Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Mechanisms Underlying the Increased Plasma ACTH Levels in Chronic Psychosocially Stressed Male Mice

Mice exposed to chronic subordinate colony housing (CSC, 19 days), an established paradigm for chronic psychosocial stress, show unaffected basal morning plasma corticosterone (CORT) concentrations, despite enlarged adrenal glands and an increased CORT response to an acute heterotypic stressor. In the present study we investigate the mechanisms underlying these phenomena at the level of the pituitary. We show that both basal and acute stressor-induced (forced swim (FS), 6 min) plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) concentrations, the number of total and corticotroph pituitary cells, and relative protein expression of pituitary mineralocorticoid receptor and FK506-binding protein 51 was increased in CSC compared with single-housed control (SHC) mice, while relative corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH) receptor 1 (CRH-R1) and glucocorticoid receptor protein expression was down-regulated. Relative pituitary pro-opiomelanocortin and arginine vasopressin (AVP) receptor 1b (AVPR-1b) protein expression, FS (6 min)-induced ACTH secretion in dexamethasone-blocked mice, and the number of AVP positive magnocellular and parvocellular neurons in the paraventricular hypothalamic nucleus (PVN) was unaffected following CSC. Taken together, the data of the present study indicate that 19 days of CSC result in pituitary hyperactivity, under both basal and acute heterotypic stress conditions. Although further studies have to assess this in detail, an increased number of pituitary corticotrophs together with unaffected relative pituitary AVPR-1b and decreased CRH-R1 protein expression following CSC suggests that pituitary hyperdrive is mediated by newly formed corticotrophs that are more sensitive to AVP than CRH. Moreover, our data indicate that changes in PVN AVP and negative feedback inhibition seem not to play a major role in pituitary hyperactivity following CSC.
SENSORY-MEDIATED TRACKING BEHAVIOUR IN TURBULENT CHEMICAL PLUMES

We designed and implemented a series of signal processing routines and feedback control algorithms for sensor-mediated chemical plume tracking in a turbulent flow environment. In our design, we focused on development of a signal processing strategy capable of replicating behavioural responses of actively tracking blue crabs (Callinectes sapidus) to chemical stimuli. We have developed a command generation unit for sensor-mediated tracking the source of a turbulent chemical plume via motion in two directions (i.e., forward-back and left-right). Upstream motion is induced by a binary response to supra-threshold spikes of concentration and cross-stream steering is controlled by contrast between bilaterally-separated sensors. Like animal strategies, the developed control algorithm is dynamic in nature. This property allows the algorithm to function effectively in the highly irregular turbulent environment and produces adaptive adjustments of motion to minimize the distance to the source of a plume. Preliminary trials indicate that roughly 80% of the tracks successfully end near the plume source location. INTRODUCTION Chemosensation is an important sensory mode for animals, allowing them to locate food, mates, or predators. A major hindrance to understanding chemically-mediated guidance is the difficulty of quantifying the relevant signal properties of chemical stimulus plumes. The presence of turbulent flow fluctuations at large Reynolds number creates a spatially and temporally complex chemical environment. The characteristics of odorant plumes in such environments cannot be predicted via analytical methods (e.g., turbulent diffusivity models) or simple numerical simulations. Hence, a major challenge in understanding chemosensory-mediated guidance is to quantify the characteristics of the chemical signal structure and the signal transport in turbulent environments. Plumes develop when flow transports chemical compounds downstream while turbulence stirs and mixes concentration filaments to expand the plume and dilute the concentration (Webster 2007). The result is a complex spatial and temporal concentration pattern (Figure 1). Fine filaments of odorant concentration within the plume are separated by unscented fluid. Animals must use these complicated patterns to navigate to a chemical source. This requires three sequential processes — making contact with the plume, using information in the chemical plume structure to move toward the source, and determining when the source has been reached. This sequence is used by many organisms, including moths, lobsters, crayfish, and blue crabs, to locate food, mates, and other items over distances of 10’s to 100’s of body lengths. In contrast to the high performance displayed by animals, we have yet to develop good tracking strategies for use in autonomous unmanned vehicles (AUVs) that track turbulent chemical plumes. Traditional sensing approaches, such as time-integration to compute average properties, fail in turbulent plumes due to the high spatial and temporal variability of the chemical signal. Nevertheless, there have
Multi-View Face Database Recognition Using Phase Congruency and SVM Classifier

In this paper, we present a face recognition method based on the combination of the LoG-Gabor wavelets (GW) and the phase congruency (PC) method. The phase congruency feature images were obtained by applying phase congruency model to these multi-view face images with log-Gabor wavelets filters over 5 scales and 8 orientations, and then the mean and standard deviation of the image output are computed. The obtained feature vectors are fed up into support vector classifier for classification. Experiments on The UMIST face database that is a multi-view database show that the advantages of our proposed approach. The experiment also shows that, the system is competent for face recognition, the accuracy reach to about 92.8%, and is insensitive to multi-view face.
Verifiable protocol design for agent argumentation dialogues

We describe a formal approach to protocol design for dialogues between autonomous agents in a digital ecosystem that involve the exchange of arguments between the participants. We introduce a vector language-based representation of argumentation protocols, which captures the interplay between different agents’ moves in a dialogue in a way that (a) determines the legal moves that are available to each participant, in each step, and (b) records the dialogue history. We use UML protocol state machines (PSMs) to model a negotiation dialogue protocol at both the individual participant level (autonomous agent viewpoint) and the dialogue level (overall interaction viewpoint). The underlying vector semantics is used to verify that a given dialogue was played out in compliance with the corresponding protocol.
Functional Studies on Viable Circulating Tumor Cells.

BACKGROUND Research on circulating tumor cells (CTCs) as new biomarkers has received great attention over the past decade. In particular, the capture and analysis of CTCs as "liquid biopsies" provides the possibility to avoid invasive tissue biopsies, with obvious implications in cancer diagnostics. CONTENT The focus of this review is to describe and discuss how functional studies on viable CTCs can enlarge the spectrum of applications of liquid biopsies, with emphasis on breast, prostate, colon, and lung cancer as the major tumor entities in industrialized countries. The low number of CTCs in the peripheral blood of most cancer patients makes challenging the in vitro culture of CTCs. Epithelial tumor cells are difficult to culture, even when starting with millions of tumor cells. Recently, several groups have achieved important advances in the in vitro and in vivo expansion of CTCs from cancer patients at very advanced stages with higher amounts of CTCs. Here, we present current technologies to enrich and detect viable human CTCs, including positive and negative enrichment strategies that are based on antigen expression and physical properties of CTCs. We also discuss published data about functional studies on CTCs that use in vitro and in vivo models. SUMMARY Functional analyses on CTCs offer the possibility to identify the biological properties of metastatic cells, including the identification of metastasis-initiating cells. Moreover, CTC-derived cell lines and xenografts might reveal new therapeutic targets and can be used for drug screening.
Evolution and Horizontal Transfer of a DD37E DNA Transposon in Mosquitoes

ITmD37E, a unique class II transposable element (TE) with an ancient origin, appears to have been involved in multiple horizontal transfers in mosquitoes as ITmD37E sequences from 10 mosquito species of five genera share high nucleotide (nt) identities. For example, ITmD37E sequences from Aedes aegypti and Anopheles gambiae, which have an estimated common ancestor of 145–200 million years ago, display 92% nt identity. The comparison of ITmD37E and host mosquito phylogenies shows a lack of congruence. The wide distribution of conserved ITmD37Es in mosquitoes and the presence of intact copies suggest that this element may have been recently active.
On the Properties of Bit String-Based Measures of Chemical Similarity

With the growth of interest in database searching and compound selection, the quantification of chemical similarity has become an area of intense practical and theoretical interest. One of the most widely used methods of measuring chemical similarity is based on mapping fragments within a molecule as bits within a binary string. We present empirical results which suggest that bit strings provide a nonintuitive encoding of molecular size, shape, and global similarity. Other results, this time statistical in nature, suggest that the observed behavior of bit string-based searches have a large nonspecific component. On this basis, we question whether bit string-based similarity methods possess all the features desirable in a quantitative chemical distance measure or metric and suggest that there are instances when they may not be the most appropriate tool for searching or segregating chemical structures.
Prediction of protein function using trust based cumulative strategies

Physical interactions between the proteins in a living organism helps in identification of most protein-protein interaction data. The annotated proteins are previously known by their functions. Their knowledge is definite. The un-annotated proteins are annotated based on estimation of such similar functions. Generally a cluster containing annotated nodes with their adjacent unlabeled nodes is assumed to have homogeneity of functions within. Though the interaction data are generally very noisy, a Bayesian model is presented to predict protein functions after a series of known experiments or several hypotheses over neighborhood properties are conducted or assumed. The experimental results in this effort have shown that there is a better performance in evaluation of weighted accuracy of functions over prediction of data set.
A probabilistic ontological framework for the recognition of multilevel human activities

A major challenge of ubiquitous computing resides in the acquisition and modelling of rich and heterogeneous context data, among which, ongoing human activities at different degrees of granularity. In a previous work, we advocated the use of probabilistic description logics (DLs) in a multilevel activity recognition framework. In this paper, we present an in-depth study of activity modeling and reasoning within that framework, as well as an experimental evaluation with a large real-world dataset. Our solution allows us to cope with the uncertain nature of ontological descriptions of activities, while exploiting the expressive power and inference tools of the OWL 2 language. Targeting a large dataset of real human activities, we developed a probabilistic ontology modeling nearly 150 activities and actions of daily living. Experiments with a prototype implementation of our framework confirm the viability of our solution.
Fungal Adenylyl Cyclase Acts As a Signal Sensor and Integrator and Plays a Central Role in Interaction with Bacteria

Soon after birth, the human body establishes an intimate association with trillions of microbial cells belonging to numerous bacterial and fungal species [1]. These organisms coinhabit diverse microbial communities on cutaneous and mucosal surfaces such as the skin, the gastrointestinal tract, and the vaginal cavity [2]. Fungal and bacterial cells can interact in many ways, such as direct physical contact, secretion of toxins and signalling molecules, sharing or competing for metabolites and nutrients, and alteration of the environment [3]. These interactions can be antagonistic as well as mutually beneficial. Both bacteria and fungi have evolved sophisticated mechanisms to sense and respond to the presence and activity of other species nearby. In hospitals, fungi and bacteria are frequently isolated from the same site of infection. This raises the important question of whether fungi and bacteria interact in the process of infection, and whether the interaction dictates disease development and outcome, and if so, how they do so. This review summarizes recent discoveries in the study of signal sensing in the fungal pathogen Candida albicans. New findings support a model that adenylyl cyclases act as a hub of signal sensing and integration and may play a central role in bacterial sensing during fungal infection.
Endofunctors modelling higher-order behaviours

In this paper we show how the abstract behaviours of higher-order systems can be modelled as final coalgebras of suitable behavioural functors. These functors have the challenging peculiarity to be circularly defined with their own final coalgebra. Our main contribution is a general construction for defining these functors, solving this circularity which is the essence of higher-order behaviours. This characterisation is syntax agnostic. To achieve this property, we shift from term passing to behaviour passing: in the former higher-order is expressed by passing around syntactic objects (such as terms or processes) as representations of behaviours whereas the former ditches the syntactic encoding altogether and works directly with behaviours i.e. semantic objects. From this perspective, the former can be seen as syntactic higher-order whereas the later as semantic higher-order.
Where should we draw the lines between dinocyst “species”? Morphological continua in Black Sea dinocysts

Abstract. The morphology of dinoflagellate cysts (dinocysts) is related not only to the genetics of the motile dinoflagellate from which it derives, but is also dependent on a range of environmental factors including salinity, temperature and nutrient status. Although this knowledge improves our understanding of the drivers behind dinocyst morphological variations, it makes the taxonomy governing their description somewhat complex. In basins such as the Black Sea, where environmental change can be extreme and occurs on relatively short (millennial) timescales, taxonomy becomes particularly challenging. Morphological continua can be observed between described forms, displaying a large range of intermediate phenotypes that do not necessarily correspond to any genetic difference. As these morphological nuances may preserve information about palaeoenvironments, it is important to find a systematic method of characterising morphotypes. Here, we show a dinocyst matrix within which dinocysts are described according to their similarity to (or difference from) described forms based on key descriptive parameters. In the example set out here, cyst shape and degree of process and/or ectophragm development are taken as two key parameters in Pyxidinopsis psilata and Spiniferites cruciformis, and can allow the description of intermediate forms even though the definitions do not overlap. We review some frequently occurring morphotypes and propose that using matrices to show the gradual variation between endmember forms is the most pragmatic approach until cyst–theca studies and genetic sequencing can be used to demonstrate relationships between genotypes and morphotypes. As prior studies propose salinity to be a primary driver of intraspecific variability, the endmembers presented may represent salinity extremes within an overall brackish environment. Although we cannot assign each morphotype to a value or a range of an environmental parameter (e.g. salinity) as the different morphotypes can occur in the same sample, using this matrix allows preservation of information about morphological variability without creating taxonomic categories that are likely to require alteration if genetic evidence becomes available.
Modeling the Task of Google MapReduce Workload

In order to better understand and describe tasks and improve the ability of Cloud, the analyzing of tasks inessential. A coarse-grained analysis, cluster analysis, anointer-cluster analysis are used to model tasks for the analysis of a one-month trace of a Google MapReduce cluster across about 12,000 machines. In this paper, we consider the k value which is central to the performance of k-means algorithm can effect on modelling. Besides, we also take the selection of attributes into account which are used as the dimension when tasks are classified. Experiment results by using different type of task attributes and k value show the well performance odour approach.
Where tendons and ligaments meet bone: attachment sites (‘entheses’) in relation to exercise and/or mechanical load

Entheses (insertion sites, osteotendinous junctions, osteoligamentous junctions) are sites of stress concentration at the region where tendons and ligaments attach to bone. Consequently, they are commonly subject to overuse injuries (enthesopathies) that are well documented in a number of sports. In this review, we focus on the structure–function correlations of entheses on both the hard and the soft tissue sides of the junction. Particular attention is paid to mechanical factors that influence form and function and thus to exploring the relationship between entheses and exercise. The molecular parameters indicative of adaptation to mechanical stress are evaluated, and the basis on which entheses are classified is explained. The application of the ‘enthesis organ’ concept (a collection of tissues adjacent to the enthesis itself, which jointly serve the common function of stress dissipation) to understanding enthesopathies is considered and novel roles of adipose tissue at entheses are reviewed. A distinction is made between different locations of fat at entheses, and possible functions include space‐filling and proprioception. The basic anchorage role of entheses is considered in detail and comparisons are explored between entheses and other biological ‘anchorage’ sites. The ability of entheses for self‐repair is emphasized and a range of enthesopathies common in sport are reviewed (e.g. tennis elbow, golfer's elbow, jumper's knee, plantar fasciitis and Achilles insertional tendinopathies). Attention is drawn to the degenerative, rather than inflammatory, nature of most enthesopathies in sport. The biomechanical factors contributing to the development of enthesopathies are reviewed and the importance of considering the muscle–tendon–bone unit as a whole is recognized. Bony spur formation is assessed in relation to other changes at entheses which parallel those in osteoarthritic synovial joints.
Arrival by ambulance in acute heart failure: insights into the mode of presentation from Acute Studies of Nesiritide in Decompensated Heart Failure (ASCEND-HF)

Objectives Limited data exist assessing the relationship between ambulance versus self-presentation and outcomes in patients with acute heart failure (AHF). Setting Clinical trial sites in North America. Participants 1068 patients enrolled in the Acute Studies of Nesiritide in Decompensated Heart Failure (ASCEND-HF) trial. Primary and secondary outcome measures The association between ambulance use and dyspnoea improvement, 30-day mortality or HF rehospitalisation and 180-day mortality. Results Of the 1068 patients in the substudy, 832 (78%) self-presented (SP) and 236 (22%) patients presented via ambulance. Patients presenting via ambulance were older, more likely to be female, have a higher ejection fraction but similar natriuretic peptide levels as patients who SP. Patients presenting by ambulance (compared with SP) trended towards more dyspnoea improvement at 6 (p=0.09) and 24 h (p=0.10). The co-primary end point (30-day mortality or HF rehospitalisation) was similar between groups (ambulance 12.2% vs SP 11.4%, p=0.74). Patients who presented by ambulance had a higher 30-day and 180-day mortality rate than those who SP (30-day: 4.3% vs 2.2%, p=0.08; 180-day: 15.1% vs 10.3%, p=0.04). After adjustment for baseline characteristics, patients arriving by ambulance (compared with SP) had a 2-fold high risk of 30-day mortality (OR 2.12, 95% CI 0.94 to 4.79), but no relationship to the composite of 30-day mortality/HF rehospitalisation (OR 1.01, 95% CI 0.63 to 1.63). Conclusions Among patients with AHF, 30-day and 180-day mortality is 1.5–2 times higher for those with presenting via ambulance compared with patients who self-present. Understanding patient-related and system-related factors of ambulance use for patients with AHF is important. Trial registration number NCT00475852.
Acceptability and perceived side effects of insecticide indoor residual spraying under different resistance management strategies.

OBJECTIVE To assess household acceptability and perceived side effects of residual indoor pyrethroid (PYR), carbamate and organophosphate insecticides sprayed by annual rotation (ROT), spatial mosaic (MOS), and a single insecticide (DDT or PYR) in communities of the coastal plain of Chiapas, Mexico. MATERIAL AND METHODS A questionnaire to assess the acceptability and perceived side effects of indoor insecticides was administered to one member of 30% of the families in eight villages of Chiapas. The association of different insecticide treatments with their responses was evaluated (Chi-square). The intensity of side effects indicated under different treatments was compared in an ordered logistic model, using a severity index as the response variable. RESULTS Insecticide spraying as a probable cause of symptoms was identified by 2.1% of interviewees. A significantly high percentage of persons with blurred vision, dizziness, sneezing, coughing, numbness, watery eyes, and itching lived in villages under MOS and ROT and a high severity index was significantly associated with ROT treatment. Reduction of mosquito bites and cockroaches were the perceived main benefits, and most villagers that perceived no benefits lived in DDT treated villages. Most of the interviewees welcomed spraying (83.7%), but the smell and having to remove furniture from houses were the main arguments against it. CONCLUSIONS Acceptability correlated with insecticide spray coverage, although the most frequent suggestion for improvement was to increase the understanding of the objectives of spraying in the communities. The frequency of side effects was low, but higher in localities where a combination of insecticides was applied. This is a limitation for the use of this type of resistance management strategy in public health.