Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Ventral premammillary nucleus as a critical sensory relay to the maternal aggression network

Maternal aggression is under the control of a wide variety of factors that prime the females for aggression or trigger the aggressive event. Maternal attacks are triggered by the perception of sensory cues from the intruder, and here we have identified a site in the hypothalamus of lactating rats that is highly responsive to the male intruder—the ventral premammillary nucleus (PMv). The PMv is heavily targeted by the medial amygdalar nucleus, and we used lesion and immediate-early gene studies to test our working hypothesis that the PMv signals the presence of a male intruder and transfers this information to the network organizing maternal aggression. PMv-lesioned dams exhibit significantly reduced maternal aggression, without affecting maternal care. The Fos analysis revealed that PMv influences the activation of hypothalamic and septal sites shown to be mobilized during maternal aggression, including the medial preoptic nucleus (likely to represent an important locus to integrate priming stimuli critical for maternal aggression), the caudal two-thirds of the hypothalamic attack area (comprising the ventrolateral part of the ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus and the adjacent tuberal region of the lateral hypothalamic area, critical for the expression of maternal aggression), and the ventral part of the anterior bed nuclei of the stria terminalis (presently discussed as being involved in controlling neuroendocrine and autonomic responses accompanying maternal aggression). These findings reveal an important role for the PMv in detecting the male intruder and how this nucleus modulates the network controlling maternal aggression.
Short-term infusion of azelaic acid vs intralipid in healthy subjects evaluated by indirect calorimetry.

Medium-chain dicarboxylic acids (MCDA) are usually considered byproducts of beta-oxidation when omega-oxidizable medium-chain monocarboxylic acids are accumulated, as in beta-oxidation impairment. However, evidence exists of a mitochondrial and cytoplasmatic peroxisomal carnitine independent beta-oxidation of these diacids. Our purpose was to evaluate whether MCDA could be used as source of calories. The metabolic response to intravenous administration of azelaic acid (AA) vs Intralipid (IL) was evaluated in six healthy overnight fasting male volunteers who received an infusion of 10 g of AA over 80 min and as a control 10 g of IL. AA reached a peak concentration at 80 min, (589 +/- 61 micrograms/ml) and was rapidly cleared from plasma (82 +/- 5 micrograms/ml at 240 min). Respiratory and metabolic parameters were evaluated by indirect calorimetry from the beginning of the infusion for 240 min. In both groups the CO2 production (VCO2) remained unchanged with no significant change from basal values. The O2 consumption (VO2 ml/min/m2) increased over basal values reaching a peak at the end of the infusion in both groups (AA from 119.4 +/- 16.9 to 143.0 +/- 27.6; IL from 124.7 +/- 16.8 to 152.3 +/- 29.5). Respiratory quotient (RQ) consequently decreased significantly (AA from 0.85 +/- 0.06 to 0.76 +/- 0.06; IL from 0.89 +/- 0.06 to 0.78 +/- 0.03) and calories derived from lipids increased. Metabolic rate (MR kcal/hr/m2) showed a slight increase (AA from 34.0 +/- 4.4 to 40.3 +/- 6.8; IL from 35.9 +/- 5.1 to 41.3 +/- 10.5). There was no significant difference between AA and IL treatment in all measurements. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Development of cardiac form and function in ectothermic sauropsids

Evolutionary morphologists and physiologists have long recognized the phylogenetic significance of the ectothermic sauropsids. Sauropids have been classically considered to bridge between early tetrapods, ectotherms, and the evolution of endotherms. This transition has been associated with many modifications in cardiovascular form and function, which have changed dramatically during the course of vertebrate evolution. Most cardiovascular studies have focused upon adults, leaving the development of this critical system largely unexplored. In this essay, we attempt a synthesis of sauropsid cardiovascular development based on the limited literature and indicate fertile regions for future studies. Early morphological cardiovascular development, i.e., the basic formation of the tube heart and the major pulmonary and systemic vessels, is similar across tetrapods. Subsequent cardiac chamber development, however, varies considerably between developing chelonians, squamates, crocodilians, and birds, reflected in the diversity of adult ventricular structure across these taxa. The details of how these differences in morphology develop, including the molecular regulation of cardiac and vascular growth and differentiation, are still poorly understood. In terms of the functional maturation of the cardiovascular system, reflected in physiological mechanisms for regulating heart rate and cardiac output, recent work has illustrated that changes during ontogeny in parameters such as heart rate and arterial blood pressure are somewhat species‐dependent. However, there are commonalities, such as a β‐adrenergic receptor tone on the embryonic heart appearing prior to 60% of development. Differential gross morphological responses to environmental stressors (oxygen, hydration, temperature) have been investigated interspecifically, revealing that cardiac development is relatively plastic, especially, with respect to change in heart growth. Collectively, the data assembled here reflects the current limited morphological and physiological understanding of cardiovascular development in sauropsids and identifies key areas for future studies of this diverse vertebrate lineage. J. Morphol. , 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Incremental validation of XML documents

We investigate the incremental validation of XML documents with respect to DTDs, specialized DTDs, and XML Schemas, under updates consisting of element tag renamings, insertions, and deletions. DTDs are modeled as extended context-free grammars. "Specialized DTDs" allow the decoupling of element types from element tags. XML Schemas are abstracted as specialized DTDs with limitations on the type assignment. For DTDs and XML Schemas, we exhibit an O(m log n) incremental validation algorithm using an auxiliary structure of size O(n), where n is the size of the document and m the number of updates. The algorithm does not handle the incremental validation of XML Schema wrt renaming of internal nodes, which is handled by the specialized DTDs incremental validation algorithm. For specialized DTDs, we provide an O(m log2 n) incremental algorithm, again using an auxiliary structure of size O(n). This is a significant improvement over brute-force re-validation from scratch.We exhibit a restricted class of DTDs called local that arise commonly in practice and for which incremental validation can be done in practically constant time by maintaining only a list of counters. We present implementations of both general incremental validation and local validation on an XML database built on top of a relational database.Our experimentation includes a study of the applicability of local validation in practice, results on the calibration of parameters of the auxiliary data structure, and results on the performance comparison between the general incremental validation technique, the local validation technique, and brute-force validation from scratch.
Stem cells in retinal regeneration: past, present and future

Stem cell therapy for retinal disease is under way, and several clinical trials are currently recruiting. These trials use human embryonic, foetal and umbilical cord tissue-derived stem cells and bone marrow-derived stem cells to treat visual disorders such as age-related macular degeneration, Stargardt's disease and retinitis pigmentosa. Over a decade of analysing the developmental cues involved in retinal generation and stem cell biology, coupled with extensive surgical research, have yielded differing cellular approaches to tackle these retinopathies. Here, we review these various stem cell-based approaches for treating retinal diseases and discuss future directions and challenges for the field.
A ug 2 00 8 Non-linear theory for multiple M 2 branes

We present a manifestly SO(8) invariant non-linear Lagrangian for describing the non-abelian dynamics of the bosonic degrees of freedom of N coinciding M2 branes in flat spacetime. The theory exhibits a gauge symmetry structure of the BF type (semidirect product of SU(N) and translations) and at low energies it reduces exactly to the bosonic part of the Lorentzian BaggerLambert Lagrangian for group SU(N). There are eight scalar fields satisfying a free-scalar equation. When one of them takes a large expectation value, the non-linear Lagrangian gets simplified and the theory becomes equivalent to the non-abelian Lagrangian describing the dynamics of N coinciding D2 branes. As an application, we show that the BPS fuzzy funnel solution describing M2 branes ending into a single M5 brane is an exact solution of the non-linear system.
Molecular Characterization of the CER7 Gene of Arabidopsis lnvolved in Epicuticular Wax Biosynthesis and Pollen Fertility

The aerial parts of plants are coated with an epicuticular wax layer, which is important as a first line of defense against externa1 influences. In Arabidopsis, the ECERlFERUM (CER) genes effect different steps of the wax biosynthesis pathway. In this article, we describe the isolation of the CER7 gene, which encodes a nove1 protein involved in the convenion of long chain aldehydes to alkanes, a key step in wax biosynthesis. CER7 was cloned after gene tagging with the heterologous maize transposable element system Enhancer-lnhibitor, also known as Suppressor-mutator. cer7 mutants display glossy green stems and fruits and are conditionally male sterile. The similarity of the CER1 protein with a gmup of integral membrane enzymes, which process highly hydrophobic molecules, points to a function of the CERl protein as a decarbonylase.
Soil microbial and nutrient responses to 7 years of seasonally altered precipitation in a Chihuahuan Desert grassland

Soil microbial communities in Chihuahuan Desert grasslands generally experience highly variable spatiotemporal rainfall patterns. Changes in precipitation regimes can affect belowground ecosystem processes such as decomposition and nutrient cycling by altering soil microbial community structure and function. The objective of this study was to determine if increased seasonal precipitation frequency and magnitude over a 7‐year period would generate a persistent shift in microbial community characteristics and soil nutrient availability. We supplemented natural rainfall with large events (one/winter and three/summer) to simulate increased precipitation based on climate model predictions for this region. We observed a 2‐year delay in microbial responses to supplemental precipitation treatments. In years 3–5, higher microbial biomass, arbuscular mycorrhizae abundance, and soil enzyme C and P acquisition activities were observed in the supplemental water plots even during extended drought periods. In years 5–7, available soil P was consistently lower in the watered plots compared to control plots. Shifts in soil P corresponded to higher fungal abundances, microbial C utilization activity, and soil pH. This study demonstrated that 25% shifts in seasonal rainfall can significantly influence soil microbial and nutrient properties, which in turn may have long‐term effects on nutrient cycling and plant P uptake in this desert grassland.
Modeling and Simulation of Wind Farm with STATCOM in PSCAD/EMTDC Environment

This paper focuses on the modeling and control of WECS (Wind Energy Conversion System) in a grid connected system through PWM converters with DC link. A Wind Power Plant which is comprised of wind turbines are connected to Synchronous Generator with Multimass Torsional Shaft Interface modeled and designed. The output power of the generator is transmitted to Grid bus through PWM rectifier (to convert AC to DC) and a STATCOM based PWM inverter. This multi-level inverter convert DC power into ac power at desired output and frequency through a transformer . Varying the firing angle of converters simulation results show the effectiveness of the STATCOM based PWM converter presented in this paper using PSCAD/EMTDC software.
The key technologies for a large-scale real-time interactive video distribution system

a real-time, interactive video distribution system on Internet for large-scale users faces three bottlenecks: real-time performance, interactive performance and bandwidth pressure. This paper, based on the approach to establish a Real-time Peer-to-Peer network (RTP2P) with the minimum video data delay as the primary goal, and establish a hybrid framework of P2P and centralized networks, argues that the goal of real-time, interactive video distribution system for large-scale users is able to be achieved. The key technologies include: greedy scheduling algorithm, push-pull scheduling model, and the hybrid network model. The test result proves, through an online education system with 2000 simultaneous users, that the end user's video delay is within 10 seconds. Compared with the normal P2P video streaming system with the delay varies between 30 to 120 seconds, Real-time P2P is far more close to C/S networks, the widely adopted network in China, the high bandwidth cost of which restricts its promotion. In short, RTP2P is a more real-time, lower bandwidth-costing network to distribute video stream, saving more than 90% of the bandwidth cost. This program is applicable to the field of large scale users' video real-time performance and interaction, such as online education, chat rooms, multimedia social games, live broadcasting, etc.
Respiratory Epithelial Cells Convert Inactive Vitamin D to Its Active Form: Potential Effects on Host Defense1

The role of vitamin D in innate immunity is increasingly recognized. Recent work has identified a number of tissues that express the enzyme 1α-hydroxylase and are able to activate vitamin D. This locally produced vitamin D is believed to have important immunomodulatory effects. In this paper, we show that primary lung epithelial cells express high baseline levels of activating 1α-hydroxylase and low levels of inactivating 24-hydroxylase. The result of this enzyme expression is that airway epithelial cells constitutively convert inactive 25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 to the active 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3. Active vitamin D that is generated by lung epithelium leads to increased expression of vitamin D-regulated genes with important innate immune functions. These include the cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide gene and the TLR coreceptor CD14. dsRNA increases the expression of 1α-hydroxylase, augments the production of active vitamin D, and synergizes with vitamin D to increase expression of cathelicidin. In contrast to induction of the antimicrobial peptide, vitamin D attenuates dsRNA-induced expression of the NF-κB-driven gene IL-8. We conclude that primary epithelial cells generate active vitamin D, which then influences the expression of vitamin D-driven genes that play a major role in host defense. Furthermore, the presence of vitamin D alters induction of antimicrobial peptides and inflammatory cytokines in response to viruses. These observations suggest a novel mechanism by which local conversion of inactive to active vitamin D alters immune function in the lung.
Consumer Inattention and Bill-Shock Regulation

For many goods and services, such as cellular-phone service and debit-card transactions, the price of the next unit of service depends on past usage. As a result, consumers who are inattentive to their past usage but are aware of contract terms may remain uncertain about the price of the next unit. I develop a model of inattentive consumption, derive equilibrium pricing when consumers are inattentive, and evaluate bill-shock regulation requiring firms to disclose information that substitutes for attention. When inattentive consumers are heterogeneous and unbiased, bill-shock regulation reduces social welfare in fairly-competitive markets, which may be the effect of the FCC's recent bill-shock agreement. If inattentive consumers underestimate their demand, however, then bill-shock regulation can lower market prices and protect consumers from exploitation. Hence the Federal Reserve's new opt-in rule for debit-card overdraft protection may substantially benefit consumers.
Bilateral Donors' Interest vs. Recipients' Development Motives in Aid Allocation: Do All Donors Behave the Same?

In this paper, I provide an overall empirical assessment of the motivations of official development assistance granted by rich countries to developing countries, as they are revealed by their aid allocation behaviours. Such behaviours result from a combination of self-interest purposes and of more altruistic development objectives. To perform this analysis, I use a three- dimensional panel dataset, combining the donor, recipient and time dimensions. Such data show a lot of heterogeneity in donor behaviours. Thanks to the width of this dataset, I can properly test differences of parameters among donors. In particular, these tests provide a way to compare the degree of altruism of the different donors.
Interaction between Vestibular Compensation Mechanisms and Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy: 10 Recommendations for Optimal Functional Recovery

This review questions the relationships between the plastic events responsible for the recovery of vestibular function after a unilateral vestibular loss (vestibular compensation), which has been well described in animal models in the last decades, and the vestibular rehabilitation (VR) therapy elaborated on a more empirical basis for vestibular loss patients. The main objective is not to propose a catalog of results but to provide clinicians with an understandable view on when and how to perform VR therapy, and why VR may benefit from basic knowledge and may influence the recovery process. With this perspective, 10 major recommendations are proposed as ways to identify an optimal functional recovery. Among them are the crucial role of active and early VR therapy, coincidental with a post-lesion sensitive period for neuronal network remodeling, the instructive role that VR therapy may play in this functional reorganization, the need for progression in the VR therapy protocol, which is based mainly on adaptation processes, the necessity to take into account the sensorimotor, cognitive, and emotional profile of the patient to propose individual or “à la carte” VR therapies, and the importance of motivational and ecologic contexts. More than 10 general principles are very likely, but these principles seem crucial for the fast recovery of vestibular loss patients to ensure good quality of life.
Pharmacologic Targeting of Bacterial β-Glucuronidase Alleviates Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug-Induced Enteropathy in Mice

Small intestinal mucosal injury is a frequent adverse effect caused by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). The underlying mechanisms are not completely understood, but topical (luminal) effects have been implicated. Many carboxylic acid-containing NSAIDs, including diclofenac (DCF), are metabolized to acyl glucuronides (AGs), and/or ether glucuronides after ring hydroxylation, and exported into the biliary tree. In the gut, these conjugates are cleaved by bacterial β-glucuronidase, releasing the potentially harmful aglycone. We first confirmed that DCF-AG was an excellent substrate for purified Escherichia coli β-d-glucuronidase. Using a previously characterized novel bacteria-specific β-glucuronidase inhibitor (Inhibitor-1), we then found that the enzymatic hydrolysis of DCF-AG in vitro was inhibited concentration dependently (IC50 ∼164 nM). We next hypothesized that pharmacologic inhibition of bacterial β-glucuronidase would reduce exposure of enterocytes to the aglycone and, as a result, alleviate enteropathy. C57BL/6J mice were administered an ulcerogenic dose of DCF (60 mg/kg i.p.) with or without oral pretreatment with Inhibitor-1 (10 μg per mouse, b.i.d.). Whereas DCF alone caused the formation of numerous large ulcers in the distal parts of the small intestine and increased (2-fold) the intestinal permeability to fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran, Inhibitor-1 cotreatment significantly alleviated mucosal injury and reduced all parameters of enteropathy. Pharmacokinetic profiling of DCF plasma levels in mice revealed that Inhibitor-1 coadministration did not significantly alter the Cmax, half-life, or area under the plasma concentration versus time curve of DCF. Thus, highly selective pharmacologic targeting of luminal bacterial β-d-glucuronidase by a novel class of small-molecule inhibitors protects against DCF-induced enteropathy without altering systemic drug exposure.
Acoso laboral: relaciones con la cultura organizacional y los resultados personales

Un estudio centrado en los efectos de la cultura organizacional y el acoso laboral en los resultados personales y organizacionales de una muestra de trabajadores espanoles de equipos de emergencias se refiere aqui. Se ha encontrado que hay un fuerte impacto de las dimensiones de la cultura en el acoso y que el acoso laboral afecta a la satisfaccion laboral, al compromiso organizacional y a las conductas de ciudadania organizacional. Los resultados relativos al compromiso organizacional muestran que esta variable no es un mero efecto del acoso en general, sino que hay un impacto directo de la cultura en este resultado.
Sex Is Not A Natural Act And Other Essays

Introduction: An Uphill Battle Sex Is Not A Natural Act: Theme And Variations Am I Normal? The Question of Sex Social Constructionism and the Study of Human Sexuality Sexual Biology and the Symbolism of the Natural Historical, Scientific, Clinical, and Feminist Criticisms of the Human Sexual Response Cycle Model Applications of Social Constructionism to Research on Gender and Sexuality Popular Writings On The Theme Six Months at the Daily News The Kiss Advice to the Lovelorn Feminism And Sexuality An Activist in Sexology Gender and Meaning in the Nomenclature of Sexual Dysfunctions Deconstructing Prefeminist Sexuality Research The Feminist Revolution and Sexuality Feminisms and Pornographies Some Harms to Women of Restrictions on Sexually Related Expression Phallocentrism Redux Sexism in Sex Therapy: Whose Idea Is Sensate Focus? In Pursuit of the Perfect Penis: The Medicalization of Male Sexuality The Medicalization of Impotence: Normalizing Phallocentrism Might Premature Ejaculation Be a Physical Disorder? The Perfect Penis Takes a Giant Step Forward Conclusion: The Politics Of Sexology Three Crises Facing Sexology New Perspectives in Sexology: From Rigor (Mortis) to Richness Womens Sexuality: Not a Matter of Health Sex Is Not a Natural Act: The Next Phase.