Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Enhanced locomotor activity in adult rats with neonatal administration of N‐omega‐nitro‐L‐arginine

Nitric oxide (NO) is a neuronal messenger molecule that plays important roles in the development, maintenance, and functional modifications of brain circuits. We investigated whether the NO levels at different postnatal day (P) periods of the brain develop interference with the locomotion in a novel environment during the postpuberal age (P60). First, using the determination of the nitrite accumulation, we evaluated whether treatment with the NO‐synthase inhibitor N‐nitro‐L‐arginine (L‐NNA) during different neonatal ages (P1 to P3, P4 to P6, and P7 to P9) affected the levels of NO activity in different regions in the neonatal brain of the rat. We then evaluated whether the locomotor activity in the adult rat (P60) is affected by the blocking of the neonatal NO‐activity during a specific period of the development of the nervous system. Neonatal rats with L‐NNA administration at P4 to P6 and P7 to P9 show a significant decrease in the levels of NO activity in all the brain regions. However, the blocking of NO synthesis during the neonatal period between P4 to P6 produced an increase in the locomotion after puberty. These data suggest that during a specific step in the development of the brain, the NO levels may play a critical role in the structures that control the spontaneous locomotion in a novel environment after puberty. Synapse 60:264–270, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Further and higher education partnerships: the future for collaboration

Links between further and higher education are becoming increasingly popular as a means of making post-compulsory education more accessible to new groups of students and providing them with a high quality educational experience. This book considers the overall policy context, presents the variety of partnerships, assesses their effectiveness in terms of both quality and access, offers examples of good practice and explores the possible futures for partnerships. This publication contains the following chapters: Partnership imperatives: a critical appraisal / Mike Abramson; Further and higher education partnerships: the evolution of a National Policy Framework / John Bird; Finance: the bedrock of good partnerships / John Selby; Resourcing the learning experience / Peter Brophy; Ensuring quality in further and higher education partnerships / John Hilbourne; The students' experience of franchising / Sofija Opacic; Working together: further education-higher education links in Scotland / Norman Sharp and Jim Gallacher; The international dimension / Peter Lines and Kate Clarke; Smaller but beautiful: Bath College of Higher Education and Strode College, Street / Anne Stennett and Stephen Ward; The development of a franchised part-time degree programme: the local integrated colleges scheme / Alan Roff and James Lusty; Post-16 compact in Birmingham: school and college links with higher education / Stephen Bigger; Agreement on association: partnerships between the University of Bradford and Bradford and Ilkley Community College / Colin Mellors and Peter Chambers; Beyond franchising: the future of partnerships / Mike Abramson, John Bird and Anne Stennett; and Appendix: the literature of partnership: a bibliographical critique / Mike Abramson.
A moodle course to help university students develop academic writing skills

Fifth semester students enrolled in the Bachelor in Education with an Emphasis in English at a private university in Cartagena, Colombia, take content-based courses, among which is Second Language Acquisition II (SLA II) . As part of the course, students are required to read academic papers for class debates as well as writing academic reflection papers. However, the experience of one of the teacher-researchers who participated in this study reveals that at the beginning of these courses, most of the students seem to lack the necessary academic reading and writing skills to complete the assignments properly. In response to this situation, we proposed a dual pedagogical intervention that included a 15-hour pre-semester course in academic writing and a subsequent academic writing course in Moodle (a free e-learning platform). This paper describes the effect of the latter on the academic writing skills of 16 students in a SLA II class. Findings suggest that using a Moodle course might not be the most appropriate strategy to help students develop their academic writing skills in the context implemented. The evidence gathered through a survey lends support to the claim that students in our community are still not prepared to take advantages of online courses as much as they do of classroom-based instruction. Keywords : e-learning, university students, academic writing, writing skills
Olfactory coding in the insect brain: molecular receptive ranges, spatial and temporal coding

Odor information is coded in the insect brain in a sequence of steps, ranging from the receptor cells, via the neural network in the antennal lobe, to higher order brain centers, among which the mushroom bodies and the lateral horn are the most prominent. Across all of these processing steps, coding logic is combinatorial, in the sense that information is represented as patterns of activity across a population of neurons, rather than in individual neurons. Because different neurons are located in different places, such a coding logic is often termed spatial, and can be visualized with optical imaging techniques. We employ in vivo calcium imaging in order to record odor‐evoked activity patterns in olfactory receptor neurons, different populations of local neurons in the antennal lobes, projection neurons linking antennal lobes to the mushroom bodies, and the intrinsic cells of the mushroom bodies themselves, the Kenyon cells. These studies confirm the combinatorial nature of coding at all of these stages. However, the transmission of odor‐evoked activity patterns from projection neuron dendrites via their axon terminals onto Kenyon cells is accompanied by a progressive sparsening of the population code. Activity patterns also show characteristic temporal properties. While a part of the temporal response properties reflect the physical sequence of odor filaments, another part is generated by local neuron networks. In honeybees, γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA)‐ergic and histaminergic neurons both contribute inhibitory networks to the antennal lobe. Interestingly, temporal properties differ markedly in different brain areas. In particular, in the antennal lobe odor‐evoked activity develops over slow time courses, while responses in Kenyon cells are phasic and transient. The termination of an odor stimulus is reflected by a decrease in activity within most glomeruli of the antennal lobe and an off‐response in some glomeruli, while in the mushroom bodies about half of the odor‐activated Kenyon cells also exhibit off‐responses.
A Granger Causality Measure for Point Process Models of Neural Spiking Activity

A network-centric view of brain function that is becoming more widely accepted would benefit from the directional interaction information that occurs between multiple neurons. Granger causality has been used previously to address this need, but previous methods can only operate on continuos-value data sets. This prevents it from being directly applied directly to neural spike train data so previous attempts have involved smoothing, binning, etc. to address this. Recently a point process framework that enables Granger causality to be applied to point process data was proposed. The newly proposed framework was used to investigate network interactions proposed in previous assignments to verify that the correct minimal generative model graph could be recovered from just the raw simulated neural spike train data. The interactions and non interactions present in the simulated networks were indeed recovered.
Simple application of fibronectin–mimetic coating enhances osseointegration of titanium implants

Integrin‐mediated cell adhesion to biomolecules adsorbed onto biomedical devices regulates device integration and performance. Because of the central role of integrin‐fibronectin (FN) interactions in osteoblastic function and bone formation, we evaluated the ability of FN‐inspired biomolecular coatings to promote osteoblastic differentiation and implant osseointegration. Notably, these biomolecular coatings relied on physical adsorption of FN‐based ligands onto biomedical‐grade titanium as a simple, clinically translatable strategy to functionalize medical implants. Surfaces coated with a recombinant fragment of FN spanning the central cell binding domain enhanced osteoblastic differentiation and mineralization in bone marrow stromal cell cultures and increased implant osseointegration in a rat cortical bone model compared to passively adsorbed arginine–glycine–aspartic acid peptides, serum proteins and full‐length FN. Differences in biological responses correlated with integrin binding specificity and signalling among surface coatings. This work validates a simple, clinically translatable, surface biofunctionalization strategy to enhance biomedical device integration.
An Experimental Test of Combinatorial Information Markets John Ledyard California Institute of Technology

While a simple information market lets one trade on the probability of each value of a single variable, a combinatorial information market lets one trade on any combination of a set of variables, including any conditional or joint probability. In laboratory experiments, we compare the accuracy of simple markets, two kinds of combinatorial markets, a call market and a market maker, isolated individuals who report to a scoring rule, and two ways to combine those individual reports into a group prediction. We consider two environments with asymmetric information on sparsely correlated binary variables, one with three subjects and three variables, and one with six subjects and eight variables (and so 256 states). ∗For their comments, we thank David Porter, Ryan Oprea, and participants of seminars at George Mason University, Brigham Young University, University of Michigan, James Madison University, University of California at Los Angeles, Overture Research, Microsoft Research, and the DIMACS Workshop on Markets as Predictive Devices. We thank DARPA for financial support. †rhanson@gmu.edu http://hanson.gmu.edu 703-993-2326 FAX: 703-993-2323 MSN 1D3, Carow Hall, Fairfax VA 22030
The effects of TMS over dorsolateral prefrontal cortex on multiple visual object memory across fixation and saccades

Trans-saccadic memory, the process by which the visual system maintains the spatial position and features of objects across eye movements, is thought to be a form of visual working memory (Irwin, 1991 ). It has been shown that TMS over the frontal and parietal eye fields degrades trans-saccadic memory of multiple object features (Prime et al., 2008, 2010). We used a similar TMS protocol to investigate whether dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) is also involved in trans-saccadic memory. We predicted that performance would be disrupted similarly during either fixation or saccades. Instead, we found both task and hemisphere-dependent effects. During fixation, TMS over left DLPFC produced inconsistent effects, whereas TMS over right DLPFC reduced performance, consistent with its known role in working memory (Goldman-Rakic, 1987). In contrast, TMS over both sides of DLPFC enhanced trans-saccadic memory, suggesting a dis-inhibition of trans-saccadic processing. These results suggest that visual working memory during fixation and trans-saccadic memory may be supported by different, but interacting, neural circuits. Introduction Constructing a unified visual percept from temporally and spatially discontinuous sensory input requires the integration of information across successive fixations that interact with a number of dynamic cognitive processes. As humans typically make around three ballistic eye movements, or saccades per second (Rayner, 1998), perception of the visual environment is compiled from discrete fixations when the eyes are stationary (Matin, 1974). Yet, despite the disjointed manner in which visual information is obtained, the clarity of our perceptual experience suggests a mechanism to maintain visual stability. Information about objects and their spatial position must be retained and integrated across saccades in order to uphold visual stability, a process referred to here as trans-saccadic memory (Irwin, 1996). Visual information is obtained as the eye is directed to different points in space and an internal representation of objects and scenes is created. The aim of this thesis is to contribute to a larger body of work concerning the neural mechanisms of trans-saccadic memory, by specifically investigating the role of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS).
Gaming in the Social Studies Classroom: Student Perceptions of Learning History with Mobile Media

Mobile media is the over-arching term for handheld devices with internet capabilities such as smartphones and tablets. This multifaceted, handheld technology is common amongst teens and young adults. Specifically, individuals between ages 18 and 29 are primarily wireless internet users and owners of cell phones, 81%, and 93% respectively. This study addresses the question: what are public high school students' perceptions of mobile media in a social studies classroom? Of particular interest in this work is a better understanding of how mobile devices affect student interest and enjoyment during a World War II lesson. Traditionally, social studies instruction is heavily textual, relying on reading and comprehension skills. Previous research revealed social studies as one of the least favorite subjects among students, ranking below language arts and mathematics. This study investigated the perceptions of 87 tenth-graders from a rural public school in south-central Ohio. The participants completed surveys before and after playing DDay, an educator-developed, the historical game available through the platform ARIS. The findings include the following themes: connected to the past, connected to present, connected to self. In addition, the results indicate an increase in student enjoyment and interest in social studies, as well as advocate for additional lessons with tablets or smartphones.
The contribution of AI to enhance understanding of Cultural Heritage

The Artificial Intelligence & Cultural Heritage (AI & CH) working group was born in 1999 with the aim at promoting various scientific activities to increase a more active collaboration between the sectors of cultural assets and artificial intelligence. The many events (workshops and schools) organized over the years have shown the validity of this group for exchanging ideas and gathering researchers and practitioners from different fields. New applications of informatics and artificial intelligence have provided the opportunity to produce innovative tools for documenting, managing and communicating cultural heritage. For this anniversary we intend to show how some of the most important methods and techniques of artificial intelligence developed in this area, still represent significant tools for preservation, archiving and fruition of cultural heritage. In the following the contributions of Italian researchers involved for several years in projects related to cultural heritage, will be presented.
Sensorless Control of Induction Machines by Using PWM Harmonics for Rotor Bar Slotting Detection

The paper presents the use of the inherent high frequency PWM harmonics for sensorless control of AC machines. The amplitude and position of the PWM voltage harmonics cannot be controlled and depends on the fundamental machine operation. The paper examines the feasibility of sensorless control based on the extracted rotor bar slot position information in the case of a cage induction machine. The position signal demodulation and compensation schemes used are discussed. Experimental results of sensorless torque, speed and position control at loaded conditions including zero excitation and zero speed are given for an off-the-shelf induction machine.
Efficient Optimization of Photo Collage

Photo collage is an effective representation for photo summarization and visualization. However, its practical usage is limited by its high computational cost. In this paper, we present efficient optimization techniques based on a novel formulation on markov random fields and several insights unexploited by previous approaches. Our method achieves up to hundreds-fold performance improvement, and user/application specific constraints can be easily integrated. We present new applications including interactive collage refinement and dynamic collage for photo browsing. Preliminary evaluation and user study indicates that our approach extends the usability of photo collage.
Dissection of amoeboid movement into two mechanically distinct modes

The current dominant model of cell locomotion proposes that actin polymerization pushes against the membrane at the leading edge producing filopodia and lamellipodia that move the cell forward. Despite its success, this model does not fully explain the complex process of amoeboid motility, such as that occurring during embryogenesis and metastasis. Here, we show that Dictyostelium cells moving in a physiological milieu continuously produce `blebs' at their leading edges, and demonstrate that focal blebbing contributes greatly to their locomotion. Blebs are well-characterized spherical hyaline protrusions that occur when a patch of cell membrane detaches from its supporting cortex. Their formation requires the activity of myosin II, and their physiological contribution to cell motility has not been fully appreciated. We find that pseudopodia extension, cell body retraction and overall cell displacement are reduced under conditions that prevent blebbing, including high osmolarity and blebbistatin, and in myosin-II-null cells. We conclude that amoeboid motility comprises two mechanically different processes characterized by the production of two distinct cell-surface protrusions, blebs and filopodia-lamellipodia.
Rapid Immunization Against H5N1: A Randomized Trial Evaluating Homologous and Cross-Reactive Immune Responses to AS03A-Adjuvanted Vaccination in Adults

Background. Accelerated immunization schedules may help gain early control of influenza pandemics. We investigated different schedules of an AS03A-adjuvanted H5N1 vaccine. Methods. This phase II, open-label, 6-month study randomized participants (aged 18–64 years) to 2 vaccine doses administered 21 (standard schedule), 14, or 7 days apart, or on the same day. Coprimary end points were that the lower limit of the 98.75% confidence interval 14 days after the last dose must be (1) >40% for seroconversion rate (SCR) (Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research [CBER] criterion) and (2) >50% for seroprotection rate (SPR) (attainment rate for reciprocal hemagglutination inhibition titers ≥40, protocol-defined criterion) for the vaccine homologous strain (A/Indonesia/5/2005). European Committee for Human Medicinal Products (CHMP) immunogenicity criteria were also evaluated. Results. Coprimary end points were achieved (lower 98.75% confidence intervals exceeded defined values). Titers were highest with the standard schedule. Nevertheless, CBER SCR, protocol-defined SPR, and CHMP criteria were met with all schedules for the A/Indonesia/5/2005 strain. There were no significant differences between age groups (18–40 vs 41–64 years). Immune response was robust against drift variants A/turkey/Turkey/1/2005 and A/Vietnam/1194/2004. Conclusions. The AS03A-adjuvanted H5N1 vaccine in accelerated schedules offers a robust immune response against vaccine homologous and drift variant strains, allowing consideration of compressed vaccination intervals. Clinical Trials Registration. NCT00695669.
Algebraic Approach to Entanglement and Entropy

We present a general approach to quantum entanglement and entropy that is based on algebras of observables and states thereon. In contrast to more standard treatments, Hilbert space is an emergent concept, appearing as a representation space of the observable algebra, once a state is chosen. In this approach, which is based on the Gel'fand-Naimark-Segal construction, the study of subsystems becomes particularly clear. We explicitly show how the problems associated with the partial trace for the study of entanglement of identical particles are readily overcome. In particular, a suitable entanglement measure is proposed that can be applied to systems of particles obeying Fermi, Bose, para-, and even braid-group statistics. The generality of the method is also illustrated by study of the time evolution of subsystems emerging from restriction to subalgebras. Problems related to anomalies and quantum epistemology are also discussed.
Blind adaptive reduced-rank detection for DS-CDMA signals in multipath channels

Blind adaptive multiuser detection for direct sequence code division multiple access (DS-CDMA) signals over static and time-varying intersymbol interference (ISI) limited channels is considered. Blind adaptive detectors must be robustified for ISI channels, when there is significant mismatch between the received signature vector and the transmitted code (assumed known at the receiver). A new low-complexity detector is presented that improves on some previously proposed methods without explicit estimation of the ISI channel. The key innovation is a reduced-rank detector architecture combined with an efficient subspace tracker that yields direct accurate estimation of the desired user's received signature. Several representative simulation examples of detector output signal-to-noise-and-interference ratio (SINR) for fading channels are provided in support of our claims of improved efficacy of the method.
Financing Efficiency of China’s New Energy Industry Based on DEA Model and Its Influencing Factors

The development of new energy relates to the success or failure of China’s energy structure adjustment, relates to the guarantee of energy security, and relates to the improvement of the country’s overall national strength. It has important strategic signifi cance. However, with the rapid development of the new energy industry, fi nancing diffi culties have gradually become a major problem constraining its continued healthy development. This paper fi rstly sorts out the fi nancing-related basic theory, and adopts a quantitative analysis method combining DEA data envelopment analysis method with multiple regression analysis method to realize the evaluation of the overall fi nancing effi ciency level of the new energy industry and the analysis of the factors aff ecting the specifi c fi nancing effi ciency; Based on the qualitative and quantitative analysis conclusions, the policy recommendations for improving the fi nancing effi ciency of the new energy industry are proposed.
Supervised Learning Method by Oligonucleotide Microarray Data on the Basis of a CarcinomaVirus-and Hepatitis C Virus-infected Hepatocellular Comparison of Gene Expression Profiles between Hepatitis B Updated

Gene expression profiles of hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) associated with hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) were analyzed and compared. Oligonucleotide microarrays containing >6000 genes and subsequent gene selection by a supervised learning method yielded 83 genes for which expression differed between the two types of HCCs. Expression levels of 31 of these 83 genes were increased in HBVassociated HCCs, and expression levels of the remaining 52 genes were increased in HCV-associated HCCs. The 31 genes up-regulated in HBVassociated HCC included imprinted genes (H19 and IGF2) and genes relating to signal transduction, transcription, and metastasis. The 52 genes up-regulated in HCV-associated HCC included a number of genes responsible for detoxification and immune response. These results suggest that HBV and HCV cause hepatocarcinogenesis by different mechanisms and provide novel tools for diagnosis and treatment of HBVand HCVassociated HCCs.