Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A geographically distributed bio-hybrid neural network with memristive plasticity

Throughout evolution the brain has mastered the art of processing real-world inputs through networks of interlinked spiking neurons. Synapses have emerged as key elements that, owing to their plasticity, are merging neuron-to-neuron signalling with memory storage and computation. Electronics has made important steps in emulating neurons through neuromorphic circuits and synapses with nanoscale memristors, yet novel applications that interlink them in heterogeneous bio-inspired and bio-hybrid architectures are just beginning to materialise. The use of memristive technologies in brain-inspired architectures for computing or for sensing spiking activity of biological neurons8 are only recent examples, however interlinking brain and electronic neurons through plasticity-driven synaptic elements has remained so far in the realm of the imagination. Here, we demonstrate a bio-hybrid neural network (bNN) where memristors work as "synaptors" between rat neural circuits and VLSI neurons. The two fundamental synaptors, from artificial-to-biological (ABsyn) and from biological-to- artificial (BAsyn), are interconnected over the Internet. The bNN extends across Europe, collapsing spatial boundaries existing in natural brain networks and laying the foundations of a new geographically distributed and evolving architecture: the Internet of Neuro-electronics (IoN).
Sidelobe Reduction of TM12 Mode of Circular Patch via Nonresonant Narrow Slot

A technique to reduce the E-plane sidelobe of the TM12 mode of circular microstrip patch is presented. It involves the use of a single nonresonant narrow slot embedded at the patch center. The fundamental working principle is the linear superposition of the radiated field by the patch and the embedded slot. The sidelobe level (SLL) and the peak gain are found to be dependent on the slot length. Effects of various design parameters like slot length, dielectric constant and substrate thickness on SLL and peak gain are investigated. Measurements results are provided to confirm these findings. In addition to this, to show the merit and utilization of the proposed technique, a novel single layer, easy to design and fabricate high gain circular microstrip antenna configuration is also proposed. It is a simple slot loaded circular patch having a peak gain ~ 11 dBi with SLL as low as -20 dB. Depending upon the substrate parameters, peak gains as large as 13 dBi can be attained.
TORC2 Signaling Is Antagonized by Protein Phosphatase 2A and the Far Complex in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

The target of rapamycin (TOR) kinase, a central regulator of eukaryotic cell growth, exists in two essential, yet distinct, TOR kinase complexes in the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae: rapamycin-sensitive TORC1 and rapamycin-insensitive TORC2. Lst8, a component of both TOR complexes, is essential for cell viability. However, it is unclear whether the essential function of Lst8 is linked to TORC1, TORC2, or both. To that end, we carried out a genetic screen to isolate lst8 deletion suppressor mutants. Here we report that mutations in SAC7 and FAR11 suppress lethality of lst8Δ and TORC2-deficient (tor2-21) mutations but not TORC1 inactivation, suggesting that the essential function of Lst8 is linked only to TORC2. More importantly, characterization of lst8Δ bypass mutants reveals a role for protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) in the regulation of TORC2 signaling. We show that Far11, a member of the Far3-7-8-9-10-11 complex involved in pheromone-induced cell cycle arrest, interacts with Tpd3 and Pph21, conserved components of PP2A, and deletions of components of the Far3-7-8-9-10-11 complex and PP2A rescue growth defects in lst8Δ and tor2-21 mutants. In addition, loss of the regulatory B′ subunit of PP2A Rts1 or Far11 restores phosphorylation to the TORC2 substrate Slm1 in a tor2-21 mutant. Mammalian Far11 orthologs FAM40A/B exist in a complex with PP2A known as STRIPAK, suggesting a conserved functional association of PP2A and Far11. Antagonism of TORC2 signaling by PP2A-Far11 represents a novel regulatory mechanism for controlling spatial cell growth of yeast.
Physical transport properties of marine microplastic pollution

Biogeosciences Discussions This discussion paper is/has been under review for the journal Biogeosciences (BG). Please refer to the corresponding final paper in BG if available. Abstract Given the complexity of quantitative collection, knowledge of the distribution of mi-croplastic pollution in many regions of the world ocean is patchy, both spatially and temporally, especially for the subsurface environment. However, with knowledge of typical hydrodynamic behavior of waste plastic material, models predicting the dispersal 5 of pelagic and benthic plastics from land sources into the ocean are possible. Here we investigate three aspects of plastic distribution and transport in European waters. Firstly, we assess patterns in the distribution of plastics found in fluvial strandlines of the North Sea and how distribution may be related to flow velocities and distance from source. Second, we model transport of non-buoyant preproduction pellets in the 10 Nazaré Canyon of Portugal using the MOHID system after assessing the density, settling velocity, critical and depositional shear stress characteristics of such waste plastics. Thirdly, we investigate the effect of surface turbulences and high pressures on a range of marine plastic debris categories (various densities, degradation states and shapes tested) in an experimental water column simulator tank and pressure labora-15 tory. Plastics deposited on North Sea strandlines varied greatly spatially, as a function of material composition and distance from source. Model outputs indicated that such dense production pellets are likely transported up and down canyon as a function of tidal forces, with only very minor net down canyon movement. Behaviour of plastic fragments under turbulence varied greatly, with the dimensions of the material, as well as 20 density, playing major determining roles. Pressure was shown to affect hydrodynamic behaviours of only low density foam plastics at pressures ≥ 60 bar.
Predictors of Clinically Significant Drug-Drug Interactions Among Patients Treated with Nonnucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitor–, Protease Inhibitor–, and Raltegravir-Based Antiretroviral Regimens

Background: The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) HIV treatment guidelines recommend that antiretroviral regimens for treatment-naïve individuals include at least 2 nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) plus either (1) a nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI), (2) a protease inhibitor (PI), or (3) raltegravir, an integrase strand transfer inhibitor. Differences in drug-drug interaction potential may represent an important differentiating feature when choosing between these regimen types. Objective: To identify risk factors for clinically significant drug-drug interactions (CSDDIs) among patients on NNRTI-, PI-, and raltegravir-based antiretroviral regimens; compare CSDDI risks between these regimen types; and develop a clinical prediction tool for antiretroviral CSDDIs Methods: In this cross-sectional study, outpatient medical records from the HIV clinic at Albany Medical Center Hospital were randomly selected to review patients’ current antiretroviral regimens. Patients treated with NNRTI-, PI-, or raltegravir-based regimens were included. Drug therapies were analyzed for interactions using Lexi-Comp drug interaction software. The CSDDIs were defined as either (1) a drug combination that is contraindicated or accompanied by strong precautions per DHHS antiretroviral guidelines or (2) a drug combination that necessitates a medication dose adjustment. Results: Of the 500 patient records screened. 229 were included. Baseline characteristics were similar between regimen groups, with the exception of comorbidities. In multivariate analyses, variables independently associated with CSDDIs were use of >5 non-antiretroviral medications (prevalence ratio [PR] 1.86; 95% CI 1.31 to 2.64: p< 0.001) and regimen type (NNRTI: PR 2.48, PI: PR 4.96, and rallegravir [referent]: PR 1.00; 95% CI 1.79 to 3.44; p < 0.001). Conclusions: Use of >5 non-antiretroviral medications or a non-raltegravir-based antiretroviral regimen increased the risk of a CSDDI. Our findings help clarify drug interaction risks among NNRTI-. PI-, and raltegravir-based regimen types that should be considered when prescribing antiretroviral therapy.
Mucosal Priming of Simian Immunodeficiency Virus-Specific Cytotoxic T-Lymphocyte Responses in Rhesus Macaques by the Salmonella Type III Secretion Antigen Delivery System

ABSTRACT Nearly all human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections are acquired mucosally, and the gut-associated lymphoid tissues are important sites for early virus replication. Thus, vaccine strategies designed to prime virus-specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) responses that home to mucosal compartments may be particularly effective at preventing or containing HIV infection. The Salmonella type III secretion system has been shown to be an effective approach for stimulating mucosal CTL responses in mice. We therefore tested ΔphoP-phoQ attenuated strains of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium and S. enterica serovar Typhi expressing fragments of the simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) Gag protein fused to the type III-secreted SopE protein for the ability to prime virus-specific CTL responses in rhesus macaques. Mamu-A*01+ macaques were inoculated with three oral doses of recombinant Salmonella, followed by a peripheral boost with modified vaccinia virus Ankara expressing SIV Gag (MVA Gag). Transient low-level CTL responses to the Mamu-A*01 Gag181-189 epitope were detected following each dose of Salmonella. After boosting with MVA Gag, strong Gag-specific CTL responses were consistently detected, and tetramer staining revealed the expansion of Gag181-189-specific CD8+ T-cell responses in peripheral blood. A significant percentage of the Gag181-189-specific T-cell population in each animal also expressed the intestinal homing receptor α4β7. Additionally, Gag181-189-specific CD8+ T cells were detected in lymphocytes isolated from the colon. Yet, despite these responses, Salmonella-primed/MVA-boosted animals did not exhibit improved control of virus replication following a rectal challenge with SIVmac239. Nevertheless, this study demonstrates the potential of mucosal priming by the Salmonella type III secretion system to direct SIV-specific cellular immune responses to the gastrointestinal mucosa in a primate model.
ACTIVATION OF PREJUNCTIONAL β‐ADRENOCEPTORS IN RAT ATRIA BY ADRENALINE APPLIED EXOGENOUSLY OR RELEASED AS A CO‐TRANSMITTER

1 Adrenaline (10 nM) significantly enhanced the stimulation‐induced efflux of radioactivity from rat atria previously incubated with [3H]‐noradrenaline ([3H]‐NA). This effect was abolished by metoprolol (0.1 μm). 2 Adrenaline in a higher concentration (1μm) and NA (1μm) significantly reduced the stimulation‐induced efflux of radioactivity. However, in the presence of phenoxybenzamine (10μm), adrenaline (1μm) enhanced the efflux, whereas NA (1μm) had no effect. 3 In rat isolated atria pre‐incubated with adrenaline and then incubated with NA, both catecholamines were taken up and were released by field stimulation. When pre‐incubation was with adrenaline and incubation was with [3H]‐NA, metoprolol decreased the stimulation‐induced efflux of radioactivity. This effect did not occur if the atria were pre‐incubated with NA instead of adrenaline, suggesting that neuronally released adrenaline activates prejunctional β‐adrenoceptors. 4 In conscious rats, intravenously administered adrenaline (6.0 and 0.6 nmol/kg) was taken up and retained in the atria and could be released by field stimulation. The release was calcium‐dependent from these rats up to 24 h after administration.
Covalent Attachment and Derivatization of Poly(l-lysine) Monolayers on Gold Surfaces As Characterized by Polarization−Modulation FT-IR Spectroscopy

A monolayer of poly(l-lysine) (PL) is attached covalently via amide bonds to an alkanethiol self-assembled monolayer (SAM) on a gold surface. The amide bond is formed in two steps: the terminal carboxylic acid groups of an 11-mercaptoundecanoic acid (MUA) SAM are first activated to the N-hydroxysulfosuccinimide (NHSS) ester, followed by reaction of this MUA-NHSS ester monolayer with the amino groups of PL to create multiple amide bond linkages to the surface. The reactivity and packing density of the MUA-NHSS esters are investigated in detail by reacting these intermediates with ammonia (NH3). In the NH3 experiments, approximately 50% of the carboxylic acids in the MUA monolayer are converted to amides during the first cycle of this two-step surface reaction. This reaction yield of 50% is limited by the steric packing of the NHSS ester intermediate. However, after three cycles of MUA activation to the NHSS ester and reaction with NH3, nearly all of the MUA molecules (∼80%) are converted to amides. Polari.
On recollections lost: When practice makes imperfect

Recent research has demonstrated that the act of remembering can prompt forgetting or, more specifically, the inhibition of specific items in memory (M. C. Anderson & B. A. Spellman, 1995). This line of inquiry was extended through an investigation of the process and consequences of retrieval-induced forgetting in social cognition. Across 3 studies, the findings clarify several unresolved issues in the psychology of forgetting. First, it was demonstrated that retrieval-induced forgetting extends to issues in social cognition (Experiment 1). Second, forgetting can be elicited even in task contexts in which perceivers are highly motivated to remember the presented material (Experiment 2). Third, forgetting is not moderated by the amount of retrieval practice that perceivers experience (Experiment 3). These findings are considered in the context of recent treatments of cognitive inhibition and goal-directed forgetting.
Microcystic adnexal carcinoma: A distinct clinicopathologic entity

Microcystic adnexal carcinoma is an unusual locally aggressive neoplasm that is important to recognize since it may be confused with benign adnexal neoplasms, particularly desmoplastic trichoepithelioma, trichoadenoma, and syringoma. Six cases are described all of which displayed benign histological features on initial biopsy. Most often these neoplasms presented as solitary flesh‐colored indurated plaques on the upper lip. All patients were white, five were women, and the average age was 44‐years‐old. Islands of basaloid keratinocytes, some of which contained horn cysts and abortive follicles, were embedded in a desmoplastic stroma. In other foci, ducts and gland‐like structures lined by a two‐cell layer predominated. In deep components individual and thin strands of cells dissected collagen bundles and skeletal muscle and invaded perineural spaces. Despite this, cytologic atypia and mitotic figures were rare. The cell of origin is considered to be a pluripotential adnexal keratinocyte which is capable of both follicular and sweat gland differentiation.
Implied narratives of medical practice in learning-for-doing texts: a simulation semantics approach to rhetorical analysis

The functional interdependence of word, image, narration, and reason is recognized as a fundamental condition of modern-day persuasion, yet a substantial gap still exists in our understanding of how static textual elements interact to generate dynamic, persuasive narratives. This article attempts to narrow that gap in understanding through the development of a simulation semantics approach to rhetorical analysis as applied to print advertisements in medical journals. Located within the broader field of cognitive linguistics, simulation semantics is a theory of linguistic meaning based on the hypothesis that language users run mental simulations of perceptual and motor content of experiences which distribute inferences from these simulations during language comprehension and production. Using the perspectives and methods of conceptual blending, a programmatic model of meaning construction developed by Fauconnier and Turner (2002) and elaborated by many associates (e.g. Brandt and Brandt, 2002; Coulson and Oakley, 2000), the article attempts to show how a simulation semantic approach can lead to cognitively plausible explanations of how persuasion works in a genre of print advertisements aimed at physicians and medical practitioners I call learning-for-doing. In addition, I seek to further refine conceptual blending theory as an interpretive framework by arguing for the need to incorporate the notion of a grounding space as well as the need to distinguish between conceptual blending and conceptual integration.
A First-Order Analysis of Power Overheads of Redundant Multi-Threading

Redundant multi-threading (RMT) has been proposed as an architectural approach that efficiently detects and recovers from soft errors. RMT can impose non-trivial overheads in terms of power consumption. In this paper, we characterize some of the major factors that influence the power consumed by RMT. We outline mechanisms that can reduce this power and derive simple analytical estimates to identify the most promising approach.
Assessor Constructs in Use as the Missing Component in Validation of Assessment Center Dimensions: A Critique and Directions for Research

The basis for assessment center dimension ratings has been examined through the lens of various multitraitmultimethod approaches, with some researchers concluding that dimension ratings are not representative of meaningful constructs. This presents a serious challenge for those who would generalize predictor constructs, particularly those that are broadly articulated in management assessment center dimensions. This paper addresses the problems with applying such analyses to assessment center dimension ratings without first articulating expected construct relationships. Ackerman and Humphreys' analysis of constructs will be used to better frame assessment center dimensions and to articulate possible assessor constructs in use. Theories of performance held by the managers, who serve both as subject matter experts when dimensional constructs are initially defined, and as the assessors who impose these dimensions on assessees' behavior in assessment center ratings, are suggested as important bases for further construct validation. Approaches for generalization of assessor constructs in use to the managerial work domain will be discussed.
Spin Ice State in Frustrated Magnetic Pyrochlore Materials

A frustrated system is one whose symmetry precludes the possibility that every pairwise interaction (“bond”) in the system can be satisfied at the same time. Such systems are common in all areas of physical and biological science. In the most extreme cases, they can have a disordered ground state with “macroscopic” degeneracy; that is, one that comprises a huge number of equivalent states of the same energy. Pauling's description of the low-temperature proton disorder in water ice was perhaps the first recognition of this phenomenon and remains the paradigm. In recent years, a new class of magnetic substance has been characterized, in which the disorder of the magnetic moments at low temperatures is precisely analogous to the proton disorder in water ice. These substances, known as spin ice materials, are perhaps the “cleanest” examples of such highly frustrated systems yet discovered. They offer an unparalleled opportunity for the study of frustration in magnetic systems at both an experimental and a theoretical level. This article describes the essential physics of spin ice, as it is currently understood, and identifies new avenues for future research on related materials and models.
Power, Prestige, Profit: AIDS and the Oppression of Homosexual People

Scientific discussion about homosexuality is often a mixture of science, myth, religion, politics and emotion. Homosexual behaviour has been variously defined as sick, criminally deviant and heathen, its participants in need of punishment, cure and control In the 1980s, with the appearance of the deadly AIDS virus, this overt and covert hostility has gained new impetus. Not only are gays a threat to a multitude of 'decent' values in society, they are also a threat to the 'decent' members of society. Alongside control-talk the new virus has provided a challenge to the medical profession. Careers and monetary gain can be made out of AIDS The news media received its cut by exploiting public curiosity and fear and by satisfying the need for villains and heros, entering and feeding the general rush for emotion, using and being used, all for profit Struggle for expertise means defining out the perceived competition and alternative viewpoints. An attempt by the medical profession to define the AIDS issue as a medical problem has, above all, to do with power, prestige and especially profit. In the middle of all these secondary issues, those suffering from AIDS or fearing it, tend to be forgotten.
Planar polarity from flies to vertebrates

Planar cell polarity (PCP) has been demonstrated in the epithelium of organisms from flies to humans. Recent research has revealed that the planar organization of cells requires a conserved set of genes, known as the PCP genes. Tbe PCP proteins Frizzled (Fz) and Dishevelled (Dsh) function as key players in PCP signalling. Although Fz and Dsh are also involved in Wingless (Wg)/Wnt signalling, these proteins have independent functions in a non-canonical pathway dedicated to PCP. Reorganization of the cell surface and cytoskeleton is required, and recent work has focused on how cell adhesion molecules (such as Fat, Dachsous and Flamingo) function in this process.
Concurrent Optimization of Computationally Learned Stylistic Form and Functional Goals

Great design often results from intelligently balancing tradeoffs and leveraging of synergies between multiple product goals. While the engineering design community has numerous tools for managing the interface between functional goals in products, there are currently no formalized methods to concurrently optimize stylistic form and functional requirements. This research develops a method to coordinate seemingly disparate but highly related goals of stylistic form and functional constraints in computational design. An artificial neural network (ANN) based machine learning system was developed to model surveyed consumer judgments of stylistic form quantitatively. Coupling this quantitative model of stylistic form with a genetic algorithm (GA) enables computers to concurrently account for multiple objectives in the domains of stylistic form and more traditional functional performance evaluation within the same quantitative framework. This coupling then opens the door for computers to automatically generate products that not only work well but also convey desired styles to consumers. [DOI: 10.1115/1.4007304]
Yes-Men and No-Men: Does Defiance Signal Talent?

We provide the rationale for the existence of yes-men and no-men in an organization or a group. On one hand, a person is inclined to conform to the instruction of another, because he cannot ignore the information contained in the instruction, even though his own evidence contradicts the instruction. On the other hand, if only the person himself knows the accuracy of his own information, he may tend to disobey the instruction, to make others believe that he is able in the sense that his information is accurate. We demonstrate that disobedience can signal high ability in an equilibrium.