Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Visual and Nonvisual Contributions to Three-Dimensional Heading Selectivity in the Medial Superior Temporal Area

Robust perception of self-motion requires integration of visual motion signals with nonvisual cues. Neurons in the dorsal subdivision of the medial superior temporal area (MSTd) may be involved in this sensory integration, because they respond selectively to global patterns of optic flow, as well as translational motion in darkness. Using a virtual-reality system, we have characterized the three-dimensional (3D) tuning of MSTd neurons to heading directions defined by optic flow alone, inertial motion alone, and congruent combinations of the two cues. Among 255 MSTd neurons, 98% exhibited significant 3D heading tuning in response to optic flow, whereas 64% were selective for heading defined by inertial motion. Heading preferences for visual and inertial motion could be aligned but were just as frequently opposite. Moreover, heading selectivity in response to congruent visual/vestibular stimulation was typically weaker than that obtained using optic flow alone, and heading preferences under congruent stimulation were dominated by the visual input. Thus, MSTd neurons generally did not integrate visual and nonvisual cues to achieve better heading selectivity. A simple two-layer neural network, which received eye-centered visual inputs and head-centered vestibular inputs, reproduced the major features of the MSTd data. The network was trained to compute heading in a head-centered reference frame under all stimulus conditions, such that it performed a selective reference-frame transformation of visual, but not vestibular, signals. The similarity between network hidden units and MSTd neurons suggests that MSTd may be an early stage of sensory convergence involved in transforming optic flow information into a (head-centered) reference frame that facilitates integration with vestibular signals.
Cosuppression of Sprouty and Sprouty-Related Negative Regulators of FGF Signalling in Prostate Cancer: A Working Hypothesis

Deregulation of FGF receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) signalling is common in prostate cancer. Normally, to moderate RTK signalling, induction of Sprouty (SPRY) and Sprouty-related (SPRED) antagonists occurs. Whilst decreased SPRY and SPRED has been described in some cancers, their role in prostate cancer is poorly understood. Therefore, we hypothesise that due to the need for tight regulation of RTK signalling, SPRY and SPRED negative regulators provide a degree of redundancy which ensures that a suppression of one or more family member does not lead to disease. Contrary to this, our analyses of prostates from 24-week-old Spry1- or Spry2-deficientmice, either hemizygous (+/−) or homozygous (−/−) for the null allele, revealed a significantly greater incidence of PIN compared to wild-type littermates. We further investigated redundancy of negative regulators in the clinical setting in a preliminary analysis of Gene Expression Omnibus and Oncomine human prostate cancer datasets. Consistent with our hypothesis, in two datasets analysed a significant cosuppression of SPRYs and SPREDs is evident. These findings demonstrate the importance of negative regulators of receptor tyrosine signalling, such as Spry, in the clinical setting, and highlight their importance for future pharmacopeia.
Animal Models of Diabetes Mellitus for Islet Transplantation

Due to current improvements in techniques for islet isolation and transplantation and protocols for immunosuppressants, islet transplantation has become an effective treatment for severe diabetes patients. Many diabetic animal models have contributed to such improvements. In this paper, we focus on 3 types of models with different mechanisms for inducing diabetes mellitus (DM): models induced by drugs including streptozotocin (STZ), pancreatomized models, and spontaneous models due to autoimmunity. STZ-induced diabetes is one of the most commonly used experimental diabetic models and is employed using many specimens including rodents, pigs or monkeys. The management of STZ models is well established for islet studies. Pancreatomized models reveal different aspects compared to STZ-induced models in terms of loss of function in the increase and decrease of blood glucose and therefore are useful for evaluating the condition in total pancreatomized patients. Spontaneous models are useful for preclinical studies including the assessment of immunosuppressants because such models involve the same mechanisms as type 1 DM in the clinical setting. In conclusion, islet researchers should select suitable diabetic animal models according to the aim of the study.
Discovery of Temporal Associations in Multivariate Time Series

Multivariate time series are common in many application domains, particularly in industrial processes with a large number of sensors installed for process monitoring and control. Often, such data encapsulate complex relations among individual series. This paper presents a new type of patterns in multivariate time series, referred to as temporal associations, to capture a wide range of local relations along and across individual series. A scalable algorithm is developed to discover frequent associations by incorporating (1) redundancy pruning of patterns in single time series and (2) two conditions to avoid over-counting the occurrences of associations, thus greatly reducing the space and runtime complexity of the discovery process. A statistical significance measure is also introduced for ranking and post-pruning discovered associations. To evaluate the proposed method, synthetic data sets and a real world data set taken from the time series mining repository as well as a large data set obtained from a delayed coking plant are used. The experiments demonstrated that the discovered associations capture the local relations in multiple time series and that the proposed method is scalable to large data sets.
Die Rolle des Staates in privaten Governance Strukturen

We first give a brief sketch of the economic tasks the government has to perform, before three issues are discussed in more detail: public production, competition policy, and government interventions in Corporate Governance. These three issues are of particular political relevance in Switzerland, partly because the Swiss citizens clearly expressed in referenda that they prefer a larger role of the government in these areas than most economists recommend. Finally, we discuss two developments which have shifted the perspective by which the role of the government is viewed: the increasing internationalisation of economic policy and the role of intermediary institutions between the state and the market.
A superimposition control construct for distributed systems

A control structure called a superimposition is proposed. The structure contains schematic abstractions of processes called roletypes in its declaration. Each roletype may be bound to processes from a basic distributed algorithm, and the operations of the roletype will then execute interleaved with those of the basic processes, over the same state space. This structure captures a kind of modularity natural for distributed programming, which previously has been treated using a macro-like implantation of code. The elements of a superimposition are identified, a syntax is suggested, correctness criteria are defined, and examples are presented
Research of Speed Observer Based on Neural Network Optimized by Fast Modified ACO in DTCs

To enhance its global optimization speed, the basic ant colony optimization (ACO) is modified, then it is used to optimize the neural networks (NN), and the optimized NN is applied to the direct torque control (DTC) system, so that the rotate speed can be observed. The DTC with speed sensorless is implemented at last. The research of simulation shows that, the modified ACO has eminent global optimization performance and fast convergence rate, the rotate speed of the system is able to be observed by the DTC system with the NN optimized by this method exactly, thereby, the DTC with speed sensorless can be implement.
Interleaved PWM with discontinuous space-vector modulation

This paper describes the effect of interleaved discontinuous space-vector modulation (SVM) in paralleled three-phase systems using three-phase pulsewidth modulation (PWM) rectifiers as an example. At the discontinuous point of the SVM, the phase shift between the switching signals of the paralleled modules generates a zero-sequence excitation to the system. Because the conventional control in a balanced three-phase system with only dq channels cannot reject this disturbance, a beat-frequency circulating current will develop on the zero axis. Based on this observation, a SVM without using zero vectors is used to eliminate the cause of pure zero-sequence current for parallel operation. Using this SVM, the circulating current is observable in dq channels. It can be suppressed dynamically by strong current loops of power-factor-correction (PFC) circuits. The concept is verified experimentally on a breadboard system.
Improving Turbo Codes for 5G with parity puncture-constrained interleavers

A new method to design punctured Turbo Codes (TCs) with improved performance in both the waterfall and error floor regions is introduced. First, the puncturing pattern is selected by analyzing the constituent code distance spectrum and the TC extrinsic information exchange using uniform interleavers. Then, the interleaver function is defined via a graph-based approach including different design criteria such as minimum span, correlation girth, and puncturing constraints during the design process. An application example is elaborated and compared with the Long Term Evolution (LTE) standard: a significant gain in error rate performance can be observed. An additional benefit of the proposed technique is a significant reduction of the search space for the different interleaver parameters.
Writers, Readers, and Erasers of Histone Ubiquitylation in DNA Double-Strand Break Repair

DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) are highly cytotoxic DNA lesions, whose faulty repair may alter the content and organization of cellular genomes. To counteract this threat, numerous signaling and repair proteins are recruited hierarchically to the chromatin areas surrounding DSBs to facilitate accurate lesion repair and restoration of genome integrity. In vertebrate cells, ubiquitin-dependent modifications of histones adjacent to DSBs by RNF8, RNF168, and other ubiquitin ligases have a key role in promoting the assembly of repair protein complexes, serving as direct recruitment platforms for a range of genome caretaker proteins and their associated factors. These DNA damage-induced chromatin ubiquitylation marks provide an essential component of a histone code for DSB repair that is controlled by multifaceted regulatory circuits, underscoring its importance for genome stability maintenance. In this review, we provide a comprehensive account of how DSB-induced histone ubiquitylation is sensed, decoded and modulated by an elaborate array of repair factors and regulators. We discuss how these mechanisms impact DSB repair pathway choice and functionality for optimal protection of genome integrity, as well as cell and organismal fitness.
A Multiset Approach for Recognition of Handwritten Characters Using Puzzle Pieces

Image pattern matching is one of the most widely used techniques in character recognition. A pattern is the description of an object. Although a large number of papers have been reported on handwritten character recognition, it is still a very challenging problem. Recognition of characters is based on pattern classification. In this paper a hybrid approach is proposed using fuzzy technique and multiset comparison to recognize handwritten characters. Fuzzy technique is used to measure the variations in the features of handwritten numerals to form strings of character. Features are selected from the preprocessed image and the feature is labeled using fuzzy logic. Strings of a character are formed from these labeled primitives. Each string is divided into a multiset of puzzle pieces by repeatedly applying a mask which is comprised of all ones. The string is padded with anchors at the beginning and end. The mask is placed over the string, beginning at a certain character, and reading off all characters corresponding to 1 bit in the mask, thus producing one puzzle piece. To divide a string into multiset of puzzle pieces, the mask is applied at all shifts in the string starting at each character. Thus for each prototype character, we associate a multiset of puzzle pieces, which form the database. The multiset of puzzle pieces of an unknown character is constructed and compared with the same in the database, leading to the identification of the unknown character.
Spina Bifida: Pathogenesis, Mechanisms, and Genes in Mice and Humans

Spina bifida is among the phenotypes of the larger condition known as neural tube defects (NTDs). It is the most common central nervous system malformation compatible with life and the second leading cause of birth defects after congenital heart defects. In this review paper, we define spina bifida and discuss the phenotypes seen in humans as described by both surgeons and embryologists in order to compare and ultimately contrast it to the leading animal model, the mouse. Our understanding of spina bifida is currently limited to the observations we make in mouse models, which reflect complete or targeted knockouts of genes, which perturb the whole gene(s) without taking into account the issue of haploinsufficiency, which is most prominent in the human spina bifida condition. We thus conclude that the need to study spina bifida in all its forms, both aperta and occulta, is more indicative of the spina bifida in surviving humans and that the measure of deterioration arising from caudal neural tube defects, more commonly known as spina bifida, must be determined by the level of the lesion both in mouse and in man.
The Drosophila cyst stem cell lineage

In all animals, germline cells differentiate in intimate contact with somatic cells and interactions between germline and soma are particularly important for germline development and function. In the male gonad of Drosophila melanogaster, the developing germline cells are enclosed by somatic cyst cells. The cyst cells are derived from cyst stem cells (CySCs) of somatic origin and codifferentiate with the germline cells. The fast generation cycle and the genetic tractability of Drosophila has made the Drosophila testis an excellent model for studying both the roles of somatic cells in guiding germline development and the interdependence of two separate stem cell lineages. This review focuses on our current understanding of CySC specification, CySC self-renewing divisions, cyst cell differentiation, and soma-germline interactions. Many of the mechanisms guiding these processes in Drosophila testes are similarly essential for the development and function of tissues in other organisms, most importantly for gametogenesis in mammals.
The development of a tongue assessment tool to assist with tongue-tie identification

Aim To produce a simple tool with good transferability to provide a consistent assessment of tongue appearance and function in infants with tongue-tie. Methods The Bristol Tongue Assessment Tool (BTAT) was developed based on clinical practice and with reference to the Hazelbaker Assessment Tool for Lingual Frenulum Function (ATLFF). This paper documents 224 tongue assessments using the BTAT. There were 126 tongue assessments recorded using the BTAT and ATLFF tools to facilitate comparisons between them. Paired BTAT assessments were obtained from eight midwives who were using the new assessment tool. Results There was acceptable internal reliability for the four-item BTAT (Cronbach's α=0.708) and the eight midwives who used it showed good correlation in the consistency of its use (ICC=0.760). The BTAT showed a strong and significant correlation (0.89) with the ATLFF, indicating that the simpler BTAT could be used in place of the more detailed assessment tool to score the extent of a tongue-tie. Midwives found it quick and easy to use and felt that it would be easy to teach to others. Conclusions The BTAT provides an objective, clear and simple measure of the severity of a tongue-tie, to inform selection of infants for frenotomy and to monitor the effect of the procedure.
Sex , Kids , and Commitment to the Workplace : Employers , Employees and the Mommy Track

This paper analyzes career earnings profiles of men and women with degrees in science from one public university. A model of the male female earnings structure in professional occupations highlights the incompatibility of work norms and family responsibilities and the role of imperfect information and learning as employees are sorted into jobs according to estimates of future lifetime labor market commitment. In the model, child care responsibility is a perfect predictor of commitment. As a result early in their careers, because of well known differences in average time spent on child rearing activities between men and women, women are assigned to low commitment, low salary jobs while men get high commitment jobs. Once parenthood occurs, the true childcare responsibilities are observed and high commitment women climb into fast track jobs and low commitment men fall into slow track jobs. Similarly after several periods of childlessness, childless women move into fast track jobs as the probability of ever having children becomes small. Empirical results support the model. Male-female earnings differentials on the order of 13-18% for childless workers fall to zero for parents when share of childcare responsibility is included in the analysis. Fixed effect regressions estimate the largest earnings increase for women who have a child but take on no childcare responsibilities and the largest earnings decline for men who have a child and take on the full share of childcare. For the sample of ever childless workers, the 17 percent negative female earnings differential at time of labor market entry falls to zero after 12 years of experience.
Cadmium–cysteine coordination in the BK inner pore region and its structural and functional implications

Significance The voltage- and Ca2+-activated BK-type (BK) K+ channels serve as a key regulator of electrical and Ca2+ signaling as well as a model system for studying allosteric regulation of protein. By examining Cd2+ coordination with cysteines placed in BK S6 inner helix, our work reveals a previously undefined structural feature in the BK S6 at a position critical for the coupling between voltage sensor activation and channel opening. In addition, we show that BK S6 does not form an ion permeation gate in its cytosolic end. These results define specific structural constraints in the BK inner pore region that differ from voltage-dependent K+ (Kv) channels. To probe structure and gating-associated conformational changes in BK-type potassium (BK) channels, we examined consequences of Cd2+ coordination with cysteines introduced at two positions in the BK inner pore. At V319C, the equivalent of valine in the conserved Kv proline-valine-proline (PVP) motif, Cd2+ forms intrasubunit coordination with a native glutamate E321, which would place the side chains of V319C and E321 much closer together than observed in voltage-dependent K+ (Kv) channel structures, requiring that the proline between V319C and E321 introduces a kink in the BK S6 inner helix sharper than that observed in Kv channel structures. At inner pore position A316C, Cd2+ binds with modest state dependence, suggesting the absence of an ion permeation gate at the cytosolic side of BK channel. These results highlight fundamental structural differences between BK and Kv channels in their inner pore region, which likely underlie differences in voltage-dependent gating between these channels.
Timing-driven X-architecture routing tree construction among rectangular and non-rectangular obstacles

In this paper, we formulate a new X-architecture routing problem in presence of non-rectangular obstacles, and propose an X-architecture timing-driven routing algorithm to minimize the maximum source-to-sink delay and the total wirelength simultaneously. First, a spanning graph is constructed by the terminals and the corners of the obstacles. A minimal spanning tree is then produced by performing searching algorithm to the spanning graph. The feasible X-architecture is constructed by transforming all slant edges of the minimal spanning tree. For the initial X-architecture routing tree, the delay of source-to-terminal is estimated by the modified Elmore delay model. According to the user defined delay threshold, an efficient rerouting algorithm is used to fix the timing violated nets. The critical terminals iteratively are rerouted by splitting two sub-trees and merging into one tree. Compared to the routing result without rerouting, the maximum source-to-sink delay is improved by 49.1% and only 2.5% of additional total wirlength is increased.
FINITE-DIMENSIONAL CONTROLLERS FOR PARTIALLY OBSERVABLE

This paper introduces certain nonlinear partially observable stochastic optimal control problems which are equivalent to completely observable control problems with finite-dimensional state space. In some cases the optimal control laws are analogous to linear-exponential-quadraticGaussian and linear-quadratic-Gaussian tracking problems. The problems discussed allow nonlinearities to enter the unobservable dynamics as gradients of potential functions. The methodology is based on explicit solutions of a modified Duncan–Mortensen–Zakai equation.
A performance model for Forward XPath

XML is a key standard for manipulating data on the Internet. However, querying large volume of XML data represents a bottleneck for several data intensive applications. Many modern applications require processing of massive streams of XML data, creating difficult technical challenges. Among these is the optimization of XPath query processing and accurate cost estimation for these queries when processed on a massive steam of XML data. In this paper, we present a novel performance prediction model which a priori estimates the cost of any Forward XPath structural in terms of space used and time spent. The model consists of (1) a lazy stream-querying algorithm LQ (2) a mathematical performance model (linear regression functions), and (3) a new selectivity estimation technique. Extensive experiments on both real and synthetic data sets show that our model achieves accuracy better than existing approaches. The resulting prototype supports the a priori design of efficient queries, as well as automatic query optimizations.