Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Blockage of Mouse Muscle Nicotinic Receptors by Serotonergic Compounds

Xenopus laevis oocytes were used to analyse the effects of serotonin (5‐hydroxytryptamine, 5‐HT) and serotonergic agents on ionic currents elicited by the activation of mammalian muscle nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (AChRs). 5‐HT as well as other serotonergic agents, such as ketanserin, 8‐hydroxy‐2‐(di‐n‐propylamino)tetralin (8‐OH‐DPAT), methysergide, spiperone, or fluoxetine alone (up to 1 mM), did not elicit membrane currents in Xenopus oocytes expressing AChRs, but they reversibly reduced the current elicited by acetylcholine (ACh‐current). Serotonin was applied before, together with or after ACh application, and its effects were examined on desensitizing and non‐desensitizing ACh‐currents. 5‐HT reduced the amplitude and accelerated the desensitization of the desensitizing currents. In contrast, non‐desensitizing currents were reduced in amplitude but their time course was not significantly affected. With the same concentration of 5‐HT the inhibition was stronger on desensitizing than on non‐desensitizing ACh‐currents. For example, 100 μM 5‐HT reduced the peak of a desensitizing ACh‐current to 0·48 ± 0·06 (peak current ratio) and after 40 s the current was reduced to a ratio of 0·25 ± 0·04, whereas a non‐desensitizing ACh‐current was reduced to a ratio of 0·66 ± 0·01. All the serotonergic agents tested inhibited the ACh‐currents rapidly and reversibly, suggesting that they are acting directly on the AChRs. The half‐inhibitory concentration, IC50, of 5‐HT acting on non‐desensitizing currents elicited by 250 nM ACh was 247 ± 26 μM and the Hill coefficient was [sim]0.88, suggesting a single site for the interaction of 5‐HT with the receptor. It appears that 5‐HT inhibits AChRs non‐competitively because neither the half‐effective concentration of ACh, EC50, for ACh‐current nor the Hill coefficient were affected by 5‐HT. Furthermore, the extent of inhibition of 5‐HT on AChRs did not depend on the nicotinic agonist (suberyldicholine, ACh or nicotine). The inhibition of AChRs by serotonergic agents was voltage‐dependent. The electrical distance of the binding site for 5‐HT was [sim]0.75, whereas for the other serotonergic agents tested it was [sim]0.22, suggesting that ketanserin, 8‐OH‐DPAT, methysergide, spiperone and fluoxetine act within the ion channel, but at a site more external than that for 5‐HT. These substances inhibited the ACh‐current more potently than 5‐HT. We conclude that 5‐HT and serotonergic agents inhibit, in a non‐competitive manner, the ACh‐current in muscle AChRs by blocking the open receptor‐channel complex. Moreover, 5‐HT appears to promote the desensitized state of the receptor when the current is elicited by high ACh concentrations.
Perceived emotional intelligence and social competence in neglected adolescents

ABSTRACT This research work analyses the emotional intelligence (EI) and the social cognitive attitudes and strategies in adolescents between 12 and 17 years of age in residential care. The aim of the work is to identify those aspects that hinder their socio-emotional competence, requiring a more urgent intervention. We explore the presence of significant differences between the variables under study according to gender and age range (12–14 and 15–17) and we analyse the relationship between the dimensions of their EI and their social competence. The results show a lack of EI in these adolescents, with all three dimensions being affected: emotional attention, clarity of feelings and emotional repair. As for social competence, it can be seen that the adolescents are characterised by a lack of confidence and firmness in their interactions. Worthy of note is the impulsive cognitive style, as are the rigidity of thought and the tendency towards social mistrust and suspicion. There are many difficulties concerning the strategies for resolving social problems. This research highlights the need to design training programmes for the residential care centres that will favour their socio-emotional development.
Tejas: A java based versatile micro-architectural simulator

In this paper, we present the design of a new Java based, cycle-accurate, heterogeneous architectural simulator, Tejas. Tejas is a trace driven simulator, which is platform-independent. It can simulate binaries in any ISA and corresponding to virtually any operating system. It can itself run on virtually any machine. It is one of the fastest cycle accurate simulators available in academia. This is achieved through employing optimized data structures, improving the simulator's cache locality, and reducing the amount of wasteful work done. Tejas offers a rich library of architectural features that are modular and highly configurable. Tejas has been validated against real hardware (Dell PowerEdge R620 server) and has been shown to be more accurate than some of the most popular architectural simulators.
Heap profiling of lazy functional programs

Abstract We describe the design, implementation and use of a new kind of profiling tool that yields valuable information about the memory use of lazy functional programs. The tool has two parts: a modified functional language implementation which generates profiling information during the execution of programs, and a separate program which converts this information to graphical form. With the aid of profile graphs, one can make alterations to a functional program which dramatically reduce its space consumption. We demonstrate this in the case of a genuine example - the first to which the tool was applied - for which the results are strikingly successful.
A 24-week open-label extension study of memantine in moderate to severe Alzheimer disease.

BACKGROUND This study is an extension of a 28-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of memantine in 252 patients with moderate to severe Alzheimer disease. OBJECTIVE To evaluate long-term memantine treatment in moderate to severe Alzheimer disease. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PATIENTS Open-label, 24-week extension trial. Raters remained blind to the patients' initial study treatment. Patients (n = 175) were enrolled from the previous double-blind study in an outpatient setting. INTERVENTION Twenty mg of memantine was given daily. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Efficacy assessments from the double-blind study were continued and safety parameters were monitored. RESULTS Patients who switched to memantine treatment from their previous placebo therapy experienced a significant benefit in all main efficacy assessments (functional, global, and cognitive) relative to their mean rate of decline with placebo treatment during the double-blind period (P<.05). The completion rate for the extension phase of the study was high (78%) and the favorable adverse event profile for memantine therapy was similar to that seen in the double-blind study. CONCLUSION These results extend previous findings that demonstrated the efficacy and safety of memantine in the treatment of patients with moderate to severe Alzheimer disease.
Agreement in presence of noise: pseudogradients on random geometric networks

We consider the agreement problem over realizations of a (Poisson) random geometric network with noisy interconnections. The vertices of random geometric networks are assumed to be uniformly distributed on the unit square; an edge exists between a pair of vertices if the distance between them is less than or equal to a given threshold. Our treatment of the agreement problem in such a setting relies upon notions from stochastic stability. In this venue, we show that the noisy agreement protocol has a guaranteed convergence with probability one, provided that an embedded step size parameter meets certain constraints. These constraints turn out to closely related to the spectra of the underlying graph Laplacian. Moreover, we point out the ramifications of having noisy networks by establishing connections between rate of convergence of the protocol and the range threshold in random geometric graphs.
Macrophage role in the anti-prostate cancer response to one class of antiangiogenic agents.

BACKGROUND Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) can either promote angiogenesis (i.e., the formation of new blood vessels) in tumors by secreting tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) or inhibit angiogenesis by producing granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), which in turn stimulates production of the antiangiogenic protein plasminogen activator inhibitor type 2 (PAI-2). We tested, alone or in combination, the anti-prostate cancer activity of agents that perturb macrophage function. METHODS By use of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, we measured the effects of Linomide (roquinimex), thalidomide, pentoxifylline, and genistein on TNF-alpha and GM-CSF production in vitro by virally transformed RAW 264.7 mouse macrophages and on PAI-2 production in vitro by human macrophages. The antitumor effects of these agents were tested in vivo on transplanted Dunning R-3327 MAT-Lu rat prostate cancers; TAM numbers and blood vessel densities in these cancers were determined by use of immunocytochemistry. RESULTS Linomide selectively inhibited mouse macrophage secretion of TNF-alpha but not of GM-CSF; however, thalidomide, pentoxifylline, and genistein inhibited the production of both cytokines. Linomide, but not thalidomide or pentoxifylline, increased production of PAI-2 by human macrophages. When administered to rats bearing MAT-Lu tumors, each of the tested agents reduced TAM numbers (Linomide, by 46%; thalidomide, by 94%; pentoxifylline, by 71%; and genistein, by 96%). However, all of the agents reduced tumor blood vessel density and tumor growth, with Linomide being the most effective (44% reduction in blood vessel density and 69% inhibition of tumor growth). None of the other agents potentiated Linomide's antitumor effect. CONCLUSIONS Linomide is unique among the antiangiogenic agents tested, in that it inhibits the stimulatory effects of TAMs on tumor angiogenesis without eliminating their antiangiogenic effects, and may thus prove to be more effective against prostate cancer.
From real life to real life: bringing ‘double awareness’ from Action Learning programmes into organisational reality

ABSTRACT In Action Learning programmes, it is held central to work on real business challenges (task) while learning about team and self (process); staying mindful aware of the process is referred to in this paper as ‘double awareness’, and emphasises noticing and acting on process cues while working on the task. As business challenges within Action Learning programmes are real, pertinent, and worked with in the context of the organisation, implementation of potential solutions to the challenges is proved to be efficient. However, less is known of how individual participants manage to stay with double awareness upon re-entry into the organisational routines left behind. The aim of this paper is to explore when, why, and how participants manage to maintain double awareness and act on what they notice when back in organisational reality – and what characterise the moments where they struggle to do so. A study will be shared, where participants have been followed for a period of time after an Action Learning-programme. The study takes a psychodynamic stance and contributes to the knowledge of the individual re-entry by exploring individual, group and organisational dynamics promoting and hindering double awareness. The concepts ‘mindful avoidance’ and ‘mindful alertness’ are introduced as essential conceptual findings. Finally the paper will explore how the overall findings can be applied back into Action Learning-methodology as enablers for improvement.
Degrees of Freedom of the K User M×N MIMO Interference Channel

An apparatus is provided which facilitates the controlled rotative positioning of a suspended planter. The apparatus is comprised of a cylindrical outer member and an internal member in sliding engagement with said outer member and coaxially positioned therewith. The internal member is provided with two spaced arrays of teeth so arranged that, when one member is upwardly displaced with respect to the other member, bearing means associated with said outer member induce rotative motion of one of said members. Restoring means acting between said members causes said upward displacement when downward force is removed therefrom. Attachment means associated with each member facilitates suspension of the apparatus from an overhead support and suspension of a planter from that member which undergoes rotative motion.
Estimating percentile‐specific treatment effects in counterfactual models: a case‐study of micronutrient supplementation, birth weight and infant mortality

Summary. Clinical trials of micronutrient supplementation are aimed at reducing the risk of infant mortality by increasing birth weight. Because infant mortality is greatest among the low birth weight (LBW) infants (2500 g or under), an effective intervention increases the birth weight among the smallest babies. The paper defines population and counterfactual parameters for estimating the treatment effects on birth weight and on survival as functions of the percentiles of the birth weight distribution. We use a Bayesian approach with data augmentation to approximate the posterior distributions of the parameters, taking into account uncertainty that is associated with the imputation of the counterfactuals. This approach is particularly suitable for exploring the sensitivity of the results to unverifiable modelling assumptions and other prior beliefs. We estimate that the average causal effect of the treatment on birth weight is 72 g (95% posterior regions 33–110 g) and that this causal effect is largest among the LBW infants. Posterior inferences about average causal effects of the treatment on birth weight are robust to modelling assumptions. However, inferences about causal effects for babies at the tails of the birth weight distribution can be highly sensitive to the unverifiable assumption about the correl‐ation between the observed and the counterfactuals birth weights. Among the LBW infants who have a large causal effect of the treatment on birth weight, we estimate that a baby receiving the treatment has 5% less chance of death than if the same baby had received the control. Among the LBW infants, we found weak evidence supporting an additional beneficial effect of the treatment on mortality independent of birth weight.
Differences in interpretation of implication

In a study in which 242 adults interpreted implicative statements by making . judgments of compatibility between sentences and pictures, three patterns of interpretation were found: conjunctive, equivalent, and implicative. There were marked differences across situations (binary or nonbinary) described by the sentences and across groups of subjects (arts or science students). From a learning viewpoint, the three patterns were hierarchically organized in the above order. Subjects gave significantly fewer conjunctive and more implicative interpretations in a transfer task. The presence of conjunctive and implicative patterns may be attributed to implicit conventions of logic and the natural languages. It is generally agreed that among the logical connectives, implication is the one that carries the most problems. Indeed, despite the number of studies that have been devoted to it, most questions remain unanswered. Braine (1978) has presented a formalization of the natural logic in which the status of the connective "if . then" plays a central role; in his system, "if . then" is the interpretation (in the axiomatic sense) of the inference line that is one of the primitive symbols of the system. According to Braine, it follows from this identification that for "ordinary users" (that is, nonlogicians) sentences of the form "if p then q" should be construed as irrelevant when p is not true because the inference just cannot be applied. This category of interpretation had been suggested earlier by Wason (1966), and its existence was later partly (Wason, 1968) or completely (Johnson-Laird & Tagart, 1969; Legrenzi, 1970) confirmed. When p and q are true the sentence is evaluated as true, and when p is true and q false it is evaluated as false. Therefore, this interpretation makes use of the three truth values (true, false, irrelevant), which is why Wason called it "defective" in reference to the two-valued truth tables of propositional logic. By deriving an inferential scheme, Braine showed that in his system "if p then q" has the same truth value as the material implica
An unsupervised-based dynamic feature selection for classification tasks

Recently, the number of features in different problem domains has grown enormously. In order to select the best representation (attributes) for these problems, a deep knowledge of the problem domain is required. As this type of knowledge is not always possible, feature selection needs to be applied as an automatic selection process of the most relevant attributes in a dataset. In this paper, we propose a new dynamic feature selection technique using data clustering algorithms to select features in a dynamic way and the selected features will be used in classification methods. Our technique aims to select the best attributes for a group of instances rather than to the entire dataset, leading to a dynamic way to select attributes. We will also carry out an empirical analysis using well-known existing methods. Our findings indicated gains when comparing the proposed methods to the existing ones, for the majority of cases.
Beyond Access

We explore how social safety nets shape the utilization of services in a free health care clinic. Sociological research demonstrates that social interactions greatly influence decision making and help-seeking behaviors. However, little is known about the role of community-based organizations (CBOs) in this process and whether the effect of social safety nets varies across different types of services. Using original survey data from 1,044 patients at a free health care clinic, we find clear evidence that one’s social safety net, comprising CBOs and health-related discussion network ties, significantly affects the utilization of specialty care. Patients who are embedded in a social safety net are more likely than others to use these types of services. Importantly, this pattern does not hold for a patient’s use of primary care services. Our findings emphasize the importance of further examining the role of social safety nets, once access to health care is guaranteed.
A traveling-wave resonant tunnel diode pulse generator

Traveling-wave resonant funnel diode (TWRTD) pulse generators comprising transmission lines periodically loaded by GaAs/AlAs resonant tunnel diodes (RTD's) are fabricated. The TWRTD pulse generators have convolved transition times of 3.5 ps when measured with an active probe. Using identical RTD's, TWRTD pulse generators can attain smaller transition times than those obtained with switching circuits employing a single RTD. <<ETX>>
Exploring Learning Pattern in Social Network

The advancement of social blog, Tweeter and Face Book has improvised the broad consumer to influence the public opinion and feasibility of brands. Therefore opinion mining and related verticals are of equal importance in prediction as well as in social networked paradigms. We envisage different learning pattern of learning in social network in the form colouring (a social differentiation task) and consensus (a social agreement task) in a networked setting. We investigate the influence that subjects have on their network neighbours and the collective outcome, and find that it varies considerably. The basis of social network information is uncertain in nature hence the learning pattern becomes unsupervised and it takes substantial time to differentiate and aggregate un likely to other conventional network based learning. The paper also explores the possibilities of automated flavour of learning, and decision making with in case consumer consensus on web, which broadly solicits social networking based decision support activities.
Segmentation of Lung on CT Images Using Robust Active Shape Model (RASM) and Tumour Location Using Morphological Processing

This paper presents a Computer Aided Detection method in Computed Tomography (CT) images of lungs using mathematical morphological operations, Early detection and treatment of lung cancer can greatly improve the survival rate of patient. Segmentation is one of the important step in analysing medical images, RASM segmentation is carried out in this paper. Pre-processing is carried out with the help of Gaussian filter in order to remove the speckle noise and the contrast of the image is improved by mean filter. Tumour location is performed using morphological processing
Accurate computer‐aided quantification of left ventricular parameters: Experience in 1555 cardiac magnetic resonance studies from the Framingham Heart Study

Quantitative analysis of short‐axis functional cardiac magnetic resonance images can be performed using automatic contour detection methods. The resulting myocardial contours must be reviewed and possibly corrected, which can be time‐consuming, particularly when performed across all cardiac phases. We quantified the impact of manual contour corrections on both analysis time and quantitative measurements obtained from left ventricular short‐axis cine images acquired from 1555 participants of the Framingham Heart Study Offspring cohort using computer‐aided contour detection methods. The total analysis time for a single case was 7.6 ± 1.7 min for an average of 221 ± 36 myocardial contours per participant. This included 4.8 ± 1.6 min for manual contour correction of 2% of all automatically detected endocardial contours and 8% of all automatically detected epicardial contours. However, the impact of these corrections on global left ventricular parameters was limited, introducing differences of 0.4 ± 4.1 mL for end‐diastolic volume, −0.3 ± 2.9 mL for end‐systolic volume, 0.7 ± 3.1 mL for stroke volume, and 0.3 ± 1.8% for ejection fraction. We conclude that left ventricular functional parameters can be obtained under 5 min from short‐axis functional cardiac magnetic resonance images using automatic contour detection methods. Manual correction more than doubles analysis time, with minimal impact on left ventricular volumes and ejection fraction. Magn Reson Med, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.