Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Maternal Glucocorticoid Secretion Mediates Long-Term Effects of Prenatal Stress

There is growing evidence that stressors occurring during pregnancy can impair biological and behavioral adaptation to stress in the adult offspring. Mechanisms by which stress in the pregnant rat can influence development of the offspring are still unknown. In the present study, we investigated the involvement of maternal corticosterone secretion during pregnancy on the hypothalamo–pituitary–adrenal axis activity of adult offspring. We investigated stress-induced corticosterone secretion and hippocampal type I and type II corticosteroid receptors in male adult rats submitted to prenatal stress born to either mothers with intact corticosterone secretion or mothers in which stress-induced corticosterone secretion was blocked by adrenalectomy with substitutive corticosterone therapy. Repeated restraint during the last week of pregnancy was used as prenatal stressor. Furthermore, the specific role of an injection of corticosterone before the restraint stress on adrenalectomized mothers with substitutive corticosterone treatment was also studied. We report here that blockade of the mother’s stress-induced glucocorticoid secretion suppresses the prolonged stress-induced corticosteroid response and the decrease in type I hippocampal corticosteroid receptors usually observed in prenatally stressed adults. Conversely, corticosterone administered during stress, to mothers in which corticosterone secretion is blocked, reinstates the effects of prenatal stress. These results suggest for the first time that stress-induced increases in maternal glucocorticoids may be a mechanism by which prenatal stress impairs the development of the adult offspring’s glucocorticoid response.
VIII. Dangerous Women? A UK Response

Since 1997, the UK government has been planning to reform mental health service provision and legislation. These reforms include controversial and wideranging plans to develop new services for people labeled as dangerous and severely personality disordered (DSPD; Department of Health, 2002a). In this article, we explore the implications of current legal, psychiatric and political concepts of personality disorder and dangerousness for women. This is relevant given the publication of the national strategy, Women and Mental Health: Into the Mainstream (Department of Health, 2002b), which highlighted for the first time, the oppressions faced by women in everyday life as well as the interplay between gendered psychiatric (medical) and legal systems. One of the strategy recommendations was to develop women-sensitive and appropriate prison and secure psychiatric services. In this article we first briefly review the context of women’s referrals and presentation to secure services in England and Wales. We also consider labeling and classification systems implicated in women’s entry into secure care. We then reflect on personality and risk tools used to identify individuals as DSPD, and explore their relevance to women. The article concludes that until issues specific to women’s life experiences occupy a central place in the assessment of risk, and there is a move away from the continuing reliance on gender-neutral derived models of mental health needs and risks, services are liable to perpetuate only the most inappropriate service provision to women.
On the Performance of Spectrum Sharing Cognitive Relay Networks with Imperfect CSI

In a spectrum sharing scenario, when the channel state information (CSI) of interference links is imperfect, the transmission of the secondary user (SU) may cause a harmful interference on the primary user (PU). To quantify the impact of imperfect CSI on the PU, we present a performance metric termed as interference probability and derive the exact closed-form expression for interference probability of the PU. It is shown that the PU's interference probability is always equal to 0.75 when the CSI of interference links is imperfect. In order to guarantee the PU's interference probability below an acceptable value, a back-off power control mechanism is adopted. Then, under the PU's interference probability constraints, the exact outage probability of partial amplify-and-forward (AF) relay selection scheme in the cognitive relay networks is derived. Finally, numerical results are provided to validate our analysis.
Secure remote sensing and communication using digital PUFs

Small form, mobile, and remote sensor network systems require secure and ultralow power data collection and communication solutions due to their energy constraints. The physical unclonable function (PUF) has emerged as a popular modern low power security primitive. However, current designs are analog in nature and susceptible to instability and difficult to integrate into existing circuitry. In this paper, we present the digital PUF which is stable in the same sense that digital logic is stable, has a very small footprint and very small timing overhead, and can be easily integrated into existing designs. We demonstrate the use of the digital PUF on two applications that are crucial for sensor networks: trusted remote sensing and logic obfuscation. We present our security analysis using standard randomness tests and confusion and diffusion analysis, and apply our new obfuscation approach on a set of standard design benchmarks.
Measuring Auditory Speech-Perception Capacity in Young Children

Auditory capacity is defined, here, as the ability of cortical and sub-cortical auditory systems to relay consistent and differentiable information about sound patterns to higher centers of the brain (with the help of hearing aids or cochlear implants, if used). This capacity represents the potential for the development of auditory performance. Because of the importance of hearing to the development of spoken language, we have a particular interest in the sound patterns of spoken language – hence the focus on auditory speech-perception capacity in this chapter. Auditory capacity depends on a combination of two aspects of hearing – sensitivity and resolution. Considerable progress has been made in the development of behavioral and physiological methods for the assessment of frequency-specific auditory sensitivity in very young children. The same cannot be said for auditory resolution. As a result, auditory capacity must either be predicted, on the basis of threshold and assumed pathology, or inferred after the fact, on the basis of observed auditory performance. Both approaches fail tests of validity, precision and predictive value.
Avalanches in a Stochastic Model of Spiking Neurons

Neuronal avalanches are a form of spontaneous activity widely observed in cortical slices and other types of nervous tissue, both in vivo and in vitro. They are characterized by irregular, isolated population bursts when many neurons fire together, where the number of spikes per burst obeys a power law distribution. We simulate, using the Gillespie algorithm, a model of neuronal avalanches based on stochastic single neurons. The network consists of excitatory and inhibitory neurons, first with all-to-all connectivity and later with random sparse connectivity. Analyzing our model using the system size expansion, we show that the model obeys the standard Wilson-Cowan equations for large network sizes ( neurons). When excitation and inhibition are closely balanced, networks of thousands of neurons exhibit irregular synchronous activity, including the characteristic power law distribution of avalanche size. We show that these avalanches are due to the balanced network having weakly stable functionally feedforward dynamics, which amplifies some small fluctuations into the large population bursts. Balanced networks are thought to underlie a variety of observed network behaviours and have useful computational properties, such as responding quickly to changes in input. Thus, the appearance of avalanches in such functionally feedforward networks indicates that avalanches may be a simple consequence of a widely present network structure, when neuron dynamics are noisy. An important implication is that a network need not be “critical” for the production of avalanches, so experimentally observed power laws in burst size may be a signature of noisy functionally feedforward structure rather than of, for example, self-organized criticality.
A distributed energy-efficient cooperative routing algorithm based on optimal power allocation

Power consumption is a key issue for wireless network design. Cooperative routing, an efficient scheme for saving transmission power in wireless networks, combines the advantage of the cooperative communication in the physical layer and the routing technology in the network layer. In this paper, we propose a distributed minimum power cooperative routing algorithm based on optimal power allocation, namely the OPAMPCR algorithm that realizes minimum total transmission power for each source-destination pair. Each cooperative route from a source to a destination is a concatenation of cooperative transmission links and direct transmission links. For each type of link mode, the minimum transmission power required for a target BER is calculated. Especially, the proposed algorithm first finds the relay node which consumes the minimum total transmission power for assisting the data transmission. If such a relay does not exist, the direct transmission mode is applied in current link; Otherwise, we adopt the cooperative transmission mode. Then, the proposed OPAMPCR algorithm applies the distributed Bellman-Ford shortest-path routing algorithm to find the route with least transmission power required. Simulation results reveal that the OPAMPCR algorithm outperforms the SNCP algorithm, the CASNCP algorithm and the MPCR algorithm with respect to the average total transmission power per route and the power saving. Moreover, the proposed OPAMPCR algorithm achieve less hops per route than the MPCR algorithm.
Sexual conflict and reproductive isolation in flies

Sexual conflict is predicted to generate more rapid reproductive isolation between larger populations. While there is some empirical support for this, the data are inconsistent and, additionally, there has been criticism of some of the evidence. Here we reanalyse two experimental-evolution datasets using an isolation index widely applied in the speciation literature. We find evidence for reproductive isolation through sexual conflict in Sepsis cynipsea, but not in Drosophila melanogaster, and this occurred to a greater degree in larger populations, which is consistent with previous findings.
1 Forthcoming in Empirical Economics NEW TESTS FOR STATIONARITY AND PARITY REVERSION : EVIDENCE ON NEW ZEALAND REAL EXCHANGE RATES *

The present paper discusses the stochastic stationarity of New Zealand exchange rates in light of new time series methods and new tests. The question of whether the real exchange rates have a unit root or are mean reverting is set in the general framework of fractionally integrated models. The estimates sustain the claim that New Zealand real exchange series are not stationary. However, it is shown that nonstationarity is compatible with parity reversion in the framework of fractional unit-root models.
The oesophageal-groove reflex and anthelmintic efficacy.

Abstract Extract Sir, — In the most recent issue of Farm Outlook, which emanates from ICI Tasman Ltd, is an anonymous article headed “The Rumen by-pass”. In it it is claimed that operation of the oesophageal groove reflex in ruminants will decrease the efficacy of benzimidazoles (so-called “white drenches”) against gastrointestinal nematodes by diverting all or part of a dose of drench directly into the omasum and abomasum. Subsequently an advertisement carrying a similar message appeared in the national press (see The Dominion, Tuesday, February 3rd 1981).
A Study on the Influence of Dimensions of Learning Organization to Job Satisfaction : Mediating Effect of Self-Efficacy

The main purpose of the study is the impacts of applying two dimensions of Learning Organization on Job Satisfaction and the mediating effect of the Self efficacy. As a result, Structural Factor had not positive effect and Human Factor had positive effect on the Job Satisfaction. The mediating effect of Self efficacy had significant effect between Learning Organization and Job Satisfaction. The result of this study is not presented at the existing research. Therefore, tthe supervisor should make efforts to develop skills for the management of learning organization in order to fit the nature of the group members
Peer Review: a Precursor to Peer Assessment

SUMMARY This paper describes a two‐year observation of peer review among first year undergraduates at Loughborough University of Technology. Peer review focuses on the learning benefits of small group work and the development of critical skills among students as a precursor to peer assessment of tutorial contributions. The paper outlines the methodology, design and pitfalls of the peer review process and offers tentative interpretations of some peer generated marks. The findings of the two‐year study generally support the available literature regarding reliability of peer generated marks and underlines the importance of ‘ownership'and understanding of review criteria. The exercise has provided the necessary experience and detailed feedback to harness its more positive lessons for the launch of peer assessment in the future.
Adding browsing semantics to the hypertext model

We present a new model of hypertext that represents both the relationships that tie individual pieces of information together into the hypertext (i.e., the adjacencies) and also the browsing semantics to be associated with the hypertext (i.e., the manner in which the information is to be visited). The model is based on Petri nets, and is a generalization of existing directed graph based models. Consequently, the model permits development of browsing and authoring systems that can benefit from the analytical techniques that have been developed for Petri nets and also from the user interface designs that have been developed for hypertext systems. The Petri net base also permits more powerful specification of what is to be displayed when the hypertext is browsed. These include the ability to synchronize simultaneous traversals of separate paths through the hypertext and the ability to incorporate security considerations into the hypertext, specifying nodes that can be proven to be accessible only to certain classes of browsers. The paper includes a practical example demonstrating these specification techniques.
Intercellular Adhesion Molecule 1 Engagement Modulates Sphingomyelinase and Ceramide, Supporting Uptake of Drug Carriers by the Vascular Endothelium

Objective—Engagement of intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) on endothelial cells by ICAM-1-targeted carriers induces cell adhesion molecule–mediated endocytosis, providing intraendothelial delivery of therapeutics. This pathway differs from classical endocytic mechanisms and invokes aspects of endothelial signaling during inflammation. ICAM-1 interacts with Na+/H+ exchanger NHE1 during endocytosis, but it is unclear how this regulates plasmalemma and cytoskeletal changes. We studied such aspects in this work. Methods and Results—We used fluorescence and electron microscopy, inhibitors and knockout tools, cell culture, and mouse models. ICAM-1 engagement by anti-ICAM carriers induced sphingomyelin-enriched engulfment structures. Acid sphingomyelinase (ASM), an acidic enzyme that hydrolyzes sphingomyelin into ceramide (involved in plasmalemma deformability and cytoskeletal reorganization), redistributed to ICAM-1-engagement sites at ceramide-enriched areas. This induced actin stress fibers and carrier endocytosis. Inhibiting ASM impaired ceramide enrichment, engulfment structures, cytoskeletal reorganization, and carrier uptake, which was rescued by supplying this enzyme activity exogenously. Interfering with NHE1 rendered similar outcomes, suggesting that Na+/H+ exchange might provide an acidic microenvironment for ASM at the plasmalemma. Conclusion—These findings are consistent with the ability of endothelial cells to internalize relatively large ICAM- 1--targeted drug carriers and expand our knowledge on the regulation of the sphingomyelin/ceramide pathway by the vascular endothelium.
The Texture Gradient Equation for Recovering Shape from Texture

Studies the recovery of shape from texture under perspective projection. We regard shape from texture as a statistical estimation problem, the texture being the realization of a stochastic process. We introduce warplets, which generalize wavelets over the 2D affine group. At fine scales, the warpogram of the image obeys a transport equation, called texture gradient equation. In order to recover the 3D shape of the surface, one must estimate the deformation gradient, which measures metric changes in the image. This is made possible by imposing a notion of homogeneity for the original texture, according to which the deformation gradient is equal to the velocity of the texture gradient equation. By measuring the warplet transform of the image at different scales, we obtain a deformation gradient estimator.
A Single Base Difference between Pit-1 Binding Sites at the hGH Promoter and Locus Control Region Specifies Distinct Pit-1 Conformations and Functions

ABSTRACT Activation of the human growth hormone (hGH-N) gene in pituitary somatotropes is mediated by a locus control region (LCR). This LCR is composed of DNase I-hypersensitive sites (HS) located −14.5 kb to −32 kb relative to the hGH-N promoter. HSI, at −14.5 kb, is the dominant determinant of hGH-N expression and is essential for establishment of a 32-kb domain of histone acetylation that encompasses the active hGH locus. This activity is conferred by three binding sites for the POU domain transcription factor Pit-1. These Pit-1 elements are sufficient to activate hGH-N expression in the mouse pituitary. In contrast, Pit-1 sites at the hGH-N promoter are consistently unable to mediate similar activity. In the present study, we demonstrate that the functional difference between the promoter-proximal and the HSI Pit-1 binding sites can be attributed in part to a single base difference. This base affects the conformation of the Pit-1/DNA complex, and reciprocal exchange of the divergent bases between the two sets of Pit-1 elements results in a partial reversal of their transgenic activities. These data support a model in which the Pit-1 binding sites in the hGH LCR allosterically program the bound Pit-1 complex for chromatin activating functions.
The speed of sound correlates with implant insertion torque in rabbit bone: an in vitro experiment.

OBJECTIVES This study investigated the correlation of quantitative ultrasound with bone quality as evaluable from implant final insertion torque. MATERIAL AND METHODS Implants were planned at diaphyses (group 1) and epiphyses (group 2) of 16 rabbit femurs where amplitude-dependent speed of sound (Ad-SOS) was measured. The insertion torque from 7-mm-long implants placed at planned sites was recorded. The correlation between cutting torque and Ad-SOS was evaluated using Spearman's coefficient. RESULTS Statistics were based on data from 15 diaphyses and 13 epiphyses. The mean insertion torque was 8.8 N cm while the mean Ad-SOS was 1710.9 m/s. A negative correlation resulted between insertion torque and Ad-SOS. CONCLUSIONS In the rabbit bone model investigated, quantitative ultrasound correlates inversely with implant insertion torque. Although this correlation remains to be verified in humans because rabbit femur does not convincingly represents different human bone qualities, it seems that ultrasound could convey potentially useful, pre-surgical, site-specific, non-invasive information on bone mechanical characteristics therefore deserving further research efforts.
A methodology for auto-recognizing DBMS workloads

The type of the workload on a database management system (DBMS) is a key consideration in tuning the system. Allocations for resources such as main memory can be very different depending on whether the workload type is Online Transaction Processing (OLTP) or Decision Support System (DSS). A DBMS also typically experiences changes in the type of workload it handles during its normal processing cycle. Database administrators must, therefore, recognize the significant shifts of workload type that demand reconfiguring the system in order to maintain acceptable levels of performance. We envision autonomous, self-tuning DBMSs that have the capability to manage their own performance by automatically recognizing the workload type and then reconfiguring their resources accordingly. In this paper, we present an approach to automatically identifying a DBMS workload as either OLTP or DSS. We build a classification model based on the most significant workload characteristics that differenti ate OLTP from DSS and then use the model to identify any change in the workload type. We construct and compare classifiers built from two different sets of industry-standard workloads, namely the TPC-C and TPC-H benchmarks, and the Browsing and Ordering profiles from the TPC-W benchmark. We conduct various sets of experiments that show that our workload classifiers are reliable, and have high accuracy in recognizing the type of the workload mix and in estimating the degree of its concentration.
Construction of Genetic Linkage Maps and Comparative Genome Analysis of Catfish Using Gene-Associated Markers

A genetic linkage map of the channel catfish genome (N = 29) was constructed using EST-based microsatellite and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers in an interspecific reference family. A total of 413 microsatellites and 125 SNP markers were polymorphic in the reference family. Linkage analysis using JoinMap 4.0 allowed mapping of 331 markers (259 microsatellites and 72 SNPs) to 29 linkage groups. Each linkage group contained 3–18 markers. The largest linkage group contained 18 markers and spanned 131.2 cM, while the smallest linkage group contained 14 markers and spanned only 7.9 cM. The linkage map covered a genetic distance of 1811 cM with an average marker interval of 6.0 cM. Sex-specific maps were also constructed; the recombination rate for females was 1.6 times higher than that for males. Putative conserved syntenies between catfish and zebrafish, medaka, and Tetraodon were established, but the overall levels of genome rearrangements were high among the teleost genomes. This study represents a first-generation linkage map constructed by using EST-derived microsatellites and SNPs, laying a framework for large-scale comparative genome analysis in catfish. The conserved syntenies identified here between the catfish and the three model fish species should facilitate structural genome analysis and evolutionary studies, but more importantly should facilitate functional inference of catfish genes. Given that determination of gene functions is difficult in nonmodel species such as catfish, functional genome analysis will have to rely heavily on the establishment of orthologies from model species.