Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Sociodemographic factors attitudes and expectations toward adolescent coitus.

The objective of this study is to examine the effects of race gender and family structure on attitude toward coitus and peer and parent-guardian-expectations regarding coitus among adolescents. The 1998 Alabama Adolescent Survey was used to collect data. Respondents included 2146 9th and 10th grade students who attended public high schools in Alabama. MANOVA analyses indicated significant main and interactive effects of gender race and family structure on attitude toward coitus and parent-guardian expectation regarding coitus. The interactive nature of the independent variables highlighted a complex relationship between family structure ethnicity gender and attitude toward coitus and parent-guardian expectations. Implications for intervention are presented. (authors)
Gonadoblastoma. A gonadal tumor related to the dysgerminoma (Seminoma) and capable of sex‐hormone production

HE PURPOSE of this communication is to deT scribe two unusual gonadal tumors uncovered in a review of fourteen tumors classified as dysgerminonias or arrhenoblastomas in the files of the Massachusetts General Hospital. Both tumors were in part dysgerminomas (seminoinas), * but elsewhere were composed of cells of sex-cord and mesenchyme origin (Sertoli or granulosa cells, and Leydig or theca cells, respectively). Both were associated with clinical and laboratory findings that suggested androgen production by the tumor.
NMDA Receptors Are Not Required for Pattern Completion During Associative Memory Recall

Pattern completion, the ability to retrieve complete memories initiated by subsets of external cues, has been a major focus of many computation models. A previously study reports that such pattern completion requires NMDA receptors in the hippocampus. However, such a claim was derived from a non-inducible gene knockout experiment in which the NMDA receptors were absent throughout all stages of memory processes as well as animal's adult life. This raises the critical question regarding whether the previously described results were truly resulting from the requirement of the NMDA receptors in retrieval. Here, we have examined the role of the NMDA receptors in pattern completion via inducible knockout of NMDA receptors limited to the memory retrieval stage. By using two independent mouse lines, we found that inducible knockout mice, lacking NMDA receptor in either forebrain or hippocampus CA1 region at the time of memory retrieval, exhibited normal recall of associative spatial reference memory regardless of whether retrievals took place under full-cue or partial-cue conditions. Moreover, systemic antagonism of NMDA receptor during retention tests also had no effect on full-cue or partial-cue recall of spatial water maze memories. Thus, both genetic and pharmacological experiments collectively demonstrate that pattern completion during spatial associative memory recall does not require the NMDA receptor in the hippocampus or forebrain.
Lower Sensitivity to Stress and Altered Monoaminergic Neuronal Function in Mice Lacking the NMDA Receptor ε4 Subunit

NMDA receptors, an ionotropic subtype of glutamate receptors (GluRs), play an important role in excitatory neurotransmission, synaptic plasticity, and brain development. They are composed of the GluRζ subunit (NR1) combined with any one of four GluRε subunits (GluRε1–GluRε4; NR2A–NR2D). Although the GluRζ subunit exists in the majority of the CNS throughout all stages of development, the GluRε subunits are expressed in distinct temporal and spatial patterns. In the present study, we investigated neuronal functions in mice lacking the embryonic GluRε4 subunit. GluRε4 mutant mice exhibited reductions of [3H]MK-801 [(+)-5-methyl-10,11-dihydro-5H-dibenzo [a,d] cyclohepten-5,10-imine maleate] binding and45Ca2+ uptake through the NMDA receptors. The expression of GluRζ subunit protein, but not GluRε1 and GluRε2 subunit proteins, was reduced in the frontal cortex and striatum of the mutant mice. A postmortem examination in GluRε4 mutant mice revealed that tissue contents of norepinephrine, dopamine, serotonin, and their metabolites were reduced in the hippocampus and that dopamine, as well as serotonin, metabolism was upregulated in the frontal cortex, striatum, hippocampus, and thalamus. To clarify the phenotypical influences of the alteration in neuronal functions, performances in various behavioral tests were examined. GluRε4 mutant mice showed reduced spontaneous locomotor activity in a novel environment and less sensitivity to stress induced by the elevated plus-maze, light–dark box, and forced swimming tests. These findings suggest that GluRε4 mutant mice have dysfunctional NMDA receptors and altered emotional behavior probably caused by changes in monoaminergic neuronal activities in adulthood.
On sequential prediction of individual sequences relative to a set of experts

We investigate sequential randomized prediction of an arbitrary sequence taking values from a binary alphabet. The goal of the predictor is to minimize his Hamming loss relative to the loss of the best “expert” in a fixed, possibly infinite, set of experts. We point out a surprisingly close connection between the prediction problem and empirical process theory. Using ideas and results from empirical process theory, we show upper and lower bounds on the minimax relative loss in terms of the geometry of the class of experts. As a main example, we determine the exact order of magnitude of the minimax relative loss for the class of Markov experts. Furthermore, in the special case of static experts, we completely characterize the minimax relative loss in terms of the maximal deviation of an associated Rademacher process.
Learning from learned networks

s Connectionist models provide a promising alternative to the traditional computational approach that has for several decades dominated cognitive science and artificial intelligence, although the nature of connectionist models and their relation to symbol processing remains controversial. Connectionist models can be characterized by three general computational features: distinct layers of interconnected units, recursive rules for updating the strengths of the connections during learning, and "simple" homogeneous computing elements. Using just these three features one can construct surprisingly elegant and powerful models of memory, perception, motor control, categorization, and reasoning. What makes the connectionist approach unique is not its variety of representational possibilities (including "distributed representations") or its departure from explicit rule-based models, or even its preoccupation with the brain metaphor. Rather, it is that connectionist models can be used to explore systematically the complex interaction between learning and representation, as we try to demonstrate through the analysis of several large networks.
Levellism and the Method of Abstraction

ion can be seen as doing for discrete systems what differential calculus has traditionally done for analogue systems. Likewise, the use of predicates is essential in subjects like information and computer science, where discrete observables are paramount and hence predicates are required to describe a system behaviour. In particular, state-based methods like Z (Hayes and Flinn [1993], Spivey [1992]) provide notation for structuring complex observables and behaviours in terms of simpler ones. Their primary concern is with the syntax for expressing those predicates, an issue we shall try to avoid in this paper by stating predicates informally. The time has come now to combine approximating, moderated LoAs to form the primary concept of the method of abstraction. 2.6. Gradient of abstraction For a given (empirical or conceptual) system or feature, different LoAs correspond to different representations or views. A Gradient of Abstractions (GoA) is a formalism defined to facilitate discussion of discrete systems over a range of LoAs. Whilst a LoA formalises the scope or granularity of a single model, a GoA provides a way of varying the LoA in order to make observations at differing levels of abstraction. For example, in evaluating wine we might be interested in the GoA consisting of the “tasting” and “purchasing” LoAs, whilst in managing a cellar we might be interested in the GoA consisting of the “cellaring” LoA together with a sequence of annual results of observation using the “tasting” LoA. L. Floridi – J. W. Sanders, Levellism and the Method of Abstraction ——————————————————————————————————————————————-—————— ——————— Information Ethics Group – Research Report 22.11. 04 ———— 13 In general, the observations at each LoA must be explicitly related to those at the others; to do so, we use a family of relations between the LoAs. For this, we need to recall some (standard) preliminary notation. Notation. A relation R from a set A to a set C is a subset of the Cartesian product A × C. R is thought of as relating just those pairs (a, c) that belong to the relation. The reverse of R is its mirror image: {(c, a) | (a, c) ∈ R}. A relation R from A to C translates any predicate p on A to the predicate PR(p) on C that holds at just those c:C, which are the image through R of some a:A satisfying p PR(p)(c) = ∃a: A R(a,c) ∧ p(a). We have finally come to the main definition of the paper. Definition. A gradient of abstractions, GoA, is defined to consist of a finite set {Li | 0 ≤ i < n} of moderated LoAs Li and a family of relations Ri,j ⊆ Li × Lj, for 0 ≤ i ≠ j < n, relating the observables of each pair Li and Lj of distinct LoAs in such a way that: 1. the relationships are inverse: for i ≠ j, Ri,j is the reverse of Rj,i 2. the behaviour pj at Lj is at least as strong as the translated behaviour PRi,j(pi)
Image denoising by median filter in wavelet domain

The details of an image with noise may be restored by removing noise through a suitable image de-noising method. In this research, a new method of image de-noising based on using median filter (MF) in the wavelet domain is proposed and tested. Various types of wavelet transform filters are used in conjunction with median filter in experimenting with the proposed approach in order to obtain better results for image de-noising process, and, consequently to select the best suited filter. Wavelet transform working on the frequencies of sub-bands split from an image is a powerful method for analysis of images. According to this experimental work, the proposed method presents better results than using only wavelet transform or median filter alone. The MSE and PSNR values are used for measuring the improvement in de-noised images.
Be like and the quotative system of Jamaican English: Linguistic trajectories of globalization and localization

One of the most striking linguistic changes to affect the English language in recent decades is the ongoing spread of be like, shown in (1), as a new member of the quotative system (Ferrara & Bell, 1995; Macaulay, 2001; Buchstaller & Van Alphen, 2012). The opportunity to study language change ‘in action’ (Tagliamonte & D'Arcy, 2004: 493) brought by this innovation has spurred a vast body of research on quotation in American English, where the new form is presumed to have originated (Ferrara & Bell, 1995).
DRUG TREATMENT IN SCHIZOPHRENIA : ISSUES OF COMPARABILITY AND COSTS

Pharmacological intervention is the commonest mode of managing patients with schizophrenia. Both clinicians and patients are concerned that antipsyohotic drugs are costly and contribute to poor drug compliance in India. This study compared the equivalent doses of antipsychotic drugs and their costs across brands. Results show that antipsychotic drugs are affordable and are comparable to drug treatment costs of other physical illnesses. However, coprescription of drugs add to the burden. Numerous brands and a 2-2-1/2 fold difference in cost raises many concerns including that of drug bioavailability. Hence, the authors recommend consensus and formulation of guidelines for the pharmacological management of schizophrenia.
Production performance of finisher broiler fed with cocoyam-corm meal as partial energy replacement for maize

Aim: The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential of Gabing San Fernando (Xanthosoma spp.) corms as partial carbohydrate replacement for maize in finisher broiler production. Materials and Methods: The completely randomized design was utilized to investigate the effects of three finisher poultry diets prepared in varying amounts of cocoyam-corm meal set at 0% (control), 25%, and 50% (experimental) replacement levels. Results: There were no significant differences (p≥0.05) as to mortality and body weight measurements between control and experimental groups. Similarly, the mean weights of selected internal organs and condemnable carcasses among treatment groups did not show any significant differences (p≥0.05). In terms of the average feed intakes, birds from 50%-cocoyam group had the highest mean value and were found to be statistically different (p≥0.01) from both control and 25%-cocoyam groups. However, feed conversion ratio did not significantly differ (p≥0.05) among three groups. Higher feed costs were associated with the 50%-cocoyam treatment diet, which was only consistent with higher feed inputs. Thus, the group fed with 50%-cocoyam meal had significantly higher total mean production costs (p<0.005) per bird, when other expenses were taken into account. The production costs for the group given 25%-cocoyam meal did not significantly differ (p≥0.05) from the control group. Conclusion: Partial replacement of maize with cocoyam-corm meal at 25% level was acceptable since inclusion at this level did not adversely affect the production performance of finisher broilers in terms of growth rate, mortality rate, and feeding efficiency. The use of cocoyam meal as nonconventional and alternative carbohydrate source in poultry diet presents positive economic implications, especially to smallhold farmers from the developing countries, like the Philippines.
The Determinants of Board Structure

Using a comprehensive sample of nearly 7,000 firms from 1990 to 2004, this paper examines corporate board structure, its trends, and its determinants. We study how board structure has evolved over time and, more importantly, we compare board structure across small and large firms in ways suggested by recent theoretical work. Overall, our evidence suggests that firms structure their boards in response to the costs and benefits of the board's monitoring and advising roles. Our models explain as much as 45% of the observed variation in board structure. Further, small and large firms have dramatically different board structures. For example, board size was falling in the 1990s for large firms, a trend that reversed at the time of mandated reforms, while board size was relatively flat over the 1990s for small and medium-sized firms.
Desulfosarcina widdelii sp. nov. and Desulfosarcina alkanivorans sp. nov., hydrocarbon-degrading sulfate-reducing bacteria isolated from marine sediment and emended description of the genus Desulfosarcina.

In previous studies, two hydrocarbon-degrading sulfate-reducing bacteria, strains PP31T and PL12T, were obtained from oil-polluted marine sediments of Shuaiba, Kuwait. They had been reported as organisms capable of anaerobic degradation of p-xylene and n-alkanes, respectively. The 16S rRNA gene sequence of strain PP31T showed 98.8 % sequence similarities to that of Desulfosarcina variabilis'Montpellier'T. Strains PL12T had 97.8 % of sequence similarity to Desulfosarcina ovata oXys1T. They both have been partially characterized, but not been validly published as new species of the genus Desulfosarcina. In this study, additional characterizations of these strains were made to describe them as two new species of the genus Desulfosarcina. Major cellular fatty acids of strain PP31T were C15 : 0 (25.9 %) and anteiso-C15 : 0 (22.3 %), whereas those of strain PL12T were C15 : 0 (21.3 %), C16 : 0 (17.8 %) and anteiso-15 : 0 (11.6 %). The phylogenetic tree based on 16S rRNA gene revealed that these isolates should not be classified as any of the known species in the genus Desulfosarcina. On the basis of phenotypic and phylogenetic analyses, these two sulfate reducers are proposed to form two novel species of the genus Desulfosarcina : Desulfosarcina widdelii sp. nov. (PP31T=JCM 31729T=DSM 103921T) and Desulfosarcina alkanivorans sp. nov. (PL12T=JCM 31728T=DSM 103901T). In addition, emended description of the genus Desulfosarcina is presented in this study.
Empirical, Theoretical, and Practical Advantages of the HEXACO Model of Personality Structure

The authors argue that a new six-dimensional framework for personality structure—the HEXACO model— constitutes a viable alternative to the well-known Big Five or five-factor model. The new model is consistent with the cross-culturally replicated finding of a common six-dimensional structure containing the factors Honesty-Humility (H), Emotionality (E), eExtraversion (X), Agreeableness (A), Conscientiousness (C), and Openness to Experience (O). Also, the HEXACO model predicts several personality phenomena that are not explained within the B5/FFM, including the relations of personality factors with theoretical biologists' constructs of reciprocal and kin altruism and the patterns of sex differences in personality traits. In addition, the HEXACO model accommodates several personality variables that are poorly assimilated within the B5/FFM.
HIF-1 and c-Src Mediate Increased Glucose Uptake Induced by Endothelin-1 and Connexin43 in Astrocytes

In previous work we showed that endothelin-1 (ET-1) increases the rate of glucose uptake in astrocytes, an important aspect of brain function since glucose taken up by astrocytes is used to supply the neurons with metabolic substrates. In the present work we sought to identify the signalling pathway responsible for this process in primary culture of rat astrocytes. Our results show that ET-1 promoted an increase in the transcription factor hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) in astrocytes, as shown in other cell types. Furthermore, HIF-1α-siRNA experiments revealed that HIF-1α participates in the effects of ET-1 on glucose uptake and on the expression of GLUT-1, GLUT-3, type I and type II hexokinase. We previously reported that these effects of ET-1 are mediated by connexin43 (Cx43), the major gap junction protein in astrocytes. Indeed, our results show that silencing Cx43 increased HIF-1α and reduced the effect of ET-1 on HIF-1α, indicating that the effect of ET-1 on HIF-1α is mediated by Cx43. The activity of oncogenes such as c-Src can up-regulate HIF-1α. Since Cx43 interacts with c-Src, we investigated the participation of c-Src in this pathway. Interestingly, both the treatment with ET-1 and with Cx43-siRNA increased c-Src activity. In addition, when c-Src activity was inhibited neither ET-1 nor silencing Cx43 were able to up-regulate HIF-1α. In conclusion, our results suggest that ET-1 by down-regulating Cx43 activates c-Src, which in turn increases HIF-1α leading to the up-regulation of the machinery required to take up glucose in astrocytes. Cx43 expression can be reduced in response not only to ET-1 but also to various physiological and pathological stimuli. This study contributes to the identification of the signalling pathway evoked after Cx43 down-regulation that results in increased glucose uptake in astrocytes. Interestingly, this is the first evidence linking Cx43 to HIF-1, which is a master regulator of glucose metabolism.
Timing-based control via echo state network for soft robotic arm

Soft robots are difficult to control because of their compliant and elastic body dynamics compared with robots made of rigid bodies. In this paper, we present a control scheme inspired by the octopus called timing-based control for soft robotic arms. This control scheme is motivated to positively exploit the natural dynamics of the soft body. We demonstrate a scheme for controlling an object-reaching task by using an echo state network on a 3D physical soft robotic arm simulator and show that this network can successfully perform the task. Detailed analyses and evaluations of the generalization capacity of the network and the performances to the reaching task are presented.
Evaluation of Fungicidal Action in Vitro and in a Skin Model Considering the Influence of Penetration Kinetics of Various Standard Antimycotics

Ciclopiroxolamine (Loprox) was the first representative of hydroxpyridones to be developed as a topical antifungal. In the microtitration test and in a skin model using excised skin prices of slaughtered pigs, the fungistatic and fungicidal activity as well as the penetration kinetics of ciclopiroxolamine and ciclopirox were compared with those of the azole compounds bifonazole, clotrimazole, econazole, miconazole, oxiconazole, and tioconazole, and with other antimycotics such as naftifine, sulbentine, tolciclate, and tolnaftate. Clotrimazole had an in vitro inhibitory activity superior to that of the hydroxypyridone ciclopiroxolamine; the latter compound, however, exhibited faster penetration and higher inhibitory or fungicidal activity than the azoles and other antimycotics in the pig skin model. Studies of cream formulations with antimycotics at the bottom layer of the stratum corneum (close to the stratum granulosum) showed that ciclopiroxolamine cream had the most prominent inhibitory effect (93%) and the highest fungicidal activity (98%). The other antimycotics tested exhibited growth inhibition rates of 50% or less and lower fungicidal rates. Inoculated pig skin was treated with lacquer formulations to show that ciclopirox completely inhibited the growth of Trichophyton mentagrophytes, whereas the clotrimazole-treated samples allowed only 0.47% growth. The fungicidal activity of lacquer formulations was 99% for ciclopirox and around 90% for most of the azoles on the pig skin model. The necessity of models tackling the complex penetration kinetics in human skin was discussed.