Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A patch-clamp study on the physiology of aluminum toxicity and aluminum tolerance in maize. Identification and characterization of Al(3+)-induced anion channels.

The presence of Al(3+) in the rhizosphere induces citrate efflux from the root apex of the Al-tolerant maize (Zea mays) hybrid South American 3, consequently chelating and reducing the activity of toxic Al(3+) at the root surface. Because citrate is released from root apical cells as the deprotonated anion, we used the patch-clamp technique in protoplasts isolated from the terminal 5 mm of the root to study the plasma membrane ion transporters that could be involved in Al-tolerance and Al-toxicity responses. Acidification of the extracellular environment stimulated inward K(+) currents while inhibiting outward K(+) currents. Addition of extracellular Al(3+) inhibited the remaining K(+) outward currents, blocked the K(+) inward current, and caused the activation of an inward Cl(-) current (anion efflux). Studies with excised membrane patches revealed the existence of Al-dependent anion channels, which were highly selective for anions over cations. Our success in activating this channel with extracellular Al(3+) in membrane patches excised prior to any Al(3+) exposure indicates that the machinery required for Al(3+) activation of this channel, and consequently the whole root Al(3+) response, is localized to the root-cell plasma membrane. This Al(3+)-activated anion channel may also be permeable to organic acids, thus mediating the Al-tolerance response (i.e. Al-induced organic acid exudation) observed in intact maize root apices.
Effect of GABA Agonists and GABA-A Receptor Modulators on Cocaine- and Food-Maintained Responding and Cocaine Discrimination in Rats

Recent studies indicate that GABAergic ligands modulate abuse-related effects of cocaine. The goal of this study was to evaluate the effects of a mechanistically diverse group of GABAergic ligands on the discriminative stimulus and reinforcing effects of cocaine in rats. One group of rats was trained to discriminate 5.6 mg/kg cocaine from saline in a two-lever, food-reinforced, drug discrimination procedure. In two other groups, responding was maintained by cocaine (0–3.2 mg/kg/injection) or liquid food (0–100%) under a fixed ratio 5 schedule. Six GABA agonists were tested: the GABA-A receptor agonist muscimol, the GABA-B receptor agonist baclofen, the GABA transaminase inhibitor γ-vinyl-GABA (GVG), and three GABA-A receptor modulators (the barbiturate pentobarbital, the high-efficacy benzodiazepine midazolam, and the low-efficacy benzodiazepine enazenil). When tested alone, none of the compounds substituted fully for the discriminative stimulus effects of cocaine. As acute pretreatments, select doses of midazolam and pentobarbital produced 2.2- to 3.6-fold rightward shifts in the cocaine dose-effect function. In contrast, muscimol, baclofen, GVG, and enazenil failed to alter the discriminative stimulus effects of cocaine. In assays of cocaine- and food-maintained responding, midazolam and pentobarbital decreased cocaine self-administration at doses 9.6- and 3.3-fold lower, respectively, than those that decreased food-maintained responding. In contrast, muscimol, baclofen, and GVG decreased cocaine self-administration at doses that also decreased food-maintained responding. Enazenil failed to alter cocaine self-administration. Together with previous studies, these data suggest that among mechanistically diverse GABA agonists, high-efficacy GABA-A modulators may be the most effective for modifying the abuse-related effects of cocaine.
Misplacement of Purkinje Cells during Postnatal Development in Bax Knock-Out Mice: A Novel Role for Programmed Cell Death in the Nervous System?

During early postnatal development, the orchestrated regulation of proliferation, migration and the survival versus elimination of neurons is essential for histogenesis of the cerebellum. For instance, Purkinje cells (PCs) promote the proliferation and migration of external granule cells (EGCs), whereas EGCs in turn play a role in the migration of PCs. Considering that a substantial number of neurons undergo programmed cell death (PCD) during cerebellar development, it seems likely that neuronal loss could have a significant role in the histogenesis of the cerebellum. To address this question, we examined postnatal development of the cerebellum in Bax-knock-out (KO) mice in which the PCD of PC has been reported to be selectively reduced or eliminated, whereas EGCs are unaffected. We confirmed the absence of PC PCD as well as the normal PCD of EGCs in Bax-KO mice. We also observed a subpopulation of PCs that were misplaced in the inner granule cell layer of Bax-KO mice on postnatal day 5 (P5) to P10 and that, by the end of the major period of cerebellar histogenesis (P14), lose expression of the PC marker calbindin. These results suggest that the removal of ectopically located neurons may be a previously unrecognized function of developmental PCD.
N‐Mixture Models for Estimating Population Size from Spatially Replicated Counts

Summary. Spatial replication is a common theme in count surveys of animals. Such surveys often generate sparse count data from which it is difficult to estimate population size while formally accounting for detection probability. In this article, I describe a class of models (N‐mixture models) which allow for estimation of population size from such data. The key idea is to view site‐specific population sizes, N, as independent random variables distributed according to some mixing distribution (e.g., Poisson). Prior parameters are estimated from the marginal likelihood of the data, having integrated over the prior distribution for N. Carroll and Lombard (1985, Journal of American Statistical Association80, 423–426) proposed a class of estimators based on mixing over a prior distribution for detection probability. Their estimator can be applied in limited settings, but is sensitive to prior parameter values that are fixed a priori. Spatial replication provides additional information regarding the parameters of the prior distribution on N that is exploited by the N‐mixture models and which leads to reasonable estimates of abundance from sparse data. A simulation study demonstrates superior operating characteristics (bias, confidence interval coverage) of the N‐mixture estimator compared to the Caroll and Lombard estimator. Both estimators are applied to point count data on six species of birds illustrating the sensitivity to choice of prior on p and substantially different estimates of abundance as a consequence.
Identifying Information Resources for Patients in the Intensive Care Unit and Their Families

&NA; Background Providing information to patients in intensive care units and their families is challenging. Patients often are admitted unexpectedly and experience stress and uncertainty. One source of stress has been identified as unclear, uncoordinated, or inconsistent communication and information. Despite the need for information, no centrally located, easily accessible, standardized intensive care unit education content exists. Objective To identify educational content for patients in the intensive care unit and their families across 4 different hospitals, develop a general content database, and organize the general content into a framework for education of patients and their families. Methods Educational content for patients in the intensive care units of 4 participating hospitals was collected and a gap analysis was performed. Results Key content format and categories were identified. Educational content was organized into an information pathway divided into 3 phases: intensive care unit arrival; understanding the intensive care unit and partnering in care; and intensive care unit transitions. The gap analysis revealed substantial variation in content format and categories. Conclusions Structuring a digital learning center using different stages of the patient's stay in the intensive care unit and placing resources in the context of an information pathway can help coordinate education for these patients and their families, and creates a consistent communication guide for clinicians as well. The optimal digital format should be considered in designing the learning center. (Critical Care Nurse. 2017;37[6]:e10‐e16)
Melodic characteristics of backchannels in Dutch map task dialogues

In natural conversation backchannels (short optional utterances like ‘uh-huh’ or ‘yes’) are used to indicate to the current speaker that the current listener understands so far and that the speaker may continue. The question posed in the present paper is whether backchannels distinguish themselves melodically from lexically identical utterances that have a different function (e.g., the answer to a question). In a corpus of Dutch Map Task dialogues the melodic configurations realized on all backchannels and all lexically identical non-backchannels were transcribed using ToDI [1]. Comparison of the two groups of data reveal a clear tendency for backchannels to be marked by a non-prominence lending drop in pitch followed by a high boundary tone (69%), whereas the non-backchannels generally carry a pitch accent (61%).
Psychotherapy for lesbians: The influence of therapist sexuality

This study explored the influence of therapist sexuality upon lesbian experiences of therapy, and particularly the influence of marginal and dominant discourses within the process. It is argued that explorations of discourses of sexuality should be a necessary feature of a psychotherapist's training. A postmodern feminist methodology — Bungay and Keddy's adaptation of Reinharz's experiential analysis — was used in the study. This method involved triangulation of interview, literature analysis and reflective diary methods, with analysis drawing upon a discourse analytic perspective. Two sites of contradiction were explored, indicating the possible emergence of resistant lesbian discourses against the dominant patriarchal, heterosexist and homophobic discourses. The study illustrates the discursive and contextual nature of psychotherapy with lesbians.
Self-Regulated Strategy Development for Students with Emotional/Behavioral Disorders in a Residential School

SELF-REGULATED STRATEGY DEVELOPMENT FOR STUDENTS WITH EMOTIONAL/BEHAVIORAL DISORDERS IN A RESIDENTIAL SCHOOL by Robin Parks Ennis Students with emotional and behavioral disorders (E/BD) have academic deficits that affect their success in school; however, few researchers have investigated what strategies work best for this population, especially in the area of writing. One promising intervention to support the writing skills of students with and at-risk for E/BD is selfregulated strategy development (SRSD). SRSD is a six-stage, explicit strategy instruction model that includes procedures for goal setting, self-monitoring, self-instruction, and self-reinforcement and can be generalized to a variety of writing tasks. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of an SRSD persuasive writing intervention on the writing achievement of 44 students in a residential school. Results of a piecewise hierarchical linear modeling growth curve analysis suggest statistically significant gains were made over the course of the intervention in writing (quality, correct word sequences, and essay elements) and academic engagement. Effects also generalized to writing achievement measures. In addition, teachers implemented the intervention with high fidelity, and both students and teachers rated the intervention as socially acceptable, with higher ratings postintervention. SELF-REGULATED STRATEGY DEVELOPMENT FOR STUDENTS WITH EMOTIONAL/BEHAVIORAL DISORDERS IN A RESIDENTIAL SCHOOL by Robin Parks Ennis
ACE2 Deficiency Modifies Renoprotection Afforded by ACE Inhibition in Experimental Diabetes

OBJECTIVE— The degradation of angiotensin (Ang) II by ACE2, leading to the formation of Ang 1–7, is an important step in the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) and one that is significantly altered in the diabetic kidney. This study examines the role of ACE2 in early renal changes associated with diabetes and the influence of ACE2 deficiency on ACE inhibitor–mediated renoprotection. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS— Diabetes was induced by streptozotocin in male c57bl6 mice and ACE2 knockout (KO) mice. After 5 weeks of study, animals were randomized to receive the ACE inhibitor perindopril (2 mg · kg−1 · day−1). Wild-type mice were further randomized to receive the selective ACE2 inhibitor MLN-4760 (10 mg · kg−1 · day−1) and followed for an additional 5 weeks. Markers of renal function and injury were then assessed. RESULTS— Induction of diabetes in wild-type mice was associated with a reduction in renal ACE2 expression and decreased Ang 1–7. In diabetic mice receiving MLN-4760 and in ACE2 KO mice, diabetes-associated albuminuria was enhanced, associated with an increase in blood pressure. However, renal hypertrophy and fibrogenesis were reduced in diabetic mice with ACE2 deficiency, and hyperfiltration was attenuated. Diabetic wild-type mice treated with an ACE inhibitor experienced a reduction in albuminuria and blood pressure. These responses were attenuated in both diabetic ACE2 KO mice and diabetic mice receiving MLN-4760. However, other renoprotective and antifibrotic actions of ACE inhibition in diabetes were preserved in ACE2-deficient mice. CONCLUSIONS— The expression of ACE2 is significantly modified by diabetes, which impacts both pathogenesis of kidney disease and responsiveness to RAS blockade. These data indicate that ACE2 is a complex and site-specific modulator of diabetic kidney disease.
Reducing path inflation in chordal graphs with tree-based label assignment through the exploration of shortcuts

The fundamental objective of routing in distributed networked systems is to establish reachability between any pair of nodes in the system. Compact routing schemes are a class of schemes, which aim to control the node label size and memory storage costs for routes in the search towards infinitely scalable routing systems. In this paper we propose an enhancement to route computation process, originally described by Nisse, Rapaport and Suchan, which is applicable in generalized chordal graphs. The proposed modifications allow some paths to achieve better additive stretch, thus contributing to the overall decrease in the average routing stretch.
Human-demonstration based approach for grasping unknown objects

This video presents a grasp planning of multiple robots via learning by human demonstration. In order to make a robot grasp an unknown object, the robot is required to figure out an appropriate grasping skill such as grasping points and approaching directions for the target object. After a shape of an unknown object has been reconstructed, the robot learns a natural and intuitive grasping skill by human demonstration.
Performance Bounds for Unequal Error Protecting Turbo Codes

In many communications systems, data can be divided into different importance levels. For these systems, unequal error protection (UEP) techniques are used to guarantee lower BER for the more important classes. In particular, if the precise characteristics of the channel are not known, UEP can be used to recover the more important classes even in poor receiving conditions. In this paper, we derive bounds on the performance of unequal error protecting turbo codes. These bounds serve as an important tool in predicting the performance of these codes. In order to derive the bounds, we introduce the notion of UEP uniform interleaver which is a random interleaver that does not change the order of classes in the turbo code frame. We also present a method to derive the weight enumerating function for UEP turbo codes.
Some Remarks On the Interpretation and Possible Uses of the "Social Capital" Concept With Special Regard To the Hungarian Case1

Quelques remarques sur l'interprétation et les utilisations possibles du concept de "capital social" avec attention pour le cas hongrois. L'auteur examine les diverses définitions du concept de capital pour ensuite voir ce qu'entend le concept de capital social. Il propose trois définitions qui sont analysées et appliquées à des données d'enquêtes existantes en Hongrie
Neural networks as a tool for modeling of biological systems

Abstract Neural networks become very popular as a tool for modeling of numerous systems, including technological, economical, sociological, psychological, and even political ones. On the contrary, neural networks are models of neural structures and neural processes observed in a real brain. However, for modeling of real neural structures and real neural processes occurring in a living brain, neural networks are too simplified and too primitive. Nevertheless, neural networks can be used for modeling the behavior of many biological systems and structures. Such models are not useful for explanation, taking into account the biological systems and processes, but can be very useful for the analysis of such system behavior, including the prognosis of future results of selected activities (e.g. the prognosis of results of different therapies for modeled illnesses). In this paper, selected examples of such models and their applications are presented.
Kualitas Skripsi Mahasiswa Universitas Al Azhar Indonesia: Pengaruh Hasil Belajar Metodologi Penelitian dan Statistik terhadap Kualitas Skripsi

The objective of the research is to study the relationship between learning outcome on statistic, learning outcome on research methodology and thesis quality. The research was carried out at the student Al Azhar University, with 53 samples of thesis which were selected randomly. The research concludes there is positive correlation between: (1) learning outcome on statistics and thesis quality; (2) knowledge on research methodology and thesis quality; (3) furthermore, there is a positive correlation between learning outcome on statistcs, learning outcome on research methodology, with thesis quality. Therefore thesis quality can be increased by improving learning outcome on statistic, and learning outcome on research metodhology.
Design analysis of direct-driven PMSG in wind turbine application

This paper focuses on design analysis issues of direct driven permanent magnet synchronous generator (DDPMSG) which are widely used in large scale wind turbines. The permanent magnet synchronous generator (PMSG) of 1.5 MW output power which is driven directly without gear system is analyzed by Maxwell 2D RMxprt. The characteristics of generator include the cogging torque, induced coil voltages at rated speed, airgap flux density distribution and so on. For analysis of an electrical machine, accurate prediction of the machine parameters is crucial. A particular interest for permanent magnet generator is connected with wind turbine, which seems to be becoming increasing popular nowadays. The results show a proper performance of PMSG for analysis of an electrical machine in wind turbine application.
ON THE PRODUCT OF THE POINT AND LINE COVERING NUMBERS OF A GRAPH

where G ranges over all graphs with n points . He further noted that equality holds in 61 forthe star K,,,_, and in (ii) for the complete graph K,, . In this note we settle these conjectures . In particular, we show that (i) is true, and ,ii), while not completely true, is nearly true . The smallest countterexampl . to (ii) is the graph 2K3 consisting of two disjoint triangles . Note that a0(2K3),xt(2K3) = 16, ao(K6)o:,(K6) = 15 . imvover (1! ) k valid it n ±3 odd o . ' : G is reclinred to be connected! "Vc nlst : consider' the corresponding questions for hypergraplis .
Construction and Validation of an Instrument to Measure Environmental Orientations in a Diverse Group of Children

An understanding of children’s environmental orientations is of critical importance as opportunities for authentic contact with nature diminish. Current instruments for measuring children’s environmental attitudes are complex, and few have been tested across diverse audiences. This study employed a mixed-methods approach that included pilot tests, final survey implementation, and interviews to create a survey instrument for assessing the environmental attitudes and awareness of children (N = 254) from different age (6- to 13-yearolds) and ethnic groups (African American, Hispanic, and White). Reliability and validity analyses indicated the scale was a psychometrically sound method for accurately and efficiently measuring children’s perceptions of nature across a demographic range. Eco-affinity and eco-awareness emerged as two distinct components of environmental orientations. This new evaluation tool may help educators and researchers examine the ways children perceive the natural world. It may also help to identify cognitive and affective aspects of existing environmental education programs that need improvement.
Debugging techniques for declarative languages: Profiling, program slicing and algorithmic debugging

There is no doubt about the relevance of debugging in the software development process. However, the scientific community has put little attention on this task and the same debugging techniques used twenty years ago are still being used today. The thesis firstly studies and compares current debugging techniques and then it proposes new methods for the debugging of declarative languages putting special attention on profiling, program slicing and algorithmic debugging.
Effect of smoking cessation on oxidative DNA modification estimated by 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2'-deoxyguanosine excretion.

BACKGROUND Reactive oxygen species from, e.g. tobacco smoke are suggested to be involved in carcinogenesis by oxidative modification of DNA. The urinary excretion rate of the oxidized nucleoside 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-oxodG) has been validated as a biomarker of the rate of oxidative DNA modification with mechanistic relation to carcinogenesis. In cross-sectional studies, the urinary excretion rate of 8-oxodG has been shown to be elevated in smokers compared with non-smokers. PURPOSE In this randomised, controlled smoking cessation study, we investigated whether cigarette smoking per se causes oxidative DNA modification. METHODS Of the 182 healthy smokers included, 100 were randomized to quit smoking after baseline samples had been taken, and 82 were randomized to continue usual smoking. Before the start of the study and after 4 weeks, the subjects collected 24-h urine samples that were analysed for 8-oxodG content by high-pressure liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection. The subjects randomized to smoking cessation were followed up after 26 weeks. RESULTS Four weeks of smoking cessation resulted in a 21% decrease in 8-oxodG excretion rate (from mean +/- SD, 30.5 +/- 13.9 to 24.1 +/- 10.5 nmol/24 h, P < 0.001) in 58 quitters included in per-protocol data analysis. Sixty-five continued smokers included in per-protocol analysis showed a 9% decrease in 8-oxodG excretion rate (from 31.6 +/- 13.2 to 28.7 +/- 12.6 nmol/24 h, P = 0.026). After 4 weeks, the 8-oxodG excretion rate was 16% (95% confidence interval 4 to 28%) higher in the continued smokers than in the quitters (P = 0.0085, ANCOVA), demonstrating the effect of smoking per se. A 23% (P < 0.005) decrease in 8-oxodG excretion rate was sustained for 26 weeks in 27 quitters who completed the study. CONCLUSION Smoking cessation significantly reduces the urinary excretion rate of 8-oxodG, giving direct and controlled evidence that cigarette smoking causes an increased rate of oxidative DNA modification. This could represent a mechanism by which tobacco smoke is carcinogenic.