Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Is the Mystery of Thought Demystified by Context‐Dependent Categorisation? Towards a New Relation Between Language and Thought

We argue that are no such things as literal categories in human cognition. Instead, we argue that there are merely temporary coalescences of dimensions of similarity, which are brought together by context in order to create the similarity structure in mental representations appropriate for the task at hand. Fodor (2000) contends that context-sensitive cognition cannot be realised by current computational theories of mind. We address this challenge by describing a simple computational implementation that exhibits internal knowledge representations whose similarity structure alters fluidly depending on context. We explicate the processing properties that support this function and illustrate with two more complex models, one applied to the development of semantic knowledge (Rogers and McClelland, 2004), the second to the processing of simple metaphorical comparisons (Thomas and Mareschal, 2001). The models firstly demonstrate how phenomena that seem problematic for literal categorisation (such as the ‘non-literal’ comparisons involved in metaphor and analogy) resolve to particular cases of the contextual modulation of mental representations; and secondly prompt a new perspective on the relation between language and thought: language affords the strategic control of context on semantic knowledge, allowing information to be brought to bear in a given situation that might otherwise not be available to influence processing. This may explain one way in which human thought is creative, and distinctive from animal cognition.
Stability analyses of longest-queue-first link scheduling in MC-MR wireless networks

Longest-queue-first (LQF) link scheduling is a greedy link scheduling in multihop wireless networks. Its stability performance in single-channel single-radio (SC-SR) wireless networks has been well studied recently. However, its stability performance in multi-channel multi-radio (MC-MR)wireless networks is largely under-explored. In this paper, we present a stability subregion with closed form of the LQF scheduling in MC-MR wireless networks, which is within a constant factor of the network stability region. We also obtain constant lower bounds on the efficiency ratio of the LQF scheduling in MC-MR wireless networks under the 802.11 interference model or the protocol interference model.
Hybrid Composites Made from Jute/Coir Fibers: Water Absorption, Thickness Swelling, Density, Morphology, and Mechanical Properties

The action of water in natural fiber-reinforced composite material was studied so as to produce great swelling with resultant changes in the fine structure, dimensional stability, and mechanical properties. Water absorption and thickness swelling test reveal that hybrid composite shows water absorption moderately, which is 15.3% for hybrid coir/jute/coir composite and 11.2% for hybrid jute/coir/jute composite. The thickness swelling, water absorption, and mechanical properties of the hybrid composites slightly increased as the layering pattern of hybrid composites changed. Hybridization of coir fibers composites with jute fibers can improve the dimensional stability, extensibility and density of pure coir composites. Microstructures of the composites were examined to understand the mechanisms for the fiber-matrix interaction in relation to mechanical properties.
Graviton scattering amplitudes in M theory

We compute graviton scattering amplitudes in M theory using Feynman rules for a scalar particle coupled to gravity in eleven dimensions. The processes that we consider describe the single graviton exchange and the double graviton exchange, that in M(atrix) theory correspond to the v^4/r^7 and v^6/r^14 term, respectively. We argue that the v^6/r^14 term appearing in M(atrix) theory at two loops can be obtained from the covariant eleven-dimensional four-graviton amplitude. Finally, we calculate the v^8/r^18 term appearing at two loops in M(atrix) theory. It has been previously conjectured that this term is related to a four graviton scattering amplitude involving the R^4 vertex of M theory.
Is Facebook still a suitable technology-enhanced learning environment? An updated critical review of the literature from 2012 to 2015

This study provides an updated critical review of the literature on Facebook as a technology-enhanced learning environment based on papers published between 2012 and 2015. It adopts a revised classification of the categories identified in a previous study, which emphasized three main Facebook affordances – mixing information and learning resources, hybridization of expertise and widening context of learning. The aim is to investigate to what extent studies using Facebook as a learning environment exploited these affordances. Literature has been also analysed according to three types of educational use of Facebook – formal use in formal learning settings (FUF), informal use in formal learning settings (IUF) and use in informal learning settings (UI) – to highlight if and how Facebook affordances have been exploited in these learning settings. Literature search identified 147 articles published in peer-reviewed journals. The results show that most of the articles can be classified as dealing with FUF (N = 69; 46.9%) or as IUF (N = 68; 46.3%); only a minority concerns the UI (N = 10; 6.8%). Overall, the study found that Facebook pedagogical affordances are still partially implemented, although different types of educational use of Facebook exploit these affordances to different degrees. It also provides indications for future research. Lay descriptionWhat is currently known about the subject matter: Facebook still stands as the most popular social network site There is an abundant research literature on Facebook Studies on the educational value of Facebook have grown exponentially in the last years A review on Facebook as a technology-enhanced learning environment was published in 2013 What this paper adds: This study is an update of the critical review published in 2013 It takes into account studies published between 2012 and 2015 It refines the methodology adopted in the 2013 review It introduces a classification of educational uses of Facebook according to the formal/informal continuum Implications of study findings for practitioners: Facebook is still mostly considered as an open alternative to traditional learning management systems Facebook pedagogical affordances are still partially implemented Teacher guidance and forms of assessment are claimed according to degrees of formality and informality Cultural issues in the use of Facebook in education should be further investigated
Gate-Recess Technology for InAs/AlSb HEMTs

The gate-recess technology for Si delta-doped InAs/AlSb high-electron-mobility transistors (HEMTs) has been investigated by combining atomic force microscopy (AFM) inspection of the gate-recess versus time with electrical device characterization. Deposition of the gate metal on the In0.5Al0. 5As protection layer or on the underlying AlSb Schottky layer resulted in devices suffering from high gate-leakage current. Superior dc and high frequency device performance were obtained for HEMTs with an insulating layer between the gate and the Schottky layer resulting in a reduction of the gate leakage current IG by more than two orders of magnitude at a drain-to-source voltage VDS of 0.1 V. The existence of this intermediate insulating layer was evident from the electrical measurements. AFM measurements suggested that the insulating layer was due to a native oxidation of the AlSb Schottky layer. The insulated-gate HEMT with a gate length of 225 nm exhibited a maximum drain current ID higher than 500 mA/mm with good pinchoff characteristics, a dc transconductance gm of 1300 mS/mm, and extrinsic values for cutoff frequency fT and maximum frequency of oscillation fmax of 160 and 120 GHz, respectively.
Amelioration of dermal fibrosis by genetic deletion or pharmacologic antagonism of lysophosphatidic acid receptor 1 in a mouse model of scleroderma.

OBJECTIVE Scleroderma (systemic sclerosis [SSc]), is characterized by progressive multiorgan fibrosis. We recently implicated lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) in the pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the roles of LPA and two of its receptors, LPA₁ and LPA₂, in dermal fibrosis in a mouse model of SSc. METHODS Wild type (WT), and LPA₁-knockout (KO) and LPA₂-KO mice were injected subcutaneously with bleomycin or phosphate buffered saline (PBS) once daily for 28 days. Dermal thickness, collagen content, and numbers of cells positive for α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) or phospho-Smad2 were determined in bleomycin-injected and PBS-injected skin. In separate experiments, a novel selective LPA₁ antagonist AM095 or vehicle alone was administered by oral gavage to C57BL/6 mice that were challenged with 28 daily injections of bleomycin or PBS. AM095 or vehicle treatments were initiated concurrently with, or 7 or 14 days after, the initiation of bleomycin and PBS injections and continued to the end of the experiments. Dermal thickness and collagen content were determined in injected skin. RESULTS The LPA₁ -KO mice were markedly resistant to bleomycin-induced increases in dermal thickness and collagen content, whereas the LPA₂-KO mice were as susceptible as the WT mice. Bleomycin-induced increases in dermal α-SMA+ and phospho-Smad2+ cells were abrogated in LPA₁-KO mice. Pharmacologic antagonism of LPA₁ with AM095 significantly attenuated bleomycin-induced dermal fibrosis when administered according to either a preventive regimen or two therapeutic regimens. CONCLUSION These results suggest that LPA/LPA₁ pathway inhibition has the potential to be an effective new therapeutic strategy for SSc, and that LPA₁ is an attractive pharmacologic target in dermal fibrosis.
Modeling and analysis of acceptability for merging vehicle at highway junction

This paper presents the modeling and analysis of acceptability for merging vehicle at highway junction. A decision making for acceptance by the driver running on the main car lane is analyzed and modeled by using a logistic regression model based on the observation of the driving data on driving simulator. An acceptance estimation performance of the obtained model is evaluated in a quantitative manner.
Corosolic Acid Exhibits Anti‐angiogenic and Anti‐lymphangiogenic Effects on In Vitro Endothelial Cells and on an In Vivo CT‐26 Colon Carcinoma Animal Model

We describe the anti‐angiogenic and anti‐lymphangiogenic effects of corosolic acid, a pentacyclic triterpenoid isolated from Cornus kousa Burg. A mouse colon carcinoma CT‐26 animal model was employed to determine the in vivo anti‐angiogenic and anti‐lymphangiogenic effects of corosolic acid. Corosolic acid induced apoptosis in CT‐26 cells, mediated by the activation of caspase‐3. In addition, it reduced the final tumor volume and the blood and lymphatic vessel densities of tumors, indicating that it suppresses in vivo angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis. Corosolic acid inhibited the proliferation and tube formation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells and human dermal lymphatic microvascular endothelial cells. In addition, corosolic acid decreased the proliferation and migration of human umbilical vein endothelial cells stimulated by angiopoietin‐1. Pretreatment with corosolic acid decreased the phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and ERK1/2, suggesting that corosolic acid contains anti‐angiogenic activity that can suppress FAK signaling induced by angiopoietin‐1. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of a metabotropic, mglu5, glutamate receptor antagonist on ethanol consumption by genetic drinking rats.

AIMS To compare the effect of an antagonist of the mGlu5 glutamate receptor, 2-methyl-6-(phenylethynyl)pyridine (MPEP) on a test for anxiety and on the volitional consumption of ethanol. METHODS The test for anxiety was placement of a Sprague-Dawley rat for a 5 min observation period in an elevated plus-maze. Volitional consumption of ethanol in a two-choice paradigm was determined for male and female myers high ethanol-preferring rats after a 10-day 'step-up' test of 3-30% v/v ethanol vs water used to determine each rat's preferred concentration of ethanol. Each rat received a 4-day baseline period, 3-days of drug injection b.i. d. , and a 4-day post-treatment period and then rotated to a different dose of drug or vehicle. RESULTS The effects of MPEP on elevated plus-maze activity were not significant at doses up to 3.0 mg/kg subcutaneously 60 min. before observation. There was a dose-dependent, 0.3, 1.0, 3.0 mg/kg, decrease in consumption of preferred concentrations of ethanol, along with a decrease in the proportion of ethanol consumed to total fluids consumed. The 3.0 mg/kg b.i. d. dose of MPEP reduced consumption by 57%, proportion by 45%, and food intake by 10%. CONCLUSIONS MPEP did not appear to have an anti-anxiety effect, but volitional drinking in a genetic model was reduced. The mGlu5 receptor may provide a target for drug action to reduce the consumption of ethanol.
A forward body bias generator for digital CMOS circuits with supply voltage scaling

We propose a new fully-integrated forward body bias (FBB) generator that holds its voltage constant relative to the (scalable) power supply of a digital IP. The generator is modular and can drive distinct digital IP block sizes in multiples of up to lmm2. The design has been implemented in 90nm low-power CMOS. Our basic unit for driving digital IP blocks up to 1mm2 occupies a silicon area of 0.03mm2 only. The generator completes a 500mV FBB voltage step within 4μs. The bandwidth of the design is 570kHz. The active current of the FBB generator alone is about 177μA for a nominal process, 1.2V supply and 85°C. The standby current is as low as 72nA at 27°C.
A DNA Vaccine for Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis Virus Delivered by Intramuscular Electroporation Elicits High Levels of Neutralizing Antibodies in Multiple Animal Models and Provides Protective Immunity to Mice and Nonhuman Primates

ABSTRACT We evaluated the immunogenicity and protective efficacy of a DNA vaccine expressing codon-optimized envelope glycoprotein genes of Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV) when delivered by intramuscular electroporation. Mice vaccinated with the DNA vaccine developed robust VEEV-neutralizing antibody responses that were comparable to those observed after administration of the live-attenuated VEEV vaccine TC-83 and were completely protected from a lethal aerosol VEEV challenge. The DNA vaccine also elicited strong neutralizing antibody responses in rabbits that persisted at high levels for at least 6 months and could be boosted by a single additional electroporation administration of the DNA performed approximately 6 months after the initial vaccinations. Cynomolgus macaques that received the vaccine by intramuscular electroporation developed substantial neutralizing antibody responses and after an aerosol challenge had no detectable serum viremia and had reduced febrile reactions, lymphopenia, and clinical signs of disease compared to those of negative-control macaques. Taken together, our results demonstrate that this DNA vaccine provides a potent means of protecting against VEEV infections and represents an attractive candidate for further development.
Use of a perceptually-regulated test to measure maximal oxygen uptake is valid and feels better

Abstract A maximal, perceptually-regulated exercise test (PRETmax) whereby participants control the intensity according to preset ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) may induce more positive affective responses than a conventional ‘experimenter controlled’ incremental ramp test (Iramp). The authors aimed to assess (1) if a PRETmax could be used to measure O2max and (2) if affective responses differed between the PRETmax and Iramp. Sixteen participants (age 20.5, s=1.2 y) completed a PRETmax which required them to adjust the resistance on a recumbent cycle ergometer to correspond to prescribed RPEs of 9, 11, 13, 15, 17 and 20 and an Iramp. Both tests ended with volitional exhaustion. Affect was recorded every minute throughout exercise using the Feeling Scale (FS). There was no difference (P>0.05) between O2max measured by PRETmax (43.5, s=4.1 ml kg−1 min−1) and Iramp (44.3, s=4.9 ml kg−1 min−1). Participants reported feeling significantly less negative (P<0.001) throughout the PRETmax compared to Iramp (average mean difference FS = 1.4, s=0.1). The PRETmax has application in situations where the direct measurement of O2max is required and the affective responses of the individual are considered to be important.
Characterization of Escherichia coli strains producing heat-stable enterotoxin b (STb) isolated from humans with diarrhea

Two of 49 cytolethal distending toxin-producing strains of Escherichia coli isolated from human stools contained the gene coding for heat-stable enterotoxin b (STb), as detected by a colony hybridization assay. The STb gene was found to be on a 70-kb plasmid also coding for heat-labile enterotoxin (pLT-I). Restriction endonuclease analysis showed the STb gene from human isolates to be similar to the STb gene found in porcine strains. Moreover, by enzymatic amplification based on oligonucleotide primers designed from a porcine STb sequence, the expected portion of the STb gene was amplified for the human E. coli strains. The STb enterotoxin from these strains was bioactive in rat jejunal loops and was detected with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay by using polyclonal antiserum raised against purified porcine STb toxin.
Influence of Emotion on the Control of Low-Level Force Production

The accuracy and variability of a sustained low-level force contraction (2% of maximum voluntary contraction) was measured while participants viewed unpleasant, pleasant, and neutral images during a feedback occluded force control task. Exposure to pleasant and unpleasant images led to a relative increase in force production but did not alter the variability of force production compared to conditions in which participants viewed neutral images. Findings are discussed with respect to prior work, emphasizing arousal specific changes that emerge at low target force levels.
Changes in Blood Pressure and Lipid Levels in Young Women Consuming a Vitamin D-Fortified Skimmed Milk: A Randomised Controlled Trial

Vitamin D exerts a variety of extra-skeletal functions. Aim: to know the effects of the consumption of a vitamin D-fortified skimmed milk on glucose, lipid profile, and blood pressure in young women. Methods: a randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind parallel-group trial of 16 weeks duration was conducted in young women with low iron stores who consumed a skimmed milk fortified with iron and 200 IU/day (5 μg) of vitamin D (D-fortified group, n = 55), or a placebo without vitamin D (D-placebo group, n = 54). A reference group (n = 56) of iron-sufficient women was also recruited. Results: baseline serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D was inversely correlated with total-cholesterol (r = −0.176, p = 0.023) and low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-chol) (r = −0.176, p = 0.024). During the assay, LDL-cholesterol increased in the D-placebo group (p = 0.005) while it tended to decrease in the D-fortified group (p = 0.07). Neither group displayed changes in total-cholesterol, high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-chol), triglycerides or glucose levels. Systolic (p = 0.017) and diastolic (p = 0.010) blood pressure decreased during the assay in the D-fortified group without significant differences compared to the D-placebo. Conclusion: consumption of a dairy product fortified with vitamin D reduces systolic and diastolic blood pressure but does not change lipid levels in young women.
Molecular Interaction and Synergistic Activation of a Promoter by Six, Eya, and Dach Proteins Mediated through CREB Binding Protein

ABSTRACT Drosophila sine oculis, eyes absent, and dachshund are essential for compound eye formation and form a gene network with direct protein interaction and genetic regulation. The vertebrate homologues of these genes, Six, Eya, and Dach, also form a similar genetic network during muscle formation. To elucidate the molecular mechanism underlying the network among Six, Eya, and Dach, we examined the molecular interactions among the encoded proteins. Eya interacted directly with Six but never with Dach. Dach transactivated a multimerized GAL4 reporter gene by coproduction of GAL4-Eya fusion proteins. Transactivation by Eya and Dach was repressed by overexpression of VP16 or E1A but not by E1A mutation, which is defective for CREB binding protein (CBP) binding. Recruitment of CBP to the immobilized chromatin DNA template was dependent on FLAG-Dach and GAL4-Eya3. These results indicate that CBP is a mediator of the interaction between Eya and Dach. Contrary to our expectations, Dach binds to chromatin DNA by itself, not being tethered by GAL4-Eya3. Dach also binds to naked DNA with lower affinity. The conserved DD1 domain is responsible for binding to DNA. Transactivation was also observed by coproduction of GAL4-Six, Eya, and Dach, indicating that Eya and Dach synergy is relevant when Eya is tethered to DNA through Six protein. Our results demonstrated that synergy is mediated through direct interaction of Six-Eya and through the interaction of Eya-Dach with CBP and explain the molecular basis for the genetic interactions among Six, Eya, and Dach. This work provides fundamental information on the role and the mechanism of action of this gene cassette in tissue differentiation and organogenesis.
Population-relevant policies before and after unification of Germany.

The author reviews changes in population policy in Germany from 1949, when the two separate German states were formed, to the present. After a comparison of policy strategies in the two countries, she examines the policy needs of post-unification Germany, focusing on child care, immigration law, fertility, and demographic aging.
The Association of Glucose Metabolism and Eigenvector Centrality in Alzheimer's Disease

Both fluorine-18-labeled fluorodeoxyglucose ([(18)F]FDG) positron emission tomography, examining glucose metabolism, and resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI), using covarying blood oxygen levels, can be used to explore neuronal dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Both measures are reported to identify similar brain regions affected in AD patients. The spatial overlap and association of [(18)F]FDG with rs-fMRI in AD patients and controls were examined to investigate whether these two measures are associated, and if so, to what extent. For 24 AD patients and 18 controls, [(18)F]FDG and rs-fMRI data were available. [(18)F]FDG standardized uptake value ratios (SUVr), with cerebellar gray matter (GM) as reference tissue, were calculated. Eigenvector centrality (EC) mapping was used to spatially analyze the functional brain network. Group differences were calculated for [(18)F]FDG and eigenvector centrality mapping (ECM) values in four cortical regions (occipital, parietal, frontal, and temporal) and across voxels, with age, gender, and GM as covariates. Correlation of [(18)F]FDG with ECM was calculated within groups. Both lowered [(18)F]FDG SUVr and EC values were seen in the parietal and occipital cortex of AD patients. However, [(18)F]FDG yielded more robust and widespread brain areas affected in AD patients; hypometabolism was also observed in the temporal cortex and regions within frontal brain areas. Poor spatial overlap of both measures was observed. No associations were found between local [(18)F]FDG SUVr and ECM. In conclusion, agreement of [(18)F]FDG and ECM in AD patients seems moderate at best. [(18)F]FDG was most accurate in distinguishing AD patients from controls.