Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Hungry Neurons: Metabolic Insights on Seizure Dynamics

Epilepsy afflicts up to 1.6% of the population and the mechanisms underlying the appearance of seizures are still not understood. In past years, many efforts have been spent trying to understand the mechanisms underlying the excessive and synchronous firing of neurons. Traditionally, attention was pointed towards synaptic (dys)function and extracellular ionic species (dys)regulation. Recently, novel clinical and preclinical studies explored the role of brain metabolism (i.e., glucose utilization) of seizures pathophysiology revealing (in most cases) reduced metabolism in the inter-ictal period and increased metabolism in the seconds preceding and during the appearance of seizures. In the present review, we summarize the clinical and preclinical observations showing metabolic dysregulation during epileptogenesis, seizure initiation, and termination, and in the inter-ictal period. Recent preclinical studies have shown that 2-Deoxyglucose (2-DG, a glycolysis blocker) is a novel therapeutic approach to reduce seizures. Furthermore, we present initial evidence for the effectiveness of 2-DG in arresting 4-Aminopyridine induced neocortical seizures in vivo in the mouse.
The substrate-specific impairment of oxidative phosphorylation in liver mitochondria from high-protein-fed chickens

Chickens fed on semi-purified low (7%) or high (61%) protein-energy diets for 14 or 17 d were used for determinations of oxidative phosphorylation and specific amounts of mitochondrial protein in liver. The ADP: oxygen (ADP:O) values obtained when pyruvate + malate were used as substrates were significantly reduced in the high-protein-fed group after the 4th day compared with those for the group fed the low-protein diet, while the differences in ADP:O values between the two treatments when L-glutamate was used as substrate were found to be significant on the 14th day. At any feeding period no significant differences in ADP:O values were observed between the two groups when α-ketoglutarate, malate, or octanoate + malate were used as substrates, nor in specific amounts of mitochondrial protein in liver. The dependency of the pyruvate + malate-supported respiration rate on the temperature in the reaction medium was also determined. The results of an Arrhenius plot showed that transition temperatures, and the lower and upper energies of activation, were similar for the groups fed on low- and high-protein diets. Furthermore, no morphological changes in mitochondria were observed among chickens fed on diets with various protein levels for 14 d. From these results we concluded that the reduction of ADP: O value with pyruvate + malate or L-glutamate substrates in chickens fed on a high-protein diet was substrate-specific, and was not due to functional damage to the respiratory chain for electron flow from NAD-linked substrates to the ubiquinone pool, nor to modulation of properties of the inner mitochondrial membrane.
COMPUTATION OF SEISMOGRAMS AND ATMOSPHERIC OSCILLATIONS BY NORMAL-MODE SUMMATION FOR A SPHERICAL EARTH MODEL WITH REALISTIC ATMOSPHERE

We describe a theory to compute seismograms and atmospheric disturbances such as ionospheric oscillations or pressure variations in a realistic spherical earth model with atmosphere. This theory is valid for a source located either in the solid earth or in the atmosphere. Solid earth and atmospheric normal modes are computed for a radiation boundary condition that models the dissipation of acoustic signals in the high atmosphere of the Earth. We show that the coupling between ground and atmosphere occurs at a set of frequencies related to fundamentals and harmonics of atmospheric modes. Spheroidal modes near these frequencies have up to 0.04 per cent of their energy in the atmosphere, and thus may be strongly excited by atmospheric sources. This theory can be used for more accurate modelling of the seismic data from meteoritic events or volcanic eruptions as well as for the analysis of barograms or ionograms recorded after large earthquakes.
Designing and Utilising Business Indicator Systems within Enterprise Models-Outline of a Method

Abstract: The design of effective indicators and indicator systems requires a pro-found understanding of the relevant business context. Numerous relations and de-pendencies within an indicator system exist, which need to be analysed thoroughly: Many relations are based on implicit assumptions or sometimes not known by the management at all. This is of particular relevance for business success, since im-properly used indicator systems may lead to ‘dysfunctional effects’ like opportun-istic behaviour. This paper outlines a method for designing and utilising indicator systems. It fosters a convenient and consistent definition and interpretation of indi-cator systems. Furthermore, it serves as a conceptual foundation for related per-formance management systems, such as dashboard systems. 1. Motivation and Scope In recent years, there has been an increasing demand for indicators to guide and justify management decisions. These business indicators – often referred to as Key Performance Indicators (KPI) – promise to reduce complexity and to promote a focus on relevant goals. Therefore, they are regarded by some as a key instrument of professional man-agement, especially with regard to supporting, measuring, and monitoring decisions ([Si90], p. 12). For instance, in the field of Performance Measurement (PM) indicators are supposed to reflect aspects that are pivotal for certain decisions; therefore, strategies and goals are repeatedly refined and put in more concrete terms until they become meas-ureable by KPIs. As a result, managers receive a set of various indicators that aim at the measurement of an enterprise’s performance (called ‘indicator system’). Well-known examples of indicator systems are
Collapse and revival of entanglement of two interacting qubits

Coherent control of quantum dynamics by phase-manipulation of the driving fields, has long been established as an essential tool for state-selective preparation of systems. On the other hand, the basic manipulations of qubits in most physical realizations of quantum-computation devices use Rabi pulses that operate on the Bloch sphere, particularly for weakly-coupled, slow-decoherent systems. In this work we analyze the role of phase-control and phase-dependence of Rabi pulses that prepare Bell states in a system of distinguishable qubits interacting in a harmonic trap. We show that the population dynamics and the properties of the entanglement exhibit a strong dependence to the relative phase. For coherent phonon distributions, collapse and full revival of entanglement occur, while for thermal distributions, except for a few "protected" phases, decoherence with partial revivals are observed.
Whakapapa in anthropological research on tuberculosis in the Pacific

As a theory of knowledge encompassing ecological and cosmological frameworks, Maori whakapapa of non-human species bring a diverse array of emergent entities into kinship relations over time and space. Whakapapa narratives explain the coming into being of those relationships and their moral foundations in utu (reciprocity). In this paper, the authors demonstrate that the ‘mind map’ (Roberts 2010) of whakapapa can provide a coordinating framework for social theories of complexity used in medical anthropology. A whakapapa approach also responds effectively to the challenge posed by Gillett (2009:98): ‘How exactly should we position indigenous knowledges in a discussion of policy in post-colonial society? We conclude that the principle of utu provides both a workable local social theory and a moral framework that can be used to assess policies which shape peoples’ lives, in this case, the lives of Tuvaluans who are contending with tuberculosis in our shared transnational space.
Premise acceptability and message effectiveness

We conducted three experiments to examine the effects of the underlying premise of a message on subsequent issue agreement, perceptions of the message and source, subjects' cognitive responses, and attitudes toward related but nonmentioned issues. In all experiments, subjects who read a message based on an acceptable premise were subsequently more in favor of the message recommendation than were subjects who read an identical message with a less acceptable premise. In Experiment 3, this effect also occurred for attitudes toward proposals that were not mentioned in the message. In contrast, premise acceptability did not have a reliable effect on perceptions of the message and source, and had only a small effect on subjects' cognitive responses. This suggests that the effect of premise acceptability on issue agreement is primarily the result of a tendency to maintain consistency between beliefs in a premise and logically related proposals.
The human immunodeficiency virus-1 nef gene product: a positive factor for viral infection and replication in primary lymphocytes and macrophages

Considerable controversy and uncertainty have surrounded the biological function of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)-1 nef gene product. Initial studies suggested that this early, nonstructural viral protein functioned as a negative regulatory factor; thus, it was proposed to play a role in establishing or maintaining viral latency. In contrast, studies in Simian Immunodeficiency Virus (SIV)mac-infected rhesus monkeys have suggested that Nef is not a negative factor but rather plays a central role in promoting high-level viral replication and is required for viral pathogenesis in vivo. We sought to define a tissue culture system that would approximate the in vivo setting for virus infection in order to assess the role of HIV-1 Nef in viral replication. We show that infection of mitogen-activated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) with Nef+ HIV results in enhanced replication as evidenced by earlier gag p24 expression when compared with infections performed with nef mutant viruses. Moreover, when unstimulated freshly isolated PBMC are infected with Nef+ and Nef- viruses and then subsequently activated with mitogen, the Nef-induced difference in viral replication kinetics is even more pronounced, with the Nef- viruses requiring much more time in culture for appreciable growth. A positive effect of Nef on viral replication was also observed in primary macrophages infected with a recombinant of YU-2, a patient- derived molecular clone with macrophage tropism. These positive effects of Nef on viral replication are dependent on the initial multiplicity of infection (MOI), in that infections of unstimulated PBMC at low MOI are most dependent upon intact nef for subsequent viral growth. We now provide evidence that the Nef+ HIV is more infectious than Nef- HIV from both a tissue culture infectious dose analysis, and a single-cell HIV infection assay. In the latter case, we demonstrate that infection with equivalent doses of HIV based on virion-associated gag p24 yields five- to sixfold more infected cells if Nef+ viral stocks were used. Furthermore, we find that the differential infectivity is not dependent on CD4 down-regulation as Nef+ virus produced from transfected COS cells lacking CD4 is also more infectious. However, normalization of PBMC infections to equivalent infectivity between that of the Nef+ and Nef- viruses continues to reveal delayed viral replication in the absence of Nef, suggesting that secondary viral spread in PBMC is also enhanced in Nef+ infections. We demonstrate this directly by showing a 13-15-fold increase in infectivity of PBMC-derived Nef+ HIC. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Unpacking mundane practices: children's experiences of learning literacy at a Chinese complementary school in Scotland

This article builds on the growing research interest in complementary schooling in England and internationally but a field of study less well trodden in Scotland. It takes a socio-cultural view of literacy learning and demonstrates how in a Chinese complementary school in central Scotland, spaces are created for children of primary-school age to participate in multifarious literacy practices. Drawing on observations of three classrooms, supported by interviews with teachers and conversations with children, it is argued that there is a need to re-examine the assumption of mundane pedagogical practices frequently associated with learning Chinese literacy. It illustrates how activities around reading and writing are often not only a product of the teachers’ own experiences of education but are also influenced by the children, who draw on a range of bilingual and biliterate resources at their disposal. Furthermore, the study highlights the need for further research in the Scottish context to investigate how children's engagement with diverse literacies helps shape their emerging and dynamic learner identities.
Self-Phase Modulation in Semiconductor Optical Amplifiers: Impact of Amplified Spontaneous Emission

This paper presents a detailed theoretical and experimental study of the impact of amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) on self-phase modulation in semiconductor optical amplifiers (SOAs). A theoretical model of pulse propagation in SOAs is developed that includes the ASE power and its effect on gain-saturation and gain-recovery. We study the impact of ASE on the nonlinear phase shift, frequency chirp, spectrum, and shape of amplified picosecond pulses at a range of drive currents. We verify our predictions experimentally by launching gain-switched picosecond pulses with 3-mW peak power into a commercial SOA exhibiting 9-ps gain-recovery time at a current of 500 mA. Understanding the impact of ASE on SOAs is important for applications that employs SOAs for all-optical signal processing and as data-network amplifiers.
CYTOTOXIC, APOPTOTIC EFFICACY OF SILVER NANOPARTICLES SYNTHESIZED FROM INDIGOFERA ASPALATHOIDS

Objective: To study the cytotoxic & apoptotic efficacy of synthesized silver nanoparticles from I. aspalathoids against Hep3B cell line. Methods: Hep3B cell line was purchased from American type culture collection (NCCS, Pune). The cells were treated with synthesized silver nanoparticles from I. aspalathoids for 24 & 48 hrs. Cell Viability was evaluated by MTT assay and DNA fragmentation assay. Results: The IC50 (half maximal inhibitory concentration) value of the AgNPs on Hep3B cells was calculated to be194.65ng/ml. The treated cells were compared to the control group with respect to morphology. The mechanism of cell death was studied through ethidium bromide/acridine orange. The live untreated cells had well organized chromatin structures, whereas the treated cells had fragmented or condensed chromatin consisting of apoptotic nuclei. Therefore, the nuclear staining experiment shows that apoptosis started in 48h after addition of AgNPs to the culture medium. Conclusion: The study demonstrated the possible of the use of biologically synthesized silver nanoparticles from I. aspalathoids as an effective drug against cancer.
Preoperative Anxiety and Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting in Children: Is There an Association?

We performed a cross-sectional study to explore a potential association between preoperative anxiety and postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). The study enrolled 51 unpremedicated children 5–16 yr old undergoing outpatient surgery and standardized general anesthesia. Anxiety of children was assessed in the preoperative holding area and during the induction of anesthesia. The incidence of nausea and vomiting was documented in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU) and 24 h postoperatively (POD#1). In addition to univariate analysis, we used multivariate logistic regression models, wherein the dependent variable was the presence or absence of PONV and the independent variables included potential confounders such as age, sex, and perioperative opioid consumption. Univariate analysis showed that children who experienced nausea (32 ± 5 vs 31 ± 4, P = ns) or vomiting (32 ± 4 vs 32 ± 5, P = ns) in the PACU did not differ significantly in their anxiety before surgery. A multivariate model, in which the dependent variable was the presence or absence of vomiting at POD#1 and the independent variables included preoperative anxiety, age, sex, and opioid consumption, indicated that preoperative anxiety does not predict the occurrence of nausea and vomiting (P = ns). We conclude that children’s anxiety in the preoperative holding area has no predictive value for the occurrence of PONV in the PACU or POD#1. Implications: This study was performed to explore a possible association between children’s anxiety before surgery and postoperative nausea and vomiting. We found that controlling for confounding variables, anxiety in the preoperative holding area has no predictive value for the occurrence of postoperative nausea and vomiting.
Filter Bank precoding for FIR equalization in high-rate MIMO communications

In this paper, the problem of designing finite-impulse-response (FIR) equalizers for multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) FIR channels is considered. It is shown that an arbitrary MIMO frequency-selective channel can be rendered FIR equalizable by a suitable filter bank (FB) precoding operation that introduces redundancy at the transmitter. The expression for the minimum redundancy required to ensure FIR invertibility is derived. The analysis is extended to the case of MIMO multicarrier modulation. Optimum zero-forcing (ZF) and minimum mean-squared error (MMSE) solutions for the FIR equalizer are derived. Simulation results are provided to demonstrate that the proposed scheme achieves better performance than the block-processing methods while supporting a higher data rate.
Female directors and IPO underpricing in the US

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to explore how initial public offering (IPO) investors view female presence on boards of directors in the USA. Design/methodology/approach – This study utilizes hierarchical regression and analyzes data collected from firms undertaking their IPO’s in the USA during 1997 and 2007. Findings – The findings of this study suggest that US IPO investors react negatively to female presence on the board of directors. However, this negative effect has weakened post-Sarbanes-Oxley Act. Research limitations/implications – The results of this study may not generalize to other settings. Practical implications – Gender bias against females in the boardroom exists but appears to be weaker post-Sarbanes-Oxley. Social implications – One hurdle to greater female representation in entrepreneurial ventures in the USA may be weakening as a result of greater awareness of female director contributions to board functioning. Originality/value – First, the study represents one of the few attem.
Remarks on “Synchronized Output Regulation of Linear Networked Systems”

This technical note further considers the synchronized output regulation problem of linear networked systems proposed in the paper by Xiang We first make the assumptions of the problem more accurate and present a more straightforward solution for the problem. Then we further point out that, under a different detectability condition, the problem can be solved by a decentralized control scheme.
Data, data everywhere – but not all the numbers that count? Mapping alternative provisions for students excluded from school

It is now mandatory for English schools to ensure that young people, under 16 years of age, who are excluded from school are placed in an education and training programme within 12 days. The programme must be at least half time, and should offer a meaningful and balanced curriculum. The Every Child Matters agenda also suggests that schools must coordinate services with other agencies to ensure that young people deemed ‘at risk’ are assisted to stay in mainstream schooling. Our research project examined the educational and training provisions for permanently excluded pupils, and young people likely to be permanently excluded, across two Midlands counties. The research focus – who gets what – is fundamental to questions of equity, access and participation. The findings suggest that, despite some very good local practices and highly skilled practitioners, there is a lack of coordinated data about which programmes exist and who attends, and a proliferation of programmes with varying funding sources, costs, entry practices, and qualifications. It is argued that this situation bodes poorly for monitoring and for ensuring the entitlement to education and training of those young people who are most marginalised by and through their schooling. However, we are concerned about the possibilities for further intensification of staff work and increased surveillance on young people if our recommendations for equity monitoring and better quality control were to go ahead.
Research Paper: Human and Automated Coding of Rehabilitation Discharge Summaries According to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health

OBJECTIVE The International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) is designed to provide a common language and framework for describing health and health-related states. The goal of this research was to investigate human and automated coding of functional status information using the ICF framework. DESIGN The authors extended an existing natural language processing (NLP) system to encode rehabilitation discharge summaries according to the ICF. MEASUREMENTS The authors conducted a formal evaluation, comparing the coding performed by expert coders, non-expert coders, and the NLP system. RESULTS Automated coding can be used to assign codes using the ICF, with results similar to those obtained by human coders, at least for the selection of ICF code and assignment of the performance qualifier. Coders achieved high agreement on ICF code assignment. CONCLUSION This research is a key next step in the development of the ICF as a sensitive and universal classification of functional status information. It is worthwhile to continue to investigate automated ICF coding.
On the effects of pre- and post-processing in video cartoonization with bilateral filters

In recent years, advances in image-based artistic rendering have grown steadily with the additional leverage of image and video processing techniques. Video cartoonization or stylization is the process of artificially incorporating cartoon-like effects to photorealistic input videos. This paper investigates the effects of integrating relevant pre- and post-processing tasks to significantly improve the quality of cartoonized videos processed with bilateral filters (BF). Our video cartoonization framework work extends the original Winnemöller's real-time video abstraction framework, which applies the edge-preserving BF with additional use of edge maps, luminance quantization and frame temporal coherency. In our work, we propose a contrast enhancement option by intensity stretching and Laplacian filtering to finetune the contrast levels of the pre-BF frames. For the post-BF recombined frames, an unsharp masking procedure is proposed to accentuate feature details in the final output video. Results from extensive experiments conducted by qualitative user evaluation underline the essentiality of pre- and post-processing tasks for improved video cartoonization.