strategy that uses human albumin 20% for cirrhotic patients. They are consistent with the clinical results and help assess the cost-benefit ratio of human albumin 20% for this indication.