Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Complex Visual Motion Representation in Mouse Area V1

Rodent visual cortex has a hierarchical architecture similar to that of higher mammals (Coogan and Burkhalter, 1993; Marshel et al., 2011; Wang et al., 2012). Although notable differences exist between the species in terms or receptive field sizes and orientation map organization (Dräger, 1975; Gattass et al., 1987; Van den Bergh et al., 2010), mouse V1 is thought to respond to local orientation and visual motion elements rather than to global patterns of motion, similar to V1 in higher mammals (Niell and Stryker, 2008; Bonin et al., 2011). However, recent results are inconclusive: some argue mouse V1 is analogous to monkey V1 (Juavinett and Callaway, 2015); others argue that it displays complex motion responses (Muir et al., 2015). We used type I plaids formed by the additive superposition of moving gratings (Adelson and Movshon, 1982; Movshon et al., 1985; Albright and Stoner, 1995) to investigate this question. We show that mouse V1 contains a considerably smaller fraction of component-motion-selective neurons (∼17% vs ∼84%), and a larger fraction of pattern-motion-selective neurons (∼10% vs <1.3%) compared with primate/cat V1. The direction of optokinetic nystagmus correlates with visual perception in higher mammals (Fox et al., 1975; Logothetis and Schall, 1990; Wei and Sun, 1998; Watanabe, 1999; Naber et al., 2011). Measurement of optokinetic responses to plaid stimuli revealed that mice demonstrate bistable perception, sometimes tracking individual stimulus components and others the global pattern of motion. Moreover, bistable optokinetic responses cannot be entirely attributed to subcortical circuitry as V1 lesions alter the fraction of responses occurring along pattern versus component motion. These observations suggest that area V1 input contributes to complex motion perception in the mouse. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Area V1 in the mouse is hierarchically similar but not necessarily identical to area V1 in cats and primates. Here we demonstrate that area V1 neurons process complex motion plaid stimuli differently in mice versus in cats or primates. Specifically, a smaller proportion of mouse V1 cells are sensitive to component motion, and a larger proportion to pattern motion than are found in area V1 of cats/primates. Furthermore, we demonstrate for the first time that mice exhibit bistable visual perception of plaid stimuli, and that this depends, at least in part, on area V1 input. Finally, we suggest that the relative proportion of component-motion-selective responses to pattern-motion-selective responses in mouse V1 may bias visual perception, as evidenced by changes in the direction of elicited optokinetic responses.
Lecture 20 : The Internet of Things

Like datacenters, the Internet of Things (IoT) is another use case for networking that has emerged over the last few years. And like datacenters, there is a history of previous technologies that were predecessors to IoT. Let’s break down the term IoT first. The term “thing” in IoT refers to any device that combines some mechanism to sense the physical environment, some amount of computation, and a means of communicating the sensed (and potentially) processed data to an interested entity. One example of a “thing” is an Internetconnected video camera at a road intersection. Here, the mechanism to sense the environment is a camera, the computation is likely an embedded processor integrated into the camera, and the camera has a WiFi or cellular network interface card to connect to the Internet. The term Internet in IoT refers to the fact that these “things” are all connected to the broader Internet. At least two attributes distinguish a “thing” from standard computers (e.g., servers, desktops, laptops, tablets, and even phones). First, “things” are made for a specific purpose and are typically constrained enough that they cannot run arbitrary applications—unlike a server/desktop/laptop that can run binaries downloaded from the Internet and a phone that can run mobile apps. Second, there is a sensory aspect to “things,” which allows them to integrate communication and computation with the external environment around them. Although, mobile phones today come equipped with an array of general-purpose sensors that sense mobility (e.g., accelerometers, gyroscopes, and GPS), the sensors on “things” tend to be far more specialized to the use case on hand (e.g., a temperature and humidity sensor for a soil and/or environment monitoring application, or a high resolution camera for a security application).
Pregabalin for painful HIV neuropathy

Objective: Pregabalin is effective in several neuropathic pain syndromes. This trial evaluated its efficacy, safety, and tolerability for treatment of painful HIV-associated neuropathy. Methods: This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group trial included a 2-week double-blind dose-adjustment (150–600 mg/day BID) phase, a 12-week double-blind maintenance phase, and an optional 3-month open label extension phase. The primary efficacy measure was the mean Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) score, an 11-point numeric rating scale. Secondary measures included Patient Global Impression of Change (PGIC) and sleep measurements. Results: Baseline mean NPRS score was 6.93 for patients randomized to pregabalin (n = 151) and 6.72 for those to placebo (n = 151). Pregabalin average daily dosage (SD) was 385.7 (160.3) mg/d. At endpoint, pregabalin and placebo showed substantial reductions in mean NPRS score from baseline: −2.88 vs −2.63, p = 0.3941. Pregabalin had greater improvements in NPRS score relative to placebo at weeks 1 (−1.14 vs −0.69, p = 0.0131) and 2 (−1.92 vs −1.43, p = 0.0393), and at weeks 7 (−3.22 vs −2.53 p = 0.0307) and 8 (−3.33 vs −2.53, p = 0.0156). At all other time points, differences between groups were not significant. Sleep measurements and 7-item PGIC did not differ among treatment groups; however, collapsed PGIC scores showed 82.8% of pregabalin and 66.7% of placebo patients rated themselves in 1 of the 3 “improved” categories (p = 0.0077). Somnolence and dizziness were the most common adverse events with pregabalin. Conclusions: Pregabalin was well-tolerated, but not superior to placebo in the treatment of painful HIV neuropathy. Factors predicting analgesic response in HIV neuropathy warrant additional research. Classification of Evidence: This Class II trial showed that pregabalin is not more effective than placebo in treatment of painful HIV neuropathy.
MAO, COMT, and GABA‐T Activities in Primary Astroglial Cultures

Abstract: Cultures from cerebral heimspheres of newborn rats contain the enzymes monoamine oxidase (MAO), catechol‐O‐methyltransferase (COMT), and α‐aminobutyric acid γ‐ketoglutarate transaminase (GABA‐T). The COMT activity was higher in the cultures than in adult rat cerebral hemispheres. The MAO activity was comparable in the cultures and in the rat cerebral hemispheres. The activities of both these enzymes increased with age in the cultures and in the rat brain hemispheres. In the culture the activities were further potentiated by removal of fetal calf serum and addition of 0.1 mM dibutyryl‐cyclic AMP (dB‐cAMP). GABA‐T activity was, however, lower in the cultures than in the adult rat brain hemispheres. The activity increased in brain during postnatal maturation. No changes in the enzyme activity were observed in the cultures, either during growth or after removal of fetal calf serum and addition of dB‐cAMP.
Flip chip electromigration: impact of test conditions in product life predictions

In this study, fundamentals of flip chip electromigration is reviewed for thin film UBM (Al/NiV/Cu) with SnPb eutectic, SnPbCu, and SnAgCu solder joint structures. Impact of key test conditions (i.e., temperature and current density) on the product life prediction is illustrated through the construction of governing equation, using empirical data collected at different test regimes. Significance of secondary failure mechanisms is also demonstrated in terms of test conditions and substrate pad selection. Obviously, tests conducted at elevated temperatures (150/spl deg/C and above) with high current densities would provide results in short time. Since it involves mix mode failures (UBM consumption and electromigration), it would also yield most conservative predictions for operating conditions. Tests conducted at comparatively lower temperatures (105/spl deg/C - 125/spl deg/C) validate this claim and provide accurate predictions for most field conditions.
Images of Recovery: A Photo-Elicitation Study on the Hospital Ward

The authors attempted to discover the part the physical setting of the ward plays in patients’ recovery by asking patients to take photographs of their ward, its spaces and objects, and then interviewing them about these images in hospital and subsequently in their homes. Photography allowed the patients to identify and capture aspects of the setting that they found salient and provided the photo-elicitation material for the interviews. Based on these data, the authors present (a) a critical discussion of the use of photography as method and its implications for qualitative analysis, (b) an overview of the kinds of image taken with respect to the ward and the course of patients’ recovery, and (c) a theoretical analysis, employing Walter Benjamin’s use of the concept of mimesis, that understands recovery as a bodily act in response to the shock to the senses that hospitalization and surgery produce.
Neonatal maternal separation disrupts regulation of sleep and breathing in adult male rats.

STUDY OBJECTIVES Neonatal maternal separation (NMS) disrupts development of cardiorespiratory regulation. Adult male rats previously subjected to NMS are hypertensive and show a hypoxic ventilatory response greater than that of controls. These results have been obtained in awake or anesthetised animals, and the consequences of NMS on respiratory control during normal sleep are unknown. This study tested the following. HYPOTHESES NMS augments respiratory variability across sleep-wake states, and NMS-related enhancement of the hypoxic ventilatory response occurs during sleep. METHODS Two groups of adult rats were used: controls (no treatment) and rats subjected to NMS. Ventilatory activity, coefficient of variation, and hypoxic ventilatory response were compared between groups and across sleep-wake states. SUBJECTS Male Sprague Dawley rats-NMS: n=11; controls: n=10. Pups subjected to NMS were isolated from their mother for 3 hours per day from postnatal days 3 to 12. Controls were undisturbed. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS At adulthood, sleep-wake states were monitored by telemetry, and ventilatory activity was measured using whole-body plethysmography. Sleep and breathing were measured for 2.5 hours (in the morning) while the rats were breathing room air. Data were analysed in 20-second epochs. Rats were then exposed to a brief (90-sec) hypoxic episode (nadir = 12% O2) to measure the hypoxic ventilatory response. The coefficient of variability for tidal volume and breathing frequency decreased during sleep but remained more elevated in NMS rats than in controls. During non-rapid eye movement sleep, the breathing-frequency response to hypoxia of NMS rats was significantly greater than that of controls. CONCLUSION Neonatal maternal separation results in persistent disruption of respiratory control during sleep.
A sophisticated multi‐step secretion mechanism: how the type 3 secretion system is regulated

Many Gram‐negative pathogens utilize type 3 secretion systems (T3SSs) for a successful infection. The T3SS is a large macromolecular complex which spans both bacterial membranes and delivers effector proteins into the host cell. The infection requires spatiotemporal control of diverse sets of secreted effectors and various mechanisms have evolved to regulate T3SS in response to external stimuli. This review will describe mechanisms that may control type 3 secretion, revealing a multi‐step regulatory strategy. We then propose an updated model of T3SS that illustrates different stages of secretion and integrates the most recent structural and functional data.
Parametric analysis of RF and microwave transmission through single and multiple layers of float glass

Energy-Saving Glass (ESG) is used to prevent the penetration of infrared (IR) radiation into buildings and hence to maintain thermal comfort. ESG is made of float glass with metallic-oxide coating over it. Unfortunately RF/microwave signals are attenuated by this coating making communication more difficult. Multi-layer float glass windows provide another solution that can offer thermal comfort inside buildings. This paper presents a parametric study on the transmission of RF/microwave signals through float glass panels. Single, double and tripple glass panels are analyzed and the effects of the dielectric constant, thickness and gap between panels are considered. It is observed that with appropriate selection of parameters high-transmission band can be changed to obtain best transmission at some frequencies while stronger transmission at the lower frequencies (e,g up to 2GHz) or wider passband with larger passband ripples can be obtained.
Depressed mitogen responsiveness of lymphocytes at skin temperature

The responsiveness of murine lymphocytes and human peripheral blood lymphocytes to phytohemagglutinin, concanavalin A, pokeweed mitogen, and endotoxin was tested in vitro at 32, 35, and 37 degrees C. The responses at 32 degrees C were delayed and often depressed. Mouse cells responded equally well at 35 and 37 degrees C. Human lymphocytes often responded more rapidly at 37 than at 35 degrees C. Since skin temperature, particularly that of the distal extremities, is usually 32 degrees C or less, a relative deficiency in cell-mediated immunity may exist in these sites. This may be part of the reason for the usual localization of certain infections, such as sporotrichosis, to these coller areas.
Genomic differences between estrogen receptor (ER)‐positive and ER‐negative human breast carcinoma identified by single nucleotide polymorphism array comparative genome hybridization analysis

Estrogen receptor (ER) remains one of the most important biomarkers for breast cancer subtyping and prognosis, and comparative genome hybridization has greatly contributed to the understanding of global genetic imbalance. The authors used single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) arrays to compare overall copy number aberrations (CNAs) as well as loss of heterozygosity (LOH) of the entire human genome in ER‐positive and ER‐negative breast carcinomas.
PHOTOSENSITIZED INACTIVATION OF CHINESE HAMSTER CELLS BY PHTHALOCYANINES

Chloroaluminum phthalocyanine was found to sensitize cultured Chinese hamster cells upon exposure to white fluorescent light. Elimination of wavelengths below 370 nm did not reduce the effect significantly, indicating that the effective wavelengths were those absorbed by the Q band (600–700 nm) of phthalocyanine. The magnitude of the photosensitizing effect increased with the dye concentration and the time of its contact with the cells prior to light exposure. Although photosensitization was drastically reduced in the absence of oxygen, the lack of effect of glycerol and D20 during exposure suggests that neither hydroxyl radicals nor 1O2 are responsible for the cytotoxic response. The efficiency of the photosensitized induced cell killing did not vary with the position of the cells in the cell cycle, in contrast to exposure to X‐rays. The improved spectral properties, the reported low toxicity and the selective retention by neoplasms, make phthalocyanines promising candidates for use in photodynamic therapy of cancer.
Batting strategy in limited-overs cricket

The paper attempts to understand batting strategies that are employed in limited overs cricket games. The question of the optimum batting strategy is posed in a simplified dynamic programming representation. We demonstrate that optimum strategies may be expected to differ fundamentally in the first and second innings, typically involving an increasing run rate when setting a target but a run rate which may decline over the course of an innings when chasing one. Data on English county level limited overs games are used to estimate a model of actual batting behaviour. The statistical framework takes the form of an interesting variant on conventional survival analysis models.
Hybrid Formulas and Elementarily Generated Modal Logics

We characterize the modal logics of elementary classes of Kripke frames as precisely those modal logics that are axiomatized by modal axioms synthesized in a certain effective way from “quasi-positive” sentences of hybrid logic. These are pure positive hybrid sentences with arbitrary existential and relativized universal quantiﬁcation over nominals. The proof has three steps. The ﬁrst step is to use the known result that the modal logic of any elementary class of Kripke frames is also the modal logic of the closure of this class under disjoint unions, generated subframes, bounded morphic images, and ultraroots. This latter class can be deﬁned by the ﬁrst-order sentences of a special syntactic form (called pseudo-equations by Goldblatt) that are valid in the former class. The second step is to translate these pseudo-equations into equivalent quasi-positive hybrid sentences. In the third and main step, we show that any quasi-positive sentence S generates an inﬁnite set of modal formulas called “approximants,” which together axiomatize a canonical modal logic that is sound and complete for the class of frames validating S . The proof is analogous to standard proofs of Sahlqvist’s theorem. It generalizes to sets of quasi-positive sentences. The main result now follows.
Genome fingerprinting of the silkworm, Bombyx mori, using random arbitrary primers

The random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) technique was used to study DNA profiling of thirteen silkworm genotypes. The genotypes included six diapausing and seven nondiapausing varieties that represent a high degree of divergence with respect to geographic origin, and morphological, qualitative, quantitative and biochemical characters. Two hundred sixteen amplified products were generated using 40 random primers. Genotype‐specific amplification products were identified. Amplification products specific to diapausing genotypes were also identified. Segregation of the RAPD marker was analyzed in a backcross population and found to be inherited as dominant Mendelian traits. Based on pairwise comparison of amplified products, the genetic similarity coefficient was calculated using the NeiLi similarity coefficient, and cluster analysis was performed by a hierarchical clustering technique. Silkworm genotypes were clustered into two groups, one consisting of six diapausing and the other of seven nondiapausing genotypes. The results of our study suggest that the RAPD technique could be used as a powerful tool to generate genetic markers that are linked to traits of interest in the silkworm.
Knowledge management: re-thinking information management and facing the challenge of managing tacit knowledge

Knowledge management has generated much interest in recent years and has become the latest management buzz in town. Many people start wondering whether knowledge management is here to stay or it is just another consultancy fad. To put things in perspective, it is important to look at the sequence of events that led to the rise of knowledge management. The arrival of the information society and the move toward the knowledge-based economy highlighted the importance of tacit knowledge and the need to manage knowledge resources including skills and competencies. Knowledge management as a concept with people taking the centre stage has prompted us to rethink information management and shift focus from trying to develop intelligent systems to that of developing tools for intelligent people. It is this realization in my opinion that makes knowledge management attractive to many organizations. While the focus in information management is mostly on explicit knowledge, knowledge management brings a new dimension, the need to manage tacit knowledge by focusing on people and enhance their capability by improving communication, information transfer and collaboration.
A Perpendicular Spin Torque Switching based MRAM for the 28 nm Technology Node

We report on a novel spin torque select MRAM with perpendicular anisotropy (P-ST-MRAM). The P-ST concept offers superior scalability performance at the 28 nm technology node compared to the conventional in-plane spin torque MRAM (I-ST-MRAM). The critical programming currents (~ 30 muA) are low, allowing a cell layout as small as 6 F2. In addition, data retention is significantly better for P-ST enabling a non-volatile, high density product for the 28 nm node. Estimations on write performance promise high write endurance and high write speed. Circuit simulations with improved read circuit demonstrate array read access time ~ 30 ns at sensing currents ~ 10 muA.
Leptin enhances MMP-1, MMP-3 and MMP-13 production in human osteoarthritic cartilage and correlates with MMP-1 and MMP-3 in synovial fluid from OA patients.

OBJECTIVES In the present study, we investigated the role of adipocytokine leptin in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis (OA) by measuring its effects on matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) production in human OA cartilage. In addition, the correlations between leptin and MMP concentrations in synovial fluid from OA patients were studied. METHODS Cartilage tissue obtained from leftover pieces of total knee replacement surgery from patients with OA was used in the experiments. Production of collagenases MMP-1, MMP-8 and MMP-13, and stromelysin-1 (MMP-3) in the cartilage was measured by immunoassay and the signalling pathways were explored by pharmacological means. In addition, synovial fluid samples were collected from 84 OA patients undergoing knee replacement surgery. The concentrations of leptin and MMPs in synovial fluid were measured by immunoassay. RESULTS Leptin alone and in combination with IL-1β enhanced production of MMP-1, MMP-3, and MMP-13 in human OA cartilage, while MMP-8 concentrations remained undetectable. The effects of leptin on MMP-1, MMP-3 and MMP-13 production were mediated through transcription factor NF-κβ, and through protein kinase C and MAP kinase pathways. Interestingly, leptin concentrations in synovial fluid from OA patients correlated positively with MMP-3 (r=0.51, p<0.001) and MMP-1 (r=0.41, p<0.001) levels. CONCLUSIONS To our knowledge, this is the first study to show that leptin up-regulates MMP-1 and MMP-3 production in human OA cartilage and correlates positively to MMP-1 and MMP-3 in synovial fluid from OA patients. The findings suggest that leptin has catabolic effects in OA joints by increasing MMP production in cartilage.
Comparison of two local social media services in Finland and China by social network analysis

Social network analysis has been widely used in characterising user behaviours, social relationships, network evolution and service adoption of social media. However, previous research mostly focused on the famous global large scale social media such as Facebook, Wikipedia and Twitter. Comparatively, little research has been done for local social media. In this paper, we compare two similar campus-based social media for exchanging goods and services by social network analysis. We also explore the correlation between different social relationships (e.g., the friend relation and exchanging relation) and different user behaviours (e.g., the requesting and offering) by quadratic assignment procedure (QAP) and Pearson correlation analysis methods. Finally, we discuss our findings and future work.