Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cytogenesis of the human fetal pancreas.

The initial survey of pancreatic islet formation in the human fetus was reported by Pearce (’03) who described the development of the islets from the primitive pancreatic tubules. The islets were first identifiable in a 54 mm fetus as clusters of small eosinophilic cells attached to the tubule but following vascularization, as observed in a 90 mm fetus, they became separated from the tubules by an encroachment of connective tissue. Studies by Seyfarth (’20) and Nakamura (’24) confirmed the origin of the islets but differed from Pearce in that they found the first islets in 50 and 80 mm fetuses, respectively. The occurrence of two cell types in the fetal islet was initially reported by Weichselbaum and Kryle (’09) while Kardasewitch (’27) described two cell types within the duct system of a 45 mm fetus. The first indication of islet development was noted by Kardasewitch in a 60 mm fetus when small darkly stained cells, the “Insulocytes,” began to proliferate but “typical” islets were not observed until the 90 mm stage. Neubert (’27) also described the development of islet cells from ductule epithelium and, in addition, from cells located at the terminal ends of the ducts. These cells contained intensely stained granules and exhibited a “muddy” appearance which was typical of all young islet cells. Furthermore, such scattered isletpotential cells were always found on the outer surface of groups of cells arranged around adjacent blood vessels, a grouping referred to by Neubert as an “Inselfeld. ” In a more recent study of the fetal pancreas, Ferner and Stoeckenius (’51) divided islet development into three stages : (a) single cells, (b) “Inselfeld,” and (c) “Mantelinsel. ” The first stage, observed in a 130 mm fetus, consisted of alpha cells within the walls and terminal procy , University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
Seedling growth and morphology of three oak species along field resource gradients and seed mass variation: a seedling age-dependent response

Question: What is the relative importance of seed mass and abiotic factors in species-specific seedling growth and morphology during the first and the second growing season? How do oak species respond along gradients of these factors? Location: Mediterranean oak forest in southern Spain. Methods: We analysed seedling growth components and morphology of three co-occurring Quercus species (two deciduous and one evergreen). Oak seeds with a wide variety of sizes were sown along broad gradients of abiotic conditions. Intra- and inter-specific differences were evaluated by calibrating maximum likelihood estimators of seedling growth during the first two years of life. Results: We found multiple resources and conditions affecting seedling morphology and biomass allocation. However, the integrative variables of seedling growth – total aboveground biomass and relative growth rate (RGR) – were affected by two main factors: seed mass and light conditions. The relative contribution of these two factors depended strongly on seedling age. Seed mass explained most of the growth and morphological variables during the first year, while light conditions were the best predictor in the second growing season. In contrast, soil factors did not play an important role in seedling growth. We found some evidence of regeneration niche partitioning between oak species along the light gradient, a reflection of their distribution patterns as adults at the study site. Conclusions: We conclude that inter-specific differences in seedling growth, arising from seed size variability and microsite heterogeneity, could be of paramount importance in oak species niche segregation, driving stand dynamics and composition along environmental gradients.
Mechanism of improvement in mitral regurgitation after cardiac resynchronization therapy.

AIMS The aim of the current study was to evaluate the relationship between the presence of left ventricular (LV) dyssynchrony at baseline and acute vs. late improvement in mitral regurgitation (MR) after cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). METHODS AND RESULTS Sixty eight patients consecutive (LV ejection fraction 23 +/- 8%) with at least moderate MR (>or=grade 2+) were included. Echocardiography was performed at baseline, 1 day after CRT initiation and at 6 months follow-up. Speckle tracking radial strain was used to assess LV dyssynchrony at baseline. The majority of patients improved in MR after CRT, with 43% improving immediately after CRT, and 20% improving late (after 6 months) after CRT. Early and late responders had similar extent of LV dyssynchrony (209 +/- 115 ms vs. 190 +/- 118 ms, P = NS); however, the site of latest activation in early responders was mostly inferior or posterior (adjacent to the posterior papillary muscle), whereas the lateral wall was the latest activated segment in late responders. CONCLUSION Current data suggest that the presence of baseline LV dyssynchrony is related to improvement in MR after CRT. LV dyssynchrony involving the posterior papillary muscle may lead to an immediate reduction in MR, whereas LV dyssynchrony in the lateral wall resulted in late response to CRT.
Reading Interventions With Behavioral and Social Skill Outcomes

Research findings have suggested that reading deficits and problem behaviors are positively related. This synthesis investigated how reading interventions impact behavioral/social skill outcomes by reviewing studies that included (a) a reading intervention without behavioral/social skill components, (b) behavioral/social skill dependent variables, and (c) students in Grades K-12. Fifteen articles were evaluated by the type of reading intervention, associations between positive reading effects and behavioral/social skill outcomes, and The What Works Clearinghouse (WWC) determinants of study ratings. Findings suggested that reading interventions tended to have positive reading outcomes, while behavioral/social skill outcomes were small or negative. Research did not suggest an association between improved reading and behavioral performance, regardless of the WWC study determinants rating. Implications include reading instruction may not be sufficient to improve behavioral and social skill outcomes. Additional research is warranted to investigate the long-term impact of reading on behavioral and social skill outcomes.
Genomic fingerprints of Staphylococcus aureus of bovine origin by polymerase chain reaction-based DNA fingerprinting

Summary Staphylococcus aureus (n = 75) isolated from mammary secretions of cows with subclinical and clinical mastitis from several geographic locations in the USA were examined using polymerase chain reaction-based DNA fingerprinting. DNA fingerprints were produced using a synthetic oligonucleotide primer (5‘GTAACGCC3’) to produce a distinct spectrum of amplified DNA fragments facilitating a high degree of resolution for differentiating S. aureus strains. PCR-based DNA fingerprinting grouped the 75 S. aureus isolates into 19 distinct profiles. The technique differentiated closely related strains within and between geographic locations. Findings suggest that certain types are found across geographic regions suggesting a common clonal type. Within herd data suggest heterogeneity among subclinical and clinical isolates of S. aureus strains. Compared to existing typing methods, PCR-based DNA fingerprinting is easy to perform and interpret. Use of PCR-based DNA fingerprinting may allow for a more detailed investigation of the epidemiology of S. aureus mastitis in dairy cows.
Cutaneous Sensory Receptors

The range of sensations elicitable from the skin is wide. We review the complex and diverse nature of cutaneous sense organs and the way these cutaneous receptors function as transducers of information from the skin. The discussion touches on the afferent properties of various classes of cutaneous receptors, the conduction velocity of their peripheral nerve fibers, the morphology of the receptor terminal, and the mode of sensation evoked. A brief view of associated features of dorsal root ganglion neurons is also provided.
A review of current information and communication technologies: can they be used to assess apathy?

Neuropsychiatric symptoms, such as apathy, have an important impact on the quality of life of both patients diagnosed with dementia and their caregivers and represent a strong predictor of progression of the illness. Current clinical assessment methods risk bias resulting from the assessor's subjectivity, pointing to a need for additional objective and systematic assessment tools. Therefore, the use of information and communication technologies (ICT) such as actigraphy and automatized video monitoring are of interest in addition to current assessment methods.
Genetic Modification of T Cells With IL-21 Enhances Antigen Presentation and Generation of Central Memory Tumor-specific Cytotoxic T-lymphocytes

An optimized antigen-presenting cell for tumor immunotherapy should produce a robust antigen specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) response to tumor-associated antigens, which can persist in vivo and expand on antigen reencounter. Interleukin (IL)-21 synergizes with other γ-chain cytokines to enhance the frequency and cytotoxicity of antigen-specific CTL. As T cells themselves may serve as effective antigen-presenting cells (T antigen-presenting cells; TAPC) and may be useful in vivo as cellular vaccines, we examined whether CD8+ T cells genetically modified to produce IL-21 could induce immune responses to tumor associated antigen peptides in healthy human leukocyte antigen-A2+ donors. We found that IL-21 modified TAPC enhanced both the proliferation and survival of MART-1 specific CD8+ T cells, which were enriched by >8-fold over cultures with control nontransgenic TAPC. MART-1-specific CTL produced interferon-γ in response to cognate peptide antigen and killed primary tumor cells expressing MART-1 in a major histocompatibility complex restricted manner. IL-21 modified TAPC similarly enhanced generation of functional CTL against melanoma antigen gp100 and the B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia associated RHAMM antigen. Antigen-specific CTL generated using IL-21 gene-modified TAPC had a central memory phenotype characterized by CD45RA–, CD44high, CD27high, CD28high, CD62Lhigh, and IL-7 receptor-αhigh, contrasting with the terminal effector phenotype of CTL generated in the absence of IL-21. Thus, TAPC stimulation in the presences of IL-21 enhances proliferation of tumor antigen-specific T cells and favors induction of a central memory phenotype, which may improve proliferation, survival, and efficacy of T-cell based therapies for the treatment of cancer.
Validity of geographically modeled environmental exposure estimates

Abstract Geographic modeling is increasingly being used to estimate long-term environmental exposures in epidemiologic studies of chronic disease outcomes. However, without validation against measured environmental concentrations, personal exposure levels, or biologic doses, these models cannot be assumed a priori to be accurate. This article discusses three examples of epidemiologic associations involving exposures estimated using geographic modeling, and identifies important issues that affect geographically modeled exposure assessment in these areas. In air pollution epidemiology, geographic models of fine particulate matter levels have frequently been validated against measured environmental levels, but comparisons between ambient and personal exposure levels have shown only moderate correlations. Estimating exposure to magnetic fields by using geographically modeled distances is problematic because the error is larger at short distances, where field levels can vary substantially. Geographic models of environmental exposure to pesticides, including paraquat, have seldom been validated against environmental or personal levels, and validation studies have yielded inconsistent and typically modest results. In general, the exposure misclassification resulting from geographic models of environmental exposures can be differential and can result in bias away from the null even if non-differential. Therefore, geographic exposure models must be rigorously constructed and validated if they are to be relied upon to produce credible scientific results to inform epidemiologic research. To our knowledge, such models have not yet successfully predicted an association between an environmental exposure and a chronic disease outcome that has eventually been established as causal, and may not be capable of doing so in the absence of thorough validation.
Quercetin Inhibits α‐MSH‐stimulated Melanogenesis in B16F10 Melanoma Cells

Quercetin is known to inhibit tyrosinase activity and melanin production in melanocytes. However, several reports suggest that quercetin has different and opposite effects on melanogenesis. This study examined the precise effects of quercetin on melanogenesis using cell‐free assay systems and melanocytes. Quercetin inhibited the monophenolase and diphenolase activities of tyrosinase, and melanin synthesis in cell‐free assay systems. Quercetin induced mild stimulation of the tyrosinase activity and dihydroxyphenylalaminechrome tautomerase (TRP‐2) expression but only at low concentrations (<20 μm) in B16F10 melanoma cells. In contrast, the addition of 50 μm quercetin to the cells led to a significant decrease in the activity and synthesis of tyrosinase, as well as a decrease in the expression of tyrosinase‐related protein‐1 and TRP‐2 proteins, regardless of the presence or absence of α‐melanocyte stimulating hormone (α‐MSH). Quercetin also reduced the intracellular cAMP and the phosphorylated protein kinase A levels in α‐MSH‐stimulated B16F10 cells. Moreover, quercetin (20 μm) diminished the expression and activity of tyrosinase, and melanin content in cultured normal human epidermal melanocytes. These effects were not related to its cytotoxic action. Although the in vivo effects of quercetin are still unclear, these results suggest that quercetin could play important roles in controlling melanogenesis. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Impacts of Domestic Savings on Economic Growth of Vietnam

This paper aims to examine the short run and long run impacts of domestic savings on economic growth of Vietnam during the 1986-2015 period by using ARDL bound testing approach, while accounting for domestic investment and dependency ratio. The short run estimates show that domestic savings, domestic investment and dependency ratio do not have any impacts on economic growth. The long run estimates show that domestic savings and investment are the engines of Vietnam economic growth while dependency ratio has a negative impact on growth.
ENZYMATIC HYDROLYSIS OF WASTE OFFICE PAPER FOR ETHANOL PRODUCTION BY SPATHASPORA PASSALIDARUM

Waste office paper was used as a feedstock for the production of bioethanol. Saccharification ofwaste office paper by sequential acid and enzyme hydrolysis produced a high quality hydrolysate that ensured its fermentability to produce ethanol. The optimal saccharification process resulted in total 42 g/L of glucose (63% cellulose conversion). Spathaspora passalidarum HMD 14.2 was able to coferment with glucose (98%), xylose (74%) and cellobiose (45%) released in the hydrolysate from waste office paper. There was an ethanol production of13 g/L. An ethanol yield of0.42 g/g, fermentation efficiency of 82% and volumetric ethanol productivity of 0.57 g/L/h were achieved. In our study, ethanol production was about 300% higher than that using acid hydrolysis and Spathaspora passalidarum HMD 14.2.
Proof of Efficacy of Nootropics for the Indication "Dementia" (Phase III) - Recommendations*

Definition: Nootropics (also known as "cognition enhancers" in the Anglo-American literature) are defined as centrally active drugs designed to improve, in a direct way, disturbances of the higher noetic integrative functions such as memory, concentration, apperception, attention, cognition, orientation and vigilance, for which no common pharmacological mode of action has been found (Coper and Kanowski, 1983; Maitre and Pepeu, 1989; Fröstl and Maitre, 1989). According to this definition their main fields of indication are pathological cerebral deficits in the broader sense, or dementia (organic brain syndrome, dementia syndrome) in the special psychiatric sense. It is generally assumed that nootropics are capable of stimulating functioning nerve cells to optimal performance (stabilization of adaptive capacity), or of protecting them against pathological influences, such as disorders in the cerebral energy or transmitter metabolism (protective capacity).
An experimental study of the accessory optic fiber system in the cat

I n addition to the principal optic tract which terminates dorsally in the lateral geniculate nucleus, the pretectal region and the superior colliculus, some investigators have described in the cat either one or two small, basally situated accessory optic tracts. One of these, the anterior accessory optic tract, is described as penetrating the cerebral peduncle and terminating in the region of the subthalamic nucleus (Rioch, '31). The remaining accessory optic tract, is known variously as the posterior accessory optic tract, tractus peduncularis transversus and tractus opticus basalis. This tract is stated to cross the cerebral peduncle obliquely and then to terminate in a well defined receptive nucleus situated in the medio-basal tegmentum of the midbrain. This terminal nucleus is known variously as the nucleus of the posterior accessory optic tract, nucleus tractus peduncularis transversus, nucleus tractus opticus basalis and nucleus opticus tcgmenti ( Marburg, 'O3a ; Kosaka and Hiraiwa, '15 ; Rioch, '29a, '29b, '31; Gillilan, '41). It is important to emphasize that the above mentioned accounts of the accessory optic fiber system in the cat are based almost entirely upon studies of silver and Weigcrt stained normal material. Studies of this nature cannot establish that the tracts in question are of retinal origin, which can only
Mi‐2/NuRD chromatin remodeling complexes regulate B and T‐lymphocyte development and function

Mi‐2/nucleosomal remodeling and deacetylase (NuRD) complexes are important epigenetic regulators of chromatin structure and gene expression. Mi‐2/NuRD complexes are an assemblage of proteins that combine key epigenetic regulators necessary for (i) histone deacetylation and demethylation, (ii) binding to methylated DNA, (iii) mobilization of nucleosomes, and (iv) recruitment of additional regulatory proteins. Depending on their context in chromatin, Mi‐2/NuRD complexes either activate or repress gene transcription. In this regard, they are important regulators of hematopoiesis and lymphopoiesis. Mi‐2/NuRD complexes maintain pools of hematopoietic stem cells. Specifically, components of these complexes control multiple stages of B‐cell development by regulating B‐cell specific transcription. With one set of components, they inhibit terminal differentiation of germinal center B cells into plasma B cells. They also mediate gene repression together with Blimp‐1 during plasma cell differentiation. In cooperation with Ikaros, Mi‐2/NuRD complexes also play important roles in T‐cell development, including CD4 versus CD8 fate decisions and peripheral T‐cell responses. Dysregulation of NuRD during lymphopoiesis promotes leukemogenesis. Here, we review general properties of Mi‐2/NuRD complexes and focus on their functions in gene regulation and development of lymphocytes.
Evolution of melt pond volume on the surface of the Greenland Ice Sheet

The presence of surface meltwater on ice caps and ice sheets is an important glaciological and climatological characteristic. We describe an algorithm for estimating the depth and hence volume of surface melt ponds using multispectral ASTER satellite imagery. The method relies on reasonable assumptions about the albedo of the bottom surface of the ponds and the optical attenuation characteristics of the ponded meltwater. We apply the technique to sequences of satellite imagery acquired over the western margin of the Greenland Ice Sheet to derive changes in melt pond extent and volume during the period 2001–2004. Results show large intra‐ and interannual changes in ponded water volumes, and large volumes of liquid water stored in extensive slush zones.
Semi-global finite-time stabilization of feedforward nonlinear systems by output feedback

Semi-global finite-time stabilization via output feedback is investigated for a class of uncertain feedforward (upper-triangular) systems with high-order growth in unmeasured states and nonconstant growth rate. Compared with the existing results, we further relax the restrictive conditions imposed on nonlinearities to achieve semi-global stabilization rather than global stabilization. First, the linear part of nonlinear system with unknown control coefficient is studied to obtain a global finite-time stabilizer. Second, by introducing a new scaling change, we succeed to address the problem of semi-global output feedback stabilization for a class of feedforward systems, which have not been solved due to the contradiction between the small scaling gain employed for feedforward system in [8] and the large scaling gain used for semi-global stabilization in [11, 15]. Finally, we give an example to illustrate the usefulness of our results.
Variation in caries experience and sugar intake among secondary school students in urban and rural Uganda

The objective was to assess the socio-demographic variation in caries experience and sugar intake among urban (Kampala) and rural (Lira) students in Uganda. In a cross-sectional survey, a total of 1146 adolescents aged between 13 and 19 years (response rate 87%) attending 10 secondary schools, 5 rural and 5 urban, completed questionnaires in respective schools. Clinical examination was conducted among 372 respondents (response rate 90%) from the main survey and dental caries was assessed. The results showed that a total of 80% of the students had DMFT >0. The corresponding rates in Kampala and Lira were 85% and 76% (P < 0.05), respectively. The mean DMFT, DT, and MT for the sample were 2.9, 2.5, and 0.5. Adjusted mean DMFT scores were 2.4 in Kampala and 3.3 in Lira (P < 0.05). The mean frequency sugar score was 2.6 and sugar consumption was higher in females and in students of highly educated parents compared to their counterparts in the opposite groups. In conclusion, higher mean DMFT scores in urban than in rural areas are often reported from developing countries but this does not seem to apply to the Ugandan areas investigated. Kampala and Lira students were equally exposed to sweets and soft drinks but the differences in sugar consumption between students of higher and lower educated parents were most marked in Lira.
DNA Methylation within Transcribed Regions

Although DNA methylation within transcribed genes is commonly found in diverse animals and plants, recent advances highlight the remaining mystery regarding intragenic DNA methylation. DNA methylation within transcribed genes is commonly found in diverse animals and plants. Here, we provide an overview of recent advances and the remaining mystery regarding intragenic DNA methylation.
Biomarkers in Alzheimer’s disease

Abstract Dementia is a growing public health concern because of the lack of effective curative treatment options and a rising global prevalence. Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common type of dementia, affecting 60%–70% of all patients with dementia. The main pathological features of Alzheimer’s dementia are neurofibrillary tangles and senile plaques caused by progressive deposition of β-amyloid in the brain, but its underlying pathological basis is unclear. In common late onset AD sporadic forms (95% of all AD cases), a major genetic risk factor is the apolipoproteinE-ɛ4 (ApoE-ɛ4) alleles, and other genetic determinants have also been proposed to play causative role. This review focuses on biomarkers and subsequent changes in continuous measurement of cognitive and functional abilities in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and AD that aim to achieve a higher diagnostic accuracy for AD along with clinical assessment, neuropsychological testing and neuroimaging.