Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Internal pallidum and substantia nigra control different parts of the mesopontine reticular formation in primate

The locomotor area has recently emerged as a target for deep brain stimulation to lessen gait disturbances in advanced parkinsonian patients. An important step in choosing this target is to define anatomical limits of its 2 components, the pedunculopontine nucleus and the cuneiform nucleus, their connections with the basal ganglia, and their output descending pathway. Based on the hypothesis that pedunculopontine nucleus controls locomotion whereas cuneiform nucleus controls axial posture, we analyzed whether both nuclei receive inputs from the internal pallidum and substantia nigra using anterograde and retrograde tract tracing in monkeys. We also examined whether these nuclei convey descending projections to the reticulospinal pathway. Pallidal terminals were densely distributed and restricted to the pedunculopontine nucleus, whereas nigral terminals were diffusely observed in the whole extent of both the pedunculopontine nucleus and the cuneiform nucleus. Moreover, nigral terminals formed symmetric synapses with pedunculopontine nucleus and cuneiform nucleus dendrites. Retrograde tracing experiments confirmed these results because labeled cell bodies were observed in both the internal pallidum and substantia nigra after pedunculopontine nucleus injection, but only in the substantia nigra after cuneiform nucleus injection. Furthermore, anterograde tracing experiments revealed that the pedunculopontine nucleus and cuneiform nucleus project to large portions of the pontomedullary reticular formation. This is the first anatomical evidence that the internal pallidum and the substantia nigra control different parts of the brain stem and can modulate the descending reticulospinal pathway in primates. These findings support the functional hypothesis that the nigro‐cuneiform nucleus pathway could control axial posture whereas the pallido‐pedunculopontine nucleus pathway could modulate locomotion. © 2011 Movement Disorder Society
Analytical control of preservative labelling on skin creams

Contents of 23 preservatives (22 permitted and 1 non‐permitted) were analysed in 67 skin creams to verify whether these products complied with the Cosmetic Directive with respect to ingredient labelling, as well as with respect to maximum allowed concentrations of the respective preservatives. The preservatives selected for the analysis were: parabens, 2‐phenoxyethanol, benzoic acid, 4‐hydroxybenzoic acid, sorbic acid, salicylic acid, formaldehyde and formaldehyde releasers, 3:1 mixture of 5‐chloro‐2‐methyl‐4‐isothiazolin‐2‐one and 2‐methyl‐4‐isothiazolin‐2‐one (Kathon CG), 2‐bromo‐2‐nitropropane‐1,3‐diol (Bronopol), 5‐bromo‐2‐nitro‐1,3‐dioxane (Bronidox) and methyldibromo glutaronitrile. 1 or more parabens were present in 87% (n=58) of the investigated products, 2‐phenoxy ethanol in 49% (n=33) of the products, and formaldehyde/formaldehyde releasers were present in 51% (n=34) of the products. Kathon CG was found in 3 products, acid preservatives (except salicylic acid) in 8 products, Bronopol in 5 products, and methyldibromo glutaronitrile was present in 4 products. The contents of all of the target preservatives in the skin creams were within the maximum allowed concentrations of the respective substances. Incorrect ingredient labelling with respect to paraben content was found in 10% (n=7) of the investigated products, 33% (n=22) of the products were not declared for the content of formaldehyde/formaldehyde releaser, and 7% (n=5) products were incorrectly labelled for the content of 2‐phenoxyethanol. In 1 of the products containing Kathon CG, the ratio of 5‐chloro‐2‐methyl‐4‐isothiazolin‐2‐one to 2‐methyl‐4‐isothiazolin‐2‐one (1.4:1) was not correct. 4 of the 8 products containing acid preservatives were not labelled for the content of these substances. All in all, in 45% (n=30) of the investigated skin creams ingredient labelling was incorrect with respect to preservative contents. The proportion of incorrect labelling is reduced to 23% (n=15), when the formaldehyde content in skin creams below 30 ppm is not accounted.
Weber Polyhedron and Weighted Shapley Values

In this paper, we consider the relationship between the Weber set and the Shapley set being the set of all weighted Shapley values of a TU-game. In particular, we propose a new proof for the fact that the Weber set always includes the Shapley set. It is shown that the inclusion mentioned follows directly from the representation theorem for the Weber set, established by Vasil'ev and van der Laan (2002), Siberian Adv. Math., V.12, N2, 97–125. Since the representation theorem applied is formulated in terms of the dividend sharing systems belonging to the so-called Weber polyhedron, we pay strong attention to some monotonicity properties of this polyhedron. Specifically, by making use of induction techniques, a new proof of the strong monotonicity of the Weber d-systems is obtained, and a simplified description of the Weber polyhedron is given.
A new model that generates Lotka's law

In this paper, we develop a new model for a process that generates Lotka's Law. We show that four relatively mild assumptions create a process that fits five different informetric distributions: rate of production, career duration, randomness, and Poisson distribution over time, as well as Lotka's Law. By simulation, we obtain good fits to three empirical samples that exhibit the extreme range of the observed parameters. The overall error is 7% or less. An advantage of this model is that the parameters can be linked to observable human factors. That is, the model is not merely descriptive, but also provides insight into the causes of differences between samples. Furthermore, the differences can be tested with powerful statistical tools.
An overview of the legislation and light microscopy for detection of processed animal proteins in feeds

From the first cases of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) among cattle in the United Kingdom in 1986, the route of infection of BSE is generally believed by means of feeds containing low level of processed animal proteins (PAPs). Therefore, many feed bans and alternative and complementary techniques were resulted for the BSE safeguards in the world. Now the feed bans are expected to develop into a “species to species” ban, which requires the corresponding species‐specific identification methods. Currently, banned PAPs can be detected by various methods as light microscopy, polymerase chain reaction, enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, near infrared spectroscopy, and near infrared microscopy. Light microscopy as described in the recent Commission Regulation EC/152/2009 is the only official method for the detection and characterization of PAPs in feed in the European Union. It is able to detect the presence of constituents of animal origin in feed at the level of 1 g/kg with hardly any false negative. Nevertheless, light microscopy has the limitation of lack of species specificity. This article presents a review of legislations on the use of PAPs in feedstuff, the detection details of animal proteins by light microscopy, and also presents and discusses the analysis procedure and expected development of the technique. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Isolation and Characterization of a Novel ConusPeptide with Apparent Antinociceptive Activity*

Cone snails are tropical marine mollusks that envenomate prey with a complex mixture of neuropharmacologically active compounds. We report the discovery and biochemical characterization of a structurally unique peptide isolated from the venom of Conus marmoreus. The new peptide, mr10a, potently increased withdrawal latency in a hot plate assay (a test of analgesia) at intrathecal doses that do not produce motor impairment as measured by rotarod test. The sequence of mr10a is NGVCCGYKLCHOC, where O is 4-trans-hydroxyproline. This sequence is highly divergent from all other known conotoxins. Analysis of a cDNA clone encoding the toxin, however, indicates that it is a member of the recently described T-superfamily. Total chemical synthesis of the three possible disulfide arrangements of mr10a was achieved, and elution studies indicate that the native form has a disulfide connectivity of Cys1-Cys4 and Cys2-Cys3. This disulfide linkage is unprecedented among conotoxins and defines a new family of Conus peptides.
Isolation and Transplantation of Autologous Circulating Endothelial Cells Into Denuded Vessels and Prosthetic Grafts: Implications for Cell-Based Vascular Therapy

Background—Blood-borne endothelial cells originating from adult bone marrow were reported previously. These cells have the properties of an endothelial progenitor cell (EPC) and can be mobilized by cytokines and recruited to sites of neovascularization, where they differentiate into mature endothelial cells. Current protocols for isolation of EPCs from peripheral blood rely on enrichment and selection of CD34+ mononuclear cells. Methods and Results—In this report, we describe a streamlined method for the isolation and expansion of EPCs from peripheral blood and evaluate their therapeutic potential for autologous cell-based therapy of injured blood vessels and prosthetic grafts. A subset of unfractionated mononuclear cells exhibited the potential to differentiate in vitro into endothelial cells under selective growth conditions. The cells were efficiently transduced ex vivo by a retroviral vector expressing the LacZ reporter gene and could be expanded to yield sufficient numbers for therapeutic applications. Transplantation of these cells into balloon-injured carotid arteries and into bioprosthetic grafts in rabbits led to rapid endothelialization of the denuded vessels and graft segments, resulting in significant reduction in neointima deposition. Conclusions—We conclude that transplantation of EPCs may play a crucial role in reestablishing endothelial integrity in injured vessels, thereby inhibiting neointimal hyperplasia. These findings may have implications for novel and practical cell-based therapies for vascular disease.
Alkaloids from Brugmansia arborea (L.) Lagerhein reduce morphine withdrawal in vitro

Traditional medicine is a primary source for the study of medicinal plants. In some countries, knowledge about the therapeutic use of medicinal plants is very deep and very often ‘magical’ plants also are used to diagnose and treat illnesses. The study of these plants can help in the research of metabolites active on the central and peripheral nervous system.
Relationship between Non-Preforming Assets (NPA) and Profitability of Development Banks: The Case of India

The Non-performing assets have been changing from time to time which impact the bank's profitability. If the bank's profitability and productivity is affected, the money of the shareholders are also affected. This leads to impact of the financial growth of the economy. Developments banks are multipurpose financial institutions which provide financial support to business units. The study pertains to analyze the impact of non-performing assets on development banks profitability. The study considers two development banks (IFCI and IDBI). Further the study considers ROA, ROE and ROCE as measures bank's profitability, Gross NPA and Net NPA as measures non-performing assets of the banks. The study used multiple regression analysis to analyze the impact of non-preforming assets on banks profitability. The regression results found that net NPA has negative impact on profitability of IFCI. Thus, decreases in net NPA results increase in ROA, ROCE and ROE of IFCI bank during the study period. The regression results not supported any impact of NPA on profitability of IDBI. The study suggests stringent policies to be implemented by regulatory authorities to curb continuous rising of Banks's NPA which will hedge loss of tax payer's money in India.
Diurnal cycles of precipitation, clouds, and lightning in the tropics from 9 years of TRMM observations

The diurnal cycles of surface rainfall, population of precipitation systems, deep intense convection reaching near the tropopause, lightning flash counts, cold clouds, and vertical structure of precipitation are analyzed over the tropics, using 9 years of TRMM Precipitation Radar, Visible and Infrared Scanner, and Lightning Imaging Sensor measurements. The diurnal cycles over land include a late afternoon maximum of precipitation systems, with phase differences among cloud, precipitation, flash counts, and radar echo at different altitudes. Over ocean, the diurnal cycles are interpreted as having contributions from nocturnal precipitation systems and early afternoon showers. There are double peaks of radar reflectivity above 12 km near 0230 and 0530 local time over oceans. The oceanic clouds with infrared brightness temperature < 235 K have two peaks, one during the night and the other in early afternoon.
Contribution à l’étude de l'influence du frottement rotor/stator sur le comportement dynamique des machines tournantes

L'etude menee concerne l'influence du frottement rotor/stator sur le comportement dynamique des machines tournantes. Elle a pour objectif la construction d'un modele suffisamment general pour prendre en compte l'ensemble des comportements observables lors d'une interaction rotor/stator (roulement avec/sans glissement - RAG/RSG - et rebonds successifs). Le premier chapitre est consacre a la comprehension, a l'aide d'un modele simple, des phenomenes intervenant lors de comportements permanents en RAG et RSG. Une modelisation generale de l'interface, adaptee a une simulation transitoire est proposee au chapitre 2 et appliquee au modele simple. La methode ainsi developpee est etendue dans le chapitre 3 au cas d'une modelisation du rotor par elements finis. L'application de la methode modale aux equations de celui-ci permet de diminuer la taille des systemes a resoudre. Un banc d'essai d'interaction, developpe dans le cadre de cette etude, est presente au chapitre 4. Enfin, dans le chapitre 5, les resultats theoriques sont compares a deux series de resultats experimentaux, l'une, issue de la litterature, montrant l'existence de multistabilites en RAG et RSG, l'autre, obtenue sur le banc d'essai developpe, concernant un comportement avec rebonds successifs entre rotor et stator.
Relationship of anabolic status and phase and rate of growth to priorities for protein and fat deposition in steers.

The effects of anabolic implants, growth phase (growing vs finishing) and rate of growth on the priorities for protein and fat deposition were determined in yearling cattle. Santa Gertrudis crossbred yearling steers weighing 290 kg were individually fed diets varying in forage and grain content and either not implanted (n = 16) or implanted (90-d intervals) with Ralgro (n = 13) or Synovex-S (n = 12) implants. The cattle were fed toward a similar expected final empty BW (455 kg). Initial and interim empty body composition was measured via deuterium oxide dilution; final composition was determined by carcass specific gravity. During a 100-d growing phase, rates of protein gain were increased (P less than .12) to 118 and 131 g/d from 98 g/d for Ralgro and Synovex vs nonimplanted cattle, respectively. Concurrently, the fraction of protein in empty body growth was increased (P less than .09) from 17.5% for controls to 23.8 and 19.7% for Ralgro- and Synovex-implanted steers, respectively. This change in protein growth occurred concomitant with mobilization of fat and a reduction (P less than .04) in fat gain with Ralgro and Synovex implants. During the 136-d finishing phase, protein accretion was 115 and 132 vs 93 g/d for Ralgro- and Synovex-implanted cattle vs nonimplanted cattle; this represented a 24 and 42% increase (P less than .03) with Ralgro and Synovex, respectively. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Sea-going hardware for the cloud albedo method of reversing global warming

Following the review by Latham et al. (Latham et al. 2008 Phil. Trans. R. Soc. A 366) of a strategy to reduce insolation by exploiting the Twomey effect, the present paper describes in outline the rationale and underlying engineering hardware that may bring the strategy from concept to operation. Wind-driven spray vessels will sail back and forth perpendicular to the local prevailing wind and release micron-sized drops of seawater into the turbulent boundary layer beneath marine stratocumulus clouds. The combination of wind and vessel movements will treat a large area of sky. When residues left after drop evaporation reach cloud level they will provide many new cloud condensation nuclei giving more but smaller drops and so will increase the cloud albedo to reflect solar energy back out to space. If the possible power increase of 3.7 W m−2 from double pre-industrial CO2 is divided by the 24-hour solar input of 340 W m−2, a global albedo increase of only 1.1 per cent will produce a sufficient offset. The method is not intended to make new clouds. It will just make existing clouds whiter. This paper describes the design of 300 tonne ships powered by Flettner rotors rather than conventional sails. The vessels will drag turbines resembling oversized propellers through the water to provide the means for generating electrical energy. Some will be used for rotor spin, but most will be used to create spray by pumping 30 kg s−1 of carefully filtered water through banks of filters and then to micro-nozzles with piezoelectric excitation to vary drop diameter. The rotors offer a convenient housing for spray nozzles with fan assistance to help initial dispersion. The ratio of solar energy reflected by a drop at the top of a cloud to the energy needed to make the surface area of the nucleus on which it has grown is many orders of magnitude and so the spray quantities needed to achieve sufficient global cooling are technically feasible.
Towards the design of multiepitope-based peptide vaccine candidate against SARS-CoV-2

Coronavirus disease 2019 is a current pandemic health threat especially for elderly patients with comorbidities. This respiratory disease is caused by a beta coronavirus known as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. The disease can progress into acute respiratory distress syndrome that can be fatal. Currently, no specific drug or vaccine are available to combat this pandemic outbreak. Social distancing and lockdown have been enforced in many places worldwide. The spike protein of coronavirus 2 is essential for viral entry into host target cells via interaction with angiotensin converting enzyme 2. This viral protein is considered a potential target for design and development of a drug or vaccine. Previously, we have reported several potential epitopes on coronavirus 2 spike protein with high antigenicity, low allergenicity and good stability against specified proteases. In the current study, we have constructed and evaluated a peptide vaccine from these potential epitopes by using in silico approach. This construct is predicted to have a protective immunogenicity, low allergenicity and good stability with minor structural flaws in model build. The population coverage of the used T-cells epitopes is believed to be high according to the employed restricted alleles. The vaccine construct can elicit efficient and long-lasting immune response as appeared through simulation analysis. This multiepitope-based peptide vaccine may represent a potential candidate against coronavirus 2. However, further in vitro and in vivo verification are required.
Uncertainties in global land cover data and its implications for climate change mitigation policies assessment

Land cover maps provide critical input data for global models of land use. Urgent questions exist, such as how much land is available for the expansion of agriculture to combat food insecurity, how high will be competition for land between food and bioenergy in the future as well as how much land is there available for afforestation projects? These questions can only be answered if reliable maps of land cover exist. We put this research in the framework of GEOSS, examine how modeling tools can be used for benefit assessment and design an assessment framework. We illustrate the importance of good quality global land cover maps by using cropland extend from the currently best global maps of land cover namely GLC-2000, MODIS, GlobCover and CropLikelyhood as input for the EPIC model (to model crop yields) and global economic land use model GLOBIOM. We use all of the 4 maps and create a maximum crop extend and map. Based on a baseline map and the maximum crop extend map e model effects of climate policies (e.g. the potentials of substitution of fossil fuels with biofuels).
Abiotic Stress in Plants

Living on the same planet, plants means a lot to us. No matter being taken, as our food or treated with great commercial significance, plants are so indispensable that we have to learn how to protect, make use of, and most important of all, get on well with them. In the first place, what we all understand is: plants are distinguished from us or other animals by being unable to escape from the surrounding circumstances. Thus, when they are confronted with living-threaten pressures, their only choice is to try their best to adjust to them.
Clearance of anti-double-stranded DNA antibodies: the natural immune complex clearance mechanism.

OBJECTIVE To develop an in vitro model for investigating the mechanism by which autoantibodies in immune complexes (ICs) that are bound to primate erythrocytes via antigen-based heteropolymers (AHPs) are cleared from the circulation and localized to the liver. METHODS IgG anti-double-stranded DNA (anti-dsDNA) antibodies in ICs with dsDNA were bound to human erythrocytes via complement receptor 1 (CR1) either by opsonization with normal human serum as a complement source or through the use of an AHP, which consists of an anti-CR1 monoclonal antibody (mAb) that is chemically crosslinked with dsDNA. We performed parallel investigations of the mechanism of transfer of both types of erythrocyte-bound ICs to a monocytic cell line (U937). Erythrocytes with CR1-bound ICs were incubated with U937 cells under a variety of conditions, and subsequently, the levels of IgG anti-dsDNA, CR1, AHP, or C3b on both erythrocytes and U937 cells were measured by flow cytometry with appropriate fluorescently labeled probes. RESULTS In the presence of U937 cells, both the AHP-anti-dsDNA and C3b-opsonized ICs were rapidly removed from the erythrocytes; at 37 degrees C, more than half of the complexes were removed in 2 minutes. Monomeric mouse IgG2a mAb blocked the transfer of both types of complexes by 75%, suggesting that Fcgamma receptor type I (FcgammaRI) is the main phagocyte receptor responsible for the removal of ICs from erythrocytes. Levels of CR1 on the erythrocyte surface were reduced during transfer of the AHP-anti-dsDNA ICs, suggesting that transfer involves a concomitant removal of CR1, presumably by proteolysis. CONCLUSION Transfer of AHP-anti-dsDNA ICs from erythrocyte CR1 to model phagocytes occurs by a mechanism that is similar to the natural mechanism of IC clearance, involving recognition by FcgammaRI and removal of erythrocyte CR1 as key steps.
Optimal Licensing Policy in Differentiated Industries

This paper analyses the policy implications of licensing between producers of differentiated goods. We consider and compare two-part tariff, fixed fee, royalty and collusive licensing contracts. Under the optimal licensing policy, there will be no technology transfers if the innovation size is sufficiently small and degree of product differentiation is sufficiently low. On the other hand, licensing deals that involve drastic innovations are always socially desirable. In the limit, as product differentiation converges to zero, it becomes socially desirable to transfer drastic innovations only. The range of innovation sizes that is socially optimal to transfer increases as product differentiation increases.