Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Role of Calcineurin in Dendritic Remodeling and Epileptogenesis in a Rat Model of Traumatic Brain Injury

ix Introduction.1 The Exciting but Risky Lives of Dendritic Spines.1 Calcium and Dendritic Spine Plasticity.3 Post-Synaptic Mechanisms of Dendritic Spine Loss.10 Traumatic Brain Injury in Humans and Rodent Models.21 Chapter I: Traumatic Brain Injury Causes an FK506-Sensitive Loss and an Overgrowth of Dendritic Spines in Rat Forebrain.23 Introduction.23 Materials and Methods.25 Results.29 Discussion.42 Chapter II: Mechanisms of Dendritic Spine Remodeling in a Rat Model of Traumatic Brain Injury.75 Introduction.75 Materials and Methods.76 a,b Text adapted from research manuscript in press, with written permission of publisher iv Results.81 Discussion.97 Chapter III: Traumatic Brain Injury Causes a Tacrolimus-Sensitive Increase in NonConvulsive Seizures in a Rat Model of Post-Traumatic Epilepsy.123 Introduction.123 Materials and Methods.124 Results.131 Discussion.148 Discussion.166 List of References.171 Vita.197
The pauseless GC algorithm

Modern transactional response-time sensitive applications have run into practical limits on the size of garbage collected heaps. The heap can only grow until GC pauses exceed the response-time limits. Sustainable, scalable concurrent collection has become a feature worth paying for.Azul Systems has built a custom system (CPU, chip, board, and OS) specifically to run garbage collected virtual machines. The custom CPU includes a read barrier instruction. The read barrier enables a highly concurrent (no stop-the-world phases), parallel and compacting GC algorithm. The Pauseless algorithm is designed for uninterrupted application execution and consistent mutator throughput in every GC phase.Beyond the basic requirement of collecting faster than the allocation rate, the Pauseless collector is never in a "rush" to complete any GC phase. No phase places an undue burden on the mutators nor do phases race to complete before the mutators produce more work. Portions of the Pauseless algorithm also feature a "self-healing" behavior which limits mutator overhead and reduces mutator sensitivity to the current GC state.We present the Pauseless GC algorithm, the supporting hardware features that enable it, and data on the overhead, efficiency, and pause times when running a sustained workload.
The relationship between anxiety, working memory and academic performance among secondary school pupils with social, emotional and behavioural difficulties: a test of Processing Efficiency Theory

Research has shown that negative emotions, particularly anxiety, can play a role in learning and academic performance. The Processing Efficiency Theory (PET) and the more recent Attentional Control Theory (ACT) have been put forward to explain the relationship between anxiety and performance. The theories assume that worry (the cognitive component of anxiety) is thought to have a significant impact on performance and that the affect of anxiety on performance is through working memory, and in particular the central executive. The literature review identified a number of key areas of development, including the application of the theories to younger populations and with targeted populations who underachieve in school. The empirical paper aimed to test the application of PET and ACT for pupils with social, emotional and behavioural difficulties (SEBD). It investigated whether the negative impact of anxiety on academic performance was mediated via working memory and whether this relationship was moderated by emotional regulation. Twenty-four pupils with SEBD aged 12 to 14 completed working memory tasks and self-report anxiety measures. Academic performance was also assessed. Heart rate variability and parent-rated measures of conduct problems and hyperactivity were used as indicators of emotional regulation. The results showed that overall, there was a negative association between test anxiety and academic performance and this association was clearer for the thoughts component of test anxiety. Visuospatial, but not verbal working memory was found to mediate the relationship between test anxious thoughts and academic performance on tasks where the central executive was involved. These findings are broadly consistent with PET and ACT. The mediation relationship was stronger for pupils identified as displaying higher levels of hyperactivity; no moderating effect was found for either heart rate variability or conduct problems. The results have implications for understanding the underachievement of children with SEBD and for considering interventions to promote attainment in school.
The Heisenbot Uncertainty Problem: Challenges in Separating Bots from Chaff

In this paper we highlight a number of challenges that arise in using crawling to measure the size, topology, and dynamism of distributed botnets. These challenges include traffic due to unrelated applications, address aliasing, and other active participants on the network such as poisoners. Based upon experience developing a crawler for the Storm botnet, we describe each of the issues we encountered in practice, our approach for managing the underlying ambiguity, and the kind of errors we believe it introduces into our estimates.
Processing by proprotein convertases is required for glypican-3 modulation of cell survival, Wnt signaling, and gastrulation movements

Glypican (GPC)-3 inhibits cell proliferation and regulates cell survival during development. This action is demonstrated by GPC3 loss-of-function mutations in humans and mice. Here, we show that the GPC3 core protein is processed by a furinlike convertase. This processing is essential for GPC3 modulating Wnt signaling and cell survival in vitro and for supporting embryonic cell movements in zebrafish. The processed GPC3 core protein is necessary and sufficient for the cell-specific induction of apoptosis, but in vitro effects on canonical and noncanonical Wnt signaling additionally require substitution of the core protein with heparan sulfate. Wnt 5A physically associates only with processed GPC3, and only a form of GPC3 that can be processed by a convertase is able to rescue epiboly and convergence/extension movements in GPC3 morphant embryos. Our data imply that the Simpson–Golabi–Behmel syndrome may in part result from a loss of GPC3 controls on Wnt signaling, and suggest that this function requires the cooperation of both the protein and the heparan sulfate moieties of the proteoglycan.
Quantitative conductivity and permittivity imaging of the human brain using electric properties tomography

The electric properties of human tissue can potentially be used as an additional diagnostic parameter, e.g., in tumor diagnosis. In the framework of radiofrequency safety, the electric conductivity of tissue is needed to correctly estimate the local specific absorption rate distribution during MR measurements. In this study, a recently developed approach, called electric properties tomography (EPT) is adapted for and applied to in vivo imaging. It derives the patient's electric conductivity and permittivity from the spatial sensitivity distributions of the applied radiofrequency coils. In contrast to other methods to measure the patient's electric properties, EPT does not apply externally mounted electrodes, currents, or radiofrequency probes, which enhances the practicability of the approach. This work shows that conductivity distributions can be reconstructed from phase images and permittivity distributions can be reconstructed from magnitude images of the radiofrequency transmit field. Corresponding numerical simulations using finite‐difference time‐domain methods support the feasibility of this phase‐based conductivity imaging and magnitude‐based permittivity imaging. Using this approximation, three‐dimensional in vivo conductivity and permittivity maps of the human brain are obtained in 5 and 13 min, respectively, which can be considered a step toward clinical feasibility for EPT. Magn Reson Med, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Shanghai, China's capital of modernity : the production of space and urban experience of World Expo 2010

This thesis examines Shanghai’s urbanisation by applying Henri Lefebvre’s theories of the production of space and everyday life. A review of Lefebvre’s theories indicates that each mode of production produces its own space. Capitalism is perpetuated by producing new space and commodifying everyday life. Applying Lefebvre’s regressive-progressive method as a methodological framework, this thesis periodises Shanghai’s history to the ‘semi-feudal, semi-colonial era’, ‘socialist reform era’ and ‘post-socialist reform era’. The Shanghai World Exposition 2010 was chosen as a case study to exemplify how urbanisation shaped urban experience. Empirical data was collected through semi-structured interviews. This thesis argues that Shanghai developed a ‘state-led/-participation mode of production’. The state redefined its distributive role to act as both a regulator and a market player, and manipulated its regulatory power to generate revenue from land commodification. The state thus accelerated urbanisation by relocating residents to new towns. Inhabitants’ daily routines were rearranged. Lefebvre envisaged an urban revolution to occur when urbanisation is complete. But my data illustrates that civil resistance is not widely supported because urbanisation has generally improved living quality. This thesis concludes by examining the possibility of Shanghai’s resuming its status as the site of modernisation and the critique of modernity.
Low loss, high contrast optical waveguides based on CMOS compatible LPCVD processing: technology and experimental results

A new class of integrated optical waveguide structures is presented, based on low cost CMOS compatible LPCVD processing. This technology allows for medium and high index contrast waveguides with very low channel attenuation. The geometry is basically formed by a rectangular cross-section silicon nitride (Si3N4) filled with and encapsulated by silicon dioxide (SiO2). The birefringence and minimal bend radius of the waveguide is completely controlled by the geometry of the waveguide layer structures. Experiments on typical geometries will be presented, showing excellent characteristics (channel attenuation ≤ 0.1 dB/cm, IL ≤ 1.5 dB, PDL ≤ 0.2 dB, Bg ≤ 1×10-4, bend radius « 1 mm).
Identification of FGFR4 as a Potential Therapeutic Target for Advanced-Stage, High-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer

Purpose: To evaluate the prognostic value of fibroblast growth factor receptor 4 (FGFR4) protein expression in patients with advanced-stage, high-grade serous ovarian cancer, delineate the functional role of FGFR4 in ovarian cancer progression, and evaluate the feasibility of targeting FGFR4 in serous ovarian cancer treatment. Experimental Design: Immunolocalization of FGFR4 was conducted on 183 ovarian tumor samples. The collected FGFR4 expression data were correlated with overall survival using Kaplan–Meier and Cox regression analyses. The effects of FGFR4 silencing on ovarian cancer cell growth, survival, invasiveness, apoptosis, and FGF1-mediated signaling pathway activation were evaluated by transfecting cells with FGFR4-specific siRNAs. An orthotopic mouse model was used to evaluate the effect of injection of FGFR4-specific siRNAs and FGFR4 trap protein encapsulated in nanoliposomes on ovarian tumor growth in vivo. Results: Overexpression of FGFR4 protein was significantly associated with decreased overall survival durations. FGFR4 silencing significantly decreased the proliferation, survival, and invasiveness and increased apoptosis of ovarian cancer cells. Also, downregulation of FGFR4 significantly abrogated the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), and WNT signaling pathways, which are activated by FGF1. Targeting FGFR4 with the FGFR4-specific siRNAs and FGFR4 trap protein significantly decreased ovarian tumor growth in vivo. Conclusions: FGFR4 is a prognostic marker for advanced-stage, high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma. Silencing FGFR4 and inhibiting ligand-receptor binding significantly decrease ovarian tumor growth both in vitro and in vivo, suggesting that targeting ovarian cancer cells with high levels of FGFR4 protein expression is a new therapeutic modality for this disease and will improve survival of it. Clin Cancer Res; 19(4); 809–20. ©2012 AACR.
Mark–recapture estimates of recruitment, survivorship and population growth rate for the screwworm fly, Cochliomyia hominivorax

Abstract Pradel model mark–release–recapture estimates of survivorship, φ, recruitment, f, and the rate of density‐independent population growth, λ, are presented for eight mark–recapture studies of the screwworm Cochliomyia hominivorax (Coquerel) (Diptera: Calliphoridae) from Costa Rica, totalling 19 573 released and 4476 recaptured flies. Corroborative estimates of survivorship and the rate of population growth based on an extensive review of the literature are also reported. Weighted‐mean ± standard error of the mean (SEM) mark–release–recapture estimates of survivorship, recruitment and the rate of population growth were φ = 0.798 ± 0.008, f = 0.193 ± 0.008 and λ = 1.005 ± 0.002, respectively. Population doubling time was estimated from λ at 139 days. Estimates of φ and λ from the literature both exceeded those calculated by mark–recapture methods and estimates of population doubling times were consequently shorter.
Effects of bipolar point and line stimulation in anisotropic rabbit epicardium: assessment of the critical radius of curvature for longitudinal block

Excitation front shape and velocity were studied in anisotropic perfused rabbit epicardium stained with potentiometric fluorescent dye. In the combined results from all experiments, convex excitation fronts produced by stimulation with a single electrode propagated longitudinally 13.3% slower than fiat excitation fronts produced by stimulation with a line of electrodes. For transverse propagation, the two stimulation methods produced similar flat excitation fronts and velocities. The critical excitation front radius of curvature for longitudinal block (R/sub cr/), calculated from excitable media theory, was 92 /spl mu/m in control hearts. In hearts exposed to diacetyl monoxime (20 mmol/L), which decreases inward sodium current, R/sub cr/, was 175 /spl mu/m. The slower longitudinal propagation velocity of convex fronts versus flat fronts and the theoretically predicted critical radius of curvature may be important for propagation and block of ectopic depolarizations in the heart. <<ETX>>
Emitting electron spectra and acceleration processes in the jet of PKS 0447−439

We investigate the electron energy distributions (EEDs) and the corresponding acceleration processes in the jet of PKS 0447$-$439 and estimate its redshift through modeling its observed spectral energy distribution (SED) in the frame of a one-zone synchrotron-self Compton (SSC) model. Three EEDs formed in different acceleration scenarios are assumed: the power-law with exponential cut-off (PLC) EED (shock-acceleration scenario or the case of the EED approaching equilibrium in the stochastic-acceleration scenario), the log-parabolic (LP) EED (stochastic-acceleration scenario and the acceleration dominating) and the broken power law (BPL) EED (no acceleration scenario), and then the corresponding fluxes of both synchrotron and SSC are calculated. The model is applied to PKS 0447-439 and modeling SEDs are compared to the observed SED of this object by using the Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) method. Calculating results show that PLC model fails to fit the observed SED well, while the LP and BPL models give comparably good fits for the observed SED. The results indicate that it is possible that stochastic acceleration process acts in the emitting region of PKS 0447-439 and the EED is far from equilibrium (acceleration dominating) or no acceleration process works (in the emitting region). The redshift of PKS 0447-439 is also estimated in our fitting, and $z=0.16\pm0.05$ for LP case and $z=0.17\pm0.04$ for BPL case.
The Earth observing system microwave limb sounder (EOS MLS) on the aura Satellite

The Earth Observing System Microwave Limb Sounder measures several atmospheric chemical species (OH, HO/sub 2/, H/sub 2/O, O/sub 3/, HCl, ClO, HOCl, BrO, HNO/sub 3/, N/sub 2/O, CO, HCN, CH/sub 3/CN, volcanic SO/sub 2/), cloud ice, temperature, and geopotential height to improve our understanding of stratospheric ozone chemistry, the interaction of composition and climate, and pollution in the upper troposphere. All measurements are made simultaneously and continuously, during both day and night. The instrument uses heterodyne radiometers that observe thermal emission from the atmospheric limb in broad spectral regions centered near 118, 190, 240, and 640 GHz, and 2.5 THz. It was launched July 15, 2004 on the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's Aura satellite and started full-up science operations on August 13, 2004. An atmospheric limb scan and radiometric calibration for all bands are performed routinely every 25 s. Vertical profiles are retrieved every 165 km along the suborbital track, covering 82/spl deg/S to 82/spl deg/N latitudes on each orbit. Instrument performance to date has been excellent; data have been made publicly available; and initial science results have been obtained.
Effects of sulfur and urease coated controlled release urea on dry matter yield, N uptake and grain quality of rice.

The application of urea fertilizer has always been associated with heavy N losses therefore, improving its efficiency is critical to minimize economic and environmental losses associated with its application. One possible approach to improve the nitrogen losses from the surface appl ied urea is to coat it with sulfur, urease inhibitor (agrotain) and other biodegradable materials. A pot experiment was carried out using two different textured: silt loam and clay loam soil toassess the effect of sulfur and urease inhibitor (agrotain) o n dry matter yield, N uptake and grain quality at the green house of the Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China during 2011-12. The experiment consisted of treatments arranged in a completely randomized block design (CRD) with 3 replications. Urea coated with sulfur and urease inhibitor (agrotain) was applied at 60 kg N ha -1 in 2 splits. The results showed that sulfur and urease inhibitor (agrotain) coated urea significantly increased the dry matter yield, N uptake and grain quality of rice cultivars over granular urea (GU) and control treatment applied split, particularly in silty loam soil than clay loam soil.The N release was more pronounced in silty loam (SL) soil as compared to clay loam (CL) soil where, the effect of the inhibitors was less evident. Japonica cultivar (xinshui 123) showed its superiority over indica cultivar (9311) in all the studied parameters. It is concluded from these results that controlled released urea fertilizer improved dry matter yield by 55-68% ha -1 , enhanced N uptake upto 39.4% and grain protein percentage from 5.8% -14.9% as compared to granular urea and control treatment. The improvement in rice dry matter yield and grain quality caused by sulfur and urease inhibitor (agrotain) coating may have been due to increased N use efficiency with split application in these two different textured soils.
Extremism in the Pursuit of Learning Is No Virtue*

We have perpetual debates in education regarding how best to promote learning and developmental growth among our students. As individuals, we tend to give some concepts more weight than others when we think about teaching and learning. Some of us value freedom to learn over the discipline to learn, others take the opposite view. For some, schooling is all about accountability for learning, for others personal growth is utmost. To better understand our individual thinking on the requisites for learning, it may be useful to do some perception checking. In each pair listed below which concept best defines an appropriate education for young adolescents?
Phase II Trial of Erlotinib during and after Radiotherapy in Children with Newly Diagnosed High-Grade Gliomas

Background: Epidermal growth factor receptor is overexpressed in most pediatric high-grade gliomas (HGG). Since erlotinib had shown activity in adults with HGG, we conducted a phase II trial of erlotinib and local radiotherapy (RT) in children with newly diagnosed HGG. Methods: Following maximum surgical resection, patients between 3 and 21 years with non-metastatic HGG received local RT at 59.4 Gy (54 Gy for spinal tumors and those with ≥70% brain involvement). Erlotinib started on day 1 of RT (120 mg/m2 per day) and continued for 2 years unless there was tumor progression or intolerable toxicities. The 2-year progression-free survival (PFS) was estimated for patients with intracranial anaplastic astrocytoma (AA) and glioblastoma (GBM). Results: Median age at diagnosis for 41 patients with intracranial tumors (21 with GBM and 20 with AA) was 10.9 years (range, 3.3–19 years). The 2-year PFS for patients with AA and GBM was 15 ± 7 and 19 ± 8%, respectively. Only five patients remained alive without tumor progression. Twenty-six patients had at least one grade 3 or 4 toxicity irrespective of association with erlotinib; only four required dose modifications. The main toxicities were gastrointestinal (n = 11), dermatologic (n = 5), and metabolic (n = 4). One patient with gliomatosis cerebri who required prolonged corticosteroids died of septic shock associated with pancreatitis. Conclusion: Although therapy with erlotinib was mostly well-tolerated, it did not change the poor outcome of our patients. Our results showed that erlotinib is not a promising medication in the treatment of children with intracranial AA and GBM.
First evidence of lamprophyric magmatism within the Subbetic Zone (Southern Spain)

Two drillings carried out at Cerro Prieto (Province of Malaga), together with additional geophysical data, revealed the existence of an igneous body formed of rock-types previously unknown in the Subbetic zone. The recovered rocks, emplaced under hypoabyssal conditions, are predominantly porphyric, containing olivine, diopside and TiO2-rich phlogopite phenocrysts (up to 1-2 mm in size) within a micro-to-hypocrystalline groundmass composed of alkali-feldspar, diopside, phlogopite and abundant magnetite, and could be classified as "alkali minettes" lam- prophyres. They contain numerous xenocrysts corroded by the magma and centimetric ultrafemic xenoliths deriv- ing from the mantle. Clinopyroxenes yield crystallisation temperatures from about 1150 to 1320o C and pressures ranging from about 4 to 17 kbar, suggesting 50 km as the minimum depth of the magma sources. The chemical compositions of these lamprophyres are similar to intra-plate alkali-basalts, derived from oceanic-island-basaltic-type highly metasoma- tized mantle sources. 40 Ar/ 39 Ar dating of a phlogopite mineral separate gave an age of 217±2.5 Ma. However, these 1 4