Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Split of spatial attention as predicted by a systems‐level model of visual attention

Can we attend to multiple distinct spatial locations at the same time? According to a recent psychophysical study [J. Dubois et al. (2009)Journal of Vision, 9, 3.1–11] such a split of spatial attention might be limited to short periods of time. Following N. P. Bichot et al. [(1999)Perception & Psychophysics, 61, 403–423] subjects had to report the identity of multiple letters that were briefly presented at different locations, while two of these locations (targets) were relevant for a concurrent shape comparison task. In addition to the design used by Bichot et al. stimulus onset asynchrony between shape onset and letters was systematically varied. In general, the performance of subjects was superior at target locations. Furthermore, for short stimulus onset asynchronies, performance was simultaneously increasing at both target locations. For longer stimulus onset asynchronies, however, performance deteriorated at one of the target locations while increasing at the other target location. It was hypothesized that this dynamic deployment of attention might be caused by competitive processes in saccade‐related structures such as the frontal eye field. Here we simulated the task of Dubois et al. using a systems‐level model of attention. Our results are consistent with recent findings in the frontal eye field obtained during covert visual search, and they support the view of a transient deployment of spatial attention to multiple stimuli in the early epoch of target selection.
Ductus Venosus Doppler at 11 to 13 Weeks of Gestation in the Prediction of Outcome in Twin Pregnancies

OBJECTIVE: To examine the independent contribution of abnormal flow in the ductus venosus at 11 to 13 weeks of gestation in the prediction of adverse pregnancy outcome in relation to chorionicity. METHODS: This was a prospective study in 516 dichorionic and 179 monochorionic twin pregnancies in which the fetal ductus venosus flow was assessed at 11 0/7 to 13 6/7 weeks of gestation. The prevalence of reversed a-wave in the fetal ductus venosus was compared between monochorionic and dichorionic pregnancies and between those with and without pregnancy complications. Comparisons between each of the pregnancy outcomes and the normal outcome group and between monochorionic and dichorionic pregnancies were made using the Mann-Whitney U-test for continuous variables and the χ2 test and Fisher exact test for categorical variables. RESULTS: The prevalence of reversed a-wave in at least one of the fetuses was significantly higher in monochorionic than in dichorionic pregnancies (18.4% compared with 8.3%, P<.001) and in pregnancies complicated by miscarriage (28.6%, P=.005), fetal aneuploidy (70.0%, P<.001), and twin–twin transfusion syndrome (38.5%, P<.001) compared with the pregnancies with two healthy live births (7.7%). Pregnancy outcome was normal in 33 of the 43 (76.7%) dichorionic and in 14 of the 33 (42.4%) monochorionic twins with reversed a-wave in at least one of the fetuses. CONCLUSION: In twins, reversed a-wave in the ductus venosus at 11 to 13 weeks of gestation is associated with increased risk for aneuploidies, miscarriage, and development of severe twin–twin transfusion syndrome. However, in about 75% of dichorionic twins and 40% of monochorionic twins with reversed a-wave, the pregnancy outcome is normal. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II
EXPERIMENTAL INOCULATION OF MEADOW VOLES (MICROTUS PENNSYLVANICUS), HOUSE MICE (MUS MUSCULUS), AND NORWAY RATS (RATTUS NORVEGICUS) WITH MYCOBACTERIUM BOVIS

Mycobacterium bovis has a wide host range that includes several wildlife species, and this can hamper attempts to eradicate bovine tuberculosis from livestock. The purpose of this study was to determine if common rodent species, namely meadow voles (Microtus pennsylvanicus), house mice (Mus musculus), and Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus), that inhabit the bovine tuberculosis endemic area of Michigan, can be experimentally infected with M. bovis. The objectives of the study were: 1) to determine if these rodent species can be infected, and if so, to document attendant pathologic processes/pathogenesis; 2) to detect any fecal shedding of M. bovis; and 3) to evaluate the relative susceptibility of the three species to M. bovis infection. For each species (n=36) there were two treatment (n=12/group) and one or two control groups depending on species (n=6–12/group); the maximum study duration was 60 days. The meadow vole treatments consisted of high dose inocula that were given by oral or intranasal routes, whereas the house mice and Norway rats were given only oral inocula at either a high or low dose. Of the three species, meadow voles were most susceptible to M. bovis infection. Upon intranasal inoculation, all 12 voles were infected as determined by gross and microscopic lesions and culture of M. bovis from tissue and feces. Seven of the 12 meadow voles inoculated orally were infected. House mice also were susceptible; M. bovis was isolated from 14 of 24 animals. Only one Norway rat in the high dose treatment group was positive by culture and this was the only animal from which minimal attendant lesions were observed. Results of this study indicate that meadow voles and house mice can be infected with M. bovis and might serve as spillover hosts. Concerted efforts should, therefore, be made to reduce or eliminate these rodents on premises where M. bovis-infected livestock are present.
Compact Thermally Tunable Silicon Racetrack Modulators Based on an Asymmetric Waveguide

A compact wavelength-tunable 10-Gb/s silicon racetrack modulator with integrated thermo-optic heater is demonstrated by using a waveguide with an asymmetric cross section, combining the compact footprint of microdisk modulators with the design simplicity of regular racetrack or ring modulators. The outer perimeter of the asymmetric racetrack modulator is fully etched to maximize optical confinement, and the inner waveguide edge is shallowly etched to maintain an electrically conductive path to the embedded p-n diode and to control the propagation of the asymmetric optical mode and its coupling to the bus waveguide. The resistive heating elements based on highly doped Si strips are implemented at the outer edge of the modulator for thermo-optic control. The asymmetric modulators can be fabricated along with Si wire waveguides and shallowly etched fiber-grating couplers using a simple process flow involving just two Si-patterning steps. Devices with a bending radius of 10 μm and a novel “T”-shaped p-n diode layout have been fabricated, and exhibit electro-optic modulation and heater efficiencies of 28 pm/V and 42 pm/mW, respectively. At 10 Gb/s, a stable extinction ratio of 10 dB is demonstrated from a 2Vpp drive swing, which can be maintained over a wavelength range of 4.6 nm by thermally tuning the modulator. This is equivalent with a temperature variation of about 62°C.
Software defect prediction via transfer learning based neural network

Software defect (Bug) prediction plays an important role in improving software quality. Many software defect prediction approaches have been proposed and achieved great effects in the real-world. However, the existing works are usually constrained in only one project, hence their effectiveness on cross-project defect prediction (cross-prediction) is usually poor. This is mainly because of the problem of class imbalance and feature distribution differences between the source and target projects. In this paper, we proposed an effective software defect prediction method called Transfer Component Analysis Neural Network (TCANN), by adequately considering the noise data, the class imbalance in data settings and transfer learning among cross-project. There are three parts in TCANN, aiming to solve the above mentioned three problems respectively. First, the Inter Quartile Range (IQR) based method is proposed for noise removal in datasets. Second, The transfer component analysis method is used to reduce the feature distribution differences between source and target data. Third, dynamic sampling neural network is proposed for dealing with class imbalance problem of the training dataset. Based on the classic open-source datasets collected by previous researchers, our experimental results show that TCANN improves the performance of both within-project and cross-project defect prediction in comparison with other methods.
Role of Virus Receptor Hyal2 in Oncogenic Transformation of Rodent Fibroblasts by Sheep Betaretrovirus Env Proteins

ABSTRACT The ovine betaretroviruses jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus (JSRV) and enzootic nasal tumor virus (ENTV) cause contagious cancers in the lungs and upper airways of sheep and goats. Oncogenic transformation assays using mouse and rat fibroblasts have localized the transforming activity to the Env proteins encoded by these viruses, which require the putative lung and breast cancer tumor suppressor hyaluronidase 2 (Hyal2) to promote virus entry into cells. These results suggested the hypothesis that the JSRV and ENTV Env proteins cause cancer by inhibiting the tumor suppressor activity of Hyal2. Consistent with this hypothesis, we show that human Hyal2 and other Hyal2 orthologs that can promote virus entry, including rat Hyal2, can suppress transformation by the Env proteins of JSRV and ENTV. Furthermore, we provide direct evidence for binding of the surface (SU) region of JSRV Env to human and rat Hyal2. However, mouse Hyal2 did not mediate entry of virions bearing JSRV or ENTV Env proteins, bound JSRV SU poorly if at all, and did not suppress transformation by the JSRV or ENTV Env proteins, indicating that mouse Hyal2 plays no role in transformation of mouse fibroblasts and that the Env proteins can transform at least some cells by a Hyal2-independent mechanism. Expression of human Hyal2 in mouse cells expressing JSRV Env caused a marked reduction in Env protein levels, indicating that human Hyal2 suppresses Env-mediated transformation in mouse cells by increasing Env degradation rather than by exerting a more general Env-independent tumor suppressor activity.
Two distinct sequence elements mediate retroviral gene expression in embryonal carcinoma cells

Moloney murine leukemia virus (M-MuLV) and M-MuLV-derived retroviral vectors are not expressed in early mouse embryos or in embryonal carcinoma cells. M-MuLV-derived mutants or M-MuLV-related variants which transduce the neomycin phosphotransferase gene can, however, induce drug resistance in embryonal carcinoma cells with high efficiency. In this study we investigated the sequences critical for retroviral gene expression in two different embryonal carcinoma cell lines, F9 and PCC4. We show that two synergistically acting sequence elements mediate expression in embryonal carcinoma cells. One of these is located within the U3 region of the viral long terminal repeat, and the second one is in the 5' untranslated region of the retrovirus. The latter element, characterized by a single point mutation, affects the level of stable RNA in infected cells, suggesting a regulatory mechanism similar to that of human immunodeficiency virus in human T cells.
Curcumin blocks cyclosporine A-resistant CD28 costimulatory pathway of human T-cell proliferation.

INTRODUCTION Curcumin (Cur) is a phenolic component of common spice, turmeric. We have reported earlier that it possesses antineoplastic and immunosuppressive properties in vitro. It has been reported that cyclosporine A (CyA), a commonly used immunosuppressant does not inhibit CD28 costimulatory pathway of T-cell activation. We hypothesized that Cur, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, would block CyA-resistant CD28 costimulatory pathway of human T cell proliferation. MATERIALS AND METHODS Human T-lymphocytes were isolated from healthy donors using gradient centrifugation and rosetting techniques. In four separate experiments T-cells were plated in triplicate in 96-well plates at a density of 2X105 cells/well. These cells were stimulated with 0.5 ng/ml phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) + 0.5 (g/ml anti-CD28 antibody (PMA-CD28 group) or 2.5 microgram/ml PHA (PHA group). Cur or CyA at varying concentrations (0.31, 0.625, 1.25, 2.5, 5, or 10 microgram/ml and 1.25, 2.5, 5, 10, 20, or 250 ng/ml, respectively) was added and cellular proliferation was measured by the uptake of [3H]thymidine and is reported (mean cpm/well(SD). Cells from the PMA-CD28 group that were treated with either curcumin or 0.4% DMSO (vehicle control for curcumin) were studied for evidence of apoptosis by staining with viable dyes MC540 and Hoechst 33342 and subsequently analyzed in the cell sorter. RESULTS Cur caused a concentration-dependent inhibition of T-cell proliferation in the PMA-CD28 group (from 32775 +/- 3084 to 66 +/- 42 at 5.0 microgram/ml of cur) and PHA group (from 50956 +/- 5747 to 24 +/- 12 at 5.0 microgram/ml) with a calculated ED50 of 3.5 and 7.7, microM respectively. CyA inhibited T-cell proliferation in the PHA group with a calculated ED50 of 2.7 ng/ml but failed to block PMA + anti-CD28-stimulated T-cell proliferation even at 250 ng/ml. PMA-CD28 group cells treated with 10 microgram/ml curcumin showed a significantly increased apoptosis as compared to control (0.4% DMSO). CONCLUSION Since Cur blocks the CyA-resistant PMA + anti-CD28 pathway of T-cell proliferation, it may have novel adjuvant immunosuppressive properties.
Ultrastructural changes during contraction of collagen lattices by ocular fibroblasts

Contraction and scarring of the cornea and conjunctiva following disease or injury are major causes of visual morbidity. The aim of this study was to identify any specific ultrastructural features of ocular fibroblast behavior in different collagen lattices in order to understand some of the mechanisms of cell‐mediated contraction. Normal human Tenon's capsule fibroblasts were cultured within both restrained and floating collagen lattices for periods of up to 13 days and then analyzed using transmission electron microscopy. The contractile force of these fibroblasts was also tested using the culture force monitor, an instrument capable of measuring the minute forces exerted by cells within a collagen lattice. The results showed differences in the behavior of fibroblasts cultured in the two gel models. The features seen in restrained gels suggest that fibroblasts were actively migrating across and through the lattice. These migratory features were not seen to the same extent in untethered gels, which lack the inherent tension and support of the tethered model. We hypothesize that contraction of the collagen matrix in tethered lattices is due to cellular migration and that this fact cannot be ascertained from untethered gels. Both lattice models have experimental value, but it is important to appreciate what mechanical signals cells receive from the matrix in order to understand cellular behavior.
Viral Macro Domains Reverse Protein ADP-Ribosylation

ABSTRACT ADP-ribosylation is a posttranslational protein modification in which ADP-ribose is transferred from NAD+ to specific acceptors to regulate a wide variety of cellular processes. The macro domain is an ancient and highly evolutionarily conserved protein domain widely distributed throughout all kingdoms of life, including viruses. The human TARG1/C6orf130, MacroD1, and MacroD2 proteins can reverse ADP-ribosylation by acting on ADP-ribosylated substrates through the hydrolytic activity of their macro domains. Here, we report that the macro domain from hepatitis E virus (HEV) serves as an ADP-ribose-protein hydrolase for mono-ADP-ribose (MAR) and poly(ADP-ribose) (PAR) chain removal (de-MARylation and de-PARylation, respectively) from mono- and poly(ADP)-ribosylated proteins, respectively. The presence of the HEV helicase in cis dramatically increases the binding of the macro domain to poly(ADP-ribose) and stimulates the de-PARylation activity. Abrogation of the latter dramatically decreases replication of an HEV subgenomic replicon. The de-MARylation activity is present in all three pathogenic positive-sense, single-stranded RNA [(+)ssRNA] virus families which carry a macro domain: Coronaviridae (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus and human coronavirus 229E), Togaviridae (Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus), and Hepeviridae (HEV), indicating that it might be a significant tropism and/or pathogenic determinant. IMPORTANCE Protein ADP-ribosylation is a covalent posttranslational modification regulating cellular protein activities in a dynamic fashion to modulate and coordinate a variety of cellular processes. Three viral families, Coronaviridae, Togaviridae, and Hepeviridae, possess macro domains embedded in their polyproteins. Here, we show that viral macro domains reverse cellular ADP-ribosylation, potentially cutting the signal of a viral infection in the cell. Various poly(ADP-ribose) polymerases which are notorious guardians of cellular integrity are demodified by macro domains from members of these virus families. In the case of hepatitis E virus, the adjacent viral helicase domain dramatically increases the binding of the macro domain to PAR and simulates the demodification activity.
Significant enhancement in the photocatalytic activity of N, W co-doped TiO2 nanomaterials for promising environmental applications

In this work, a mesoporous N, W co-doped TiO2 photocatalyst was synthesized via a one-step solution combustion method, which utilized urea as the nitrogen source and sodium tungstate as the tungsten source. The photocatalytic activity of the N, W co-doped TiO2 photocatalyst was significantly enhanced by a facile UV pretreatment approach and was evaluated by measuring the rate of photodegradation of Rhodamine B under both UV and visible (λ > 420) light. Following the UV pretreatment, the UV photocatalytic activity of the N, W co-doped TiO2 was doubled. In terms of visible light activity, the UV pretreatment resulted in an extraordinary >12 fold improvement. In order to gain insight into this substantial enhancement, the N, W co-doped TiO2 photocatalysts were studied using x-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, N2 physisorption, UV–vis absorbance spectroscopy and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy prior to and following the UV pretreatment. Our experimental results have revealed that this significant augmentation of photocatalytic activity may be attributed to several synergetic factors, including increase of the specific surface area, reduction of the band gap energy and the removal of carbon impurities.
Fraud detection in banking using deep reinforcement learning

Deep learning and machine learning are hot topics in the financial services nowadays. They allow financial entities to define products and segment clients, efficiently manage risk and detect fraud in banks. The theory of Deep Reinforcement Learning (DRL) was originally motivated by animal learning of sequential behavior, but has been developed and extended in the field of machine learning as an approach to Markov decision processes. Recently, a number of financial risk analysis and fraud detection studies have suggested a relationship between reward-related activities in the brain and functions necessary for DRL. Regarding the history of DRL, we introduce in this article the theory of DRL and present two applications in banking. Then we will discuss possible implementations.
Zambian Smallholder Livestock Herd Dynamics: What Are the Policy Implications?

* Livestock production and marketing has the potential of improving the smallholder farmer’s livelihood, but small herd size limits smallholder livestock commercialization. Thus understanding the herd dynamics is a pragmatic initial step in addressing this problem and providing solutions to building and maintaining the herd size. Births are the primary source of building the herd size while deaths as reflected by high mortality rates are the major outflow channel. It is encouraging that cattle mortality rates have reduced and the population growth rates increased between 2012 and 2015 though more still needs to be done.
Known unknowns: indirect energy effects of information and communication technology

Background. There has been sustained and growing interest in characterizing the net energy impact of information and communication technology (ICT), which results from indirect effects offsetting (or amplifying) the energy directly consumed by ICT equipment. These indirect effects may be either positive or negative, and there is considerable disagreement as to the direction of this sign as well as the effect magnitude. Literature in this area ranges from studies focused on a single service (such as e-commerce versus traditional retail) to macroeconomic studies attempting to characterize the overall impact of ICT. Methods. We review the literature on the indirect energy effect of ICT found via Google Scholar, our own research, and input from other researchers in the field. The various studies are linked to an effect taxonomy, which is synthesized from several different hierarchies present in the literature. References are further grouped according to ICT service (e.g., e-commerce, telework) and summarized by scope, method, and quantitative and qualitative findings. Review results. Uncertainty persists in understanding the net energy effects of ICT. Results of indirect energy effect studies are highly sensitive to scoping decisions and assumptions made by the analyst. Uncertainty increases as the impact scope broadens, due to complex and interconnected effects. However, there is general agreement that ICT has large energy savings potential, but that the realization of this potential is highly dependent on deployment details and user behavior. Discussion. While the overall net effect of ICT is likely to remain unknown, this review suggests several guidelines for improving research quality in this area, including increased data collection, enhancing traditional modeling studies with sensitivity analysis, greater care in scoping, less confidence in characterizing aggregate impacts, more effort on understanding user behavior, and more contextual integration across the different levels of the effect taxonomy.
Yield learning perspectives

At its core, yield has a simple definition: the fraction of total chips that are good. Yield learning is not about increasing yield for its own sake. Yield learning is about reducing the cost of a good chip. This benefits everyone involved: the company that builds the wafers, the one that sells the chips, and eventually the end user of whatever product the chip goes into. Yield learning is what keeps Moore's law going.