Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A NMDA Receptor Antagonist, MK-801 Impairs Consolidating Extinction of Auditory Conditioned Fear Responses in a Pavlovian Model

Background In auditory fear conditioning, repeated presentation of the tone in the absence of shock leads to extinction of the acquired fear responses. The glutamate N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) is thought to be involved in the extinction of the conditioned fear responses, but its detailed role in initiating and consolidating or maintaining the fear extinction memory is unclear. Here we investigated this issue by using a NMDAR antagonist, MK-801. Methods/Main Findings The effects of immediate (beginning at 10 min after the conditioning) and delayed (beginning at 24 h after conditioning) extinctions were first compared with the finding that delayed extinction caused a better and long-lasting (still significant on the 20th day after extinction) depression on the conditioned fear responses. In a second experiment, MK-801 was intraperitoneally (i.p.) injected at 40 min before, 4 h or 12 h after the delayed extinction, corresponding to critical time points for initiating, consolidating or maintaining the fear extinction memory. i.p. injection of MK-801 at either 40 min before or 4 h after delayed extinction resulted in an impairment of initiating and consolidating fear extinction memory, which caused a long lasting increased freezing score that was still significant on the 7th day after extinction, compared with extinction group. However, MK-801 administered at 12 h after the delayed extinction, when robust consolidation has been occurred and stabilized, did not affect the established extinction memory. Furthermore, the changed freezing behaviors was not due to an alteration in general anxiety levels, since MK-801 treatment had no effect on the percentage of open-arm time or open-arm entries in an Elevated Plus Maze (EPM) task. Conclusions/Significance Our data suggested that the activation of NMDARs plays important role in initiation and consolidation but not maintenance of fear extinction memory. Together with the fact that NMDA receptor is very important for memory, our data added experimental evidence to the concept that the extinction of conditioned fear responses is a procedure of initiating and consolidating new memory other than simply “erasing” the fear memory.
Electrodeposition on Nanofibrous Polymer Scaffolds: Rapid Mineralization, Tunable Calcium Phosphate Composition and Topography

A straightforward, fast and versatile technique to fabricate mineralized nanofibrous polymer scaffolds for bone regeneration is developed. Nanofibrous poly(L‐lactic acid) scaffolds are fabricated using both electrospinning and phase separation techniques. An electrodeposition process is designed to deposit calcium phosphate on the nanofibrous scaffolds. Such scaffolds contain a high quality mineral coating on the fiber surface and have surface topography and chemical composition that are tunable by varying the processing parameters. These scaffolds can mimic the composition and structure of the natural bone extracellular matrix and provide a more biocompatible interface for bone regeneration.
Advances in hypothesizing distributed Kalman filtering

In this paper, linear distributed estimation is revisited on the basis of the hypothesizing distributed Kalman filter and equations for a flexible application of the algorithm are derived. We propose a new approximation for the mean-squared-error matrix and present techniques for automatically improving the hypothesis about the global measurement model. Utilizing these extensions, the precision of the filter is improved so that it asymptotically yields optimal results for time-invariant models. Pseudo-code for the implementation of the algorithm is provided and the lossless inclusion of out-of-sequence measurements is discussed. An evaluation demonstrates the effect of the new extensions and compares the results to state-of-the-art methods.
Distance aggregation for person re-identification using simulated annealing algorithm

The aim of person re-identification is to match pedestrians which across disjoint camera views. Many features have been proposed to improve the re-identification accuracy. However, due to significant person appearance variations in viewpoints, poses, and illumination across different cameras, individual feature is less discriminative to represent the different person images. In this paper, we propose an effective and easy-to-apply distance aggregation method to combine different features. The individual distance are firstly obtained by metric learning. Then we use simulated annealing algorithm to learn different distance weight. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method significantly outperforms the existing methods in VIPeR dataset.
A default extension to description logics for use in an intelligent search engine

In companies a large amount of information is maintained that is accessible via network communication tools. This makes searching for a particular piece of information a difficult task. We identified two major difficulties that are experienced using existing search engines. These difficulties are that many of the existing search engines only take syntactic information into account and therefore do not find all relevant documents, and that many of the retrieved documents do not contain relevant information. We present a search engine that tackles both of these problems. The system, Dwebic, is based on a description logic knowledge base that deals with strict taxonomic information as well as with default information. We define this description logic and introduce a new kind of inference. Dwebic has a World Wide Web interface, but our approach does not depend on the World Wide Web.
Implementing Agent Teams in Dynamic Multiagent Environments

Teamwork is becoming increasingly critical in multiagent environments ranging from virtual environments for training and education, to information integration on the internet, to potential multirobotic space missions. Teamwork in such complex, dynamic environments is more than a simple union of simultaneous individual activity, even if supplemented with preplanned coordination. Indeed, in these dynamic environments, unanticipated events can easily cause a breakdown in such preplanned coordination. The central hypothesis in this article is that for effective teamwork, agents should be provided explicit representation of team goals and plans, as well as an explicit representation of a model of teamwork to support the execution of team plans. In our work, this model of teamwork takes the form of a set of domain independent rules that clearly outline an agent's commitments and responsibilities as a participant in team activities, and thus guide the agent's social activities while executing team plans. This ar.
Fully Polynomial FPT Algorithms for Some Classes of Bounded Clique-width Graphs

Recently, hardness results for problems in P were achieved using reasonable complexity-theoretic assumptions such as the Strong Exponential Time Hypothesis. According to these assumptions, many graph-theoretic problems do not admit truly subquadratic algorithms. A central technique used to tackle the difficulty of the above-mentioned problems is fixed-parameter algorithms with polynomial dependency in the fixed parameter (P-FPT). Applying this technique to clique-width, an important graph parameter, remained to be done. In this article, we study several graph-theoretic problems for which hardness results exist such as cycle problems, distance problems, and maximum matching. We give hardness results and P-FPT algorithms, using clique-width and some of its upper bounds as parameters. We believe that our most important result is an algorithm in O(k4 ⋅ n + m)-time for computing a maximum matching, where k is either the modular-width of the graph or the P4-sparseness. The latter generalizes many algorithms that have been introduced so far for specific subclasses such as cographs. Our algorithms are based on preprocessing methods using modular decomposition and split decomposition. Thus they can also be generalized to some graph classes with unbounded clique-width.
Sampler bias in the quantitative study of deep-sea meiobenthos *

The influence of sampler type on quantitative estimates of deep-sea meiobenthos is examined by a n indirect statistical comparison of box corer and multiple corer samples collected throughout the northeast Atlantic, and by a direct comparison of contemporaneously collected multiple corer and box corer samples from a single abyssal location. The data strongly support the suggestion that the greater down-wash/bow wave associated with box corers results in displacement of surface sediments and any superfic~al detrltus layer together with thelr associated fauna. Total metazoan meiobenthos density estimates from box corer samples are about half those from corresponding multiple corer samples Sampler type may also influence the fauna1 composition of both the metazoan and protozoan components of the meiobenthos.
Using server log files and online experiments to enhance internet marketing

Unlike most traditional media, the Internet is both digital and interactive. Here we do not simply refer to interactions between consumers and a Web site or e-mail, but also between the marketer and the firm’s Web site or e-mail. Furthermore, the digital nature of the Internet records every interaction. These two characteristics — interactivity and digitization — facilitate research possibilities that would be cumbersome and costly using earlier media such as print, radio and television. On the Internet, marketers receive instant feedback on any tactical decision in the form of server log data. We believe that due to technical hurdles, both practitioners and academics under-utilize this omnipresent data residing in server log files. This is unfortunate for practitioners because their online efforts are far less efficient and effective than they could be. This is also unfortunate for academics because even small sites can generate massive amounts of rich data in relatively short times. This chapter introduces readers to server log files and how the basic information in these files helps management achieve goals for their Web sites and e-mail communication. Next, the chapter uses examples to illustrate how server log files make running online experiments easier than one would expect. The chapter closes with a call for more use of server log files in interdisciplinary research, and collaboration between industry and academia.
Urinary Liver-Type Fatty Acid–Binding Protein and Progression of Diabetic Nephropathy in Type 1 Diabetes

OBJECTIVE Diabetic nephropathy (DN) has mainly been considered a glomerular disease, although tubular dysfunction may also play a role. This study assessed the predictive value for progression of a tubular marker, urinary liver-type fatty acid–binding protein (L-FABP), at all stages of DN. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS At baseline, 1,549 patients with type 1 diabetes had an albumin excretion rate (AER) within normal reference ranges, 334 had microalbuminuria, and 363 had macroalbuminuria. Patients were monitored for a median of 5.8 years (95% CI 5.7–5.9). In addition, 208 nondiabetic subjects were studied. L-FABP was measured by ELISA and normalized with urinary creatinine. Different Cox proportional hazard models for the progression at every stage of DN were used to evaluate the predictive value of L-FABP. The potential benefit of using L-FABP alone or together with AER was assessed by receiver operating characteristic curve analyses. RESULTS L-FABP was an independent predictor of progression at all stages of DN. As would be expected, receiver operating characteristic curves for the prediction of progression were significantly larger for AER than for L-FABP, except for patients with baseline macroalbuminuria, in whom the areas were similar. Adding L-FABP to AER in the models did not significantly improve risk prediction of progression in favor of the combination of L-FABP plus AER compared with AER alone. CONCLUSIONS L-FABP is an independent predictor of progression of DN irrespective of disease stage. L-FABP used alone or together with AER may not improve the risk prediction of DN progression in patients with type 1 diabetes, but further studies are needed in this regard.
Association of Transcription Factor 7-Like 2 (TCF7L2) Variants With Type 2 Diabetes in a Finnish Sample

Transcription factor 7-like 2 (TCF7L2) is part of the Wnt signaling pathway. Genetic variants within TCF7L2 on chromosome 10q were recently reported to be associated with type 2 diabetes in Icelandic, Danish, and American (U.S.) samples. We previously observed a modest logarithm of odds score of 0.61 on chromosome 10q, ∼1 Mb from TCF7L2, in the Finland-United States Investigation of NIDDM Genetics study. We tested the five associated TCF7L2 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) variants in a Finnish sample of 1,151 type 2 diabetic patients and 953 control subjects. We confirmed the association with the same risk allele (P value <0.05) for all five SNPs. Our strongest results were for rs12255372 (odds ratio [OR] 1.36 [95% CI 1.15–1.61], P = 0.00026) and rs7903146 (1.33 [1.14–1.56], P = 0.00042). Based on the CEU HapMap data, we selected and tested 12 additional SNPs to tag SNPs in linkage disequilibrium with rs12255372. None of these SNPs showed stronger evidence of association than rs12255372 or rs7903146 (OR ≤1.26, P ≥ 0.0054). Our results strengthen the evidence that one or more variants in TCF7L2 are associated with increased risk of type 2 diabetes.
Culturing on Wharton's Jelly Extract Delays Mesenchymal Stem Cell Senescence through p53 and p16INK4a/pRb Pathways

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) hold great therapeutic potential. However, MSCs undergo replication senescence during the in vitro expansion process. Wharton's jelly from the human umbilical cord harbors a large number of MSCs. In this study, we hypothesized that Wharton's jelly would be beneficial for in vitro expansion of MSCs. Wharton's jelly extract (WJEs), which is mainly composed of extracellular matrix and cytokines, was prepared as coating substrate. Human MSCs were isolated and cultured on WJE-coated plates. Although the proliferation capacity of cells was not augmented by WJE in early phase culture, adynamic growth in late-phase culture was clearly reduced, suggesting that the replicative senescence of MSCs was efficiently slowed by WJE. This was confirmed by β-galactosidase staining and telomere length measurements of MSCs in late-phase culture. In addition, the decreased differentiation ability of MSCs after long-term culture was largely ameliorated by WJE. Reactive oxygen species (ROS), p53, and p16INK4a/pRb expression increased with passaging. Analysis at the molecular level revealed that WJE-based culture efficiently suppressed the enhancement of intracellular ROS, p53, and p16INK4a/pRb in MSCs. These data demonstrated that WJE provided an ideal microenvironment for MSCs culture expansion in vitro preserved MSC properties by delaying MSCs senescence, and allowed large numbers of MSCs to be obtained for basic research and clinical therapies.
In vivo activity of novel capecitabine regimens alone and with bevacizumab and oxaliplatin in colorectal cancer xenograft models

Modifying the capecitabine dosing schedule from 14 days on, 7 days off (14/7) to 7 days on, 7 days off (7/7) may enable higher doses and improved antitumor efficacy in colorectal cancer xenografts. Capecitabine 14/7 (267 or 400 mg/kg) and 7/7 (467 or 700 mg/kg) schedules in doublet and triplet combinations with optimally dosed bevacizumab (5 mg/kg) and oxaliplatin (6.7 mg/kg) were studied in female athymic nude mice bearing HT29 colorectal xenografts. Additional studies of suboptimally dosed bevacizumab (2.5 mg/kg) and capecitabine 7/7 (360 mg/kg) were done in a similar Colo205 tumor xenograft model. Monotherapy and combination regimens were administered to groups of 10 animals and compared with vehicle controls. In the HT29 model, tumor growth inhibition and increase in life span (ILS) were significantly greater with capecitabine 7/7 than with 14/7 (P < 0.05). The additional benefit of capecitabine 7/7 versus 14/7 was biologically significant according to National Cancer Institute criteria (>25% ILS). Adding bevacizumab to capecitabine 7/7 resulted in significantly greater survival relative to either agent alone (P < 0.0001). When oxaliplatin was added, efficacy was significantly better with the triplet combination including capecitabine 7/7 (tumor growth inhibition >100% and ILS 234%) compared with 14/7 (95% and 81%, respectively). In the Colo205 model, combination therapy with capecitabine 7/7 plus bevacizumab resulted in significantly greater survival relative to either agent alone (P < 0.0001). In conclusion, in athymic nude mice bearing moderately thymidine phosphorylase–expressing HT29 or Colo205 colorectal xenografts, a capecitabine 7/7 schedule permits increased drug delivery compared with traditional 14/7 regimens, greatly improving monotherapy activity without major toxicity. [Mol Cancer Ther 2009;8(1):75–82]
Determination of the Surface Energy Distributions of Different Processed Lactose

Particulate interactions between drug and lactose carrier in dry powder inhaler formulations are affected by the heterogenous energy distribution on the surface of the individual compounds. A new method based on Inverse Gas Chromatography at finite concentration is applied to study the energy heterogeneity of untreated, milled, and recrystallized lactose of similar particle size distribution. Energy distributions for the dispersive surface energy and the specific free energy of ethanol are obtained. Milling causes an increase in surface energy due to formation of amorphous regions. Untreated and recrystallized materials have similar surface energies at low surface coverages but show clear differences in energy distribution.
New Insights into the Hemodynamic Blood Oxygenation Level-Dependent Response through Combination of Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Optical Recording in Gerbil Barrel Cortex

Fast, low-angle shoot functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), based on the blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) effect, was combined with optical recording of intrinsic signals (ORIS) and 2-deoxyglucose labeling in gerbil barrel cortex. We observed over the activated barrel a positive BOLD signal and increased levels of deoxyhemoglobin and total hemoglobin during each period of prolonged (30 sec) D2 vibrissal stimulation. These data show that the hemodynamic basis of this fMRI signal is not necessarily a washout of deoxyhemoglobin, as generally assumed. Instead, they suggest that a positive BOLD signal can also be caused by a local increase of blood volume, even if deoxyhemoglobin levels are persistently elevated. We also show that this alternative interpretation is consistent with theoretical models of the BOLD signal. The changes in BOLD signal and blood volume, which are most tightly correlated with the periodic stimulation, peak at the site of neuronal activation. These results contribute to the understanding of the hemodynamic mechanisms underlying the BOLD signal and also suggest analysis methods, which improve the spatial localization of neuronal activation with both fMRI and ORIS.
Bacillus subtilis ribonucleases J1 and J2 form a complex with altered enzyme behaviour

Ribonucleases J1 and J2 are recently discovered enzymes with dual 5′‐to‐3′ exoribonucleolytic/endoribonucleolytic activity that plays a key role in the maturation and degradation of Bacillus subtilis RNAs. RNase J1 is essential, while its paralogue RNase J2 is not. Up to now, it had generally been assumed that the two enzymes functioned independently. Here we present evidence that RNases J1 and J2 form a complex that is likely to be the predominant form of these enzymes in wild‐type cells. While both RNase J1 and the RNase J1/J2 complex have robust 5′‐to‐3′ exoribonuclease activity in vitro, RNase J2 has at least two orders of magnitude weaker exonuclease activity, providing a possible explanation for why RNase J1 is essential. The association of the two proteins also has an effect on the endoribonucleolytic properties of RNases J1 and J2. While the individual enzymes have similar endonucleolytic cleavage activities and specificities, as a complex they behave synergistically to alter cleavage site preference and to increase cleavage efficiency at specific sites. These observations dramatically change our perception of how these ribonucleases function and provide an interesting example of enzyme subfunctionalization after gene duplication.
Task Analysis and the Design of Functionality

Task analysis is the process of understanding the user's task thoroughly enough to help design a computer system that will effectively support users in doing the task. By task is meant the user's job or work activities, what the user is attempting to accomplish. By analysis is meant a relatively systematic approach to understanding the user's task that goes beyond unaided intuitions or speculations, and attempts to document and describe exactly what the task involves. The design of functionality is a stage of the design of computer systems in which the useraccessible functions of the computer system are chosen and specified. The basic thesis of this article is that the successful design of functionality requires a task analysis early enough in the system design to enable the developers to create a system that effectively supports the user's task. Thus the proper goal of the design of functionality is to choose functions that are both useful in the user's task, and which together with a good user interface, results in a system that is usable, being easy to learn and easy to use.
RiverSwarm : Topology-Aware Distributed Planning for Obstacle Encirclement in Connected Robotic Swarms

Distributed motion control of robotic swarms has been receiving increased attention due to their potential for application in many domains including emergency response and remote sensing and exploration. A challenging aspect of motion control for swarms is enabling them to move past large obstacles without losing global connectivity. In this paper we present a novel motion primitive for swarms of robots which allows them to flow past large obstacles while remaining connected. This technique relies on a key result from differential geometry, the GaussBonnet theorem, which allows tracking and counting the number of holes in a given triangulated graph in a distributed manner.