Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Crime scene investigation: SMS spam data analysis

The Short Messaging Service (SMS), one of the most successful cellular services, generates millions of dollars in revenue for mobile operators. Estimates indicate that billions of text messages are traveling the airwaves daily. Nevertheless, text messaging is becoming a source of customer dissatisfaction due to the rapid surge of messaging abuse activities. Although spam is a well tackled problem in the email world, SMS spam experiences a yearly growth larger than 500%. In this paper we present, to the best of our knowledge, the first analysis of SMS spam traffic from a tier-1 cellular operator. Communication patterns of spammers are compared to those of legitimate cell-phone users and Machine to Machine (M2M) connected appliances. The results indicate that M2M systems exhibit communication profiles similar to spammers, which could mislead spam filters. Beyond the expected results, such as a large load of text messages sent out to a wide target list, other interesting findings are made. For example, the results indicate that the great majority of the spammers connect to the network with just a handful of different hardware models. We find the main geographical sources of messaging abuse in the US. We also find evidence of spammer mobility, voice and data traffic resembling the behavior of legitimate customers.
ATP: The crucial component of secretory vesicles

Significance ATP is highly concentrated in secretory vesicles. In vitro experiments suggest that the association of ATP with catecholamines reduces their osmotic forces, permitting the extraordinary accumulation of amines within chromaffin granules. However, this has yet to be proved in living cells. Because functional cells cannot be deprived of ATP, we manipulated the vesicular nucleotide carrier, demonstrating that the extent of vesicular ATP is closely linked to the quantum catecholamine size. This is particularly evident in newly synthesized vesicles, the first to be released. This is the in vivo demonstration that vesicular ATP is an essential factor in the accumulation of neurotransmitters, which may well be a wider mechanism supporting quantal transmission. The colligative properties of ATP and catecholamines demonstrated in vitro are thought to be responsible for the extraordinary accumulation of solutes inside chromaffin cell secretory vesicles, although this has yet to be demonstrated in living cells. Because functional cells cannot be deprived of ATP, we have knocked down the expression of the vesicular nucleotide carrier, the VNUT, to show that a reduction in vesicular ATP is accompanied by a drastic fall in the quantal release of catecholamines. This phenomenon is particularly evident in newly synthesized vesicles, which we show are the first to be released. Surprisingly, we find that inhibiting VNUT expression also reduces the frequency of exocytosis, whereas the overexpression of VNUT drastically increases the quantal size of exocytotic events. To our knowledge, our data provide the first demonstration that ATP, in addition to serving as an energy source and purinergic transmitter, is an essential element in the concentration of catecholamines in secretory vesicles. In this way, cells can use ATP to accumulate neurotransmitters and other secreted substances at high concentrations, supporting quantal transmission.
Combined Visual/Haptic Rendering Modes for Scientific Visualization

Graphical visualization has advanced our ability to understand large multi-dimensional data sets, but some types of data are still difficult to convey. We discuss three applications which provide visualization challenges: electro-magnetic fields, fluid dynamics, and stress analysis. Visualization modes combining visual and haptic rendering are developed to address these specific types of data. Implementation issues are briefly discussed. Difficulties in testing these modes are also identified.
The effects of sodium valproate with fish oil supplementation or alone in migraine prevention: A randomized single-blind clinical trial

Background Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) have beneficial effects on both specific and non-specific inflammatory reactions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of dietary supplementation with fish oil in migraine prevention. Methods A 12-week, randomized, single-blind clinical trial was conducted from October 2008 to June 2009. A total of 67 patients (52 women, 15 men) with migraine headache were randomly allocated to 2 groups. In the first group, 38 patients (30 females with a mean age of 35 ± 9 year) received 400 mg/day sodium valproate. In the second group, 29 patients (22 females with a mean age of 36 ± 9 years) received sodium valproate 400 mg daily plus fish oil supplementation (180 mg). Response to the treatment was assessed at 0, 1, 2, and 3 months after start of the therapy. Results A significant decrease in duration, monthly frequency, and severity of headache after month 1, 2, and 3 in comparison with month 0 occurred in both groups. There was a significant reduction in headache severity (P = 0.046) and frequency (P = 0.044) in the group with fish oil supplementation after month 1 in comparison with sodium valproate alone. In contrast, there was no significant difference between two treatment groups in duration of the headache after month 1. Mean intensity, mean duration and mean frequency of the attacks after month 2 and 3 were not significantly different between the two groups. Conclusion This study demonstrated that sodium valproate plus fish oil supplementation significantly reduces migraine headache more than sodium valproate alone but only at the beginning of the treatment.
Genetic analysis of basmati and non-basmati Pakistani rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivars using microsatellite markers.

Information of genetic variability and relatedness among rice genotypes is essential for future breeding programmes and derivation of superior cultivars. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the genetic relationship among traditional and improved cultivars of Pakistani rice and to determine differences in the patterns of variation between two indica rice groups: basmati and nonbasmati. Forty-one cultivars were evaluated by means of 30 microsatellite markers distributed over the whole rice genome. A total of 104 alleles were detected by 30 markers, all of them (100%) were polymorphic. The number of alleles generated by each marker ranged from 2 to 6 with an average of 3.5 alleles marker. Polymorphism information content (PIC) varied from 0.259 to 0.782 with an average of 0.571. A significant positive correlation (r = 0.71**) was found between the number of alleles at SSR locus and the PIC values. Pair-wise Nei and Li’s similarity coefficients ranged from 0.10 to 0.99. A dendrogram based on cluster analysis by microsatellite polymorphism grouped 41 rice cultivars into 2 major groups effectively differentiating the late maturing, tall and slender-grain basmati and other aromatic rice cultivars from the early, short statured, short bold and long bold grain non-aromatic cultivars. Higher level of genetic diversity between basmati and non-basmati support the concept that former had a long history of independent evolution and diverged from nonbasmati rice a long time ago through human selection and patronage. Present investigation further indicated that genetically basmati rice is different from that of coarse indica and japonica type. The results suggested that microsatellite markers could efficiently be utilized for diversity analysis, and differentiation of basmati and non-basmati rice cultivars. In addition, marker-based identification of traditional basmati rice may help in maintaining the integrity of this high quality product to the benefit of both farmers and consumers.
The shape of mammalian phylogeny: patterns, processes and scales

Mammalian phylogeny is far too asymmetric for all contemporaneous lineages to have had equal chances of diversifying. We consider this asymmetry or imbalance from four perspectives. First, we infer a minimal set of ‘regime changes’—points at which net diversification rate has changed—identifying 15 significant radiations and 12 clades that may be ‘downshifts’. We next show that mammalian phylogeny is similar in shape to a large set of published phylogenies of other vertebrate, arthropod and plant groups, suggesting that many clades may diversify under a largely shared set of ‘rules’. Third, we simulate six simple macroevolutionary models, showing that those where speciation slows down as geographical or niche space is filled, produce more realistic phylogenies than do models involving key innovations. Lastly, an analysis of the spatial scaling of imbalance shows that the phylogeny of species within an assemblage, ecoregion or larger area always tends to be more unbalanced than expected from the phylogeny of species at the next more inclusive spatial scale. We conclude with a verbal model of mammalian macroevolution, which emphasizes the importance to diversification of accessing new regions of geographical or niche space.
Python for Large-Scale Electrophysiology

Electrophysiology is increasingly moving towards highly parallel recording techniques which generate large data sets. We record extracellularly in vivo in cat and rat visual cortex with 54-channel silicon polytrodes, under time-locked visual stimulation, from localized neuronal populations within a cortical column. To help deal with the complexity of generating and analysing these data, we used the Python programming language to develop three software projects: one for temporally precise visual stimulus generation (“dimstim”); one for electrophysiological waveform visualization and spike sorting (“spyke”); and one for spike train and stimulus analysis (“neuropy”). All three are open source and available for download (http://swindale.ecc.ubc.ca/code). The requirements and solutions for these projects differed greatly, yet we found Python to be well suited for all three. Here we present our software as a showcase of the extensive capabilities of Python in neuroscience.
Kinematic Bézier Maps

The kinematics of a robot with many degrees of freedom is a very complex function. Learning this function for a large workspace with a good precision requires a huge number of training samples, i.e., robot movements. In this paper, we introduce the Kinematic Bézier Map (KB-Map), a parameterizable model without the generality of other systems but whose structure readily incorporates some of the geometric constraints of a kinematic function. In this way, the number of training samples required is drastically reduced. Moreover, the simplicity of the model reduces learning to solving a linear least squares problem. Systematic experiments have been carried out showing the excellent interpolation and extrapolation capabilities of KB-Maps and their relatively low sensitivity to noise.
Cognitive effects of animated visualization in exploratory visual data analysis

The goal of this research is to study the role and effects of the use of animated information visualization in the early stages of exploratory data analysis tasks. Despite the existence of a large body of research on information visualization, there is little known regarding how and when one should use and how to interact with animated visualization to help explore data. By animated visualization, we mean a type of information visualization technique that produces autonomous motions of representations. This research explored the issue from two aspects: what cognitive effects animated information visualization has, and what interactions people have with animated visualization when exploring data. We conducted two user studies to investigate each aspect, and identified research challenges for designing an interactive animated information visualization environment that supports the early stages of exploratory data analysis. These findings help us further study how to extend the notions developed in spatial visualization to temporal visualization - e.g. what focus+context means when applied to the time dimension in animated visualization.
Induction Chemotherapy With Gemcitabine and Oxaliplatin for Locally Advanced Cervical Carcinoma

Induction chemotherapy followed by surgery, particularly with newer agents or combinations, remains to be explored in locally advanced cervical cancer. Gemcitabine cisplatin is a very active combination for this tumor, therefore we explored the activity of gemcitabine in combination with oxaliplatin. Ten untreated patients with histologic diagnosis of cervical carcinoma and staged as IB2 to IIIB were treated with 3 21-day courses of oxaliplatin 130 mg/m2 day 1 and gemcitabine 1,250 mg/m2 days 1 and 8 followed by locoregional treatment with either surgery or concomitant chemoradiation. Response and toxicity were evaluated at the end of chemotherapy. All patients were evaluable. The overall clinical response rate was 80%, being complete in 3 patients (30%) and partial in 5 (50%). Seven (70%) patients underwent surgery, and three (30%) had chemoradiation as definitive treatment. Hematologic toxicity was moderate, with leukopenia grades III-IV in 17 and 0%; granulocytopenia grades III-IV in 23 and 3%, respectively. Eight patients had grade I oropharyngeal toxicity. At a median follow-up of 11 months (range: 10–12), all patients are disease free. Gemcitabine oxaliplatin is a very active and well-tolerated combination for locally advanced cervical cancer.
DC and microwave models for Al<inf>x</inf>Ga<inf>1-x</inf>As/GaAs high electron mobility transistors

Models are developed for the dc I-V curves and microwave small-signal parameters of the Al<inf>x</inf>Ga<inf>1-x</inf>As/GaAs heterojunction field-effect transistor, called the high electron mobility transistor (HEMT). An analytic velocity versus field model is used, along with the exact variation with density of the GaAs two-dimensional electron gas Fermi level. A numerical integration is used to obtain the drain voltage for a given gate voltage and source-drain current. The resulting I-V curves are in excellent agreement with the experimental data from four different groups. This model is also used to calculate the transconductance and gate capacitance, and a model is developed for the source resistance. These are used to calculate<tex>f_{\max}</tex>, the maximum frequency of oscillation, for a range of values of gate length, of AlGaAs alloy composition and doping, and of the thickness of the undoped A1GaAs spacer layer. The results are compared with measured data for HEMT's as well as for a similar GaAs FET with 0.35-&#181;m gate length.
B-Cell Lymphoma in the Peripheral Nerves of a Cat

A B-cell, Burkitt-type lymphoma, diffusely affecting the peripheral nerves and intramuscular nerve branches was diagnosed in a 4-year-old domestic shorthair cat with a chronic progressive history of flaccid tetraparesis and generalized muscle atrophy. There was no evidence of cranial nerve, central nervous system, radicular, bone marrow, splenic, or lymph node involvement. The cat tested negative for feline retroviruses and a wide variety of herpes viruses, including Epstein-Barr virus. The clinical manifestation of this case was similar to the chronic polyneuropathic variant of human diffuse neurolymphomatosis; a condition most commonly caused by an axonopathy resulting from infiltration of peripheral nerves with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
Trends in Motor Performance of First Graders: A Comparison of Cohorts from 2006 to 2015

Background Motor performance is an important factor for health. Already in childhood, motor performance is associated with, e.g., obesity and risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. It is widely believed that the motor performance of children has declined over recent years. However, this belief is lacking clear evidence. The objective of this study was to examine trends in motor performance of first grade students during a period of 10 years (2006–2015). We examined trends in (a) aerobic fitness, (b) strength, (c) speed, and (d) balance for boys and girls separately and considered body mass index (BMI) as a potential confounder. Methods From 2006 to 2015, we tested 5,001 first graders [50.8% boys; mean age 6.76 (0.56) years] of 18 primary schools in Germany. Each year between 441 and 552 students of the same schools were surveyed. Performance tests were taken from the Motorik-Module Study and the “German Motor Ability Test”: “6-min run,” “push-ups,” “20-m sprint,” and “static stand. ” Linear regression models were conducted for statistical analysis. Results A slightly negative trend in aerobic fitness performance was revealed in boys (β = −0.050; p = 0.012) but not in girls. In the strength performance test no trend over time was detected. Performance in speed (boys: β = −0.094; girls: β = −0.143; p ≤ 0.001) and balance tests (boys: β = −0.142; girls: β = −0.232; p ≤ 0.001) increased over time for both boys and girls. These findings held true when BMI was considered. Conclusion This study only partly supported the assumption that motor performance of children has declined: in our study, aerobic fitness declined (only in boys), while strength remained stable and speed and balance even increased in both sexes. Moreover, it seems as if BMI can explain changes in performance only to a small extent. Changed lifestyles might be a substantial cause. Further research on recent trends of motor performance and interacting variables is needed to support the results of our study and to provide more knowledge on causes of these trends.
The recursive maximum likelihood algorithm for non-stationary signals

In this paper we address the problem of parametric spectral estimation for non-stationary signals. An extension of the recursive maximum likelihood (RML) algorithm which iteratively tracks the time-varying signature of the process parameters is proposed. In particular we deal with the problem of estimating the parameters of time-varying autoregressive (TVAR) processes. Computer simulations are conducted that demonstrate the performance of the new method for parameter estimation as well as for time-varying spectral estimation.
An in vitro-selected RNA receptor for the GAAC loop: modular receptor for non–GNRA-type tetraloop

Although artificial RNA motifs that can functionally replace the GNRA/receptor interaction, a class of RNA–RNA interacting motifs, were isolated from RNA libraries and used to generate designer RNA structures, receptors for non-GNRA tetraloops have not been found in nature or selected from RNA libraries. In this study, we report successful isolation of a receptor motif interacting with GAAC, a non-GNRA tetraloop, from randomized sequences embedded in a catalytic RNA. Biochemical characterization of the GAAC/receptor interacting motif within three structural contexts showed its binding affinity, selectivity and structural autonomy. The motif has binding affinity comparable with that of a GNRA/receptor, selectivity orthogonal to GNRA/receptors and structural autonomy even in a large RNA context. These features would be advantageous for usage of the motif as a building block for designer RNAs. The isolated motif can also be used as a query sequence to search for unidentified naturally occurring GANC receptor motifs.
Material and Methods

Cord blood was collected from the placental parts of umbilical cords immediately after normal deliveries 3t the Albany Medical Center Hospital, Albany, N.Y. Ten-fifteen ml of blood was taken from one placenta. The serum mas separated by gentle centrifugation within four hours. I t mas either refrigerated for not more than 20 hours prior to use, or frozen immediately after separation and stored a t -20°C until used. NO visibly hemolyzed samples were used. To check the possible effects of liemolysis, some grossly hemolytic serum samples were studied by DEAE-chromatography and no differences attributable t o hcmolysis were found. The samples were collected from 35 normal deliteries, occurring a t daytime between October 25, 1966 and June 14, 1967. Sixteen of the babies were boys and 19 girls. Their birth weights ranged from 2530 to 4680 grams, the average birth weight in the series being 3370 grams. Large scale preparative studies were performed on pooled serum from the above mentioned cord serum samplcs and on cord serum obtained from Grand 1sl:~nd Biological Corporation, Grand Island, N.Y. (catalog number 619). This specially ordered serum was prepared in the cold, immediately frozen, shipped in the frozen stage and stored at -20°C until used. The serum was delivered in 20 ml and 50 ml lots. In fant blood was rollected at the Flower and Fifth Avenue Hospital, New York, N.Y. Three serial samples were obtained from three healthy infants a t different time intrrvals between 1 day and 30 days of age. Individual samples were collected from five healthy infants a d from eleven infants hospitalized a t the Flower and Fifth Avenue Hospital for various non-hematological disorders. Their ages were between 1 day and 158 days a t the time of blood collection. The sera were separated and processed as described above. Maternal blood was obtained from the mothers of seven of the above mentioned healthy infants. The maternal blood was drawn the day after the delivery. Additionally, blood was obtained from five healthy women in active labor a t the Albany Medical Center Hospital, right before delivery. The maternal samples were processctl and storctl identically with the infant and cord blood samples. Xormal adzilt blood was obtained froru subjectively hcalthy male and healthy, non-pregnant fcriinle lnboratory personnel. Srrum was separated and stored as above.
A ROBOTIC AIR HOCKEY OPPONENT

This paper discusses the process undertaken to create a system to play air hockey autonomously against a human. Such an application presents challenges in both the robot’s sensing of the environment, the design and set up of the robot, and the programming of how to appropriately react to the sensor data. How these issues were encountered and dealt with are discussed along with how the project might be adapted to start learning to perform better using existing artificial intelligence methods. INTRODUCTION The challenge is to make a robotic system to play air hockey against a human on a physical air hockey table. To accomplish this, it is necessary to be able to sense the environmental conditions, to process the appropriate response to these conditions, and to have some way of affecting the environment in order to achieve the system’s goal. For these requirements the system was given a camera to sense the environment, programming to plan appropriate responses, and a robotic arm to carry out these responses. BACKGROUND Researchers have been trying to perfect autonomous robots for the past decades. [3] As technology has improved, autonomous robots have become better at performing tasks on their own, yet still suffer from such problems presented by an open world. [3] The problem associated with this being that it is difficult to design a robot that is capable of reacting appropriately to all the events possible in an open environment. This application however can be considered a closed world due to the ability to safely assume that all possible occurrences on the table can be accounted for. In addition to this, operating on a bound two-dimensional plane reduces the room for error associated with tracking objects and the movement of robotic limbs. Also it is safe to assume that consistent lighting is present, which makes observations easier for sensors. These qualities make such an application a popular project for those attempting to build autonomous robots.