Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Glutamate-Dependent Inhibition of Dopamine Release in Striatum Is Mediated by a New Diffusible Messenger, H2O2

How glutamate regulates dopamine (DA) release in striatum has been a controversial issue. Here, we resolve this by showing that glutamate, acting at AMPA receptors, inhibits DA release by a nonclassic mechanism mediated by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Moreover, we show that GABAA-receptor activation opposes this process, thereby enhancing DA release. The influence of glutamate and GABA on DA release was assessed in striatal slices using carbon-fiber microelectrodes and fast-scan cyclic voltammetry. Modulation by both transmitters was prevented by H2O2-metabolizing enzymes. In addition, the influence of GABAA-receptor activation was lost when AMPA receptors were blocked with GYKI-52466. Together, these data show that modulation of DA release by glutamate and GABA depends on H2O2 generated downstream from AMPA receptors. This is the first evidence that endogenous glutamate can lead to the generation of reactive oxygen species under physiological conditions. We also show that inhibition of DA release by H2O2 is mediated by sulfonylurea-sensitive K+ channels: tolbutamide blocked DA modulation by glutamate and by GABA. The absence of ionotropic glutamate or GABA receptors on DA terminals indicates that modulatory H2O2 is generated in non-DA cells. Thus, in addition to its known excitatory actions in striatum, glutamate mediates inhibition by generating H2O2 that must diffuse from postsynaptic sites to inhibit presynaptic DA release via K+-channel opening. These findings have significant implications not only for normal striatal function but also for understanding disease states that involve DA and oxidative stress, including disorders as diverse as Parkinson's disease and schizophrenia.
Modeling interactions between voltage-gated Ca2+ channels and KCa1.1 channels

High voltage-activated (HVA) Cav channels form complexes with KCa1.1 channels, allowing reliable activation of KCa1.1 current through a nanodomain interaction. We recently found that low voltage-activated Cav3 calcium channels also create KCa1.1-Cav3 complexes. While coimmunoprecipitation studies again supported a nanodomain interaction, the sensitivity to calcium chelating agents was instead consistent with a microdomain interaction. A computational model of the KCa1.1-Cav3 complex suggested that multiple Cav3 channels were necessary to activate KCa1.1 channels, potentially causing the KCa1.1-Cav3 complex to be more susceptible to calcium chelators. Here, we expanded the model and compared it to a KCa1.1-Cav2.2 model to examine the role of Cav channel conductance and kinetics on KCa1.1 activation. As found for direct recordings, the voltage-dependent and kinetic properties of Cav3 channels were reflected in the activation of KCa1.1 current, including transient activation from lower voltages than other KCa1.1-Cav complexes. Substantial activation of KCa1.1 channels required the concerted activity of several Cav3.2 channels. Combined with the effect of EGTA, these results suggest that the Ca2+ domains of several KCa1.1-Cav3 complexes need to cooperate to generate sufficient [Ca2+]i, despite the physical association between KCa1.1 and Cav3 channels. By comparison, Cav2.2 channels were twice as effective at activating KCa1.1 channels and a single KCa1.1-Cav2.2 complex would be self-sufficient. However, even though Cav3 channels generate small, transient currents, the regulation of KCa1.1 activity by Cav3 channels is possible if multiple complexes cooperate through microdomain interactions.
Dielectric Relaxation of HCI and NaCI Solutions Investigated by Terahertz Time-Domain Spectroscopy

We have used Terahertz time-domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS) to investigate the complex dielectric function of water solutions containing different ions. Using HCl and NaCl solutions with different concentrations we study the changes of the dielectric response introduced by the ions. We find a linear increase of the real and imaginary part of the dielectric function compared with pure water with increasing ion concentrations. We use an expanded model for fitting the dielectric function based on a combination of a Debye relation and damped harmonic oscillators for the anions and cations. A good agreement between the model and the experimental results is obtained.
Enzymes of the Heme Biosynthetic Pathway in the Nonphotosynthetic Alga Polytomella sp

ABSTRACT Heme biosynthesis involves a number of enzymatic steps which in eukaryotes take place in different cell compartments. Enzyme compartmentalization differs between photosynthetic and nonphotosynthetic eukaryotes. Here we investigated the structures and subcellular localizations of three enzymes involved in the heme pathway in Polytomella sp. , a colorless alga evolutionarily related to the green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. Functional complementation of Escherichia coli mutant strains was used to isolate cDNAs encoding three heme biosynthetic enzymes, glutamate-1-semialdehyde aminotransferase, protoporphyrinogen IX oxidase, and ferrochelatase. All three proteins show highest similarity to their counterparts in photosynthetic organisms, including C. reinhardtii. All three proteins have N-terminal extensions suggestive of intracellular targeting, and immunoblot studies indicate their enrichment in a dense cell fraction that is enriched in amyloplasts. These results suggest that even though the plastids of Polytomella sp. are not photosynthetically active, they are the major site of heme biosynthesis. The presence of a gene for glutamate-1-semialdehyde aminotransferase suggests that Polytomella sp. uses the five-carbon pathway for synthesis of the heme precursor 5-aminolevulinic acid.
Towards a Vision System for Supervising Assembly Processes

Supervising robotic assembly of multi-functional objects by means of a computer vision system requires components to identify assembly operations and to recognize feasible assemblies of single objects. If the results of both components should be consistent there have to be common models providing knowledge about the intended application. However, if the assembly system should handle not only exactly specified tasks it is rather impossible to model every possible assembly or action explicitly. Therefore, based on a flexible approach to model and recognize bolted assemblies and a method to monitor a construction process we propose an approach to fuse the results of the action detection and the recognition of assemblies in order to realize a reliable and efficient supervision.
Perfectionism, Coping, and Underachievement in Gifted Adolescents: Avoidance vs. Approach Orientations.

Perfectionism can influence how one approaches challenges and deals with setbacks, and, consequently, can inhibit or facilitate achievement. The present study (1) explored the relationship between Frost’s six dimensions of perfectionism and five types of coping strategies; (2) examined how dimensions of perfectionism predict coping in response to academic stress; and (3) investigated differences between gifted underachievers and other gifted students on perfectionism and coping among 130 American gifted students in grades 6–8. Results of stepwise regression models revealed approach coping was predicted by adaptive perfectionism (Positive Strivings-notably Organization), whereas avoidance coping (Internalizing, Externalizing, and Distancing) was predicted by various combined models. Gifted underachievers displayed lower Positive Strivings perfectionism scores and lower positive coping when compared to achievers. This information is helpful when considering ways to guide gifted students to high levels of academic achievement while utilizing adaptive approaches.
The Nuclear Regions of the Seyfert Galaxy NGC 4151: Parsec-Scale H I Absorption and a Remarkable Radio Jet

Sensitive high angular and linear resolution radio images of the 240 pc radio jet in NGC 4151, imaged at linear resolutions of 0.3-2.6 pc using the VLBA and phased VLA at λ21 cm, are presented and reveal for the first time a faint, highly collimated jet (diameter ≲1.4 pc) underlying discrete components, seen in lower resolution MERLIN and VLA images, that appear to be shocklike features associated with changes in direction as the jet interacts with small gas clouds within the central ~100 pc of the galaxy. In addition, λ21 cm spectral line imaging of the neutral hydrogen in the nuclear region reveals the spatial location, distribution, and kinematics of the neutral gas detected previously in a lower resolution MERLIN study. Neutral hydrogen absorption is detected against component C4W (E+F) as predicted by Mundell et al, but the absorption, extending over 3 pc, is spatially and kinematically complex on subparsec scales, suggesting the presence of small, dense gas clouds with a wide range of velocities and column densities. The main absorption component matches that detected in the MERLIN study, close to the systemic velocity (998 km s-1) of the galaxy, and is consistent with absorption through a clumpy neutral gas layer in the putative obscuring torus, with higher velocity blue- and redshifted systems with narrow line widths also detected across E+F. In this region, average column densities are high, lying in the range 2.7 × 1019TS < NH < 1.7 × 1020TS cm-2 K-1 (TS is the spin temperature), with average radial velocities in the range 920 < Vr < 1050 km s-1. The spatial location and distribution of the absorbing gas across component E+F rules out component E as the location of the active galactic nucleus (AGN) (as suggested by Ulvestad et al.) and, in combination with the well-collimated continuum structures seen in component D, suggests that component D (possibly subcomponent D3) is the most likely location for the AGN. We suggest that components C and E are shocks produced in the jet as the plasma encounters, and is deviated by, dense clouds with diameters smaller than ~1.4 pc. Comparison of the radio jet structure and the distribution and kinematics of ionized gas in the narrow-line region (NLR) suggests that shock excitation by passage of the radio jet is not the dominant excitation mechanism for the NLR. We therefore favor nuclear photoionization to explain the structure of the NLR, although it is interesting to note that a small number of clouds with low-velocity and high-velocity dispersion are seen to bound the jet, particularly at positions of jet direction changes, suggesting that some NLR clouds are responsible for bending the jet. Alternatively, compression by a cocoon around the radio jet due to pressure stratification in the jet bow shock could explain the bright, compressed optical line-emitting clouds surrounding the cloud-free channel of the radio jet, as modeled by Steffen et al.
A Rude Awakening: Internet Shakeout in 2000

This study explores various value-drivers of business-to-consumer (“B2C”) Internet companies' share prices both before and after the market correction in the spring of 2000. Although many market observers had predicted that the shakeout would eventually occur (e.g., Perkins and Perkins 1999), the ultimate and previously unanswered challenge lay identifying which stocks would fall and which ones would survive the shakeout. We develop an empirical valuation model and provide evidence that the Internet stocks that this model suggests were relatively over-valued prior to the Internet stock market correction experienced relatively larger drops in their price-to-sales ratios when the shakeout occurred. This result is robust to the inclusion of competing explanatory variables suggested by the economics literature related to industry rationalizations.We examine the ability of a valuation model comprised of both financial (accounting) variables and nonfinancial web traffic metrics to explain Internet companies' market values during each of 1999 and 2000. Our findings suggest that the reach and stickiness web traffic performance measures are value-relevant to the share prices of Internet companies in each of 1999 and 2000. Our findings of significance for the year 2000 contradict the recent claims of some analysts that web traffic measures are no longer important. We also explore the valuation role of our proxy for B2C companies' current rate of “cash burn” and find that this proxy is a significant value-driver in each of 1999 and 2000, but with differential valuation implications for each period. Our results suggest that the market was favorably disposed towards Internet companies' aggressive cash expenditures in 1999, but appeared to adopt a more critical view of Internet companies' cash burn rates in 2000. Our results further suggest that investors adopted a more skeptical attitude towards expenditures on intangible investments as the Internet sector began to mature. We find that investors appear to implicitly capitalize product development (R&D) and advertising expenses (customer acquisition costs) during the earlier period when the market was more optimistic about the prospects of B2C companies. However, only product development costs are implicitly capitalized into value, on average, subsequent to the shakeout in the spring of 2000. Finally, we provide statistical evidence to support the conjecture that different parameter vectors characterize the estimated market valuation models for each of 1999 and 2000. Overall, our study provides a preliminary view of the shakeout and maturation of one of the most important New Economy industries to emerge to date–the Internet.
PERCEPTUAL EVALUATION OF VOICE QUALITY OF INDIVIDUALS WITH DYSPHAGIA AND DYSPHONIA

Perceptual Evaluation of Voice Quality of Individuals with Dysphagia and Dysphonia by Lindsay K. Irwin The purpose of this investigation was to determine six experienced speech-language pathologists’ (3 voice specialists and 3 dysphagia specialists) ability to perceive material vibrating on the vocal folds during phonation (MVFP) and to differentiate the voice quality correlated with MVFP from dysphonia. Also, the SLP’s interand intra-rater reliability in identifying wet vocal quality (WVQ) was examined within and across groups. To investigate the above mentioned phenomenon, 40 voice recording were divided into four groups, i.e., Typical elderly, MVFP1, MVFP2, and Dysphonia. The presence of MVFP was reliably detected as WVQ when a large amount of material was on the vocal folds, but not when a small amount of MVFP was present. MVFP groups could not be differentiated from dysphonia voice samples in regards to overall severity ratings. It was concluded that SLPs can perceptually identify a WVQ when a substantial amount of material in the larynx. TABLE OF CONTENTS CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION Introduction 1 Evaluation of Dysphagia 2 Instrumental: Videofluoroscopic Study 4 General Statement of the Problem 6 Significance of the Problem 6 Purpose of the Study 6 Research Questions 7 Hypotheses 7 CHAPTER 2: REVIEW OF LITERATURE Wet Vocal Quality 8 Perceptual Ratings of Voice: Rater Reliability 13 CHAPTER 3: METHODS Subjects 16 Equipment 16 Protocol for Videofluoroscopic study patients 17 Protocol for Videostroboscopic study patients 17 Data Reduction and Data Analysis 17 CHAPTER 4: RESULTS Mean Overall Severity Rating 19 Wet Vocal Quality 20 Intra-rater reliability 21 Inter-rater reliability 23 CHAPTER 5: DISCUSSION Perception of Wet Vocal Quality 25 Overall Severity Rating of Voice 26 Clinical Implications 28 Limitations of Study 29 Future Research 29 Conclusion 30 REFERENCES 31 APPENDIX 34
Personality and field of study choice in university

ABSTRACT This paper demonstrates that the Big five personality traits (openness to experience, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and emotional stability) measured at age 14 can be linked to field of study choice in university at around age 19. While personality matters less than cognitive skills, such as math ability and verbal ability, for educational attainment, the influence of personality on field of study choice is comparable to that of cognitive skills.
Evolutionary population synthesis for binary stellar populations

We present integrated colours, integrated spectral energy distributions, and absorption-line indices, for instantaneous burst solar-metallicity binary stellar populations with ages in the range $1 {-} 15\,$Gyr. By comparing the results for populations with and without binary interactions we show that the inclusion of binary interactions makes the appearance of the population substantially bluer – this is the case for each of the quantities we have considered. This effect raises the derived age and metallicity of the population. Therefore it is necessary to consider binary interactions in order to draw accurate conclusions from evolutionary population synthesis work.
Learning to LOLIPOP: Developing an ePortfolio and Integrating it into a First-Year Research and Study Skills Module

Today’s language undergraduates find themselves in a very different position to their counterparts 20 or even ten years ago. This difference is the result of several related factors. These include increased access to high quality internet connections and other information and communication technologies (Bruen & Sherry, 2007) as well as the development and implementation in the classroom of pedagogical frameworks which support ABstrAct
Fast EPI based depth for plenoptic cameras

We present a depth estimation method for light field cameras by making use of Epipolar Plane Image (EPI) representations of the microlens sub images. Light field raw image structure has several sub images and generally depth is estimated using multi baseline techniques or object labeling schemes. Both these approaches are quite complex. EPI representation of the sub images when applied to the multi-baseline framework provides outputs comparable to that of the multi-baseline approach along with significant reduction in complexity (50%). Fast depth estimation will become an important requirement as plenoptic cameras gets into the main stream. The proposed method has been tested on a couple of datasets captured with different light field camera setups and was found to perform as well as the multi-baseline approach in terms of quality of the depth map generated but taking only half of the computational time.
Beading design diagram reading system for visually impaired persons

A beading design diagram reading system was implemented for supporting handicraft by visually impaired persons. Beading is one of popular handicraft done by visually disabled persons as a recreational activity. However, it is not possible for them to watch symbols on design diagram. Sighted volunteers read diagrams for them but the work is hard and it takes several days to convert patterns to texts. The developed software recognizes symbols on design diagram automatically thus the heavy loads of volunteers can be reduced.
Edge‐Optimized À‐Trous Wavelets for Local Contrast Enhancement with Robust Denoising

In this paper we extend the edge‐avoiding à‐trous wavelet transform for local contrast enhancement while avoiding common artifacts such as halos and gradient reversals. We show that this algorithm is a highly efficient and robust tool for image manipulation based on multi‐scale decompositions. It can achieve comparable results to previous high‐quality methods while being orders of magnitude faster and simpler to implement. Our method is much more robust than previously known fast methods by avoiding aliasing and ringing which is achieved by introducing a data‐adaptive edge weight. Operating on multi‐scale, our algorithm can directly include the BayesShrink method for denoising. For moderate noise levels our edge‐optimized technique consistently improves separation of signal and noise.
Investigating the use of secondary organic aerosol as seed particles in simulation chamber experiments

Abstract. The use of β-caryophyllene secondary organic aerosol particles as seeds for smog chamber simulations has been investigated. A series of experiments were carried out in the Manchester photochemical chamber as part of the Aerosol Coupling in the Earth System (ACES) project to study the effect of seed particles on the formation of secondary organic aerosol (SOA) from limonene photo-oxidation. Rather than use a conventional seed aerosol containing ammonium sulfate or diesel particles, a method was developed to use in-situ chamber generated seed particles from β-caryophyllene photo-oxidation, which were then diluted to a desired mass loading (in this case 4–13 μg m−3). Limonene was then introduced into the chamber and oxidised, with the formation of SOA seen as a growth in the size of oxidised organic seed particles from 150 to 325 nm mean diameter. The effect of the partitioning of limonene oxidation products onto the seed aerosol was assessed using aerosol mass spectrometry during the experiment and the percentage of m/z 44, an indicator of degree of oxidation, increased from around 5 to 8 %. The hygroscopicity of the aerosol also changed, with the growth factor for 200 nm particles increasing from less than 1.05 to 1.25 at 90 % RH. The detailed chemical composition of the limonene SOA could be extracted from the complex β-caryophyllene matrix using two-dimensional gas chromatography (GC × GC) and liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. High resolution Fourier Transform Ion Cyclotron Resonance Mass Spectrometry (FTICR-MS) was used to determine exact molecular formulae of the seed and the limonene modified aerosol. The average O:C ratio was seen to increase from 0.32 to 0.37 after limonene oxidation products had condensed onto the organic seed.
Exploration of Intergenerational Ambivalence, Parenting Practices, and the Impact on Grandparenthood Dimensions

Changing population demographics have important implications for intergenerational relationships as role transitions occur and relationships have more time to develop. While research abounds on certain family relationships, substantially less attention has been given to the relationship between an aging parent and her or his adult child. Two theoretical constructs that have consistently been identified as useful for examining these relationships include intergenerational ambivalence (IGA) and, to a lesser degree, dimensions of grandparenthood. Thus, the purpose of the present study is to suggest new measurement strategies for these constructs, expand on the correlates of IGA and a grandparent’s perceived ambivalence regarding her or his adult child’s parenting practices and bring new perspectives to the experience of grandparenting using IGA. Using data from 210 grandparents, exploratory factor analyses and regression analyses were conducted. Results provided support for these new measurement strategies, and indicated that ambivalence related to parenting practices significantly accounts for overall IGA. Moreover, IGA accounted for a significant portion of a participant’s cognitive experience of grandparenting. This study has implications for the measurement of IGA and grandparenting, as well as clinical work with adults in transition and grandparents who are raising their grandchildren.