Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Erythropoietin accelerates functional recovery after peripheral nerve injury.

BACKGROUND Erythropoietin is a naturally occurring hormone with multiple effects on a number of different cell types. Recent data have suggested neuroprotective and perhaps even neurotrophic roles for erythropoietin. We hypothesized that these functional effects could be demonstrable in standard models of peripheral nerve injury. METHODS Experiments were undertaken to evaluate the effect of erythropoietin on the previously reported standard course of healing of sciatic injuries in mice. The injury groups included mice that were subjected to (1) sham surgery, (2) a calibrated sciatic crush injury, (3) transection of the sciatic nerve followed by epineural repair, or (4) a transection followed by burial of the proximal stump in the adjacent muscle tissue (neurectomy). Either erythropoietin or saline solution was administered to the mice in each of these experimental groups twenty-four hours preinjury, immediately after surgical creation of the injury, twenty-four hours postinjury, or one week postinjury. All mice were evaluated on the basis of the published model for recovery of sciatic nerve motor function by measuring footprint parameters at specific times after the injury. Immunohistochemistry was also performed to assess the erythropoietin-receptor expression profile at the site of injury. RESULTS In general, the mice treated with erythropoietin recovered sciatic nerve motor function significantly faster than did the untreated controls. This conclusion was based on a sciatic function index that was 60% better in the erythropoietin-treated mice at seven days postinjury (p < 0.05). Although the group that had been given the erythropoietin immediately postinjury showed the best enhancement of recovery, the timing of the administration of the drug was not critical. Histological analysis demonstrated enhanced erythropoietin-receptor positivity in the nerves that recovered fastest, suggesting that accelerated healing correlates with expression of the receptor in nerve tissue. CONCLUSIONS Erythropoietin treatment of an acute sciatic nerve crush injury leads to an effect consistent with functional neuroprotection. This protective effect may have clinical relevance, especially since it was detectable even when erythropoietin had been administered up to one week after injury.
Usefulness of antineutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibodies in diagnosing and managing systemic vasculitis.

Purpose of reviewAntineutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibodies (ANCAs) are considered important diagnostic tests in the work-up of patients suspected of vasculitis. Here we discuss new developments in the methodology of testing, the pitfalls in using these tests as diagnostic tools, and the value of serial ANCA testing for the follow-up of patients with ANCA-associated vasculitis including treatment decisions. Recent findingsBoth the indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) test and antigen-specific assays should be performed. New methodologies include automated reading in the IIF test and third-generation assays (anchor ELISA and bead-based multiplex assay) for the antigenic-specific assays. ANCA testing should be done in the right clinical context as positive results for PR3-ANCA and MPO-ANCA do occur in other conditions than vasculitis as well. These ANCAs develop in about 10% of patients with infective endocarditis. The occurrence of drug-induced ANCA and ANCA, also directed against elastase, following use of levamisole-adulterated cocaine should be recognized. In the right clinical context, ANCA are highly sensitive and specific for their associated disease. The value of serial ANCA testing for the follow-up of patients with ANCA-associated vasculitis is still under discussion but may be relevant in patients with renal involvement and in patients treated with rituximab. SummaryThe techniques for ANCA testing improve further but new tests should be standardized and validated. Their diagnostic value in the right clinical context is undisputed. Their value for the follow-up of patients is still under discussion.
A Performance Evaluation on Action Recognition with Local Features

Local features have played an important role in visual recognition. Methods based on local features, e.g., the bag-of-words (BoW) model and sparse coding, have shown their effectiveness in image and object recognition in the past decades. Recently, many new techniques, including the improvements of BoW and sparse coding as well as the non-parametric naive bayes nearest neighbor (NBNN) classifier, have been proposed and advanced the state-of-the-art in the image domain. However, in the video domain, the BoW model still dominates the action recognition field. It is unclear how effective the state-of-the-art techniques widely used in the image domain would perform on action recognition. To fill this gap, we aim to implement and provide a systematic study of these techniques on action recognition, and compare their performance under a unified evaluation framework. Other techniques such as match kernels and random forest, which have also demonstrated their potential in handling local features, are also included for a comprehensive evaluation. Extensive experiments have been conducted on three benchmarks including the KTH, the UCF-YouTube and the HMDB51 datasets, and results and findings are analyzed and discussed.
Flexible and solution-processed organic thin film transistors for high voltage applications

6,13-Bis(triisopropylsilylethynyl)pentacene and pentacene high-voltage organic thin film transistors (HVOTFTs) were fabricated on solid and flexible substrates via a low temperature (< 120 ∘C) solution-processed and vacuum-deposited fabrication methods, achieving breakdown voltages and on/off current ratios beyond -550 V and 10 A/A, respectively, a first of its kind. The HVOTFT design was based on a dual channel architecture, where a gated region enabled FET capabilities and an offset region accommodated the high-voltage. An HVOTFT capable of driving high-voltages (|VDS| > 100 V) while being controlled by a relatively low gate-to-source voltage (|VGS| < 50 V) will enable new applications on arbitrary and flexible substrates, such as large electrostatic MEMS actuators, electroactive polymers, novel displays, field-emitter arrays for digital x-ray imaging as well as photovoltaic systems on glass. A high-k dielectric Bi1.5Zn1Nb1. 5O7 and a low-k organic dielectric parylene-C were incorporated into the HVOTFT process to improve threshold voltage and mobility. Field plate designs and self-assembled monolayers were also explored to enhance the HVOTFT’s electrical characteristics by directly controlling the charge carrier distribution within the channel or by improving the charge carrier injection into the organic semiconductor. Moreover, a self-shearing drop cast deposition method has been employed for the HVOTFT for the first time, growing large and highly oriented organic semiconductor grains. Solution-processing will enable room-temperature, air ambient and large-area depositions techniques, reducing fabrication overhead. Furthermore, a self-aligned solution-processing method based on surface energy engineering was developed with self-assembled monolayers to create pre-patterned organic semiconductor channels without the need for etching. Thesis Supervisor: Akintunde Ibitayo Akinwande Title: Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
Associating object names with descriptions of shape that distinguish possible from impossible objects

Five experiments examine the proposal that object names are closely linked to representations of global, 3D shape by comparing memory for simple line drawings of structurally possible and impossible novel objects. Objects were rendered impossible through local edge violations to global coherence (cf. Schacter, Cooper, & Delaney, 1990) and supplementary observations confirmed that the sets of possible and impossible objects were matched for their distinctiveness. Employing a test of explicit recognition memory, Experiment 1 confirmed that the possible and impossible objects were equally memorable. Experiments 2–4 demonstrated that adults learn names (single-syllable non-words presented as count nouns, e.g., “This is a dax”) for possible objects more easily than for impossible objects, and an item-based analysis showed that this effect was unrelated to either the memorability or the distinctiveness of the individual objects. Experiment 3 indicated that the effects of object possibility on name learning were long term (spanning at least 2 months), implying that the cognitive processes being revealed can support the learning of object names in everyday life. Experiment 5 demonstrated that hearing someone else name an object at presentation improves recognition memory for possible objects, but not for impossible objects. Taken together, the results indicate that object names are closely linked to the descriptions of global, 3D shape that can be derived for structurally possible objects but not for structurally impossible objects. In addition, the results challenge the view that object decision and explicit recognition necessarily draw on separate memory systems, with only the former being supported by these descriptions of global object shape. It seems that recognition also can be supported by these descriptions, provided the original encoding conditions encourage their derivation. Hearing an object named at encoding appears to be just such a condition. These observations are discussed in relation to the effects of naming in other visual tasks, and to the role of visual attention in object identification.
A Tumor‐Specific Cascade Amplification Drug Release Nanoparticle for Overcoming Multidrug Resistance in Cancers

A cascade amplification release nanoparticle (CARN) is constructed by the coencapsulation of β‐lapachone and a reactive‐oxygen‐species (ROS)‐responsive doxorubicin (DOX) prodrug, BDOX, in polymeric nanoparticles. Releasing β‐lapachone first from the CARNs selectively increases the ROS level in cancer cells via NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase‐1 (NQO1) catalysis, which induces the cascade amplification release of DOX and overcomes multidrug resistance (MDR) in cancer cells, producing a remarkably improved therapeutic efficacy against MDR tumors with minimal side effects.
A Bayesian framework for identifying cell migration dynamics

Cell migration is a vital process in living organisms. In particular we are interested in the way that white blood cells such as neutrophils migrate during episodes of inflammation which are important events in the working of the innate immune system. Migration of populations of many kinds can be modelled using drift-diffusion models by drawing analogies between the individual agents and the molecules in a fluid. It is challenging to arrive at a data-driven estimate of the parameters of this kind of process, particularly so if the individual agents have time varying properties that are not uniform over the population. In this paper, we offer a novel framework to estimate migration dynamics in this context. It makes use of the Approximate Bayesian Computation approach for parameter estimation and model selection. The Framework is applied to zebrafish neutrophil dynamics but is applicable for general migration scenarios.
Fiber-taper collected photoluminescence characterization of diamond microdisks

A key architectural element of future quantum photonic networks is an efficient light-matter interface to connect electronic and photonic qubit systems. Nanophotonic resonators can be fabricated on-chip to provide such interfaces for atomic-like defect centers in diamond, which are leading qubit candidates. Fabrication advancements have recently lead to the construction of high quality diamond microdisk resonators, which show potential to reach enhancements with Purcell factor CNV ∼ 50. Here, a room-temperature experimental apparatus integrating free space and visible wavelength fiber-taper measurement capabilities is built to characterize diamond microdisk resonators. Using this setup, microdisk wisphering gallery modes with quality factors at visible wavelengths resonant with defect centers as high as Q ∼ 1× 105, are observed for the first time. Spectral filtering effects of the taper on the microdisk are analysed to reveal that coupling to these disks may be limited by phase matching requirements. By thinning these disks it should be possible to improve coupling while lowering mode volumes, as desired to optimize Purcell factors.
Investigation of the regenerative potential of necrotic mature teeth following different revascularisation protocols

This study aimed to assess the revascularisation potential of necrotic mature teeth in a dog model following different protocols. Periapical infection was induced in 54 mature premolars. Teeth were distributed into seven groups: (1) Double-antibiotic-paste/Blood clot, (2) Ciprofloxacin/collagen, (3) Double-antibiotic-paste/Collagen, (4) Modified Tri-antibiotic-paste /collagen, (5) Ciprofloxacin/Gelfoam, (6) Double-antibiotic-paste/Gelfoam, and (7) Modified Triantibiotic- paste/Gelfoam. Positive and negative controls included infected and healthy teeth, respectively, (n = 12 roots/group). Canals were apically shaped to size 0.6 mm then disinfected for 1 month. Intra-canal bleeding was induced then scaffolds were applied for another month. Teeth and supporting bone were surgically sampled. Tissues were histologically scored and vimentin immuno-intensity was estimated. Ciprofloxacin and Double-antibiotic paste/Collagen resulted in significantly better corono-apical tissue ingrowths, vascularity, cementum formation and significantly lower inflammatory extents (P < 0.05). These groups also showed significantly higher Vimentin intensities, (P < 0.05). The applied protocols revascularised necrotic mature canals and reduced inflammation particularly in the Ciprofloxacin/collagen and Double-antibiotic-paste/collagen groups.
Empathic Concern Is Part of a More General Communal Emotion

Seeing someone in need may evoke a particular kind of closeness that has been conceptualized as sympathy or empathic concern (which is distinct from other empathy constructs). In other contexts, when people suddenly feel close to others, or observe others suddenly feeling closer to each other, this sudden closeness tends to evoke an emotion often labeled in vernacular English as being moved, touched, or heart-warming feelings. Recent theory and empirical work indicates that this is a distinct emotion; the construct is named kama muta. Is empathic concern for people in need simply an expression of the much broader tendency to respond with kama muta to all kinds of situations that afford closeness, such as reunions, kindness, and expressions of love? Across 16 studies sampling 2918 participants, we explored whether empathic concern is associated with kama muta. Meta-analyzing the association between ratings of state being moved and trait empathic concern revealed an effect size of, r(3631) = 0.35 [95% CI: 0.29, 0.41]. In addition, trait empathic concern was also associated with self-reports of the three sensations that have been shown to be reliably indicative of kama muta: weeping, chills, and bodily feelings of warmth. We conclude that empathic concern might actually be a part of the kama muta construct.
Milk, caseinate and lactoferrin addition to equine semen cooling extenders

Cooled semen has been used routinely to prolong sperm viability until artificial insemination time. However, spermatozoa are subjected to oxidative stress. The aim of the present work was to investigate the protective and antioxidant effect of the milk proteins lactoferrin (Lf) and caseinate added to equine semen cooling extenders. Semen from six stallions was cooled at 5 °C after resuspension with C1) milk‐ and glucose‐based, C2) 0.6% caseinate, C3) C2 + Lf 200 μg ml−1, C4) C2 + Lf 500 μg ml−1 and C5) C2 + Lf 1000 μg ml−1 extenders, and kept at 5 °C for 24 h. Sperm motility characteristics and intact membrane rates were not different among the treatments (P > 0.05). As a result of the cooling process, the nitrite concentration increased significantly in the cooled semen (69.6 ± 78.9 μm per ×106 spermatozoa) compared with the fresh semen (8.6 ± 1.9 μm per ×106 spermatozoa). In contrast, the H2O2 concentrations were lower in the 0.6% caseinate extender (265.9 ± 221.3 μm per ×106 spermatozoa) than in the milk extender (430.9 ± 199.8 μm per ×106 spermatozoa, P < 0.05), showing an antioxidative effect of the caseinate compared with the milk. However, in all groups, hydrogen peroxide concentrations were similar to the undiluted fresh semen (332.8 ± 151.3 μm per ×106 spermatozoa). Caseinate showed to be as efficient as milk to protect equine‐cooled spermatozoon.
3-D Object Recognition Using 2-D Views

We consider the problem of recognizing 3-D objects from 2-D images using geometric models and assuming different viewing angles and positions. Our goal is to recognize and localize instances of specific objects (i.e., model-based) in a scene. This is in contrast to category-based object recognition methods where the goal is to search for instances of objects that belong to a certain visual category (e.g., faces or cars). The key contribution of our work is improving 3-D object recognition by integrating algebraic functions of views (AFoVs), a powerful framework for predicting the geometric appearance of an object due to viewpoint changes, with indexing and learning. During training, we compute the space of views that groups of object features can produce under the assumption of 3-D linear transformations, by combining a small number of reference views that contain the object features using AFoVs. Unrealistic views (e.g., due to the assumption of 3-D linear transformations) are eliminated by imposing a pair of rigidity constraints based on knowledge of the transformation between the reference views of the object. To represent the space of views that an object can produce compactly while allowing efficient hypothesis generation during recognition, we propose combining indexing with learning in two stages. In the first stage, we sample the space of views of an object sparsely and represent information about the samples using indexing. In the second stage, we build probabilistic models of shape appearance by sampling the space of views of the object densely and learning the manifold formed by the samples. Learning employs the expectation-maximization (EM) algorithm and takes place in a ldquouniversal,rdquo lower-dimensional, space computed through random projection (RP). During recognition, we extract groups of point features from the scene and we use indexing to retrieve the most feasible model groups that might have produced them (i.e., hypothesis generation). The likelihood of each hypothesis is then computed using the probabilistic models of shape appearance. Only hypotheses ranked high enough are considered for further verification with the most likely hypotheses verified first. The proposed approach has been evaluated using both artificial and real data, illustrating promising performance. We also present preliminary results illustrating extentions of the AFoVs framework to predict the intensity appearance of an object. In this context, we have built a hybrid recognition framework that exploits geometric knowledge to hypothesize the location of an object in the scene and both geometrical and intensity information to verify the hypotheses.
Prolonged Type 1 Metabotropic Glutamate Receptor Dependent Synaptic Signaling Contributes to Spino-Cerebellar Ataxia Type 1

Type 1 metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR1)-dependent signaling at parallel fiber to Purkinje neuron synapses is critical for cerebellar function. In a mouse model of human spino-cerebellar ataxia type 1 (early SCA1, 12 weeks) we find prolonged parallel fiber mGluR1-dependent synaptic currents and calcium signaling. Acute treatment with a low dose of the potent and specific activity-dependent mGluR1-negative allosteric modulator JNJ16259685 shortened the prolonged mGluR1 currents and rescued the moderate ataxia. Our results provide exciting new momentum for developing mGluR1-based pharmacology to treat ataxia. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Ataxia is a progressive and devastating degenerative movement disorder commonly associated with loss of cerebellar function and with no known cure. In the early stages of a mouse model of human spinocerebellar ataxia type 1, SCA1, where mice exhibit only moderate motor impairment, we detect excess “gain of function” of metabotropic glutamate receptor signaling at an important cerebellar synapse. Because careful control of this type of signaling is critical for cerebellar function in mice and humans, we sought to remove the excess signaling with a powerful, readily available pharmacological modulator. Remarkably, this pharmacological treatment acutely restored normal motor function in the ataxic mice. Our results pave the way for exploring a new avenue for early treatment of human ataxias.
HISTONE MONOUBIQUITINATION1 Interacts with a Subunit of the Mediator Complex and Regulates Defense against Necrotrophic Fungal Pathogens in Arabidopsis[W]

This work examines the role of the Arabidopsis thaliana RING E3 ligase, HISTONE MONOUBIQUITINATION1 (HUB1) in disease resistance. Loss-of-function alleles of HUB1 show increased susceptibility to the necrotrophic fungal pathogens Botrytis cinerea and Alternaria brassicicola, whereas HUB1 overexpression conferred resistance to B. cinerea. By contrast, responses to the bacterial pathogen Pseudomonas syringae are unaltered in hub1 plants. hub1 mutants have thinner cell walls but increased callose around an infection site. HUB1 acts independently of jasmonate, but ethylene (ET) responses and salicylate modulate the resistance of hub1 mutants to necrotrophic fungi. The ET response factor ETHYLENE INSENSITIVE2 is epistatic to HUB1 for A. brassicicola resistance but additive to HUB1 for B. cinerea resistance. HUB1 interacts with MED21, a subunit of the Arabidopsis Mediator, a conserved complex that regulates RNA polymerase II. RNA interference lines with reduced MED21 expression are highly susceptible to A. brassicicola and B. cinerea, whereas T-DNA insertion alleles are embryonic lethal, suggesting an essential role for MED21. However, HUB1-mediated histone H2B modification is independent of histone H3 and DNA methylation. In sum, histone H2B monoubiquitination is an important chromatin modification with regulatory roles in plant defense against necrotrophic fungi most likely through modulation of gene expression.
Adoption of Mobile Services in Finland - Conceptual Model and Application-based Case Study

This paper offers both theoretical and empirical contributions relating to the consumers’ motives for and barriers to adopting mobile services. A case study of a mobile service is introduced to validate the factors that facilitate and trigger, and respectively hinder the acceptance of mobile services in Finland. The factors affecting the service adoption were researched based on a conceptual model that was a modified version of the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and of the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB). Based on the findings from a survey conducted with a sample of 52 Finnish campus students, the factors that affect consumers’ attitudes towards mobile services were discovered. Usefulness was revealed to have the strongest impact on attitude towards a mobile service, with context information and attitude acting as significant determinants of the intention to use the service. This study attempts to help mobile service providers choose right development and marketing strategies for mobile services and enhance the adoption and diffusion of mobile services.