Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Localization of the Brainstem GABAergic Neurons Controlling Paradoxical (REM) Sleep

Paradoxical sleep (PS) is a state characterized by cortical activation, rapid eye movements and muscle atonia. Fifty years after its discovery, the neuronal network responsible for the genesis of PS has been only partially identified. We recently proposed that GABAergic neurons would have a pivotal role in that network. To localize these GABAergic neurons, we combined immunohistochemical detection of Fos with non-radioactive in situ hybridization of GAD67 mRNA (GABA synthesis enzyme) in control rats, rats deprived of PS for 72 h and rats allowed to recover after such deprivation. Here we show that GABAergic neurons gating PS (PS-off neurons) are principally located in the ventrolateral periaqueductal gray (vlPAG) and the dorsal part of the deep mesencephalic reticular nucleus immediately ventral to it (dDpMe). Furthermore, iontophoretic application of muscimol for 20 min in this area in head-restrained rats induced a strong and significant increase in PS quantities compared to saline. In addition, we found a large number of GABAergic PS-on neurons in the vlPAG/dDPMe region and the medullary reticular nuclei known to generate muscle atonia during PS. Finally, we showed that PS-on neurons triggering PS localized in the SLD are not GABAergic. Altogether, our results indicate that multiple populations of PS-on GABAergic neurons are distributed in the brainstem while only one population of PS-off GABAergic neurons localized in the vlPAG/dDpMe region exist. From these results, we propose a revised model for PS control in which GABAergic PS-on and PS-off neurons localized in the vlPAG/dDPMe region play leading roles.
Super-resolution microscopy in studying neuroendocrine cell function

The last two decades have seen a tremendous development in high resolution microscopy techniques giving rise to acronyms such as TIRFM, SIM, PALM, STORM, and STED. The goal of all these techniques is to overcome the physical resolution barrier of light microscopy in order to resolve precise protein localization and possibly their interaction in cells. Neuroendocrine cell function is to secrete hormones and peptides on demand. This fine-tuned multi-step process is mediated by a large array of proteins. Here, we review the new microscopy techniques used to obtain high resolution and how they have been applied to increase our knowledge of the molecular mechanisms involved in neuroendocrine cell secretion. Further the limitations of these methods are discussed and insights in possible new applications are provided.
Visual Target Tracking on the Mars Exploration Rovers

Visual Target Tracking (VTT) has been implemented in the new Mars Exploration Rover (MER) Flight Software (FSW) R9.2 release, which is now running on both Spirit and Opportunity rovers. Applying the normalized cross-correlation (NCC) algorithm with template image magnification and roll compensation on MER Navcam images, VTT tracks the target and enables the rover to approach the target within a few cm over a 10 m traverse. Each VTT update takes 1/2 to 1 minute on the rovers, 2-3 times faster than one Visual Odometry (Visodom) update. VTT is a key element to achieve a target approach and instrument placement over a 10-m run in a single sol in contrast to the original baseline of 3 sols. VTT has been integrated into the MER FSW so that it can operate with any combination of blind driving, Autonomous Navigation (Autonav) with hazard avoidance, and Visodom. VTT can either guide the rover towards the target or simply image the target as the rover drives by. Three recent VTT operational checkouts on Opportunity were all successful, tracking the selected target reliably within a few pixels.
Oxidation of Anthracyclines by Peroxidase Metabolites of Salicylic Acid

Oxidation of anthracyclines leads to their degradation and inactivation. This process is carried out by peroxidases in the presence of a catalytic cofactor, a good peroxidase substrate. Here, we investigated the effect of salicylic acid, a commonly used anti-inflammatory and analgesic agent, on the peroxidative metabolism of anthracyclines. We report that at pharmacologically relevant concentrations, salicylic acid stimulates oxidation of daunorubicin and doxorubicin by myeloperoxidase and lactoperoxidase systems and that efficacy of the process increases markedly on changing the pH from 7 to 5. This pH dependence is positively correlated with the ease with which salicylic acid itself undergoes metabolic oxidation and involves the neutral form of the acid (pKa = 2.98). When salicylic acid reacted with a peroxidase and H2O2 at acid pH (anthracyclines omitted), a new metabolite with absorption maximum at 412 nm was formed. This metabolite reacted with anthracyclines causing their oxidation. It was tentatively assigned to biphenyl quinone, formed by oxidation of biphenol produced by dimerization of salicylic acid-derived phenoxyl radicals. The formation of this product was inhibited in a concentration-dependent manner by the anthracyclines, suggesting their scavenging of the salicylate phenoxyl radicals. Altogether, this study demonstrates that oxidation of anthracyclines is mediated by peroxidase metabolites of salicylic acid, such as phenoxyl radicals and the biphenol quinone. Given that cancer patients undergoing anthracycline chemotherapy may be administered salicylic acid-based drugs to control pain and fever, our results suggest that liberated salicylic acid could interfere with anticancer and/or cardiotoxic actions of the anthracyclines.
Synthesizing Microstrip Dual-Band Bandpass Filters Using Frequency Transformation and Circuit Conversion Technique

A novel method is proposed to synthesize dual-band bandpass filters (BPFs) from a prototype lowpass filter. By implementing successive frequency transformations and circuit conversions, a new filter topology is obtained which consists of only admittance inverters and series or shunt resonators, and is thereby easy to be realized by using conventional distributed elements. A microstrip dual-band BPF with central frequencies of 1.8 GHz and 2.4 GHz is designed and fabricated using microstrip lines and stubs. The simulated and measured results show a good agreement and validate thereby the proposed theory.
The 'Star Wars' botnet with >350k Twitter bots

A large number of Twitter users are bots. They can send spam, manipulate public opinion, and contaminate the Twitter API stream that underline so many research works. One of the major challenges of research on Twitter bots is the lack of ground truth data. Here we report our discovery of the Star Wars botnet with more than 350k bots. We show these bots were generated and centrally controlled by a botmaster. These bots exhibit a number of unique features, which reveal profound limitations of existing bot detection methods. Our work has significant implications for cybersecurity, not only because the size of the botnet is larger than those analysed before, but also because it has been well hidden since its creation in 2013. We argue that more research is needed to fully understand the potential security risks that a large, hidden botnet can pose to the Twitter environment, and research in general.
Testing for Cointegration When Some of the Cointegrating Vectors are Prespecified

Many economic models imply that ratios, simple differences, or “spreads” of variables are I(0). In these models, cointegrating vectors are composed of 1's, 0's, and —1's and contain no unknown parameters. In this paper, we develop tests for cointegration that can be applied when some of the cointegrating vectors are prespecified under the null or under the alternative hypotheses. These tests are constructed in a vector error correction model and are motivated as Wald tests from a Gaussian version of the model. When all of the cointegrating vectors are prespecified under the alternative, the tests correspond to the standard Wald tests for the inclusion of error correction terms in the VAR. Modifications of this basic test are developed when a subset of the cointegrating vectors contain unknown parameters. The asymptotic null distributions of the statistics are derived, critical values are determined, and the local power properties of the test are studied. Finally, the test is applied to data on foreign exchange future and spot prices to test the stability of the forward–spot premium.
Subdivision Invariant Models in Lattice Gauge Theory

A class of lattice gauge theories is presented which exhibits novel topological properties. The construction is in terms of compact Wilson variables defined on a simplicial complex which models a four dimensional manifold with boundary. The case of Z2 and Z3 gauge groups is considered in detail, and we prove that at certain discrete values of the coupling parameter, the partition function in these models remains invariant under subdivision of the underlying simplicial complex. A variety of extensions is also presented.
Similarities between Human and Livestock Illnesses among the Luo in Western Kenya

The objective of this study was to compare perceptions and practices in relation to human and livestock illness among the Luo in Western Kenya. Qualitative methods of data collection such as key informant interviews, open-ended, in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, narratives, and participant- and direct observations were applied. The study showed that there were significant parallels between human and livestock illnesses regarding terminology, perceptions of pathogenesis and treatment seeking practices. Even practitioners and their medications were often the same. The rationale behind pathogenesis in both cases was usually that illnesses resulted from some form of inhibition of flow through blockage or clogging of the various ‘channels’ in the body. Treatment aimed at decongesting or unblocking these channels so as to create openness that would guarantee normal flows and restore health. The study concludes that the domain of animal illness be taken more into account in human medical anthropological studies and vice versa. It further argues the case for considering these similarities when planning and implementing health care services.
Dimensions of quality of life and psychosocial variables most salient to colorectal cancer patients

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common invasive cancers, and is responsible for considerable physical and psychosocial morbidity. Understanding the quality of life experienced by colorectal cancer patients is essential for evaluating the full impact of the disease on individuals, their families and their communities. Patient perspective is essential in establishing a proper understanding of the quality of life of colorectal cancer patients. Despite this, few studies have employed a qualitative methodology to explore quality of life issues for colorectal cancer patients. A review of the literature identified only seven qualitative studies pertaining to quality of life issues for colorectal cancer patients, a surprising finding given the prevalence of this cancer. Accordingly, this study sought to build on the findings of previous qualitative research by providing descriptive data on the quality of life and psychosocial variables most salient to colorectal cancer patients. Six core themes emerged from interview and focus group data: Satisfaction with diagnosis and treatment; support (including information provision); quality of life; benefits of diagnosis; making sense of the cancer experience; and coping strategies. The information derived from this study will help inform the development of supportive care services to address the needs of the increasing number of people diagnosed with colorectal cancer. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
PD-L1 Expression in Melanoma: A Quantitative Immunohistochemical Antibody Comparison

Purpose: PD-L1 expression in the pretreatment tumor microenvironment enriches for response to anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapies. The purpose of this study was to quantitatively compare the performance of five monoclonal anti-PD-L1 antibodies used in recent landmark publications. Experimental Design: PD-L1 IHC was performed on 34 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded archival melanoma samples using the 5H1, SP142, 28-8, 22C3, and SP263 clones. The percentage of total cells (including melanocytes and immune cells) demonstrating cell surface PD-L1 staining, as well as intensity measurements/H-scores, were assessed for each melanoma specimen using a computer-assisted platform. Staining properties were compared between antibodies. Results: Strong correlations were observed between the percentage of PD-L1(+) cells across all clones studied (R2 = 0.81–0.96). When present, discordant results were attributable to geographic heterogeneity of the melanoma tissue section rather than differences in PD-L1 antibody staining characteristics. PD-L1 intensity/H-scores strongly correlated with percentage of PD-L1(+) cells (R2 > 0.78, all clones). Conclusions: The 5H1, SP142, 28-8, 22C3, and SP263 clones all demonstrated similar performance characteristics when used in a standardized IHC assay on melanoma specimens. Reported differences in PD-L1 IHC assays using these antibodies are thus most likely due to assay characteristics beyond the antibody itself. Our findings also argue against the inclusion of an intensity/H-score in chromogenic PD-L1 IHC assays. Clin Cancer Res; 23(16); 4938–44. ©2017 AACR.
The Value of Fiat Money with an Outside Bank: An Experimental Game

Why people accept intrinsically worthless fiat money in exchange for real goods and services has been a longstanding question. There are many competing sufficient explanations that may confound each other in practice but can be individually tested in isolation experimentally. In this paper we examine a sufficient explanation of the value of fiat money through the existence of a debt instrument which allows consumption to be moved earlier in time. We present experimental evidence that the theoretical predictions about the behavior of such economies work reasonably well in a laboratory setting. The import of this finding for the theory of money is to show that the presence of a societal bank and default laws provide sufficient structure to support the use of fiat money, although many other institutions such as taxation provide alternatives.
The impact of computerized provider order entry on medication errors in a multispecialty group practice

OBJECTIVE Computerized provider order entry (CPOE) has been shown to improve patient safety by reducing medication errors and subsequent adverse drug events (ADEs). Studies demonstrating these benefits have been conducted primarily in the inpatient setting, with fewer in the ambulatory setting. The objective was to evaluate the effect of a basic, ambulatory CPOE system on medication errors and associated ADEs. DESIGN This quasiexperimental, pretest-post-test study was conducted in a community-based, multispecialty health system not affiliated with an academic medical center. The intervention was a basic CPOE system with limited clinical decision support capabilities. MEASUREMENT Comparison of prescriptions written before (n=5016 handwritten) to after (n=5153 electronically prescribed) implementation of the CPOE system. The primary outcome was the occurrence of error(s); secondary outcomes were types and severity of errors. RESULTS Frequency of errors declined from 18.2% to 8.2%-a reduction in adjusted odds of 70% (OR: 0.30; 95% CI 0.23 to 0.40). The largest reductions were seen in adjusted odds of errors of illegibility (97%), use of inappropriate abbreviations (94%) and missing information (85%). There was a 57% reduction in adjusted odds of errors that did not cause harm (potential ADEs) (OR 0.43; 95% CI 0.38 to 0.49). The reduction in the number of errors that caused harm (preventable ADEs) was not statistically significant, perhaps due to few errors in this category. CONCLUSIONS A basic CPOE system in a community setting was associated with a significant reduction in medication errors of most types and severity levels.
First Chromosomal Analysis in Hepsetidae (Actinopterygii, Characiformes): Insights into Relationship between African and Neotropical Fish Groups

Hepsetidae is a small fish family with only the genus Hepsetus, with six described species distributed throughout the South, Central and Western regions of Africa, showing a close relationship with the Alestidae and some Neotropical fish families. However, no cytogenetic information is available for both Hepsetidae and Alestidae species, thus preventing any evolutionary comparative studies at the chromosomal level. In the present study, we are providing new cytogenetic data for Hepsetus odoe, including the standard karyotype, C-banding, repetitive DNAs mapping, comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) and whole chromosome painting (WCP), providing chromosomal patterns and subsidies for comparative cytogenetics with other characiform families. Both males and females H. odoe have 2n = 58 chromosomes (10m + 28sm + 20st/a), with most of the C-band positive heterochromatin localized in the centromeric and subtelomeric regions. Only one pair of chromosomes bears proximal 5S rDNA sites in the short arms, contrasting with the 18S rDNA sequences which are located in the terminal regions of four chromosome pairs. Clear interstitial hybridization signals are evidenced for the U1 and U2 snDNA probes, but in only one and two chromosome pairs, respectively. Microsatellite motifs are widely distributed in the karyotype, with exception for the (CGG)10, (GAA)10 and (GAG)10 probes, which highlight conspicuous interstitial signals on an unique pair of chromosomes. Comparative data from conventional and molecular cytogenetics, including CGH and WCP experiments, indicate that H. odoe and some Erythrinidae species, particularly Erythrinus erythrinus, share similar chromosomal sequences suggesting some relatedness among them, although bearing genomic specificities in view of their divergent evolutionary histories.
Crosslinguistic influence in bilingual acquisition: subject omission in learners of Inuktitut and English

This study investigates subject omission in six English-Inuktitut simultaneous bilingual children, aged 1;8–3;9, to examine whether there are cross-language influences in their language development. Previous research with other language pairs has shown that the morphosyntax of one language can influence the development of morphosyntax in the other language. Most of this research has focused on Romance-Germanic language combinations using case studies. In this study, we examined a language pair (English-Inuktitut) with radically different morphosyntactic structures. Analysis of the English-only and Inuktitut-only utterances of the children revealed monolingual-like acquisition patterns and subject omission rates. The data indicate that these bilingual children possessed knowledge of the target languages that was language-specific and that previously identified triggers for crosslinguistic influence do not operate universally.
Development of novel infrared photonic materials and devices

This thesis investigates a range of novel photonic devices and their constituent semiconductor materials with emission in the infrared (IR) region of the spectrum. These have a variety of potential applications, including in telecoms, sensing and defence systems. Studies focus on aspects of the electronic and photonic band structures, and how these impact upon device performance. Type-II interband cascade lasers and LEDs emitting in the mid-IR region of 3 – 4 μm are characterised using temperature and hydrostatic pressure dependent techniques. The key finding is that the threshold current density exhibits a minimum for emission around 0.35 eV (~3.5 μm), in both the pressure dependent results and data for many devices with different design wavelengths. The increase in threshold current density towards lower energies can be explained by an increase in CHCC Auger recombination. The increase in threshold current towards higher energies cannot be well explained by an Auger process, and it is concluded that this may be evidence of defect-related recombination. Dilute bismide alloys are an interesting new material system for IR applications. The electronic and optical properties of several dilute bismide alloys are determined by spectroscopic ellipsometry. Key findings include the first experimental measurements of the spin-orbit splitting in GaNAsBi, which show that it is approximately independent of N content, and the first evidence for a decrease in the direct band gap of GaP with the addition of bismuth, reducing by 130 ± 20 meV/%Bi. The refractive index was determined for all the materials and in the transparency region the real part of the refractive index was found to decrease approximately linearly with increasing band gap. In addition to modifying the electronic properties, photonic effects can be used to develop new IR devices. Finite difference time domain simulations of photonic crystal cavity structures within thick multi-layer slabs were carried out. These showed that it is possible to achieve high Q-factors, > 10^4, in slabs with refractive indices corresponding to typical semiconductor heterostructures. This opens up possibilities for designing photonic crystal lasers that do not require the thin suspended membranes typically found in the literature, with applications in integrated photonic circuits and on-chip sensors.
Disinfection of Endoscopes: Review of New Chemical Sterilants Used for High-Level Disinfection

Abstract Chemical sterilants are used to high-level disinfect heat-sensitive semicritical items such as endoscopes. Most endoscopes have been reprocessed between each patient use with glutaraldehyde (>2%) or the Steris System 1. Several new chemical sterilants have been developed recently, including 7.5% hydrogen peroxide, 0.08% peracetic acid plus 1.0% hydrogen peroxide, and 0.55% orthophthalaldehyde. In order to aid the infection control professional in choosing the appropriate disinfection methodology, this article reviews the characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages of high-level disinfectants intended for reprocessing endoscopes.
Estimating Grammar Correctness for a Priori Estimation of Machine Translation Post-Editing Effort

We present a supervised learning pilot application for estimating Machine Translation (MT) output reusability, in view of supporting a human post-editor of MT content. We train our model on typed dependencies (labeled grammar relationships) extracted from human reference and raw MT data, to then predict grammar relationship correctness values that we aggregate to provide a binary segmentlevel evaluation. In view of scaling up to larger data, we provide implemented
Posets and planar graphs

Usually dimension should be an integer valued parameter. We introduce a refined version of dimension for graphs, which can assume a value [t − 1 ↕ t], thought to be between t − 1 and t. We have the following two results: (a) a graph is outerplanar if and only if its dimension is at most [2↕3]. This characterization of outerplanar graphs is closely related to the celebrated result of W. Schnyder [16] who proved that a graph is planar if and only if its dimension is at most 3. (b) The largest n for which the dimension of the complete graph Kn is at most [t − 1 ↕ t] is the number of antichains in the lattice of all subsets of a set of size t − 2. Accordingly, the refined dimension problem for complete graphs is equivalent to the classical combinatorial problem known as Dedekind's problem. This result extends work of Hoşten and Morris [14]. The main results are enriched by background material, which links to a line of research in extremal graph theory, which was stimulated by a problem posed by G. Agnarsson: Find the maximum number of edges in a graph on n nodes with dimension at most t. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Graph Theory 49: 273–284, 2005