Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Statins induce differentiation and cell death in neurons and astroglia

Statins are potent inhibitors of the hydroxy‐methyl‐glutaryl‐coenzyme A reductase, the rate limiting enzyme for cholesterol biosynthesis. Experimental and clinical studies with statins suggest that they have beneficial effects on neurodegenerative disorders. Thus, it was of interest to characterize the direct effects of statins on CNS neurons and glial cells. We have treated defined cultures of neurons and astrocytes of newborn rats with two lipophilic statins, atorvastatin and simvastatin, and analyzed their effects on morphology and survival. Treatment of astrocytes with statins induced a time‐ and dose‐dependent stellation, followed by apoptosis. Similarly, statins elicited programmed cell death of cerebellar granule neurons but with a higher sensitivity. Analysis of different signaling cascades revealed that statins fail to influence classical pathways such as Akt or MAP kinases, known to be activated in CNS cells. In addition, astrocyte stellation triggered by statins resembled dibutryl‐cyclic AMP (db‐cAMP) induced morphological differentiation. However, in contrast to db‐cAMP, statins induced upregulation of low‐density lipoprotein receptors, without affecting GFAP expression, indicating separate underlying mechanisms. Analysis of the cholesterol biosynthetic pathway revealed that lack of mevalonate and of its downstream metabolites, mainly geranylgeranyl‐pyrophosphate (GGPP), is responsible for the statin‐induced apoptosis of neurons and astrocytes. Moreover, astrocytic stellation triggered by statins was inhibited by mevalonate and GGPP. Interestingly, neuronal cell death was significantly reduced in astrocyte/neuron co‐cultures treated with statins. We postulate that under these conditions signals provided by astrocytes, e.g., isoprenoids play a key role in neuronal survival. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A Robust and Fast Action Selection Mechanism for Planning

The ability to plan and react in dynamic environments is central to intelligent behavior yet few algorithms have managed to combine fast planning with a robust execution. In this paper we develop one such algorithm by looking at planning as real time search. For that we develop a variation of Korf's Learning Real Time A* algorithm together with a suitable heuristic function. The resulting algorithm interleaves lookahead with execution and never builds a plan. It is an action selection mechanism that decides at each time point what to do next. Yet it solves hard planning problems faster than any domain independent planning algorithm known to us, including the powerful SAT planner recently introduced by Kautz and Selman. It also works in the presence of perturbations and noise, and can be given a fixed time window to operate. We illustrate each of these features by running the algorithm on a number of benchmark problems.
Induction, Purification and Characterization of a Novel Manganese Peroxidase from Irpex lacteus CD2 and Its Application in the Decolorization of Different Types of Dye

Manganese peroxidase (MnP) is the one of the important ligninolytic enzymes produced by lignin-degrading fungi which has the great application value in the field of environmental biotechnology. Searching for new MnP with stronger tolerance to metal ions and organic solvents is important for the maximization of potential of MnP in the biodegradation of recalcitrant xenobiotics. In this study, it was found that oxalic acid, veratryl alcohol and 2,6-Dimehoxyphenol could stimulate the synthesis of MnP in the white-rot fungus Irpex lacteus CD2. A novel manganese peroxidase named as CD2-MnP was purified and characterized from this fungus. CD2-MnP had a strong capability for tolerating different metal ions such as Ca2+, Cd2+, Co2+, Mg2+, Ni2+ and Zn2+ as well as organic solvents such as methanol, ethanol, DMSO, ethylene glycol, isopropyl alcohol, butanediol and glycerin. The different types of dyes including the azo dye (Remazol Brilliant Violet 5R, Direct Red 5B), anthraquinone dye (Remazol Brilliant Blue R), indigo dye (Indigo Carmine) and triphenylmethane dye (Methyl Green) as well as simulated textile wastewater could be efficiently decolorized by CD2-MnP. CD2-MnP also had a strong ability of decolorizing different dyes with the coexistence of metal ions and organic solvents. In summary, CD2-MnP from Irpex lacteus CD2 could effectively degrade a broad range of synthetic dyes and exhibit a great potential for environmental biotechnology.
Analysis of the Redundant Energy in UW-OFDM

In this paper, we consider unique-word (UW) OFDM, where the guard interval, filled with known samples, is a part of the inverse FFT output. In order to construct the known samples in the UW-OFDM signal, a number of carriers needs to be reserved as redundant carriers. The information modulated on these redundant carriers depends on the transmitted data. However, the energy transmitted on the redundant carriers strongly depends on the positions of these redundant carriers. In this paper, we consider the distribution of the redundant carriers from that is suboptimal but yields an average redundant energy that is close to the minimum, and analytically evaluate the redundant energy as a function of the system parameters, i.e. the FFT length, the number of redundant carriers and the length of the unique word. Based on our results, a simple rule of thumb can be obtained for the selection of the system parameters, which is helpful in the design of UW-OFDM systems.
Virtual cochlear electrode insertion via parallel transport frame

We present an automatic, fast and parametrizable algorithm to perform the virtual insertion of a cochlear electrode array into a pre-existent mesh of the human cochlea. Our method reorients the electrode according to the parallel transport frame, a local parameterization of the cochlear centerline directions, robust to the centerline curvature changes. It allows to control the initial roll angle and the extension of insertion from full to partial. Such a virtual insertion, chained with finite element simulations on the electrical activity of the electrode and the cochlear nerves, will enable to test in silico the effects of implant design and positioning on a given patient, and optimize these parameters accordingly.
Rhythmic similarity of music based on dynamic periodicity warping

This paper introduces a new way to measure rhythmic similarity between two musical pieces using periodicity spectra. In order to detect similarity for pieces of different tempi, the linearity of the warping path between their spectra serves as a measure of their rhythmic similarity. Using a modified kNN classification approach on two datasets, the proposed measure provides comparable classification accuracy (82.1%) to the best of widely used measures (85.5%) for the first dataset; For the second dataset, which is characterized by a large variance of tempi, the proposed measure outperforms all reference measures, reaching an accuracy of 69.0%, while the best of the other measures reaches 53.8%. Moreover, the presented technique works fully automatically, and no information regarding tempo is needed.
Embedded vision system for pedestrian detection based on HOG+SVM and use of motion information implemented in Zynq heterogeneous device

Pedestrian detection is a very important application of embedded real-time vision systems. It is essential in Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and Advanced Video Surveillance Systems (AVSS). The most widely used method involves a combination of Histogram of Oriented Gradients (HOG) features and Support Vector Machine (SVM) classifier. It offers quite high detection accuracy at the cost of high computational complexity. Therefore, it is impossible to use GPP-based (General Purpose Processor) embedded systems for this application. In this paper a hardware-software HOG+SVM pedestrian detection system implemented in a heterogeneous Xilinx Zynq device is presented. The base algorithm is supported with detection grouping and tracking procedures. They increase the performance of the solution, especially in case of temporal partially occluded or vague visible objects. The system is able to process a 1280 × 720 @ 60 fps video stream in real-time.
Hyperspectral Data Processing Algorithms

Hyperspectral imaging is concerned with the measurement, analysis, and interpretation of spectra acquired from a given scene (or specific object) at a short, medium, or long distance by an airborne or satellite sensor [1]. The concept of hyperspectral imaging originated at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in California with the development of the Airborne visible infrared imaging spectrometer (AVIRIS), able to cover the wavelength region from 400 to 2500 nm using more than 200 spectral channels, at nominal spectral resolution of 10 nm [2]. As a result, each pixel vector collected by a hyperspectral instrument can be seen as a spectral signature or fingerprint of the underlying materials within the pixel. The special characteristics of hyperspectral data sets pose different processing problems [3], which must be necessarily tackled under specific mathematical formalisms, such as classification, segmentation, image coding, or spectral mixture analysis [4]. These problems also require specific dedicated processing software and hardware platforms. In most studies, techniques are divided into full-pixel and mixed-pixel techniques, where each pixel vector defines a spectral signature or fingerprint that uniquely characterizes the underlying materials at each site in a scene [5]. Mostly based on previous efforts in multispectral imaging, full-pixel techniques assume that each pixel vector measures the response of one single underlying material. Often, however, this is not a realistic assumption. If the spatial resolution of the sensor is not fine enough to separate different pure signature classes at a macroscopic level, these can jointly occupy a single pixel, and the resulting spectral signature will be a composite of the individual pure spectra, called endmembers in hyperspectral terminology [6]. Mixed pixels can also result when distinct materials are combined into a homogeneous or intimate mixture, which occurs independently of the spatial resolution of the sensor. contents
Power-efficient rendez-vous schemes for dense wireless sensor networks

We propose two generic rendez-vous schemes for dense wireless sensor networks, including the transmitter- and receiver-initiated cycled receiver schemes. Our studies include the analyses and comparisons of their power efficiencies, especially under a fading channel as a realistic physical layer. We believe our modeling strategies as well as the results are applicable to any rendez-vous scheme of the cycled- receiver nature. The paper further proposes precise guidelines and optimization strategies for synchronization in wireless sensor networks.
Increase in the number of submitted maps for design purposes as a determinant of proper spatial planning policy

Abstract Spatial planning policy is to set objectives and means through which public administrative authorities intend to shape the development of a specific area. This policy is to lead to the most rational use of the human environment. It is supported by spatial planning which, using local land use plans, helps clarify the concept of spatial planning policy, and it is also actively involved in its implementation. Spatial planning may not, however, exist independently. It is clearly related to other areas, without which the implementation of the spatial planning policy would be impossible. Surveying and construction are those sectors which are undoubtedly related to spatial planning. Surveying studies determine the location of future objects defined in the planning processes, whereas these structures are implemented in investment processes. The above correlation suggests a conclusion regarding the possibility to use building processes, as well as the preceding surveying work, as the indicator of the correct implementation of the spatial planing policy. In order to verify whether the number and location of investments may be in fact associated with the general concept contained in the spatial planning policy, the analysis of the spatio-temporal distribution of surveying works initiating the construction processes was performed, i.e. maps for design purposes for the town of Niepołomice. The resulting cartographic studies were compared with graphic enclosures to the planning documents prepared for the area within the administrative boundaries of the town. The studies were performed for the years 2003-2015.
5S rRNA Data Bank

In this paper we present the updated version of the compilation of 5S rRNA and 5S rDNA nucleotide sequences. It contains 1622 primary structures of 5S rRNAs and 5S rRNA genes from 888 species. These include 58 archaeal, 427 eubacterial, 34 plastid, nine mitochondrial and 1094 eukaryotic DNA or RNA nucleotide sequences. The sequence entries are divided according to the taxonomic position of the organisms. All individual sequences deposited in the 5S rRNA Database can be retrieved using the WWW-based, taxonomic browser at http://rose.man. poznan.pl/5SData/5SRNA.html++ + or http://www.chemie. fu-berlin.de/fb_chemie/agerdmann/5S_rRNA. html . The files with complete sets of data as well as sequence alignments are available via anonymous ftp.
Study on Precision Positioning System of Two-Dimensional Platform Based on High-Speed and Large-Range

A two-dimensional ultra-precision positioning system with high-speed and large-range which can be used in a micro-nanometer machining has been studied in this paper. The macro-micro dual-drive system is used to satisfy these positioning requirements. Because of the strong nonlinearity of the piezoelectric devices, such as the hysteresis and the creep, and the influence of the highly accelerated run of the macro-positioning stage, the traditional PID control can not provide a good control performance for this system. According to the positioning accuracy demands of the ultra-precision positioning system, a PID position controlling system based on adaptive neural-fuzzy inference is proposed in this paper. The experimental data show that the performance of the intelligent control is much better than that of the traditional PID control. The repeated positioning error of this system is not more than 10nm grade.
Interest of corrective makeup in the management of patients in dermatology

Background Disfiguring dermatoses may have a significant impact on patients’ quality of life, namely on their relationship with others, self image, and self esteem. Some previous studies have suggested that corrective foundation can improve the quality of life (QOL) of patients with facial dermatoses; in particular, in patients with acne vulgaris or pigmentary disorders. Objective The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the impact of the skin conditions of patients with various skin diseases affecting their face (scars, acne, rosacea, melasma, vitiligo, hypo or hyperpigmentation, lentigines, etc) on their QOL and the improvement afforded by the use of corrective makeup for 1 month after being instructed on how to use it by a medical cosmetician during an initial medical consultation. Methods One hundred and twenty-nine patients with various skin diseases affecting the patients’ face were investigated. The patients were instructed by a cosmetician on how to use corrective makeup (complexion, eyes, and lips) and applied it for 1 month. The safety of the makeup application was evaluated and the QOL was assessed via a questionnaire (DLQI) and using a 10-cm visual analog scale (VAS) completed before the first application and at the final visit. The amelioration of their appearance was documented by standardized photography. Results No side effects occurred during the course of the study. A comparison of the standardized photographs taken at each visit showed the patients’ significant improvement in appearance due to the application of corrective makeup. The mean DLQI score dropped significantly from 9.90 ± 0.73 to 3.49 ± 0.40 (P < 0.0001). Conclusion Our results suggest that dermatologists should encourage patients with disfiguring dermatoses to utilize appropriate and safe makeup to improve their appearance and their QOL. Corrective makeup can also complement the treatment of face dermatological diseases in order to improve patient’s adherence.
On the Tomography of Networks and Multicast Trees

In this paper we model the tomography of scale free networks by studying the structure of layers around an arbitrary network node. We find, both analytically and empirically, that the distance distribution of all nodes from a specific network node consists of two regimes. The first is characterized by rapid growth, and the second decays exponentially. We also show that the nodes degree distribution at each layer is a power law with an exponential cut-off. We obtain similar results for the layers surrounding the root of multicast trees cut from such networks, as well as the Internet. All of our results were obtained both analytically and on empirical Interenet data.
Unguarded Recursion on Coinductive Resumptions

We study a model of side-effecting processes obtained by starting from a monad modelling base effects and adjoining free operations using a cofree coalgebra construction; one thus arrives at what one may think of as types of non-wellfounded side-effecting trees, generalizing the infinite resumption monad. Types of this kind have received some attention in the recent literature; in particular, it has been shown that they admit guarded iteration. Here, we show that they also admit unguarded iteration, i.e. form complete Elgot monads, provided that the underlying base effect supports unguarded iteration.
AdImage: video advertising by image matching and ad scheduling optimization

With the prevalence of recording devices and the ease of media sharing, consumers are embracing huge amounts of Internet videos. There arise the needs for effective video advertisement systems following their phenomenal success in text. We propose a novel advertising system, AdImage, which automatically associates relevant ads by matching characteristic images, referred to as adImages (analogous to adWords) here. The proposed image matching method is invariant to certain distortions commonly observed in shared videos. AdImage also avoids the pitfalls of poor tagging qualities in shared videos and provides a brand-new venue to specify ad targets by image objects. Moreover, we formulate the image matching scores and the parameterized bidding information as a nonlinear optimization problem for maximizing the system revenues and user perception.
Centrosome amplification drives chromosomal instability in breast tumor development

Earlier studies of invasive breast tumors have shown that 60–80% are aneuploid and ≈80% exhibit amplified centrosomes. In this study, we investigated the relationship of centrosome amplification with aneuploidy, chromosomal instability, p53 mutation, and loss of differentiation in human breast tumors. Twenty invasive breast tumors and seven normal breast tissues were analyzed by fluorescence in situ hybridization with centromeric probes to chromosomes 3, 7, and 17. We analyzed these tumors for both aneuploidy and unstable karyotypes as determined by chromosomal instability. The results were then tested for correlation with three measures of centrosome amplification: centrosome size, centrosome number, and centrosome microtubule nucleation capacity. Centrosome size and centrosome number both showed a positive, significant, linear correlation with aneuploidy and chromosomal instability. Microtubule nucleation capacity showed no such correlation, but did correlate significantly with loss of tissue differentiation. Centrosome amplification was detected in in situ ductal carcinomas, suggesting that centrosome amplification is an early event in these lesions. Centrosome amplification and chromosomal instability occurred independently of p53 mutation, whereas p53 mutation was associated with a significant increase in centrosome microtubule nucleation capacity. Together, these results demonstrate that independent aspects of centrosome amplification correlate with chromosomal instability and loss of tissue differentiation and may be involved in tumor development and progression. These results further suggest that aspects of centrosome amplification may have clinical diagnostic and/or prognostic value and that the centrosome may be a potential target for cancer therapy.
Implications for conifer glacial refugia and postglacial climatic variation in western Beringia from lake sediments of the Upper Indigirka basin

A c. 13 800 cal. a BP palynological record from Tschuch'ye Lake (eastern Yakutia), when combined with other palaeobotanical records from western Beringia, supports previous conclusions that Larix and Pinus pumila spread from multiple cryptic refugia during the Lateglacial period and middle Holocene, respectively. The antiquity and spatial distribution of Larix in many of these records suggest that full‐glacial landscapes probably had a small but important tree component. The Tschuch'ye record further indicates the absence of a Younger Dryas climatic reversal and is in accord with the preponderance of other data from western Beringia, which indicate warmer than present climates between c. 12 900 and 9100 cal. a BP. The subsequent spread of Pinus pumila, which has similar temperature requirements as Larix, denotes a shift to wetter but still warm climates during the middle Holocene, with palynological data suggesting optimal conditions in far western areas of western Beringia c. 7000–5000 cal. a BP. The postglacial occurrence of relatively warm/dry and warm/wet intervals is consistent with results of a regional climate‐model simulation that indicates warmer than present temperatures and decreased effective moisture at 11 000 cal. a BP and persistence of warm conditions but with greater moisture and longer growing season at 6000 cal. a BP.
PT symmetry in classical and quantum statistical mechanics

-symmetric Hamiltonians and transfer matrices arise naturally in statistical mechanics. These classical and quantum models often require the use of complex or negative weights and thus fall outside the conventional equilibrium statistical mechanics of Hermitian systems. -symmetric models form a natural class where the partition function is necessarily real, but not necessarily positive. The correlation functions of these models display a much richer set of behaviours than Hermitian systems, displaying sinusoidally modulated exponential decay, as in a dense fluid, or even sinusoidal modulation without decay. Classical spin models with -symmetry include Z(N) models with a complex magnetic field, the chiral Potts model and the anisotropic next-nearest-neighbour Ising model. Quantum many-body problems with a non-zero chemical potential have a natural -symmetric representation related to the sign problem. Two-dimensional quantum chromodynamics with heavy quarks at non-zero chemical potential can be solved by diagonalizing an appropriate -symmetric Hamiltonian.