Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Factors affecting release of 3H-dopamine from perfused carp retina

The effects of putative retinal neurotransmitters and several neuropeptides on 3H-dopamine release from isolated perfused carp (Cyprinus carpio) retinas were studied. Of the transmitter candidates tested, only serotonin (5-HT) and the 5-HT agonist tryptamine released 3H-dopamine. However, the release evoked by these agents was calcium (Ca2+) independent and not blockable by the 5-HT antagonist methysergide. We also investigated the antagonism of inhibitory inputs as a potential regulatory mechanism for dopamine release and found that the GABA antagonists, bicuculline and picrotoxin, stimulated a dose- dependent release of 3H-dopamine. The effects of the GABA antagonists were dependent on extracellular Ca2+ and could be inhibited by perfusion of the retina with GABA. Bicuculline and picrotoxin also stimulated an increase in cAMP accumulation, which was inhibited by the dopamine antagonist haloperidol. Our results support the hypothesis that the dopaminergic interplexiform cells of the teleost retina are under GABAergic inhibitory control.
Measure problem in cosmology

The Hamiltonian structure of general relativity provides a natural canonical measure on the space of all classical universes, i.e., the multiverse. We review this construction and show how one can visualize the measure in terms of a 'magnetic flux' of solutions through phase space. Previous studies identified a divergence in the measure, which we observe to be due to the dilatation invariance of flat Friedmann-Lemaitre-Robertson-Walker universes. We show that the divergence is removed if we identify universes which are so flat they cannot be observationally distinguished. The resulting measure is independent of time and of the choice of coordinates on the space of fields. We further show that, for some quantities of interest, the measure is very insensitive to the details of how the identification is made. One such quantity is the probability of inflation in simple scalar field models. We find that, according to our implementation of the canonical measure, the probability for N e-folds of inflation in single-field, slow-roll models is suppressed by of order exp(-3N) and we discuss the implications of this result.
Ambiguous Partially Observable Markov Decision Processes: Structural Results and Applications

Markov Decision Processes (MDPs) and their generalization, Partially Observable MDPs (POMDPs), have been widely studied and used as invaluable tools in dynamic stochastic decision-making. However, two major barriers have limited their application for problems arising in various practical settings: (a) computational challenges for problems with large state or action spaces, and (b) ambiguity in transition probabilities, which are typically hard to quantify. While several solutions for the first challenge, known as "curse of dimensionality," have been proposed, the second challenge remains unsolved and even untouched in the case of POMDPs. We refer to the second challenge as the "curse of ambiguity," and address it by developing a generalization of POMDPs termed Ambiguous POMDPs (APOMDPs). The proposed generalization not only allows the decision maker to take into account imperfect state information, but also tackles the inevitable ambiguity with respect to the correct probabilistic model. Importantly, this paper extends various structural results from POMDPs to APOMDPs. Such structural results can guide the decision maker to make robust decisions when facing model ambiguity. Robustness is achieved by using α-maximin expected utility (α -MEU), which (a) differentiates between ambiguity and ambiguity attitude, (b) avoids the over conservativeness of traditional maximin approaches widely used in robust optimization, and (c) is found to be suitable in laboratory experiments in various choice behaviors including those in portfolio selection. The structural results provided also help to handle the "curse of dimensionality," since they significantly simplify the search for an optimal policy. Furthermore, we provide an analytical performance guarantee for the APOMDP approach by developing a bound for its maximum reward loss due to model ambiguity. To generate further insights into how APOMDPs can help to make better decisions, we also discuss specific applications of APOMDPs including machine replacement, medical decision-making, inventory control, revenue management, optimal search, sequential design of experiments, bandit problems, and dynamic principal-agent models.
Leukoaraiosis, a Common Brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging Finding, as a Predictor of Traffic Crashes

Background There are no reported studies on the relationship between traffic crashes and brain tissue changes in healthy drivers. The relationship between traffic crashes and leukoaraiosis, a common magnetic resonance imaging finding, was investigated in this study. Methods A total of 3,930 automobile drivers (2,037 men and 1,893 women; age, 21–87 years) who underwent brain magnetic resonance imaging as part of total health check-ups and answered a road traffic questionnaire were examined to determine whether asymptomatic leukoaraiosis was associated with various types of traffic crashes. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to elucidate the relationship between leukoaraiosis and various types of traffic crashes. Results Subcortical leukoaraiosis was diagnosed in 28.52% of all subjects, whereas periventricular leukoaraiosis was diagnosed in 9.57% of all subjects. Adjusted odds ratios for involvement in all types of traffic crashes were not significant for subjects with periventricular leukoaraiosis; however, they were significant for subjects with multiple and large multiple subcortical leukoaraiosis. Adjusted odds ratios for involvement in crashes at crossroads were 1.09 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.60–2.00) for subjects with single subcortical leukoaraiosis, 3.35 (95% CI, 2.36–4.77) for subjects with multiple subcortical leukoaraiosis, and 2.45 (95% CI, 2.36–4.98) for subjects with large multiple subcortical leukoaraiosis. Periventricular leukoaraiosis was not significantly associated with crossroad crashes. Involvement in crashes of any type, parking lot crashes, and rear-end collisions showed no significant association with either subcortical or periventricular leukoaraiosis. Conclusions Multiple subcortical leukoaraiosis, but not periventricular leukoaraiosis, is significantly associated with traffic crashes, in particular, crossroad crashes. This association is independent of sex, age, and driving exposure. To our knowledge, this is the first evidence describing the relationship between brain tissue changes and traffic crashes.
Dynamic propensity in a kinetically constrained lattice gas

We apply the concept of dynamic propensity to a simple kinetically constrained model of glass formers, the two-vacancy assisted triangular lattice gas, or (2)-TLG. We find that the propensity field, defined in our case as the local root-mean-square displacement averaged over the ensemble of trajectories with identical initial configurations, is a good measure of dynamical heterogeneity. This suggests a configurational origin for spatial fluctuations of the dynamics, but just as in the case of atomistic systems, we find that propensity is not correlated to any simple structural property. We show instead that certain extended clusters of particles connected to vacancies correlate well with propensity, indicating that these are the fundamental excitations of the (2)-TLG. We also discuss time correlations and the correlation between configurations within the propensity ensemble.
Three-dimensional inverse scattering applied to cross-well induction sensors

Cross-well induction logging as known in the oil industry is a method for determining the electrical conductivity distribution between boreholes from the low-frequency electromagnetic field measurements in the boreholes. The authors discuss the reconstructions of the three-dimensional (3D) conductivity distribution using the contrast source inversion (CSI) method. In order to improve the reconstruction results, the concept of the extended Born approximation has been used to arrive at a preconditioning operator. Results of a number of numerical examples show that by using this preconditioning operator, a large conductivity contrast of the unknown objects (factor of 100) can be reconstructed up to an acceptable degree of accuracy. Moreover, in each iteration, the computational effort to generate the preconditioning operator is negligible.
Trait self‐control and beliefs about the utility of emotions for initiatory and inhibitory self‐control

How do people with high trait self-control achieve their success? This research aimed to provide evidence for beliefs about emotion utility as a potential mechanism. Specifically, because beliefs about the utility of emotions predict emotion regulation and successful performance, we investigate the hypothesis that trait self-control influences beliefs about the utility of emotions for self-control. Two preregistered studies examined whether beliefs about the utility of emotions in everyday self-control situations varied depending on the person (trait self-control) and the situation (initiatory or inhibitory self-control). Our key finding was that people considered positive emotions more useful for self-control than negative emotions. This effect was also moderated by situational and individual factors, such that positive emotions were considered especially useful by participants with high trait self-control and in situations requiring initiatory self-control (with the opposite effect for negative emotions). This research suggests a potential role for instrumental emotion regulation in self-control success.
Using 10-K Text to Gauge Financial Constraints

Measuring the extent to which a firm is financially constrained is critical in assessing capital structure. Extant measures of financial constraints focus on macro firm characteristics such as age and size, variables highly correlated with other firm attributes. We parse 10-K disclosures filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) using a unique lexicon based on constraining words. We find that the frequency of constraining words exhibits very low correlation with traditional measures of financial constraints and predicts subsequent liquidity events, such as dividend omissions or increases, equity recycling, and underfunded pensions, better than widely used financial constraint indexes.
Tests of Technical Trading Rules in the Asian-Pacific Equity Markets: A Bootstrap Approach

This study examines the effectiveness of nine technical trading rules in eight Asian-Pacific equity markets for periods ranging from January 1987 to November 2005. The annualized returns from each trading rule are compared to a naive buy-and-hold strategy to determine profitability. The TSEC, Straits Times, Hang Seng, Jakarta, KOSPI and the BSE emerge as equity markets where technical trading rules may be profitable. There is no evidence of profitability for the other two markets, the Nikkei and the All Ordinaries. The results reveal that 56 out of the 72 (77.8 per cent) trading rule variants tested on all data sets, disregarding statistical significance, were profitable after accounting for transaction costs. The results are important as they provide investors with information about the Asian-Pacific equity markets that can be used to determine optimal asset allocations and to further diversify portfolios.
Modified Relay Tuning PI with Error Switching : A Case Study on Steam Temperature Regulation

This study evaluates the performance between reaction curve Ziegler-Nichols tuning rules applied to FOPDT model and the open-loop relay feedback tuning method based on ultimate gain and period. Error and control signal switching were equipped to enhance the output response over a limited steam temperature response. The control performance was evaluated experimentally on a steam distillation process regulation. The proposed technique employing relay tuning together with error switching had produced an astounding closed-loop response even for a non-linear steam temperature control.
School District Implementation of Section 504 in One State.

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is a civil rights law that applies to all school districts nationwide. Despite its wide coverage, there is a dearth of research on how the law is implemented. This study presents the results of an exploratory investigation of Section 504 practices with 154 special education directors in one northeastern state. Based upon a response rate of 55% (n = 85) results indicated that while most districts have formal Section 504 policies in place, this is a fairly recent development. Responsibility for the implementation of the regulations and the coordination of Section 504 plans fell to a wide range of personnel in the schools. Implications and areas for additional research are discussed.
Tau Causes Synapse Loss without Disrupting Calcium Homeostasis in the rTg4510 Model of Tauopathy

Neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) of tau are one of the defining hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and are closely associated with neuronal degeneration. Although it has been suggested that calcium dysregulation is important to AD pathogenesis, few studies have probed the link between calcium homeostasis, synapse loss and pathological changes in tau. Here we test the hypothesis that pathological changes in tau are associated with changes in calcium by utilizing in vivo calcium imaging in adult rTg4510 mice that exhibit severe tau pathology due to over-expression of human mutant P301L tau. We observe prominent dendritic spine loss without disruptions in calcium homeostasis, indicating that tangles do not disrupt this fundamental feature of neuronal health, and that tau likely induces spine loss in a calcium-independent manner.
Returns to Tertiary Education in Germany and the UK: Effects of Fields of Study and Gender

During the last decades most industrialised countries have experienced a rapid expansion of tertiary education enrolments. The sector of tertiary education became more differentiated through the creation of many different subjects, fields and curricula of study. At the same time, men and women tend to prefer different fields of study which likely also provide different opportunities on the labour market. In this study we examine the returns of tertiary education regarding the fields of study and gender differences in Germany and the United Kingdom. As an indicator for educational returns we take the opportunity of entering into the service classes. Given the review of different institutional arrangements we expect that the two countries have considerable differences in the linkage between tertiary education and labour market. Additionally, we expect that the different outcomes of educational credentials between female and male graduates are related to the different choices of study fields in the tertiary education. Based on the generally close linkage between the level of education and labour market in Germany and the rather weak signal function of educational credentials in the UK, we expect that firstly the overall educational returns to tertiary education would be greater in Germany, but that secondly the effects of fields of study as an additional selection factor for graduates would be greater in the UK. Results of empirical analyses confirm both of these hypotheses. An interesting result with respect to the gender differences in educational outcomes is that Germany shows a smaller gender difference in outcomes, but this rather egalitarian result disappears if the type of jobs, e.g. part-time vs. full-time jobs, is controlled for. In general, we find smaller gender differences in class outcomes in Germany than in the UK, but that is called into question by the greater likelihood of German women to be employed in part-time jobs.
The Effect of Prestretch on Skeletal Muscle Behavior

(1992). Pulmonary and leg VO, during submaximal exercise: Implications for muscular efficiency. The article points out the controversial question related to the mechanical behavior of skeletal muscle during the stretch-shortening cycle (SSC) and its effective capacity in enhancing muscle efficiency. Though Ingen Schenau et al. analyzed a large spectrum of theories, suggestions , and reported findings, the present contribution is restricted solely to four observations. First, the authors, comparing vertical jumps performed without and with counter-movement (CMJ), state that "this enhancement [of work output due to the stretch-shortening cycle] was attributed to the fact that the prestretch allows the muscles to develop a high level of active state and force before shortening begins" (p. 408). This is not a novel explanation, since this phenomenon was used to demonstrate the positive relationship found between mechanical delay (MD) and percentage of slow twitch fibers (Bosco, 1987). MD indicates the time spent by the contractile elements (CE) of the muscles for stretching the series elastic elements (SEE). In my 1987 study, 1 measured MD by calculating the differences between the time to perform a simple squat jump (SJ), in which the tension developed by the CE is transmitted through the muscle-tendon-bone linkage with some delay, and the corresponding time to perform positive (Tpos) work in the CMJ. In the latter case, the tension developed by CE is instantaneously transmitted to the bones. The relationship found between MD and ST fibers was not attributed to the different stiffnesses found in slow and fast muscles but was explained only through the differences in firing frequency between phasic and tonic motor units (Steg, 1964). In fact, the Tps for CMJ was similar for both slow and fast subjects, whereas in the latter subjects the TPOF for SJ was shorter than for slow subjects (p < .05). In accordance, the results were explained through the fact that fast subjects required less time to reach the maximal neural firing frequency than slow subjects (Bosco, 1987). On the other hand, at the beginning of the positive work of CMJ, all of the a-motoneurons should have been fully activated in all subjects studied (Bosco & Viitasalo, 1982), since the time for eccentric work was relatively long (128 ms on the average). The biomechanical principles and benefits of accelerating a body in two different ways were presented by Hochmuth (1960). As shown in Figure 1, the acceleration will be small in …
A Centering Dynamics Approach to Zero Pronouns in Korean

This study examines 249 utterances from a corpus of newspaper articles, focusing on the distribution of zero subjects and zero objects. Two kinds of approach, centering theory in Grosz et al. (1995) and centering dynamics in Kameyama (1996, 1998), are compared to find out which approach is more general to explain the distribution of zeros in Korean texts. At first, this study analyzes the data based on centering theory in Grosz et al. (1995) and finds out that this approach is defective in two respects. One is that the occurrence of zeros is not only closely related with CONTINUE transitions but also fairly related with SMOOTH-SHIFT transitions. The other is that the occurrence of zero objects is not explained based on centering transitions. As an alternative approach, this study re-examines the distribution of zeros based on Kameyama's centering dynamics, and concludes that centering dynamics is more general in that it can cover the defects of centering theory. In addition, it is maintained that the distribution of zero objects can be explained based on the notion of Parallelism Preference.
On the Magnetic Fields and Particle Acceleration in Cassiopeia A

We investigate the nonthermal X-ray emission from Cas A, using BeppoSAX, Compton Gamma Ray Observatory OSSE, and Chandra data. For the hard X-ray continuum we test the model proposed by Laming, which invokes nonthermal bremsstrahlung from electrons accelerated by lower hybrid plasma waves. The justification for this model comes from our determination of a lower limit to the average magnetic field of B > 0.5 mG. For such high magnetic fields, the synchrotron losses are severe enough that most of the electron populations responsible for the radio emission have maximum electron energies well below the limit for which X-ray synchrotron emission is important. However, we do suggest that the rim surrounding Cas A, seen in Chandra continuum images, is X-ray synchrotron emission. The width of this rim of 1. ″5-4'' can be used to infer the magnetic field near the shock front, for which we estimate B = 0.08-0.16 mG and electron energies of ~57-40 TeV. This magnetic field strength is lower than the average magnetic field but higher than what may be expected from shocked interstellar medium, suggesting either a high magnetic field in the wind of the progenitor or rapid postshock field amplification by nonlinear growth of plasma waves. Combining the two magnetic field measurements, we have constructed a simple two-zone model. Most of the radio emission comes from inside Cas A, where the magnetic field is strong. In contrast, the inverse Compton emission is dominated by emission from near the shock front. Only for our lower limit on the magnetic field strength near the shock front is it possible to explain the recent detection of TeV emission by the High Energy Gamma Ray Astronomy experiment with inverse Compton emission, for which, in addition, we have to assume a rather high far-infrared photon density that should be twice as high as our best estimate of ~70 cm-3. Pion decay is therefore likely to be the dominant emission from Cas A at TeV energies.
On the origin of globular clusters in elliptical and cD galaxies

Perhaps the most noteworthy of recent findings in extragalactic globular cluster (GC) research are the multimodal GC metallicity distributions seen in massive early-type galaxies. We explore the origin of these distinct GC populations, the implications for galaxy formation and evolution, and identify several new properties of GC systems. First, when we separate the metal-rich and metal-poor subpopulations, in galaxies with bimodal GC metallicity distributions, we find that the mean metallicity of the metal-rich GCs correlates well with parent galaxy luminosity but the mean metallicity of the metal-poor ones does not. This indicates that the metal-rich GCs are closely coupled to the galaxy and share a common chemical enrichment history with the galaxy field stars. The mean metallicity of the metal-poor population is largely independent of the galaxy luminosity. Second, the slope of the GC system radial surface density varies considerably in early-type galaxies. However the galaxies with relatively populous GC systems for their luminosity (called high specific frequency, S_N) only have shallow, extended radial distributions. A characteristic of high S_N galaxies is that their GCs are preferentially located in the outer galaxy regions relative to the underlying starlight. Third, we find that the ratio of metal-rich to metal-poor GCs correlates with S_N. In other words, high S_N galaxies have proportionately more metal-poor GCs, per unit galaxy light, than low S_N galaxies. Fourth, we find steeper metallicity gradients in high S_N galaxies. This is due to the greater number of metal-poor GCs at large galactocentric radii. We critically review current ideas for the origin of GCs in giant elliptical (gE) and cD galaxies and conclude that the gaseous merger model of Ashman & Zepf (1992) is