Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Dynamic categorization rules alter representations in human visual cortex

Everyday perceptual tasks require sensory stimuli to be dynamically encoded and analyzed according to changing behavioral goals. For example, when searching for an apple at the supermarket, one might first find the Granny Smith apples by separating all visible apples into the categories “green” and “non-green”. However, suddenly remembering that your family actually likes Fuji apples would necessitate reconfiguring the boundary to separate “red” from “red-yellow” objects. This flexible processing enables identical sensory stimuli to elicit varied behaviors based on the current task context. While this phenomenon is ubiquitous in nature, little is known about the neural mechanisms that underlie such flexible computation. Traditionally, sensory regions have been viewed as mainly devoted to processing inputs, with limited involvement in adapting to varying task contexts. However, from the standpoint of efficient computation, it is plausible that sensory regions integrate inputs with current task goals, facilitating more effective information relay to higher-level cortical areas. Here we test this possibility by asking human participants to visually categorize novel shape stimuli based on different linear and non-linear boundaries. Using fMRI and multivariate analyses of retinotopically-defined visual areas, we found that shape representations in visual cortex became more distinct across relevant decision boundaries in a context-dependent manner, with the largest changes in discriminability observed for stimuli near the decision boundary. Importantly, these context-driven modulations were associated with improved categorization performance. Together, these findings demonstrate that codes in visual cortex are adaptively modulated to optimize object separability based on currently relevant decision boundaries.
Applications of Artiﬁcial Intelligence Methods for the Prediction of Osteoporotic Fractures

: Background: Osteoporosis is a socio-economic problem of modern aging societies. Bone fractures and the related treatments generate the highest costs. The occurrence of osteoporotic fractures is a cause of chronic disability, many complications, reduced quality of life, and often premature death. Aim of the study: The aim of the study was to determine which of the patient’s potential risk factors pertaining to various diseases and lifestyle have an essential impact on the occurrence of low-energy fractures and the hierarchy of these factors. Methods: The study was retrospective. The documentation of 222 patients (206 women and 16 men) from an osteoporosis treatment clinic in Łód´z, Poland was analyzed. Each patient was described by a vector consisting of 27 features, where each feature was a different risk factor. Using artiﬁcial neural networks, an attempt was made to create a model that, based on the available data, would be able to predict whether the patient would be exposed to low-energy fractures. We developed a neural network model that achieved the best result for the testing data. In addition, we used other methods to solve the classiﬁcation problem, i.e., correctly dividing patients into two groups: those with fractures and those without fractures. These methods were logistic regression, k -nearest neighbors and SVM. Results: The obtained results gave us the opportunity to assess the effectiveness of various methods and the importance of the features describing patients. Using logistic regression and the recursive elimination of features, a ranking of risk factors was obtained in which the most important were age, chronic kidney disease, neck T-score, and serum phosphate level. Then, we repeated the learning procedure of the neural network considering only these four most important features. The average mean squared error on the test set was about 27% for the best variant of the model. Conclusions: The comparison of the rankings with different numbers of patients shows that the applied method is very sensitive to changes in the considered data (adding new patients signiﬁcantly changes the result). Further cohort studies with more patients and more advanced methods of machine learning may be needed to identify other signiﬁcant risk factors and to develop a reliable fracture risk system. The obtained results may contribute to the improved identiﬁcation patients at risk of low-energy fractures and early implementation of comprehensive treatment.
Pial synangiosis in patients with moyamoya younger than 2 years of age Clinical

MoyaMoya disease is a progressive cerebrovascular arteriopathy and a common cause of stroke in the pediatric population.9,14 It is characterized by stenosis and occlusion of the distal internal carotid arteries and, less often, the proximal anterior cerebral and middle cerebral arteries. Associated with the stenosis is the development of collateral vessels from perforating arteries at the base of the brain, which gives the “puff of smoke” appearance. Surgical revascularization of the ischemic cerebral hemispheres, either with direct or indirect methods, significantly improves the long-term outcome for children with moyamoya.3,5,6,10,13,15,16 Young children with moyamoya have been historically thought to be the most severely affected and most challenging to treat subgroup of all moyamoya patients.5,8,12 The clinical course in these patients is frequently dynamic and rapidly progressing, leading to major strokes on presentation and poor eventual outcome. Furthermore, infants with moyamoya have severely compromised cerebrovascular reserve and are usually felt to have increased anesthetic risks.17 Despite the fact that aggressive surgical management is usually warranted, moyamoya surgery Pial synangiosis in patients with moyamoya younger than 2 years of age
REINFORCEMENT LEARNING AGENTS

Reinforcement learning (RL) is a powerful technique to train an agent to perform a task. However, an agent that is trained using RL is only capable of achieving the single task that is specified via its reward function. Such an approach does not scale well to settings in which an agent needs to perform a diverse set of tasks, such as navigating to varying positions in a room or moving objects to varying locations. Instead, we propose a method that allows an agent to automatically discover the range of tasks that it is capable of performing in its environment. We use a generator network to propose tasks for the agent to try to accomplish, each task being specified as reaching a certain parametrized subset of the state-space. The generator network is optimized using adversarial training to produce tasks that are always at the appropriate level of difficulty for the agent. Our method thus automatically produces a curriculum of tasks for the agent to learn. We show that, by using this framework, an agent can efficiently and automatically learn to perform a wide set of tasks without requiring any prior knowledge of its environment1. Our method can also learn to accomplish tasks with sparse rewards, which pose significant challenges for traditional RL methods.
The transcription factor Sfp1 imprints specific classes of mRNAs and links their synthesis and cytoplasmic decay

To properly function as an integrated system, both transcriptional and post-transcriptional machineries must communicate; the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. Here we focus on ribosomal biosynthetic and ribosomal protein genes, transcription of which is regulated by a promoter-binding transcription factor, Sfp1. We show that Sfp1 also binds their gene bodies, affecting RNA polymerase II (Pol II) configuration, leading to enhanced backtracking and Rpb4 dissociation. Unexpectedly, we discovered that Sfp1 binds a group of those mRNAs encoded by Sfp1-bound genes. Remarkably, Sfp1 regulates deadenylation and decay of its bound mRNAs. The interaction of Sfp1 with its client mRNAs is controlled by their respective promoters and occurs concomitantly with its dissociation from chromatin. Collectively, our data suggest that for a subset of its targets, Sfp1 accompanies Pol II and controls its configuration during elongation, moves to the emerging transcripts co-transcriptionally and regulates their cytoplasmic stability. Thus, Sfp1 co-transcriptional binding imprints mRNA fate and serves as a paradigm for a cross-talk between synthesis and decay of specific mRNAs.
Click editing enables programmable genome writing using DNA polymerases and HUH endonucleases

Genome editing technologies that install diverse edits can widely enable genetic studies and new therapeutics. Here we develop click editing, a genome writing platform that couples the advantageous properties of DNA-dependent DNA polymerases with RNA-programmable nickases (e.g. CRISPR-Cas) to permit the installation of a range of edits including substitutions, insertions, and deletions. Click editors (CEs) leverage the “click”-like bioconjugation ability of HUH endonucleases (HUHes) with single stranded DNA substrates to covalently tether “click DNA” (clkDNA) templates encoding user-specifiable edits at targeted genomic loci. Through iterative optimization of the modular components of CEs (DNA polymerase and HUHe orthologs, architectural modifications, etc.) and their clkDNAs (template configurations, repair evading substitutions, etc.), we demonstrate the ability to install precise genome edits with minimal indels and no unwanted byproduct insertions. Since clkDNAs can be ordered as simple DNA oligonucleotides for cents per base, it is possible to screen many different clkDNA parameters rapidly and inexpensively to maximize edit efficiency. Together, click editing is a precise and highly versatile platform for modifying genomes with a simple workflow and broad utility across diverse biological applications.
Paper-based Point-of-care Testing For Cost-effective Diagnosis Of Acute Flavivirus Infections †

F. Bedin, Dr Innovation, BioMerieux SA, Chemin de l’Orme, 69280 Marcy l’Etoile, France, Tel. +33487783685 (frederic.bedin@biomerieux.com) L. Boulet Innovation, BioMerieux SA, Chemin de l’Orme, 69280 Marcy l’Etoile, France, Tel. +33487782000 (laurent.boulet@biomerieux.com) E. Voilin Innovation, BioMerieux SA, Chemin de l’Orme, 69280 Marcy l’Etoile, France, Tel. +33487782000 (elodie.voilin@hotmail.fr) G. Theillet, Dr Innovation, BioMerieux SA, Chemin de l’Orme, 69280 Marcy l’Etoile, France , Tel. +33487782000 (gerald.theillet@biomerieux.com) A.Rubens, Dr Innovation, BioMerieux SA, Chemin de l’Orme, 69280 Marcy l’Etoile, France, Tel. +33487782000 (agnes.rubens@biomerieux.com) C. Rozand, Pr Innovation, BioMerieux SA, Chemin de l’Orme, 69280 Marcy l’Etoile, France, Tel. +33487782000 (christine .rozand@biomerieux.com)
Hematopathology: Morphology, Immunophenotype, Cytogenetics, and Molecular Approaches

This comprehensive, full color hematopathology reference book emphasizes immunophenotpic features, cytogenetic studies, and diagnostic molecular aspects. Hematopathology begins with introductions to morphologic evaluation of the hematopoietic tissues and principles of immunophenotyping, cytogenetics and molecular studies followed by chapters dedicated to different types of hematologic disorders. Each chapter starts with a basic overview of hematopathlogy followed by a comprehensive review of immunophenotypic, cytogenetic and molecular findings. The text is balanced with large numbers of full color images, graphs, charts, and tables to assist the reader in understanding these highly technical issues. * Emphasizes the immunophenotypic features, cytogenetic studies, and diagnostic molecular aspects of hematology * Features hundreds of images, charts and tables for the identification of hematologic disorders not only based on histopathologic features, but also with the use of advanced accessory techniques.
Étude expérimentale et analyse numérique de l'influence des hétérogénéités induites par la déformation à froid sur la recristallisation primaire d'un acier IF-Ti

Ce travail se situe dans la thematique de l'influence des procedes de mise en forme sur le comportement des materiaux metalliques. La these a consiste a etudier le developpement d'heterogeneites induites par la deformation au cours du laminage, ainsi que leur effet sur la germination et la croissance de nouveaux grains. La caracterisation du comportement mecanique et de recuit a permis d'identifier les lois de comportement et de recuit. L'etape suivante a consiste, a l'aide du maillage 3D d'agregats cristallins et d'une loi de comportement du monocristal integree dans la methode des elements finis, a etudier l'influence de l'interaction intergranulaire 3D, en compression plane, sur le developpement des heterogeneites. Cet effet est faible, d'ou la possibilite d'effectuer des calculs 2D representatifs. Pour simuler la recristallisation, un interet a ete porte a l'estimation de l'energie stockee. Il est montre que le travail plastique ne represente pas cette energie, au contraire de la densite de dislocations. Differents types d'heterogeneites ont ensuite ete etudies, a l'aide de calculs elements finis, et ont ete compares a des resultats de la litterature. Il a ete montre qu'une forte deformation locale n'est pas toujours associee a une forte energie stockee, ou a un fort gradient d'orientation. L'effet resultant en recristallisation est discute. Ensuite, une comparaison du champ d'orientation a ete effectuee entre les deformations experimentale et numerique d'un agregat, et un tres bon accord est trouve. Le recuit experimental de l'agregat est effectue, et les microstructure et texture resultantes sont comparees aux resultats d'un calcul Monte Carlo prenant les resultats elements finis comme donnees initiales. Un accord qualitatif est obtenu, et permet de degager l'importance du gradient d'energie, d'orientation et du voisinage sur la germination et la croissance des grains, et sur le developpement des texture et microstructure recristallisees.
Behavioral and Transcriptomic Changes Following Brain-Specific Loss of Noradrenergic Transmission

Noradrenaline (NE) plays an integral role in shaping behavioral outcomes including anxiety/depression, fear, learning and memory, attention and shifting behavior, sleep-wake state, pain, and addiction. However, it is unclear whether dysregulation of NE release is a cause or a consequence of maladaptive orientations of these behaviors, many of which associated with psychiatric disorders. To address this question, we used a unique genetic model in which the brain-specific Vesicular Monoamine Transporter-2 (VMAT2) gene expression was removed in NE-positive neurons disabling NE release in the entire brain. We engineered VMAT2 gene splicing and NE depletion by crossing floxed VMAT2 mice with mice expressing the Cre-recombinase under the DBH gene promotor. In this study, we performed a comprehensive behavioral and transcriptomic characterization of the VMAT2DBHcre KO mice to evaluate the role of central NE in behavioral modulations. We demonstrated that NE depletion induces anxiolytic and antidepressant-like effects, improves contextual fear memory, alters shifting behavior, decreases the locomotor response to amphetamine, and induces deeper sleep during the non-rapid eye movement (NREM) phase. In contrast, NE depletion did not affect spatial learning and memory, working memory, response to cocaine, and the architecture of the sleep-wake cycle. Finally, we used this model to identify genes that could be up- or down-regulated in the absence of NE release. We found an up-regulation of the Synaptic Vesicle Glycoprotein 2c (SV2c) gene expression in several brain regions, including the locus coeruleus (LC), and were able to validate this up-regulation as a marker of vulnerability to chronic social defeat.
Central Asia: Aspects of Transition

1. Turkfront: Frunze and the development of Soviet counter-insurgency in Central Asia 2. The Kokand autonomy, 1917-18: political background, aims and reasons for failure 3. Ethno-territorial claims in the Ferghana valley during the process of delimitation, 1924-27 4. Land and water 'reform' in the 1920s: agrarian revolution or social engineering? 5. Nation building in Turkey and Uzbekistan: the use of language and history in the creation of national identity 6. Nation building and identity in the Kyrgyz Republic 7. The use of history: the Soviet historiography of Khan Kenesary Kasimov 8. Soviet development in Central Asia: the classic colonial syndrome? 9. Environmental issues in Central Asia: a source of hope or despair? 10. Identity and instability in the post-Soviet world: Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan 11. The Uzbek Mahalla: between state and society 12. 'Fundamentalism' in Central Asia: reasons, reality and prospects 13. Water: the difficult path to a sustainable future for Central Asia
EVIDENCE FROM KENYA

The main purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between the stock market development and economic growth by establishing a causal link between them using annual time series data for the period 1990 to 2014. The study utilised econometric techniques such as Unit Root Tests, Vector Autoregressive model and Granger Causality Tests. The empirical results did not show a direct link between economic growth and the stock market. However, they showed that foreign direct investment granger causes the stock market variables and therefore has an impact on the growth in size and liquidity of the Kenyan stock market.
Investigating the Neural Heterogeneity of Developmental Dyscalculia

Abstract Developmental dyscalculia (DD) is a heterogenous mathematics learning difficulty, affecting approximately 4 to 7% of children. Despite its prevalence, our current understanding of the neural underpinnings of DD remains limited. This study probed DD’s neural heterogeneity through case study comparative analyses between dyscalculia-at-risk children (DR) with non-dyscalculia-at-risk (NDR) children. Utilizing functional near-infrared spectroscopy, brain data from resting states and a mathematical computation task (addition) were acquired and analysed, using Graph theory assessing brain global and nodal network indicators. By comparing DR cases’ network indicators and activation with NDR children’s data, three DR cases demonstrated lower nodal efficiency, providing insights into potential early biomarkers of DD. Moreover, the thorough investigation of single cases can offer valuable insights for devising personalized interventions for children with DD. Research Highlights Although the behavioural and cognitive heterogeneity of developmental dyscalculia (DD) has been investigated, its neural heterogeneity is under-researched. Case-control design empowers researchers to probe individual idiosyncrasies, transcending the constraints imposed by summary statistics derived from group comparisons. Graph theory metrics provided insights into the topological organization of the brain areas that underpins mathematical tasks, extending researchers’ understandings of their brain activations. Three dyscalculia-at-risk cases not only demonstrated different behaviorual and neural profiles, but also showed similar neural deficits, providing insights into potential early biomarkers of DD.
Does FDI crowd out domestic investment in transition countries ? 1

The aim of this paper is to empirically investigate the relationship between FDI and domestic investment in a sample of 10 Central and Eastern European countries over the period 1995-2015. We find FDI to lead to a creative destruction phenomenon, with a short-term crowding out effect on domestic investment, followed by a long-term crowding in. Greenfield FDI develops stronger long run complementarities with domestic investment, while mergers and acquisitions do not show a significant effect on domestic investment. Financial development seems to mitigate crowding out pressures and even foster a crowding in for mergers and acquisitions.
Removal of Escherichia coli in treated wastewater used for food production in Morogoro, Tanzania

The aim of this study was to assess the removal efficiency of Escherichia coli at Mafisa and Mzumbe domestic wastewater treatment ponds in Morogoro, Tanzania. The study was done from October, 2013 to April, 2014. A total of 125 water samples from inlets and subsequent anaerobic, facultative and maturation ponds as well as treated wastewater were collected and analysed for E. coli. The estimated retention times of the wastewater treatment units were 19 and 22 days in Mafisa and Mzumbe ponds, respectively. The concentration of E. coli ranged from 4.70 to 5.60 log cfu/mL in untreated wastewater and was reduced to <1.00 to 2.00 log cfu/mL in the treated wastewater. During rainy and cold seasons, the effluent discharged out at Mafisa during August 2013; and March and April, 2014 was about 2 log cfu/mL while at Mzumbe E. coli concentration in effluent discharged out was up to 1.23 log cfu/mL. The concentration of E. coli in untreated and treated wastewater from the two wastewater treatment ponds study sites were comparable (P<0.05). Reduction of E. coli concentration in wastewater treatment ponds study sites was significant with less reduction seen at Mafisa, during rainy and cold seasons in March, April and August. To conclude, the simple wastewater treatment ponds in the study sites were effective and demonstrated potential for reduction of public health risks associated with use of treated wastewater in agricultural irrigation and aquaculture. Key words: Agricultural irrigation, aquaculture, retention time, wastewater treatment.
Design Considerations for an Active Soft Orthotic System for Shoulder Rehabilitation

result in paralysis that must be treated by regular sessions with a dedicated physical therapist in order to regain motor function. However, the use of therapists is expensive, in high demand, and requires patient travel to a rehabilitation clinic. We propose an inexpensive and wearable upper body orthotics system that can be used at home to provide the same level of rehabilitation as the current physical therapy standard of care. The system is composed of a soft orthotic device with an integrated cable actuation system that is worn over the upper body, a limb position sensing system, and an actuator package. This paper presents initial design considerations and the evaluation of a proof of concept system for shoulder joint rehabilitation. Through simulations and experimental evaluation, the system is shown to be adjustable, easily wearable, and adaptable to misalignment and anatomical variations. Insights provided by these initial studies will inform the development of a complete upper body orthotic system.
Aalborg Universitet Voice-Centric LTE Femtocells and Improper Graph

This paper addresses carrier-based inter-cell interference coordination (CB-ICIC) among LTE femtocells operating on a single carrier. CB-ICIC is in many ways linked to the widely investigated dynamic channel assignment problem, which is often studied in the context of graph coloring. The investigation revolves around the sensible definition of the underlying graph, i.e. the network model, rather than focusing on the coloring algorithms and their properties. Ultimately, we posit that improper online graph-coloring suffices and is actually preferable. In short, settling for less-than-optimal configurations avoids uncontrolled service interruptions. Such disruptions tend to raise understandable concerns when it comes to fully autonomous selection of operational CCs. Our results dispel such concerns by showing that conservative methods can achieve most of the benefits of unrestricted off-line coloring algorithms with a very modest number (2-3) of CCs to choose from.