Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Performance Comparison of the Digital Neuromorphic Hardware SpiNNaker and the Neural Network Simulation Software NEST for a Full-Scale Cortical Microcircuit Model

The digital neuromorphic hardware SpiNNaker has been developed with the aim of enabling large-scale neural network simulations in real time and with low power consumption. Real-time performance is achieved with 1 ms integration time steps, and thus applies to neural networks for which faster time scales of the dynamics can be neglected. By slowing down the simulation, shorter integration time steps and hence faster time scales, which are often biologically relevant, can be incorporated. We here describe the first full-scale simulations of a cortical microcircuit with biological time scales on SpiNNaker. Since about half the synapses onto the neurons arise within the microcircuit, larger cortical circuits have only moderately more synapses per neuron. Therefore, the full-scale microcircuit paves the way for simulating cortical circuits of arbitrary size. With approximately 80, 000 neurons and 0.3 billion synapses, this model is the largest simulated on SpiNNaker to date. The scale-up is enabled by recent developments in the SpiNNaker software stack that allow simulations to be spread across multiple boards. Comparison with simulations using the NEST software on a high-performance cluster shows that both simulators can reach a similar accuracy, despite the fixed-point arithmetic of SpiNNaker, demonstrating the usability of SpiNNaker for computational neuroscience applications with biological time scales and large network size. The runtime and power consumption are also assessed for both simulators on the example of the cortical microcircuit model. To obtain an accuracy similar to that of NEST with 0.1 ms time steps, SpiNNaker requires a slowdown factor of around 20 compared to real time. The runtime for NEST saturates around 3 times real time using hybrid parallelization with MPI and multi-threading. However, achieving this runtime comes at the cost of increased power and energy consumption. The lowest total energy consumption for NEST is reached at around 144 parallel threads and 4.6 times slowdown. At this setting, NEST and SpiNNaker have a comparable energy consumption per synaptic event. Our results widen the application domain of SpiNNaker and help guide its development, showing that further optimizations such as synapse-centric network representation are necessary to enable real-time simulation of large biological neural networks.
Neuroplasticity in cholinergic neurons of the laterodorsal tegmental nucleus contributes to the development of cocaine addiction

The laterodorsal tegmental nucleus (LDT) is a brainstem nucleus that sends cholinergic, glutamatergic, and gamma‐aminobutyric acid (GABA)‐ergic projections to the ventral tegmental area (VTA), a key brain region associated with reward information processing and reinforcement learning, and thus, with addiction induced by drugs of abuse, including cocaine. Recent studies have revealed that the LDT, in addition to the VTA, plays important roles in the development and expression of cocaine‐induced addiction and stress‐induced enhancement of addictive behaviors. Additionally, neuroplasticity induced in LDT cholinergic neurons by repeated cocaine administration critically contributes to these behaviors. Elucidation of the underlying mechanisms of cocaine‐induced neuroplasticity in the LDT that influences reward circuit activity may lead to the development of therapeutic strategies to treat cocaine addiction and stress‐induced reinstatement of cocaine use. This review summarizes recent progress in the study of the LDT, specifically neuroplasticity in LDT cholinergic neurons induced by cocaine and its functional roles in the development and modulation of addictive behaviors associated with cocaine.
Human Health Risk Assessment of Toxic Elements in Farmland Topsoil with Source Identification in Jilin Province, China

The presence of toxic elements in agricultural soils from anthropogenic activities is a potential threat to human health through the food chain. In this study, the concentration of toxic elements in 122 agricultural topsoil composite samples were determined in order to study the current status, identify their sources and assess the level of pollution and human health risk. The results showed that the mean concentrations of Zn, Cu, Pb, Cd, Hg and As in the farmland topsoil were 21.72, 15.09, 36.08, 0.2451, 0.0378 and 4.957 mg·kg−1, respectively. The spatial distribution showed that the soils were mainly contaminated by Cd, Pb and Hg in midwest Jilin but by Cu and As in the east. According to the pollution index (Pi), Nemerow integrated pollution index (PN) and Geo-Accumulation Index (Igeo), Cd and Pb were the main pollutants in the soils. The occurrence of these elements was caused by anthropogenic activities and they were concentrated in the Songyuan-Changchun-Siping economic belt. There is limited non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health risk to humans. Principal component analyses suggest the Pb, Cd and Hg soil contamination was mainly derived from anthropogenic activities in the Midwest, but all examined toxic elements in the east were mainly due to geogenic anomalies and came from atmospheric deposition.
PGC-1α as a Biomarker of Physical Activity-Protective Effect on Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer is a significant public health concern. As a multistage and multifactorial disease, environmental and genetic factors interact at each stage of the process, and an individual's lifestyle also plays a relevant role. We set out to review the scientific evidence to study the need to investigate the role of the peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor gamma coactivator 1 alpha (PGC-1α) gene as a biomarker of the physical activity's (PA) effect on colorectal cancer. PA is a protective factor against colorectal cancer and usually increases the expression of PGC-1α. This gene has pleiotropic roles and is the main regulator of mitochondrial functions. The development of colorectal cancer has been associated with mitochondrial dysfunction; in addition, alterations in this organelle are associated with colorectal cancer risk factors, such as obesity, decreased muscle mass, and the aging process. These are affected by PA acting, among other aspects, on insulin sensitivity and oxygen reactive species/redox balance. Therefore, this gene demands special attention in the understanding of its operation in the consensual protective effect of PA in colorectal cancer. A significant amount of indirect evidence points to PGC-1α as a potential biomarker in the PA-protective effect on colorectal cancer. The article focuses on the possible involvement of PGC-1α in the protective role that physical activity has on colorectal cancer. This is an important topic both in relation to advances in prevention of the development of this widespread disease and in its therapeutic treatment. We hope to generate an initial hypothesis for future studies associated with physical activity–related mechanisms that may be involved in the development or prevention of colorectal cancer. PGC-1α is highlighted because it is the main regulator of mitochondrial functions. This organelle, on one hand, is positively stimulated by physical activity; on the other hand, its dysfunction or reduction increases the probability of developing colorectal cancer. Therefore, we consider the compilation of existing information about the possible ways to understand the mechanisms of this gene to be highly relevant. This study is based on evidence of PGC-1α and physical activity, on PGC-1α and colorectal cancer, on colorectal cancer and physical activity/inactivity, and the absence of studies that have sought to relate all of these variables. Cancer Prev Res; 11(9); 523–34. ©2018 AACR.
Strategies to Improve Activity Recognition Based on Skeletal Tracking: Applying Restrictions Regarding Body Parts and Similarity Boundaries †

This paper aims to improve activity recognition systems based on skeletal tracking through the study of two different strategies (and its combination): (a) specialized body parts analysis and (b) stricter restrictions for the most easily detectable activities. The study was performed using the Extended Body-Angles Algorithm, which is able to analyze activities using only a single key sample. This system allows to select, for each considered activity, which are its relevant joints, which makes it possible to monitor the body of the user selecting only a subset of the same. But this feature of the system has both advantages and disadvantages. As a consequence, in the past we had some difficulties with the recognition of activities that only have a small subset of the joints of the body as relevant. The goal of this work, therefore, is to analyze the effect produced by the application of several strategies on the results of an activity recognition system based on skeletal tracking joint oriented devices. Strategies that we applied with the purpose of improve the recognition rates of the activities with a small subset of relevant joints. Through the results of this work, we aim to give the scientific community some first indications about which considered strategy is better.
1 4 A ug 2 01 7 Information-Gain Computation

Despite large incentives, correctness in software remains an elusive goal. Declarative programming techniques, where algorithms are derived from a specification of the desired behavior, offer hope to address this problem, since there is a combinatorial reduction in complexity in programming in terms of specifications instead of algorithms, and arbitrary desired properties can be expressed and enforced in specifications
Evaluation of linear and nonlinear convection schemes on multidimensional non‐orthogonal grids with applications to KVLCC2 tanker

Almost all evaluations of convection schemes reported in the literature are conducted using simple problems on uniform orthogonal grids; thus, having limited contribution when solving industrial computational fluid dynamics (CFD), where the grids are usually non‐orthogonal with distortions. Herein, several convection schemes are assessed in uniform and distorted non‐orthogonal grids with emphasis on industrial applications. Linear and nonlinear (TVD) convection schemes are assessed on analytical benchmarks in both uniform and distorted grids. To evaluate the performance of the schemes, four error metrics are used: dissipation, phase and L1 errors, and the schemes' effective order of accuracy. Qualitative and quantitative deterioration of these error metrics as a function of the grid distortion metrics are investigated, and rigorous verifications are performed. Recommendations for effective use of the convection schemes based on the range of grid aspect ratio (AR), expansion ratio (ER) and skewness (Q) are included. A ship hydrodynamics case is studied, involving a Reynolds averaged Navier–Stokes simulation of a bare‐hull KVLCC2 tanker using linear and nonlinear convection schemes coupled with isotropic and anisotropic Reynolds‐stress (ARS) turbulence models using CFDShip‐Iowa v4. Predictions of local velocities and turbulent quantities from the midships to the nominal wake plane are compared with experimental fluid dynamics (EFD), and rigorous verification and validation analyses for integral forces and moments are performed for 0° and 12° drift angles. Best predictions are observed when coupling a second‐order TVD scheme with the anisotropic turbulence model. Further improvements are observed in terms of prediction of the vortical structures for 30° drift when using TVD2S‐ARS coupled with DES. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
How Does Botulinum Toxin Injection and Physiotherapy Complement Each Other in Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral Palsy (CP) is a clinical condition that describes impairments of motor and sensory systems due to a lesion in immature brain. CP‐related disorders effect movements, balance and posture of the child. Spasticity is most frequent motor disorder seen in CP and effects 70–80% of the children with CP. Spasticity can lead to abnormalities in all motor system levels involving muscles, joints, bones and tendons. If spasticity exists for long period of time, immobilization of muscles in short position and changes in the connective tissue around joints lead to shortening of the muscles and connective tissue. Various methods are used for spasticity management in children with CP. Botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) injections, oral medications, selective dorsal rhizotomy and intrathecal baclofen applications are the foremost among them. BoNT injections are most prevalently used one among these applications. BoNT, which is a neurotoxin obtained from Clostridium botulinum bacteria, is frequently used in children with CP to decrease muscle tone for a certain period in the selected muscles, prevent contractures, postpone surgery and decrease frequency of surgeries. During this time frame that muscle tone decreased, it is very important to increase activity and participation levels of children. For achieving better motor outcomes and functional independence, BoNT injections should be combined with physiotherapy (PT) and occupational therapy (OT).
Spectral self-action of THz emission from ionizing two-color laser pulses in gases

The spectrum of terahertz (THz) emission in gases via ionizing two-color femtosecond pulses is analyzed by means of a semi-analytic model and numerical simulations in 1D, 2D and 3D geometries taking into account propagation effects of both pump and THz fields. We show that produced THz signals interact with free electron trajectories and thus significantly influence further THz generation upon propagation, i.e., make the process inherently nonlocal. This self-action contributes to the observed strong spectral broadening of the generated THz field. We show that diffraction of the generated THz radiation is the limiting factor for the co-propagating low frequency amplitudes and thus for the self-action mechanism in 2D and 3D geometries.
On Grasping a Tumbling Debris Object with a Free-Flying Robot

The grasping and stabilization of a tumbling, non-cooperative target satellite by means of a free-flying robot is a challenging control problem, which has been addressed in increasing degree of complexity since 20 years. A novel method for computing robot trajectories for grasping a tumbling target is presented. The problem is solved as a motion planning problem with nonlinear optimization. The resulting solution includes a first maneuver of the Servicer satellite which carries the robot arm, taking account of typical satellite control inputs. An analysis of the characteristics of the motion of a grasping point on a tumbling body is used to motivate this grasping method, which is argued to be useful for grasping targets of larger size.
Histologic Evidence of the "Sick Lobe" Carcinogenesis Theory and the Frequency of Intraepithelial Lesions in the Mammary Glands of Female Canines with no Clinical Signs of Neoplasia

Background: Intraepithelial Lesions (IELs) are focal outgrowths of the Mammary Gland (MG), some of which are considered early precursors of tumors. The early detection of IELs has improved the survival rate in women. IELs in female canines have been proposed as a comparative model of IELs in humans. Objective: The main aim of this work was to histologically characterize IELs in the MGs of intact female dogs with no signs of mammary disease. Methods: Biopsies of the right inguinal MG were obtained from 37 dogs under anesthesia, and the MGs from another 13 female dogs were collected at necropsy (108 total samples). Results: MG samples obtained via biopsy did not show any IELs. Among the MGs collected at necropsy, 19 (6/13 dogs) had IELs. The most frequent IELs were adenosis (14 MGs from 4 dogs) and Carcinoma In Situ (CIS) (12 MGs from 3 dogs). Based on the results, we propose that benign and malignant complex lesions be included as IELs in canines. A main finding was that CIS appears to arise spontaneously in multiple lobes/lobules without any evidence of atypical IELs, that is, CIS lesions were malignant from the onset and did not appear to require any other IEL as a precursor. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that female dogs with healthy mammary glands from Bogota have a high rate of IELs in their MGs and that many of the IELs have a malignant character from the onset. Our findings support a new hypothesis for mammary gland carcinogenesis in dogs in accordance with recent theories of the origin of breast carcinomas in humans, i.e., the theory of the Sick Lobe (SL) and biological timing, highlighting the similarities between these pathologies in both species. The importance of myoepithelial cells in the early evolution of IELs is also highlighted in the present work.
Asset Pricing-Constrained by Past Consumption Decisions by Lars Grüne and Willi Semmler

The attempt to match asset price characteristics such as the risk-free interest rate, equity premium and the Sharpe ratio with data for models with instantaneous consumption decisions and time separable preferences has not been very successful. Many recent versions of asset pricing models have, in order to match those financial characteristics better with the data, employed habit formation where past consumption acts as a constraint on current consumption. In those models, surplus consumption, consumption over and above past consumption, improves welfare, yet habit formation gives rise to an additional state variable. By studying such a model we also allow for adjustment costs of investment. The asset price characteristics that one obtains from those models may depend on the solution techniques employed. In this paper a stochastic version of a dynamic programming method with adaptive grid scheme is applied to compute the above mentioned asset price characteristics where past consumption decisions are treated as an additional state variable. Since, as shown in Grüne and Semmler (2004), our method produces only negligible errors it is suitable to be used as solution technique for such models with more complicated decision structure. Using our solution methods shows that there are still remaining puzzles for the consumption based asset pricing model. JEL Classification: C60, C61, C63, D90, G12
NEW DATA ON AXIAL LOCOMOTION IN FISHES : HOW SPEED AFFECTS DIVERSITY OF KINEMATICS AND MOTOR PATTERNS

Synopsis. Despite considerable recent progress in understanding the func? tion of the axial muscles and skeleton in fishes, generalizing from these results has been hindered by the great phylogenetic diversity of taxa, the lack of quantitative morphometric data on axial musculoskeletal structure, and limited analysis of the Ml range of locomotor behaviors exhibited within any one taxon. This paper reviews novel results from our studies of two taxa within a single monophyletic clade, the sunfish family Centrarchidae. Integrated analyses of lateral displacement, lateral bending, and axial muscle activity reveal widespread effects of swimming speed both within a particular mode of swimming and among different behavioral modes. The longitudinal position along the body of the fish also commonly affects kinematics, muscle activity and the timing of electromyograms (EMGs) relative to kinematics. EMGs and kinematic events propagate from head to tail for both steady and kick and glide swimming. In contrast, during the escape response, the onset of EMGs forms a standing wave pattern, whereas kinematic events are propagated. Several novel features of the axial motor pattern are summarized for the kick and glide mode of unsteady swimming. For example, the onset of white fiber EMGs lags significantly behind that of the red fibers at the same longitudinal position, and red fibers are inactivated at higher unsteady swim? ming speeds. Muscle activity propagates posteriorly via the sequential acti? vation of myomeres, but there are statistically significant differences in the timing of EMGs from the contractile tissue opposite a single vertebra. During relatively slow kick and glide swimming, the extreme dorsal and ventral portions of myomeres are not active. Estimates of the longitudinal extent of the fish with simultaneous muscle activity indicate that EMGs from an in? dividual myomere usually have temporal overlap with more than 20 neighboring myomeres on the same side of the fish. Consequently, the functional units for axial locomotion of fishes do not correspond simply to the anatom? ical units of individual myomeres. Rather the in vivo motor pattern is a primary determinant of the functional units involved in swimming.
AN IT2FS MODEL FOR SHARIA CREDIT SCORING: ANALYSIS & DESIGN

Credit scoring system is a classic problem which is still interesting to study. There are many studies on credit scoring. But, most of them only discuss feasibility analysis. In fact, credit scoring system should accommodate all processes from feasibility analysis until the end of contract. This study is aimed to analyze and design scoring of default status and ﬁnes computation processes in Islamic bank. BPMN 2.0 was used to model their processes. Beside that, this study proposed new mechanisms and algorithms using Interval Type-2 Fuzzy Sets for maintaining Sharia rules and fairness guarantee. The results showed that the new methods offer more fair and comply to sharia than existing methods.
Zmiany otępienne wywołane nadciśnieniem tętniczym

Zmiany otepienne są coraz czestszym problemem dotykającym polskie spoleczenstwo. U ich podloza lezą 2 glowne przyczyny: choroba Alzheimera i patologie naczyniowe. Zarowno w badaniach epidemiologicznych, jak i prospektywnych wykazano, ze wieloletnie nadciśnienie tetnicze moze prowadzic do upośledzenia funkcji poznawczych i rozwoju objawow otepiennych. Nadciśnienie tetnicze sprzyja wystąpieniu udarow mozgu, a takze zmianom istoty bialej centralnego ukladu nerwowego. W piśmiennictwie istnieją kontrowersje dotyczące roli nadciśnienia tetniczego w patogenezie choroby Alzheimera. Dotychczasowe, kilkuletnie badania nie odpowiedzialy jednoznacznie na pytanie, czy leczenie hipotensyjne zmniejsza ryzyko rozwoju zmian otepiennych. Mozna jednak sądzic, ze skuteczna terapia hipotensyjna stosowana przez kilkanaście lat istotnie zmniejszy czestośc tych zmian u chorych z nadciśnieniem tetniczym. Najwieksze nadzieje poklada sie w stosowaniu antagonistow wapnia z grupy pochodnych dihydropirydynowych, ktore w badaniu Syst-Eur hamowaly rozwoj zarowno zmian otepiennych pochodzenia naczyniowego, jak i zmniejszaly czestośc choroby Alzheimera. Niniejsza praca jest probą zestawienia najnowszych informacji dotyczących tego zagadnienia.
Characterising and understanding the impact of microbial biofilms and the extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) matrix in drinking water distribution systems

Drinking water quality deteriorates during transportation through drinking water distribution systems (DWDS). Microbial activity and ecology, particularly within biofilms that occur on the inner-pipe surface of DWDS, are emerging as important drivers in the degradation process. Yet, we have little real-world applicable understanding of the DWDS biofilms. This paper provides a critical discussion of current drinking water biofilm research, highlighting the importance of biofilms, including the extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) and their interactions with the physico-chemical environment. Evidence is presented that the tools for biofilm analysis are becoming more accessible and there is now the opportunity to translate microbial research from idealised bench-top settings to practical real-world applications. It is essential that we understand biofilms and manage them within ageing, deteriorating DWDS infrastructure to protect public health and wellbeing.