Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Subjectivity as an Emergent Property of Information Processing by Neuronal Networks

Here, we examine subjectivity and consciousness as emergent properties of the computational complexity of information processing by the brain, rather than metaphysical phenomena. While Psychology concentrates on the emergent properties and Neurobiology examines the properties of the biological substrate, Neurophysiology and Cognitive Neuroscience link the two levels by investigating the mechanisms and processes by which the functions of the brain emerge from the anatomical, cellular and network properties of the nervous system. Our purpose here is not to locate the neural structures that sustain subjectivity or other psychic functions; rather, we examine the operating modes of neurons and neural circuits: they reveal an intrinsically relational quality; sensory elaboration itself proves to be relational and self-centred, necessarily associated with the vital, hedonic, emotional relevance of each experience and external cue, and intrinsically oriented to a behavioral interaction with the latter. The hippocampus adds to this self-centred relational perspective the capability of transforming the identification and the spatial location of objects into a contextualized representation of reality. Since the hippocampus is strongly interconnected with the archaic structures that evaluate vital and hedonic relevance and generate emotional responses, the contextualized information, emotionally colored, is transformed into a comprehensive individual experience. This way, a subjective, self-centred, affectively colored perspective arises in animals due to the intrinsic properties of neuronal circuits in the brain. We conclude that neuronal network processing is strongly characterized per se by a relational and self-centred (subjective) and emotionally colored, motivationally oriented (personal) perspective. The properties and features of neural processing discussed here constitute well-established knowledge in the neuroscientific community. Yet, from a layman’s perception, subjectivity still mysteriously arises in our brain due to the action of consciousness, and in epistemological and philosophical debates, the question often arises as to how consciousness may add the subjective and personal perspective to neural elaboration. The answer appears to be simple: it does not; subjectivity is already there, present ab initio in neuronal processing and not added a posteriori by some other “consciousness” function of unclear neural basis.
Complete Pathological Response to Neoadjuvant Pembrolizumab in a Patient With Chemoresistant Upper Urinary Tract Urothelial Carcinoma: A Case Report

Treatment options as second-line therapy for advanced ureteral carcinoma are limited, and patients experiencing recurrence after first-line cisplatin-based chemotherapy have a poor prognosis. Recently, the programmed death-1 (PD-1) inhibitor pembrolizumab provided a better survival benefit with a complete response rate (9.2%) for chemoresistatant urothelial carcinoma. However, the dynamic changes of the cancer microenvironment about the cases of complete response are still unknown. We herein report a case of a 57-year-old man who had been diagnosed with localized, non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (pT1N0M0, high grade), for which he underwent transurethral resection of the bladder cancer twice. Given that gemcitabine plus carboplatin as first-line neoadjuvant chemotherapy was unable to control left vesico-ureteral junction recurrence with muscle invasion (T3N0M0, high grade), the patient received the PD-1 inhibitor pembrolizumab as second-line neoadjuvant therapy in an attempt to stop tumor growth, which promoted dramatic tumor shrinkage without serious adverse effects and allowed subsequent nephroureterectomy and lymphadenectomy. To the best of our knowledge, this has been the first study to report that pembrolizumab administration before surgery for chemotherapy-resistant ureteral carcinoma promoted a pathological complete response, providing a better understanding of the cancer microenvironment after immunotherapy.
Antenatal Depressive Symptoms and Neurodevelopment Outcomes in Children at 30 Months. A Study From South India

Background Prevalence of antenatal depression in low and middle income countries is high. However studies examining the association between maternal antenatal depression and early childhood development from these countries are scarce. The objective of the study was to examine the association between antenatal depressive symptoms assessed serially during pregnancy and child neurodevelopment outcomes in mother–child dyads part of a randomized control trial of maternal B12 supplementation during pregnancy. Method Subjects were 203 women who had participated in the placebo-controlled, randomized trial of vitamin B12 supplementation during pregnancy and 6 weeks post-partum on whom serial assessments of depressive symptoms in each of the trimesters were available. Cognitive, receptive language, expressive language, fine motor skills and gross motor skills were assessed at 30 months using the Bayley’s Scale of Infant Development-3rd edition (BSID-III). Antenatal depressive symptoms were assessed at three trimesters using the Kessler’s 10 Psychological Distress Scale (K10). Women were classified into three categories: not depressed (K10 <6 in all trimesters), with intermittent depressive symptoms (K10 ≥6 in at least one trimester) and with persistent depressive symptoms (K10 score ≥6 in at least 2 trimesters). Results 112 (55.2%) of the women did not have depressive symptoms, 58 (28.6%) had intermittent depressive symptoms and 33 (16.2%) had persistent depressive symptoms. The children of women with intermittent antenatal depressive symptoms scored lower on the receptive language domain on BSID-III compared to children of women who were not depressed on univariate analysis, but not on bivariate regression analysis. Women with persistent depressive symptoms had lower educational attainment (p = 0.004), lower social support (p = 0.006) and used more emotional coping strategies (p = 0.005) compared to the not depressed group. Conclusions A significant number of women in south India had antenatal depressive symptoms. Findings from this study suggest a possible association between antenatal depressive symptoms and receptive language in children. Larger studies including women with clinical depression are needed to confirm these findings.
Generation of Common Marmoset Model Lines of Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 3

Animal models are indispensable tools in the development of innovative treatments for rare and incurable diseases. To date, there is almost no effective treatment for neurodegenerative diseases, and animal models that properly simulate human disease pathologies are eagerly anticipated to identify disease biomarkers and develop therapeutic methods and agents. Among experimental animals, non-human primates are the most suitable animal models for the study of neurodegenerative diseases with human-specific higher brain dysfunction and late-onset and slowly progressing symptoms. With the rapid development of novel therapies such as oligonucleotide therapeutics and genome editing technologies, non-human primate models for neurodegenerative diseases will be essential for preclinical studies and active interventional trials. In a previous publication, we reported the generation of the first transgenic marmoset model of spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 and successful obtainment of subsequent generations with stable disease onset. Moreover, we generated transgenic marmosets in which the transgene was controlled by the tetracycline-inducible gene expression system. In this mini-review, we summarize the research on our marmoset model of spinocerebellar ataxia type 3.
Influence of Wounding and Temperature on Resistance of Maize Landraces From Mexico to Aflatoxin Contamination

Maize is a staple for billions across the globe. However, in tropical and sub-tropical regions, maize is frequently contaminated with aflatoxins by Aspergillus section Flavi fungi. There is an ongoing search for sources of aflatoxin resistance in maize to reduce continuous exposures of human populations to those dangerous mycotoxins. Large variability in susceptibility to aflatoxin contamination exists within maize germplasm. In Mexico, several maize landrace (MLR) accessions possess superior resistance to both Aspergillus infection and aflatoxin contamination but their mechanisms of resistance have not been reported. Influences of kernel integrity on resistance of four resistant and four susceptible MLR accessions were evaluated in laboratory assays. Wounds significantly (P < 0.05) increased susceptibility to aflatoxin contamination even when kernel viability was unaffected. Treatments supporting greater A. flavus reproduction did not (P > 0.05) proportionally support higher aflatoxin accumulation suggesting differential influences by some resistance factors between sporulation and aflatoxin biosynthesis. Physical barriers (i.e., wax and cuticle) prevented both aflatoxin accumulation and A. flavus sporulation in a highly resistant MLR accession. In addition, influence of temperature on aflatoxin contamination was evaluated in both viable and non-viable kernels of a resistant and a susceptible MLR accession, and a commercial hybrid. Both temperature and living embryo status influenced (P < 0.05) resistance to both aflatoxin accumulation and A. flavus sporulation. Lower sporulation on MLR accessions suggests their utilization would result in reduced speed of propagation and associated epidemic increases in disease both in the field and throughout storage. Results from the current study should encourage researchers across the globe to exploit the large potential that MLRs offer to breed for aflatoxin resistant maize. Furthermore, the studies provide support to the importance of resistance based on the living host and maintaining living status to reducing episodes of post-harvest contamination.
The Cell Biology of Tau Secretion

The progressive accumulation and spread of misfolded tau protein in the nervous system is the hallmark of tauopathies, progressive neurodegenerative diseases with only symptomatic treatments available. A growing body of evidence suggests that spreading of tau pathology can occur via cell-to-cell transfer involving secretion and internalization of pathological forms of tau protein followed by templated misfolding of normal tau in recipient cells. Several studies have addressed the cell biological mechanisms of tau secretion. It now appears that instead of a single mechanism, cells can secrete tau via three coexisting pathways: (1) translocation through the plasma membrane; (2) membranous organelles-based secretion; and (3) ectosomal shedding. The relative importance of these pathways in the secretion of normal and pathological tau is still elusive, though. Moreover, glial cells contribute to tau propagation, and the involvement of different cell types, as well as different secretion pathways, complicates the understanding of prion-like propagation of tauopathy. One of the important regulators of tau secretion in neuronal activity, but its mechanistic connection to tau secretion remains unclear and may involve all three secretion pathways of tau. This review article summarizes recent advancements in the field of tau secretion with an emphasis on cell biological aspects of the secretion process and discusses the role of neuronal activity and glial cells in the spread of pathological forms of tau.
Influence of Resources on Cue Preferences in Mate Selection

According to the research on the influence of resources on mate selection, the amount of financial resources affects an individual’s choice of “luxuries” and “necessities” among mate selection cues, while the amount of time resources affects cue diversity. However, for a long time, researchers only paid attention to the impact of financial resources and ignored the role of time resources. Therefore, this paper draws lessons from the relevant research on the influence of time on decision-making and proposes to study mate selection from the perspective of decision-making. Additionally, current research concerning the influence of resources on the choice of a spouse focuses more on results and neglects to examine the process. Therefore, based on the relevant theories, this paper makes several theoretical assumptions regarding the influence mechanism of resource availability on mate choice decisions, gender differences, and the actor-partner effect.
Appraisal of storage potential of onion cv. CO (On) 5 seeds under carbon dioxide and ambient storage condition

The laboratory experiment was conducted to study the storage potential of onion seeds under ambient and carbon dioxide (CO2) conditions. The onion seeds were given with different treatments such as T1-Control, T2-Seed coating formulation-I (SCF-I)-10g/kg, T3-Seed coating formulation-II (SCF-II)-10g/kg and stored in cloth bag under ambient condition and plastic container under CO2 condition (30% CO2) for six months. The seed samples were drawn at monthly intervals and evaluated for the seed and seedling quality parameters. The result revealed that, seeds coated with SCF-II and stored under CO2 condition recorded the highest germination rate and seedling vigour; dehydrogenase, α-amylase, catalase and peroxidase activity; protein and oil content; lowest electrical conductivity and pathogen infection after six months of storage compared to other treatments and ambient storage. It can be used effectively to enhance the seed quality and particularly beneficial in the absence of cold storage facility and in addition it can be used for maintaining seed quality for long period.
Explaining Multicriteria Decision Making with Formal Concept Analysis

Multicriteria decision making aims at helping a decision maker choose the best solutions among alternatives compared against multiple conflicting criteria. The reasons why an alternative is considered among the best are not always clearly explained. In this paper, we propose an approach that uses formal concept analysis and background knowledge on the criteria to explain the presence of alternatives on the Pareto front of a multicriteria decision problem.
International Union of Basic and Clinical Pharmacology. CIX. Differences and Similarities between Human and Rodent Prostaglandin E2 Receptors (EP1–4) and Prostacyclin Receptor (IP): Specific Roles in Pathophysiologic Conditions

Prostaglandins are derived from arachidonic acid metabolism through cyclooxygenase activities. Among prostaglandins (PGs), prostacyclin (PGI2) and PGE2 are strongly involved in the regulation of homeostasis and main physiologic functions. In addition, the synthesis of these two prostaglandins is significantly increased during inflammation. PGI2 and PGE2 exert their biologic actions by binding to their respective receptors, namely prostacyclin receptor (IP) and prostaglandin E2 receptor (EP) 1–4, which belong to the family of G-protein–coupled receptors. IP and EP1–4 receptors are widely distributed in the body and thus play various physiologic and pathophysiologic roles. In this review, we discuss the recent advances in studies using pharmacological approaches, genetically modified animals, and genome-wide association studies regarding the roles of IP and EP1–4 receptors in the immune, cardiovascular, nervous, gastrointestinal, respiratory, genitourinary, and musculoskeletal systems. In particular, we highlight similarities and differences between human and rodents in terms of the specific roles of IP and EP1–4 receptors and their downstream signaling pathways, functions, and activities for each biologic system. We also highlight the potential novel therapeutic benefit of targeting IP and EP1–4 receptors in several diseases based on the scientific advances, animal models, and human studies. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT In this review, we present an update of the pathophysiologic role of the prostacyclin receptor, prostaglandin E2 receptor (EP) 1, EP2, EP3, and EP4 receptors when activated by the two main prostaglandins, namely prostacyclin and prostaglandin E2, produced during inflammatory conditions in human and rodents. In addition, this comparison of the published results in each tissue and/or pathology should facilitate the choice of the most appropriate model for the future studies.
Improving Software Maintenance Ticket Resolution Using Process Mining (Extended Abstract)

Software maintenance is a crucial activity in software industry and consumes a major portion of the expenditure on software. Software maintenance refers to the modification of software product after delivery and is required to correct faults, to improve performance or other attributes, or to adapt the product to a modified environment. Ever-changing customer needs and rapid technical progress highlight the need to continuously improve software maintenance process to make it more effective and efficient. The work in this thesis focuses on analyzing and improving software maintenance process by exploring novel applications of process mining and predictive analytics. While process mining helps to discover the process reality, using predictive analytics helps recommend suitable actions to mitigate the inefficiencies in a proactive way. To identify the potential opportunities for improvement in software process management by mining data repositories, we first conducted qualitative interviews and surveys of over 40 managers in a large global IT company. The survey provided us with a list of over 10 maintenance process challenges encountered by practitioners, and benefits that may accrue by addressing them. The survey is published in MSR 2015 [10]. This thesis addresses a few of the identified challenges pertaining to the software maintenance process. We have conducted a series of case studies on large real world data (commercial and open source) to evaluate the usefulness of the proposed solution approaches. Overall approach of the thesis is published as doctoral symposium paper [2][3]. The main contributions of the thesis are as follows:
Celonis Process Repository: A Bridge between Business Process Management and Process Mining

Process Mining disrupted Business Process Management (BPM) in various ways from process modeling to analysis, redesigning, implementing, and monitoring of processes. One of the big challenges of traditional ways to identify and discover process models are the very time consuming and costly procedures due to lengthy interviews and workshops that result in a conceptual model and not representing the real executed process (As-Is process). Process Repository is a recently developed toolset by Celonis that brings BPM and Process Mining closer together by providing process documentation capabilities and fully integrating them with Process Mining applications.
Exploring mobile learning development lifecycle with cultural context

Based on the preliminary study, there are two problems that the development team faces; lack of development model or guideline with culture context for mobile learning developments and lack of cultural context in user interface and user experience of mobile learning development and practices. The main objectives are; (i) to propose Mobile Learning Development Lifecycle Cultural Model and to (ii) assess the proposed Mobile Learning Development Lifecycle Cultural Model. An IT scholar and five IT staff involved in mobile learning development based on the public and private sector at Klang Valley, Malaysia had been chosen for the interview session. The collected data has been analyzed by applying the thematic analysis approach. The first objective was achieved based on IT scholar reviewed on the model proposed. The IT scholar reviewed, (i) challenges on mobile learning development, (ii) theory of Hofstede on the design phase, (iii) user persona on the requirements phase, (iv) advantages of using the proposed model and (v) challenges on Mobile Learning Development Lifecycle Cultural Model. Then, the second objective was achieved by analyzing the qualitative information from the IT staff on the model proposed. The assessment was done by the IT staff for the Mobile Learning Development Lifecycle Cultural Model. There were four primary categories highlighted by the IT staffs which were (i) challenges on mobile learning development, (ii) overcome the challenges, (iii) important elements in mobile learning development and (iv) advantages of Mobile Learning Development Lifecycle Cultural Model. For future work, this study can include more IT scholar and IT staff from diverse positions from multiple organizations.
Nutritional Modulations for Optimizing Immunocompetence in Chicken

This paper summarizes the available literature on nutritional intervention in modulating the immunocompetence in chicken. The level of energy intake regulates the activity of immune cells, and activity of hormones and catacholamines. Dietary fat affects immunocompetence by altering the cell membrane structure or by modulating the prostaglandins synthesis. Further, the higher levels of unsaturated fatty acids enhance the immune function by stimulating macrophages. Deficiency of essential amino acids in the diet particularly during the growing phase results in poor immunocompetence. Methionine deficiency produces severe lymphocyte depletion and atrophy of the bursa. Vitamin A is important for maintaining epithelial tissues and enhancing both cellular and humoral immunity. Selenium and vitamin E reduces the oxidative damage. Vitamin C enhances both humoral and cell mediated immune response. Zinc deficiency causes hypoplasia of thymus, spleen and other lymphoid organs (bursa), and also decreases T-cell function. Similarly, pre and probiotics have also been shown to have enhanced macrophage response in birds.
NON-INTRUSIVE, VISUAL-LESS WEARABLE HAPTIC STIMULI NAVIGATIONAL ASSISTANCE FOR ELDERLY WITH DEMENTIA

Age is typically affiliated with the decline of cognitive function and the probability to be diagnosed with neurodegenerative disease, namely dementia. Of all dementia-related deficits, the paper highlights on the decline of wayfinding ability, since it is interrelated with mobility, autonomy, caregiving burden and eventually institutionalization. The sense of directions in elderly is also affected by the sensory changes, while the most obvious sensory declines are both vision and hearing. Hence navigation systems that support mainly on visual and auditory may not be the best option for them. A concept of wearable navigational assistance that is non-intrusive and uses haptic stimuli instead of visual and/or audio signals is presented in this paper. A Usability Test (UT) was performed towards the elderly with dementia at a selected nursing home to investigate how they perceive haptic-feedback as a modality of navigation. The assessments involved three phases: (1) orientation or training, (2) navigation test and (3) further navigation test. Results indicate the potential efficacy of haptic modality as a navigation signal. Improvement on subjects’ navigational performance was shown especially during the further navigation test, signifying the familiarization of the intervention. Employing the haptic modality could be a beneficial substitute for navigational purpose when vision and audio are less appropriate. Nevertheless, as much as the encouraging outcomes from the results and analysis of the assessments are valuable, the constructive reviews attained are indeed important for the future development of the device system.