Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Optimal Information Representation and Criticality in an Adaptive Sensory Recurrent Neuronal Network

Recurrent connections play an important role in cortical function, yet their exact contribution to the network computation remains unknown. The principles guiding the long-term evolution of these connections are poorly understood as well. Therefore, gaining insight into their computational role and into the mechanism shaping their pattern would be of great importance. To that end, we studied the learning dynamics and emergent recurrent connectivity in a sensory network model based on a first-principle information theoretic approach. As a test case, we applied this framework to a model of a hypercolumn in the visual cortex and found that the evolved connections between orientation columns have a "Mexican hat" profile, consistent with empirical data and previous modeling work. Furthermore, we found that optimal information representation is achieved when the network operates near a critical point in its dynamics. Neuronal networks working near such a phase transition are most sensitive to their inputs and are thus optimal in terms of information representation. Nevertheless, a mild change in the pattern of interactions may cause such networks to undergo a transition into a different regime of behavior in which the network activity is dominated by its internal recurrent dynamics and does not reflect the objective input. We discuss several mechanisms by which the pattern of interactions can be driven into this supercritical regime and relate them to various neurological and neuropsychiatric phenomena.
Structure of GrlR and the Implication of Its EDED Motif in Mediating the Regulation of Type III Secretion System in EHEC

Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) is a common cause of severe hemorrhagic colitis. EHEC's virulence is dependent upon a type III secretion system (TTSS) encoded by 41 genes. These genes are organized in several operons clustered in the locus of enterocyte effacement. Most of the locus of enterocyte effacement genes, including grlA and grlR, are positively regulated by Ler, and Ler expression is positively and negatively modulated by GrlA and GrlR, respectively. However, the molecular basis for the GrlA and GrlR activity is still elusive. We have determined the crystal structure of GrlR at 1.9 Å resolution. It consists of a typical β-barrel fold with eight β-strands containing an internal hydrophobic cavity and a plug-like loop on one side of the barrel. Strong hydrophobic interactions between the two β-barrels maintain the dimeric architecture of GrlR. Furthermore, a unique surface-exposed EDED (Glu-Asp-Glu-Asp) motif is identified to be critical for GrlA–GrlR interaction and for the repressive activity of GrlR. This study contributes a novel molecular insight into the mechanism of GrlR function.
Interactive Effects of External Environmental Conditions and Internal Firm Characteristics on MNEs’ Choice of Strategy in the Development of a Code of Conduct

Effects of globalization have amplified the magnitude and frequency of corporate abuses, particularly in developing economies where weak or absent rules undermine social norms and principles. Improving multinational enterprises’ (MNEs) ethical conduct is a factor of both the ability of firms to change behaviors in the direction of the moral good, and their willingness to do so. Constraints and enablers of a firm’s ability to act ethically emanate from the external environment, including the industry environment of which the firm is a resident, and the host country environment in which it operates. A firm’s willingness to engage in ethical conduct is determined by the effective bundling of internal resources and the commitment of those resources to social ends. The interaction of external and internal conditions carves out categories of expected firm behaviors and suggests interventions that would push these behaviors in a more positive ethical direction. With reference to integrative social contracts theory (ISCT), these categories of firms are examined, and a conceptual model for analysis is developed to explain the drivers of corporate choices in the adoption and implementation of codes of conduct, and the relative power of relevant communities to the process.
The Nature of Damped Lyα Absorbing Galaxies at z ≤ 1: A Photometric Redshift Survey of Damped Lyα Absorbers

We study the nature of damped Lyα absorption (DLA) systems at z ≤ 1 using a sample of 11 DLA galaxies, for which accurate redshift measurements are available. Five of the 11 systems are identified in our ongoing photometric redshift survey of DLA galaxies, while the remaining six systems are identified by previous groups using either spectroscopic or photometric redshift techniques. Absolute B-band magnitudes of the galaxies range from MAB(B) = -15.3 to -20.3. Impact parameter separations of the galaxy and absorber pairs range from ρ = 0.31 to 25.4 h-1 kpc. We first demonstrate that the precision of photometric redshifts is sufficient for identifying DLA galaxies because DLA systems are rare, and their intrinsically high column density implies a small impact parameter of the host galaxy to the QSO line of sight. We then adopt this first large DLA galaxy sample to study the neutral gas cross section of intermediate-redshift galaxies and examine the optical properties of DLA galaxies at z ≤ 1. The results of our study are as follows: (1) the extent of neutral gas around intermediate-redshift galaxies scales with B-band luminosity as R/R* = β with R* = 24-30 h-1 kpc and β = 0.26 at N(H ) = 1020 cm-2; (2) the observed incidence of the DLA systems versus the B-band luminosity of the DLA galaxies is consistent with models derived from adopting a known galaxy B-band luminosity function and the best-fit scaling relation of the neutral gas cross section at MAB(B) - 5 log h ≤ -17; (3) comparison of the observed and predicted number density of DLA systems supports that luminous galaxies can explain most of the DLA systems found in QSO absorption line surveys and a large contribution of dwarfs (MAB(B) - 5 log h ≥ -17) to the total neutral gas cross section is not necessary; (4) of the 11 DLA systems studied, 45% are disk dominated, 22% are bulge dominated, 11% are irregular, and 22% are in galaxy groups, indicating that galaxies that give rise to the DLA systems span a wide range of morphological types and arise in a variety of galaxy environments; and (5) galaxies that contain the bulk of neutral gas in the universe do not appear to exhibit a substantial luminosity evolution between z = 0 and 1.
The Association between the Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings of Adhesive Capsulitis and Shoulder Muscle Fat Quantification Using a Multi-Echo Dixon Method

Objective To investigate the association between the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of adhesive capsulitis and shoulder muscle fat percentages using a multi-echo Dixon method. Materials and Methods Twenty-four patients with clinical diagnoses of adhesive capsulitis and either intact rotator cuffs or Ellman grade 1 partial tears as indicated by MRI scans were included. Two radiologists independently evaluated MRI scans of adhesive capsulitis as follows: presence or absence of axillary recess capsular and extracapsular hyperintensities; thickness of the coracohumeral ligament; thickness of abnormal rotator interval soft tissue; and thickness of glenoidal/humeral axillary recess capsules. Fat quantifications of the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, subscapularis, teres major and posterior deltoid muscles were performed using multi-echo Dixon imaging at three locations. Inter-rater agreement was assessed. Differences in fat percentages were assessed and correlations between fat percentages and quantitative measurements were evaluated. Results The fat percentage of the supraspinatus was significantly higher in patients with extracapsular hyperintensity (present, 3.00 ± 1.74%; absent, 1.81 ± 0.80%; p = 0.022). There were positive correlations between the fat percentage of the teres minor and the thicknesses of the abnormal rotator interval soft tissue (r = 0.494, p = 0.014) and the glenoidal axillary recess capsule (r = 0.475, p = 0.019). After controlling for the effects of age, sex and clinical stage, the relationship between the teres minor fat percentage and the thickness of the abnormal rotator interval soft tissue was statistically significant (r = 0.384, p = 0.048). Inter-rater agreement was almost perfect for fat quantification (intraclass correlation coefficients [ICC] > 0.9) and qualitative analyses (k = 0.824), but were variable for quantitative measurements (ICC, 0.170–0.606). Conclusion Several MRI findings of adhesive capsulitis were significantly related to higher fat percentages of shoulder muscles.
Acute Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha Signaling via NADPH Oxidase in Microvascular Endothelial Cells: Role of p47phox Phosphorylation and Binding to TRAF4

ABSTRACT Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) receptor-associated factors (TRAFs) play important roles in TNF-α signaling by interacting with downstream signaling molecules, e.g., mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs). However, TNF-α also signals through reactive oxygen species (ROS)-dependent pathways. The interrelationship between these pathways is unclear; however, a recent study suggested that TRAF4 could bind to the NADPH oxidase subunit p47phox. Here, we investigated the potential interaction between p47phox phosphorylation and TRAF4 binding and their relative roles in acute TNF-α signaling. Exposure of human microvascular endothelial cells (HMEC-1) to TNF-α (100 U/ml; 1 to 60 min) induced rapid (within 5 min) p47phox phosphorylation. This was paralleled by a 2.7- ± 0.5-fold increase in p47phox-TRAF4 association, membrane translocation of p47phox-TRAF4, a 2.3- ± 0.4-fold increase in p47phox-p22phox complex formation, and a 3.2- ± 0.2-fold increase in NADPH-dependent O2 − production (all P < 0.05). TRAF4-p47phox binding was accompanied by a progressive increase in extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) and p38MAPK activation, which was inhibited by an O2 − scavenger, tiron. TRAF4 predominantly bound the phosphorylated form of p47phox, in a protein kinase C-dependent process. Knockdown of TRAF4 expression using siRNA had no effect on p47phox phosphorylation or binding to p22phox but inhibited TNF-α-induced ERK1/2 activation. In coronary microvascular EC from p47phox−/− mice, TNF-α-induced NADPH oxidase activation, ERK1/2 activation, and cell surface intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) expression were all inhibited. Thus, both p47phox phosphorylation and TRAF4 are required for acute TNF-α signaling. The increased binding between p47phox and TRAF4 that occurs after p47phox phosphorylation could serve to spatially confine ROS generation from NADPH oxidase and subsequent MAPK activation and cell surface ICAM-1 expression in EC.
Central Executive Deficit and Response to Operant Conditioning Methods

Behaviour problems may exclude some patients with severe brain injury from rehabilitation. However, rehabilitation potential can be achieved when a behaviour modification approach is used. Not all patients respond favourably to the reinforcement, extinction and tim e-out interventions frequently cited in the literature. In this study neuropsychological factors are examined in an attempt to account for poor response. Tests of general intelligence, memory and frontal lobe functioning were poor at discriminating between brain injured “responders” and “non-responders”. However, performance on a dual-task experiment did discriminate them. Controls and brain injured responders were able to allocate attentional resources appropriately when confronted with the need to monitor multiple events, while non-responders could not. Performance of the non-responders was taken as evidence of impairm ent of the central executive component of working mem ory. This inability to monitor two concurrent events results in functio.
Sexism and racism: Old-fashioned and modern prejudices.

Prejudice and discrimination against women has become increasingly subtle and covert (N. V. Be-nokraitis & J. R. Feagin, 1986). Unlike research on racism, little research about prejudice and dis-crimination against women has explicitly examined beliefs underlying this more modern form ofsexism. Support was found for a distinction between old-fashioned and modern beliefs about womensimilar to results that have been presented for racism (J. B. McConahay, 1986; D. O. Sears, 1988). The former is characterized by endorsement of traditional gender roles, differential treatment ofwomen and men, and stereotypes about lesser female competence. Like modern racism, modernsexism is characterized by the denial of continued discrimination, antagonism toward women's de-mands, and lack of support for policies designed to help women (for example, in education andwork). Research that compares factor structures of old-fashioned and modern sexism and racismand that validates our modern sexism scale is presented.
Transcription Factors in Fungi: TFome Dynamics, Three Major Families, and Dual-Specificity TFs

Transcription factors (TFs) are essential regulators of gene expression in a cell; the entire repertoire of TFs (TFome) of a species reflects its regulatory potential and the evolutionary history of the regulatory mechanisms. In this work, I give an overview of fungal TFs, analyze TFome dynamics, and discuss TF families and types of particular interest. Whole-genome annotation of TFs in more than 200 fungal species revealed ~80 families of TFs that are typically found in fungi. Almost half of the considered genomes belonged to basidiomycetes and zygomycetes, which have been underrepresented in earlier annotations due to dearth of sequenced genomes. The TFomes were analyzed in terms of expansion strategies genome- and lineage-wise. Generally, TFomes are known to correlate with genome size; but what happens to particular families when a TFome is expanding? By dissecting TFomes into single families and estimating the impact of each of them, I show that in fungi the TFome increment is largely limited to three families (C6 Zn clusters, C2H2-like Zn fingers, and homeodomain-like). To see whether this is a fungal peculiarity or a ubiquitous eukaryotic feature, I also analyzed metazoan TFomes, where I observed a similar trend (limited number of TFome-shaping families) but also some important differences connected mostly with the increased complexity in animals. The expansion strategies of TF families are lineage-specific; I demonstrate how the patterns of the TF families' distributions, designated as “TF signatures,” can be used as a taxonomic feature, e.g., for allocation of uncertain phyla. In addition, both fungal and metazoan genomes contain an intriguing type of TFs. While usually TFs have a single DNA-binding domain, these TFs possess two (or more) different DNA-binding specificities. I demonstrate that dual-specific TFs comprising various combinations of all major TF families are a typical feature of fungal and animal genomes and have an interesting evolutionary history involving gene duplications and domain losses.
Broadcast Adwatch Effects

Several national news networks adopted a strategy for responding to misleading, attack ads during the presidential campaign of 1992. These were called adwatches. The adwatches evaluated the content of political commercials for errors and deceptive and misleading claims. They did so, not simply by replaying the offending material and then offering commentary, but rather by interrupting the ad with commentary and repositioning the ad on the screen. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of the adwatch on people's attitudes toward the source of the ad, the target of the ad, the ad itself, and recall and interpretation of the ad's content. A field experiment was conducted to evaluate overall effects of the adwatch procedures on an ad generated by the Buchanan campaign during the Michigan primary. The ad attacked the credibility of George Bush and his advisers. Particular formats were also tested. The adwatches affected attitudes toward the source of the ad and toward the perceived fairness and importance of the ad. Adwatches did not affect attitudes toward the object of the attack ad nor interpretation of the ad's content. Education interacted with experimental condition such that interpretations of the ad by the least well-educated portion of the sample were adversely affected by the adwatches in contrast to the better educated.
Clinical, serological and genetic study in patients with CREST syndrome.

OBJECTIVE To assess the clinical, serological and genetic features of Japanese patients with CREST syndrome. PATIENTS AND METHODS Clinical features, autoantibodies and human histocompatibility leukocyte antigen (HLA) typing were studied in thirty patients with CREST syndrome, including 29 females and one male, with a mean age of 59.0 years (ranging from 40 to 76 years). RESULTS Interstitial pneumonia on chest X-ray and renal involvement were rare. Mitral regurgitation and tricuspid regurgitation were present in 56.7% and 76.7%, respectively. Sjören's syndrome (SS) and primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) were highly associated, however the positivity of the marker antibodies to those syndromes, such as anti-SSA, anti-SSB, anti-mitochondrial (AMA) and anti-smooth muscle autoantibodies were less frequent than that of primary SS and PBC without the other autoimmune diseases. The histological findings of PBC were all early stages in Scheuer's classification. HLA-Cw6 were associated with CREST-PBC overlap syndrome (p<0.05). However the HLA antigen was not correlated with CREST syndrome, and the frequency of HLA-DR2 between CREST syndrome with or without PBC was significantly different (p<0.01). CONCLUSION It was suggested that there was a genetic difference between CREST syndrome alone and CREST-PBC overlap syndrome and there were differences (the positivity of AMA and the severity of bile duct lesion) between PBC and CREST-PBC overlap syndrome.
Gradient Directed Regularization

Regularization in linear regression and classi cation is viewed as a twostage process. First a set of candidate models is de ned by a path through the space of joint parameter values, and then a point on this path is chosen to be the nal model. Various path nding strategies for the rst stage of this process are examined, based on the notion of generalized gradient descent. Several of these strategies are seen to produce paths that closely correspond to those induced by commonly used penalization methods. Others give rise to new regularization techniques that are shown to be advantageous in some situations. In all cases, the gradient descent path nding paradigm can be readily generalized to include the use of a wide variety of loss criteria, leading to robust methods for regression and classi cation, as well as to apply user de ned constraints on the parameter values. Key words and phrases : linear models, regularization, regression, classi cation, gradient descent, robustness, constrained estimation, lasso, ridgeregression, leastangle regression LARS, partial least squares PLS, linear support vector machines SVM.
A double blind, randomised, parallel group study to investigate the dose equivalence of Dysport® and Botox®in the treatment of cervical dystonia

OBJECTIVE This study was designed to establish whether a ratio of three units of Dysport® is equivalent to one unit of Botox® for the treatment of cervical dystonia. METHODS Patients with predominantly rotational cervical dystonia, and a minimum of four previous Botox treatments, were randomised to receive either the clinically indicated dose of Botox or three times that dose in Dysport units. Study botulinum toxin was administered in a double blind fashion, to one or more clinically indicated muscles, at one or more sites per muscle. Patients returned for assessment two, four, eight, and 12 weeks after treatment. RESULTS A total of 73 patients (Dysport, 38; Botox, 35) were entered. The Dysport group received a mean (SD) dose of 477 (131) (range 240–720) Dysport units, and the Botox group received a mean (SD) dose of 152 (45) (range 70–240) Botox units. The mean (SEM) post-treatment Tsui scores for the Dysport group (4.8 (0.3)) and the Botox group (5.0 (0.3)) were not statistically different (p=0.66). The study had 91% power to detect a clinically significant difference of two points. Both groups showed substantial improvement in Tsui score by week 2 (mean (SD); Dysport, 46 (28)%; Botox, 37 (28)%), with a peak effect at week 4 (mean (SD); Dysport, 49 (29)%; Botox, 44 (28)%). A similar response profile was seen for other assessments of efficacy. The duration of effect, assessed by time to retreatment, was also similar (mean (SD); Dysport, 83.9 (13.6) days; Botox, 80.7 (14.4) days; p=0.85). During the study 22 of 38 (58%) Dysport patients reported 39 adverse events, and 24 of 35 (69%) Botox patients reported 56 adverse events (p=0.35). A global assessment of efficacy and safety considered that 29 of 38 (76%) Dysport patients and 23 of 35 (66%) Botox patients were treatment successes (p=0.32). CONCLUSION Patients with predominantly rotational cervical dystonia treated with the clinically indicated dose of Botox or three times that dose in Dysport units show similar improvements and do not have significantly different safety profiles.
A Transformation-Based Component Framework for a Generic Integrated Modeling Technique

This paper is based on two general ideas. The first one is the integration paradigm for data type and process modeling techniques developed by the first two authors within the last five years. The second one is a transformation-based component framework for system modeling presented at ETAPS 2002 in Grenoble. The aim of this paper is to join both ideas leading to a component framework for a generic integrated modeling technique. This component framework is based on transformations and is especially useful to be instantiated by graph- and net-based techniques. The main concepts are a self-contained semantics and internal correctness of components, based on a new idea of high-level constraints. Two main results concerning compositionality show that semantics and correctness for a system can be inferred from that of its components. The concepts are illustrated by a running example on modeling Java threads by high-level nets.
Participation in Alcoholics Anonymous Among African-Americans

Summary This paper examines the appropriateness of Alcoholics Anonymous as a resource for African-Americans with alcohol problems. The paper discusses features of the organization that may hold special appeal for African-Americans and reviews studies that have compared rates of AA involvement between African-Americans and Caucasians. Some conclusions are drawn from this research and suggestions for future research are made.