Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Computational Modeling of Seizure Dynamics Using Coupled Neuronal Networks: Factors Shaping Epileptiform Activity

Epileptic seizure dynamics span multiple scales in space and time. Understanding seizure mechanisms requires identifying the relations between seizure components within and across these scales, together with the analysis of their dynamical repertoire. Mathematical models have been developed to reproduce seizure dynamics across scales ranging from the single neuron to the neural population. In this study, we develop a network model of spiking neurons and systematically investigate the conditions, under which the network displays the emergent dynamic behaviors known from the Epileptor, which is a well-investigated abstract model of epileptic neural activity. This approach allows us to study the biophysical parameters and variables leading to epileptiform discharges at cellular and network levels. Our network model is composed of two neuronal populations, characterized by fast excitatory bursting neurons and regular spiking inhibitory neurons, embedded in a common extracellular environment represented by a slow variable. By systematically analyzing the parameter landscape offered by the simulation framework, we reproduce typical sequences of neural activity observed during status epilepticus. We find that exogenous fluctuations from extracellular environment and electro-tonic couplings play a major role in the progression of the seizure, which supports previous studies and further validates our model. We also investigate the influence of chemical synaptic coupling in the generation of spontaneous seizure-like events. Our results argue towards a temporal shift of typical spike waves with fast discharges as synaptic strengths are varied. We demonstrate that spike waves, including interictal spikes, are generated primarily by inhibitory neurons, whereas fast discharges during the wave part are due to excitatory neurons. Simulated traces are compared with in vivo experimental data from rodents at different stages of the disorder. We draw the conclusion that slow variations of global excitability, due to exogenous fluctuations from extracellular environment, and gap junction communication push the system into paroxysmal regimes. We discuss potential mechanisms underlying such machinery and the relevance of our approach, supporting previous detailed modeling studies and reflecting on the limitations of our methodology.
Systematic Analysis of the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor by Mass Spectrometry Reveals Stimulation-dependent Multisite Phosphorylation*S

Multisite phosphorylation of proteins is a general mechanism for modulation of protein function and molecular interactions. Definition of phosphorylation sites and elucidation of the functional interplay between multiple phosphorylated residues in proteins are, however, a major analytical challenge in current molecular cell biology and proteomic research. In the present study, we used mass spectrometry to determine the major phosphorylated residues of the human epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor at various well defined cellular conditions. Activation of EGF receptor was achieved by several types of stimulation, i.e. by sodium pervanadate, EGF, and integrin-dependent adhesion. The contribution of cell-matrix adhesion was also determined by activating the EGF receptor by EGF in cells kept in suspension. We developed an analytical strategy that combined miniaturized sample preparation techniques and MALDI tandem mass spectrometry and determined a total of nine phosphorylation sites in the EGF receptor. We discovered one novel phosphorylation site (Ser967) and revealed constitutive phosphorylation of Thr669, Ser967, Ser1002, and Tyr1045 and stimulation-dependent differential phosphorylation of Tyr1068, Tyr1086, Ser1142, Tyr1148, and Tyr1173. The EGF receptor was purified from HeLa cells or ECV304 cells by immunoprecipitation and SDS-PAGE and then digested with trypsin. Phosphopeptides in the range of 0.8–3.7 kDa were recovered by combinations of IMAC, perfusion chromatography, and graphite powder chromatography and subsequently detected and sequenced by MALDI quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry. Two phosphorylation sites were detected in the peptide 1137GSHQISLDNPDYQQDFFPK1155; however, only Tyr1148 was phosphorylated upon EGF treatment; in contrast Ser1142 was only phosphorylated by integrin-dependent adhesion in the absence of EGF treatment, suggesting differential phosphorylation of this region by distinct stimuli. This MALDI MS/MS-based analytical approach demonstrates the feasibility of systematic analysis of signaling molecules by mass spectrometry and provides new insights into the dynamics of receptor signaling processes.
School Dropout by Gender in the European Union: Evidence fron Spain

The aim of this paper is double, to describe the scope of high school dropout in Spain in comparative terms with Europe and to provide empirical evidence about its main determinants from a gender perspective. Using data from the Eurostat LFS for 1996-2009, the study makes evident a singularity for Spain: the important gender disparity at school. The multivariate statistical analysis shows that for females the academic performance, father’s nationality and mother’s educational level are the most determining factors in their education demand decisions. For males, father’s occupation and labour market conditions are the most significant influences.
Evaluación de la capacidad intelectual en personas con síndrome de Down

Sumario 1. La inteligencia y su medida 2. Inteligencia y síndrome de Down 3. Pruebas para valorar la inteligencia en personas con síndrome de Down 3.1. Escala de Inteligencia de L.M. Terman y M.A. Merrill. 3.2. Escalas de Inteligencia de Wechsler 3.3. MSCA. Escalas McCarthy de Aptitudes y Psicomotricidad para Niños. 3.4. RAVEN. Matrices progresivas. 3.5. Escala de Madurez Mental de Columbia (CMMS) 3.6. Goodenough. Test de dibujo de la figura humana 4. Estrategias adaptadas de aplicación 5. Finalidad de la evaluación de la capacidad intelectual Bibliografía
EphrinB2-EphB4 signals regulate formation and maintenance of funnel-shaped valves in corneal lymphatic capillaries.

PURPOSE To elucidate the role of signals mediated by EphB4 receptor tyrosine kinase and its transmembrane ephrinB2 ligand in corneal lymphatic capillaries. METHODS To detect expression of ephrinB2 and EphB4 in mouse corneas, immunohistochemistry of flat-mount corneas from 6- to 10-week-old wild-type, Efnb2-lacZ, and Ephb4-lacZ mice on a C57BL/6 background was performed. To induce formation of new blood vessels and lymphatic vessels, mouse corneal epithelia were swabbed with 0.1 M sodium hydroxide. To antagonize endogenous receptor-ligand interactions in corneal lymphatic vessels, recombinant EphB4/Fc proteins were injected into the subconjunctival spaces. To visualize the corneal lymphatic flow, FITC-dextran was injected subconjunctivally. RESULTS In lymphatic capillaries of adult mouse corneas, EphB4 was intensively expressed in lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) of funnel-shaped valves, which were segregated from ephrinB2-expressing LECs. The number of corneal lymphatic valves was significantly decreased by Efnb2 haploinsufficiency, and subconjunctival EphB4/Fc injections resulted in the deformation of preexisting valves of corneal lymphatic capillaries. In alkali-burn corneas, ephrinB2 and EphB4 were highly expressed in LECs of valve-forming areas. Subconjunctival EphB4/Fc injections perturbed the morphologic maturation of new lymphatic valves, leading to reflux of FITC-dextran to peripheral lymphatic branches. CONCLUSIONS The results demonstrate a pivotal role of ephrinB2-EphB4 signals in the formation and maintenance of funnel-shaped valves in corneal lymphatic capillaries, and further suggest the potential of ephrinB2-EphB4 signals as a target to therapeutically manipulate corneal lymphangiogenesis.
DETERMINANTS OF BEHAVIORAL INTENTION OF FRAUDULENT FINANCIAL REPORTING: USING THE THEORY OF REASONED ACTION

The main aim of this study was to identify factors that determined the behavioral intention of fraudulent financial reporting. Since fraudulent financial reporting involves unacceptable human behavior, the social psychology theory of reasoned action was used to identify the behavioral factors that could explain this behavior. Using the structural equation modeling, the results indicate that the attitude toward behavior and the subjective norm significantly influenced the behavioral intention of fraudulent financial reporting. However, the subjective norm was a more important predictor than the attitude toward behavior. Overall, the results show that the theory of reasoned action was successful in explaining the fraudulent financial reporting behavior. Keywords: Fraudulent Financial Reporting, Theory of Reasoned Action, Structural Equation Modeling, Management.
Transfer of plastid DNA from tobacco to the soil bacterium Acinetobacter sp. by natural transformation

Acquisition of new genetic information by horizontal gene transfer is a major mechanism of genetic adaptation and evolution in prokaryotes. Naturally transformable cells of Acinetobacter sp. were exposed to plant DNA from leaf and root tissue of transplastomic tobacco. With the aadA gene (resistance against spectinomycin and streptomycin) as anchor se‐quence, the transfer of segments of the tobacco plastid DNA to Acinetobacter by homology‐facilitated illegitimate recombination occurred at a frequency of 1.2 × 10−7 per cell, which was about 0.1% of the frequency of fully homologous transfers. Without anchor sequence, transfer was not detected (≤1.3 × 10−10). The integrated plastid DNA segments extended up to 2539 nucleotides and often encompassed tobacco genes (trnL, ycf5). Expression of trnL (leucyl‐tRNA) in a transformant was shown by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. About 44% of integration events occurred at a single hot‐spot and 38% at other multiply used sites. All illegitimate recombination sites were GC‐rich microhomologies of 3–6 bp often neighboured by further microhomologies. The sites were located in plant DNA at the ends of distinct larger high‐GC regions, which suggests a role for GC‐aided association of heterologous sequences in illegitimate DNA end joining. The results show that integration of plant DNA into a bacterial genome by natural transformation is possible and is probably stimulated by hot‐spots of illegitimate recombination.
Brands, boundaries and bandwagons: a critical reflection on critical management studies

Critical realism has become increasingly important in the way organization and management is studied. This innovative book argues for an alternative to the prevailing ontology, and shows how positivism and its empirical realist ontology can be abandoned without having to accept strong social constructionism. This chapter looks at brands offering a critical reflection on critical management studies.
Neuropharmacological effects of deltamethrin in rats

This study examined the effect of deltamethrin on some of the neuropharmacological paradigms in a rat brain such as the motor co-ordination test using a rotarod, the pentobarbitone-induced sleeping time and pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced convulsion as well as the gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) level. Albino Wistar rats were used as the experimental animals. Different neuropharmacological paradigms such as the motor co-ordination by the rotarod, pentobarbitone-induced sleeping time and the PTZ-induced convulsion were examined after administering deltamethrin orally at two doses, 150 mg/kg (LD50) and 15 mg/kg (1/10 LD50). The GABA level in the rat brain was estimated by HPLC after a single oral dose of 150mg/kg deltamethrin. Deltamethrin significantly reduced the motor coordination, decreased the onset time and increased the sleeping time duration induced by pentobarbitone. In addition, it also decreased the onset time and increased the duration of convulsions induced by PTZ at 150 mg/kg (LD50) and 15 mg/kg (1/10 LD50), respectively. Further deltamethrin administration decreased the GABA levels in the cerebellum as well as in the whole brain (except the cerebellum) significantly at the LD50 dose level. There was some correlation between the effect of deltamethrin on the central GABA levels and its neuropharmacological effects.
Shannon sampling and function reconstruction from point values

I first met Rene at the well-known 1956 meeting on topology in Mexico City. He then came to the University of Chicago, where I was starting my job as instructor for the fall of 1956. He, Suzanne, Clara and I became good friends and saw much of each other for many decades, especially at IHES in Paris. Thom’s encouragement and support were important for me, especially in my first years after my Ph.D. I studied his work in cobordism, singularities of maps, and transversality, gaining many insights. I also enjoyed listening to his provocations, for example his disparaging remarks on complex analysis, 19th century mathematics, and Bourbaki. There was also a stormy side in our relationship. Neither of us could hide the pain that our public conflicts over “catastrophe theory” caused. Rene Thom was a great mathematician, leaving his impact on a wide part of mathematics. I will always treasure my memories of him. Steve Smale
Is Schematic Biological Motion an Animacy Cue in Infancy

The goal of the present research was to investigate whether schematic biological motion serves as a cue to the concept of animacy in infancy. In order to present motion cues in the absence of bodily form cues, Michotte’s (1963) schematic biological motion stimuli (i.e., shape rhythmically expanding/contracting in the direction of movement) were used. The video animations displayed an amorphous shape moving in this way behind a screen (i.e., the shadow) and assessed looking patterns when the screen was removed to reveal either an animate or inanimate exemplar in the test phase. In Experiment 1, familiar exemplars of animate entities (i.e., dog, cow) were used as test items. In Experiment 2, the test objects were unfamiliar category exemplars associated with this type of motion (i.e., worm, caterpillar). Infants (10- and 18-months) looked longer when biological motion cues were congruent with the test items in Experiment 1, but 10-month-olds did not show differential looking across congruent and incongruent trials in Experiment 2. These findings suggest that the schematic biological motion stimulus does not serve as a primitive cue to the concept of animacy in infancy.
Hopping on Uneven Terrains With an Underwater One-Legged Robot

In this letter, a fundamental model for underwater legged locomotion, called U-SLIP, is presented and implemented on a robotic platform. Unlike traditional locomotion models, U-SLIP addresses specific hydrodynamic contributions, such as drag, buoyancy, and added mass. By taking as a reference the USLIP model, we derived the design principles to build an effective underwater legged robot able to achieve self-stabilizing running. For the first time, a robotic platform can exhibit a dynamic mode of locomotion composed of swimming and pushing phases, demonstrating self-stabilizing running with a little control. Experiments conducted over different uneven terrains corroborate the effectiveness of the proposed model.
The development of articles in children’s early Spanish: Prosodic interactions between lexical and grammatical form

Studies of English and French show that children’s first articles are more likely to appear when they can be prosodified as part of a disyllabic foot (cf. Gerken, 1996; Demuth & Tremblay, 2008). However, preliminary studies of Spanish suggest that children’s first articles appear in larger prosodic structures, possibly due to the higher frequency of longer words. To assess this issue, this study examined longitudinal data from two Spanish 1- to 2-year-olds. As expected, both produced their early articles with monosyllabic and disyllabic nouns, rapidly expanding article use to trisyllabic nouns as well. The results suggest that the prosodic complexity of the lexicon plays an important role in the development of prosodic structure, providing the context for early prosodic licensing of grammatical morphemes.
Teachers Adapting Common Core Informational- text Writing Instruction for Students With Mild to Moderate Disabilities

With the adoption of the Common Core State Standards, students must now become skilled at using different types of writing to help them critique text and process information. They also are required to write informational text. Informational-text writing is challenging for students with mild to moderate disabilities, including students with language-learning disabilities, who often struggle with aspects of language necessary for learning to read and write. These students show striking challenges with productivity, grammatical and spelling accuracy, and sentence complexity, with differences in performance by genre (Koutsoftas & Gray, 2012; Scott & Windsor, 2000; Troia, Lin, Cohen, & Monroe, 2011). In order to help students meet the new writing standards, general-education teachers need to reconsider how they adapt writing instruction for students with language-learning disabilities in their classrooms. This qualitative study examined the process of change among three third-grade teachers who participated in an 8-week writing-adaptation innovation. The ConcernsBased Adoption Model (CBAM) (Hall & Hord, 1987; Hall, Wallace, & Dossett, 1973) served as the conceptual framework of the study and was used to examine the process of teacher change. The school’s speech and language pathologist (SLP) served as the change facilitator to provide ongoing support and coaching to the three teachers throughout the innovation program. Data were collected through classroom observations, a questionnaire to measure the teachers’ level of concerns, and interviews with the teachers and the SLP to understand the process of change and implementation of the innovation program through the CBAM coaching model. Results of this study suggest that with professional
Effect of Empowerment Program on Rehabilitation Motivation, Depression, Activities of Daily Living Among the Patients with Stroke

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to develop an empowerment program as a nursing intervention for the patients having an acute stroke and to determine the effects of the program on their motivation, depression, and activities of daily living(ADLs). Methods: An non-equivalent control group pretest-posttest design was used in this study. Sixty subjects were recruited from two separated institutions: 31 patients were allocated into experimental group and 29 were into control group. Six week empowerment program was provided to the experimental group. The study was conducted from November 2006 to March 2007. Results: After 6 week empowerment program, rehabilitation motivation was significantly increased in the experimental group in comparison to the control group(t=-2.173, p=.036). There were no significant differences in depression and ADLs between experimental and control groups. Conclusion: The empowerment program effectively increased rehabilitation motivation of patients with stroke, while did not improve the levels of depression and ADLs. Future long-term intervention may benefit the patients more in terms of depression and ADLs when considering the acute stage of the patients in this study.
Electrocommunication signals in free swimming brown ghost knifefish, Apteronotus leptorhynchus

SUMMARY Brown ghost knifefish, Apteronotus leptorhynchus, are a species of weakly electric fish that produce a continuous electric organ discharge (EOD) that is used in navigation, prey capture and communication. Stereotyped modulations of EOD frequency and amplitude are common in social situations and are thought to serve as communication signals. Of these modulations, the most commonly studied is the chirp. This study presents a quantitative analysis of chirp production in pairs of free-swimming, physically interacting male and female A. leptorhynchus. Under these conditions, we found that in addition to chirps, the fish commonly produce a second signal type, a type of frequency rise called abrupt frequency rises, AFRs. By quantifying the behaviours associated with signal production, we find that Type 2 chirps tend to be produced when the fish are apart, following periods of low aggression, whereas AFRs tend to be produced when the fish are aggressively attacking one another in close proximity. This study is the first to our knowledge that quantitatively describes both electrocommunication signalling and behavioural correlates on a subsecond time-scale in a wave-type weakly electric fish.
Generalizing without encoding specifics: Infants infer phonotactic patterns on sound classes

In the study of language acquisition, a key question involves the representations that infants use while processing speech and learning phonology. Precise representations for specific sounds are crucial when the infant starts putting together a lexicon, since minimal distinctions can cue differences in meaning. In the process of language acquisition, infants must also learn constraints on the position and sequencing of sounds, that is, the phonotactics. Many if not most phonological patterns concern sets of sounds that share phonetic and phonological characteristics, rather than individual sounds or groups of completely unrelated sounds (Mielke, 2008). For instance, in German and Russian, all final stops and fricatives are voiceless; but in no language is it the case that only some stops and some fricatives are voiceless word-finally, whereas the others are voiced. Based on such generalizations, phonological theory has often assumed that learners can represent phonotactic patterns directly in terms of the natural class, for example through the phonological features that are shared between all the members of the class and no non-member (Chomsky and Halle, 1968; Hall, 2001). In psycholinguistic terms, representing phonotactic patterns at the level of the sound class may be particularly advantageous, as this allows both a more parsimonious description and the generalization to unobserved cases. In this paper, we assess whether infants’ early representations of phonotactic patterns are based on sound classes, or whether class-based representations are derived from sound-based constraints. A growing literature using artificial grammar paradigms strongly suggests that young infants can encode patterns on sound classes (a recent summary in Cristia et al., 2011a). In these studies, infants are first exposed to a phonological pattern in a subset of a natural class, and subsequently tested with the pattern instantiated
Functional MR spectroscopy of the auditory cortex in healthy subjects and patients with sudden hearing loss.

PURPOSE To use MR spectroscopy to study the biochemical changes produced by auditory stimuli in patients with sudden sensorineural hearing loss and to compare these findings with the biochemical changes seen in healthy volunteers. METHODS Single-voxel MR spectroscopy was used to study biochemical changes in the auditory cortex in 11 control subjects and 19 patients with sudden sensorineural hearing loss. MR spectroscopic signals were measured during three different sound conditions (scanner noise, music, and sirens). RESULTS A lower MR spectroscopic lactate signal was observed in control subjects during the music stimulus than during the other sound conditions. This music-induced lactate change was not observed in patients with hearing loss. The other proton metabolites (choline, creatine, N-acetylaspartate [NAA]) remained stable during the different auditory stimuli. However, the NAA/creatine ratio was higher in the auditory cortex of patients than in the control subjects, and was not dependent on the sound condition. CONCLUSION The detection of stimulus-induced and stable biochemical MR spectroscopic changes in patients with hearing loss may be useful in assessing disease activity.