Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Somatodendritic dopamine release: recent mechanistic insights

Dopamine (DA) is a key transmitter in motor, reward and cogitative pathways, with DA dysfunction implicated in disorders including Parkinson's disease and addiction. Located in midbrain, DA neurons of the substantia nigra pars compacta project via the medial forebrain bundle to the dorsal striatum (caudate putamen), and DA neurons in the adjacent ventral tegmental area project to the ventral striatum (nucleus accumbens) and prefrontal cortex. In addition to classical vesicular release from axons, midbrain DA neurons exhibit DA release from their cell bodies and dendrites. Somatodendritic DA release leads to activation of D2 DA autoreceptors on DA neurons that inhibit their firing via G-protein-coupled inwardly rectifying K+ channels. This helps determine patterns of DA signalling at distant axonal release sites. Somatodendritically released DA also acts via volume transmission to extrasynaptic receptors that modulate local transmitter release and neuronal activity in the midbrain. Thus, somatodendritic release is a pivotal intrinsic feature of DA neurons that must be well defined in order to fully understand the physiology and pathophysiology of DA pathways. Here, we review recent mechanistic aspects of somatodendritic DA release, with particular emphasis on the Ca2+ dependence of release and the potential role of exocytotic proteins.
Dropping out because of the others: bullying among the students of Estonian vocational schools

Abstract Although it is arguably a fundamental democratic or human right of a child to feel safe at school, many children and adolescents have to face peer victimisation in schools on a daily basis, and occasionally through several levels of education. Long-term victimisation may have detrimental consequences for the victim, including a negative effect on educational attainment. This study provides an insight into the lives of five young people who have dropped out or are at risk of dropping out from Estonian vocational schools because of peer victimisation. The study is based on in-depth face-to-face personal interviews. Four superordinate themes with associated subthemes are addressed: ‘experience of victimisation’, ‘social context’, ‘lack of support’, and ‘quitting as a survival strategy’. The stories of the bullying victims reveal how the victimisation has shaped them and their educational pathways by compelling them to discontinue their vocational training.
Mezinárodní systém fotografií pro výzkum emocí: jeden ze současných přístupů ke zkoumání emočních stavu.

The main focus of this paper is the research of emotions by means of the International Affective Picture System. It is a set of photographs which according to the authors' assumptions differ in two basic dimensions of emotions valence and arousal. The paper discusses the studies carried out using this system, theoretical context of this approach, its theoretical and methodological limitations and possible starting points. The authors believe that this system is primarily based on the necessity to study the semantic content of pictures, or in other words, on a psychosemantic approach.
Investigating performance and impacts on fingerprint recognition systems

This paper presents a comparative study on fingerprint recognition systems. The goal of this study was to investigate the capability characteristics of biometric systems regarding integration of biometric features in personnel documents such as ID cards and Visa application documents. Thus the designed test has the focus on performance testing of selected algorithms and systems with dedicated investigations on side effects such as independence of matching rates and results from the scanning device or the impacts of ageing effects on the received operator characteristics. The study was carried out in close collaboration between German Federal Criminal Police Office (Bundeskriminalamt, BKA), the German Federal Office for Information Security (Bundesamt fuer Sicherheit in der Informationstechnik, BSI) and the Fraunhofer-IGD.
The e V ects of a Y rmative action in higher education

We use the National Longitudinal Survey of Freshmen (NLSF) to analyze the e V ects of a Y rmative action on college outcomes for among the 1999 cohort of freshmen in 28 selective colleges and universities. We develop indices of a Y rmative action at the individual and institutional levels to test the validity of two charges leveled by critics of a Y rmative action: that it undermines minority performance by placing academically unprepared students into competitive schools without the required skills and abilities (the mismatch hypothesis) and that it stigmatizes all minorities as academically challenged and intellectually weak to produce added psychological pressure that undermines academic performance (the stereotype threat hypothesis). We W nd no evidence for the mismatch hypothesis. If anything, individual students with SAT scores below the institutional average do better than other students, other things equal. We do, however, W nd evidence consistent with the hypothesis of stereotype threat, although the e V ect is not particularly strong compared with other determinants of academic success. © 2006 respondents prior to their entering college and measured in some detail their initial attitudes, motivations, and perceptions. A detailed description of the sampling meth-odology and questionnaire, along with a list of the 28 institutions and their characteristics, is contained in Massey et al. (2003).
Sparse regular random graphs: Spectral density and eigenvectors

We examine the empirical distribution of the eigenvalues and the eigenvectors of adjacency matrices of sparse regular random graphs. We find that when the degree sequence of the graph slowly increases to infinity with the number of vertices, the empirical spectral distribution converges to the semicircle law. Moreover, we prove concentration estimates on the number of eigenvalues over progressively smaller intervals. We also show that, with high probability, all the eigenvectors are delocalized.
Technological Competition and the Structure of the Computer Industry

The authors examine thirty years of computer industry market structure. Their analysis explains the persistence of dominant computer firms, their recent decline, and the changing success of competitive entry. It emphasizes the importance of technological competition between computer 'platforms,' not firms. This aspect of competition has changed little over time. Two things did change. Young platforms serving newly founded segments eventually challenged established platforms across segment boundaries through a process of indirect entry. Vertically disintegrated platforms have led to divided technical leadership in important segments. The result is an industry with far more technological competition. Copyright 1999 by Blackwell Publishing Ltd
Energy management in hybrid electric vehicles: benefit of prediction

Hybrid vehicles require a supervisory algorithm, often referred to as energy management strategy, which governs the drivetrain components. In general the energy management strategy objective is to minimize the fuel consumption subject to constraints on the components, vehicle performance and driver comfort. Typically, we have to deal with two difficulties in the design of an energy management strategy. Firstly, the nonlinear behavior of the components results in a nonconvex cost function, complicating the use of optimization methods. Different approaches to deal with the nonconvexity are discussed. Secondly, the future power and velocity trajectories are unknown. Prediction of the future trajectories, based upon either past or predicted vehicle velocity and road grade trajectories, could help in obtaining a solution close to optimal. The benefit of prediction, compared to a heuristic and an optimal control strategy that uses only actual vehicle data, is shown with an example of a hybrid truck at a highway trajectory in a hilly environment. Results indicate that prediction has benefits only when the slopes have sufficient grade and length, such that the battery state-of-charge boundaries are reached. © 2010 IFAC.
Optimal subband analysis filters compensating for quantization and additive noise

In this paper, we present an analysis filter design technique which optimally defines the proper decimator so that the quantization noise is compensated. The analysis is based on a distortion criterion minimization using the Lagrange multipliers. The optimal decimation filters are derived through a Ricatti solution which involves both the quantization and the interpolation filters. Experimental results are presented indicating the good performance of the proposed technique versus conventional subband filter banks in the presence of quantization noise.
Toward a Post-Schneiderian Perspective on Kinship

The so-called new kinship studies, inspired by David Schneider, are shown to be mistaken in arguing that non-Western kinship notions are not grounded in native appreciations of procreation. The argument is sustainable mostly by an almost complete neglect of the pertinent kinship terminologies. Attention to such terminologies, by contrast, shows that close procreative kin, even when superficially classed with others, including non-kin, are in fact subclassed as the semantically central members of their respective classes. It is further shown that evidence for this argument has been in the ethnographic literature for more than a century and has by now reached a point where it is nothing short of overwhelming.
Cisplatin and Oxaliplatin Toxicity: Importance of Cochlear Kinetics as a Determinant for Ototoxicity

Background Cisplatin is a cornerstone anticancer drug with pronounced ototoxicity, whereas oxaliplatin, a platinum derivative with a different clinical profile, is rarely ototoxic. This difference has not been explained. Methods In HCT116 cells, cisplatin (20 μM)-induced apoptosis was reduced by a calcium chelator from 9.9-fold induction (95% confidence interval [CI] = 8.1- to 11.7-fold), to 3.1-fold induction (95% CI = 2.0- to 4.2-fold) and by superoxide scavenging from 9.3-fold (95% CI = 8.8- to 9.8-fold), to 5.1-fold (95% CI = 4.4- to 5.8-fold). A guinea pig model (n = 23) was used to examine pharmacokinetics. Drug concentrations were determined by liquid chromatography with post-column derivatization. The total platinum concentration in cochlear tissue was determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Drug pharmacokinetics was assessed by determining the area under the concentration–time curve (AUC). Statistical tests were two-sided. Results In HCT116 cells, cisplatin (20 μM)-induced apoptosis was reduced by a calcium chelator from 9.9-fold induction (95% confidence interval [CI] = 8.1- to 11.7-fold to 3.1-fold induction) (95% CI = 2.0- to 4.2-fold) and by superoxide scavenging (from 9.3-fold, 95% CI = 8.8- to 9.8-fold, to 5.1-fold, 95% CI = 4.4- to 5.8-fold). Oxaliplatin (20 μM)-induced apoptosis was unaffected by calcium chelation (from 7.1- to 6.2-fold induction) and by superoxide scavenging (from 5.9- to 5.6-fold induction). In guinea pig cochlea, total platinum concentration (0.12 vs 0.63 μg/kg, respectively, P = .008) and perilymphatic drug concentrations (238 vs 515 μM × minute, respectively, P < .001) were lower after intravenous oxaliplatin treatment (16.6 mg/kg) than after equimolar cisplatin treatment (12.5 mg/kg). However, after a non-ototoxic cisplatin dose (5 mg/kg) or the same oxaliplatin dose (16.6 mg/kg), the AUC for perilymphatic concentrations was similar, indicating that the two drugs have different cochlear pharmacokinetics. Conclusion Cisplatin- but not oxaliplatin-induced apoptosis involved superoxide-related pathways. Lower cochlear uptake of oxaliplatin than cisplatin appears to be a major explanation for its lower ototoxicity.
Analysis on Topic Map Oriented E-Learner Behavior and Study Efficiency

To begin with, this paper introduces a topic map oriented e-learning platform-Yotta. We compare the Yotta with the traditional e-learning platform Moodle from the aspects of learning resources organization, design of learning activities, learning behavior characteristics of learners, etc. Secondly, we provide two new criteria which can reflect e-learners` learning behavior using topic maps: the coverage of knowledge elements clicked by e-learners on topic maps (F), the length of time from loginning Yotta to clicking on the first useful knowledge element (T). Finally, we analyze the changes of e-learners` learning behavior and the learning efficiency on these two different elearning platforms. The testees in the experiment are twenty eight students learning the course of "Computer Network". The experimental results show that the features as learning positivity and learning time of e-learners do not change with the type of network platforms. This discovery can further provide the nodes of our personalized recommendation to e-learners.
Le dialogue des émotions

Ce travail est issu de l'experience de l'observation d'un bebe dans sa famille selon la methode definie par Esther Bick: On observe au rythme d'une fois par semaine sur une duree d'un an ou deux un bebe dans son interaction avec sa mere, sans realiser d'interference
Expression QTL Modules as Functional Components Underlying Higher-Order Phenotypes

Systems genetics studies often involve the mapping of numerous regulatory relations between genetic loci and expression traits. These regulatory relations form a bipartite network consisting of genetic loci and expression phenotypes. Modular network organizations may arise from the pleiotropic and polygenic regulation of gene expression. Here we analyzed the expression QTL (eQTL) networks derived from expression genetic data of yeast and mouse liver and found 65 and 98 modules respectively. Computer simulation result showed that such modules rarely occurred in randomized networks with the same number of nodes and edges and same degree distribution. We also found significant within-module functional coherence. The analysis of genetic overlaps and the evidences from biomedical literature have linked some eQTL modules to physiological phenotypes. Functional coherence within the eQTL modules and genetic overlaps between the modules and physiological phenotypes suggests that eQTL modules may act as functional units underlying the higher-order phenotypes.
Endurance training induces fiber type-specific revascularization in hindlimb skeletal muscles of rats with chronic heart failure

Objective(s): Previous studies showed that skeletal muscle microcirculation was reduced in chronic heart failure. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of endurance training on capillary and arteriolar density of fast and slow twitch muscles in rats with chronic heart failure. Materials and Methods: Four weeks after surgeries (left anterior descending (LAD) artery occlusion), chronic heart failure rats were divided into 3 groups: Sham (Sham, n=10); Sedentary (Sed, n=10); Exercise training (Ex, n=10). Ex group rats were subjected to endurance training in the form of treadmill running with moderate intensity for 10 weeks. Results: Exercise training significantly increased capillary density and capillary to fiber ratio (P<0.05) in slow twitch muscle, but didn’t change fast twitch muscle capillary density and capillary to fiber ratio. Furthermore, arteriolar density in fast twitch muscle increased remarkably (P<0.05) in response to training, but slow twitch muscle arteriolar density did not change in response to exercise in chronic heart failure rats. HIF-1 increased (P<0.01) but VEGF and FGF-2 mRNA did not change in slow twitch muscle after training. In fast twitch muscle, HIF-1 mRNA increased (P<0.05), and VEGF and angiostatin decreased (P<0.01) significantly after training. Conclusion: Endurance training ameliorates fast and slow twitch muscle revascularization non-uniformly in chronic heart failure rats by increasing capillary density in slow twitch muscle and arteriolar density in fast twitch muscle. The difference in revascularization at slow and fast twitch muscles may be induced by the difference in angiogenic and angiostatic gene expression response to endurance training.
Bioimpacts of nanoparticle size: why it matters?

During the last two decades, applications of nanotechnology are delivered to benefit the human society. The fact is that various nanomaterials are able to be tailor made to achieve desired properties. In biomedical field, nanotechnology has created great excitements to advance both diagnosis and therapy areas – the field so-called nanomedicines in different forms of nanoparticles (NPs) and nanosystems (NSs). It is noteworthy to mention NPs/NSs do not act similarly in the biological milieu, in which their biological behaviors/ impacts varies with size, morphology, and physicochemical characteristics. On the other hand, nanomedicines impacts on biological systems seem to be influenced by its possible interaction(s) with different bioelements of cell membrane, in particular the endocytic pathway(s) by which NPs/NSs can be internalized and localized. This latter phenomenon is influenced by membrane viscoelastic property, polymerization/depolymerization of cytoskeletal system, and the particle specification itself. Among all other properties of NPs/NSs, as shown by various researchers, the size is an important parameter in the fate of the particle. Accordingly, in-depth efforts to unravel the size dependent effects of nanomedicins can provide insights to design and develop more efficacious NSs with greater benefits and lower side effects. This editorial aims to highlight some important aspects of size dependent impacts NPs/NSs.
PARTIAL EXACT CONTROLLABILITY FOR SPHERICAL MEMBRANES

In this paper the partial exact controllability of an elastic spherical membrane is proved. The reachability problem for the integrodifferential equation, introduced for the vibrations of the meridional displacement, is solved. The main result is a generalization of a Ingham’s theorem on nonharmonic Fourier series.
Pension Funding and Capital Market Development

This paper provides evidence that a country’s pension system is an important determinant for the development of its capital markets. Employing a unique event list of 87 pension funding reforms in 57 countries between 1976 and 2007, we find that pension funding reforms lead to larger stock and corporate bond markets relative to the time before the reforms and relative to other countries without such reforms. This effect is particularly driven by an increase in the post-reform primary market issuing activity and cannot be explained by a simultaneous political move to more market-oriented reforms in these countries in general. We find that the effect is particularly significant in emerging markets with a priori less developed capital markets. Further evidence from a cross-sectional analysis suggests that the degree of pension funding is an important determinant of the cross-country variation in capital market development. It remains robust even after controlling for other important determinants of capital market development such as legal origin and trade openness.
A New Congestion Control Mechanism for WSNs

Congestion in Wireless Sensor Networks (WSN) can be a severe problem, as it causes a plethora of malfunctions such as packet loss, lower throughput, energy inefficiency, and short lifetime. As a result, the performance of the whole network is subject to undesirable change; an issue that renders congestion control an issue of uttermost importance for such networks. As far as data-collection applications in WSN are concerned, normal Internet-style definitions of fairness may not apply. All data sources must have identical access to the entire network bandwidth so as to enable the application to have a complete picture of the monitored area. Furthermore, the limited battery power as well as limited memory and processing resource of sensor nodes, do not allow them to execute complex algorithms. This paper describes a new congestion control mechanism. In our mechanism, the buffer in each node is adjusted according to the transmitting downstream nodes in order to minimize packet drop; the algorithm automatically adjusts a node’s forwarding rate to avoid packet drops due to congestion. The algorithm resolves the fairness problem by allocating equal bandwidth to the sources. Moreover, the fact that it can be implemented without large resource requirements, renders it suitable for WSNs. It can also detect congestion preventively and adjust the transmission rates of the nodes in order to eliminate congestion with minimal loss. Simulation results show significant improvements in terms of throughput compared to previous works.
FREQUENCY DOMAIN NLMS ALGORITHM FOR ENHANCED JAM RESISTANT GPS RECEIVER

An optimal beamformer attempts to increase SNR at the array output by adapting its pattern to minimize some cost function. This is to say that, the cost function is inversely associated with the quality of the signal. Therefore by minimizing the cost function we can maximize signal at the array output. The primary optimal beamforming technique discussed in this paper will be MMSE, LMS, Frequency Domain LMS for GPS multipath reduction. In case of a GPS satellite, the DOA of the desired signal is mathematically known because the position of a satellite in an orbit is fixed at a particular time instant. So in some particular adaptive antenna algorithm the DOA of the desired signal is directly given as input.
Substrate Topological Routing for High-Density Packages

Off-chip substrate routing for high-density packages is on the critical path for time to market. Compared with on-chip routers, existing commercial tools for off-chip routing have lower routability and often result in a large number of unrouted nets for manual routing. In this paper, we explain why planar routing is still required with multiple routing layers for substrate routing and then propose a flexible via-staggering technique to improve routability. In addition, we develop an efficient yet effective substrate routing algorithm, applying dynamic pushing to tackle the net ordering problem and reordering and rerouting to further reduce wire length and congestion. Compared with an industrial design tool that leaves 936 nets unrouted for nine industrial designs with a total of 6100 nets, our algorithm reduces the unrouted nets to 212, a 4.5-times net number reduction, which translates to design time reduction.
Chapter 8 Significance of Information Technology Highlights Trends in It Societal Implications of It

ࡗ Information technology (IT) continues to develop and diffuse at a rapid rate. Exponential quality improvements and cost reductions in microprocessors, storage, and networking are enabling new applications and the expanded use of IT. ࡗ The number of Internet hosts and servers continues to expand domestically and internationally. In January 2001, more than 100 million computers were connected to the Internet. ࡗ The United States continues to be a leader in Internet access and use. Internet use throughout the world is strongly dependent on telecommunication access charges. ࡗ Mobile phones are expected to be a major means of accessing the Internet in many countries. The United States lags behind many other countries in mobile phone penetration. In June 1999, there were 28 mobile phones per 100 inhabitants in the United States compared with more than 60 per 100 inhabitants in Finland and Norway and 27 per 100 inhabitants in all Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries. ࡗ Businesses have invested heavily in IT. Industry spending on IT equipment and software rose from less than $200 billion in 1993 to more than $600 billion in 2000.