Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The contribution of the genomes of a termite and a locust to our understanding of insect neuropeptides and neurohormones

The genomes of the migratory locust Locusta migratoria and the termite Zootermopsis nevadensis were mined for the presence of genes encoding neuropeptides, neurohormones, and their G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs). Both species have retained a larger number of neuropeptide and neuropeptide GPCRs than the better known holometabolous insect species, while other genes that in holometabolous species appear to have a single transcript produce two different precursors in the locust, the termite or both. Thus, the recently discovered CNMa neuropeptide gene has two transcripts predicted to produce two structurally different CNMa peptides in the termite, while the locust produces two different myosuppressin peptides in the same fashion. Both these species also have a calcitonin gene, which is different from the gene encoding the calcitonin-like insect diuretic hormone. This gene produces two types of calcitonins, calcitonins A and B. It is also present in Lepidoptera and Coleoptera and some Diptera, but absent from mosquitoes and Drosophila. However, in holometabolous insect species, only the B transcript is produced. Their putative receptors were also identified. In contrast, Locusta has a highly unusual gene that codes for a salivation stimulatory peptide. The Locusta genes for neuroparsin and vasopressin are particularly interesting. The neuroparsin gene produces five different transcripts, of which only one codes for the neurohormone identified from the corpora cardiaca. The other four transcripts code for neuroparsin-like proteins, which lack four amino acid residues, and that for that reason we called neoneuroparsins. The number of transcripts for the neoneuroparsins is about 200 times larger than the number of neuroparsin transcripts. The first exon and the putative promoter of the vasopressin genes, of which there are about seven copies in the genome, is very well-conserved, but the remainder of these genes is not. The relevance of these findings is discussed.
Functional organization of the main olfactory bulb

Complete understanding of the role of the mammalian main olfactory bulb in sensory processing has remained elusive despite many detailed studies on its anatomy and physiology. Several lines of recent evidence viewed in the context of earlier knowledge have provided new insights into the bulbar mechanisms of olfactory coding. The output cells of the olfactory bulb receive a localized olfactory nerve input and interneuronal input via dendrodendritic synapses on distinct sets of dendrites. The spatial arrangement of granule cell contacts on output cell basal dendrites suggests that lateral inhibitory interactions may occur between neighboring output cells. The input from olfactory receptor cell axons to the bulb also has spatial order, but does not represent a precise map of the receptor surface. Recent studies with antibodies and lectins suggest that different groups of axons from chemically similar receptor cells collect into certain glomeruli, even if the axons originate from cells that are not contiguous in the mucosa. Electrophysiological studies have begun to explore the participation of spatially organized circuits in olfactory processing. The degree to which neighboring output cells respond similarly to odor stimulation, for example, depends on the distance between the cells, with those further apart showing complementary responses. Also, a single output cell can show 2 or more different temporal response patterns when different odors are presented. Intracellular recordings indicate that these responses are shaped by IPSPs. Electrical stimulation during such recordings shows that some mitral cells are excited by nerve inputs close to their glomerular tufts, while they are inhibited by nerve inputs to other parts of the bulb. Finally, recordings from granule and periglomerular cells indicate their potential in mediating components of output cell odor responses. These considerations suggest that the olfactory bulb performs a spatially based analysis on the information coming from the receptor cells. While the spatial organization of the olfactory bulb is probably not faithfully represented in the projections to the olfactory cortex, bulbocortical projections are not random. The fact that spatial factors exist at each of these levels in the olfactory system must be considered in developing models of central olfactory processing. © 1993 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Segmentation and feature extraction of retinal vascular morphology

Analysis of retinal fundus images is essential for physicians, optometrists and ophthalmologists in the diagnosis, care and treatment of patients. The first step of almost all forms of automated fundus analysis begins with the segmentation and subtraction of the retinal vasculature, while analysis of that same structure can aid in the diagnosis of certain retinal and cardiovascular conditions, such as diabetes or stroke. This paper investigates the use of a Convolutional Neural Network as a multi-channel classifier of retinal vessels using DRIVE, a database of fundus images. The result of the network with the application of a confidence threshold was slightly below the 2nd observer and gold standard, with an accuracy of 0.9419 and ROC of 0.9707. The output of the network with on post-processing boasted the highest sensitivity found in the literature with a score of 0.9568 and a good ROC score of 0.9689. The high sensitivity of the system makes it suitable for longitudinal morphology assessments, disease detection and other similar tasks.
The Comparison Approach to Multiprocessor Fault Diagnosis

In this correspondence a system-level, comparison-based strategy for identifying faulty processors in a multiprocessor system is described. Unlike other strategies which have been proposed in the literature, the comparison approach is more efficient and relies on more realistic assumptions about the system under consideration. The new strategy is shown to correctly identify the set of faulty processors with a remarkably high probability, making it an attractive and viable addition or alternative to present fault diagnosis techniques.
Domestication of Eucaryotic Microalgal Viruses from Marine Environments

Despite the recent interest in viruses infecting eucaryotic marine microalgae, only 7 viruses infecting marine phytoplankton have been isolated so far. It is therefore worth reviewing isolation techniques and rationalizing the method for obtaining novel microalgal viruses. I consider 7 steps as critical in the isolation procedure: (1) selection of the target host alga, (2) preparation of target host cultures, (3) collection of sample water for virus isolation, (4) treatment of sample water, (5) screening procedures, (6) cloning and cleaning-up of the isolated viruses and (7) storage and maintenance. In the present review, several observations that may lead to more effective isolation procedures are discussed with regard to (1)~(7).
Repetitive-based control for selective harmonic compensation in active power filters

This paper proposes a repetitive-based controller for active power filters, which compensates selected current harmonics produced by distorting loads. The approach is based on the measurement of line currents and performs the compensation of selected harmonics using a closed-loop repetitive-based control scheme based on a finite-impulse response digital filter. Compared to conventional solutions based on stationary-frame current control, this approach allows full compensation of selected frequencies, even if the active filter has limited bandwidth. Compared to synchronous-frame harmonic regulations on line currents, the complexity of the proposed algorithm is independent of the number of compensated harmonics. Moreover, it is more appropriate for digital signal processor implementation and less sensitive to rounding and quantization errors when finite word length or fixed-point implementation is considered. Experimental results on a 5-kVA prototype confirm the theoretical expectations.
Is the cardiac monitoring function related to the self in both the default network and right anterior insula?

The self has been proposed to be rooted in the neural monitoring of internal bodily signals and might thus involve interoceptive areas, notably the right anterior insula (rAI). However, studies on the self consistently showed the involvement of midline default network (DN) nodes, without referring to visceral monitoring. Here, we investigate this apparent discrepancy. We previously showed that neural responses to heartbeats in the DN encode two different self-dimensions, the agentive ‘I’ and the introspective ‘Me’, in a whole-brain analysis of magnetoencephalography (MEG) data. Here, we confirm and anatomically refine this result with intracranial recordings (intracranial electroencephalography, iEEG). In two patients, we show a parametric modulation of neural responses to heartbeats by the self-relatedness of thoughts, at the single trial level. A region-of-interest analysis of the insula reveals that MEG responses to heartbeats in the rAI encode the ‘I’ self-dimension. The effect in rAI was weaker than in the DN and was replicated in iEEG data in one patient out of two. We propose that a common mechanism, the neural monitoring of cardiac signals, underlies the self in both the DN and rAI. This might reconcile studies on the self highlighting the DN, with studies on interoception focusing on the insula. This article is part of the themed issue ‘Interoception beyond homeostasis: affect, cognition and mental health’.
The Case for a Multiple-utili Conception Ity I Am Grateful for Comments on Previous Drafts To

In recent decades, neoclassical economists have made heroic efforts to accommodate within the confines of the concept of rational utility maximization the fact that individual behavior is significantly affected by moral considerations. This article argues the merits of using an alternative approach: recognizing that individuals pursue at least two irreducible sources of value or "utility", pleasure and morality. The possibility that some additional utilities may have to be recognized is explored. This raises the concern that conceptual anarchy will break out, which in turn will force a search for a common denominator, and thus a return to one overarching utility. Arguments are presented to show that this concern is unfounded. The main focus of the article is a criticism of the monoutility conception and a brief for separating the sense of discharging one's moral obligations from all other satisfactions. The article first deals with general conceptual points, and thencites both everyday observations and empirical evidence in support ofthis position.
Existential dilemmas of a North Atlantic anthropologist in the production of relevant Africanist knowledge

Introduction When, nearly half a century after the end of colonial rule, an African university grants an honorary degree to a prominent researcher from the former colonising country, this is a significant step in the global liberation of African difference (to paraphrase Mudimbe’s expression). The African specialist knowledge institution declares itself to be no longer on the receiving and subaltern side, but takes the initiative to assert its independent scholarly authority, and thus redefines the flow of North–South intellectual dependence into one of intercontinental equality. Even more is at stake in the present case. Having studied and researched at the predecessor of the University of Kinshasa in the beginning of his academic career, and having returned there numerous times for research and teaching, the honorary doctor could be classified among the conferring institution’s own students and research associates, and his work has ranked prominently in Congo studies during the last several decades. At the same time the conferment honours a discipline that ever since the decolonisation of Africa has (because of allegations of its colonial connotation) formed contested ground in that continent: anthropology; and in this case even an anthropology away from the popular topics of power, social organisation and globalising development – but rather, one of symbols, corporality, and insistence on the continuity, vitality and viability of historic, local cultural forms. Aware of the peculiarities of his case, René Devisch has devoted his extensive and celebrative word of thanks to the topic ‘What is an anthropologist’, and it is the highly original and widely ranging nature of this text that has prompted CODESRIA to invite a number of African and Africanist scholars to comment on it.
Moving shapes: a multiplayer game based on color detection running on public displays

Over the past few years the use of public displays has increased drastically, with the most common public displays being flat surface LED walls or projections on walls. Presently interactive public displays often make use of depth cameras. This paper introduces a cheaper variant that allows people to interact with the display and each other by using the color detection abilities of an ordinary webcam. As proof of concept a simple game was created that demonstrates how people are able to control and interact with photographed shapes via their own smartphones. Alternately a special hardware interface was built for users who do not own a smartphone. Contrary to ordinary games, this game works without points; instead, the leading user is awarded the ability to make decisions about game speed and is able to influence the audio through his movements.
Enhanced Collusion Resistance for Segment-wise Recombined Fingerprinting in P2P Distribution Systems: [Extended Abstract]

Recombined fingerprinting has been recently proposed as a scalable alternative to the traditional client-server model for anonymous fingerprinting. In recombined fingerprinting, the contents are distributed in P2P fashion from a few seed nodes to the rest of buyers. However, the solution of the previous works requires that a hash of the whole fingerprint is also constructed during distribution in such a way that two different codes must be used (one at segment level and one at hash level). This solution is impractical for two reasons: (1) the fingerprint's length is increased, and (2) the construction of the fingerprints through recombination must be supervised in order to obtain a valid hash-level codeword. This work contributes with a solution to this problem, consisting of embedding collusion-resistant codewords only at segment level and removing the need for hash-level encoding. The proposed solution not only results in shorter fingerprints, but also simplifies the distribution protocol since supervision is no longer required. The resulting system is shown to work for four different state-of-the-art collusion-resistant codes by means of thousands of simulations.
The Role of Family History of Depression in the Development of Major Depression in Women During Midlife

Depression is associated with increased morbidity and mortality and is highly prevalent, particularly in women. Studies indicate increased risk for onset of new and recurrent episodes of major depression in women during midlife. To improve understanding of the etiology of depression in midlife women and to inform prevention and treatment efforts, the risk and protective factors that influence the occurrence and course of depression in midlife women should be determined. In particular, the role of family history of depression in the development of depression among midlife women is unknown. This dissertation explores associations between family history and major depression in midlife women in the context of other risk and protective factors. First, the relationship between family history and major depression was examined in 303 midlife women. Results showed that family history of depression is a significant predictor of midlife major depression, particularly in women with a history of depression prior to midlife. Second, data from the same cohort of midlife women showed that family history of depression is associated with midlife major depression, after controlling for the menopausal transition and relevant time-varying covariates. Furthermore, menopausal status is associated with major depression among midlife women without a family history of depression, but not among those with a family history. Third, potential mediators of the relationship between family history and the onset of major depression during midlife were explored in 103 midlife women with a lifetime history of depression. Mediation analyses provided evidence that childhood abuse, trait anxiety, and life events mediate the effect of family history on the onset of depression during midlife. In conclusion, family history of depression continues to play an important role in the development of depression in women during midlife, particularly for women with a prior history of depression. The public health relevance of our findings is that clinicians may be able to improve the emotional health of midlife women by assessing family and lifetime history of depression to identify those at risk and by closely monitoring mood among women found to have such histories, thus allowing for implementation of appropriate interventions in a timely manner.
Controlling dissociative adsorption for effective growth of carbon nanotubes

Dissociative adsorption has been widely simplified as part of the vapor–liquid–solid (VLS) growth model. We found that the addition of specific carrier gases can critically modify the growth rate and growth density of multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWNTs). These results were explained by dissociative adsorption of C2H2 molecules and a solid-core VLS growth model. Based on these integrated mechanisms, vertically aligned MWNTs were grown with an initial growth rate as high as ∼800μm∕h. This efficient growth process results at temperature and C2H2 partial pressures at which the decomposition and segregation rates of carbon are balanced. Appropriate use of carrier gas is one of the factors that could facilitate efficient and continuous growth of carbon nanotubes in the future.
Randomized phase II study of gemcitabine (G) plus anti-IGF-1R antibody MK-0646, G plus erlotinib (E) plus MK-0646 and G plus E for advanced pancreatic cancer.

4026 Background: IGF-1R activation results in the phosphorylation of IRS-1 and the PI3-Kinase/Akt, mTOR and S6 kinase pathways in pancreatic cancer. Monoclonal antibody MK-0646 blocks IGF-1-receptor interaction, internalizes and degrades IGF-1R. Receptor cross-talk between IGF-1R and EGFR and IGF-1R-induced PI3-kinase mediates resistance to anti-EGFR agents. Prior phase I established the maximal tolerated dose of MK-0646 as 10 mg/kg with G and 5 mg/kg with G+E. METHODS Patients (pts) with stage IV, previously untreated pancreatic cancer, ECOG performance status (PS) 0-1, adequate hematologic and organ function were enrolled. Uncontrolled hyperglycemia or cardio-respiratory conditions were exclusions. Phase II study has 3 arms and uses adaptive randomized design with progression-free survival (PFS) as primary endpoint: Arm A (G + MK-0646), Arm B (G + E + MK-0646) and Arm C (G + E). G was administered as 1,000 mg/m2 over 100 min, weekly x 3, MK-0646 weekly x 4 and E 100 mg daily. Cycles repeated q 4 weeks. On progression, arm C pts crossed over to arm B. Secondary endpoints: overall survival (OS), response rate and toxicity. RESULTS 58 pts enrolled (53 evaluable), 34 males, 3 prior Whipple, 48 PS 1, 5 PS 0. Median of 2 cycles administered (range 1, 12+). Accrual: Arm A= 20, B=23, C=10 pts. Median follow up A=48, B=30, C=26 weeks. Grade 3-4 toxic events/ arm: neutropenia 9/A, 26/B, 1/C; platelets 5/A, 10/B; anemia 2/B; AST 3/B,3/C; hyponatremia 1/A, 5/B; hyperglycemia 3/A, 3/B; dehydration 1/B; thrombus 2/B and infection 2/B. Partial responses: 20% Arm A, 25% Arm B, 10% Arm C. Median PFS Arm A=17 weeks (CI:7,34), Arm B=8 weeks (8,18), Arm C= 8 weeks (3,22); PFS was significant in favor of arm A (p=0.0425). OS arm A=48 wks (14,82), B=30 wks (18,56), C=26 wks (8,40). No significant difference noted in OS in the 3 arms (p=0.4) in this cross-over study. Sustained responses (> 8 weeks) occurred in arms A and B only; greater proportion of arm A pts survived >40 weeks (p=0.04). CONCLUSIONS MK-0646 is tolerable in combination with G; toxicities were higher with G+ E+ MK-0646. Sustained PRs, limited toxicity and encouraging survival were noted with G+ MK-0646 (arm A) in this preliminary analysis.
XRCC1 down‐regulation in human cells leads to DNA‐damaging agent hypersensitivity, elevated sister chromatid exchange, and reduced survival of BRCA2 mutant cells

Previous studies using rodent cells indicate that a deficiency in XRCC1 results in reduced single‐strand break repair, increased sensitivity to DNA‐damaging agents, and elevated levels of sister chromatid exchange (SCE). Epidemiological studies have suggested an association of certain human XRCC1 polymorphisms with genetic instability and cancer susceptibility. However, investigations on the molecular functions of XRCC1 in human cells are limited. To determine the contributions of this nonenzymatic scaffold protein, we suppressed XRCC1 levels in several human cell lines using small interfering RNA (siRNA) technology. We report that XRCC1 down‐regulation in HeLa cells leads to a concomitant decrease in the DNA ligase 3 protein level and an impaired nick ligation capacity. In addition, depletion of XRCC1 resulted in a significantly increased sensitivity to the alkylating agent methyl methanesulfonate and the thymidine base analog 5‐hydroxymethyl‐2′‐deoxyuridine, a slightly increased sensitivity to ethyl methanesulfonate and 1,3‐bis(2‐chloroethyl)‐1‐nitrosourea, and no change in the response to camptothecin. We also discovered that a 70–80% reduction in XRCC1 protein leads to an elevated level of SCE in both HeLa cells and normal human fibroblasts, but does not affect chromosome aberrations in the diploid fibroblasts. Last, XRCC1 siRNA transfection led to an ∼40% decrease in the survival of BRCA2‐deficient cells, supporting a model whereby the accumulation of unrepaired SSBs leads to the accumulation of cytotoxic DNA double strand breaks following replication fork collapse in cells defective in homologous recombination. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. , 2007. Published 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Adaptive Convex Combination Approach for the Identification of Improper Quaternion Processes

Data-adaptive optimal modeling and identification of real-world vector sensor data is provided by combining the fractional tap-length (FT) approach with model order selection in the quaternion domain. To account rigorously for the generality of such processes, both second-order circular (proper) and noncircular (improper), the proposed approach in this paper combines the FT length optimization with both the strictly linear quaternion least mean square (QLMS) and widely linear QLMS (WL-QLMS). A collaborative approach based on QLMS and WL-QLMS is shown to both identify the type of processes (proper or improper) and to track their optimal parameters in real time. Analysis shows that monitoring the evolution of the convex mixing parameter within the collaborative approach allows us to track the improperness in real time. Further insight into the properties of those algorithms is provided by establishing a relationship between the steady-state error and optimal model order. The approach is supported by simulations on model order selection and identification of both strictly linear and widely linear quaternion-valued systems, such as those routinely used in renewable energy (wind) and human-centered computing (biomechanics).