Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Modeling frame-level errors in GSM wireless channels

We compare four different approaches towards modeling frame-level errors in GSM channels. One of these, the Markov-based trace analysis (MTA) model, was developed for the purpose of modeling a GSM channel. The next two, k/sup th/-order Markov models and hidden Markov models (HMMs) have been widely used to model loss in wired networks. All three of these have difficulty modeling empirical GSM frame-level error traces. The MTA model and HMM predict frame error rates substantially different from that measured from the trace, and all three models have difficulty capturing the long term temporal correlation structure. We propose a fourth model, the extended ON/OFF model, which alternates between an ON (error-free) and an OFF (error-filled) state. The state holding times are taken from mixtures of geometric distributions. We show that this model, with mixtures of three or four geometric distributions, captures first order and second order statistics significantly better than the preceding three approaches.
Induction of Mossy Fiber→CA3 Long-Term Potentiation Requires Translocation of Synaptically Released Zn2+

The mammalian CNS contains an abundance of chelatable Zn2+ sequestered in the vesicles of glutamatergic terminals. These vesicles are particularly numerous in hippocampal mossy fiber synapses of the hilar and CA3 regions. Our recent observation of frequency-dependent Zn2+ release from mossy fiber synaptic terminals and subsequent entry into postsynaptic neurons has prompted us to investigate the role of synaptically released Zn2+ in the induction of long-term potentiation (LTP) in field CA3 of the hippocampus. The rapid removal of synaptically released Zn2+ with the membrane-impermeable Zn2+ chelator CaEDTA (10 mm) blocked induction of NMDA receptor-independent mossy fiber LTP by high-frequency electrical stimulation (HFS) in rat hippocampal slices. Mimicking Zn2+ release by bath application of Zn2+ (50–100 μm) without HFS induced a long-lasting potentiation of synaptic transmission that lasted more than 3 hr. Moreover, our experiments indicate the effects of Zn2+ were not attributable to its interaction with extracellular membrane proteins but required its entry into presynaptic or postsynaptic neurons. Co-released glutamate is also essential for induction of LTP under physiological conditions, in part because it allows Zn2+ entry into postsynaptic neurons. These results indicate that synaptically released Zn2+, acting as a second messenger, is necessary for the induction of LTP at mossy fiber→CA3 synapses of hippocampus.
Die vangnet van die woord: forensies-linguistiese getuienis in 'n lastersaak

The article takes the form of a report on a linguistic investigation of forensic texts which played a pivotal role in securing a conviction by the High Court of the Eastern Cape on a number of counts of criminal defamation in the case of the State versus Hoho. The report is introduced by a brief historical orientation of the field of forensic linguistics, both abroad (in particular in the USA), and its initial application in the South African context. A description is given of the run-up to, as well as the most salient details of, the case, informally known and reported in the media as the 'Father Punch case'. This is followed by a summary of the procedure according to which the linguistic data were processed, and then a presentation and discussion of some representative examples of the form in which the evidence was presented. Finally, an assessment is given of the potential value that the judgement could have on the future cooperation between the judiciary and linguists in South Africa.
SOX9: a stem cell transcriptional regulator of secreted niche signaling factors

Hair follicles (HFs) undergo cyclical periods of growth, which are fueled by stem cells (SCs). By conditionally targeting Sox9 in adult HF-SCs, Kadaja et al. found that SOX9 is essential for stemness and HF downgrowth. Numerous SOX9-sensitive targets encode extracellular factors, most notably enhancers of Activin/pSMAD2 signaling. Compromising Activin signaling recapitulates SOX9-dependent defects, and Activin partially rescues them. These findings reveal roles for SOX9 in regulating adult HF-SC maintenance and a role for SCs in coordinating their own behavior through non-cell-autonomous signaling within the niche.
Questioning the Theoretical Basis of Current Global‐City Research: Structures, Networks and Actor‐Networks

The article critiques the theoretical basis for researching global cities as structures, networks, and actor-networks. First, Sassen’s and Taylor’s concepts for global urban command are closely examined to reveal, amongst other things, their inherent contradiction. This revelation is of fundamental importance because current research is proceeding apace on the assumption of their compatibility. Second, we move beyond a critique of structures and networks to expose a problem with re-conceptualizing cities as actor-networks. We explain how actor-network theory runs aground on a ‘plasma’ and consequently suggest a route out of that theoretical impasse by arguing for a re-conceptualization of cities modelled on the work of Badiou. Finally, we demonstrate how such a conceptual shift provides the theoretical basis for a new type of urban analysis that examines how cities strive to prohibit and dissimulate their unbinding and destabilization as networks. Thus, the article advances a new model for global-urban studies about how cities as networks are fragile, ongoing achievements, not only because — as actor-network theory has taught us — they hold together only because they are held together, but because — as Badiou shows us — they are blind to what they cannot take into account: multiplicity and event as products of subtraction.
Localization of Serum Amyloid A3 in the Mouse Ovary

Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) induces serum amyloid A (SAA) 3 among acute-phase proteins in mouse granulosa cells by activating NF-κB signaling via p55 TNF-α receptor type 1. However, the localization of SAA3 within the ovary is unknown. Here we investigated ovarian localization of SAA3 in a mouse ovulation model and in response to IL-1β, a proinflammatory mediator. For the ovulation model, equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG; 2.5 IU) was administered to mice subcutaneously (sc) to stimulate follicular development on day 25 of age and then 50 h after eCG, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG; 2.5 IU) was administered sc to induce ovulation. The mouse ovulation model was characterized by the localization of CYP19 mRNA expression to granulosa layers of larger follicles. SAA3 mRNA, determined by in situ hybridization, was broadly expressed throughout the whole ovary. Granulosa layers and small follicles expressed higher SAA3 mRNA compared to thecal-interstitial layers and large follicles, respectively. Interestingly, atretic follicles contained cells expressing intense SAA3 mRNA. After ovulation, SAA3 mRNA expression was intensely evident in ruptured follicles and corpora lutea (CL). The intraperitoneal administration of IL-1β revealed the intense and extensive appearance of specific cells expressing SAA3 mRNA around follicles and in CL. In addition, Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database analysis supported expression pattern of SAA3 mRNA observed in mouse ovulation model. Taken together, SAA3 was broadly distributed through the whole ovary, but intensely expressed in atretic follicles and CL. Furthermore, proinflammatory mediators could trigger the intense appearance of SAA3 around follicles and in CL.
Primaquine-NSAID twin drugs: Synthesis, radical scavenging, antioxidant and Fe2+ chelating activity

Primaquine-NSAID twin drugs: Synthesis, radical scavenging, antioxidant and Fe2+ chelating activity Novel primaquine conjugates with non-steroidal anti-inlammatory drugs (PQ-NSAIDs, 4a-h) were prepared, fully chemically characterized and screened for radical scavenging and antioxidant activities. The synthetic procedure leading to twin drugs 4a-h involved two steps: i) preparation of NSAID benzotriazolides 3a-h from the corresponding NSAID (ibuprofen, ketoprofen, fenoprofen, ketoprofen hydroxy and methylene analogues, diclofenac or indomethacin) and benzotriazole carboxylic acid chloride (BtCOCl, 1), ii) reaction of intermediates 3a-h with PQ. The prepared PQ-NSAIDs exerted moderate activities in the DPPH free radical test and β-carotene-linoleic acid assay. Moreover, ketoprofen derivatives 4d and 4b demonstrated a notable Fe2+ chelating ability as well. On the other hand, negligible antiproliferative and antituberculotic effects of conjugates 4a-h were observed. Dvojni lijekovi primakina i nesteroidnih protuupalnih lijekova: Sinteza, hvatanje slobodnih radikala, antioksidativno djelovanje i keliranje Fe2+ iona U radu je opisana sinteza novih konjugata primakina s nesteroidnim protuupalnim lijekovima (PQ-NSAIDs, 4a-h), njihova potpuna karakterizacija te testiranje sposobnosti hvatanja slobodnih radikala i antioksidativnog djelovanja. Sintetski postupak za pripravu dvojnih lijekova 4a-h uključuje dva koraka: i) pripravu NSAID-benzotriazolida 3a-h iz odgovarajućih nesteroidnih protuupalnih lijekova (ibuprofena, ketoprofena, fenoprofena, hidroksi i metilenskih analoga ketoprofena, diklofenaka i indometacina) i klorida 1-benzotriazol karboksilne kiseline (BtCOCl, 1), ii) reakciju intermedijera 3a-h s primakinom. Novi PQ-NSAID konjugati pokazuju umjerenu sposobnost hvatanja slobodnih radikala u DPPH testu te umjereno antioksidativno djelovanje u pokusu s β-karotenom i linoleinskom kiselinom. Osim toga, derivati ketoprofena 4d i 4b imaju primjetnu sposobnost keliranja Fe2+ iona. Svi konjugati 4a-h pokazuju vrlo slabo antiproliferativno i antituberkulotsko djelovanje.
A selective deficit in imageable concepts: a window to the organization of the conceptual system

Nissim, a 64 years old Hebrew-speaking man who sustained an ischemic infarct in the left occipital lobe, exhibited an intriguing pattern. He could hold a deep and fluent conversation about abstract and complex issues, such as the social risks in unemployment, but failed to retrieve imageable words such as ball, spoon, carrot, or giraffe. A detailed study of the words he could and could not retrieve, in tasks of picture naming, tactile naming, and naming to definition, indicated that whereas he was able to retrieve abstract words, he had severe difficulties when trying to retrieve imageable words. The same dissociation also applied for proper names—he could retrieve names of people who have no visual image attached to their representation (such as the son of the biblical Abraham), but could not name people who had a visual image (such as his own son, or Barack Obama). When he tried to produce imageable words, he mainly produced perseverations and empty speech, and some semantic paraphasias. He did not produce perseverations when he tried to retrieve abstract words. This suggests that perseverations may occur when the phonological production system produces a word without proper activation in the semantic lexicon. Nissim evinced a similar dissociation in comprehension—he could understand abstract words and sentences but failed to understand sentences with imageable words, and to match spoken imageable words to pictures or to semantically related imageable words. He was able to understand proverbs with imageable literal meaning but abstract figurative meaning. His comprehension was impaired also in tasks of semantic associations of pictures, pointing to a conceptual, rather than lexical source of the deficit. His visual perception as well as his phonological input and output lexicons and buffers (assessed by auditory lexical decision, word and sentence repetition, and writing to dictation) were intact, supporting a selective conceptual system impairment. He was able to retrieve gestures for objects and pictures he saw, indicating that his access to concepts often sufficed for the activation of the motoric information but did not suffice for access to the entry in the semantic lexicon. These results show that imageable concepts can be selectively impaired, and shed light on the organization of conceptual-semantic system.
Temsirolimus Sensitive Stimulation of Platelet Activity, Apoptosis and Aggregation by Collagen Related Peptide

Background/Aims: The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitor temsirolimus stimulates apoptosis of tumor cells and is thus therapeutically used for the treatment of diverse malignancies. On the other hand, temsirolimus has been shown to protect against apoptosis of hippocampal neurons. Similar to nucleated cells, blood platelets may enter suicidal death characterized by cell shrinkage and cell membrane scrambling. Platelet apoptosis is frequently preceded by Ca2+ entry, degranulation, integrin activation and stimulation of caspases. Those events could be triggered by collagen related peptide (CRP). The present study explored whether treatment of platelets with temsirolimus modifies platelet activation, caspase activity, platelet shrinkage, and phosphatidylserine abundance. Methods: Platelets isolated from wild-type mice were exposed for 30 minutes to temsirolimus (40 µg/ml) without or with additional CRP (2 µg/ ml or 5 µg/ml) treatment. Flow cytometry was employed to estimate cytosolic Ca2+-activity ([Ca2+]i) from Fluo-3 fuorescence, platelet degranulation from P-selectin abundance, integrin activation from αIIbβ3 integrin abundance, caspase activity utilizing an Active Caspase-3 Staining kit, phosphatidylserine abundance from annexin-V-binding and relative platelet volume from forward scatter. Results: In the absence of CRP, the administration of temsirolimus (40 µg/ml) significantly decreased [Ca2+]i, but did not significantly modify P-selectin abundance, activated αIIbβ3 integrin, annexin-V-binding, cell volume, caspase activity and aggregation. Exposure of platelets to CRP was followed by significant increase of [Ca2+]i, P-selectin abundance, αIIbβ3 integrin activity, annexin-V-binding, ROS, caspase activity and aggregation, effects significantly blunted in the presence of temsirolimus. CRP further decreased forward scatter, an effect again significantly blunted by temsirolimus. Conclusions: Temsirolimus is a powerful inhibitor of platelet activation and suicidal platelet death.
Fair uni- and multicasting in a ring metro WDM network

Packet-switched wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM) ring networks have been extensively studied as solutions to the increasing amount of traffic in metropolitan area networks, which is widely expected to be a mix of unicast and multicast traffic. We study the fairness between unicasting and multicasting in slotted packet-switched WDM ring networks that employ a tunable transmitter and fixed tuned receiver at each node and a posteriori buffer selection. We find that single-step longest-queue (LQ) buffer selection generally results in unfairness between unicasting and multicasting or a fixed relative priority for multicast versus unicast traffic. We propose and evaluate dual-step buffer selection policies that achieve fairness and allow for a range of relative priorities of multicast versus unicast traffic.
Mouse ENU Mutagenesis to Understand Immunity to Infection: Methods, Selected Examples, and Perspectives

Infectious diseases are responsible for over 25% of deaths globally, but many more individuals are exposed to deadly pathogens. The outcome of infection results from a set of diverse factors including pathogen virulence factors, the environment, and the genetic make-up of the host. The completion of the human reference genome sequence in 2004 along with technological advances have tremendously accelerated and renovated the tools to study the genetic etiology of infectious diseases in humans and its best characterized mammalian model, the mouse. Advancements in mouse genomic resources have accelerated genome-wide functional approaches, such as gene-driven and phenotype-driven mutagenesis, bringing to the fore the use of mouse models that reproduce accurately many aspects of the pathogenesis of human infectious diseases. Treatment with the mutagen N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea (ENU) has become the most popular phenotype-driven approach. Our team and others have employed mouse ENU mutagenesis to identify host genes that directly impact susceptibility to pathogens of global significance. In this review, we first describe the strategies and tools used in mouse genetics to understand immunity to infection with special emphasis on chemical mutagenesis of the mouse germ-line together with current strategies to efficiently identify functional mutations using next generation sequencing. Then, we highlight illustrative examples of genes, proteins, and cellular signatures that have been revealed by ENU screens and have been shown to be involved in susceptibility or resistance to infectious diseases caused by parasites, bacteria, and viruses.
Causes of variation in birth weight: A study of offspring of twins

In an effort to explain the causes of variation in birth weight within and between families, birth weights of 13,970 sons and daughters of monozygotic (MZ) and dizygotic (DZ) twins were analysed. The sample included birth weights of halfsibs and cousins related either through females or males, permitting the distinction between maternal and fetal genetic effects. Models of genetic and environmental variances were fitted to mean squares from analysis of variance. The results indicate that more than 50% of the total variation in birth weight is caused by variation in fetal genes, and that less than 20% is caused by variation in maternal genes. The remaining variance (20–30%) could be explained by random environmental effects. No certain effects were found of family‐specific environment or of interactions between fetal and maternal genes.
Style: Language Variation and Identity

Style refers to ways of speaking - how speakers use the resource of language variation to make meaning in social encounters. This 2007 book develops a coherent theoretical approach to style in sociolinguistics, illustrated with copious examples. It explains how speakers project different social identities and create different social relationships through their style choices, and how speech-style and social context inter-relate. Style therefore refers to the wide range of strategic actions and performances that speakers engage in, to construct themselves and their social lives. Coupland draws on and integrates a wide variety of contemporary sociolinguistic research as well as his own extensive research in this field. The emphasis is on how social meanings are made locally, in specific relationships, genres, groups and cultures, and on studying language variation as part of the analysis of spoken discourse.
Rho‐kinase inhibition and electromechanical coupling in rat and guinea‐pig ureter smooth muscle: Ca2+‐dependent and ‐independent mechanisms

Recent data have shown Ca2+‐dependent activation of Rho‐kinase by sustained depolarization of arterial smooth muscle. Visceral smooth muscles, however, contract phasically in response to action potentials and it is unclear whether Ca2+‐dependent or ‐independent Rho‐kinase activation occurs. We have therefore investigated this, under physiologically relevant conditions, in intact ureter. Action potentials, ionic currents, Ca2+ transients, myosin light chain (MLC) phosphorylation and phasic contraction evoked by action potentials in guinea‐pig and rat ureter were investigated. In rat, but not guinea‐pig ureter, three Rho‐kinase inhibitors, Y‐27632, HA‐1077 and H‐1152, significantly decreased phasic contractions and Ca2+ transients. Voltage‐ and current‐clamp data showed that Rho‐kinase inhibition reduced the plateau component of the action potential, inhibited Ca2+‐channels and, indirectly, Ca2+‐activated Cl− channels. The Ca2+ channel agonist Bay K8644 could reverse these effects. The K+ channel blocker TEA could also reverse the inhibitory effect of Y‐27632 on the action potential and Ca2+ transient. Ca2+ transients and inward current, activated by carbachol‐induced sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+release, were not affected by Rho‐kinase inhibition. Rho‐kinase inhibition produced a Ca2+‐independent increase in the relaxation rate of contraction, associated with acceleration of MLC dephosphorylation, which was sensitive to calyculin A. These data show for the first time that: (1) Rho‐kinase has major effects on Ca2+ signalling associated with the action potential, (2) this effect is species dependent and (3) Rho‐kinase controls relaxation of phasic contraction of myogenic origin. Thus Rho‐kinase can modulate phasic smooth muscle in the absence of agonist, and the mechanisms are both Ca2+‐dependent, involving ion channels, and Ca2+‐independent, involving MLC phosphorylation activity.
Oral Health Knowledge, Attitudes and Practice Behaviour among Secondary School Children in Chandigarh.

INTRODUCTION Oral health knowledge is considered to be an essential prerequisite for health-related practices and better oral health. Healthy practices adopted at young age are more sustainable. AIM Present cross-sectional exploratory study was planned to assess oral health knowledge and practices of secondary school students in Chandigarh, India. MATERIALS AND METHODS A cross-sectional survey was under-taken amongst 1027 secondary level school students, in Chandigarh, India. After obtaining informed consent subjects were administered pretested self administered questionnaire addressing demographics, knowledge, attitude and practice behaviour of participants. Frequency analysis was done using descriptive statistics. RESULTS Survey revealed that only 40% subjects brushed twice daily. About 17% reported use of dental floss and 20% used either mouthwash or tongue cleaner as adjuncts. A total of 58% had knowledge that infrequent brushing led to dental caries, staining of teeth, dental plaque and bleeding from gums. Most of them knew sweets (92.7%) and soft drinks (67.8%) affected dental health. Only 12.9% visited dentist regularly after every 6-12 months. CONCLUSION Efficacy of dental health education can be increased only if health programs are tailored to directly impinge on attitudes of targeted population, especially school children in whom healthy practices can be inculcated easily and be sustained for long times.
The Cell Surface Receptor SLAM Controls T Cell and Macrophage Functions

Signaling lymphocyte activation molecule (SLAM), a glycoprotein expressed on activated lymphocytes and antigen-presenting cells, has been shown to be a coregulator of antigen-driven T cell responses and is one of the two receptors for measles virus. Here we show that T cell receptor–induced interleukin (IL)-4 secretion by SLAM−/− CD4+ cells is down-regulated, whereas interferon γ production by CD4+ T cells is only slightly up-regulated. Although SLAM controls production of IL-12, tumor necrosis factor, and nitric oxide in response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) by macrophages, SLAM does not regulate phagocytosis and responses to peptidoglycan or CpG. Thus, SLAM acts as a coreceptor that regulates signals transduced by the major LPS receptor Toll-like receptor 4 on the surface of mouse macrophages. A defective macrophage function resulted in an inability of SLAM−/− C57Bl/6 mice to remove the parasite Leishmania major. We conclude that the coreceptor SLAM plays a central role at the interface of acquired and innate immune responses.
Back prop agat ion C an G ive Rise to Spurious Local Minim a E v en for Networks w ithout H idden Layers E duardo

We give an example of a neural net withou t hidden layers and with a sigmoid transfer funct ion, together with a training set of binary vectors, for which the sum of the squared errors, regarded as a function of the weights, has a local minimum which is not a global minimum. The examp le consists of a set of 125 t raining instances, with four weights and a th reshold to be learned. We do not know if substantially smaller binary examples exist.