Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Activity Pattern-Dependent Long-Term Potentiation in Neocortex and Hippocampus of GluA1 (GluR-A) Subunit-Deficient Mice

The AMPA receptor subunit GluA1 (GluR-A) has been implicated to be critically involved in the expression of long-term potentiation (LTP) and memory formation. Mice lacking this subunit possess a profound spatial working memory deficit. We investigated the influence of the GluA1 subunit on the expression of LTP in pyramidal neurons of the hippocampus CA1 region and somatosensory cortex layer 2/3 for different cellular LTP protocols in adult mice. We found that the GluA1 subunit was not required for LTP in cortical pyramidal neurons. In contrast, GluA1-dependent LTP expression in CA1 pyramidal neurons was differentially dependent on the LTP induction parameters. Depolarization pairing was exclusively, theta-burst pairing was partially, and spike-timing-dependent plasticity (STDP) was independent of the GluA1 subunit. Spike-timing-dependent LTP required postsynaptic membrane fusion in CA1 pyramidal neurons. We conclude that during LTP induction at the hippocampal CA3-to-CA1 synapse the recruitment of the GluA1 subunit is controlled by particular electrical activity patterns that might reflect specific behavioral states. Furthermore, other LTP expression mechanisms exist that do not require the presence of GluA1. The previously reported spatial working memory deficits in GluA1-lacking mice (Gria1−/− mice) together with these results suggest that STDP might be a likely basis for the formation of spatial reference memory whereas it is not required for the rapid formation of spatial working memory where a fast but transient increase of synaptic efficacy might be needed.
On Scheduling Problems with an Intelligent Use of the Learning Effect

This paper is devoted to scheduling problems with the learning effect, which is understood as a process of acquiring experience that increases the efficiency of a processor. To bring closer the considered phenomenon, a short survey on results concerning scheduling problems with the learning effect is provided. In particular, the existing models of the experience are presented along with a discussion on different shapes of the learning curve. Some complexity results of scheduling problems with the learning effect are also presented. We also show that scheduling problems with the learning effect model such problems as a minimization of a total transmission cost of packets in a computer network that uses a reinforcement learning routing algorithm. We also derive properties that allow us to construct scheduling algorithms, which can be applied in the computer network to increase its effectiveness by the utilization of its learning ability.
Intersection Theorems for Systems of Sets

A version of Dirichlet's box argument asserts that given a positive integer a and any a2 +1 objects x0 , x1 , . , xa 2, there are always a+1 distinct indices v (0 < v < a 2) such that the corresponding ad-1 objects x,, are either all equal to each other or mutually different from each other . This proposition can be restated as follows . Let N be an index set of more than a 2 elements and let, for each element v of N, X v be a one-element set . Then there is a subset N' of N having more than a elements, such that all intersections X, X, corresponding to distinct elements μ, v of N' have the same value . In this note we investigate extensions of this principle to cases when the sets X„ are of any prescribed cardinal b . Both a and bare given cardinals, finite or infinite . In the case of finite a and b we obtain estimates for the number which corresponds to a2 in Dirichlet's case, and we show that when at least one of a and b is infinite then av+ 1 is the best possible value of that number . We introduce some definitions ;' . A system E1 : Y v (v e N) of sets Y,, where v ranges over the index set N, is said to contain the system 10 : N1,. (μ c 31) if, for every μo of 111, the set X. , occurs in 'r''1 at least as often as in Eo , i . e . if
Views and Reviews Structure and Function of Profilin

Profilin is a ubiquitous actin monomer-binding protein, found in organisms from yeast to man. Biochemical studies indicate that profilin can regulate actin polymerization and have suggested some possible mechanisms. Early studies in Acanthamoebu, showing that profilin could reduce the rate and extent of actin polymerization, were consistent with a model in which free actin monomer is in equilibrium with both actin-profilin complexes and actin-actin complexes (i.e., filaments). Tobacman and Korn [ 19821 calculated that while profilin would not bind much actin monomer under physiological conditions, it could dramatically amplify any change in monomer concentration caused by other events in the cell. Electron microscopic studies of actin assembly in vitro revealed that profilin does more than simply sequester monomers [Pollard and Cooper, 19841. It also affects the two ends of the actin filament differently, retarding polymerization more at the “pointed” than at the “barbed” end (these names refer to the arrowhead appearance of actin filaments decorated with myosin heads). Profilin might accomplish this by binding to the surface of the actin monomer that makes contact with the pointed end of the filament, blocking interaction at that end. The other surface of the monomer would remain free to interact with the barbed end. A change in conformation in the monomer upon binding at the barbed end could then reduce its affinity for profilin. The functional consequence would be to increase the bias in actin polymerization toward the already favored barbed end of pre-existing filaments by more strongly inhibiting pointed-end polymerization and nucleation of new filaments.
DNA-binding specificity of GATA family transcription factors

GATA-binding proteins constitute a family of transcription factors that recognize a target site conforming to the consensus WGATAR (W = A or T and R = A or G). Here we have used the method of polymerase chain reaction-mediated random site selection to assess in an unbiased manner the DNA-binding specificity of GATA proteins. Contrary to our expectations, we show that GATA proteins bind a variety of motifs that deviate from the previously assigned consensus. Many of the nonconsensus sequences bind protein with high affinity, equivalent to that of conventional GATA motifs. By using the selected sequences as probes in the electrophoretic mobility shift assay, we demonstrate overlapping, but distinct, sequence preferences for GATA family members, specified by their respective DNA-binding domains. Furthermore, we provide additional evidence for interaction of amino and carboxy fingers of GATA-1 in defining its binding site. By performing cotransfection experiments, we also show that transactivation parallels DNA binding. A chimeric protein containing the finger domain of areA and the activation domains of GATA-1 is capable of activating transcription in mammalian cells through GATA motifs. Our findings suggest a mechanism by which GATA proteins might selectively regulate gene expression in cells in which they are coexpressed.
Association of age and sex with myocardial infarction symptom presentation and in-hospital mortality.

CONTEXT Women are generally older than men at hospitalization for myocardial infarction (MI) and also present less frequently with chest pain/discomfort. However, few studies have taken age into account when examining sex differences in clinical presentation and mortality. OBJECTIVE To examine the relationship between sex and symptom presentation and between sex, symptom presentation, and hospital mortality, before and after accounting for age in patients hospitalized with MI. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PATIENTS Observational study from the National Registry of Myocardial Infarction, 1994-2006, of 1,143,513 registry patients (481,581 women and 661,932 men). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES We examined predictors of MI presentation without chest pain and the relationship between age, sex, and hospital mortality. RESULTS The proportion of MI patients who presented without chest pain was significantly higher for women than men (42.0% [95% CI, 41.8%-42.1%] vs 30.7% [95% CI, 30.6%-30.8%]; P < .001). There was a significant interaction between age and sex with chest pain at presentation, with a larger sex difference in younger than older patients, which became attenuated with advancing age. Multivariable adjusted age-specific odds ratios (ORs) for lack of chest pain for women (referent, men) were younger than 45 years, 1.30 (95% CI, 1.23-1.36); 45 to 54 years, 1.26 (95% CI, 1.22-1.30); 55 to 64 years, 1.24 (95% CI, 1.21-1.27); 65 to 74 years, 1.13 (95% CI, 1.11-1.15); and 75 years or older, 1.03 (95% CI, 1.02-1.04). Two-way interaction (sex and age) on MI presentation without chest pain was significant (P < .001). The in-hospital mortality rate was 14.6% for women and 10.3% for men. Younger women presenting without chest pain had greater hospital mortality than younger men without chest pain, and these sex differences decreased or even reversed with advancing age, with adjusted OR for age younger than 45 years, 1.18 (95% CI, 1.00-1.39); 45 to 54 years, 1.13 (95% CI, 1.02-1.26); 55 to 64 years, 1.02 (95% CI, 0.96-1.09); 65 to 74 years, 0.91 (95% CI, 0.88-0.95); and 75 years or older, 0.81 (95% CI, 0.79-0.83). The 3-way interaction (sex, age, and chest pain) on mortality was significant (P < .001). CONCLUSION In this registry of patients hospitalized with MI, women were more likely than men to present without chest pain and had higher mortality than men within the same age group, but sex differences in clinical presentation without chest pain and in mortality were attenuated with increasing age.
A novel approach for Automatic Image Stitching of spinal cord MRI images using SIFT

This paper presents a novel approach for Automatic Image Stitching of spinal cord MRI Images by exploring the effectiveness of Scale Invariant Feature Transform(SIFT) for feature matching. Because of limitations of MRI machine, when a patient undergoes scan of spinal cord, three different images of cervical, thoracic and lumbar parts with some vertebral overlap are produced. However, it is desired to have single image of entire spinal cord for diagnosis. This paper aims at automatically generating single seamless image of spinal cord from three different images having some overlap. After initial set of feature correspondences has been computed from SIFT features, RANdom SAmple Consensus(RANSAC) is used to reject the outliers and robustly estimate the best fitting homography to produce high accuracy alignment despite of noisy correspondence between image pair. The experimental results are accessed objectively with the help of radiologists as well as doctors and are upto the mark from diagnostic perspective.
A Solar Powered Autonomous Mobile Vehicle for Monitoring and Surveillance Missions of Long Duration

In this paper, an autonomous vehicle capable of operating during large periods of time for observation and monitoring is proposed. The vehicle integrates photovoltaic panels and a methanol fuel cell, together with a neurobiological inspired control architecture for intelligent navigation. In this work, the autonomy of the vehicle is evaluated in several scenarios, when the vehicle is moving in mission and when the vehicle is not moving. The energetical management module generates recharge missions with a variable priority level depending on the batteries level to the mission planner. The biologically inspired neural network architecture proposed for nonholonomic mobile robots makes the integration of a kinematic adaptive neurocontroller for trajectory tracking and an obstacle avoidance adaptive neurocontroller possible.
Effects of some suggested reforms of the Norwegian pension system : An integrated dynamic micro-macro assessment

Population ageing and generous welfare state schemes imply a severe rise in future government expenditure in Norway, if the existing pay-as-you-go based pension system is maintained. This system is also characterized by several mechanisms, which distort the labour supply and private saving decisions. These are the main reasons why the government now consider reforms of the Norwegian pension system. In this paper we combine a detailed dynamic micro-simulation model with a dynamic computable general equilibrium model in an analysis of two suggested reforms in the pension system. The study captures macroeconomic effects through incentives on labour supply, government spending and private savings.
The effects of an educational program on knowledge, attitudes and intentions regarding condom and emergency contraceptive pill use among Thai female university students

Purpose University students who have low knowledge, attitudes and intentions regarding the prevention of unintended pregnancies may experience higher rates of unintended pregnancies. An educational program was developed based on the self-efficacy theory and peer-led education to improve unintended pregnancy problems among university students. The purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of an educational program on knowledge, attitudes and intentions regarding the use of condoms and emergency contraceptive pills among Thai university students. Design/methodology/approach The effectiveness of the educational program was tested by a quasi-experimental study with a pre- and post-test design. The study was conducted between September and October 2017. Multistage sampling was used to recruit 73 Thai female university students, including 36 students in the intervention group and 37 students in the comparison group. The intervention group received an eight-week educational program, while the comparison group did not. A self-administered questionnaire was used to assess the improvement of knowledge, attitudes and intention regarding condom and emergency contraceptive pill use. Descriptive statistics, paired samples t-test, Wilcoxon test and Mann–Whitney tests were used for data analysis. Findings Most participants in both groups had sexual intercourse. After the end of the program, the before-after mean score of the intervention group’s knowledge (8.0, 11.0), attitudes (29.4, 32.4) and intention (17.4, 20.4) were significantly increased (p-value<0.001). Post-intervention, there were statistically significant differences in knowledge scores (p-value<0.001) and intention scores (p-value=0.04) between the intervention group and the comparison group. Originality/value This educational program increases knowledge and intention but does not influence attitudes toward using condoms and emergency contraceptive pills.
Demonstrating OpenFlow over a Carrier Ethernet Switch Router (CESR) - a services perspective

The OpenFlow concept was recently proposed primarily to facilitate policy routing in large enterprise/service provider networks. Carrier Ethernet technologies such as MPLS-TP and PBB-TE are currently considered to be the forerunners in such transport networks. Both these technologies specify the need for a managed control plane. Carrier Ethernet Switch Routers (CESRs) are being proposed for transport functionality in service provider networks. The future of the transport network is to provide for cloud-like services whereby policy routing would be a key enabler technology. The OpenFlow specification is quite in accordance with the implementation of a centralized, unified control plane that is mandatory for Carrier Ethernet. In this paper, we demonstrate the OpenFlow paradigm implementation over CESRs to support next generation cloud applications and services. We showcase architecture, modifications and protocol performance with specific focus on OpenFlow in operator networks. The main novelty of this work is in transforming the OpenFlow controller to co-exist with the network management system of a CESR thus facilitating the CESR to control and interface with the OpenFlow protocol. We adapt the OpenFlow paradigm to an implemented CESR. Hardware results for service performance, network utilization, latency behavior across the network and protection switching are shown. We conclude for the first time, the feasibility of adapting the OpenFlow standard to service provider equipment.
The Information Content of Option-Implied Volatility for Credit Default Swap Valuation

We explore the connection between the market for single-name credit default swaps (CDS) and the market for individual stock options. We find that the contemporaneous link between CDS spreads and option-implied volatilities is stronger among firms with lower credit ratings, higher CDS spread volatilities, and more actively traded options. Among such firms, the changes in both CDS spreads and implied volatilities forecast future stock returns. Although the changes in implied volatility consistently forecast future CDS spread changes, the reverse does not hold. We interpret these findings as broadly consistent with informed traders preferentially using the options market, and to some extent the CDS market, to exploit their information advantage. Although implied volatility dominates historical volatility in forecasting the future realized volatility on individual stocks, the volatility risk premium embedded in option prices also plays a crucial role in explaining CDS spreads. Our results are robust under a pricing analysis using a structural credit risk model. They are also unaffected by historical volatilities estimated at short or long horizons.
Analyses on Functional Capabilities of BizTalk Server, Oracle BPEL Process Manger and WebSphere Process Server for Applications in Grid Middleware

The problems which are considered in this article are related to the examination and the choice of appropriate service oriented application, which can be used for process orchestration in conditions of the Grid middleware g-Lite. Our vision for requirements to these applications is presented. On the base of shown characteristics and analyses on the functional capabilities we give some reasons for possible solutions of the described problems.
ASCA observations of the composite warm absorber in NGC 3516

We obtained X-ray spectra of the Seyfert 1 galaxy NGC~3516 in March 1995 using ASCA. Simultaneous far-UV observations were obtained with HUT on the Astro-2 shuttle mission. The ASCA spectrum shows a lightly absorbed power law of energy index 0.78. The low energy absorbing column is significantly less than previously seen. Prominent O~vii and O~viii absorption edges are visible, but, consistent with the much lower total absorbing column, no Fe K absorption edge is detectable. A weak, narrow Fe~K$\alpha$ emission line from cold material is present as well as a broad Fe~K$\alpha$ line. These features are similar to those reported in other Seyfert 1 galaxies. A single warm absorber model provides only an imperfect description of the low energy absorption. In addition to a highly ionized absorber with ionization parameter $U = 1.66$ and a total column density of $1.4 \times 10^{22}~\rm cm^{-2}$, adding a lower ionization absorber with $U = 0.32$ and a total column of $6.9 \times 10^{21}~\rm cm^{-2}$ significantly improves the fit. The contribution of resonant line scattering to our warm absorber models limits the Doppler parameter to $< 160~\rm km~s^{-1}$ at 90\% confidence. Turbulence at the sound speed of the photoionized gas provides the best fit. None of the warm absorber models fit to the X-ray spectrum can match the observed equivalent widths of all the UV absorption lines. Accounting for the X-ray and UV absorption simultaneously requires an absorbing region with a broad range of ionization parameters and column densities.
Forum posting habits and attainment in a dual-mode MOOC

Discussion forums in massive open online courses (MOOCs) are a primary means of interaction among learners and instructors. Despite their widespread use there is concern that forums are not an effective means of promoting engagement and learning. This paper examines issues relating to forums through a brief literature review and by drawing on data from a specific MOOC run by the University of Warwick. Two parallel delivery modes allow comparison of forum participation. We analysed two users; those who contributed to forums and those who did not, using comparison of their final average grades in quizzes to analyse their performance rate. We classified super posters in our CfT forum as those who started a thread or more and at the same time contributed optionally in forum discussion posted by other participants. It was observed in our analyses that participants in the forum perform better within the top grades at the end of the course. However, results indicated that forum use overall is low and that tutor-moderation may close down participants’ discussion, while peer-support forums fail to offer adequate support.
A superburst from 4U 1254-69

We report the detection with the BeppoSAX Wide Field Cameras of a superburst from 4U 1254-69. The superburst is preceded by a normal type-I X-ray burst, has a decay time that is the longest of all eight superbursts detected so far and a peak luminosity that is the lowest. Like for the other seven superbursts, the origin is a well-known type-I X-ray burster with a persistent luminosity level close to one tenth of the Eddington limit. Based on WFC data of all persistently bright X-ray bursters, the average rate of superbursts is 0:51 0:25 per year per persistently bright X-ray burster. Some systems may have higher superburst rates. For all superbursters, we present evidence for a pure helium layer which is burnt in an unstable as well as a stable manner.
Multiple Cellulose Synthase Catalytic Subunits Are Required for Cellulose Synthesis in Arabidopsis

The irregular xylem 1 (irx1) mutant of Arabidopsis has a severe deficiency in the deposition of cellulose in secondary cell walls, which results in collapsed xylem cells. This mutation has been mapped to a 140-kb region of chromosome 4. A cellulose synthase catalytic subunit was found to be located in this region, and genomic clones containing this gene complemented the irx1 mutation. IRX1 shows homology to a previously described cellulose synthase (IRX3). Analysis of the irx1 and irx3 mutant phenotypes demonstrates that both IRX1 and IRX3 are essential for the production of cellulose in the same cell. Thus, IRX1 and IRX3 define distinct classes of catalytic subunits that are both essential for cellulose synthesis in plants. This finding is supported by coprecipitation of IRX1 with IRX3, suggesting that IRX1 and IRX3 are part of the same complex.
Agricultural Price Forecasting Using Neural Network Model: An Innovative Information Delivery System

Forecasts of food prices are intended to be useful for farmers, policymakers and agribusiness industries. In the present era of globalization, management of food security in the agriculture-dominated developing countries like India needs efficient and reliable food price forecasting models more than ever. Sparse and time lag in the data availability in developing economies, however, generally necessitate reliance on time series forecasting models. The recent innovation in Artificial Neural Network (ANN) modelling methodology provides a potential price forecasting technique that is feasible given the availability of data in developing economies. In this study, the superiority of ANN over linear model methodology has been demonstrated using monthly wholesale price series of soybean and rapeseed-mustard. The empirical analysis has indicated that ANN models are able to capture a significant number of directions of monthly price change as compared to the linear models. It has also been observed that combining linear and nonlinear models leads to more accurate forecasts than the performances of these models independently, where the data show a nonlinear pattern. The present study has aimed at developing a user-friendly ANN based decision support system by integrating linear and nonlinear forecasting methodologies.