Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Delayed Systemic Nogo-66 Receptor Antagonist Promotes Recovery from Spinal Cord Injury

Traumatized axons possess an extremely limited ability to regenerate within the adult mammalian CNS. The myelin-derived axon outgrowth inhibitors Nogo, oligodendrocyte-myelin glycoprotein, and myelin-associated glycoprotein, all bind to an axonal Nogo-66 receptor (NgR) and at least partially account for this lack of CNS repair. Although the intrathecal application of an NgR competitive antagonist at the time of spinal cord hemisection induces significant regeneration of corticospinal axons, such immediate local therapy may not be as clinically feasible for cases of spinal cord injury. Here, we consider whether this approach can be adapted to systemic therapy in a postinjury therapeutic time window. Subcutaneous treatment with the NgR antagonist peptide NEP1–40 (Nogo extracellular peptide, residues 1–40) results in extensive growth of corticospinal axons, sprouting of serotonergic fibers, upregulation of axonal growth protein SPRR1A (small proline-rich repeat protein 1A), and synapse re-formation. Locomotor recovery after thoracic spinal cord injury is enhanced. Furthermore, delaying the initiation of systemic NEP1–40 administration for up to 1 week after cord lesions does not limit the degree of axon sprouting and functional recovery. This indicates that the regenerative capacity of transected corticospinal tract axons persists for weeks after injury. Systemic Nogo-66 receptor antagonists have therapeutic potential for subacute CNS axonal injuries such as spinal cord trauma.
It Depends

Context plays a crucial role for semantic similarity measurements. Depending on aspects such as location, time, task and user preferences, the respects that play a role for the comparison of concepts may vary. This variance should be reflected in a change of the similarity measurements’ results. Although this dependency has been observed in various human subject tests and is accounted for in recent similarity theories, there is no generic model of the characteristics of similarity measurement so far. The objective of this research is the formalization of such a model, which clarifies the exact systematics of the dependency of similarity on context. From a practical perspective, this model must allow for the determination of the most influential contextual aspects for similarity measurements in a concrete application. Introduction & Motivation. “Are canals more similar to rivers than to harbours? ”—“Well, it depends. ” The assessment of the similarity of concepts (and also instances) is heavily influenced by context. Accordingly, similarity measurements must take context into account to produce cognitively plausible results, instead of calculating generic similarity values that do not consider the respects of a comparison [6]. One might even go further and doubt the utility of context-free similarity measurements [2], since people’s similarity ratings in everyday situations are always influenced by their current context. The objective of this research is hence the development of a generic context model for semantic similarity measurement that supports the identification of the respects that influence similarity for a given task. Even though the influence of context is beyond dispute, the modelling of context for similarity measurement has been either disregarded, or handled as a mere add-on to the actual similarity theory so far. A more comprehensive utilization of contextual information in similarity measurement can help to produce results that are better tailored to the current situation of an individual. Moreover, context enables the disambiguation of terms such as “long” or “heavy” on a personalized basis: taking a user’s profile into account, which may, for example, contain information on previously taken hiking tours, such terms can be quantified for computation in a similarity measurement. Without contextual information, the required quantification is basically a wild guess.
On the Origin of Radio Emission in the X-Ray States of XTE J1650–500 during the 2001-2002 Outburst

We report on simultaneous radio and X-ray observations of the black hole candidate XTE J1650-500 during the course of its 2001-2002 outburst. The scheduling of the observations allowed us to sample the properties of XTE J1650-500 in different X-ray spectral states, namely, the hard state, the steep power-law state, and the thermal dominant state, according to the recent spectral classification of McClintock & Remillard. The hard state is consistent with a compact jet dominating the spectral energy distribution at radio frequencies; however, the current data suggest that its contribution as direct synchrotron emission at higher energies may not be significant. In that case, XTE J1650-500 may be dominated by Compton processes (either inverse Comptonization of thermal disk photons and/or synchrotron self-Compton radiation from the base of the compact jet) in the X-ray regime. We surprisingly detect a faint level of radio emission in the thermal dominant state that may be consistent with the emission of previously ejected material interacting with the interstellar medium, similar (but on a smaller angular scale) to what was observed in XTE J1550-564 by Corbel and coworkers. Based on the properties of radio emission in the steep power-law state of XTE J1650-500 and taking into account the behavior of other black hole candidates (namely, GX 339-4, XTE J1550-564, and XTE J1859+226) while in the intermediate and steep power-law states, we are able to present a general pattern of behavior for the origin of radio emission in these two states that could be important for understanding the accretion-ejection coupling very close to the black hole event horizon.
Communicating Haze Crisis Online: Comparing Traditional Media News and New Media Perspectives in Singapore

ABSTRACT To understand haze-related online communication in Southeast Asia, this exploratory study took a mixed method approach to conduct web analysis of online communication during haze crisis in Singapore, followed by textual analysis of traditional and new media content during peak days. First, web analytics showed that Singapore’s haze online communication occurred mostly on the Twitter platform with primary negative sentiments. Next, textual analysis results found that majority of traditional media-affiliated news provided informative haze reports and centered on positive measurements taken by government and authorities, similar to Public Information Model for crisis management. In comparison, haze-related new media content had diverse topics reflecting laymen’s viewpoints with critical tones and negative sentiments. News portals and blogs used two-way asymmetrical and symmetrical model for crisis management, respectively. Additionally, Social Cognitive Theory’s media diversity perspectives were applied to understand people’s media choices among traditional and new media during natural crisis with environmental influences.
Computational study of the self-assembly of two different cell populations in contact with a biomaterial

The organisation of a heterotypic multicellular system is intensely studied in developmental biology, tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.To address this problem, we have created a computational model of a biological system made of two cell populations of various cohesivities, and simulated its evolution on the surface of biomaterials of different adhesivities. To this end, it was necessary to extend our SIMMMC application with algorithms that treat two cell types. We have observed, in accordance with experiments that, depending on the strength of cell-substrate adhesion, different structures emerge by the self-assembly of the two cell populations. The agreement with experimental results validates the extended version of the SIMMMC application, suggesting that this tool might offer useful insights for tissue engineers.
Tissue Transglutaminase Constitutively Activates HIF-1α Promoter and Nuclear Factor-κB via a Non-Canonical Pathway

Constitutive activation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) has been linked with carcinogenesis and cancer progression, including metastasis, chemoresistance, and radiation resistance. However, the molecular mechanisms that result in constitutive activation of NF-κB are poorly understood. Here we show that chronic expression of the pro-inflammatory protein tissue transglutaminase (TG2) reprograms the transcription regulatory network in epithelial cells via constitutive activation of NF-κB. TG2-induced NF-κB binds the functional NF-κB binding site in hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1α) promoter and results in its increased expression at transcription and protein levels even under normoxic conditions. TG2/NF-κB-induced HIF-1 was deemed essential for increased expression of some transcription repressors, like Zeb1, Zeb2, Snail, and Twist. Unlike tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα), TG2 did not require IκB kinase (IKK) for NF-κB activation. Our data suggest that TG2 binds with IκBα and results in its rapid degradation via a non-proteasomal pathway. Importantly, the catalytically inactive (C277S) mutant form of TG2 was as effective as was wild-type TG2 in activating NF-κB and inducing HIF-1 expression. We also found that TG2 interacted with p65/RelA protein, both in the cytosolic and the nuclear compartment. The TG2/p65(NF-κB) complex binds to the HIF-1 promoter and induced its transcriptional regulation. Inhibition of TG2 or p65/RelA also inhibited the HIF-1α expression and attenuated Zeb1, Zeb2, and Twist expression. To our knowledge, these findings show for the first time a direct link between TG2, NF-κB, and HIF-1α, demonstrating TG2's important role in cancer progression.
Multi-angle Imaging SpectroRadiometer (MISR) instrument description and experiment overview

The Multi-angle Imaging SpectroRadiometer (MISR) instrument is scheduled for launch aboard the first of the Earth Observing System (EOS) spacecraft, EOS-AM1. MISR will provide global, radiometrically calibrated, georectified, and spatially coregistered imagery at nine discrete viewing angles and four visible/near-infrared spectral bands. Algorithms specifically developed to capitalize on this measurement strategy will be used to retrieve geophysical products for studies of clouds, aerosols, and surface radiation. This paper provides an overview of the as-built instrument characteristics and the application of MISR to remote sensing of the Earth.
The Effect of Bank Mergers on Loan Prices: Evidence from the U.S.

Bank mergers will increase or decrease loan spreads, depending on whether the increased market power outweighs gains in operating efficiency. Using a proprietary loan-level data set for U.S. commercial banks, I find that, on average, mergers reduce loan spreads, and that the reduction is greater for acquirers with larger declines in operating costs post merger. Market overlap between the acquirer and the target leads to more potential for cost savings, which push spreads down. However, if the overlap is significant, the enhanced market power dominates the cost savings and, therefore, spreads increase. The findings are robust to using variation in dates of intrastate banking deregulation as an exogenous instrument for the timing of the in-market mergers. Furthermore, contrary to what might be expected, bigger acquirers do not impose less favorable terms on small businesses. Indeed, the average reduction in spreads is significant for small loans, showing that small borrowers typically pay lower interest rates to banks that have expanded during the previous few years through mergers.
Self-consciousness concept and assessment in self-report measures

This study examines how self-consciousness is defined and assessed using self-report questionnaires (Self-Consciousness Scale (SCS), Self-Reflection and Insight Scale, Self-Absorption Scale, Rumination-Reflection Questionnaire, and Philadelphia Mindfulness Scale). Authors of self-report measures suggest that self-consciousness can be distinguished by its private/public aspects, its adaptive/maladaptive applied characteristics, and present/past experiences. We examined these claims in a study using 602 young adults to whom the aforementioned scales were administered. Data were analyzed as follows: (1) correlation analysis to find simple associations between the measures; (2) factorial analysis using Oblimin rotation of total scores provided from the scales; and (3) factorial analysis considering the 102 items of the scales all together. It aimed to clarify relational patterns found in the correlations between SCSs, and to identify possible latent constructs behind these scales. Results support the adaptive/maladaptive aspects of self-consciousness, as well as distinguish to some extent public aspects from private ones. However, some scales that claimed to be theoretically derived from the concept of Private Self-Consciousness correlated with some of its public self-aspects. Overall, our findings suggest that while self-reflection measures tend to tap into past experiences and judged concepts that were already processed by the participants’ inner speech and thoughts, the Awareness measure derived from Mindfulness Scale seems to be related to a construct associated with present experiences in which one is aware of without any further judgment or logical/rational symbolization. This sub-scale seems to emphasize the role that present experiences have in self-consciousness, and it is argued that such a concept refers to what has been studied by phenomenology and psychology over more than 100 years: the concept of pre-reflective self-conscious.
THE SUM-PRODUCT ESTIMATE FOR LARGE SUBSETS OF PRIME FIELDS

Let Fp be the field of prime order p. It is known that for any integer N ∈ [1,p] one can construct a subset A C Fp with |A| = N such that max{|A + A|, |AA|} «p 1/2 |A| 1/2 . One of the results of the present paper implies that if A C Fp with |A| > p 2/3 , then max{|A + A|, |AA|}» p 1/2 |A| 1/2 .
Generating Missions and Spaces for Adaptable Play Experiences

This paper investigates strategies to generate levels for action-adventure games. For this genre, level design is more critical than for rule-driven genres such as simulation or rogue-like role-playing games, for which procedural level generation has been successful in the past. The approach outlined by this article distinguishes between missions and spaces as two separate structures that need to be generated in two individual steps. It discusses the merits of different types of generative grammars for each individual step in the process. Notably, the approach acknowledges that the online generation of levels needs to be tailored strictly to the actual experience of a player. Therefore, the approach incorporates techniques to establish and exploit player models in actual play.
The Global Forum on Migration and Development as a venue of state socialisation: a stepping stone for multi-level migration governance?

ABSTRACT This article focuses on the Global Forum on Migration and Development (GFMD) which has become one of the major global spaces for deliberations on migration but remains informal and non-binding. Drawing from literature on norm diffusion and state socialisation, it debates the role of the GFMD as a stepping stone for a more robust, multi-level and networked global migration governance by bringing together governments, global institutions, civil society and to a lesser degree the private sector. It is argued that the GFMD has the potential to socialise states in two ways that are conducive to establishing a multi-level global migration governance: First, states are exposed to discourses on migration as a truly global issue. The second way in which the GFMD process can socialise states is in the interaction with migrant civil society, thus potentially ‘blurring’ previously distant if not openly antagonistic relations. Since most states regard migration as one of their last ‘bastions of sovereignty’, the GFMD could provide a necessary first step as a trust-building measure. Providing participatory spaces and allowing agency for migrants and their organisations is not a mere optional feature but a crucial component for a truly multi-level and thus multi-stakeholder global migration governance.
Some observations on modelling case based reasoning with formal argument models

In this paper I shall explore the modelling of case based reasoning using a formal model of argument, taking the approach of Prakken and Sartor as my starting point. I first consider their method of representing cases, and describe how — if we restrict ourselves to independent boolean factors — we can fruitfully model the domain as a partial order on rules. I then consider the issues relating to quantifiable factors, as used in HYPO, and factor hierarchies, as used in CATO. The former presents some difficulties for modelling as a partial order, and, coupled with the latter, forces us to recognise two different kinds of reasoning used in concept application which have different implications for representing the domain. I then present some conclusions arising from the discussion.
Simple delta voltages space vector PWM algorithm for voltage source multilevel inverters

The paper deals with the voltage source multilevel inverter space vector PWM algorithm developed on the base of one of the more general algorithms for oblique-angled coordinates of two delta voltages. The symmetry of the instantaneous output voltages on the clock cycle is provided by the simple control for the performing of the preset five-segment switching sequence. The calculations being used are quite simple and fast so they can be performed even applying a cheap DSP.
Regulators of G Protein Signaling Attenuate the G Protein–mediated Inhibition of N-Type Ca Channels

Regulators of G protein signaling (RGS) proteins bind to the α subunits of certain heterotrimeric G proteins and greatly enhance their rate of GTP hydrolysis, thereby determining the time course of interactions among Gα, Gβγ, and their effectors. Voltage-gated N-type Ca channels mediate neurosecretion, and these Ca channels are powerfully inhibited by G proteins. To determine whether RGS proteins could influence Ca channel function, we recorded the activity of N-type Ca channels coexpressed in human embryonic kidney (HEK293) cells with G protein–coupled muscarinic (m2) receptors and various RGS proteins. Coexpression of full-length RGS3T, RGS3, or RGS8 significantly attenuated the magnitude of receptor-mediated Ca channel inhibition. In control cells expressing α1B, α2, and β3 Ca channel subunits and m2 receptors, carbachol (1 μM) inhibited whole-cell currents by ∼80% compared with only ∼55% inhibition in cells also expressing exogenous RGS protein. A similar effect was produced by expression of the conserved core domain of RGS8. The attenuation of Ca current inhibition resulted primarily from a shift in the steady state dose–response relationship to higher agonist concentrations, with the EC50 for carbachol inhibition being ∼18 nM in control cells vs. ∼150 nM in RGS-expressing cells. The kinetics of Ca channel inhibition were also modified by RGS. Thus, in cells expressing RGS3T, the decay of prepulse facilitation was slower, and recovery of Ca channels from inhibition after agonist removal was faster than in control cells. The effects of RGS proteins on Ca channel modulation can be explained by their ability to act as GTPase-accelerating proteins for some Gα subunits. These results suggest that RGS proteins may play important roles in shaping the magnitude and kinetics of physiological events, such as neurosecretion, that involve G protein–modulated Ca channels.
Interspecific hybridization between Iris dichotoma and Iris domestica

Interspecific hybridization is an important way to acquire new traits in the breeding of Iris. Iris dichotoma and Iris domestica are closely related species but have divergent trait values for ornamental traits, such as floral color, flower opening and closing time controlled by circadian clock. Besides, hybrids between the two species are highly fertile. Consequently, interspecific hybridization between I. dichotoma and I. domestica makes great contribution to investigating the genetic rules of important ornamental traits, and favors the breeding of new cultivars. There is no progamous barrier between I. dichotoma and I. domestica. I. dichotoma plays larger roles in floral color and color of floral spots of hybrids than I. domestica, and floral color and color of floral spots are controlled by different genes. Flower opening and closing times within a day of hybrids between I. dichotoma and I. domestica are controlled by different polygenes, opening in the early morning is partial dominant to opening in the afternoon and flower closure at dusk is dominant to closure in the evening. Different flowering time within a day plays an important role in the premating reproductive isolation between I. dichotoma and I. domestica.
Going Beyond the Dominant Paradigm for Information Technology Innovation Research: Emerging Concepts and Methods

Research on information technology (IT) innovation is concerned with identifying the factors that facilitate or hinder the adoption and diffusion of new IT-based processes or products. Most of this research has been conducted within the confines of a dominant paradigm wherein innovations are assumed to be beneficial, and organizations that have greater innovation-related needs and abilities are expected to exhibit a greater amount of innovative activity. This essay suggests that the dominant paradigm may be reaching the point of diminishing returns as a framework for supporting ground-breaking research, and urges researchers to adopt a more innovative approach to the study of IT innovation itself. Toward this end, I present seven opportunities for conducting new kinds of research that go beyond the dominant paradigm.
Limited-Shift-Full-Rank Matrices With Applications in Asynchronous Cooperative Communications

Shift-full-rank (SFR) matrices are matrices that have full row rank no matter how their rows are shifted. SFR matrices have been used lately as generator matrices for a family of space-time trellis codes to achieve full diversity in asynchronous cooperative communications, where the numbers of columns of the SFR matrices correspond to the memory sizes of the trellis codes. A systematic construction of SFR matrices, including the shortest (square) SFR (SSFR) matrices, has been also previously proposed. In this paper, we study a variation of SFR matrices with a relaxed condition: limited-shift-full-rank (LT-SFR) matrices, i.e., the matrices that have full row rank no matter how their rows are shifted as long as the shifts are within some range called delay tolerance. As the generator matrices for the previously proposed space-time trellis codes, LT-SFR matrices can guarantee asynchronous full diversity of the corresponding codes when the timing errors are within the delay tolerance. Therefore, due to the relaxed condition imposed on LT-SFR matrices, more eligible generator matrices than SFR matrices become available.