Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Role of the First Postmitotic Cortical Cells in the Development of Thalamocortical Innervation in the ReelerMouse

In the mutant mouse reeler, the tangential distribution of thalamocortical fibers is essentially normal, even though neurons of the cortical plate accumulate below the entire early-born preplate population (Caviness et al., 1988). This seems incompatible with the hypothesis that cells of the subplate (the lower component of the preplate in normal mammals) form an axonal scaffold that guides thalamic fibers and act as temporary targets for them (Blakemore and Molnár, 1990, Shatz et al., 1990). We used carbocyanine dyes to trace projections in wild-type andreeler mice between embryonic day 13 and postnatal day 3. Preplate formation and early extension of corticofugal fibers to form a topographic array are indistinguishable in the two phenotypes. So too are the emergence of thalamic axons in topographic order through the primitive internal capsule, their meeting with preplate axons, and their distribution over the preplate scaffold. Distinctive differences appear after the cortical plate begins to accumulate below the preplate of reeler, causing the preplate axons to form oblique fascicles, running through the cortical plate. Thalamic axons then pass through the plate within the same fascicles and accumulate in the “superplate” layer for ∼2–3 d, before defasciculating and plunging down to terminate deep in the cortical plate, creating the curious “looping” pattern seen in the adult. Thus, thalamocortical innervation in reeler follows the same algorithm of development but in relation to the misplaced population of early-born neurons. Far from challenging the theory that preplate fibers guide thalamic axons, reeler provides strong evidence for it.
Cyclosporine Causes Sympathetically Mediated Elevations in Arterial Pressure in Rats

Cyclosporine-induced immunosuppression has emerged as a new cause of hypertension, but the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. In patients, this hypertension is accompanied by sympathetic neural activation. We therefore hypothesized that increased sympathetic nerve discharge is an important mechanism by which cyclosporine raises blood pressure. To test this hypothesis, we examined effects of acute administration of cyclosporine (5 mg/kg i.v.) or vehicle on renal and lumbar sympathetic nerve activity, renal and femoral blood flow velocity (pulsed Doppler flowmetry), and arterial pressure in chloralose-anesthetized rats. Vehicle had no effect on sympathetic nerve activity, whereas cyclosporine caused renal and lumbar sympathetic nerve activity to increase progressively over 60 minutes to levels that were 362 ±46% and 388 ±70%, respectively, of the baseline values (/;<0.05). These increases in sympathetic nerve activity were accompanied by proportional increases in renal and femoral vascular resistance and sustained increases in mean arterial pressure (+19±3 mm Hg,p<0.05 versus baseline). The cyclosporineinduced increases in regional vascular resistance and arterial pressure were greatly attenuated, or abolished, by ganglionic blockade or by clonidine (central sympatholysis) but were unaffected by angiotensin converting enzyme inhibition. These findings demonstrate that in an anesthetized animal preparation, the vasoconstrictor and blood pressure-raising effects of cyclosporine are caused by sympathetic neural activation.
STDP Installs in Winner-Take-All Circuits an Online Approximation to Hidden Markov Model Learning

In order to cross a street without being run over, we need to be able to extract very fast hidden causes of dynamically changing multi-modal sensory stimuli, and to predict their future evolution. We show here that a generic cortical microcircuit motif, pyramidal cells with lateral excitation and inhibition, provides the basis for this difficult but all-important information processing capability. This capability emerges in the presence of noise automatically through effects of STDP on connections between pyramidal cells in Winner-Take-All circuits with lateral excitation. In fact, one can show that these motifs endow cortical microcircuits with functional properties of a hidden Markov model, a generic model for solving such tasks through probabilistic inference. Whereas in engineering applications this model is adapted to specific tasks through offline learning, we show here that a major portion of the functionality of hidden Markov models arises already from online applications of STDP, without any supervision or rewards. We demonstrate the emergent computing capabilities of the model through several computer simulations. The full power of hidden Markov model learning can be attained through reward-gated STDP. This is due to the fact that these mechanisms enable a rejection sampling approximation to theoretically optimal learning. We investigate the possible performance gain that can be achieved with this more accurate learning method for an artificial grammar task.
Learning Mechanism for Column Formation in the Olfactory Bulb

Sensory discrimination requires distributed arrays of processing units. In the olfactory bulb, the processing units for odor discrimination are believed to involve dendrodendritic synaptic interactions between mitral and granule cells. There is increasing anatomical evidence that these cells are organized in columns, and that the columns processing a given odor are arranged in widely distributed arrays. Experimental evidence is lacking on the underlying learning mechanisms for how these columns and arrays are formed. To gain insight into these mechanisms, we have used a simplified realistic circuit model to test the hypothesis that distributed connectivity can self-organize through an activity-dependent dendrodendritic synaptic mechanism. The results point to action potentials propagating in the mitral cell lateral dendrites as playing a critical role in this mechanism. The model predicts that columns emerge from the interaction between the local temporal dynamics of the action potentials and the synapses that they activate during dendritic propagation. The results suggest a novel and robust learning mechanism for the development of distributed processing units in a cortical structure.
A new role of multi scaffold protein Liprin-α

Regulation of the actin cytoskeleton is crucial for cell morphology and migration. One of the key molecules that regulates actin remodeling is the small GTPase Rho. Rho shuttles between the inactive GDP-bound form and the active GTP-bound form, and works as a molecular switch in actin remodeling in response to both extra- and intra-cellular stimuli. Mammalian homolog of Diaphanous (mDia) is one of the Rho effectors and produces unbranched actin filaments. While Rho GTPases activate mDia, the mechanisms of how the activity of mDia is downregulated in cells remains largely unknown. In our recent paper, we identified Liprin-α as an mDia interacting protein and found that Liprin-α negatively regulates the activity of mDia in the cell by displacing it from the plasma membrane through binding to the DID-DD region of mDia. Here, we review these findings and discuss how Liprin-α regulates the Rho-mDia pathway and how the mDia-Liprin-α complex functions in vivo.
Chemical Composition and Mixing in Giant H II Regions: NGC 3603, 30 Doradus, and N66

We investigate the chemical abundances of NGC 3603 in the Milky Way, of 30 Doradus in the Large Magellanic Cloud, and of N66 in the Small Magellanic Cloud. Mid-infrared observations with the Infrared Spectrograph on board the Spitzer Space Telescope allow us to probe the properties of distinct physical regions within each object, the central ionizing cluster, the surrounding ionized gas, photodissociation regions, and buried stellar clusters. We detect [S III], [S IV], [Ar III], [Ne II], [Ne III], [Fe II], and [Fe III] lines and derive the ionic abundances. Based on the ionic abundance ratio (Ne III/H)/(S III/H), we find that the gas observed in the MIR is characterized by a lower degree of ionization than the gas observed in the optical spectra. We compute the elemental abundances of Ne, S, Ar, and Fe. We find that the α-elements Ne, S, and Ar scale with each other. Our determinations agree well with the abundances derived from the optical. The Ne/S ratio is higher than the solar value in the three giant H II regions and points toward a moderate depletion of sulfur on dust grains. We find that the neon and sulfur abundances display a remarkably small dispersion (0.11 dex in 15 positions in 30 Doradus), suggesting a relatively homogeneous ISM, even though small-scale mixing cannot be ruled out.
Blurred Image Classification based on Adaptive Dictionary

Two frameworks for blurred image classification based on adaptive dictionary are proposed. Given a blurred image, instead of image deblurring, the semantic category of the image is determined by blur insensitive sparse coefficients calculated depending on an adaptive dictionary. The dictionary is adaptive to an assumed space invariant Point Spread Function (PSF) estimated from the input blurred image. In one of the proposed two frameworks, the PSF is inferred separately and in the other, the PSF is updated combined with sparse coefficients calculation in an alternative and iterative manner. The experimental results have evaluated three types of blur namely defocus blur, simple motion blur and camera shake blur. The experiment results confirm the effectiveness of the proposed frameworks.
THE EXPORT INTENSITY OF MULTINATIONAL SUBSIDIARIES : AN EU-BASED EMPIRICAL STUDY

The paper investigates the FDI-trade relationship, and tests empirically (in a cross-country EU setting) the key determinants of the export intensity of multinational (MNE) subsidiaries. The central focus is the link between the strategic roles and characteristics of MNE subsidiaries, and their export patterns. Expectations about high export intensities of rationalized manufacturers and product mandate subsidiaries are confirmed, as well as the negative association between miniature replicas and exports. A crucial finding is the negative relationship between value-added scope (measured by autonomy and specialized capabilities) and export intensity. Subsidiaries which are relatively larger, more recently established, and located in smaller markets, are also more export-oriented. The results indicate that exports per se are not automatically beneficial from the perspective of host country impact, and challenge conventional wisdom on the effectiveness of conventional export-promotion policies.
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus with and without Anti-dsDNA Antibodies: Analysis from a Large Monocentric Cohort

Objectives. The anti-dsDNA antibodies are a marker for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) and 70–98% of patients test positive. We evaluated the demographic, clinical, laboratory, and therapeutical features of a monocentric SLE cohort according to the anti-dsDNA status. Methods. We identified three groups: anti-dsDNA + (persistent positivity); anti-dsDNA ± (initial positivity and subsequent negativity during disease course); anti-dsDNA − (persistent negativity). Disease activity was assessed by the European Consensus Lupus Activity Measurement (ECLAM). Results. We evaluated 393 patients (anti-dsDNA +: 62.3%; anti-dsDNA ±: 13.3%; anti-dsDNA −: 24.4%). The renal involvement was significantly more frequent in anti-dsDNA + (30.2%), compared with anti-dsDNA ± and anti-dsDNA − (21.1% and 18.7%, resp.; P = 0.001). Serositis resulted significantly more frequent in anti-dsDNA − (82.3%) compared to anti-dsDNA + and anti-dsDNA ± (20.8% and 13.4%, resp.; P < 0.0001). The reduction of C4 serum levels was identified significantly more frequently in anti-dsDNA + and anti-dsDNA ± (40.0% and 44.2%, resp.) compared with anti-dsDNA − (21.8%, P = 0.005). We did not identify significant differences in the mean ECLAM values before and after modification of anti-dsDNA status (P = 0.7). Conclusion. Anti-dsDNA status influences the clinical and immunological features of SLE patients. Nonetheless, it does not appear to affect disease activity.
Inflation expectations, persistence and monetary policy

Monetary policy is often based on the idea that policymakers can achieve reductions in inflation by producing some economic slack. How much slack is needed in turn depends on the degree of inflation persistence; if persistence is low, the output costs to disinflation will be small. Inflation persistence has posed a major challenge for monetary authorities in emerging market economies (EMEs) over the years and is believed to have been a factor behind the failure of a number of stabilisation programmes seeking to end periods of very high inflation. Even in areas where inflation has been relatively moderate, such as the euro area, inflation persistence has been a special concern because of the perceived costs of price and wage rigidity.
Supply chain challenges in developing countries: Cross industry case studies

Leading firms face various challenges to increase their productivity, reduce costs and improve product quality while improving their profitability. That's why full-package producer have placed each operation in the most cost-effective location. Developing countries have played important role in that. Leading firms have been tempted to locate their manufacturing unit in the developing countries. Competitive material prices and reduced labour costs are main factors, which enable low-income developing countries to enter these global supply chains. This highlights the importance of production capabilities and resource that should be available in these countries. The main objective of this paper is to investigate the challenges that face implementing successful supply chains in these countries. The paper has investigated case studies from different industries to highlight on the common factors that lead to current supply chain deficiencies. As conclusion, the paper proposed a framework indicates supply chain challenges in developing countries and their leading factors. This framework is derived from ISM analysis using a reachability matrix.
Decentralization, local government elections and voter turnout in Pakistan

"Decentralization has the potential to improve the accountability of government and lead to a more efficient provision of public services. However, accountability requires broad groups of people to participate in local government. Thus, voter turnout at local government elections is an important component of government accountability. This study used survey data on the 2005 local government elections in Pakistan to analyze the impact of electoral mechanisms, the credibility of elections, and voters' socioeconomic characteristics on voter turnout. The rational-choice perspective is applied to develop the specifications of the empirical model. The empirical analysis is based on a series of standard and multilevel random-intercept logistic models. Our important findings reveal that (1) voter turnout is strongly associated with the personal and social gratifications people derive from voting; (2) the preference-matching ability of candidates for local government positions is marginal; and (3) the introduction of direct elections of the district nazims—a key position in local government—might improve electoral participation and thus create a precondition for better local government accountability. The findings also suggest that less educated people, farmers, and rural people are more likely to vote. " Authors' Abstract
Vascular Effects of FGF-2 and VEGF-B in Rabbits with Bilateral Hind Limb Ischemia

Aims: To assess fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) and vascular endothelial growth factor-B (VEGF-B) effects on flow reserve and morphological adaptation in the rabbit ischemic hind limb. Methods: Following bilateral femoral artery ligation, calf blood pressure (CBP), flow reserve, collateral artery numbers and capillary numbers were assessed. Treatment consisted of rabbit serum albumin (RSA), FGF-2, VEGF-B or FGF-2 + VEGF-B. Results: Ligation decreased CBP; on day 14, a 48% deficit remained in the RSA group compared with a deficit of only 22% in FGF-2 and VEGF-B groups. On day 3, flow reserve was attenuated 60%, but recovered by day 14 (with no treatment effects). Collateral artery numbers increased with RSA (+28%), FGF-2 (+53%), VEGF-B (+47%) and FGF-2 + VEGF-B (+59%). Rectus femoris muscle total capillary profiles and fibers per cross-section were alike across groups. Tibialis anterior muscle cross-sectional area was lower with ligation and total capillary number was less in RSA and FGF-2 groups, providing evidence for angiogenesis with VEGF-B. Capillary/muscle fiber ratio was similar in each group. Conclusions: FGF-2 and VEGF-B enhanced lower limb perfusion as indicated by improved CBP and combined treatment increased collateral artery number. Flow reserve recovery was not enhanced by cytokine treatment. VEGF-B, but not FGF-2, caused angiogenesis in the tibialis anterior muscle. Overall, VEGF-B may have advantages over FGF-2 in this setting; however, their combination may further improve arteriogenesis.
A Closer Look at Iterative Foot Optimization and the Case against Parallelism

" How does she shoot? If you're examining a rifle to see if it killed a man, don't you have to have some idea how it shoots? " " I can assure you, sir, it has all the hallmarks of a rifle customized for maximum accuracy. " " Yes, but how does it shoot? "-Stephen Hunter, Point of Impact
Who can help me with this change request?

An approach to recommend a ranked list of developers to assist in performing software changes given a textual change request is presented. The approach employs a two-fold strategy. First, a technique based on information retrieval is put at work to locate the relevant units of source code, e.g., files, classes, and methods, to a given change request. These units of source code are then fed to a technique that recommends developers based on their source code change expertise, experience, and contributions, as derived from the analysis of the previous commits. The commits are obtained from a software system's version control repositories (e.g., Subversion). The approach is demonstrated on a bug report from KOffice, an open source application suite.
Thyroid-Hormone–Disrupting Chemicals: Evidence for Dose-Dependent Additivity or Synergism

Endocrine disruption from environmental contaminants has been linked to a broad spectrum of adverse outcomes. One concern about endocrine-disrupting xenobiotics is the potential for additive or synergistic (i.e., greater-than-additive) effects of mixtures. A short-term dosing model to examine the effects of environmental mixtures on thyroid homeostasis has been developed. Prototypic thyroid-disrupting chemicals (TDCs) such as dioxins, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and poly-brominated diphenyl ethers have been shown to alter thyroid hormone homeostasis in this model primarily by up-regulating hepatic catabolism of thyroid hormones via at least two mechanisms. Our present effort tested the hypothesis that a mixture of TDCs will affect serum total thyroxine (T4) concentrations in a dose-additive manner. Young female Long-Evans rats were dosed via gavage with 18 different polyyhalogenated aromatic hydrocarbons [2 dioxins, 4 dibenzofurans, and 12 PCBs, including dioxin-like and non-dioxin-like PCBs] for 4 consecutive days. Serum total T4 was measured via radioimmunoassay in samples collected 24 hr after the last dose. Extensive dose–response functions (based on seven to nine doses per chemical) were determined for individual chemicals. A mixture was custom synthesized with the ratio of chemicals based on environmental concentrations. Serial dilutions of this mixture ranged from approximately background levels to 100-fold greater than background human daily intakes. Six serial dilutions of the mixture were tested in the same 4-day assay. Doses of individual chemicals that were associated with a 30% TH decrease from control (ED30), as well as predicted mixture outcomes were calculated using a flexible single-chemical-required method applicable to chemicals with differing dose thresholds and maximum-effect asymptotes. The single-chemical data were modeled without and with the mixture data to determine, respectively, the expected mixture response (the additivity model) and the experimentally observed mixture response (the empirical model). A likelihood-ratio test revealed statistically significant departure from dose additivity. There was no deviation from additivity at the lowest doses of the mixture, but there was a greater-than-additive effect at the three highest mixtures doses. At high doses the additivity model underpredicted the empirical effects by 2- to 3-fold. These are the first results to suggest dose-dependent additivity and synergism in TDCs that may act via different mechanisms in a complex mixture. The results imply that cumulative risk approaches be considered when assessing the risk of exposure to chemical mixtures that contain TDCs.
ow long-lived is ultrahigh temperature ( UHT ) metamorphism ? Constraints rom zircon and monazite geochronology in the Eastern Ghats orogenic belt , India

Along the coast of Peninsular India, the Eastern Ghats expose a deep crustal section through a composite Proterozoic orogenic belt. To quantify the late Mesoproterozoic–early Neoproterozoic pressure (P)–temperature (T)–time (t) evolution of the Eastern Ghats Province, new SHRIMP U–Pb zircon and monazite age data from multiple localities are reported and integrated with the results of phase equilibria modelling. Samples of residual granulite, migmatite and enderbite yield a spread of weighted mean 207Pb/206Pb zircon and monazite ages between ca 970 and ca 930 Ma. Based on ranges of spot ages from several samples, the late prograde to peak ultrahigh temperature (UHT) metamorphism (counterclockwise evolution (CCW) to T >950 ◦C at P >8 kbar) and initial cooling is interpreted to have occurred between ca 1130 and ca 970 Ma. Regionally extensive enderbite and charnockite magmas were emplaced into the hot, suprasolidus crust around the time of peak metamorphism. For the residual granulites and migmatites the retrograde P–T–t path is characterized by close-to-isobaric cooling to the variable but elevated solidi for different samples. Weighted mean ages between ca 970 and ca 930 Ma in several samples are interpreted to record the timing of crystallization of melt trapped by the percolation threshold in each of these samples. Two additional weighted mean ages of ca 980 Ma (from Korhonen F.J., Saw, A.K., Clark, C., Brown, M., Bhattacharya, S., 2011. New constraints on UHT metamorphism in the Eastern Ghats Province through the application of phase equilibria modelling and in situ geochronology. Gondwana Research 20, 764–781) extend this range back in time by 10 My. The variability in the calculated weighted mean ages across the region is interpreted to be due mainly to differences in the temperature of the elevated solidus from sample to sample, suggesting a slow cooling rate of ∼1 ◦C/My during the retrograde stage of this long-lived UHT metamorphism. These results demonstrate that the Eastern Ghats Province sustained UHT conditions (T >900 ◦C) for 50 My, and perhaps for as long as 200 Ma from ca 1130 to 930 Ma, during a single CCW tectono-metamorphic event.