Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Visuo-motor transformations involved in the escape response to looming stimuli in the crab Neohelice (=Chasmagnathus) granulata

SUMMARY Escape responses to directly approaching predators represent one instance of an animal's ability to avoid collision. Usually, such responses can be easily evoked in the laboratory using two-dimensional computer simulations of approaching objects, known as looming stimuli. Therefore, escape behaviors are considered useful models for the study of computations performed by the brain to efficiently transform visual information into organized motor patterns. The escape response of the crab Neohelice (previously Chasmagnathus) granulata offers an opportunity to investigate the processing of looming stimuli and its transformation into complex motor patterns. Here we studied the escape performance of this crab to a variety of different looming stimuli. The response always consisted of a vigorous run away from the stimulus. However, the moment at which it was initiated, as well as the developed speed, closely matched the expansion dynamics of each particular stimulus. Thus, we analyzed the response events as a function of several variables that could theoretically be used by the crab (angular size, angular velocity, etc.). Our main findings were that: (1) the decision to initiate the escape run is made when the stimulus angular size increases by 7 deg; (2) the escape run is not a ballistic kind of response, as its speed is adjusted concurrently with changes in the optical stimulus variables; and (3) the speed of the escape run can be faithfully described by a phenomenological input–output relationship based on the stimulus angular increment and the angular velocity of the stimulus.
Intervention to Enhance the Use of Sit-Stand Desks in College Students

The purpose of this study is to test the effect an instructor-led activity break intervention on college students’ standing time, sitting time, physical comfort and alertness during class. The participants of this study were recruited from four sections of a course called Writing for Health and Human Physiology (HHP:3900). The class duration is 2.5 hours and is taught by the same instructor. Each student was exposed to two conditions: 1) access to sit-stand desks only; and 2) access to sit-stand desks plus instructor led activity breaks every 30 minutes. Sitting and standing behaviors were measured objectively throughout the class with an ActivPAL activity monitor. Comfort and alertness were measured three times (minute 0, 60, 120) using previously demonstrated scales. No significant changes were observed for sitting time or standing time between the two conditions. Additionally, no between group changes were observed for selfreported discomfort or alertness. However, participants did report they enjoyed the instructor-led activity breaks and would support the use of this type of intervention in future classes. The null findings are likely due to testing the intervention in a class led by an engaging instructor who encouraged students to move during class on a regular basis. This study needs to be replicated in traditional lecture style classes in which students are asked to sit for extended periods of time.
A semantic middleware for autonomic wireless sensor networks

In this paper we present a proposal that combines the benefits of autonomic and semantic sensor networks to build a semantic middleware for autonomic wireless sensor networks. The key feature of the proposed middleware is a rule-based reasoning engine based on ontology and fuzzy logic. We also propose a semantic-aware topology control based on computing semantic neighborhoods relationships. The middleware was tailored to provide support for Structural Health Monitoring applications. However, it has a flexible architecture and it can be extensible to several other application domains such as ambient intelligence, habitat monitoring and fire detection. We use the oil platform structural health monitoring domain as a case study. The paper presents the middleware architecture and the proposed ontologies.
Process variations and their impact on circuit operation

The statistical variations in electrical parameters, such as transistor gain factors and interconnect resistances, due to variations in the manufacturing process are studied using data obtained from a 0.8 /spl mu/m CMOS process. The impact of these variations and correlations on circuit operation is illustrated. Examples show that circuit delay can increase from the mean by about 100% due to crosstalk effects aggravated by process variations. Case studies emphasize the need for a tighter coupling between fabrication and circuit design and the need for new design corners based on process information.
Gefitinib combined with endocrine manipulation in patients with hormone-refractory prostate cancer: quality of life and surrogate markers of activity

We investigated efficacy of gefitinib in hormone-refractory prostate cancer. Between March 2003 and December 2004, 23 patients with hormone-refractory prostate cancer were assigned to receive 250 mg oral gefitinib daily in addition to antiandrogen and luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone analogue for at least 2 months or until disease progression. Patients with progression stopped antiandrogen therapy, and received gefitinib and the luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone analogue. Serum HER2 and epidermal growth factor receptor extracellular domain were evaluated every 2 months. Gefitinib treatment did not result in any objective measurable response or responses in prostate-specific antigen. Median time to progression was 70 days (33–336). Median overall survival was 293 days (25–75 percentile: 235–349). HER2 extracellular domain mean value was 9.6 ng/ml (range 6.9–13.3) at basal time and was 10.1 (range 6.0–14.1) after 2 months. Epidermal growth factor receptor mean basal value was 51.0 ng/ml (range 41.4–75.3). After 2 months of treatment the mean value was 51.1 ng/ml (range 41.5–61.4). One patient had reduction in the pain score from baseline without an increase in the analgesic score. Four patients (17%) out of 23 had pain progression with an increase from baseline of at least 25% in the analgesic score. The study was discontinued before target accrual was reached owing to lack of efficacy of the drug. Our results do not support the efficacy of gefitinib in combination with endocrine treatment for hormone-refractory prostate cancer.
Growth of newcomer competence: challenges of globalization

The transfer of entire projects to offshore locations, the aging and renewal of core developers in legacy products, the recruiting in fast growing Internet companies, and the participation in open source projects, present similar challenges of rapidly increasing newcomer competence in software projects. In particular, culture differences, communication complexity, and the rapid influx of developers with little or no project knowledge common in these phenomena pose practical and research questions for software engineering. For example, how do different cultures impact project learning? Are there best practices for competence-enhancing communication? How to learn from the experiences of top developers to improve the training of newcomers? What resources and tools can be provided to help newcomers learn faster and become more productive? These questions sketch a project-learning-focused agenda needed to address outlined challenges. We propose how emerging measurement methods utilizing rich data in software repositories and the theoretical frameworks based on cognitive and organizational science may be applied to address these challenges and to improve understanding of how humans learn.
Constrained traveltime inversion using reflected waves of surface shot gathers

We formulated an approach to estimate parameters of a layered earth model such as interval velocity, reflector depth, and dip by inverting reflected traveltime with constraints on dipping directions and depth to reflectors. We applied the “shooting method” (Lines, Bourgeois and Covey, 1984) to calculate modeled reflection time. We derived an explicit expression of the Jacobian matrix. The efficiency of computation is achieved by inverting model parameters layer by layer from shallow to deep, which is equivalent to solving a diagonal matrix. We used the LevenbergMarquardt (L-M) method (Marquardt, 1963) and the singular value decomposition (SVD) technique (Lanczos, 1961; Golub and Reinsch, 1970) to solve the least-squares problem. Two kinds of criteria, RMS error and the maximum deviation, were introduced to keep track of the convergence of iterations to reduce the possibility of rejecting an acceptable modified model. Two errorfree synthetic examples, performed on a PC computer, showed the approach was stable and fast.
Analysis of the M/M/N/N Queue with Two Types of Arrival Process: Applications to Future Mobile Radio Systems

The queueing system considered is essentially a M/M/N/N queue where two types of users compete for the resources. The users may have different arrival and service rates and are denoted as primary or secondary users. The primary users have priority access to the resources, and three levels of priority are considered: perfect priority, partial priority, and no priority. This system models the recently developed cognitive radio concept, a methodology that has been proposed for future mobile radio systems. In this context, the primary users have certain rights to use the resources, whereas the secondary users must make opportunistic use of the resources without impacting too much on the performance of the primary users. For all priority settings, the mean number of primary and secondary users is derived as are the blocking probabilities for both users. When no priority is given to the primary user, the system collapses to a truncated form of two independent M/M/∞ queues. The product form solution for this special case is known, and, here, these results are given in a novel, compact form. In the case of nonzero priority, the dropping probability for the secondary users is also derived.
Development and Function of CD94-Deficient Natural Killer Cells

The CD94 transmembrane-anchored glycoprotein forms disulfide-bonded heterodimers with the NKG2A subunit to form an inhibitory receptor or with the NKG2C or NKG2E subunits to assemble a receptor complex with activating DAP12 signaling proteins. CD94 receptors expressed on human and mouse NK cells and T cells have been proposed to be important in NK cell tolerance to self, play an important role in NK cell development, and contribute to NK cell-mediated immunity to certain infections including human cytomegalovirus. We generated a gene-targeted CD94-deficient mouse to understand the role of CD94 receptors in NK cell biology. CD94-deficient NK cells develop normally and efficiently kill NK cell-susceptible targets. Lack of these CD94 receptors does not alter control of mouse cytomegalovirus, lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus, vaccinia virus, or Listeria monocytogenes. Thus, the expression of CD94 and its associated NKG2A, NKG2C, and NKG2E subunits is dispensable for NK cell development, education, and many NK cell functions.
Illumination-robust face recognition using retina modeling

Illumination variations that might occur on face images degrade the performance of face recognition systems. In this paper, we propose a novel method of illumination normalization based on retina modeling by combining two adaptive nonlinear functions and a Difference of Gaussians filter. The proposed algorithm is evaluated on the Yale B database and the Feret illumination database using two face recognition methods: PCA based and Local Binary Pattern based (LBP). Experimental results show that the proposed method achieves very high recognition rates even for the most challenging illumination conditions. Our algorithm has also a low computational complexity.
Impact of Exhaled Breath Acetone in the Prognosis of Patients with Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction (HFrEF). One Year of Clinical Follow-up

Background The identification of new biomarkers of heart failure (HF) could help in its treatment. Previously, our group studied 89 patients with HF and showed that exhaled breath acetone (EBA) is a new noninvasive biomarker of HF diagnosis. However, there is no data about the relevance of EBA as a biomarker of prognosis. Objectives To evaluate whether EBA could give prognostic information in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Methods After breath collection and analysis by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and by spectrophotometry, the 89 patients referred before were followed by one year. Study physicians, blind to the results of cardiac biomarker testing, ascertained vital status of each study participant at 12 months. Results The composite endpoint death and heart transplantation (HT) were observed in 35 patients (39.3%): 29 patients (32.6%) died and 6 (6.7%) were submitted to HT within 12 months after study enrollment. High levels of EBA (≥3.7μg/L, 50th percentile) were associated with a progressively worse prognosis in 12-month follow-up (log-rank = 11.06, p = 0.001). Concentrations of EBA above 3. 7μg/L increased the risk of death or HT in 3.26 times (HR = 3.26, 95%CI = 1.56–6.80, p = 0.002) within 12 months. In a multivariable cox regression model, the independent predictors of all-cause mortality were systolic blood pressure, respiratory rate and EBA levels. Conclusions High EBA levels could be associated to poor prognosis in HFrEF patients.
Linked Data Is Merely More Data

In this position paper, we argue that the Linked Open Data (LoD) Cloud, in its current form, is only of limited value for furthering the Semantic Web vision. Being merely a weakly linked triple collection, it will only be of very limited benefit for the AI or Semantic Web communities. We describe the corresponding problems with the LoD Cloud and give directions for research to remedy the situation.
The world's most neglected diseases

From this week we are inviting all authors who want to submit a paper to the BMJ to do so via the web (http://submit.bmj.com). We have introduced Benchpress, our new web based manuscript tracking system, with the aim of streamlining our processes and providing better, quicker information for authors, reviewers, and editors. Although using Benchpress demands new ways of working from all these groups, our experience in piloting the system suggests it will succeed in these aims. Benchpress is a website where authors deposit their manuscripts and editors go to read them and record their decisions. When editors decide to send a paper for peer review they use the system to select a reviewer; an email then goes to the …
CTNNB1 Genotyping and APC Screening in Pediatric Desmoid Tumors: A Proposed Algorithm

Desmoid fibromatosis is a rare, locally aggressive fibroblastic/myofibroblastic tumor that occasionally involves children. We examined a series of pediatric desmoids for CTNNB1 mutations, seen in sporadic tumors, and APC germline mutations, associated with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). Forty-four desmoids in pediatric patients were identified in the pathology files of 2 large referral centers (1995–2009). Clinical charts were reviewed for history of FAP. Germline APC gene mutations were determined on blood samples from patients presenting with FAP. Immunohistochemistry for beta-catenin was performed. CTNNB1 genotyping was done by Sanger sequencing on formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue. CTNNB1 mutations were observed in 29 of 44 (66%) desmoids, with 3 mutations identified: T41A (64%), S45F (29%), and S45P (7%). Germline APC mutations were present in 7 (16%) desmoid patients. Eight (18%) patients had desmoids that were wild type for CTNNB1 and had no known clinical signs or family history suspicious for FAP at the time of testing or with extended follow up (n = 6). Beta-catenin nuclear labeling was observed in 38 of 41 (92%) tested cases, 34 (89%) of which showed mutations in either CTNNB1 (n = 29) or APC (n = 5). Nuclear localization of beta-catenin was seen in the majority of pediatric desmoids and was most often associated with somatic mutations in CTNNB1. However, a significant proportion of pediatric patients harbored germline mutations in APC. Given the implications, genetic counseling is recommended for children diagnosed with desmoid tumors lacking CTNNB1 mutations because this population is enriched for FAP patients.
Secondary Virtual Network Mapping onto Cognitive Radio Substrate: A Collision Probability Analysis

This letter proposes a wireless virtualization mapping process based on cognitive radio (CR). Primary virtual networks (PVNs) and secondary virtual networks (SVNs) are mapped onto the same CR substrate. The SVN mapping is an NP-hard problem in which both SVN demands and PVN activities must be considered, in order to ensure reduced interference level to the PVN. The interactions between PVNs and SVNs are modeled by an M/M/N/N queue with priority and preemptive service. In addition, a collision probability formulation is proposed, validated, and analyzed in order to assess the SVN mapping behavior under different primary and secondary loads.
Mice Transgenic for Baff Develop Lymphocytic Disorders along with Autoimmune Manifestations

The cause of many autoimmune and inflammatory diseases is unresolved, although dysregulated production of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) family members appears to be important in many cases. BAFF, a new member of the TNF family, binds to B cells and costimulates their growth in vitro. Mice transgenic for BAFF have vastly increased numbers of mature B and effector T cells, and develop autoimmune-like manifestations such as the presence of high levels of rheumatoid factors, circulating immune complexes, anti–DNA autoantibodies, and immunoglobulin deposition in the kidneys. This phenotype is reminiscent of certain human autoimmune disorders and suggests that dysregulation of BAFF expression may be a critical element in the chain of events leading to autoimmunity.
Endoplasmic Reticulum Protein Quality Control and Its Relationship to Environmental Stress Responses in Plants

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) has a sophisticated quality control (QC) system to eliminate improperly folded proteins from the secretory pathway. Given that protein folding is such a fastidious process and subject to adverse environmental conditions, the ER QC system appears to have been usurped to serve as an environmental sensor and responder in plants. Under stressful conditions, the ER protein folding machinery reaches a limit as the demands for protein folding exceed the capacity of the system. Under these conditions, misfolded or unfolded proteins accumulate in the ER, triggering an unfolded protein response (UPR). UPR mitigates ER stress by upregulating the expression of genes encoding components of the protein folding machinery or the ER-associated degradation system. In Arabidopsis thaliana, ER stress is sensed and stress signals are transduced by membrane-bound transcription factors, which are activated and mobilized under environmental stress conditions. Under acute or chronic stress conditions, UPR can also lead to apoptosis or programmed cell death. Despite recent progress in our understanding of plant protein QC, discovering how different environmental conditions are perceived is one of the major challenges in understanding this system. Since the ER QC system is one among many stress response systems in plants, another major challenge is determining the extent to which the ER QC system contributes to various stress responses in plants.
Bowling Together: Cultivating Communities of Practice in English and Social Studies Teacher Education

his sociological study Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community, Robert Putnam (2000) argues that Americans need to "reconnect to one another" and, both literally and figuratively, go bowling together (p. 28). Wean English educator and a social studies educator -have been bowling together figuratively for the past eight years. As colleagues who work together in an intensive, field-based secondary teacher education program, we have benefited from brainstorming together and planning instructional activities and educational experiences for our preservice teachers. What began for us as a teaching collaboration evolved into collaborative research. In this paper, we describe our most recent inquiry into how we can best encourage the preservice teachers with whom we work to bowl togetheracross disciplinesin a professional context where most teachers continue to go bowling alone (e.g., Lortie, 1975) We teach in a graduate-level, secondary teacher education program through which students earn a Masters degree and certification to teach in one academic year (plus a summer). Students may earn certification in business, English, foreign language, mathematics, science, or social studies. Students are organized into cohorts. Each cohort is based at one of four local high schools and led by a university faculty member referred to as a cohort leader. In addition to the traditional content of a teacher education program (e.g., general methods, adolescent psychology, multicultural education), students take a subject-specific methods course in the fall and a subject-specific seminar concurrent with student teaching in the spring. We teach our respective subject-specific methods courses and have both served as cohort leaders.
Optimal Taylor Rules in an Estimated Model of a Small Open Economy

We develop a model of a small open economy with three types of nominal rigidities (domestic goods prices, imported goods prices and wages) and eight different structural shocks. We estimate the model's structural parameters using a maximum likelihood procedure and use it to compute welfare-maximizing Taylor rules for setting domestic short-term interest rates. For these computations, we use a second-order approximation around the model's deterministic steady state, which allows the Taylor rule coefficients to affect the means of consumption, leisure and real balances as well as their variances. Welfare gains from moving to the optimal Taylor rule are substantial, but require a very precise knowledge of the values of the model's structural parameters.
Responses of ocean circulation and carbon cycle to changes in the position of the Southern Hemisphere westerlies at Last Glacial Maximum

We explore the impact of a latitudinal shift in the westerly wind belt over the Southern Ocean on the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation (AMOC) and on the carbon cycle for Last Glacial Maximum background conditions using a state-of-the-art ocean general circulation model. We find that a southward (northward) shift in the westerly winds leads to an intensification (weakening) of no more than 10% of the AMOC. This response of the ocean physics to shifting winds agrees with other studies starting from preindustrial background climate, but the responsible processes are different. In our setup changes in AMOC seemed to be more pulled by upwelling in the south than pushed by downwelling in the north, opposite to what previous studies with different background climate are suggesting. The net effects of the changes in ocean circulation lead to a rise in atmospheric pCO2 of less than 10 μatm for both northward and southward shift in the winds. For northward shifted winds the zone of upwelling of carbon- and nutrient-rich waters in the Southern Ocean is expanded, leading to more CO2outgassing to the atmosphere but also to an enhanced biological pump in the subpolar region. For southward shifted winds the upwelling region contracts around Antarctica, leading to less nutrient export northward and thus a weakening of the biological pump. These model results do not support the idea that shifts in the westerly wind belt play a dominant role in coupling atmospheric CO2 rise and Antarctic temperature during deglaciation suggested by the ice core data.