Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
CRMP5 Regulates Generation and Survival of Newborn Neurons in Olfactory and Hippocampal Neurogenic Areas of the Adult Mouse Brain

The Collapsin Response Mediator Proteins (CRMPs) are highly expressed in the developing brain, and in adult brain areas that retain neurogenesis, ie: the olfactory bulb (OB) and the dentate gyrus (DG). During brain development, CRMPs are essentially involved in signaling of axon guidance and neurite outgrowth, but their functions in the adult brain remain largely unknown. CRMP5 has been initially identified as the target of auto-antibodies involved in paraneoplasic neurological diseases and further implicated in a neurite outgrowth inhibition mediated by tubulin binding. Interestingly, CRMP5 is also highly expressed in adult brain neurogenic areas where its functions have not yet been elucidated. Here we observed in both neurogenic areas of the adult mouse brain that CRMP5 was present in proliferating and post-mitotic neuroblasts, while they migrate and differentiate into mature neurons. In CRMP5−/− mice, the lack of CRMP5 resulted in a significant increase of proliferation and neurogenesis, but also in an excess of apoptotic death of granule cells in the OB and DG. These findings provide the first evidence that CRMP5 is involved in the generation and survival of newly generated neurons in areas of the adult brain with a high level of activity-dependent neuronal plasticity.
Simultaneous determination and pharmacokinetics study of four quinones in rat plasma by ultra high performance liquid chromatography with electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry after the oral administration of Qianzhi capsules.

A sensitive, specific, and accurate ultra high-performance liquid chromatography with electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry method was developed and validated for the simultaneous quantification of purpurin, munjistin, mollugin, and alizarin from Qianzhi capsules in rat plasma. Chromatographic separation was performed on an Agilent Eclipse Plus C18 RRHD column with a mobile phase consisting of methanol and 5 mM ammonium acetate/water with gradient elution. The analytes were quantified on a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer, operating in the multiple reaction monitoring mode and switching the electrospray ion source polarity with positive electrospray ionization in a single run. Samples were pretreated by liquid-liquid extraction with cyclohexane. The intra- and interday precision and accuracy of the assay were within acceptable ranges. Matrix effects for all of the analytes were between 90.16 and 100.21%. The average recovery ranged from 75.38 to 88.96%. This method was successfully applied to study the pharmacokinetic parameters of the four compounds in rat plasma after oral administration of Qianzhi capsules. Four quinones could be rapidly absorbed into blood (tmax , 0.80-1.93 h) and eliminated relatively slowly (t1/2 , 8.07-11.97 h). The results might be helpful for guiding the clinical application of Qianzhi capsules in the future.
Dialect Variation of Copula and Auxiliary Verb BE: African American English-Speaking Children With and Without Gullah/Geechee Heritage.

Purpose We compared copula and auxiliary verb BE use by African American English-speaking children with and without a creole heritage, using Gullah/Geechee as the creole criterion, to determine if differences exist, the nature of the differences, and the impact of the differences on interpretations of ability. Method Data came from 38 children, aged 5 to 6 years (19 with Gullah/Geechee and 19 without Gullah/Geechee heritage). All were developing language typically, with groups matched on gender, maternal education, and, when possible, test scores. The children's productions of BE were elicited using a screener, probes, and language samples. Results Although many similarities were documented, the 2 groups' BE systems differed in 3 ways: use of unique forms (i.e., də), unique use of shared forms (i.e., BEEN), and rates of use of shared forms (e.g., am, is, was/were, was for were). Although most noticeable in the language samples, differences surfaced across tasks and showed the potential to affect interpretations of ability. Conclusions Dialect variation that is tied to children's creole heritage exists, involves 3 types of variation, and potentially affects interpretations of ability. Effects of a heritage language and different types of variation should be considered in research and clinical endeavors with African American English-speaking children.
Analysis of timing jitter in external-cavity mode-locked semiconductor lasers

We develop a comprehensive theoretical description of passive mode-locking in external-cavity mode-locked semiconductor lasers based on a fully distributed time-domain approach. The model accounts for the dispersion of both gain and refractive index, nonlinear gain saturation from ultrafast processes, self-phase modulation, and spontaneous emission noise. Fluctuations of the mode-locked pulses are characterized from the fully distributed model using direct integration of noise-skirts in the phase-noise spectrum and the soliton perturbations introduced by Haus. We implement the model in order to investigate the performance of a MQW buried heterostructure laser. Results from numerical simulations show that the optimum driving conditions for achieving the shortest pulses with minimum timing jitter occur for large reverse bias in the absorber section at an optimum optical bandwidth limited by Gordon-Haus jitter.
Failure Modes of SiC‐Fiber/Si3N4‐Matrix Composites at Elevated Temperatures

An investigation of composite failure modes as a function of temperature and fiber-volume fraction was carried out in SiC-fiber-reinforced Si{sub 3}N{sub 4}-matrix composites. Mechanical testing was carried out at temperatures from 25 to 1,500 C. Matrix-cracking stress and ultimate strength of the composites were measured from load-displacement curves. They were both found to decrease with increasing temperature, but their temperature sensitivity decreased with increasing fiber-volume fraction. The tendency for noncatastrophic failure increased with fiber-volume fraction, while the tendency for catastrophic failure increased with temperature. The failure mode was demonstrated experimentally to be determined by the fiber bundle strength, S{sub fb}, and the matrix cracking stress, {sigma}{sub c}. These two parameters, in turn, were shown to be controlled by the fiber-volume fraction, f, and the temperature. Failure at various temperatures was noncatastrophic when S{sub fb} > {sigma}{sub c}, and catastrophic when S{sub fb} < {sigma}{sub c}. Transition in composite failure mode between noncatastrophic and catastrophic failure was controlled via the variation of fiber-volume fraction and testing temperature. Catastrophic failure at high temperatures was found to be mainly a result of fiber strength loss.
The Ratio and Concentration of Two Monoterpenes Mediate Fecundity of the Pinewood Nematode and Growth of Its Associated Fungi

The pinewood nematode (PWN) Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, vectored primarily by the sawyer beetle, Monochamus alternatus, is an important invasive pest and causal agent of pine wilt disease of Chinese Masson pine, Pinus massoniana. Previous work demonstrated that the ratios and concentrations of α-pinene∶β-pinene differed between healthy trees and those trees containing blue-stain fungus (and M. alternatus pupae). However, the potential influence of the altered monoterpene ratios and concentrations on PWN and associated fungi remained unknown. Our current results show that low concentrations of the monoterpenes within petri dishes reduced PWN propagation, whereas the highest concentration of the monoterpenes increased PWN propagation. The propagation rate of PWN treated with the monoterpene ratio representative of blue-stain infected pine (α-pinene∶β-pinene = 1∶0.8, 137.6 mg/ml) was significantly higher than that (α-pinene∶β-pinene = 1∶0.1, 137.6 mg/ml) representative of healthy pines or those damaged by M. alternatus feeding, but without blue stain. Furthermore, inhibition of mycelial growth of associated fungi increased with the concentration of the monoterpenes α-pinene and β-pinene. Additionally, higher levels of β-pinene (α-pinene∶β-pinene = 1∶0.8) resulted in greater inhibition of the growth of the associated fungi Sporothrix sp.2 and Ophiostoma ips strains, but had no significant effects on the growth of Sporothrix sp.1, which is the best food resource for PWN. These results suggest that host monoterpenes generally reduce the reproduction of PWN. However, PWN utilizes high monoterpene concentrations and native blue-stain fungus Sporothrix sp.1 to improve its own propagation and overcome host resistance, which may provide clues to understanding the ecological mechanisms of PWN's successful invasion.
Transcriptomic Insights into Phenological Development and Cold Tolerance of Wheat Grown in the Field1[OPEN]

Transcriptome profiling of spring and winter wheat and their near-isogenic lines growing under field conditions reveals the regulatory interactions between vegetative/reproductive transition and cold tolerance. Cold acclimation and winter survival in cereal species is determined by complicated environmentally regulated gene expression. However, studies investigating these complex cold responses are mostly conducted in controlled environments that only consider the responses to single environmental variables. In this study, we have comprehensively profiled global transcriptional responses in crowns of field-grown spring and winter wheat (Triticum aestivum) genotypes and their near-isogenic lines with the VRN-A1 alleles swapped. This in-depth analysis revealed multiple signaling, interactive pathways that influence cold tolerance and phenological development to optimize plant growth and development in preparation for a wide range of over-winter stresses. Investigation of genetic differences at the VRN-A1 locus revealed that a vernalization requirement maintained a higher level of cold response pathways while VRN-A1 genetically promoted floral development. Our results also demonstrated the influence of genetic background on the expression of cold and flowering pathways. The link between delayed shoot apex development and the induction of cold tolerance was reflected by the gradual up-regulation of abscisic acid-dependent and C-REPEAT-BINDING FACTOR pathways. This was accompanied by the down-regulation of key genes involved in meristem development as the autumn progressed. The chromosome location of differentially expressed genes between the winter and spring wheat genetic backgrounds showed a striking pattern of biased gene expression on chromosomes 6A and 6D, indicating a transcriptional regulation at the genome level. This finding adds to the complexity of the genetic cascades and gene interactions that determine the evolutionary patterns of both phenological development and cold tolerance traits in wheat.
Bony labyrinth morphology in early neopterygian fishes (Actinopterygii: Neopterygii)

Endocasts of the osseous labyrinth have the potential to yield information about both phylogenetic relationships and ecology. Although bony labyrinth morphology is well documented in many groups of fossil vertebrates, little is known for early Neopterygii, the major fish radiation containing living teleosts, gars and the bowfin. Here, we reconstruct endocasts of the bony labyrinth and associated structures for a sample of Mesozoic neopterygian fishes using high‐resolution computed tomography. Our sample includes taxa unambiguously assigned to either the teleost (Dorsetichthys, “Pholidophorus,” Elopoides) and holostean (“Aspidorynchus,” “Caturus,” Heterolepidotus) total‐groups, as well as examples of less certain phylogenetic position (an unnamed parasemionotid and Dapedium). Our models provide a test of anatomical interpretations for forms where bony labyrinths were reconstructed based on destructive tomography (“Caturus”) or inspection of the lateral wall of the cranial chamber (Dorsetichthys), and deliver the first detailed insights on inner ear morphology in the remaining taxa. With respect to relationships, traits apparent in the bony labyrinth and associated structures broadly support past phylogenetic hypotheses concerning taxa agreed to have reasonably secure systematic placements. Inner ear morphology supports placement of Dapedium with holosteans rather than teleosts, while preserved structure in the unnamed parasemionotid is generalized to the degree that it provides no evidence of close affinity with either of the crown neopterygian lineages. This study provides proof‐of‐concept for the systematic utility of the inner ear in neopterygians that, in combination with similar findings for earlier‐diverging actinopterygian lineages, points to the substantial potential of this anatomical system for addressing the longstanding questions in the relationships of fossil ray‐finned fishes to one another and living groups. J. Morphol. 279:426–440, 2018. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Transmit control and data separation in physical wireless parameter conversion sensor networks with event driven sensors

A physical wireless parameter conversion sensor network (PhyC-SN) uses the frequency modulation of sensing information and recognizes the whole sensing information from the detected frequency spectrum. For long life sensor node, the event driven sensor decides to send the sensing information in accordance with the certain amount of changing about the sensing information. However, the data separation is difficult for the PhyC-SN with event driven sensor. This paper proposes the transmit control and the data separation for PhyC-SN with event driven sensor. The Gaussian probability model for predicting the future sensing information is used for estimating the difficulty of data separation. The effect of proposed technique is evaluated by computer simulation.
Effects of two freezing methods and two cryopreservation media on post‐thaw quality of stallion spermatozoa

Glycerol-based extenders are widely utilized for freezing equine semen, but media combining methylformamide may better preserve sperm motility and mitochondrial function. Semen is cryopreserved utilizing either a Styrofoam box filled with liquid nitrogen or an automatic freezer. The objective of this experiment was to compare the post-thaw characteristics of the same ejaculates cryopreserved in a Styrofoam box or in an automatic freezer, utilizing a glycerol-based extender (Gent) and an extender that combines methylformamide and glycerol (BotuCrio® ). For that, one ejaculate from 30 stallions collected in two different centres was used. For data analysis, a mixed linear model with laboratory, medium and freezing method and respective interactions as fixed effects was used. Stallion was taken into account as a random effect. There was no influence (p > .05) of laboratory, while stallion effect was marked. Semen frozen in BotuCrio® in the automatic freezer had higher (p < .001) VCL than semen cryopreserved in Gent using the Styrofoam box. VCL was also higher (p = .068) for semen frozen in BotuCrio® in the Styrofoam box than for semen cryopreserved in Gent using the same method. The difference between percentage of sperm with intact plasma membrane frozen in Gent using the Styrofoam box (44.43% ± 2.44%) compared to spermatozoa cryopreserved in BotuCrio® using the same method (40.78% ± 2.42%) approached significance (p = .0507). The percentage of sperm with intact acrosome membrane was higher (p < .05) in semen frozen in BotuCrio® (79.08% ± 1.79%) than semen frozen in Gent (75.15% ± 1.80%). A higher (p = .0125) percentage (32.24% ± 2.18%) of semen extended in Gent and cryopreserved in the Styrofoam box had high mitochondrial membrane potential than semen frozen in BotuCrio® using the same method (26.02% ± 2.15%). Fertility studies are warranted to assess whether differences found have any effect on the fertility of inseminated mares.
Active Reinforcement Learning with Monte-Carlo Tree Search

Active Reinforcement Learning (ARL) is a twist on RL where the agent observes reward information only if it pays a cost. This subtle change makes exploration substantially more challenging. Powerful principles in RL like optimism, Thompson sampling, and random exploration do not help with ARL. We relate ARL in tabular environments to Bayes-Adaptive MDPs. We provide an ARL algorithm using Monte-Carlo Tree Search that is asymptotically Bayes optimal. Experimentally, this algorithm is near-optimal on small Bandit problems and MDPs. On larger MDPs it outperforms a Q-learner augmented with specialised heuristics for ARL. By analysing exploration behaviour in detail, we uncover obstacles to scaling up simulation-based algorithms for ARL.
Simulation Training for Forceps-Assisted Vaginal Delivery and Rates of Maternal Perineal Trauma.

I applaud Gossett et al,1 for their efforts and attention to the sadly disappearing art of forceps-assisted vaginal delivery. If we are going to have a positive effect on the primary cesarean delivery rate, this knowledge certainly cannot be lost. I note that the purpose of the study was to evaluate the effect of simulation training on the rate of perineal injuries secondary to the use of forceps. However, I think it is worth considering the alternative to forceps during failed second stage labor, vacuum-assisted delivery. I found it very interesting that Gossett et al identified 26 individual steps deemed to be key elements to safely and effectively complete a forceps delivery. In reviewing those key elements, it is clear the first nine steps are not unique to forceps, but should be carried out during all second-stage labors, especially when an operative vaginal delivery is being considered. Notably, the vacuum procedure can be carried out successfully and safely using a simple five-step technique,2 as opposed to the additional 17 steps required for forceps. The five steps required to successfully carry out a vacuum delivery are: 1) identify the location of the flexion point and determine its distance to the maternal posterior fourchette; 2) insert the cup into the introitus; 3) maneuver the cup posteriorly along the axis of the maternal pelvis until the measured distance identified in step one is situated on the posterior fourchette; 4) establish the necessary vacuum, excluding maternal tissue; and 5) provide traction along the axis of the maternal pelvis. As with forceps, the goal of the vacuum is to realign the optimal diameters of the fetal head along the curve of carus and improve the mother’s ability to deliver vaginally. The reported elevated failure rate of vacuum compared with forceps has held this alternative method back somewhat, but redirected attention to the true art of the vacuum delivery using this five-step methodology has shown failure rates on par with forceps, even in the most novice hands.2,3 With less time available for residents to experience every aspect of obstetrics, it is important we provide them the best opportunity for success. This certainly involves simulation technology. I also encourage us to not forget the alternative to forceps and continue to teach both arts of operative vaginal delivery.
Modulation of Prdm9-controlled meiotic chromosome asynapsis overrides hybrid sterility in mice

The infertility of hybrids between closely related species is one of the reproductive isolation mechanisms leading to speciation. Prdm9, the only known vertebrate hybrid sterility gene causes failure of meiotic chromosome synapsis and infertility in male hybrids between mouse strains derived from two mouse subspecies. Within species Prdm9 determines the sites of programmed DNA double-strand breaks and meiotic recombination hotspots. To investigate the relation between Prdm9-controlled meiotic arrest and asynapsis, we inserted random stretches of consubspecific homology on several autosomal pairs in sterile hybrids and analyzed their ability to form synaptonemal complexes and rescue male fertility. Twenty-seven or more Mb of consubspecific homology fully restored synapsis in a given autosomal pair and we predicted that two symmetric DSBs or more per chromosome are necessary for successful meiosis. We hypothesize that impaired recombination between evolutionary diverged homologous chromosomes could function as one of the mechanisms of hybrid sterility occurring in various sexually reproducing species.
A Meta-Analysis on the Relationship of the PON Genes and Alzheimer Disease

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the association of the paraoxonase (PON) gene variants and Alzheimer disease (AD) using meta-analysis. Methods: Relevant studies were identified by searching English and Chinese databases extensively. Allele and genotype frequencies for each included study were extracted. Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) was employed to assess the quality of included studies. The odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (95% CI) was calculated using a random-effects or fixed-effects model. A Q statistic was used to evaluate homogeneity, and Egger test and funnel plot were used to assess publication bias. Results: A total of 15 studies (involving 5 polymorphisms) were included and identified for the current meta-analysis. The NOS scores ranged from 7 to 8, meaning good quality of studies. It was found that the SS genotype of PON2 S311C polymorphism had an significant association with AD in the studied population (OR = 0.82, 95% CI: 0.68-0.99, P = .04), and the A allele of PON1 rs705379 polymorphism was positively related to AD in Caucasian population (OR = 1.21, 95% CI: 1.05-1.39, P = .009) as well as the GG genotype decreased AD risk significantly in Caucasians (OR = 0.7, 95% CI: 0.56-0.88, P = .002). However, there was no significant relationship between other 3 genetic variants of PON genes (L55 M, Q192 R, and −161C/T of PON1 gene) and AD. Conclusion: Existing evidence indicates that the S311C polymorphism (SS genotype) and the rs705379 (the A allele and GG genotype) are associated with risk of AD in studied population. Future studies with larger sample sizes will be necessary to confirm the present results.
EFFECTS OF TEXTURING ON STRESS DISTRIBUTION OF A UHMWPE SURFACE

The effect of texturing cavities on the stress distribution of an UHMWPE surface was studied using the finite element method on a nonconforming contact between a steel ball and a flat UHMWPE textured surface. Two and threedimensional analyses were conducted for different texture patterns taking into account the non-linear behavior of the stress-strain curve of the polymer. The numerical analysis was purely static using a normal load of 17 N for the analyses. The simulation shows a deleterious effect in von Mises stress and contact pressure on a textured surface, due to the reduction of the effective contact area. Filling the texture cavities with an incompressible liquid reduces the stress level and contact pressure, enlarging the contact area. From the simulation both diameter and distribution of cavities that hinder stress concentration with a maximum design stress of 13.5 MPa were determined.
Spiral waves in bio‐inspired oscillatory dissipative media

Spiral waves are the most universal form of patterns arising in dissipative media of oscillatory and excitable nature. By focusing on oscillatory networks, whose cells admit of a Lur'e description and are linearly connected through weak couplings, the occurrence of spiral waves has been studied. In particular, the global dynamic behavior of such networks is investigated through the phase deviation equation obtained by the joint application of the harmonic balance method and Malkin's theorem. Furthermore, a simple condition for verifying the occurrence of spiral waves is provided. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.