Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Dopamine-Induced Plasticity, Phospholipase D (PLD) Activity and Cocaine-Cue Behavior Depend on PLD-Linked Metabotropic Glutamate Receptors in Amygdala

Cocaine-cue associations induce synaptic plasticity with long lasting molecular and cellular changes in the amygdala, a site crucial for cue-associated memory mechanisms. The underlying neuroadaptations can include marked alterations in signaling via dopamine (DA) receptors (DRs) and metabotropic glutamate (Glu) receptors (mGluRs). Previously, we reported that DR antagonists blocked forms of synaptic plasticity in amygdala slices of Sprague-Dawley rats withdrawn from repeated cocaine administration. In the present study, we investigated synaptic plasticity induced by exogenous DA and its dependence on mGluR signaling and a potential role for phospholipase D (PLD) as a downstream element linked to mGluR and DR signaling. Utilizing a modified conditioned place preference (CPP) paradigm as a functional behavioral measure, we studied the neurophysiological effects after two-weeks to the last cocaine conditioning. We recorded, electrophysiologically, a DR-induced synaptic potentiation in the basolateral to lateral capsula central amygdala (BLA-lcCeA) synaptic pathway that was blocked by antagonists of group I mGluRs, particularly, the PLD-linked mGluR. In addition, we observed 2–2.5 fold increase in PLD expression and 3.7-fold increase in basal PLD enzyme activity. The enhanced PLD activity could be further stimulated (9.3 fold) by a DA D1-like (D1/5R) receptor agonist, and decreased to control levels by mGluR1 and PLD-linked mGluR antagonists. Diminished CPP was observed by infusion of a PLD-linked mGluR antagonist, PCCG-13, in the amygdala 15 minutes prior to testing, two weeks after the last cocaine injection. These results imply a functional interaction between D1/5Rs, group I mGluRs via PLD in the amygdala synaptic plasticity associated with cocaine-cues.
Correlation between virulence and colony morphology in Vibrio vulnificus

Of 38 isolates of Vibrio vulnificus examined, all avirulent strains produced only translucent colonies. All virulent strains, with the exception of biogroup 2 (eel pathogens), exhibited both opaque and translucent colonies. Isogenic morphotypes were examined for a variety of phenotypic and virulence traits. Only the ability to utilize transferrin-bound iron and the presence of a surface polysaccharide were found to correlate with colony opacity and virulence.
Internet-Based Treatment of Depression: A Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Guided with Unguided Self-Help

Internet-delivered self-help for depression with therapist guidance has shown efficacy in several trials. Results from meta-analyses suggest that guidance is important and that self-help programs without support are less effective. However, there are no direct experimental comparisons between guided and unguided internet-based treatments for depression. The present study compared the benefits of a 10-week web-based unguided self-help treatment with the same intervention complemented with weekly therapist support via e-mail. A waiting-list control group was also included. Seventy-six individuals meeting the diagnostic criteria of major depression or dysthymia were randomly assigned to one of the three conditions. The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II) was used as the primary outcome measure. Secondary outcomes included general psychopathology, interpersonal problems, and quality of life. Sixty-nine participants (91%) completed the assessment at posttreatment and 59 (78%) at 6-month follow-up. Results showed significant symptom reductions in both treatment groups compared to the waiting-list control group. At posttreatment, between-group effect sizes on the BDI-II were d = . 66 for unguided self-help versus waiting-list and d = 1.14 for guided self-help versus waiting-list controls. In the comparison of the two active treatments, small-to-moderate, but not statistically significant effects in favor of the guided condition were found on all measured dimensions. In both groups, treatment gains were maintained at 6-month follow-up. The findings provide evidence that internet-delivered treatments for depression can be effective whether support is added or not. However, all participants were interviewed in a structured diagnostic telephone interview before inclusion, which prohibits conclusions regarding unguided treatments that are without any human contact.
Designing text retrieval systems for conceptual searching

Computerized systems for legal information are traditionally based on text retrieval. The retrieval presumes the creation of a search file, indexing in principle all words occurring in the documents, with pointers to the text lile, where the documents are stored. The searching is traditionally based on Boolean arguments. which are matched to the search file. Documents are read by accessing the text file through the pointers associated with the indexing terms of the search file. Text retrieval permits the documents to be retrieved In authentic form. without any added editoriel material like headnotes, citations, indexing terms erc. In the US. Canada. and Northern Europe the tendency has been to use documents with little or no edditional editorial material. When such material has been included, it generally is based on the editorial effort going into meklng a paratlel paper based version of the same documents. ’ In Latin speaking countries. there have been a tendency to emphasize intellectual indexing, headnotes or ebstrects of cases, and bibliographical information, oftjn described BS a “documentary superstructure” of the document. If a document is enriched by editorial material, the traditional retrieval strategies may stilt be employed. The system treats th 4 words in the additional material as the words in the authentic text. -
Measurements of oxygen permeability coefficients of rice (Oryza sativa L.) roots using a new perfusion technique

A new approach is described to analyse the barrier properties of the outer part of rice (Oryza sativa L.) roots towards oxygen. By using a root-sleeving O2 electrode, radial oxygen loss at different distances from the root apex was measured and related to the corresponding root structure. In addition, internal oxygen concentrations were precisely adjusted using a newly developed perfusion technique. Thus, the oxygen permeability coefficient of the outer part of the root (OPR) could be calculated, since both (i) the oxygen flow across the OPR and (ii) the oxygen concentration gradient across the OPR from inside to outside were known. On the basis of the permeability coefficient, it can be decided whether or not different rates of oxygen loss across the OPR are due to changes in the OPR structure and/or to changes in the concentration gradient. The technique was applied to rice root segments, which enabled rapid perfusion of aerenchyma. In the present study, roots of rice grown under aerobic conditions were used which should have a higher O2 permeability compared with that of plants grown in deoxygenated solution. Both radial oxygen losses and permeability coefficients decreased along the root, reaching the lowest values at the basal positions. Values of oxygen permeability coefficients of the OPR were corrected for external unstirred layers. They decreased from (2.8±0.2)×10−6 m s−1 at 30 mm to (1.1±0.2)×10−6 m s−1 at 60 mm from the apex (n=5; ±SE). They were similar to those measured previously for cuticles. Low diffusional oxygen permeability of the OPR suggested that the barrier to radial oxygen loss was effective. This may help to retain oxygen within the root and enhance diffusion of oxygen towards the apex in the presence of a relatively high water permeability. The results are discussed in terms of the inter-relationship between the water and oxygen permeabilities as roots develop in either aerated or deoxygenated (stagnant) media.
COMPRESSIVE STRESS-STRAIN BEHAVIOR OF NORMAL AND HIGH-STRENGTH CARBON-FIBER CONCRETE REINFORCED WITH STEEL SPIRALS

Carbon-fiber reinforced concrete was combined with traditional transverse steel reinforcement in the form of steel spirals in an attempt to increase the energy absorption and strength of the concrete under both monotonic and cyclic loading. The stress-strain relationship of concrete in compression in both unconfined and confined states was examined. The descending branch of the stress-strain curve was recorded to investigate the ductility of normal and high-strength fiber reinforced concrete confined with steel spirals. The experimental program consisted of testing 100 mm-by-200 mm concrete cylinders under compression at two different strength levels: normal (48 MPa) and high strength (75 MPa), reinforced with different percentages (volume fractions of 1.5%, 2%, and 3%) and lengths (7.5 mm, 20 mm, and 30 mm) of high-strength carbon fibers with an equivalent diameter 0.78 mm. These were then repeated with the addition of spiral reinforcement, 5 mm in diameter, with different pitches (25 mm and 50 mm). This study was carried out to evaluate the optimum combination of fibers and steel spirals to obtain the same level of fracture energy dissipation as that obtained by using only a high-volume percentage of spiral steel, which is generally used in real structures.
Two Sites of Synaptic Integration: Relevant for Learning?

Electrophysiological research on the properties of the apical dendrites of cortical deep layer pyramidal cells suggests that it acts, in addition to the soma, as a second site of synaptic integration. Each site integrates input from a subset of synapses and is able to generate regenerative potentials. The sites exchange information in stereotyped ways: Signals from the soma are transmitted to the apical dendrite via actively back-propagating dendritic action potentials. Slow regenerative calcium spikes transmit information from the apical dendrite to the soma. These calcium spikes lead to a strong and prolonged depolarization of the cell generating a burst of action potentials. This paper analyzes how the system learns if these calcium spikes trigger hebbian learning at active synapses. A cell is now described by two main variables the mean activity and the mean potential at the apical dendrite with the first variable defining the input to cells downstream and the latter what the cell learns. A system results where neurons learn to respond to those features that are correlated with activity on the higher layer, this property is similar to maximizing the mutual information between input and higher areas. Furthermore it learns invariances exploiting a spatial smoothness criterion.
Changes of plasma cytokines and chemokines expression level in nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients after treatment with definitive intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT)

Background Potential clinical application values of certain cytokines and chemokines that participate in the process of tumor growth, invasion, and metastasis have been reported. However, there still lack of biomarkers for a great many of malignancy. This study identified cytokines or chemokines involved in the occurrence and development of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), which might be a biomarker for noninvasive early diagnosis. Methods The plasma levels of 19 cytokines and chemokines were detected by the luminex liquid array-based multiplexed immunoassays in 39 NPC patients before and after treatment by definitive intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT). Results Plasma levels of almost all of the 19 cytokines and chemokines in NPC patients were higher than healthy controls, while only IFN-γ, IL-1b IL-6, MCP-1, TNF-α, FKN, IL-12P70, IL-2, IL-5 and IP-10 showed significant differences. However, expression levels of most of the 19 cytokines and chemokines decreased after therapy, especially IFN-γ, IL-10, IL-1b, IL-6, IL-8, MCP-1, TNF-α, VEGF, IL-17A, IL-2, IL-5 and MIP-1b, have a dramatic decline. Taking together, plasma levels of IFN-γ, IL-1b, IL-6, MCP-1, TNF-α, IL-2 and IL-5 are significantly increased in NPC patients and dramatically decreased after treatment, suggesting these cytokines and chemokines might play important roles in the progress of NPC. More interestingly, the expression level of MPC-1 is significantly associated with clinical stage. Conclusion MCP-1 might involve in the genesis and development process of NPC, which might serve as a noninvasive biomarker for early diagnosis.
Leptomeningeal metastasis in melanoma: a prospective clinical study of nine patients.

BACKGROUND Melanoma has the highest rate of spread to the leptomeninges and the incidence of melanoma has been steadily rising. This article describes recent experience at the Lille University Hospital, between 2007 and 2011 and discusses the possibilities for treatment of leptomeningeal metastasis. PATIENTS AND METHODS Nine patients were diagnosed with leptomeningeal metastasis of melanoma. The standard criteria were used for the diagnosis. The treatment consisted of a combination of intrathecal chemotherapy, systemic chemotherapy and best supportive care. RESULTS The overall median survival from the time of leptomeningeal metastasis diagnosis was eight weeks (range=1-168 weeks). In two cases, the median overall survival was 104 weeks. For these patients, there was a clear benefit in intrathecal chemotherapy combined with systemic treatment. No complication was observed. CONCLUSION Despite a poor prognosis, treatment of melanoma leptomeningeal metastasis is needed in order to improve the quality of life, neurological progression-free survival and overall survival of patients.
Evolution of pulmonary surfactants for the treatment of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome and paediatric lung diseases

This review documents the evolution of surfactant therapy, beginning with observations of surfactant deficiency in respiratory distress syndrome, the basis of exogenous surfactant treatment and the development of surfactant‐containing novel peptides patterned after SP‐B. We critically analyse the molecular interactions of surfactant proteins and phospholipids contributing to surfactant function.
Investigation Into the Effect of Interchannel Crosstalk in Multichannel Microphone Technique

A series of subjective listening tests were carried out in order to investigate the effect of interchannel crosstalk in multichannel microphone technique. Perceived attributes of interchannel crosstalk images were first elicited, and then graded with various independent variables, including different types of microphone array (different combinations of time and intensity differences), sound source and acoustic condition. The results showed that the most dominant effects of interchannel crosstalk were an increase of source width and a decrease of locatedness. The ratio of time and intensity differences in microphone array was the most significant factor for both effects. Sound source type had a significant effect for source width increase, but not for the locatedness decrease. Acoustic condition was significant for locatedness decrease, but not for source width increase. This paper describes the experiment method, and presents and discusses the details of the result data.
Flemish adolescents’ perceptions of cigarette plain packaging: a qualitative study with focus group discussions

Objectives To find out whether there is a potential impact of the appearance of a plain cigarette package on the smoking perceptions and behavioural intentions of Flemish adolescents. Design We performed a cross-sectional study using the qualitative method of focus group discussions. Setting Flemish adolescents. Participants We performed eight focus group discussions, in which 55 adolescents took part, 32 female and 23 male. Inclusion criteria were: Flemish male and female 15-year-olds to 16-year-olds and 17-year-olds to 18-year-olds attending regular high-school education or vocational training who were current or had ever been smokers. Outcome measure (planned as well as measured) The opinions and perceptions of young Flemish smokers regarding the impact of cigarette packaging on their smoking behaviour. Results Plain packages are perceived as less attractive, cheap and unreliable for young people. Because of the unattractiveness of the plain packaging, the health warnings catch the eye much more strongly. Conclusions In this first scientific study in Flanders on this topic, it emerged that plain packaging could be a strong policy tool to reduce the number of adolescents starting smoking. Validation of these findings by conducting a quantitative survey in the same target group is recommended.
A global aerosol model forecast for the ACE-Asia field experiment

We present the results of aerosol forecast during the Aerosol Characterization Experiment (ACE-Asia) field experiment in spring 2001, using the Georgia Tech/Goddard Global Ozone Chemistry Aerosol Radiation and Transport (GOCART) model and the meteorological forecast fields from the Goddard Earth Observing System Data Assimilation System (GEOS DAS). The aerosol model forecast provides direct information on aerosol optical thickness and concentrations, enabling effective flight planning, while feedbacks from measurements constantly evaluate the model, making successful model improvements. We verify the model forecast skill by comparing model predicted total aerosol extinction, dust, sulfate, and SO2 concentrations with those quantities measured by the C-130 aircraft during the ACE-Asia intensive operation period. The GEOS DAS meteorological forecast system shows excellent skills in predicting winds, relative humidity, and temperature for the ACE-Asia experiment area as well as for each individual flight, with skill scores usually above 0.7. The model is also skillful in forecast of pollution aerosols, with most scores above 0.5. The model correctly predicted the dust outbreak events and their trans-Pacific transport, but it constantly missed the high dust concentrations observed in the boundary layer. We attribute this missing dust source to the desertification regions in the Inner Mongolia Province in China, which have developed in recent years but were not included in the model during forecasting. After incorporating the desertification sources, the model is able to reproduce the observed high dust concentrations at low altitudes over the Yellow Sea. Two key elements for a successful aerosol model forecast are correct source locations that determine where the emissions take place, and realistic forecast winds and convection that determine where the aerosols are transported. We demonstrate that our global model can not only account for the large-scale intercontinental transport, but also produce the small-scale spatial and temporal variations that are adequate for aircraft measurements planning.
ChIP-seq Data Plays an Important Role in a Cytosine-Based DNA Methylation Prediction Model

DNA methylation was found previously related with histone modifications. The relationship among DNA methylation and histone modifications is potentially identifiable by integrating ChIP-seq and methylation data. However, little has been addressed on this issue in literature. Predicting DNA methylation can largely avoid the high cost of bisulfite-converted DNA experiments and drawbacks of micro array-based approaches. The most important, biological studies can be designed in a more economical manner. In this study, we found the DNA methylation was strongly influenced by surrounding combinatorial enriched ChIP-seq derived features in genome-wide scale. As an application, a cytosine-based methylation prediction model is proposed to predict the methylation status. As a result, we found Lymph-specific genes were distinct from other kinds of genes around Transcription Start Sites, which confirmed that our model is tissue-specific.
Study of Electrospun Chitosan Nanofibrous Coated Webs

Fabricated nanowebs are successfully coated with polypropylene spun bonded non-woven fabric with various coating density ranges from 0.25-1.2 gsm. This study describes an electrospinning coating process of pure Chitosan dissolved in TFA and DCM and its detailed characterizations. The optimal solution condition for electrospinning was studied and, thereby, the process was successfully established. The best optimal condition: 11 % Chitosan was successfully electrospun (superlative web structure) in the electric field of 75 KV, distance between spinning electrodes 135 mm and rotation of spinning electrode 5 rpm (throughput). Once it was determined the ideal condition for fabricating web thereafter under identical conditions electro coating process was done by varying collector speed. The resultant nanofibrous web was found to be uniformly coated having mean fiber diameter ranges from 1210-1221 nm. AFM microphotographs indicated the interconnected porous structure of the prepared Chitosan web. Fibrous break down at a solution concentration (2 & 5 %) was revealed by AFM and FESEM images. At higher concentration (14%) web spinability was poor in the form of lumps deposition. Morphology of spun web was greatly influenced by coating density. Thus, these nanofibrous coated membranes have great potential for using as a layer for developing futuristic antimicrobial, biomedical and filtration clothing. Moreover, the developed coated web has a significantly higher production rate (approx 0.25 g/m2min) is potential for commercial viability and could be translated into bulk production.
A review of the reliability of radiographic measurements in estimating alveolar bone changes.

Despite their widespread use, dental radiographs have numerous shortcomings for measuring alveolar bone changes. In order to develop guidelines for improving the reliability of radiographic measurements, factors affecting the formation of an image were reviewed. These were considered regarding the design of a clinical monitoring system, capable of detecting the loss of small amounts of alveolar bone crest from serial films. Dentists need a monitoring system to assess whether bone loss is progressing or to judge whether a treatment is successful. 2 models were constructed to predict how long it would take to detect marginal bone loss occurring at a linear rate of 0.1 mm/year. The 1st model assumed a CEJ-crest measurement error of +/- 0.3 mm and the second +/- 0.9 mm, both using a 0.1 mm measuring interval. These error values were derived from the literature. The 1st model predicted it would take between 7 and 13 years for the system to measure a 1.0 mm loss in crest height caused by an actual loss of between 0.7 and 1.3 mm. The 2nd model predicted that a 1.0 mm measurement would occur between 1 and 19 years, caused by an actual crestal bone loss of between 0.1 and 1.9 mm. From these models, it appears that routine screening of patients by general dental practitioners for small amounts of bone loss is unlikely to be successful without the use of (i) repositionable stentless film holders to standardise the irradiation geometry, (ii) a very accurate reproducible measuring technique which (iii) will probably require an automatic computer-based measuring system. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Optimal Sampling For Genetic Algorithms

In many real-world environments, a genetic algorithm designer is often faced with choosing the best tness function from a range of possibilities. Fitness functions diier primarily based upon the speed, accuracy, and cost of a tness evaluation. An important type of tness function is the sampling tness function, which utilizes sampling in order to reduce the noise of tness evaluations. The accuracy and speed of a sampling tness function are directly related to the sample size, which is the number of samples used by the sampling tness function to evaluate an individual chromosome. The optimal sample size denotes the sample size that maximizes the performance of a genetic algorithm within a xed time bound. In this paper, a domain independent lower bound of the optimal sample size is derived, and a sample size pruning method is described.