Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Genetic dissection of light-induced Ca2+ influx into Drosophila photoreceptors

Invertebrate photoreceptors use the inositol-lipid signaling cascade for phototransduction. A useful approach to dissect this pathway and its regulation has been provided by the isolation of Drosophila visual mutants. We measured extracellular changes of Ca2+ [delta Ca2+]o in Drosophila retina using Ca(2+)-selective microelectrodes in both the transient receptor potential (trp) mutant, in which the calcium permeability of the light-sensitive channels is greatly diminished and in the inactivation-but-no-afterpotential C (inaC) mutant which lacks photoreceptor-specific protein kinase C (PKC). Illumination induced a decrease in extracellular [Ca2+] with kinetics and magnitude that changed with light intensity. Compared to wild-type, the light-induced decrease in [Ca2+]o (the Ca2+ signal) was diminished in trp but significantly enhanced in inaC. The enhanced Ca2+ signal was diminished in the double mutant inaC;trp indicating that the effect of the trp mutation overrides the enhancement observed in the absence of eye-PKC. We suggest that the decrease in [Ca2+]o reflects light-induced Ca2+ influx into the photoreceptors and that the trp mutation blocks a large fraction of this Ca2+ influx, while the absence of eye specific PKC leads to enhancement of light-induced Ca2+ influx. This suggestion was supported by Ca2+ measurements in isolated ommatidia loaded with the fluorescent Ca2+ indicator, Ca Green-5N, which indicated an approximately threefold larger light-induced increase in cellular Ca2+ in inaC relative to WT. Our observations are consistent with the hypothesis that TRP is a light activated Ca2+ channel and that the increased Ca2+ influx observed in the absence of PKC is mediated mainly via the TRP channel.
Better Teaching through Provocation

ty is particularly salient in teaching intro ductory philosophy courses in which teachers try to foster abstract thinking within an active classroom environment. Active learning is bolstered by an ap proach that emphasizes creative problem solving, Socratic teaching methods, and critical thinking.2 And active learning often begins with a question.3 Perhaps the thoughtful use of questions is indeed the quintessential activity of an effective teacher, and in fact the use of questions is as old as teaching itself. Despite those techniques, philosophi cal inquiry can sometimes lead to eso teric, pedantic, or even banal approaches to teaching that leave the neophyte intel lectually lost or detached from the learn ing process. What often seems to be miss ing is the student's personal investment in the subject matter. Because of the sophis tication and subtlety of philosophical minutiae, students may sometimes detach
Combined temporal and spectral multi-resolution phonetic modelling

* This work is supported by EPSRC grant GR/L60463 ABSTRACT Incorporating discriminative strengths from alternative acoustic models is an important topic of recent increasing interest. Multi-resolution sub-band models and a novel phonetic segmental model independently achieve improvements on HMMs with standard MFCCs of 70.21% and 70.63% respectively from a baseline TIMIT classification score of 66.4%. Discriminatively trained weighted combination of the log likelihood scores from these acoustic modelling strategies is shown to successfully extend the performance to 72.6%.
On Minimizing the Impact of Mobility on Topology Control in Mobile Ad Hoc Networks

Although topology control has received much attention in stationary sensor networks by effectively minimizing energy consumption, reducing interference, and shortening end-to-end delay, the transience of mobile nodes in Mobile Ad hoc Networks (MANETs) renders topology control a great challenge. To circumvent the transitory nature of mobile nodes, k-edge connected topology control algorithms have been proposed to construct robust topologies for mobile networks. However, uniformly using the value of k for localized topology control algorithms in any local graph is not effective because nodes move at different speeds. Moreover, the existing k-edge connected topology control algorithms need to determine the value of k a priori, but moving speeds of nodes are unpredictable, and therefore, these algorithms are not practical in MANETs. A dynamic method is proposed in this paper to effectively employ k-edge connected topology control algorithms in MANETs. The proposed method automatically determines the appropriate value of k for each local graph based on local information while ensuring the required connectivity ratio of the whole network. The results show that the dynamic method can enhance the practicality and scalability of existing k-edge connected topology control algorithms while guaranteeing the network connectivity.
The Effects of Text Manipulation and Multiple Reading Strategies on the Reading Performance of Good and Poor Readers.

THE SINGULAR and combined effectiveness of phrasing and repeated readings (practice) on the recall of idea units and narrative categories was explored in this study. Forty-five fifthgrade good and poor readers read short passages under one of four conditions: phrased-practice, phrased-nonpractice, nonphrased-practice, and nonphrased-nonpractice. Two recall scores were obtained, free recall and cumulative recall which included probes and direct questions following the subject's free recall. Practice rather than phrasing proved to have the most facilitating effect on poor readers' recall of idea units in both the free recall and cumulative recall situations. This effect was not maintained, however, when recall was examined at the level of narrative categories.
Understanding the User Display Names across Social Networks

The display names that an individual uses in various online social networks always contain some redundant information because some people tend to use the similar names across different networks to make them easier to remember or to build their online reputation. In this paper, we aim to measure the redundant information between different display names of the same individual. Based on the crosssite linking function, we first develop a specific distributed crawler to extract the display names that individuals select for different social networks, and we give an overview on the display names we extracted. Then we measure and analyze the redundant information in three ways: length similarity, character similarity and letter distribution similarity, comparing with display names of different individuals. We also analyze the evolution of redundant information over time. We find 45% of users tend to use the same display name across OSNs. Our findings also demonstrate that display names of the same individual show high similarity. The evolution analysis results show that redundant information is time-independent. Awareness of the redundant information between the display names can benefit many applications, such as user identification across social networks.
IEEE 802.16J relay-based wireless access networks: an overview

Multihop wireless systems have the potential to offer improved coverage and capacity over single-hop radio access systems. Standards development organizations are considering how to incorporate such techniques into new standards. One such initiative is the IEEE 802.16j standardization activity, adding relay capabilities to IEEE 802.16 systems. This article provides an overview of this relay-based technology, focusing on some of the most pertinent aspects. In particular, the different modes of operation (transparent and non-transparent), framing structures, and network entry procedures are described. Some consideration of the issues in designing such systems is then given, which highlights when different features within the standard are most appropriate. As these systems are very new, many open issues remain to be resolved.
Simultaneous Parameter Calibration, Localization, and Mapping

Abstract The calibration parameters of a mobile robot play a substantial role in navigation tasks. Often these parameters are subject to variations that depend either on changes in the environment or on the load of the robot. In this paper, we propose an approach to simultaneously estimate a map of the environment, the position of the on-board sensors of the robot, and its kinematic parameters. Our method requires no prior knowledge about the environment and relies only on a rough initial guess of the parameters of the platform. The proposed approach estimates the parameters online and it is able to adapt to non-stationary changes of the configuration. We tested our approach in simulated environments and on a wide range of real-world data using different types of robotic platforms.
Divergence-Based Soft Decision for Error Resilient Decentralized Signal Detection

In this paper, we consider decentralized detection where the transmission of local soft-decisions of the secondary users (SUs) to the fusion center (FC) is both rate-limited and error-prone. The quantized data to be sent from SUs should not only carry the local information but also need to be resilient to channel errors. With the assumption of independent and identical secondary user observations conditioned on signal hypothesis and binary symmetric channels (BSC) between SUs and the FC, we design local quantizers at a SU, based on two divergence metrics, namely Kullback-Leibler (KL) and Chernoff. Using convex duality, we show that a two-stage algorithm can be developed to take care of the quantization thresholding, codeword assignment, and error resilience. Specifically, we obtain the following results. First, we show that the proposed quantizer obtains increased divergence between the distributions of the demodulated data at the FC, when compared to the maximum entropy quantizer design. We also point out the fallacy of previously reported Gray code assignment to quantized data. Second, the quantizer optimally picks the repetition codeword in the case of “ideal” sensing at the sensors. Similar “channel blind” optimal quantizer design was observed in the literature for single-sensor case. Third, we derive new bit error probability (BEP) wall expression for D-bits soft-quantization, for specified probabilities of errors at the FC. The new result shows whether and when a majority logic rule is optimal at the FC.
2-2-2007 Feasibility of DDos Attacks with P 2 P Systems and Prevention Through Robust Membership Management

We show that malicious nodes in a peer-to-peer system may impact the external Internet environment, by causing large scale distributed denial of service attacks on nodes not eve n part of the overlay system. This is in contrast to attacks tha t disrupt the normal functioning, and performance of the over lay system itself. We formulate several principles critica l to the design of membership management protocols robust to such attacks. We show that (i) pull-based mechanisms are preferable to push-based mechanisms; (ii) it is critica l to validate membership information received by a node, and even simple probe-based techniques can be quite effective; (iii) validating information by requiring corrobaration f rom multiple sources can provide good security properties with insignificant performance penalties; and (iv) it is importa nt to bound the number of distinct logical identifier (e.g. IDs i n a DHT) corresponding to the same physical identifier (e.g., IP address), which a participating node is unable to validate. We demonstrate the importance of these principles in the context of the Kad system for file distribution, and ESM system for video broadcasting. To our knowledge, this is the first systematic study of issues in the design of membership management algorithms in peer-to-peer systems so they may be robust to attacks exploiting them for DDoS attacks on external nodes.
Influence of Wind Speed on RGB-D Images in Tree Plantations

Weather conditions can affect sensors’ readings when sampling outdoors. Although sensors are usually set up covering a wide range of conditions, their operational range must be established. In recent years, depth cameras have been shown as a promising tool for plant phenotyping and other related uses. However, the use of these devices is still challenged by prevailing field conditions. Although the influence of lighting conditions on the performance of these cameras has already been established, the effect of wind is still unknown. This study establishes the associated errors when modeling some tree characteristics at different wind speeds. A system using a Kinect v2 sensor and a custom software was tested from null wind speed up to 10 m·s−1. Two tree species with contrasting architecture, poplars and plums, were used as model plants. The results showed different responses depending on tree species and wind speed. Estimations of Leaf Area (LA) and tree volume were generally more consistent at high wind speeds in plum trees. Poplars were particularly affected by wind speeds higher than 5 m·s−1. On the contrary, height measurements were more consistent for poplars than for plum trees. These results show that the use of depth cameras for tree characterization must take into consideration wind conditions in the field. In general, 5 m·s−1 (18 km·h−1) could be established as a conservative limit for good estimations.
Multi-level analysis of cultural phenomena: The role of ERPs approach to prejudice

Brain processes and social processes are not as separated as many of our Social Psychology and Neuroscience departments. This paper discusses the potential contribution of social neuroscience to the development of a multi-level, dynamic, and context-sensitive approach to prejudice. Specifically, the authors review research on event related potentials during social bias, stereotypes, and social attitudes measurements, showing that electrophysiological methods are powerful tools for analyzing the temporal fine-dynamics of psychological processes involved in implicit and explicit prejudice. Meta-theoretical implications are drawn regarding the social psychological modeling of social attitudes, and for the integration of social neuroscience into a multi-level account of cultural behavior.
Perceptions of Resistance to Unwanted Sexual Advances

Abstract In this study we investigated which response strategies used by females against unwanted sexual advances were more likely to be interpreted as token resistance. Male and female participants were given one of seven brief scenarios which varied the type of response to an unwanted sexual advance. The participants were asked to indicate the extent to which they thought the female wanted the male to stop his advances. Also, they were asked to attribute positive and negative feelings to the female. Finally, the participants were given the Rape Myth Acceptance Scale. As predicted, the results indicated that for both males and females, the more salient and direct responses were less likely to be interpreted as token resistance. These responses also resulted in less positive feelings and more negative feelings being attributed to the female in that situation. Also, male participants whose scores on the Rape Myth Acceptance Scale indicated beliefs consistent with rape myths were more likely to interpret a .
Assemblage and functional categorization of dung beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabaeinae) from the Pantanal

The Pantanal is one of the world’s largest tropical wetland areas and harbors high mammal biomass. There is no formal list of dung beetle species, and studies on their functional roles have never being carried out in Pantanal. In this study, we identified dung beetle species occurring in the north Pantanal region (Poconé sub-region, Brazil) and studied their functional organization, by measuring morphological, behavioral and phenological traits. We collected 25,278 individuals belonging to 17 genera and 35 species. We identified eight functional groups in the habitat: Noturnal Telecoprids, Diurnal Telecoprids, Nesting Endocoprids, Small Nonrollers, Nocturnal Nester Paracoprids, Big Nesters Paracoprids, Non Nesters Paracoprids and Diurnal Nesters Paracoprids. The functional groups were defined mostly by two reproductive traits and two niche differentiation traits related to the use of fecal resources. This high diversification of both species and functional roles shows the importance of the group in a habitat with strong variation in availability of habitat and resources.
Enumerating Minimal Connected Dominating Sets in Graphs of Bounded Chordality

Listing, generating or enumerating objects of specified type is one of the principal tasks in algorithmics. In graph algorithms one often enumerates vertex subsets satisfying a certain property. We study the enumeration of all minimal connected dominating sets of an input graph from various graph classes of bounded chordality. We establish enumeration algorithms as well as lower and upper bounds for the maximum number of minimal connected dominating sets in such graphs. In particular, we present algorithms to enumerate all minimal connected dominating sets of chordal graphs in time O(1.7159^n), of split graphs in time O(1.3803^n), and of AT-free, strongly chordal, and distance-hereditary graphs in time O^*(3^{n/3}), where n is the number of vertices of the input graph. Our algorithms imply corresponding upper bounds for the number of minimal connected dominating sets for these graph classes.
Spectral and kinetic characterization of intermediates in the aromatization reaction catalyzed by NikD, an unusual amino acid oxidase.

The flavoenzyme nikD, a 2-electron acceptor, catalyzes a remarkable aromatization of piperideine-2-carboxylate (P2C) to picolinate, an essential component of nikkomycin antibiotics. Steady-state kinetic data are indicative of a sequential mechanism where oxygen reacts with a reduced enzyme.dihydropicolinate (DHP) complex. The kinetics observed for complex formation with competitive inhibitors are consistent with a one-step binding mechanism. The anaerobic reaction with P2C involves three steps. The first step yields an enzyme.substrate charge transfer complex likely to contain the electron-rich P2C enamine. Calculated rates of formation and dissociation of the nikD.P2C complex are similar to those observed for the enzyme.1-cyclohexenoate complex. Formation of a reduced enzyme.DHP complex, (EH(2). DHP)(ini), occurs in a second step that exhibits a hyperbolic dependence on substrate concentration. The limiting rate of nikD reduction is at least 10-fold faster than the turnover rate observed with unlabeled or [4,4,5,5,6,6-D(6)]-P2C and exhibits a kinetic isotope effect (KIE = 6.4). The observed KIE on K(d apparent) (4.7) indicates that P2C is a sticky substrate. Formation of a final reduced species, (EH(2). DHP)(fin), occurs in a third step that is independent of P2C concentration and equal to the observed turnover rate. The observed KIE (3.3) indicates that the final step involves cleavage of at least one C-H bond. Tautomerization, followed by isomerization, of the initial DHP intermediate can produce an isomer that could be oxidized to picolinate in a reaction that satisfies known steric constraints of flavoenzyme reactions without the need to reposition a covalently tethered flavin or tightly bound intermediate.
Resources for the Study of Social Capital

The Social Capital Web site, available in English and Italian, contains useful resources for researchers, teachers, and students interested in social capital and social interactions and in their relationship to human, social, and economic development. Social capital is a multidimensional concept that includes the set of social norms, such as social networks, and organizations that influence relations among people and constitute an asset for the production of well-being. For economics, the concept of social capital can be a useful analytical tool to understand the relational dimension of economic action and to explain some macro phenomena such as growth differentials among similar economies. The Web site contains an extensive and constantly updated reading list that can be used by teachers as a source of bibliographic references for their graduate and undergraduate students. Readings are divided into 30 sections covering topics in micro and macroeconomics, development economics, and institutional economics, both from a theoretical and an empirical point of view. For undergraduate students, the reading list provides an easy access to readings indicated by the course bibliography. For graduate students, it provides constantly updated resources for current debates, giving them the opportunity to broaden their research activity. The Web site includes other useful resources for teaching and learning economics, such as links to conferences, seminars and workshop announcements, and Web sites and databases on topics related to development, growth, and poverty.
Analytical Extraction Method for Density of States in Metal Oxide Thin-Film Transistors by Using Low-Frequency Capacitance–Voltage Characteristics

An analytical expression for density of trap states (DOS) related to the surface potential is derived from the Poisson's equation and the surface potential corresponding to certain gate-source voltage is obtained by integrating the low-frequency capacitance-voltage characteristic. It is shown that the DOS for indium-zinc-oxide thin-film transistors (IZO TFTs) may be represented by the superposition of exponential deep states and exponential tail states with the density of deep/tail states (N<sub>DA</sub> /N<sub>TA</sub>) at the conduction edge as 1.2 × 10<sup>17</sup> cm<sup>-3</sup>·eV<sup>-1</sup>/9.0 × 10<sup>17</sup> cm<sup>-3</sup>·eV<sup>-1</sup> and the characteristics energy of deep/tail states (E<sub>DA</sub> /E<sub>TA</sub>) as 5.0 eV/0.182 eV. These extracted parameters are further verified by the comparison of the measured transfer and output characteristics of IZO TFTs with the simulation results by a 2D device simulator ATLAS (Silvaco). Hence, this extraction method of DOS may be very useful for characterizing metal oxide TFTs since it is analytical, fast, and accurate.
Processing of Switch Transcripts Is Required for Targeting of Antibody Class Switch Recombination

Antibody class switching is mediated by somatic recombination between switch regions of the immunoglobulin heavy chain gene locus. Targeting of recombination to particular switch regions is strictly regulated by cytokines through the induction of switch transcripts starting 5′ of the repetitive switch regions. However, switch transcription as such is not sufficient to target switch recombination. This has been shown in mutant mice, in which the I-exon and its promoter upstream of the switch region were replaced with heterologous promoters. Here we show that, in the murine germline targeted replacement of the endogenous γ1 promoter, I-exon, and I-exon splice donor site by heterologous promoter and splice donor sites directs switch recombination in activated B lymphocytes constitutively to the γ1 switch region. In contrast, switch recombination to IgG1 is inhibited in mutant mice, in which the replacement does not include the heterologous splice donor site. Our data unequivocally demonstrate that targeting of switch recombination to IgG1 in vivo requires processing of the Iγ1 switch transcripts. Either the processing machinery or the processed transcripts are involved in class switch recombination.