Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Fate map of the chick embryo neural tube

Fate‐map studies have provided important information in relation to the regional topology of brain areas in different vertebrate species. Moreover, these studies have demonstrated that the distribution of presumptive territories in neural plate and neural tube are highly conserved in vertebrates. The aim of this review is to re‐examine and correlate the distribution of presumptive neuroepithelial domains in the chick neural tube with molecular information and discuss recent data. First, we review descriptive fate map studies of neural plate in different vertebrate species that have been studied using diverse fate‐mapping methods. Then, we summarize the available data on the localization of neuroepithelial progenitors for the brain subregions in the chick neural tube at stage HH10–11, the most used stage for experimental embryology. This analysis is mainly focused on experimental fate mapping results using quail‐chick chimeras.
MICROTUBULE PROTEIN

The subunit protein of microtubules, tubulin, has been demonstrated to be present in isolated nerve endings by gel electrophoresis, amino acid composition, and peptide mapping. The tubulin constitutes approximately 28% of the soluble protein of the nerve endings. The transport of tubulin to the nerve endings has been demonstrated and its relationship to slow transport is discussed.
Transmission of VoIP traffic in multihop ad hoc IEEE 802.11b networks: experimental results

In the last decade numerous studies have been carried out into the transmission of VoIP traffic over wireless networks. However, only a few works have addressed the topic of supporting real-time audio applications on multi-hop IEEE 802.11 ad hoc networks from the perspective of simulations and testbeds. This paper presents the results of the implementation of a VoIP testbed on a multihop IEEE 802.11b ad hoc network with stationary hosts. The real-time audio transmission is evaluated using two different multihop routing protocols, AODV and OLSR. The quality of the voice transmission, using different codecs, is measured through different performance metrics such as end-to-end delay, delay jitter and sequence number error.
Satellite tracking reveals novel migratory patterns and the importance of seamounts for endangered South Pacific humpback whales

The humpback whale population of New Caledonia appears to display a novel migratory pattern characterized by multiple directions, long migratory paths and frequent pauses over seamounts and other shallow geographical features. Using satellite-monitored radio tags, we tracked 34 whales for between 5 and 110 days, travelling between 270 and 8540 km on their southward migration from a breeding ground in southern New Caledonia. Mean migration speed was 3.53±2.22 km h−1, while movements within the breeding ground averaged 2.01±1.63 km h−1. The tag data demonstrate that seamounts play an important role as offshore habitats for this species. Whales displayed an intensive use of oceanic seamounts both in the breeding season and on migration. Seamounts probably serve multiple and important roles as breeding locations, resting areas, navigational landmarks or even supplemental feeding grounds for this species, which can be viewed as a transient component of the seamount communities. Satellite telemetry suggests that seamounts represent an overlooked cryptic habitat for the species. The frequent use by humpback whales of such remote locations has important implications for conservation and management.
A survey on task scheduling for heterogeneous parallel computing environments

Network computing environments with heterogeneous computers have emerged as results of speedups of computer networks, and needs of parallelization technologies for heterogeneous parallel computing environments are increasing. This paper surveys scheduling algorithms, which are the major issue of parallelization in the task parallel paradigm, for heterogeneous parallel computing environments. The objective is limited to the schedule length (makespan) assuming large scale applications, but divisible load theory and multiprocessor task are included.
Extending Intelligent Learning Environments with Teachable Agents to Enhance Learning

This paper extends our previous work on simulation-based Intelligent Learning Environments and SmartTools to computer-based Teachable Agents. Teachable Agents have been inspired by our work in classrooms where students have found it very motivating to teach and help others in problem solving tasks. These interactions also helped students to appreciate feedback and the need for reasoning in their learning processes. Our Teachable Agents do not incorporate machine learning techniques, rather, they are computer-based social agents that require explicit instruction to perform well in a given task environment. We describe the design and implementation of Teachable Agents in the domain of solving complex trip planning problems, and justify the design by preliminary experimental studies that demonstrate the effectiveness of this approach.
A wideband CMOS variable-gain low noise amplifier with novel attenuator

This paper presents a wideband variable-gain low noise amplifier (VGLNA) which is used in mobile TV tuner covering VHF band (50 to 250 MHz) and UHF band (470 to 860MHz). The proposed VGLNA includes three gain paths for different input signal strengths: high gain path, attenuation path, medium gain path. The high gain path is realized by an active AC feedback LNA, whose DC current is set by a constant-Gm biasing; the novel attenuator used in attenuation path has constant input impedance which guarantees a good S11 with the variety of gain; the medium gain path is the combination of one active AC feedback LNA and one attenuator. The chip is implemented in 0.18 μm CMOS process and achieves a gain range over 42 dB (2dB/step), a minimum noise figure of 2 dB at maximum gain, an IIP3 of 27.9 dBm at minimum gain. The die consumes 8 mA from 1.8 V supply voltage at maximum gain.
Examining recent many-core architectures and programming models using SHOC

The Scalable HeterOgeneous Computing (SHOC) benchmark suite was released in 2010 as a tool to evaluate the stability and performance of emerging heterogeneous architectures and to compare different programming models for compute devices used in those architectures. Since then, high-performance computing (HPC) system architectures have increasingly incorporated both discrete and fused multi-core and many-core processors. The TOP500 list illustrates this trend: heterogeneous systems grew from a 3.4% to 18.0% share of the list between June 2010 and June 2015. Not only are there more heterogeneous systems on the TOP500 list today, those machines are responsible for a disproportionately large percentage of list's aggregate performance: as of June 2015, the performance share for heterogeneous systems has grown to 33.7%. Part of this shift toward heterogeneous architectures has stemmed from new products in the hardware accelerator market, such as Intel's Xeon Phi coprocessor, and improvements in the approaches for programming such accelerators. Existing approaches such as CUDA and OpenCL have become more powerful and easy to use, and directive-based programming models such as OpenACC, OpenMP 4.0, and Intel's Language Extensions for Offload (LEO) are rapidly gaining user acceptance. The benefits of these hardware and software advances are not limited to HPC; other problem domains such as "big data" are reaping the rewards also. The original SHOC benchmarks had adequate support for CUDA and OpenCL for graphics processing units, but did not support more recent programming models and devices. We extended SHOC to support evaluation of recent heterogeneous architectures and programming models such as OpenACC and LEO, and we added new benchmarks to increase SHOC's application domain coverage. In this paper, we describe our modifications to the stock SHOC distribution and present several examples of using our augmented version of SHOC for evaluation of recent heterogeneous architectures and programming models.
Association of vascular endothelial growth factor and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 genetic polymorphisms with outcome in a trial of paclitaxel compared with paclitaxel plus bevacizumab in advanced breast cancer: ECOG 2100.

PURPOSE No biomarkers have been identified to predict outcome with the use of an antiangiogenesis agent for cancer. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) genetic variability has been associated with altered risk of breast cancer and variable promoter activity. Therefore, we evaluated the association of VEGF genotype with efficacy and toxicity in E2100, a phase III study comparing paclitaxel versus paclitaxel plus bevacizumab as initial chemotherapy for metastatic breast cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS DNA was extracted from tumor blocks of patients from E2100. Three hundred sixty-three samples were available to evaluate associations between genotype and outcome. Genotyping was performed for selected polymorphisms in VEGF and VEGF receptor 2. Testing for associations between each polymorphism and efficacy and toxicity was performed. RESULTS The VEGF-2578 AA genotype was associated with a superior median overall survival (OS) in the combination arm when compared with the alternate genotypes combined (hazard ratio = 0.58; 95% CI, 0.36 to 0.93; P = .023). The VEGF-1154 A allele also demonstrated a superior median OS with an additive effect of each active allele in the combination arm but not the control arm (hazard ratio = 0.62; 95% CI, 0.46 to 0.83; P = .001). Two additional genotypes, VEGF-634 CC and VEGF-1498 TT, were associated with significantly less grade 3 or 4 hypertension in the combination arm when compared with the alternate genotypes combined (P = .005 and P = .022, respectively). CONCLUSION Our data support an association between VEGF genotype and median OS as well as grade 3 or 4 hypertension when using bevacizumab in metastatic breast cancer.
Some economic aspects of the brain drain

The concept of “brain drain” is in its origins a nationalistic concept, by which is meant a concept that visualizes economic and cultural welfare in terms of the welfare of the residents of a national state or region, viewed as a totality, and excludes from consideration both the welfare of people born in that region who choose to leave it, and the welfare of the outside world in general. Moreover, though the available statistics are far from adequate on this point, there is generally assumed to be a net flow of trained professional people from the former colonial territories to the ex-imperial European nations, and from Europe and elsewhere to North America and particularly the United States. The concept thus lends itself easily to the expression of anti-colonial sentiments on the one hand, and anti-American sentiments on the other. The expression of such sentiments can be dignified by the presentation of brain drain as a serious economic and cultural problem, by relying on nationalistic sentiments and assumptions and ignoring the principles of economics—especially the principle that in every transaction there is both a demand and a supply—or by elevating certain theoretical economic possibilities into presumed hard facts.
Involvement of Arabidopsis histone deacetylase HDA6 in ABA and salt stress response

Histone modifications play an important role in the epigenetic regulation of gene expression. All histone modifications are reversible, which may therefore provide a flexible way for regulating gene expression during the plant's development and during the plant response to environmental stimuli. The reversible acetylation and deacetylation of specific lysine residues on core histones are catalysed by histone acetyltransferases and histone deacetylases (HDAs). HDA6 is an RPD3-type histone deacetylase in Arabidopsis. The Arabidopsis HDA6 mutant, axe1-5, and HDA6 RNA-interfering plants displayed a phenotype that was hypersensitive to ABA and salt stress. Compared with wild-type plants, the expression of the ABA and abiotic stress-responsive genes, ABI1, ABI2, KAT1, KAT2, DREB2A, RD29A, and RD29B, was decreased in axe1-5 and HDA6 RNA-interfering plants when treated with ABA or salt stress. It was found that both ABA and salt stress could enrich the gene activation markers, histone H3K9K14 acetylation, and H3K4 trimethylation, but decrease the gene repression marker, H3K9 dimethylation, of the ABA and abiotic stress-responsive genes. Our study indicates that HDA6-involved histone modifications modulate seed germination and the salt stress response, as well as ABA- and salt stress-induced gene expression in Arabidopsis.
A Neural Network Model of 3-D Lightness Perception

A neural network model of 3-D lightness perception is presented which builds upon the FACADE Theory Boundary Contour System/ Feature Contour System of Grossberg and colleagues. Early ratio encoding by retinal ganglion neurons as well as psychophysical results on constancy across different backgrounds (background constancy) are used to provide functional constraints to the theory and suggest a contrast negation hypothesis which states that ratio measures between coplanar regions are given more weight in the determination of lightness of the respective regions. Simulations of the model address data on lightness perception, including the coplanar ratio hypothesis, the Benary cross, and White's illusion.
Knowledge Management Implications in ERP Implementations: Evidence from Sri Lankan Cases

Knowledge management (KM) plays a major role in the success of implementing enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems in business organizations. This research aims to provide an in-depth understanding of ERP implementation processes in Sri Lanka. The major issues associated with KM in ERP implementations are brought into light and possible strategies for overcoming such issues are identified. The research builds on the work of Baskerville et al. (2006), and focuses on the importance of 'operational level' knowledge practices of capturing, integrating and sharing during ERP system implementations. Results of multiple case study interviews have been analyzed using cognitive maps to determine the issues deem to have a major impact on the success of ERP implementations. Some of the key strategies that can be used to overcome the problems associated with KM in ERP implementations are presented.
Australian and New Zealand Fish Oil Products in 2016 Meet Label Omega-3 Claims and Are Not Oxidized

We provide new fish oil product results to assist industry in Australia and New Zealand and, ultimately, consumers in understanding the high product quality assurance protocols in place, together with the high product quality that has been determined by both industry and independent laboratories. Fish oil capsule products common to Australia and New Zealand were purchased in May 2016 in Richmond, Victoria, Australia. Products were from two groups; five standard fish oil products and five fish oil concentrates. Noting Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) requirement for use of standard methods, for all analyses undertaken a laboratory was selected that met the TGA criteria, including with accreditation. Total n-3 content exceeded the label-claimed content for all 10 products, with supplements containing on average 124% of the claimed content (range 115%–136%); eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid (EPA + DHA) content averaged 109% of the label claim (range 99%–119%). All 10 products (100%) similarly met the international recommended peroxide value (PV) level. Anisidine value (pAV) met the international recommended level for eight of the 10 products, with two products known to contain flavorings that interfere with the pAV test. When accredited laboratories and standard protocols are used, Australian and New Zealand fish oil products have been shown to clearly meet their label claims for EPA + DHA content, and are not oxidized.
Modelling health scores with the skew-normal distribution

Health care interventions which use quality of life or health scores often provide data which are skewed and bounded. The scores are typically formed by adding up responses to a number of questions. Different questions might have different weights, but the scores will be bounded, and are often scaled to the range 0 to 100. If improvement in health over time is measured, scores will tend to cluster near the 'healthy' or 'good' boundary as time progresses, leading to a skew distribution. Further, some patients will drop out as time progresses, so the scores reflect a selected population. We fit models based on the skew-normal distribution to data from a randomised controlled trial of treatments for sprained ankles, in which scores were recorded at baseline and 1, 3 and 9 months. We consider the extent to which skewness in the data can be explained by the clustering at the boundary via a comparison between a censored normal and a censored skew-normal model. As this analysis is based on the complete data only, a formula for the distortion of the treatment effects due to informative drop-out is given. This allows us to assess under which conditions the conclusions drawn on the complete data may be either reinforced or reversed, when the informative drop-out process is taken into account.
ECOLOGY OF THE STOAT IN NOTHOFAGUS FOREST: HOME RANGE, HABITAT USE AND DIET AT DIFFERENT STAGES OF THE BEECH MAST CYCLE

Summary: We studied the ecology of a high-density population of stoats in Fiordland, New Zealand, in the summer and autumn of 1990-91 following a Nothofagus seeding in 1990. Results are compared with findings from the same area in 1991-92, a period of lower stoat density. In the high-density year, minimum home ranges (revealed by radio-tracking) of four females averaged 69 ha and those of three males 93 ha; range lengths averaged 1.3 km and 2.5 km respectively. Neither difference was statistically significant. For combined sexes, average range area in the high-density year was significantly less, and range length was significantly shorter, than in the following year. When we compared stoat diet in the high-density year with that in the following two years, there were no significant differences in the frequencies of occurrence of birds or invertebrates in stoat guts. Overall, bird remains were found in 56% of guts, and invertebrates in 28%. Possum remains occurred in 6% of male stoats but were never found in females. Mice were only detected in stoats in the high-density year, when they occurred in 54% of guts. Lagomorphs occurred significantly more often in the guts of stoats during lowerdensity years (26%) than the high-density year (7%). Seedfall in Nothofagus forest is synchronous and periodic. Following seedfall, mouse density rises dramatically, followed by a sharp rise in stoat numbers. It has been suggested that mice feed on the abundant seed and that stoats in turn increase because of the large numbers of mice available to them. We suggest that the situation is more complex and that increases in not only mouse, but also bird (and possibly invertebrate), densities may contribute to the high productivity of stoats in the year following a Nothofagus seedfall.
Microbenchmark-based Extraction of Local and Global Disk Characteristics

Obtaining timely and accurate information about the low-level characteristics of disk drives presents a problem for system design and implementation alike. This paper presents a collection of three disk microbenchmarks which combine to empirically extract a relevant subset of disk geometry and performance parameters in an efficient and accurate manner, without requiring a priori information of the drive being measured. Novel among the benchmarks is the utilization of linearly-increased stride to glean a spectrum of low-level details including head-switch and cylinderswitch times while factoring out rotational effects. A bandwidth benchmark extracts the zone profile of disks, revealing that the previously preferred linear model of zone bandwidth is less accurate than a quadratic model. A seek profile is also generated, completing the trio of benchmarks. Data is collected from a broad class of modern disks, including five SCSI, two IDE, and two simulated drives.
On the Configuration of Simulations of Large Network Models with HTTP/TCP Sources

The simulation of realistic networks is an important aspect in the development of new protocols or algorithms. We have considered ‐ to the author’s knowledge for the first time ‐ the problem of calibrating the total number and the allocation of HTTP traffic sources in a simulation model of a TCP/IP network with a target matrix of traffic flow intensities. The configuration of a large simulation model is rather complex: the total number of sources needs to be adjusted as well as the number of sources per flow. A simple estimate of the average rate per HTTP/TCP source is derived for calculating the total number of required sources. The authors propose a new method for solving the above mentioned problem in two or more steps: a simple estimation for the source rate and the source distribution over all flows is derived, which is used for a first pilot simulation. Successive simulations use the measurements of the respective previous simulation to minimize the difference between given and achieved traffic matrix. The performance of the proposed method is evaluated with two rather complex simulation scenarios: the parking-lot and the B-WiN model. The simulation results show the fast convergence of the method despite larger deviations from the given traffic matrix in the first pilot run.
Enteroaggregative Escherichia coli Have Evolved Independently as Distinct Complexes within the E. coli Population with Varying Ability to Cause Disease

Enteroaggregative E. coli (EAEC) is an established diarrhoeagenic pathotype. The association with virulence gene content and ability to cause disease has been studied but little is known about the population structure of EAEC and how this pathotype evolved. Analysis by Multi Locus Sequence Typing of 564 EAEC isolates from cases and controls in Bangladesh, Nigeria and the UK spanning the past 29 years, revealed multiple successful lineages of EAEC. The population structure of EAEC indicates some clusters are statistically associated with disease or carriage, further highlighting the heterogeneous nature of this group of organisms. Different clusters have evolved independently as a result of both mutational and recombination events; the EAEC phenotype is distributed throughout the population of E. coli.
SIMPLE SCHIZOPHRENIA :PATIENTS IN SEARCH OF A DIAGNOSIS

SUMMARY Recent classification systems of schizophrenia consider the presence of psychotic features like certain forms of hallucinations and delusions as sine qua non of this disorder. Consequently, earlier categories like simple schizophrenia have been discarded from many diagnostic systems. However, there is a category of patients who present with gross deterioration in personality without ever experiencing hallucinations or delusions. Negative schizophrenia, a contemporary popular syndrome has again revived interest in this subgroup of patients. The authors present four cases diagnosed as simple schizophrenia and argue the case for retention of this subgroup of schizophrenia in the current nosological classification systems and conclude that simple schizophrenia of yesteryears has close resemblance with today's negative schizophrenia.