Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A single administration of the hallucinogen, 4‐acetoxy‐dimethyltryptamine, prevents the shift to a drug‐dependent state and the expression of withdrawal aversions in rodents

Despite several studies suggesting the therapeutic use of 5‐hydroxytryptamine receptors type 2A (5‐HT2A) agonists in the treatment of substance use disorders, the neurobiological basis accounting for such effects are still unknown. It has been observed that chronic exposure to drugs of abuse produces molecular and cellular adaptations in ventral tegmental area (VTA) neurons, mediated by brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). These BDNF‐induced adaptations in the VTA are associated with the establishment of aversive withdrawal motivation that leads to a drug‐dependent state. Growing evidence suggests that 5‐HT2A receptor signaling can regulate the expression of BDNF in the brain. In this study, we observed that a single systemic or intra‐VTA administration of a 5‐HT2A agonist in rats and mice blocks both the aversive conditioned response to drug withdrawal and the mechanism responsible for switching from a drug‐naive to a drug‐dependent motivational system. Our results suggest that 5‐HT2A agonists could be used as therapeutic agents to reverse a drug dependent state, as well as inhibiting the aversive effects produced by drug withdrawal.
Exploring the gender question in critical information systems

This paper addresses ways in which theorizing gender may be important in forming an understanding of the topic of emancipation, which is central to the new critical information systems (IS) based on the thinking of Habermas. After briefly discussing some problems with current research on gender and IS the paper argues that appropriate feminist theory may be useful in augmenting our understanding of foundational issues such as emancipation. The development of feminist philosophy and epistemology is briefly introduced. Habermas' ‘ideal speech situation’ is problematized in relation to feminist writing on male and female communication juxtaposed with recent research in computer-mediated communications. The paper continues by exploring the concept of emancipation through feminist epistemology and it closes with a preliminary consideration of how these concerns may be applied to critical IS.
Emerging non‐apoptotic functions of tumor necrosis factor‐related apoptosis‐inducing ligand (TRAIL)/Apo2L

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) is a cytokine that mediates tumor necrosis. To date, 20 different members of the TNF super‐family and 21 different receptors have been identified. All ligands of the TNF super‐family have been found to activate transcription factor NF‐κB and c‐Jun kinase. Members of this family have diverse biological effects, including induction of apoptosis, promotion of cell survival, and regulation of the immune system and hematopoiesis. The current review focuses on the biological effects of TNF‐related apoptosis‐inducing ligand (TRAIL), a TNF super‐family member which, a few years ago, generated considerable enthusiasm for its anticancer activity, not accompanied by general toxicity in most normal tissues and organs. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The immunoregulatory glycan‐binding protein galectin‐1 triggers human platelet activation

Platelet activation is a critical process during inflammation, thrombosis, and cancer. Here, we show that galectin‐1, an endogenous lectin with immunoregulatory properties, plays a key role in human platelet activation and function. Galectin‐1 binds to human platelets in a carbohydrate‐dependent manner and synergizes with ADP or thrombin to induce platelet aggregation and ATP release. Furthermore, galectin‐1 induces F‐actin polymerization, up‐regulation of P‐se‐lectin, and GPIIIa expression; promotes shedding of microvesicles; and triggers conformational changes in GPIIb/IIIa. In addition, exposure to this lectin favors the generation of leukocyte‐platelet aggregates. A further mechanistic analysis revealed the involvement of Ca2+ and cyclic nucleotide‐dependent pathways in ga‐lectin‐1‐mediated control of platelet activation. Finally, expression of endogenous galectin‐1 in human platelets contributes to ADP‐induced aggregation. Our study reveals a novel unrecognized role for galectin‐1 in the control of platelet physiology with potential implications in thrombosis, inflammation, and metastasis. Pacienza N. , Pozner, R G. , Bianco, G. A. , D'Atri L. P., Croci, D. O. , Negrotto, S. , Malaver, E. , Gómez R. M. , Rabinovich, G. A. , Schattner M. The immunoregula‐tory glycan‐binding protein galectin‐1 triggers human platelet activation. FASEB J. 22, 1113–1123 (2008)
Monomer-Monomer Interactions Propagate Structural Transitions Necessary for Pore Formation by the Cholesterol-dependent Cytolysins*

Background: The cholesterol-dependent cytolysins (CDCs) undergo a complex set of structural transitions to form the homo-oligomeric pore complex. Results: Structural transitions are propagated between monomers of the oligomeric complex. Conclusion: Specific structural changes establish the geometry of the oligomeric pore complex and promote the completion of existing oligomers. Significance: CDCs use membrane binding and ordered intermolecular interactions to drive assembly of their β-barrel pore. The assembly of the cholesterol-dependent cytolysin (CDC) oligomeric pore complex requires a complex choreography of secondary and tertiary structural changes in domain 3 (D3) of the CDC monomer structure. A point mutation was identified in the archetype CDC, perfringolysin O, that blocks detectable D3 structural changes and traps the membrane-bound monomers in an early and reversible stage of oligomer assembly. Using this and other mutants we show that specific D3 structural changes are propagated from one membrane-bound monomer to another. Propagation of these structural changes results in the exposure of a β-strand in D3 that allows it to pair and form edge-on interactions with a second β-strand of a free membrane-bound monomer. Pairing of these strands establishes the final geometry of the pore complex and is necessary to drive the formation of the β-barrel pore. These studies provide new insights into how structural information is propagated between membrane-bound monomers of a self-assembling system and the interactions that establish the geometry of the final pore complex.
Expression of androgen receptor and growth factors in premalignant lesions of the prostate

Analysis of growth factors and receptors in putative premalignant lesions of prostatic adenocarcinoma should aid our understanding of their growth pathways. Sixty prostatic TURP (transurethral resection of the prostate) specimens exhibiting atypical adenomatous hyperplasia (AAH) and/or prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN) lesions were assayed by immunohistochemistry for androgen receptor (AR), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), c‐erbB‐2, transforming growth factor‐alpha (TGF‐α), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), fibroblast growth factor‐2 (FGF‐2), MIB‐1, E‐cadherin, and high molecular weight keratin. Expression of these factors in the lesions was compared with that in the co‐existing benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or prostatic adenocarcinoma. Strong AR nuclear staining was observed in the luminal cells, but not the basal cells, of BPH and PIN lesions and in all the carcinomas examined. A similar growth factor and receptor profile was demonstrated in the secretory epithelium of high‐grade PIN and carcinoma with a tendency to higher expression of membranous EGFR and c‐erbB‐2 and cytoplasmic TGF‐α, and lower levels of FGF‐2 than in low‐grade PIN or BPH glands. Also, increased rates of proliferation, as estimated by MIB‐1 stained cells, were observed in high‐grade PIN in comparison with low‐grade PIN and BPH and were not confined to the basal layer. AAH lesions resembled neither BPH nor carcinoma. Proliferation was virtually absent (MIB‐1 expression); both AR and E‐cadherin expression was significantly reduced; and, with the exception of FGF‐2, all the other growth factors and receptors studied were absent. The results presented would support a premalignant role for high‐grade PIN, whilst AAH would appear to represent a quiescent phenotype unlikely to progress to neoplasia. Copyright © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Enhanced Anti-HIV Functional Activity Associated with Gag-Specific CD8 T-Cell Responses

ABSTRACT Effective HIV-specific T-cell immunity requires the ability to inhibit virus replication in the infected host, but the functional characteristics of cells able to mediate this effect are not well defined. Since Gag-specific CD8 T cells have repeatedly been associated with lower viremia, we examined the influence of Gag specificity on the ability of unstimulated CD8 T cells from chronically infected persons to inhibit virus replication in autologous CD4 T cells. Persons with broad (≥6; n = 13) or narrow (≤1; n = 13) Gag-specific responses, as assessed by gamma interferon enzyme-linked immunospot assay, were selected from 288 highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART)-naive HIV-1 clade C-infected South Africans, matching groups for total magnitude of HIV-specific CD8 T-cell responses and CD4 T-cell counts. CD8 T cells from high Gag responders suppressed in vitro replication of a heterologous HIV strain in autologous CD4 cells more potently than did those from low Gag responders (P < 0.003) and were associated with lower viral loads in vivo (P < 0.002). As previously shown in subjects with low viremia, CD8 T cells from high Gag responders exhibited a more polyfunctional cytokine profile and a stronger ability to proliferate in response to HIV stimulation than did low Gag responders, which mainly exhibited monofunctional CD8 T-cell responses. Furthermore, increased polyfunctionality was significantly correlated with greater inhibition of viral replication in vitro. These data indicate that enhanced suppression of HIV replication is associated with broader targeting of Gag. We conclude that it is not the overall magnitude but rather the breadth, magnitude, and functional capacity of CD8 T-cell responses to certain conserved proteins, like Gag, which predict effective antiviral HIV-specific CD8 T-cell function.
High-Level Facade Image Interpretation using Marked Point Processes

In this thesis, we address facade image interpretation as one essential ingredient for the generation of high-detailed, semantic meaningful, three-dimensional city-models. Given a single rectified facade image, we detect relevant facade objects such as windows, entrances, and balconies, which yield a description of the image in terms of accurate position and size of these objects. Urban digital three-dimensional reconstruction and documentation is an active area of research with several potential applications, e.g., in the area of digital mapping for navigation, urban planing, emergency management, disaster control or the entertainment industry. A detailed building model which is not just a geometric object enriched with texture, allows for semantic requests as the number of floors or the location of balconies and entrances. Facade image interpretation is one essential step in order to yield such models. In this thesis, we propose the interpretation of facade images by combining evidence for the occurrence of individual object classes which we derive from data, and prior knowledge which guides the image interpretation in its entirety. We present a three-step procedure which generates features that are suited to describe relevant objects, learns a representation that is suited for object detection, and that enables the image interpretation using the results of object detection while incorporating prior knowledge about typical configurations of facade objects, which we learn from training data. According to these three sub-tasks, our major achievements are: We propose a novel method for facade image interpretation based on a marked point process. Therefor, we develop a model for the description of typical configurations of facade objects and propose an image interpretation system which combines evidence derived from data and prior knowledge about typical configurations of facade objects. In order to generate evidence from data, we propose a feature type which we call shapelets. They are scale invariant and provide large distinctiveness for facade objects. Segments of lines, arcs, and ellipses serve as basic features for the generation of shapelets. Therefor, we propose a novel line simplification approach which approximates given pixel-chains by a sequence of lines, circular, and elliptical arcs. Among others, it is based on an adaption to Douglas-Peucker’s algorithm, which is based on circles as basic geometric elements. We evaluate each step separately. We show the effects of polyline segmentation and simplification on several images with comparable good or even better results, referring to a state-of-the-art algorithm, which proves their large distinctiveness for facade objects. Using shapelets we provide a reasonable classification performance on a challenging dataset, including intra-class variations, clutter, and scale changes. Finally, we show promising results for the facade interpretation system on several datasets and provide a qualitative evaluation which demonstrates the capability of complete and accurate detection of facade objects.
Local Gradients of Cowbird Abundance and Parasitism Relative to Livestock Grazing in a Western Landscape

Abstract: We studied local patterns of Brown‐headed Cowbird (Molothrus ater) abundance, parasitism rates, and nest success of a common host, the Plumbeous Vireo (Vireo plumbeus), in relation to the distribution of livestock grazing in an undeveloped region of northeastern New Mexico, 1992–1997. We predicted that both cowbird abundance and parasitism rates of vireo nests would decrease with increasing distance from active livestock grazing, and that the nesting success of vireos would increase. We measured cowbird abundance and host density and located and monitored vireo nests in pinyon‐juniper and mixed‐conifer habitats that ranged from actively grazed to isolated from livestock grazing by up to 12 km. Cowbird abundance declined with distance from active livestock grazing and was not related to host density or habitat type. Brood parasitism levels of vireo nests (n = 182) decreased from> 80% in actively grazed habitats to 33% in habitats that were 8–12 km from active grazing but did not vary by habitat type or distance to forest edge. Vireo nesting success was higher in mixed‐conifer habitat than in pinyon‐juniper but was unrelated to distance from active livestock grazing. Nest losses due to parasitism declined with distance from active livestock grazing. Our results suggest that cowbird abundance and parasitism rates of hosts may be distributed as a declining gradient based on distance from cowbird feeding sites and that isolation from feeding sites can reduce the effects of parasitism on host populations. These findings provide support for management techniques that propose to reduce local cowbird numbers and parasitism levels by manipulating the distribution of cowbird feeding sites. The presence of parasitized nests> 8 km from active livestock grazing suggests that, in some regions, management efforts may need to occur at larger scales than previously realized.
Claro que vengo* a tu fiesta: La enseñanza de los verbos deícticos ir/venir y llevar/traer a estudiantes angloparlantes

El presente estudio tiene como objetivo determinar si el enfoque pedagogico conocido como Processing Instruction (PI) (VanPatten 1996, 2002) es tan eficaz como el enfoque Meaning-Based Output Instruction (MOI) (Farley, 2001b) en la ensenanza de los patrones de uso de los verbos deicticos en espanol a hablantes nativos del ingles. Los verbos en cuestion son ir, venir, llevar y traer. Este trabajo pretende investigar en primer lugar si los hablantes nativos del ingles pueden aprender el sistema mas restrictivo del castellano (Gathercole, 1978; Lewandowski, 2007). En el estudio, tres grupos fueron comparados: un grupo de control, uno de PI y otro de MOI. Cada grupo hizo una pre y post-prueba de interpretacion y de produccion. Los dos grupos de tratamiento recibieron instruccion entre pre y postprueba. La participacion en cualquiera de los dos grupos de tratamiento fue positivamente correlacionada con un rendimiento superior en la prueba de interpretacion, pero no en las pruebas de produccion. En general, los resultados sugieren que, a pesar de que los participantes se beneficiaron de la instruccion en el experimento de interpretacion, los estudiantes en el tercer trimestre del primer ano de espanol no son capaces todavia de producir los verbos deicticos de manera diferente a su lengua materna.
FTIR Analysis of Microwave-Excited PECVD Silicon Nitride Layers

This paper presents infrared absorption (FTIR) measurements of SiN layers and correlates them to their ability to passivate silicon wafer surfaces. The best passivation was obtained for films having a nitrogen to silicon atomic composition in the proximity of N/Si=1.2, together with a high concentration of Si-N bonds (approximately 1times1023 cm-3) and a refractive index in the vicinity of n=2. The total hydrogen concentration in these films remained practically unchanged after a high temperature firing cycle, which indicates a good thermal stability. In contrast, silicon rich layers (higher refractive index and lower Si-N bond density) suffered a large reduction in the total hydrogen content. These results support the suggestion by ECN researchers that the Si-N bond concentration can be a good indicator of the ultimate electronic impact of the SiN layers
Can a reward-based behavioural test be used to investigate the effect of protein–energy malnutrition on hippocampal function?

Abstract Our laboratory is investigating the effects of protein–energy malnutrition (PEM) on cognitive outcome following global ischemia. Here, we investigated whether PEM independently impairs working memory in the T-maze and if the associated food reward reverses PEM. Gerbils were fed 12.5% (control diet) or 2% protein. A loss of body weight (20.1%) in the 2% protein group and decreased food intake and serum albumin concentration compared to controls (17.5% and 18.2%, respectively) indicated that PEM was achieved. Based on T-maze criterion frequently used in ischemia studies, no difference was observed in the mean (±SEM) number of trials required (control 5.2 ± 0.7; PEM 4.9 ± 0.4; p = 0.758) or the number of animals reaching criterion (control 10/12; PEM 12/12; p = 0.140). Using more stringent criterion, PEM animals required fewer trials (control 7.3 ± 0.7; PEM 5.4 ± 0.4; p = 0.035), and more reached criterion (control 8/12; PEM 12/12; p = 0.028). PEM may increase motivation to obtain a food reward.
Bounds and constructions of disjoint sets of distinct difference sets

An (I,J)-DDD is a set of I disjoint sets of distinct difference sets each having J elements. A number of constructions are given. Upper and lower bounds on the maximal element in a DDD (disjoint distinct difference) set are given. It is shown that regular DDD sets exist for I>or approximately=4J. >
New short constraint length convolutional code constructions for selected rational rates

New short constraint length convolutional code constructions are tabulated for rates R=(n-k)/n, k=1,2, \cdots ,n-1 with n=2, 3,\cdots ,8 , and for constraint lengths K=3,4, \cdots,8 . These codes have been determined by iterative search based upon a criterion of optimizing the free distance profile. Specifically, these codes maximize the free distance d_{f} while minimizing the number of adversaries in the distance, or weight, spectrum. In several instances we demonstrate the superiority of these codes over previously published code constructions at the same rate and constraint length. These codes are expected to have a number of applications, including combined source-channel coding schemes as well as coding for burst or impulsive noise channels.
The Declining Trend in Sulfur Dioxide Emissions: Implications for Allowance Prices☆

Abstract In this paper, we find that sulfur dioxide (SO 2 ) emissions by electric utilities declined from 1985 to 1993 for reasons largely unrelated to the emission reduction mandate of Title IV of the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments. The principal reason appears to be the decline in rail rates for low-sulfur western coal delivered to higher-sulfur coal-fired plants in the Midwest. Consequently, there is less sulfur to be removed to meet the Title IV cap on aggregate SO 2 emissions, and the cost of compliance and price of allowances can be expected to be less than would otherwise have been the case.
On a single server queue with two-stage heterogeneous service and deterministic server vacations

We analyse a single server queue with Poisson arrivals, two stages of heterogeneous service with different general (arbitrary) service time distributions and binomial schedule server vacations with deterministic (constant) vacation periods. After first-stage service the server must provide the second stage service. However, after the second stage service, he may take a vacation or may decide to stay on in the system. For convenience, we designate our model as M/G 1, G 2/D/1 queue. We obtain steady state probability generating function of the queue length for various states of the server. Results for some particular cases of interest such as M/Ek 1 , Ek 2 /D/1, M/M 1, M 2/D/1, M/E k /D/1 and M/G 1, G 2/1 have been obtained from the main results and some known results including M/Ek /1 and M/G/1 have been derived as particular cases of our particular cases.
Spectral analysis of SPWM controlled cascaded three-level inverter drive

Cascaded retrofit of two two-level inverters can generate three-level voltage space vector. This paper proposes the use of double Fourier integral analysis based on unit cell approach that exists for two-level inverter in order to carry out the spectral analysis of the cascaded three-level inverter. The unit cells with their contours and the corresponding boundaries are carefully identified for the cascaded three-level inverter and analytical expressions are presented for the harmonic components present in the inverter output voltage. The effectiveness of the proposed spectral analysis is demonstrated first using MATLAB simulations and validated experimentally using a laboratory prototype.
BER Performance Evaluation of Overloaded DS-CDMA System with Timing Synchronization Error

Overloading is a technique to accommodate more number of users than the spreading factor N. This is a bandwidth efficient scheme to increase the number users in a fixed bandwidth. One of the efficient schemes to overload a CDMA system is to use two sets of orthogonal signal waveforms (O/O). The first set is assigned to the N users and the second set is assigned to the additional users. An iterative multistage detection (IMSD) technique is used to cancel interference between the two sets of users. The interference cancellation receiver uses hard decisions (HDIC) or soft decisions (SDIC) to estimate the interference. In this paper, the BER performance of a new overloading scheme using orthogonal Gold code (OG/OG) sets is evaluated with SDIC receiver. It is observed that this scheme provides 25% channel overloading for synchronous DS-CDMA system in an AWGN channel, assuming perfect timing synchronization in the uplink. The SNR degradation is less than 0.35 dB as compared to single user bound at a BER of 10-5 for N = 64. But in practical systems, perfect chip timing is very difficult to maintain. We have shown that the overloading performance reduces to 11% for a timing synchronization error of 0.02 Tc for a BER of 10-5 and N = 64.