Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Hardware Segmentation on Digital Microscope Images for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Diagnosis Using Xilinx System Generator

Image segmentation is considered the most critical step in image processing and helps to analyze, infer and make decisions especially in the medical field. Analyzing digital microscope images for earlier acute lymphoblastic leukemia diagnosis and treatment require sophisticated software and hardware systems. These systems must provide both highly accurate and extremely fast processing of large amounts of image data. In this work, the hardware segmentation framework for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) images based color histogram of Hue channel of HSV color space is proposed to segment each leukemia image into blasts and background using Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA). The main purpose of this work is to implement image segmentation framework in a FPGA with minimum hardware resources and low execution time to be suitable enough for medical applications. Hardware framework of segmentation is designed using Xilinx System Generator (XSG) as DSP design tool that enables the use of Simulink models, implemented in VHDL and synthesized for Xilinx SPARTAN-3E Starter kit (XC3S500E-FG320) FPGA.
Social norms for population displacements caused by large dams France, 20th century. The example of the Tignes and Serre-Ponçon dams in the Alps and the Aigle and Bort-les-Orgues dams in Haute-Dordogne

With the passage of time and insights from a number of historical studies it is now possible to take a look back at the way rural populations in France were displaced for the construction of large dams during and after the Second World War. Today, international standards relating to the social implications of dam development projects are imposed on dam builders by both governments and financing institutions. However, in the absence of these international social standards, how did population displacements take place in the past? This paper provides a retrospective look in the light of the current "protection policies" developed by the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank. Retrospective case studies are based on research conducted in the Alps by Virginie Bodon on Tignes and Serre-Poncon for her doctoral thesis in history (1999) and on the book by D. Varaschin on Tignes. The author uses her own studies on the impact of the large dams of the Upper Dordogne, based on research conducted in departmental and municipal archives and on interviews with those who witnessed the implementation of displacement policies and with their children (1998-2005). The author draws on her experience as an anthropologist for the World Bank to analyse the ways in which these displacements were actually carried out. The forced displacements, euphemistically referred to as "involuntary resettlement" in discourses on development, took on increasing notoriety with the international energy crisis. The dams gave rise to an international debate on their social and environmental impacts, a debate continued by the World Commission on Dams. Today, when financing has again become available for the construction of new dams throughout the world, it seems opportune to provide some insights into the social implications of large dam development projects based on the experience of France, a country that has been, in many respects, one of the most innovative in the implementation of such projects.
World Health Organization surveys to monitor HIV drug resistance prevention and associated factors in sentinel antiretroviral treatment sites

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that >2 million people will have started antiretroviral therapy (ART) by the end of 2006. As the development of some HIV drug resistance (HIVDR) is inevitable in populations taking ART, the emergence of HIVDR must be balanced against the benefits of providing ART, including improved health outcomes and decreased HIV/AIDS-associated morbidity and mortality. ART programmes should operate to minimize the emergence of HIVDR in populations receiving therapy and HIVDR itself must be monitored to ensure ongoing regimen efficacy. ART regimens in resource-limited settings are usually selected at the national level following a public health approach: generally only one first-line regimen with alternate regimen(s) incorporating within-class drug substitutions are available in the public sector. The WHO has developed a population-based HIVDR assessment and prevention strategy, which includes standardized HIVDR monitoring surveys in populations receiving first-line ART at sentinel sites. The WHO surveys monitor HIVDR prevention in sentinel sites by utilizing a standardized, minimum-resource prospective survey methodology to assess the success of adult and paediatric ART sites in preventing HIVDR emergence during the first year of ART. The surveys also identify associated factors that can be addressed at the level of the ART site or programme. WHO HIVDR monitoring surveys are designed to be integrated easily into a country's ongoing, routine HIV-related evaluation activities. Performed regularly at representative sites, the data generated will inform evidence-based decision making regarding national and global ART regimen selection and minimize the emergence of HIVDR at a population level.
Phosphorylation of AML1/RUNX1 Regulates Its Degradation and Nuclear Matrix Association

The acute myeloid leukemia 1 (AML1) transcription factors are key regulators of hematopoietic differentiation. Cellular AML1c protein is found in the nucleus and can be separated into two fractions, one soluble in buffers containing salt and nonionic detergent and the other insoluble and tightly bound to the nuclear matrix. We find that the AML1c protein is modified by both phosphorylation and ubiquitination. Our studies show that the majority of the ubiquitinated AML1c is associated with the insoluble nuclear matrix. Treatment of cells with the proteasome inhibitor PS341 (Velcade, Bortezomib) increases the levels of ubiquitinated AML1c. Mutation of the four phosphorylation sites necessary for transcriptional regulation (serine 276, serine 293, serine 303, and threonine 300) mimics the effects of the proteasome inhibitor, increasing the levels of ubiquitinated, matrix-bound AML1c. We find that the soluble and insoluble forms of AML1c are degraded at a similar rate. However, mutation of these four serine/threonine residues statistically increases the half-life of the matrix-associated AML1c. Thus, phosphorylation of AML1c on specific serine/threonine residues controls both transcriptional activity and rate of degradation.
Cognitive Structure and Real Life Implementation of Scripts in Late Adulthood

Previous research has demonstrated that healthy senescent cohorts manifest marked impairment in cognitive performance, particularly on tests of executive functions. Studies directly investigating ADL have found mild and tardive impairment in senescence, and a relation with certain executive functions, but the targeted ADL were very simple tasks such as memorizing a telephone number or walking a few meters and have always been strictly limited to the accuracy domain–excluding any speed factor. The purpose of the present study was (1) to investigate performance, in an experimentally controlled manner, in normal senescent cohorts, on one of the most complex ADL (planning and preparing a meal under time pressure), more indicative of true quality of life of senior citizens, and (2) to scrutinize its cognitive structure. A large battery of tests of executive function, including a script generation task were also administered. It was found that despite numerous marked impairments on tests of executive function, this particular ADL was not globally impaired even in advanced senescence. This finding suggests that the combination of deep proceduralization over a lifetime and continued daily practice suffice to maintain complex ADL, i.e., quality of life, well into late senescence, despite important decline in cognitive resources.
A bi-level language for software process modeling

The authors present a multi-user implementation of a bi-level process modeling language (PML). Most process modeling formalisms are well-suited to one of two levels of specification, but not both. Some concentrate on global control flow and synchronization. These languages make it easy to define the broad outline of a process, but harder to refine the process by expressing constraints and policies on individual tools and data. Other process formalisms are inherently local. It is easy to define constraints, but far from straightforward to express control flow. Combining global and local formalisms is proposed to produce bi-level formalisms suitable for expressing the enacting large scale processes. The new PML is called the activity structures language. The activity structures language integrates global constrained expressions with local rules. Its implementation on top of the Marvel rule-based environment is described. <<ETX>>
Display Blindness?: Looking Again at the Visibility of Situated Displays using Eye-tracking

Observational studies of situated displays have suggested that they are rarely looked at, and when they are it is typically only for a short period of time. Using a mobile eye tracker during a realistic shopping task in a shopping center, we show that people look at displays more than would be predicted from these observational studies, but still only short glances and often from quite far away. We characterize the patterns of eye-movements that precede looking at a display and discuss some of the design implications for the design of situated display technologies that are deployed in public space.
Label-free Quantitative Protein Profiling of vastus lateralis Muscle During Human Aging*

Sarcopenia corresponds to the loss of muscle mass occurring during aging, and is associated with a loss of muscle functionality. Proteomic links the muscle functional changes with protein expression pattern. To better understand the mechanisms involved in muscle aging, we performed a proteomic analysis of Vastus lateralis muscle in mature and older women. For this, a shotgun proteomic method was applied to identify soluble proteins in muscle, using a combination of high performance liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry. A label-free protein profiling was then conducted to quantify proteins and compare profiles from mature and older women. This analysis showed that 35 of the 366 identified proteins were linked to aging in muscle. Most of the proteins were under-represented in older compared with mature women. We built a functional interaction network linking the proteins differentially expressed between mature and older women. The results revealed that the main differences between mature and older women were defined by proteins involved in energy metabolism and proteins from the myofilament and cytoskeleton. This is the first time that label-free quantitative proteomics has been applied to study of aging mechanisms in human skeletal muscle. This approach highlights new elements for elucidating the alterations observed during aging and may lead to novel sarcopenia biomarkers.
15d-Prostaglandin J2 Inhibits Inflammatory Hypernociception: Involvement of Peripheral Opioid Receptor

The 15-deoxy-Δ12,14-prostaglandin J2 (15d-PGJ2) is an endogenous ligand of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors γ (PPAR-γ) and is now recognized as a potent anti-inflammatory mediator. However, information regarding the influence of 15d-PGJ2 on inflammatory pain is still unknown. In this study, we evaluated the effect of 15d-PGJ2 upon inflammatory hypernociception and the mechanisms involved in this effect. We observed that intraplantar administration of 15d-PGJ2 (30–300 ng/paw) inhibits the mechanical hypernociception induced by both carrageenan (100 μg/paw) and the directly acting hypernociceptive mediator, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). Moreover, 15d-PGJ2 [100 ng/temporomandibular joint (TMJ)] inhibits formalin-induced TMJ hypernociception. On the other hand, the direct administration of 15d-PGJ2 into the dorsal root ganglion was ineffective in blocking PGE2-induced hypernociception. In addition, the 15d-PGJ2 antinociceptive effect was enhanced by the increase of macrophage population in paw tissue due to local injection of thioglycollate, suggesting the involvement of these cells on the 15d-PGJ2-antinociceptive effect. Moreover, the antinociceptive effect of 15d-PGJ2 was also blocked by naloxone and by the PPAR-γ antagonist 2-chloro-5-nitro-N-phenylbenzamide (GW9662), suggesting the involvement of peripheral opioids and PPAR-γ receptor in the process. Similar to opioids, the 15d-PGJ2 antinociceptive action depends on the nitric oxide/cGMP/protein kinase G \batchmode \documentclass[fleqn,10pt,legalpaper]{article} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amsmath} \pagestyle{empty} \begin{document} \((\mathrm{PKG}){/}\mathrm{K}_{\mathrm{ATP}}^{+}\) \end{document} channel pathway because it was prevented by the pretreatment with the inhibitors of nitric-oxide synthase (NG-monomethyl-l-arginine acetate), guanylate cyclase]1H-(1,2,4)-oxadiazolo(4,2-α)quinoxalin-1-one[, PKG [indolo[2,3-a]pyrrolo[3,4-c]carbazole aglycone (KT5823)], or with the ATP-sensitive potassium channel blocker glibenclamide. Taken together, these results demonstrate for the first time that 15d-PGJ2 inhibits inflammatory hypernociception via PPAR-γ activation. This effect seems to be dependent on endogenous opioids and local macrophages.
The Impact of Parental Divorce on Children's Educational Attainment, Marital Timing, and Likelihood of Divorce.

This paper argues that parental divorce diminishes the economic and social resources available to children which in turn has negative consequences for childrens educational attainment marital timing marital probability and divorce probability. Based on a combined sample of national data for white respondents only the analysis shows that parental divorce is associated with lower educational attainment and earlier age at marriage for both sexes. Daughters of divorced parents have a higher probability of being divorced. For sons of divorced parents the probability of ever marrying is lower and of divorcing is higher only if they have lower social class backgrounds. (authors)
Face recognition algorithms as models of human face processing

We evaluated the adequacy of computational algorithms as models of human face processing by looking at how the algorithms and humans process individual faces. By comparing model- and human-generated measures of the similarity between pairs of faces, we were able to assess the accord between several automatic face recognition algorithms and human perceivers. Multidimensional scaling (MDS) was used to create a spatial representation of the subject response patterns. Next, the model response patterns were projected into this space. The results revealed a common bimodal structure for both the subjects and for most of the models. The bimodal subject structure reflected strategy differences in making similarity decisions. For the models, the bimodal structure was related to combined aspects of the representations and the distance metrics used in the implementations.
Aflatoxins and Aflatoxicosis in Human and Animals

Moldy feed toxicosis was recognized as a serious livestock problem in the 1950's but it was only in 1960 during the investigations in the United Kingdom of moldy feed toxicosis which was called Turkey “x” disease, that A. flavus and A. parasiticus were identified as the organisms responsible for the elaboration of the toxin in the feed. The earliest symptoms of the disease are lithargy and muscular weakness followed by death. The term aflatoxin now refers to group of bisfuranocoumarin metabolites isolated from strains of A. flavus group of fungi. The toxic material derived from the fungus A. flavus was given the name "aflatoxin" in 1962 (Sargeant et al., 1963). Aflatoxins fluoresce strongly in ultra violet light. The major members are designated as B1, B2, G1 and G2. B1 and B2 fluoresces blue, while Gl and G2 fluoresces green. In some animal species in dairy cattle, aflatoxin B1 and B2 are partially metabolized to the hydroxylated derivates namely M1 and M2, respectively. Aflatoxin P1 is a urinary metabolite of Bl in monkeys. All aflatoxins absorb UV light in the range of 362-363nm, a characteristic used in preliminary identification. The growth of toxigenic molds and elaboration of the toxin occurs if moisture conditions are ideal following harvest and storage. Although initially aflatoxin was detected in the peanut meal it is now known that a variety of cereals, and other plant products are susceptible to fungal invasion and mycotoxin production. The occurrence of aflatoxins in agricultural commodities depends on such factors as region, season and the conditions under which a particular crop is grown, harvested or stored. Because of the wide spread nature of fungi producing aflatoxins in food materials, international agencies have now permitted the presence of 20 ppb of aflatoxin in food materials as the maximum permissible level. In 1993 aflatoxin by the World Health Organization (WHO) for cancer research institutions designated as a Class 1 carcinogen, is a highly poisonous toxic substances. Aflatoxin is harmful to human and animal liver tissue
Parallel somatotopic maps of gustatory and mechanosensory neurons in the central nervous system of an insect

Relatively little is still known about the sense of taste, or contact chemoreception, compared with other sensory modalities, despite its importance to many aspects of animal behaviour. The central projections of the sensory neurons from bimodal contact chemoreceptors (basiconic sensilla) were compared with those from mechanosensory tactile hairs located on similar regions of the middle leg of the locust. Basiconic sensilla are multiply innervated, containing one mechanosensory and several chemosensory neurons, whereas tactile hairs are innervated by a single mechanosensory neuron. We show that the sensory neurons from tactile hairs form a complete 3‐dimensional somatotopic map in the mesothoracic ganglion. Sensory neurons from hairs located on the coxa projected to a region near the midline of the ganglion with neurons from hairs located on progressively more distal parts of the leg arborizing in successively more lateral regions of neuropil. All the neurons from basiconic sensilla, both mechanosensory and chemosensory, also projected in a similar, strictly somatotopic, manner, and the arbors from these neurons overlapped considerably with those from tactile hairs on equivalent parts of the leg to form a continuous region. Thus, the position of a receptor on the leg is preserved in the central nervous system not only for the mechanosensory neurons from both tactile hairs and basiconic sensilla but also for chemosensory neurons. We could observe no anatomical features or small differences in projection region between sensory neurons from individual basiconic sensilla consistent with differences in modality. J. Comp. Neurol. 425:82–96, 2000. © 2000 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Maximizing the opportunities and minimizing the adverse effects of a changing environment

Scrutinizes the pace of change in society as a whole, and points out that successful management of change in the workplace is a continual struggle. In view of this: defines true change management and lists the expected results of successful change; continues to consider our reactions to change; and suggests a final difficulty to be maintaining a lasting change in behaviour. Questions responses to change, lists items for consideration when planning change and concludes by highlighting the fact that organizations today can only compete and thrive by improving and changing internally.
Understanding the Importance of Musical and Visual Factors in Creating Mood in Animated Films

This paper proposes a study to investigate the differences between musical soundtracks and visual graphics when used as devices for creating mood in animated films. An experimental animation of approximately 30 seconds in length will be created and presented in ten different variations; the original “neutral” film with no sound track, three versions with contrasting musical soundtracks, three versions with contrasting graphical treatments, and three versions that combine the musical soundtracks with the graphical treatments. Subjects will be asked to rate each film on a scale designed to measure mood. Expected results are that significant differences will be observed between the use of music alone, visual treatments alone and the combination of both. Implications for how best to utilize music in combination with visuals will be posited based on the results of the study.
Binge-like eating in mice.

OBJECTIVE Given the lack of reliable murine model of binge-like eating, we tried to induce this pathological behavior in mice. METHOD We used an experimental protocol mimicking the etiological factors involved in the development of binge eating in humans, that is, food restriction, refeeding (R-R) in presence of high palatable food, and stress (S). RESULTS Mice subjected to at least three cycles of R-R plus S (forced swimming stress), showed a binge-like behavior evident as early as 4 h, persisting 24 h after stress application and not associated to depressive-like behavior. However, after the third R-R/S cycle, food intakes of mice returned to normal levels. DISCUSSION (i) at least three cycles of R-R plus S are required to promote abnormal eating in mice, (ii) this is not associated to depressive-like behaviors, and (iii) the enhanced pathological behavior showed a transient nature not persisting after the third R-R/S cycle.
Dietary Gut Microbial Metabolites, Short-chain Fatty Acids, and Host Metabolic Regulation

During feeding, the gut microbiota contributes to the host energy acquisition and metabolic regulation thereby influencing the development of metabolic disorders such as obesity and diabetes. Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) such as acetate, butyrate, and propionate, which are produced by gut microbial fermentation of dietary fiber, are recognized as essential host energy sources and act as signal transduction molecules via G-protein coupled receptors (FFAR2, FFAR3, OLFR78, GPR109A) and as epigenetic regulators of gene expression by the inhibition of histone deacetylase (HDAC). Recent evidence suggests that dietary fiber and the gut microbial-derived SCFAs exert multiple beneficial effects on the host energy metabolism not only by improving the intestinal environment, but also by directly affecting various host peripheral tissues. In this review, we summarize the roles of gut microbial SCFAs in the host energy regulation and present an overview of the current understanding of its physiological functions.
Knowledge-based fast evolutionary MCTS for general video game playing

General Video Game Playing is a game AI domain in which the usage of game-dependent domain knowledge is very limited or even non existent. This imposes obvious difficulties when seeking to create agents able to play sets of different games. Taken more broadly, this issue can be used as an introduction to the field of General Artificial Intelligence. This paper explores the performance of a vanilla Monte Carlo Tree Search algorithm, and analyzes the main difficulties encountered when tackling this kind of scenarios. Modifications are proposed to overcome these issues, strengthening the algorithm's ability to gather and discover knowledge, and taking advantage of past experiences. Results show that the performance of the algorithm is significantly improved, although there remain unresolved problems that require further research. The framework employed in this research is publicly available and will be used in the General Video Game Playing competition at the IEEE Conference on Computational Intelligence and Games in 2014.