Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Population density affects foraging behavior of male Black‐throated Blue Warblers during the breeding season

Foraging behavior often reflects food availability, a resource that may increasingly limit breeding birds as intraspecific crowding increases. Measuring foraging behavior, therefore, provides a way to investigate effects of population density on food limitation, an important link in understanding how crowding functions to regulate populations. We quantified three components of foraging behavior (prey attack rate, foraging speed, and relative use of morphologically constrained attack maneuvers) for male Black-throated Blue Warblers (Dendroica caerulescens) breeding under experimentally manipulated density conditions. Building on the previous work showing the density of conspecific neighbors affects territory size, reproductive success, and the time budgets of males (Sillett et al. 2004, Ecology 85: 2467–2477), we further show that density affects male foraging strategies. Although not differing in attack rate or foraging speed, male Black-throated Blue Warblers on territories with reduced neighbor densities used energetically expensive aerial attack maneuvers significantly less frequently than males in control (high-density) territories during both the incubation period and when provisioning nestlings and fledglings. We conclude that males altered their foraging behavior to compensate for density-related reductions in time available for foraging and that population density may constrain the time available for foraging. SINOPSIS La conducta de forrajeo muchas veces refleja la disponibilidad de alimentos, un recurso que puede limitar la capacidad reproductiva con el aumento en el numero de individuos. El medir la conducta de forrajeo, puede proveer de una forma de investigar el efecto de la limitacion de alimentos en la dencidad poblacional, enlace importante para entender como el acinamiento funciona para regular una poblacion. Cuantificamos tres componentes de la conducta de forrajeo (tasa de ataque de la presa, velocidad de forrajeo, y uso relativo de maniobras de ataque con respecto a restricciones morfologicas) para machos de Dendroica caerulescens reproduciendose bajo densidades manipuladas experimentalmente. Utilizando como base trabajos que senalan que la densidad conespecifica vecinal afecta el tamano del territorio, el exito reproductivo y el presupuesto utilizado por los machos (Sillett et al. 2004, Ecology 85:2467-2477) demostramos que la densidad afecta ademas la estrategia de forrajeo de los machos. Aunque no hay diferencia en la tasa de ataque o velocidad de forrajeo, machos en territorios con pocos vecinos, utilizaron maniobras de forrajeo energeticamente mas costosas y con una frecuencia significativamente menos costosa que el grupo control (areas con alta densidad), tanto durante la fase de incubacion como la de crianza de pichones. Concluimos que los machos alteran su conducta de forrajeo para compensar por la reduccion en la densidad de individuos y en el tiempo disponible para forrajear, y que la densidad de la poblacion puede limitar el tiempo disponible para forrajear.
Syndrome de Werner et atteintes endocriniennes

Werner’s syndrome is a rare autosomal recessive disease caused by the mutation of DNA helicase gene (WRN), characterized by the premature onset of multiple age-related disorders and skin changes similar to those observed in scleroderma. Some endocrinologic and metabolic disorders have been described in patients with Werner’s syndrome. We report one case in a 41-year-old man issuing from consanguineous parents, who presented for exploration of hypoglycemic episodes and sexual impotence. Werner’s syndrome was diagnosed on the basis of his characteristic clinical appearance. Metabolic disorders were insulin-requiring diabetes and hypertriglyceridemia. Endocrinologic investigation revealed nodular goiter, sub clinical primary hypothyroidism, hypergonadotrophic hypogonadism,adrenal cortical hypofunction and GH deficiency. Pathology examination of the skin biopsy showed a scleroderma-like aspect. Finally, osteoporosis, atherosclerosis and sub-capsular cataract were associated. Thus, in Werner’s syndrome metabolic and endocrinologic investigation is necessary in order to treat these disorders and improve the patient’s prognosis and life.
Contribution of PAR-1, PAR-4 and GPIbα in intracellular signaling leading to the cleavage of the β3 cytoplasmic domain during thrombin-induced platelet aggregation

Summary Integrin αIIbβ3 plays a pivotal role in platelet aggregation by binding to fibrinogen. The β3 cytoplasmic domain of αIIbβ3 interacts with cytoskeletal and signaling proteins and is cleaved by µ-calpain, a calcium regulated cysteine protease. In the present study, we have investigated in more detail the cleavage of the β3 cytoplasmic domain during platelet aggregation induced by thrombin, TRAP-1 and TRAP-4. Our data show that β3 is cleaved in all three cases. The time course of β3 cleavage and the amount of cleaved β3 depends on the way platelets are activated and on the complete activation of µ-calpain, with a maximum of 90% of cleaved β3 obtained when thrombin is used. Furthermore, our results also show that the cleaved αIIbβ3 is mainly distributed in the Triton soluble fraction, indicating its inability to bind to the cytoskeleton. Interestingly, in the absence of GPIbα or following inhibition of thrombin binding to GPIbα, there is a reduction in the thrombin-induced calcium flux, β3 cleavage and µ-calpain activation. These results suggest that cleavage of the β3 cytoplasmic domain by µ-calpain might be an important step regulating the link between the cytoskeleton and αIIbβ3 during platelet aggregation, and that GPIbα could function as a cofactor for the complete activation of platelets by thrombin.
Deterministic approach to polarization mode dispersion

Polarization Mode Dispersion (PMD) is considered to be one of the most serious obstacles in the high speed optical telecommunication systems. This thesis focuses on a deterministic approach to both compensation and emulation of PMD. Most PMD compensation schemes in the literature rely on feedback loops to search for the optimum control parameters in the compensator. These schemes often suffer from slow response time and are limited to compensating the low orders of PMD. Adding control parameters to enable higher-order PMD compensation further increases the complexity of the feedback algorithm and its response time. As PMD can vary as fast as on a millisecond time scale, a potential method to alleviate this problem is to employ a deterministic approach to PMD compensation where the PMD parameters are first diagnosed and the compensator then set accordingly. One of the most challenging problems to this deterministic approach is the realtime monitoring of the PMD information. We propose an improved version of the PMD estimation technique using polarization scrambling and optical filtering. Once the PMD parameters are characterized, for first order PMD compensation, we present a novel module that can produce variable Differential Group Delay (DGD) without any second order PMD. We also discuss a feed-forward PMD compensator for first and second order PMD compensation. To allow for hybrid feed-forward and feedback PMD compensation scheme, we propose to decouple the first and second order PMD compensation by using a module that produces variable second order PMD without any first order PMD. To extend the compensation to all orders of PMD, instead of concatenating birefringent segments, we look into a compensator that is based on four stages of flexible frequency-dependent polarization rotations. These stages can be implemented using polarization beam splitting in combination with spatial light modulators or all-pass filters. For transmission systems where Polarization Dependent Loss (PDL) is an issue, we present a deterministic broadband PDL compensation. Another important area of research in PMD is its emulation. Traditional PMD emulators are built by cascading a large number of birefringent elements via polarization scramblers. There are two issues with these emulators. Firstly, they are costly and bulky due mainly to the large number of polarization scramblers involved. We
Existence of No Hepatocarcinogenic Effect Levels of 2-amino-3,8-dimethylimidazo[4,5-f]quinoxaline with or without Coadministration with Ethanol

There is increasing evidence of the existence of no effect levels for genotoxic carcinogens. However, only limited information is available regarding dose-response curves for combination effects of multiple carcinogens at low dose. In the present study, 280 male F344 rats were divided into 14 groups to determine the effects of co-administration of various doses of 2-amino-3,8-dimethylimidazo[4,5- f]quinoxaline (MeIQx) and 10% ethanol on the development of glutathione S-transferase placental form (GST-P)-positive foci in the liver. The results provided concrete evidence for the existence of no effect levels for hepatocarcinogenicity of MeIQx either in presence or absence of ethanol and, therefore, for a practical threshold for this genotoxic carcinogen.
Multi-user diversity with two-step channel state information feedback

This study proposes the performance of a scheduling scheme using two-step quantised channel state information (CSI) feedback. Considering fixed and random access networks, the results are obtained under both short- and long-term power constraints and for both single- and multi-layer transmission techniques. Further, the authors evaluate the asymptotic performance of the proposed scheme and show that, while the users scheduling is based on quantised CSI feedback in the first round, the second round of partial CSI feedback can be provided by either channel quantisation or hybrid automatic repeat request feedback, leading to the same forward channel average rate. In comparison with the case of no CSI feedback, the results indicate substantial average rate increment with limited number of feedback bits. Also, the average rate increases via successive partial CSI feedback when compared with one-step CSI feedback schemes.
The pathology of experimental anthrax in rabbits exposed by inhalation and subcutaneous inoculation.

OBJECTIVE Although rhesus monkeys are considered to be an appropriate model for inhalational anthrax in humans, an alternative for vaccine and therapeutic efficacy studies is desirable. This study characterized the pathology of lethal anthrax in rabbits challenged by subcutaneous inoculation and aerosol exposure. MATERIALS AND METHODS New Zealand white rabbits were exposed by subcutaneous inoculation or aerosol to lethal doses of Bacillus anthracis spores. RESULTS The pathology of anthrax in rabbits exposed by either route was similar, with principal findings occurring in the spleen, lymph nodes, lungs, gastrointestinal tract, and adrenal glands. The cardinal changes were hemorrhage, edema, and necrosis, with bacilli and limited leukocytic infiltration. Features that depended on the route of exposure included mediastinitis in aerosol-exposed rabbits, a primary dermal lesion after subcutaneous inoculation, and differences in the pattern of lymph node involvement. Lesions observed in rabbits were comparable to those of inhalational anthrax in humans and rhesus monkeys. Noteworthy differences included the lack of leukocytic infiltration in brain and meningeal lesions, the relatively mild mediastinal lesions, and a lower incidence of anthrax-related pneumonia in rabbits compared with humans. These differences may be attributed to the greater susceptibility of rabbits to anthrax. Increased susceptibility is associated with both reduced leukocytic response to the bacilli and a more rapid progression to death, which further limits development of leukocytic infiltrates in response to the basic lesions of hemorrhage and necrosis. Primary pneumonic foci of inhalational anthrax, which may be influenced by preexisting pulmonary lesions in humans, were not observed in our rabbits, which were free of preexisting pulmonary disease. CONCLUSION Anthrax in rabbits may provide a useful model for evaluating prophylaxis and therapy against inhalational anthrax in humans.
Comparison of Impedance-Source Networks for Two and Multilevel Buck–Boost Inverter Applications

Impedance-source networks are an increasingly popular solution in power converter applications, especially in single-stage buck-boost power conversion to avoid additional front-end dc-dc power converters. In the survey papers published, no analytical comparisons of different topologies have been described, which makes it difficult to choose the best option. Thus, the aim of this paper is to present a comprehensive analytical comparison of the impedance-source-based buck-boost inverters in terms of passive component count and semiconductor stress. Based on the waveform of the input current, i.e., with or without a transformer, and with or without inductor coupling, the impedance-source converters are classified. The main criterion in our comprehensive comparison is the energy stored in the passive elements, which is considered both under constant and predefined high frequency current ripple in the inductors and the voltage ripple across the capacitors. Two-level and multilevel solutions are described. The conclusions provide a “one-stop” information source and a selection guide of impedance-source-based buck-boost inverters for different applications.
Subspace-based technique for image denoising

In this paper a new subspace based technique is proposed for removal of additive white noise in images. The method is based on Time-Domain constrained (TDC) estimator in which the residual noise energy is kept below a threshold while minimizing the signal distortion. The denoising technique employed prewhitening method prior to the subspace filter which is proven to give remarkable results. Experiments were carried out on noise-free images corrupted with simulated additive white noise. The results indicated that the proposed methods provide performance better than the compared methods in terms of the correlation coefficient and SSIM index.
Excitatory and inhibitory processes acting upon individual Purkinje cells of the cerebellum in cats

Efferent cortical activity from the cerebellum is carried by the Purkinje cells (P-cells, see Fig. 1) which are the final common path (P.e.) of two major synaptic organizations. One is a complex polysynaptic network of dendrites and stellate cells in the superficial molecular or plexiform layer to which apparently both cerebellar afferent systems contribute though its main supply is from the mossy fibres (Mo.a.) over the granular cells (Gr.c.). The other afferent system is the monosynaptic one over the climbing fibres (Cl.a.) to P-cell dendrites along which they climb. These are held to contribute also to the polysynaptic network (Estable, 1923; Scheibel & Scheibel, 1954) and many other complexities are encountered, but to a first approximation the physiologist has to be content with a general subdivision of cerebellar afferents into monoand polysynaptic ones along the lines suggested. His next concern will be with the two additional systems centered on the P-cells one of which consists of two types of recurrent collaterals (P.r.): Cajal's (1911, fig. 12) 'plexus sous-cellulaire' spreads among the cells below the P-cells and his 'plexus sus-cellulaire' traverses the molecular layer giving off branches on its way. Both types of recurrent collaterals do, however, end up on P-cells. Finally, it would seem highly desirable to be able to elucidate the role of the unique system of basket cells (B-cells) with dendritic receptors in the molecular layer (and possibly elsewhere) and efferent axons (B.e.) surrounding the P-cell itself as well as the non-medullated and part of the medullated portion of its efferent axon (for good illustrations, see Estable, 1923; also Retzlaff, 1954). This basket, the 'nid' or 'nest of Cajal' (1911, p. 23), is the other major
Antibodies against oxidized LDL for non-invasive diagnosis of atherosclerotic vascular disease.

Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disorder and oxidation of low density lipoproteins (LDL) is thought to play a central role in atherogenesis. Plasma levels of oxidized LDL and malondialdehydemodified LDL (MDA-modified LDL) have been demonstrated to be significantly higher in patients with coronary artery disease. MDA-modified LDL was able to discriminate between patients with acute coronary syndromes and those with stable angina. Oxidation of LDL generates highly immunogenic oxidized phospholipids and proteins. The titre of antibodies against oxidized LDL (anti-oxLDL antibodies) or MDA-modified LDL has been evaluated as a marker or predictor of the extent of atherosclerosis in several studies. In this issue, Monaco et al. describe higher levels of anti-oxLDL antibodies in patients with peripheral artery disease without overt coronary artery disease than in patients with stable or unstable angina free from clinical peripheral vascular disease. The authors demonstrate a significant correlation between the titre of anti-oxLDL antibodies and the number of arterial stenoses above 70% in the overall population and suggest that the greater titre of antibodies in patients with peripheral vascular disease probably reflects the greater atherosclerotic burden in these patients. These data are in line with several, but are inconsistent with other studies. To assess the value of antibodies against oxidized LDL as a potential new tool for non-invasive diagnosis of atherosclerotic vascular disease, it is important to analyse methodological and biological factors, which may underlie the different outcome of these studies. A first explanation for the inconsistency of published results is the lack of standardization of the enzyme immunoassays for the measurement of antibodies against oxidized LDL by different groups. When copper oxidized LDL is used as antigen in enzyme immunoassays, batch-to-batch variability in reactivity should be avoided by monitoring fluorescence (360 430 nm) as oxidation progresses, to
Incentives in the Wild: Leveraging Virtual Currency to Sustain Online Community

The importance of incentive mechanisms has long been recognized in sustaining online communities. However, many existing community systems have rigid systemimposed incentive mechanisms that preclude user appropriations of the incentives. We draw upon recent investigations of the role of virtual currency (VC), a form of incentive, in a vibrant online community in order to highlight emergent practices that were enabled, facilitated and manifested through exchanges of virtual currency among users. Our study shows evidence that these user appropriations of VC help sustain the community and fulfill users’ broader needs on these systems. Author
Reinforcement Learning for Decision-Making in a Business Simulator

Business simulators are powerful tools for both supporting the decision-making process of business managers as well as for business education. An example is SIMBA (SIMulator for Business Administration), a powerful simulator which is currently used as a web-based platform for business education in different institutions. In this paper, we propose the application of reinforcement learning (RL) for the creation of intelligent agents that can manage virtual companies in SIMBA. This application is not trivial, given the particular intrinsic characteristics of SIMBA: it is a generalized domain where hundreds of parameters modify the domain behavior; it is a multi-agent domain where both cooperation and competition among different agents can coexist; it is required to set dozens of continuous decision variables for a given business decision, which is made only after the study of hundreds of continuous variables. We will demonstrate empirically that all these challenges can be overcome through the use of RL, showing results for different learning scenarios.
Perinatal outcome of children born after frozen and fresh embryo transfer: the Finnish cohort study 1995-2006.

BACKGROUND The number of children born after frozen embryo transfer (FET) is steadily rising. However, studies on obstetric and perinatal outcomes are limited. Our primary aim was to compare the perinatal health of children born after FET and fresh embryo transfer, and to use data from children born after spontaneous conception as a reference. METHODS In a register-based cohort study we evaluated the obstetric and perinatal outcomes of children born after FET (n = 2293), fresh embryo transfer (n = 4151) and those born after spontaneous pregnancy (reference group; n = 31 946). Data were collected from the registers of two infertility outpatient clinics, two university hospitals and the Finnish Medical Birth Register (1995-2006). RESULTS After adjusting for confounding factors the FET group showed decreased risks of preterm birth [adjusted odd ratio (AOR) 0.83, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.71-0.97], low birthweight (AOR 0.74; 0.62-0.88) and being small for gestational age (AOR 0.63; 0.49-0.83) compared with the fresh embryo transfer group. Mean birthweight was 134 g higher in the FET singletons versus the fresh embryo transfer singletons (P< 0.0001). When FET singletons were compared with the reference group, increased risks of preterm birth (AOR 1.45; 1.25-1.68) and low birthweight (AOR 1.22; 1.03-1.45) and a decreased risk of being small for gestational age (AOR 0.71; 0.54-0.92) were found. No excess of perinatal and infant mortality occurred between the groups. CONCLUSIONS Embryo freezing does not adversely affect perinatal outcome in terms of prematurity, low birthweight and being small for gestational age versus the fresh embryo transfer and the outcome is similar or even better, particularly regarding fetal growth. Our study, which is one of the largest on FET pregnancies, provides further evidence on the safety of FET.
FK506-binding Proteins 51 and 52 Differentially Regulate Dynein Interaction and Nuclear Translocation of the Glucocorticoid Receptor in Mammalian Cells*

We used a cellular system to elucidate the molecular determinants of the large immunophilin FK506-binding proteins (FKBP)51 and -52 for their action on the glucocorticoid receptor in mammalian cells. Increasing the levels of FKBP51 reduced the transcriptional activity of the receptor, as reported. Elevated levels of FKBP52 per se showed no effect but mitigated the inhibition of the receptor induced by FKBP51. We discovered that nuclear translocation of the glucocorticoid receptor was delayed by FKBP51. This correlates with the reduced interaction of FKBP51 with the motor protein dynein compared with FKBP52. From mutational analyses, we concluded that three features of the immunophilins are required for efficient receptor signaling in mammalian cells: hsp90 interaction, dynein association, and peptidylprolyl isomerase (PPIase) enzyme activity. The relevance of dynein for receptor function was substantiated by several experiments: 1) coexpression of dynamitin, which disrupts the transport complex and reduces receptor activity; 2) coexpression of the PPIase domain fragment of FKBP52, which is known to disrupt interaction of the receptor to dynein and reduce glucocorticoid receptor function, in contrast to the corresponding fragment of FKBP51; and 3) swapping of the PPIase domains FKBP51 and FKBP52, which reverses the respective activity. We concluded from our results that the mechanisms of the regulatory system FKBP51/FKBP52 discovered in yeast also operate in mammals to modulate hormone binding of the receptor. In addition, differential regulation of dynein association and nuclear translocation contributes to the effects of the two immunophilins on the glucocorticoid receptor in mammals.