Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Military, Political Power, and Police Relations in Mexico City

Mexico City has recently achieved the reputation of being one of the most dangerous cities in the world. The main causes of the rising crime figures and impunity of recent years include deteriorating social and economic conditions, ineffective and corrupt police forces (Victoria Zepeda, 1994: 25), the inability of the attorney general to handle the number of criminal cases (Victoria Zepeda, 1999: 8), and the archaic methods and procedures of the judiciary system. The success of Cuauhtemoc Cardenas, founder of the left-wing Partido Revolucionario Democratico (Revolutionary Democratic party-PRD) and chief of government of the Federal District since December 1997, in reducing crime has been limited, although efforts have included the replacement of several top-level police commanders' and have been combined with federal policies and public safety resources. Some kinds of crime have indeed been reduced-in November 1997,640 cars were stolen daily compared with 174 in December 1998. Other kinds of crime, such as bank robberies, however, have doubled (La Jornada, December 23, 1998; January 4, 1999). Political liberalization and the salience of internal security issues in Mexico have undermined the position of civilians in relation to their military counterparts, producing an intense struggle for power in areas with no military tradition. This process is taking place in connection with the breakdown of the hegemonic party system and the traditional practices of patronage, the emergence of new political forces that participate in decision making, and the inability of civilians to consolidate their hold on political institutions and to solve problems under the new conditions of political competence. In this context, the militarization of Mexico City's police force is evidence of a changing and uneasy relationship between civilians and the military.
Surgical results for consecutive exotropia

Purpose: To evaluate the surgical results of medial rectus (MR) muscle advancement with or without recession of the antagonist muscle for consecutive exotropia. Methods: Medical records of patients with consecutive exotropia (n = 27) were retrospectively reviewed. All patients received one-eye surgery with MR advancement, lateral rectus (LR) recession, or combined surgery. The pre- and post-operative angle of deviation was recorded. Characteristics were compared between groups. The follow-up period was at least 3 months. Results: The overall successful rate was 62.96%, with 50% in MR advancement group, 60% in LR recession group, and 71.4% in combined group. Patients in combined group had larger preoperative deviation. There were comparable surgical results between patients with inferior oblique (IO) muscle overaction receiving correction simultaneously and patients without IO muscle overaction. Conclusions: The overall surgical successful rate for consecutive exotropia in this study was 62.96%. Combined MR advancement and LR recession yielded better results than MR advancement or LR recession alone although it was not statistically significant.
On distributing symmetric streaming computations

A common approach for dealing with large data sets is to stream over the input in one pass, and perform computations using sublinear resources. For truly massive data sets, however, even making a single pass over the data is prohibitive. Therefore, streaming computations must be distribued over many machines. In practice, obtaining significant speedups using distributed computations has numerous challenges including synchronization, load balancing, overcoming processor failures, and data distribution. Successful Systems in practice such as Google's MapReduce and Apache's Hadoop address these problems by only allowing a certain class of highly distributable tasks defined by local computations that can be applied in any order to the input. The fundamental question that arises is: How does the class of computational tasks supported by these systems differ from the class for which streaming solutions exist? We introduce a simple algorithmic model for massive, unordered, distributed (mud) computation, as implemented by these systems. We show that in principle, mud algorithms are equivalent in power to symmetric streaming algorithms. More precisely, we show that any symmetric (order-invariant) function that can be computed by a steraming algorithm can also be computed by a mud algorithym, with comparable space and communication complexity. Our simulation uses Savitch's theorem and therefore has superpolynomial time complexity. We extend our simulation result to some natural classes of approximate and randomized steraming algorithms. We also give negative results, using communication complexity arguments to prove that extensions to private randomness, promise problems and indeterminate functions are impossible. We also introduce an extension of the mud model to multiple keys and multiple rounds.
Dual-Scale Polymeric Constructs as Scaffolds for Tissue Engineering

This research activity was aimed at the development of dual-scale scaffolds consisting of three-dimensional constructs of aligned poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) microfilaments and electrospun poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) fibers. PCL constructs composed by layers of parallel microsized filaments (0/90° lay-down pattern), with a diameter of around 365 μm and interfilament distance of around 191 μm, were produced using a melt extrusion-based additive manufacturing technique. PLGA electrospun fibers with a diameter of around 1 μm were collected on top of the PCL constructs with different thicknesses, showing a certain degree of alignment. Cell culture experiments employing the MC3T3 murine preosteoblast cell line showed good cell viability and adhesion on the dual-scale scaffolds. In particular, the influence of electrospun fibers on cell morphology and behavior was evident, as well as in creating a structural bridging for cell colonization in the interfilament gap.
Transmission distortion of BDNF variants to bipolar disorder type I patients from a south american population isolate ,

Recent reports have implicated polymorphisms in the brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene region in the etiology of several psychiatric phenotypes, including bipolar disorder. Significant disease association has been reported for the G allele at SNP rs6265, which encodes for Valine at position 66 of BDNF (Val66Met), an apparently functional variant of this key BDNF. Here we examined a sample of 224 bipolar type I patients and available parents (comprising a total of 212 nuclear families) ascertained in a South American population isolate (Antioquia, Colombia). We tested for transmission distortion to bipolar patients of alleles at the rs6265 polymorphism and at a microsatellite marker 1.3 kb away from this SNP. Significant excess transmission of the rs6265 G allele to cases was observed (χ2 = 10.77, d.f. = 1, P = 0.001). Two‐locus haplotype analysis showed a significant global transmission distortion (χ2 = 16.059, d.f. = 7, P = 0.025) with an excess transmission of a haplotype comprising the rs6265 G allele and microsatellite allele 227. These results are consistent with previous studies pointing to a role for BDNF in susceptibility to mood disorders. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Mechanism of Hypoxia-Induced NF-κB

ABSTRACT NF-κB activation is a critical component in the transcriptional response to hypoxia. However, the underlying mechanisms that control its activity under these conditions are unknown. Here we report that under hypoxic conditions, IκB kinase (IKK) activity is induced through a calcium/calmodulin-dependent kinase 2 (CaMK2)-dependent pathway distinct from that for other common inducers of NF-κB. This process still requires IKK and the IKK kinase TAK1, like that for inflammatory inducers of NF-κB, but the TAK1-associated proteins TAB1 and TAB2 are not essential. IKK complex activation following hypoxia requires Ubc13 but not the recently identified LUBAC (linear ubiquitin chain assembly complex) ubiquitin conjugation system. In contrast to the action of other NF-κB inducers, IKK-mediated phosphorylation of IκBα does not result in its degradation. We show that this results from IκBα sumoylation by Sumo-2/3 on critical lysine residues, normally required for K-48-linked polyubiquitination. Furthermore, inhibition of specific Sumo proteases is sufficient to release RelA from IκBα and activate NF-κB target genes. These results define a novel pathway regulating NF-κB activation, important to its physiological role in human health and disease.
Enhanced speaker activity detection for distributed microphones by exploitation of signal power ratio patterns

In cars with integrated distributed microphone systems usually each speaker has a dedicated microphone. An often required broadband speaker activity detection can be performed by simply evaluating the power ratios among the microphones but transient interferers like indicator noise, outside crossing cars or speech from interfering speakers may be wrongly assigned to one speaker's activity. In this contribution a new method is presented that exploits patterns based on the characteristics of signal power inverted subbands at which compared to the closest microphone higher energy occurs in a distant one. By determination of a distance measure the currently observed pattern of these power inverted subbands is compared to online learned speaker position dependent reference patterns. During noise only periods as well as during transient interfering signals the patterns do not match the reference and false speaker activity detections can be reduced.
Analysis of assets for virtual reality applications in neuropsychology

Abstract Virtual reality (VR) technology offers new opportunities for the development of innovative neuropsychological assessment and rehabilitation tools. VR-based testing and training scenarios that would be difficult, if not impossible, to deliver using conventional neuropsychological methods are now being developed that take advantage of the assets available with VR technology. If empirical studies continue to demonstrate effectiveness, virtual environment applications could provide new options for targeting cognitive and functional impairments due to traumatic brain injury, neurological disorders, and learning disabilities. This article focuses on specifying the assets that are available with VR for neuropsychological applications along with discussion of current VR-based research that serves to illustrate each asset. VR allows for the precise presentation and control of dynamic multi-sensory 3D stimulus environments, as well as providing advanced methods for recording behavioural responses. This serves as the basis for a diverse set of VR assets for neuropsychological approaches that are detailed in this article. We take the position that when combining these assets within the context of functionally relevant, ecologically valid virtual environments, fundamental advancements can emerge in how human cognition and functional behaviour is assessed and rehabilitated.
The Eltrombopag antitumor effect on hepatocellular carcinoma

Currently, sorafenib is the only available chemotherapeutic agent for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but it cannot be used in patients with liver cirrhosis (LC) or thrombocytopenia. In these cases, sorafenib is likely effective if given in combination with treatments that increase the number of platelets, such as thrombopoietin (TPO) receptor agonists. Increasing the platelet count via TPO treatment resulted in reduction of LC. Eltrombopag (EP), a TPO receptor agonist, has been reported to have antitumor effects against certain cancers, despite their lack of TPO receptor expression. We hypothesized that EP may possess antitumor activity against HCC in addition to its ability to suppress hepatic fibrosis by increasing the platelet count. In the present study, the antitumor activity of EP was examined by assessing the inhibition of cell proliferation and then ascertaining the ability of iron supplementation to reverse these effects in HepG2, Hep3B and Huh7 cells. In addition, a cell cycle assay was performed using flow cytometry, and signal transduction was evaluated by analyzing cell cycle-related protein expression. The results of EP were compared with those of the most common iron chelator, deferoxamine (DFO). The combined effect of EP and sorafenib was also assessed. The results revealed that EP exerts antitumor activity in HCC that is mediated by the modulation of intracellular iron content. EP suppressed the expression of the cell cycle-related protein cyclin D1 and elicited cell cycle arrest in the G0/G1 phase. The activity of EP was comparable to that of DFO in HCC, and EP did not compete with sorafenib at low concentrations. In conclusion, our findings suggest that EP is a good candidate chemotherapeutic agent for the treatment of HCC in patients with LC and thrombocytopenia.
Route discovery and reconstruction in mobile ad hoe networks

The dynamic topology of ad hoc networks makes route discovery and reconstruction a non-trivial task. In this work we propose the use of mobility prediction to assist in ad hoc routing. A method of route discovery and route reconstruction using the sectorized mobility prediction technique is presented. Simulation and analytical results of the proposed routing strategy find it to offer considerable reduction in the amount of routing traffic generated during the route discovery phase.
Spatial cue reliability drives frequency tuning in the barn Owl's midbrain

The robust representation of the environment from unreliable sensory cues is vital for the efficient function of the brain. However, how the neural processing captures the most reliable cues is unknown. The interaural time difference (ITD) is the primary cue to localize sound in horizontal space. ITD is encoded in the firing rate of neurons that detect interaural phase difference (IPD). Due to the filtering effect of the head, IPD for a given location varies depending on the environmental context. We found that, in barn owls, at each location there is a frequency range where the head filtering yields the most reliable IPDs across contexts. Remarkably, the frequency tuning of space-specific neurons in the owl's midbrain varies with their preferred sound location, matching the range that carries the most reliable IPD. Thus, frequency tuning in the owl's space-specific neurons reflects a higher-order feature of the code that captures cue reliability. DOI: http://dx.doi. org/10.7554/eLife.04854. 001
Envy and egalitarianism in Aboriginal Australia: An integrative approach

The word ‘envy’ directs attention to feelings and cognitions that are especially important sources of information in our complicated sociality. As it is delimited by philosophers, economists, psychologists and others, envy is conceptually nested within a family that includes evil eye beliefs, inequity aversion, strong reciprocity and social comparison. Although the accumulation of work in these areas is substantial, anthropological treatments of envy are rare. Given repeated assertions of envy's universality and its potential importance for understanding widespread aspects of the human condition, a comparative eye seems essential. I present an account of ‘jealous’ in Aboriginal Australia via a framework that casts emotions as emerging from the interaction of psychobiological and sociocultural processes. According to this perspective, ‘envy’ should not be regarded as an invariant human condition but rather as a Western version of what, in a more generic human form, may both defend the individual and the larger sociality.
Ethnicity, conflict and peace‐building: effects of European football support in Nigeria

In recent times, sport has been exploited as a tool for engendering peace in communities, cities and between nations of the world. At the same time, questions and doubts have been raised as to whether sport has the capacity to transform individuals, and conflict/violent behaviours. This study, a participatory research, observed the influence of football fanaticism/support in bringing together youths and non‐youths alike to develop a new sense of identity (ethnicity), different from those based on primordial factors, of common descent, language, religion and cultural heritage, which raise growing concern for violent conflict. It was discovered that football's capacity to integrate people was high but could, if not controlled, produce another form of ethnic conflict based on club identity. It was recommended that if sport (football) is to be designed for peace‐building, tolerance education must be introduced for football lovers.
Genetic analysis of mutants affected in the Pst inorganic phosphate transport system

A number of mutant alleles affecting the Pst phosphate transport system have been divided into three complementation groups on the basis of constitutive alkaline phosphatase activity in appropriate partial diploid strains. The three complementation groups were represented by the alleles pstA2 and phoT32 and the newly described allele pstB401. The two alleles phoS28 and phoS21 appeared to be polar. The phoS28 allele affected both the phoT and pstB genes but not the pstA gene, whereas the phoS21 allele appeared to be a mutation in the pstA gene exerting polar effects on both the pstB and phoT genes. It was concluded that the three genes pstA, pstB, and phoT were part of an operon and that the phosphate-binding protein was not coded for by any of these genes. The phoS gene, defined as the structural gene for the phosphate-binding protein, is also part of the operon, but the phoS28 and phoS21 alleles are not mutations in the phoS gene and were reclassified as pho-28 and pho-21 alleles. The gene order was concluded to be pstA-(pstB-phoT)-phoS, with the pstA gene promotor proximal and the direction of transcription opposite to that of the nearby unc operon.
Deblurring of point cloud attributes in graph spectral domain

We propose a deblurring algorithm of point cloud attributes inspired by multi-Wiener SURE-LET deconvolution. The image reconstructed by the SURE-LET approach is expressed as a linear combination of multiple filtered images by the filters defined on the frequency domain. The coefficients of the linear combination are calculated so that the estimate of mean squared error between the original and restored images is minimized. However, since the SURE-LET approach is only adjusted to images, it cannot directly be applied to point cloud attributes, e.g., texture data on 3D models, since they cannot be transformed to their frequency domain. To overcome the problem, we use graph signal processing (GSP) for deblurring the complex-structured data. That is, the SURE-LET approach is redefined on GSP, where the Wiener-like filtering is followed by the subband decomposition with an analysis graph filter bank, and then thresholding for each subband is performed. In the experiments, the proposed method is applied to blurred textures on 3D models, and the experimental results show clearly deblurred textures on a 3D model and present good SNRs.
Performance Analysis of Wavelet Based MC-CDMA System with Implementation of Various Antenna Diversity Schemes

The impact of using wavelet based technique on the performance of a MC-CDMA wireless communication system has been investigated. The system under proposed study incorporates Walsh Hadamard codes to discriminate the message signal for individual user. A computer program written in Mathlab source code is developed and this simulation study is made with implementation of various antenna diversity schemes and fading (Rayleigh and Rician) channel. Computer simulation results demonstrate that the proposed wavelet based MC-CDMA system outperforms in Alamouti (two transmit antenna and one receive antenna) under AWGN and Rician channel.
Mechanism of action of the growth hormone secretagogue, L-692,585, on isolated porcine somatotropes.

The effects of a GH secretagogue, L-692,585 (L-585), and human GH-releasing hormone (hGHRH) on calcium transient and GH release were investigated in isolated porcine pituitary cells using calcium imaging and the reverse hemolytic plaque assay (RHPA). Somatotropes were functionally identified by the application of hGHRH. All cells that responded to hGHRH responded to L-585 application. Perfusion application of 10 microM hGHRH and L-585 for 2 min resulted in an increase in intracellular calcium concentrations ([Ca(2+)](i)) of 53+/-1 nM (mean+/-S.E.M.) (P < 0.01) and 68+/-2 nM (P < 0.01) respectively. The L-585 response was characterized by an initial increase in [Ca(2+)](i) followed by a decline to a plateau level above the baseline. Concurrent calcium imaging with RHPA indicated that the L-585-evoked increase in [Ca(2+)](i) coincided with GH release. L-585 significantly increased the percentage of plaque-forming cells (24+/-3 vs 40+/-6%; P < 0.05) and mean area of plaques (1892+/-177 vs 3641+/-189 micro m(2); P < 0.01) indicating increased GH release. Substance P (SP) analogue ([d -Arg(1),d -Phe(5),d -Trp(7,11)]-SP) blocked, and the hGHRH receptor antagonist ((Phenylac-Tyr(1),d -Arg(2), p-chloro-Phe(6), Homoarg(9), Tyr (Me)(10), Abu(15), Nle(27),d -Arg(28), Homoarg(29))-GRF (1-29) amide) decreased the stimulatory effect of hGHRH. These failed to block the stimulatory effect of L-585, suggesting a different receptor for L-585 from the GHRH receptor. The hGHRH-induced calcium transients and initial peak increase induced by L-585 were significantly decreased by removal of calcium from the bathing medium or the addition of nifedipine, an L-calcium channel blocker. The plateau component of L-585-induced calcium change was abolished by removal of calcium and nifedipine. These results suggest an involvement of calcium channels in GH release. Either SQ-22536, an adenylate cyclase inhibitor, or U73122, a phospholipase C (PLC) inhibitor, blocked the stimulatory effects of hGHRH and L-585 on [Ca(2+)](i) transient, indicating the involvement of adenylate cyclase-cAMP and PLC-inositol triphosphate pathways. These results further suggested that calcium mobilization from internal stores during the first phase of the L-585 response induced an increase in [Ca(2+)](i) whereas calcium influx during the second phase is a consequence of somatotrope depolarization.
Motivational Interventions That Work: Themes and Remaining Issues

We highlight major themes emerging from the articles in this special issue. These themes include (a) the importance of theoretical frameworks and clearly defined constructs for guiding the development of interventions, (b) a consideration of intervention effects on ethnic minority children, (c) the importance of positive social interactions and relationships among teachers and peers in school as a foundation for students' adjustment to and achievement in school, (d) the need for intervention programs to use strong research designs and measures to test their effectiveness, and (e) the importance of considering developmental issues when designing interventions. Issues with respect to each theme are discussed.
A New Adaptive Aggregation Algorithm for Infinite Horizon Dynamic Programming

Dynamic programming suffers the “curse of dimensionality” when it is employed for complex control systems. State aggregation is used to solve the problem and accelerate computation by looking for a sub-optimal policy. In this paper, a new method, which converges much faster than conventional aggregated value iteration based on TD(0), is proposed for computing the value functions of the aggregated system. Preliminary results show that the new method increases the speed of convergence impressively. Aggregation introduces errors inevitably. An adaptive aggregation scheme employing the new computation method is also proposed to reduce the aggregation errors.