Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Self-Organized Criticality in Developing Neuronal Networks

Recently evidence has accumulated that many neural networks exhibit self-organized criticality. In this state, activity is similar across temporal scales and this is beneficial with respect to information flow. If subcritical, activity can die out, if supercritical epileptiform patterns may occur. Little is known about how developing networks will reach and stabilize criticality. Here we monitor the development between 13 and 95 days in vitro (DIV) of cortical cell cultures (n = 20) and find four different phases, related to their morphological maturation: An initial low-activity state (≈19 DIV) is followed by a supercritical (≈20 DIV) and then a subcritical one (≈36 DIV) until the network finally reaches stable criticality (≈58 DIV). Using network modeling and mathematical analysis we describe the dynamics of the emergent connectivity in such developing systems. Based on physiological observations, the synaptic development in the model is determined by the drive of the neurons to adjust their connectivity for reaching on average firing rate homeostasis. We predict a specific time course for the maturation of inhibition, with strong onset and delayed pruning, and that total synaptic connectivity should be strongly linked to the relative levels of excitation and inhibition. These results demonstrate that the interplay between activity and connectivity guides developing networks into criticality suggesting that this may be a generic and stable state of many networks in vivo and in vitro.
The Role of Attitude Accessibility in the Attitude-to-Behavior Process

Attitudes toward a number of products and the accessibility of those attitudes as indicated by the latency of response to an attitudinal inquiry were assessed. Subjects with highly accessible attitudes toward a given product displayed greater attitude-behavior correspondence than did those with relatively less accessible attitudes. Furthermore, subjects with less accessible attitudes displayed more sensitivity to the salience afforded a product by its position in the front row, as opposed to the back row, than did subjects with more accessible attitudes. The implications of these data for a model of the process by which attitudes guide behavior are discussed. Copyright 1989 by the University of Chicago.
Young Women With Anorexia Nervosa

The aim of this study was to describe how young women living with self-identified anorexia narrate about their lives by blogging. Thirteen Swedish blogs were chosen and analyzed by means of qualitative content analysis. The results described falling ill, the illness itself, and the path to recovery. Low self-esteem, depressed state of mind, and self-destructive behavior were typical signs at the start of the illness. The women’s lives were characterized by a need for controlling their body by tormenting it and by the illness demanding all their concentration and energy. The women suffered from the feeling of being a disappointment to their family members. The illness was like an enemy that had to be defeated with the help of family members, health care professionals, and by means of therapy. A turning point occurred when the women felt at their worst or had tired of the illness and could concentrate on something other than their body and the eating disorder. Suffering from self-identified anorexia was described as experiencing low self-esteem. The illness took all of the women’s time and energy. For a turning point to be reached, the women needed support from family, friends, and health care professionals, including the use of distractions.
7,8,4′-Trihydroxyisoflavone Attenuates DNCB-Induced Atopic Dermatitis-Like Symptoms in NC/Nga Mice

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is characterized by chronic highly pruritic and relapsing inflammatory skin lesions. Despite its growing prevalence, therapeutic treatments remain limited. Natural immune modulators from herbal extracts or derivatives may be useful for treating AD symptoms. This study examined the effect of 7,8,4′-trihydroxyisoflavone (7,8,4′-THIF), a metabolite of soy isoflavone daidzin, on AD-like symptoms. Repeated epicutaneous application of 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) was performed on the ear and dorsal skin of NC/Nga mice to induce AD-like symptoms and skin lesions, and 7,8,4′-THIF (200 and 400 nmol) or tacrolimus (100 µg) was applied topically for 3 weeks to assess their anti-pruritic effects. We found that 7,8,4′-THIF alleviated DNCB-induced AD-like symptoms as quantified by skin lesion, dermatitis score, ear thickness, and scratching behavior. Histopathological analysis demonstrated that 7,8,4′-THIF decreased DNCB-induced eosinophil and mast cell infiltration into skin lesions. We also found that 7,8,4′-THIF significantly alleviated DNCB-induced loss of water through the epidermal layer. In addition to reducing the DNCB-induced increase in serum IgE, 7,8,4′-THIF also lowered skin lesion levels of the chemokine thymus and activation regulated chemokine; Th2 cytokines interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, and IL-13; and Th1 cytokines IL-12 and interferon-γ. These results suggest that 7,8,4′-THIF might be a potential therapeutic candidate for the treatment of atopic dermatitis.
Exploratory ASCA Observations of Broad Absorption Line Quasi-stellar Objects

We present the analysis and interpretation of a sample of eight ASCA observations of broad absorption line quasi-stellar objects (BALQSOs). This is the first moderate-sized sample of sensitive BALQSO observations above 2 keV, and the BALQSOs in our sample are among the optically brightest known (B = 14.5-18.5). Despite the ability of 2-10 keV X-rays to penetrate large column densities, we find BALQSOs to be extremely weak sources above 2 keV, and we are only able to add two new 2-10 keV detections (0226-104 and IRAS 07598+6508) to those previously reported. By comparison with non-BALQSOs of similar optical continuum magnitudes, we derive the column densities needed to suppress the expected X-ray fluxes of our BALQSOs. In several cases we derive column densities ≳5 × 1023 cm-2 for a neutral absorber with solar abundances. These are the largest X-ray column densities yet inferred for BALQSOs, and they exceed ROSAT lower limits by about an order of magnitude. Optical brightness does not appear to be a good predictor of 2-10 keV brightness for BALQSOs, but our data do suggest that the BALQSOs with high optical continuum polarizations may be the X-ray-brighter members of the class. For example, the highly polarized object PHL 5200 appears to be unusually X-ray bright for a BALQSO given its optical magnitude. We discuss the implications of our results for future observations with AXAF and XMM. If the objects in our sample are representative of the BALQSO population, precision X-ray spectroscopy of most BALQSOs will unfortunately prove difficult in the near future.
Insider Trading and the 2008 Stock Market Crash

This paper examines insider trading during the October, 2008 stock market crash. I show that inside traders did not sell big losers before the crash. However, insiders bought in very large numbers immediately after the crash, and were especially active buyers in small firms, high book-to-market firms, and high-beta firms. The insiders who bought during this period successfully predicted post-crash returns that are substantially larger and longer-lasting than most returns following insider purchases observed during non-crash periods. These results, however, are similar to those in a previous study (Seyhun (1990)) on the 1987 crash. This new evidence of large post-crash returns following insider purchases therefore emerges as a potential empirical regularity for widescale market crashes. ∗University of Mississippi, Department of Economics, 341 Holman Hall, University, MS, 38677, hmholt@go.olemiss. edu
The upper bound of the number of cycles in a 2‐factor of a line graph

Let G be a simple graph with order n and minimum degree at least two. In this paper, we prove that if every odd branch‐bond in G has an edge‐branch, then its line graph has a 2‐factor with at most ${{3n - 2}\over {8}}$ components. For a simple graph with minimum degree at least three also, the same conclusion holds. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Graph Theory 55: 72–82, 2007
The VanS-VanR two-component regulatory system controls synthesis of depsipeptide peptidoglycan precursors in Enterococcus faecium BM4147

Plasmid pIP816 of Enterococcus faecium BM4147 confers inducible resistance to vancomycin and encodes the VanH dehydrogenase and the VanA ligase for synthesis of depsipeptide-containing peptidoglycan precursors which bind the antibiotic with reduced affinity. We have characterized a cluster of five genes of pIP816 sufficient for peptidoglycan synthesis in the presence of vancomycin. The distal part of the van cluster encodes VanH, VanA, and a third enzyme, VanX, all of which are necessary for resistance. Synthesis of these enzymes was regulated at the transcriptional level by the VanS-VanR two-component regulatory system encoded by the proximal part of the cluster. VanR was a transcriptional activator related to response regulators of the OmpR subclass. VanS stimulated VanR-dependent transcription and was related to membrane-associated histidine protein kinases which control the level of phosphorylation of response regulators. Analysis of transcriptional fusions with a reporter gene and RNA mapping indicated that the VanR-VanS two-component regulatory system activates a promoter used for cotranscription of the vanH, vanA, and vanX resistance genes.
Sustainability and Yield in Marine Reserve Policy

In the process of implementing marine reserves, policy makers typically are occupied with (1) choosing the spatial configuration of areas to protect and (2) addressing the concerns of fishermen regarding the effects of proposed reserves on fishery yield. The spatial configuration is typically set by choosing the habitat, species, and ecosystems to protect, assuming that the associated species will be sustained in that configuration. The concerns of fishermen are typically addressed by describing various spillover mechanisms and suggesting that yields will increase. There is a growing scientific understanding of the effects of reserves on the sustainability of populations and fishery yield, and the practical implications of those results should be incorporated into policy decisions. While there are exceptions, analytical and simulation results from models with sedentary adults indicate that yield will increase only if a population has been fished hard enough to cause a substantial decline in recruitment. This is consistent with the rough equivalence between yields possible with marine reserves and conventional management. This equivalence is a useful benchmark in the absence of information on larval advection and spatial variability in productivity. With reserves, lower fishery yields will be obtained from species dispersing shorter distances. Both yield and preservation goals depend on species in reserves being sustainable. Sustainability of species in reserves will depend on their dispersal distances and the spatial configuration of reserves. Species will be sustained in marine reserves if the alongshore dimension of the reserve is greater than its mean dispersal distance (assuming little alongshore displacement of the dispersal pattern), but species dispersing all distances will be sustained in networks of reserves, if a specific fraction of the coast is covered. Yield will be greater as the size of individual reserves in that network becomes smaller. Shorter -distance dispersers are always more likely to persist. Sustainability and yield in marine reserves depend on three categories of uncertainty: (1) uncertainty in population response to management is less when employing marine reserves than in conventional management, (2) uncertainty in the slope of the stock-recruitment relationship at low abundance affects both reserves and conventional fishery management, and (3) uncertainty in the pattern of larval dispersal affects management by reserves much more than conventional fishery management. Most of the available results are modeling results, and there is a need for better empirical information on both sustainability and yield. We need to know more than just whether marine reserves sustain populations and increase yield; rather, we need to know which kinds of reserves (i.e., size and spacing) sustained populations and which kinds of species (i.e., dispersal distance) were sustained and showed increased yields.
(Be)Coming, (Be)Longing: Ways in which international students talk about themselves

This paper looks at the power of discourses to speak subjects into being, particularly the power that academic and other discourses have had to develop subject positions for international students and the ways in which students have accepted and rejected these ways of talking about them. The paper contrasts these ways of speaking with what the students say about themselves as international students. Of particular interest are the ways the students place themselves in storylines of strength and agency, with the contradictory storyline of being confused and wanting to belong spoken at the same time. They also express a desire for reciprocal dialogue within the university and for universities to recognize that many realities and knowledges exist and are valuable.
Studies on the viability and membrane integrity of human spermatozoa treated with essential oil of Trachyspermum ammi (L.) Sprague ex Turrill fruit

The present study aimed at investigating the effects of essential oil of Trachyspermum ammi fruits, an oil‐bearing plant of Apiaceae family, on human sperm viability and membrane integrity. Chemical compositions of the oil were analysed by GC‐MS. Thirty compounds representing 91.39% of the total oil were identified. The viability and membrane integrity of human spermatozoa were assessed using minimum effective dose (MED) concentration (125 μg ml−1) of the oil. Sperm treated with essential oil showed a significant decrease (P < 0.05) in viability assessed by eosin–nigrosin and fluorescence dual staining. Moreover, the treated sperm also showed a significant loss (P < 0.05) of functional mitochondria and antioxidant enzyme, catalase (EC 1.11.1.6, CAT), when compared to control. The cholesterol:phospholipid ratio was also increased (P < 0.05) in treated sperm when compared to control, which is an indicator of loss of binding ability of human spermatozoa to the zona pellucida. The scanning electron microscopic studies demonstrated the loss of membrane integrity in essential oil–treated human spermatozoa, which showed vacuolation, swelling of acrosomal cap, detachment of head portion and tail coiling. Present observations indicate the spermicidal property of essential oil of T. ammi fruits, which could be helpful to develop medicinal preparations as a male contraceptive.
The Politics of Activation: Technologies of Mobilizing “Multiethnic Suburbs” in Sweden

Since the 1990s, the idea of “mobilization from below” has become a salient feature in Swedish debates on “multiethnic suburbs. ” In this article, the idea of “mobilization from below” is analyzed in three different policy areas—democracy, urban, and education policy. Following Michel Foucault and his theories of power and governmentality, the ambition of “mobilizing multiethnic suburbs” is analyzed as particular “technologies of government” creating citizens as “active” and “responsible” subjects. In the urge to “activate” citizens, it is argued, a neoliberal agenda has gained momentum in Swedish politics, further emphasizing the role of individual responsibilities and initiatives against public arrangements and interventions.
Treatment of severe non-infectious uveitis in high-risk conditions (Part 2): systemic infections; management and safety issues

Introduction: Management of patients with severe immune-mediated uveitis requires the use of immunosuppressive (IS) drugs in selected cases. This may be particularly challenging in certain patients with associated conditions, which may increase the risk of side effects or modify guidelines for the use of such drugs. Chronic viral and mycobacterial infections in the setting of non-infectious uveitis create a number of diagnostic but also therapeutic dilemmas to clinicians because they can be exacerbated by IS therapies with detrimental effects. Areas covered: In this review, we will focus on very specific chronic infections that can be affected by IS therapies: human immunodeficiency virus infection, chronic hepatitis virus infection and tuberculosis. The main aim of this review is to provide an updated and comprehensive practical guide for practitioners regarding the therapeutic decision-making and management of patients with non-infectious uveitis affected by the aforementioned infectious conditions. Expert opinion: Clinicians should be aware of the risk of viral and mycobacterial reactivation of an underlying infection during IS therapy. However, most of these conditions do not represent an absolute contraindication if one were able to apply an appropriate prior screening and close monitoring of such therapy.
Regulation of genes coding for enzyme constituents of the bacterial phosphotransferase system

Regulation of the synthesis of the proteins of the phosphoenolpyruvate:sugar phosphotransferase system was systematically studied in wild-type and mutant strains of Salmonella typhimurium and Escherichia coli. The results suggest that enzyme I and HPr as well as the glucose-specific and the mannose-specific enzymes II are synthesized by a mechanism which depends on (i) cyclic adenosine monophosphate and its receptor protein; (ii) extracellular inducer; (iii) the sugar-specific enzyme II complex which recognizes the inducing sugar; and (iv) the general energy-coupling proteins of the phosphotransferase system, enzyme I and HPr.
Is early intervention for psychosis a waste of valuable resources?

The concept of early intervention for psychosis has received much attention in recent years. The experience of pioneer services in the USA and Australia has convinced the UK Government to set aside millions of pounds to make dedicated early intervention teams an integral part of standard mental health services across the country. Other governments are set to follow suit. The rationale for early intervention is that there is a higher success rate if psychotic symptoms are treated early than if they are treated after they have been present for some time. It is also claimed that interventions early in the course of the illness can decrease the psychosocial impact of a psychotic illness that leads to secondary disability. But have these assertions been empirically demonstrated? Do such services simply take valuable resources, both in terms of funding and staff, from an already-overstretched mental health system, or do they change the trajectory of the disease process in a fundamental way? Dr Max Birchwood, Director of the Birmingham Early Intervention Service, and Dr Anthony Pelosi, consultant psychiatrist with a ‘generic’ community service in East Kilbride, Scotland, debate this issue.
Coordinate Descent Converges Faster with the Gauss-Southwell Rule Than Random Selection

There has been significant recent work on the theory and application of randomized coordinate descent algorithms, beginning with the work of Nesterov [SIAM J. Optim. , 22(2), 2012], who showed that a random-coordinate selection rule achieves the same convergence rate as the Gauss-Southwell selection rule. This result suggests that we should never use the Gauss-Southwell rule, as it is typically much more expensive than random selection. However, the empirical behaviours of these algorithms contradict this theoretical result: in applications where the computational costs of the selection rules are comparable, the Gauss-Southwell selection rule tends to perform substantially better than random coordinate selection. We give a simple analysis of the Gauss-Southwell rule showing that---except in extreme cases---its convergence rate is faster than choosing random coordinates. Further, in this work we (i) show that exact coordinate optimization improves the convergence rate for certain sparse problems, (ii) propose a Gauss-Southwell-Lipschitz rule that gives an even faster convergence rate given knowledge of the Lipschitz constants of the partial derivatives, (iii) analyze the effect of approximate Gauss-Southwell rules, and (iv) analyze proximal-gradient variants of the Gauss-Southwell rule.
Ethnic Group Labels and Intergroup Attitudes in New Zealand: Naming Preferences Predict Distinct Ingroup and Outgroup Biases

New Zealand society is unique in that New Zealanders of European descent (the majority group) are regularly labeled in institutional and popular discourse using an ethnic group label created by Māori (the indigenous minority group). This label is “Pākehā. ” Endorsement of this label is by no means consensual, and opposition to its use is often claimed on the grounds that the term is pejorative. We tested the validity of this concern in a national sample (N = 6,507) by assessing differences in the ingroup and outgroup evaluations of Māori and New Zealanders of European descent based on their label preferences. We found no support for the claim that the term “Pākehā” is associated with a negative evaluation of the majority group. Rather, Māori expressed positive attitudes toward New Zealanders of European descent regardless of the label they preferred to describe them. For Māori, use of the term “Pākehā” was instead indicative of ingroup cultural engagement, including the use of Māori language, and had little to do with outgroup attitudes. New Zealanders of European descent who preferred the term “Pākehā,” in contrast, expressed more positive attitudes toward Māori than those who preferred the terms “New Zealand European,”“New Zealander,” or “Kiwi. ”
Peningkatan Keterampilan Sosial Melalui Permainan Tradisional Pada Anak Kelompok A TK Cemara Dua Surakarta Tahun Ajaran 2013/2014

Abstrak: Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk meningkatkan keterampilan sosial melalui metode permainan tradisional. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian tindakan kelas yang dilaksanakan dalam dua siklus. Subjek penelitian ini adalah anak kelompok A TK Cemara Dua Surakarta tahun ajaran 2013/2014 yang berjumlah 10 anak. Teknik pengumpulan datanya adalah observasi, wawancara, angket, dan dokumentasi. Analisis datanya adalah model analisis interaktif (Miles & Huberman). Nilai rata-rata kelas sebelum tindakan sebesar 59,5; siklus I naik menjadi 72,6, dan pada siklus II naik menjadi 84,5. Berdasarkan hasil penelitian dapat disimpulkan bahwa metode permainan tradisional dapat meningkatkan keterampilan sosial pada anak kelompok A TK Cemara Dua Surakarta tahun ajaran 2013/2014. Kata Kunci : Keterampilan Sosial, Permainan Tradisional Abstract: The purpose of this research is to improve social skills through traditional games . The type of this research is classroom action research, it conducted in two cycles. The subject of this research is the A group children of TK Cemara Dua Surakarta in the academic year 2013/2014 as many as 10 children. The data collecting techniques were observation, interview, questionnaire, and documentation . The data analyzed technique was interactive model (Miles & Huberman). The class average score prior to the treatment is 59,5; on the cycle I is rising to 72,6; on in the cycle II is rising again become 84,5. Based on the result of the research, it can be concluded that through traditional games can improve the social skills on the A group children of TK Cemara Dua Surakarta in the academic year 2013/2014 Keywords : Social skills, Traditional games