Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
LENGTH OF STAY AND STUDY ABROAD: LANGUAGE GAINS IN TWO VERSUS THREE MONTHS ABROAD

This study examines the effect of 'length of stay' on the written and oral development of two groups of Spanish-speaking students learning English in the UK through the Erasmus Program. Written and oral data were collected from 46 participants by means of a composition and an oral narrative after stays of two months (25 students) or three months abroad (21 students) in the target language country. The learners' written and oral samples were analyzed in terms of fluency, accuracy, lexical richness and complexity. The results of the statistical analyses suggest that there are no significant differences in the gains made by the two groups of learners; therefore, an additional month abroad may not be long enough to produce significant differences in learners' second language development in terms of the measures of written and oral production considered in this study.
Transmission Limitations Due to Fiber Nonlinearities in Optical FDM Systems

Transmission limitations due to stimulated Brillouin scattering and four-wave mixing processes are investigated for optical frequency division multiplexing (FDM) systems. The applicability of the dispersion-shifted (DS) and nondispersion-shifted (NDS) fibers is discussed, taking account of channel frequency separation, total channel numbers, input signal power, transmission length, and receiver sensitivity degradation. Experimental results on Brillouin gain spectra and the wave generation efficiency in four-wave mixing processes are also presented to discuss the applicability of the two types of single-node fiber. It was found that NDS fibers operated at a wavelength of 1550 nm can be widely deployed in multichannel systems both for the long-haul and information distribution transmissions, if the signal waveform distortion due to fiber chromatic dispersion is precluded. The delay equalizer will be useful for a high-speed system employing bit rates over 10 Gb/s and repeaterless spans over 300 km. For such an application, DS fiber is preferable. Concerning information distribution network applications, the NDS fiber should be more attractive as a transmission medium for FDM system applications. >
Adverse affects of paclitaxel and carboplatin combination chemotherapy in epithelial gynecologic cancer.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the adverse affects of paclitaxel and carboplatin combination chemotherapy. DESIGN Descriptive cross sectional study MATERIAL AND METHOD Patients with epithelial cancer of the ovary, fallopian tube and peritoneum treated with paclitaxel and carboplatin combination chemotherapy at Chiang Mai University Hospital between August 2003 and August 2004. RESULTS Of 224 evaluable cycles in 63 patients treated with paclitaxel (175 mg/m2) and carboplatin (AUC 5), grade 3 and 4 neutropenia occurred in 37.1% or 41.3% of patients. 4.8% of patients experienced febrile neutropenia. Grade 3 and 4 leukopenia occurred in 8.6% of courses and 12.6% of patients. Grade 3 anemia occurred in 5.2% of courses and 9.5% of patients. Grade 3 thrombocytopenia occurred in 2.8% of courses and 9.6% of patients. The nonhematologic adverse affects were rare, however, some adverse events may be potentially life threatening. CONCLUSION Adverse affects of paclitaxel and carboplatin combination chemotherapy are acceptable and manageable in the majority of patients.
Measuring nightmare and bad dream frequency: impact of retrospective and prospective instruments

Studies on nightmare frequency have yielded inconsistent results. We compared the frequency of nightmares and bad dreams obtained with retrospective methods (annual and monthly estimates) and with two types of prospective measures (narrative and checklist logs). Four hundred and eleven participants completed retrospective estimates of nightmare and bad dream frequency and recorded their dreams in either narrative or checklist logs for 2–5 weeks. When measured prospectively with narrative logs, nightmare frequency was marginally higher than the 1‐year estimate (P = 0.057) but not significantly different from the 1‐month estimate (P > 0.05). Prospective bad dream frequency was significantly greater than the two retrospective estimates (ps < 0.0005). There were no significant differences in the frequency of nightmares and bad dreams reported prospectively with narrative versus checklist logs (ps > 0.05). However, checklist logs yielded a significantly greater number of everyday dreams per week (P < 0.0001). Taken together, the results provide partial support for the idea that when compared to daily logs, retrospective self‐reports significantly underestimate current nightmare and bad dream frequency. Prospective studies of dream recall and nightmare frequency should take into account the type of log used, its duration, and the participants’ level of motivation over time.
Characterization of the influenza virus M2 integral membrane protein and expression at the infected-cell surface from cloned cDNA

An investigation of properties of the influenza A virus M2 protein indicated that it is synthesized by 2 h postinfection together with other viral polypeptides and is transported to the infected-cell surface with a half-time of approximately 30 to 40 min. The available evidence suggests that M2 is not N-glycosylated even though it contains a potential glycosylation site, and the intracellular pattern of protein distribution includes localization to the Golgi apparatus. Proteolysis of intracellular microsome vesicles followed by immunoprecipitation with antiserum to a synthetic oligopeptide indicated that the M2 protein contains an extensive region of COOH-terminal amino acids exposed on the cytoplasmic side of the infected-cell membrane. A cDNA clone of the M2 mRNA was obtained and expressed in an SV40 recombinant vector. The M2 protein expressed by the vector became associated with the Golgi complex and was found on the surface of vector-infected cells. M2 is antigenically conserved among all strains of influenza virus both in regions exposed on the cell surface and intracellularly.
CT of Coronary Artery Disease

The clinical relevance of coronary artery disease has considerably driven the recent development of radiologic tools for noninvasive cardiac imaging. Modern multidetector row computed tomographic (MDCT) systems combine high temporal and spatial resolution, electrocardiographic synchronization, and ease of use. In cardiac imaging, MDCT has not only replaced electron-beam CT, but also challenges competing methods such as magnetic resonance imaging, echocardiography, or even coronary catheterization. Noncontrast material-enhanced assessment of atherosclerotic plaques (CT calcium scoring) seems useful for the cardiac risk stratification in asymptomatic patients and monitoring of medical (statin) therapy. Contrast material-enhanced CT coronary angiography has become established as a valuable method for several clinical indications such as evaluation of coronary artery anomalies, bypass patency, or preoperative planning. Particularly, the high negative predictive value of a normal CT coronary angiogram allows reliable exclusion of coronary artery stenosis. Plaque characterization is another promising area of research in MDCT cardiac imaging. However, with current technology a reliable distinction between atheroma and fibroatheroma is impaired by restrictions in spatial resolution. Recent studies indicate that CT angiography may also be suited for other clinical applications such as triage of patients with acute coronary syndrome and inconclusive clinical presentation, patients with symptomatic chest pain, and intermediate risk profile or cardiac risk stratification in asymptomatic patients.
Expression of serum amyloid A genes in mouse brain: unprecedented response to inflammatory mediators

Serum amyloid A (SAA) proteins were originally identified as prominent acute7‐phase serum proteins synthesized predominantly by hepatocytes. These small proteins are remarkably lipophilic, and we have sought evidence for their synthesis in mouse brain. RT7‐PCR showed constitutive expression of the murine SAA1 gene in the brains of normal BALB/cJ mice. After intracerebral inoculation with Sindbis virus, these mice predictably increase brain expression of tumor necrosis factor a (TNF7‐α), interleukin 1ß (IL7‐1ß), and IL7‐6. However, brain SAA1 expression fell after injecting either virus or control saline and re7‐mained low despite increases in TNF7‐a and IL7‐6, which are known to induce its expression in hepatocytes. Our data thus show that expression of the murine SAA1 gene has different, unprecedented control in mouse brain, suggesting that the protein itself may have a different physiological role there. —Tucker, P. C. , Sack, G. H. , Jr. Expression of serum amyloid A (SAA) genes in mouse brain: unprecedented response to inflammatory mediators. FASEB J. 15, 2241–2246 (2001)
Organization of cortico-hippocampal networks in the human brain

Episodic memory depends on interactions between the hippocampus and the interconnected regions comprising default mode network (DMN). Here, using data-driven analyses of resting-state fMRI data, we identified the networks that interact with the hippocampus—the DMN and a “Medial Temporal Network” (MTN) that included regions in the medial temporal lobe and retrosplenial cortex. We observed that the MTN plays a critical role in connecting the visual network to the DMN and hippocampus. The DMN could be further divided into three subnetworks: a “Posterior-Medial” Subnetwork comprised of posterior cingulate, and lateral parietal cortices, an “Anterior-Temporal” Subnetwork comprised of regions in the temporopolar, and dorsomedial prefrontal cortex, and a “Medial-Prefrontal” Subnetwork comprised of regions primarily in the medial prefrontal cortex. These networks vary in their functional connectivity along the hippocampal long-axis and represent different kinds of information during memory-guided decision-making. Finally, a Neurosynth meta-analysis of fMRI studies suggests new hypotheses regarding the functions of the MTN and DMN subnetworks, providing a framework to guide future research on the neural architecture of episodic memory.
Why are leaf‐cutting ants more common in early secondary forests than in old‐growth tropical forests? An evaluation of the palatable forage hypothesis

I evaluated the hypothesis that leaf-cutting ants are more common in early successional forests than in old-growth forests because pioneer species, which dominate in early successional habitats, appear more susceptible to leafcutters than shade-tolerant species, which dominate primary forests (palatable forage hypothesis). The relative importance of pioneer and shade-tolerant species as plant resources for leaf-cutting ant colonies was evaluated (1) by literature review of leaf-cutting ants' diet, and (2) experimentally, using field assays to determine leafcutter's selectivity. Pioneer species were harvested three times more frequently than shade-tolerant species and made up the largest component of the diet in all the studies reviewed, The amount harvested was not correlated with the plant species abundance. In addition, leaves from pioneer plants were selected eight times more than leaves from shade-tolerant species in the field assays. These results support the palatable forage hypothesis. Leafcutters probably select pioneer leaves because of their low level of chemical defenses and high nutrient content. The high availability of pioneer species in early successional forest probably decreases the cost to locate palatable resources. Therefore, early successional habitats support more ant colonies than old-growth forests, On the other hand, the effective defense mechanisms of mature plant species and the high dispersion of palatable plants could explain the low density of leaf-cutting ant colonies in old-growth forests, The palatable forage hypothesis is compared with other hypotheses that explain leaf-cutting ant density. The preference of foundress queens for forest clearings, the dependence of small colonies on herbs, and the importance of pioneer plant species for mature colonies (palatable forage hypothesis) can be considered complementary, because they focus on different stages of the colony's life history. Consequently, the availability of pioneer plants appears to be one of the most influential factors determining mature leaf-cutting ant nest densities in Neotropical forests.
Biomarker analyses in caged and wild fish suggest exposure to pollutants in an urban area with a landfill

An unexpectedly high frequency of skeletal deformations in brown trout has previously been observed in the brook Vallkärrabäcken in southern Sweden. Environmental pollutants from storm water and leachate from an old landfill have been suggested as responsible for the observed deformations. Biomarkers in farmed rainbow trout, placed in tanks with water supplied from the brook, were used to investigate if exposure to pollutants may induce toxic responses in fish. Furthermore, biomarkers were also measured in wild brown trout that were caught in the brook. The most important finding was that the hepatic ethoxyresorufin‐O‐deethylase (EROD) activity was five to seven times higher for rainbow trout and brown trout in exposed areas compared to reference sites (P < 0.001). Analyses of bile in rainbow trout showed that the concentration of PAH‐metabolites was two to three times higher (P < 0.001) in the exposed areas. However, due to their smaller size and the feeding status, only insufficient amounts of bile could be retrieved from the wild brown trout. The study provides evidence for pollution in parts of Vallkärrabäcken. It is therefore possible that the previously observed high frequency of skeletal damage have been caused by pollutants. The methodology with farmed rainbow trout in flow through tanks worked well and provided more information about the occurrence of pollutants in Vallkärrabäcken than the data from brown trout. The main reasons for this were that the size and the feeding status of the fish could be controlled. This allowed a total of 21 biomarkers to be analyzed in farmed rainbow trout compared to only five in wild brown trout. Furthermore, the use of farmed fish eliminates the risk of migration, which may otherwise bias the data when wild fish are used. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol, 2011.
Anesthetics fragment hippocampal network activity, alter spine dynamics, and affect memory consolidation

General anesthesia is characterized by reversible loss of consciousness accompanied by transient amnesia. Yet, long-term memory impairment is an undesirable side-effect. How different types of general anesthetics (GAs) affect the hippocampus, a brain region central to memory formation and consolidation, is poorly understood. Using extracellular recordings, chronic 2-photon imaging and behavioral analysis, we monitor the effects of isoflurane (Iso), medetomidine/midazolam/fentanyl (MMF), and ketamine/xylazine (Keta/Xyl) on network activity and structural spine dynamics in the hippocampal CA1 area of adult mice. GAs robustly reduced spiking activity, decorrelated cellular ensembles, albeit with distinct activity signatures, and altered spine dynamics. CA1 network activity under all three anesthetics was different to natural sleep. Iso anesthesia most closely resembled unperturbed activity during wakefulness and sleep, and network alterations recovered more readily than with Keta/Xyl and MMF. Correspondingly, memory consolidation was impaired after exposure to Keta/Xyl and MMF, but not Iso. Thus, different anesthetics distinctly alter hippocampal network dynamics, synaptic connectivity, and memory consolidation, with implications for GA strategy appraisal in animal research and clinical settings.
Liver endothelial cell function is depressed only during hypodynamic sepsis.

Although studies have indicated that hepatocellular function is depressed early after the onset of sepsis, it remains unknown whether liver endothelial cell function is also compromised under such conditions. To study this, male rats were subjected to polymicrobial sepsis by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP), followed by administration of 3 ml/100 g body wt normal saline subcutaneously to these and to sham-operated animals. Blood samples (0.2-ml aliquots) were taken from the carotid artery, portal vein, and hepatic vein at 2, 5, 10 (i.e., hyperdynamic sepsis), or 20 hr (hypodynamic sepsis) after CLP, and plasma hyaluronic acid (HA) was determined using a Pharmacia assay kit. In addition, HA clearance was assessed at 5, 10, or 20 hr after CLP by injecting 30 micrograms/100 g body wt HA intravenously. Plasma HA was determined at 2-40 min after the administration of HA. The results indicate that plasma levels of HA in blood from three different sites did not increase significantly until 10 hr after CLP. Clearance of HA decreased only at 20 hr after CLP, compared to sham-operated animals. These results suggest that the increased plasma levels of HA at 10 hr after the onset of sepsis are solely due to the increased release/production of the polysaccharide. Since circulating HA is cleared exclusively by the liver endothelial cell, the results demonstrate that liver endothelial cell dysfunction (i.e., the increased circulating HA levels and decreased HA clearance) occurs only during the late, hypodynamic stage of polymicrobial sepsis.
Exploring the State of Discipline on the Formation of Swift Trust within Global Virtual Teams

The study of global virtual teams (GVTs) is important in the Information System (IS) field because GVTs employ a work structure that is heavily dependent on information communication technology. Besides the use of technology, GVTs are also composed of people from different cultural backgrounds. As such, GVTs are challenged not only to collaborate and coordinate projects in a virtual environment, but also to promote a trusting working relationship among culturally diverse members. In this meta-synthesis research, we sampled 3239 documents spanning fifteen (15) years, from 1995-2010 in seven (N=7) top IS journals. Trained coders read through all the articles systematically and coded the contents manually, only 55 useable articles were found that matched three or four of the codes (i.e., GVTs, virtual teams, trust, and swift trust). In the 15-year period, we found a startling result: less than 2% of articles published in the selected top IS journals have discussed this crucial topic. Hence, many more studies are warranted in order for the topic to be fully understood by IS scholars. We present the findings based on two thematic analyses: 1) GVTs vs. virtual teams and 2) GVT and trust and swift trust.
Word association models and search strategies for discriminative word alignment

This paper deals with core aspects of discriminative word alignment systems, namely basic word association models as well as search strategies. We compare various low-computational-cost word as- sociation models: 2 score, log-likelihood ratio and IBM model 1. We also compare three beam-search strategies. We show that it is more ex- ible and accurate to let links to the same word compete together, than introducing them sequentially in the alignment hypotheses, which is the strategy followed in several systems.
β-Catenin Signaling Drives Differentiation and Proinflammatory Function of IRF8-Dependent Dendritic Cells

β-Catenin signaling has recently been tied to the emergence of tolerogenic dendritic cells (DCs). In this article, we demonstrate a novel role for β-catenin in directing DC subset development through IFN regulatory factor 8 (IRF8) activation. We found that splenic DC precursors express β-catenin, and DCs from mice with CD11c-specific constitutive β-catenin activation upregulated IRF8 through targeting of the Irf8 promoter, leading to in vivo expansion of IRF8-dependent CD8α+, plasmacytoid, and CD103+CD11b− DCs. β-Catenin–stabilized CD8α+ DCs secreted elevated IL-12 upon in vitro microbial stimulation, and pharmacological β-catenin inhibition blocked this response in wild-type cells. Upon infections with Toxoplasma gondii and vaccinia virus, mice with stabilized DC β-catenin displayed abnormally high Th1 and CD8+ T lymphocyte responses, respectively. Collectively, these results reveal a novel and unexpected function for β-catenin in programming DC differentiation toward subsets that orchestrate proinflammatory immunity to infection.
A Filter-Bank Transceiver Architecture for Massive Non-Contiguous Carrier Aggregation

Current application of carrier aggregation (CA), a key enabling technology for wideband communications over fragmented spectrum, is limited to only a small number of component carriers (CCs). However, wireless broadband connectivity of future networks requires the exploitation of multiple, contiguous, and non-contiguous CCs (NC-CCs). By considering a large number of aggregated NC-CCs, the concept of massive non-contiguous CA (NC-CA) is realized, which offers the highest flexibility in spectrum aggregation. In order to fully exploit the system-level benefits of massive NC-CA, transceivers capable of efficiently accommodating parallel transmissions over all of the available NC-CCs are required. This is a challenging task in which current NC-CA transceiver architectures, including the straightforward parallel chains implementation, fail to accomplish, as they suffer from scalability and efficiency issues. Focusing on the digital baseband processing part of the transceiver, this paper proposes an efficient filter-bank transceiver architecture able to accommodate a large number of NC-CCs with a small complexity increase compared with the ideal case of the transceiver operating on a single CC with the same aggregate bandwidth. Specification of this new architecture is cast as a filter design problem with minimal assumptions on transmitted waveform format, channel statistics, and decoding scheme, allowing for universally applicable designs. Both heuristic and optimal design methodologies are provided, the latter obtained using the notion of capacity mean square error as an appropriate performance/design metric. The performance of the proposed architecture is evaluated analytically, and a case study where it is applied for OFDM transmissions is provided.