Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The potential link between lake productivity and the invasive zooplankter Cercopagis pengoi in Owasco Lake (New York, USA).

The fishhook water flea (Cercopagis pengoi Ostroumov, 1891) is an invasive zooplankter that can decrease the abundance and diversity of cladocerans and rotifers, which theoretically could release phytoplankton from grazing pressure and increase algal primary productivity. In the last decade, C. pengoi established and primary productivity increased concurrently in Owasco Lake (New York, USA). We studied plankton density, primary productivity, and standard limnological conditions in Owasco Lake during summer 2007 (1) to document summer densities of invertebrate predators, (2) to investigate correlations between C. pengoi and the abiotic environment, and (3) to examine the relationships among C. pengoi, native zooplankton, and productivity. Although the maximum abundance of C. pengoi observed (245 ind./m 3 ) far exceeded that of any native invertebrate predator, at most locations and dates unimodal density peaks between 35-60 ind. /m 3 were typical and comparable to Leptodora kindtii (Focke, 1844), the most common native planktivore. Abiotic conditions were suitable for growth and reproduction throughout the sampling period, but were not linearly correlated with C. pengoi abundance. We observed reciprocal trends between predacious cladoceran density (both C. pengoi and L. kindtii) and herbivorous cladoceran density, and between herbivorous cladoceran density and Chlorophyll a concentration. Although these trends are only corollary, they support the possibility that C. pengoi may affect the trophy of Owasco Lake by reducing grazing zooplankton beyond the level of the native planktivores. Further study is needed to quantify the relative contributions of C. pengoi and L. kindtii to seasonal changes in the herbivorous cladoceran assemblage.
Imaging of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Expression in Head and Neck Cancer with SPECT/CT and 111In-Labeled Cetuximab-F(ab′)2

Combined treatment of advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) with radiotherapy and the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitor cetuximab improves clinical outcome in comparison to radiotherapy alone but is effective only in a few cases. To select those patients most likely to benefit from EGFR inhibition, it can be advantageous to quantify the tumor EGFR status before and possibly during therapy. The aim of this study was to develop and characterize the 111In-cetuximab-F(ab′)2 tracer to image EGFR targeting in vivo. Methods: The affinity and internalization kinetics of 111In-cetuximab-F(ab′)2 were determined in vitro. The optimal protein-fragment dose for imaging was determined in nude mice with a subcutaneous head and neck carcinoma model (FaDu). Mice with FaDu tumors were imaged using ultra-high-resolution SPECT with 111In-cetuximab-F(ab′)2 or 111In-cetuximab IgG at 4, 24, 48, and 168 h after injection. Tumor tracer uptake was determined on micro-SPECT and autoradiography images of tumor sections. Immunohistochemical staining was used to analyze EGFR expression in the tumor. Results: In vitro, more than 50% of 111In-cetuximab-F(ab′)2 was internalized into FaDu cells within 24 h. The half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 111In-cetuximab-F(ab′)2 and 111In-cetuximab was similar: 0.42 ± 0.16 nM versus 0.28 ± 0.14 nM, respectively. The protein dose–escalation study showed that the highest uptake of 111In-cetuximab-F(ab′)2 in tumors was obtained at doses of 10 μg/mouse or less (13.5 ± 5.2 percentage injected dose per gram [%ID/g]). Tumor uptake of 111In-cetuximab was significantly higher (26.9 ± 3.3 %ID/g, P < 0.01). However, because of rapid blood clearance, tumor-to-blood ratios at 24 h after injection were significantly higher for 111In-cetuximab-F(ab′)2 (31.4 ± 3.8 vs. 1.7 ± 0.2, respectively; P < 0.001). The intratumoral distribution of 111In-cetuximab-F(ab′)2 correlated well with the immunohistochemical distribution of EGFR (r = 0.64 ± 0.06, P < 0.0001). micro-SPECT images of 111In-cetuximab-F(ab′)2 clearly showed preferential uptake in the tumor from 4 h onward, with superior tumor-to-background contrast at 24 h, compared with 111In-cetuximab (107.0 ± 17.0 vs. 69.7 ± 3.9, respectively; P < 0.05). Conclusion: 111In-cetuximab-F(ab′)2 displays higher tumor-to-blood ratios early after injection than 111In-cetuximab in an HNSCC model, making it more suitable for EGFR visualization and potentially for selecting patients for treatment with EGFR inhibitors.
Expanding the Silicon Photonics Portfolio With Silicon Nitride Photonic Integrated Circuits

The high index contrast silicon-on-insulator platform is the dominant CMOS compatible platform for photonic integration. The successful use of silicon photonic chips in optical communication applications has now paved the way for new areas where photonic chips can be applied. It is already emerging as a competing technology for sensing and spectroscopic applications. This increasing range of applications for silicon photonics instigates an interest in exploring new materials, as silicon-on-insulator has some drawbacks for these emerging applications, e.g., silicon is not transparent in the visible wavelength range. Silicon nitride is an alternate material platform. It has moderately high index contrast, and like silicon-on-insulator, it uses CMOS processes to manufacture photonic integrated circuits. In this paper, the advantages and challenges associated with these two material platforms are discussed. The case of dispersive spectrometers, which are widely used in various silicon photonic applications, is presented for these two material platforms.
Relationship Between Pain Sensitivity and Resting Arterial Blood Pressure in Patients With Painful Temporomandibular Disorders

Objective Patients experiencing temporomandibular disorders (TMD) show greater sensitivity to painful stimuli than age- and gender-matched control subjects. This enhanced pain sensitivity may result, at least in part, from an alteration in pain regulatory systems that are influenced by resting arterial blood pressure. In this study, we examined the relationship between resting systolic blood pressure and pain perception in 64 female TMD and 23 age-matched pain-free female subjects. Method Resting arterial blood pressure and measures of thermal and ischemic pain threshold and tolerance were determined for each participant. Subjective ratings of thermal pain evoked by suprathreshold noxious thermal stimuli (45-49[degree sign]C) using a magnitude matching procedure were also obtained for both groups. Results TMD patients had lower thermal and ischemic pain thresholds and tolerances than pain-free subjects (ps<.05). Both groups provided equivalent intensity ratings to suprathreshold noxious thermal stimuli. A median split of each group based on resting systolic blood pressure revealed an influence of blood pressure on both thermal and ischemic pain perception for the Pain-Free group. The Pain-Free high resting blood pressure subgroup had higher thermal pain tolerances, higher ischemic pain thresholds, and provided lower magnitude estimates of the intensity of graded heat pulses compared with the Pain-Free low blood pressure subgroup. A trend toward a significant effect of blood pressure level on ischemic pain tolerance was also observed for the Pain-Free group. In contrast to the Pain-Free group, blood pressure level did not influence ischemic or thermal pain perception for TMD patients. Similar to the lack of effect of resting blood pressure on experimental pain perception in TMD patients, resting blood pressure was not related to measures of clinical orofacial pain in TMD patients. Conclusions These findings confirm our previous findings that TMD patients are more sensitive to noxious stimuli and suggest that painful TMD may result, at least in part, from an impairment in central pain regulatory systems that are influenced by resting arterial blood pressure.
Adaptation and cross-cultural validation of the rheumatoid arthritis work instability scale (RA–WIS)

Background: Despite recent advances, work disability in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) remains common. Work disability is frequently preceded by a period of work instability characterised by a mismatch between an individual’s functional abilities and job demands. This could raise the risk of work disability if not resolved. A work instability scale for RA (RA–WIS) has previously been developed to screen for this risk. The objective of this study was the adaptation of this scale into French, Dutch and German. Method: Different language versions of the RA–WIS were produced through a process of forward and back translations. The new scales were tested for face validity. English data from the original developmental study was pooled with data generated through postal surveys in each country. The internal construct and cross-cultural validity of the new scales were assessed using Rasch analysis, including differential item functioning (DIF) by culture. Results: The pooled data showed good fit to the Rasch model and demonstrated strict unidimensionality. DIF was found to be present for six items, but these appeared both to cancel out at the test level and have only a marginal effect on the test score itself. Conclusions: The RA–WIS was shown to be robust to adaptation into different languages. Data fitted Rasch model expectations and strict tests of unidimensionality. This project and the continuing work on further cross-cultural adaptations have the potential to help ensure clinicians across Europe are able to support RA patients to achieve their potential in work through early identification of those most at risk.
Increased number of vasopressin- and oxytocin-expressing neurons in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus in depression.

BACKGROUND Cerebrospinal fluid levels of arginine vasopressin (AVP) and oxytocin (OXT) have been found to change in mood disorders. In the present study, the numbers of AVP-immunoreactive (IR) and OXT-IR neurons were determined in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of the human hypothalamus. METHODS Postmortem brain tissue was fixed in formalin, embedded in paraffin, and stained for AVP and OXT using immunocytochemical techniques. The number of IR neurons in the PVN was estimated by morphometry in eight depressed patients ranging in age from 21 to 85 years and eight age-matched controls ranging in age from 23 to 88 years. RESULTS The numbers of AVP-IR and OXT-IR neurons in the PVN of patients with mood disorder were increased by 56% and 23%, respectively. No differences were found in AVP-IR or OXT-IR cell numbers between three patients with major depression and three patients with bipolar depression. The numbers of AVP-IR and OXT-IR neurons in two patients with depression not otherwise specified were within the same range as in the six other patients with a mood disorder. CONCLUSIONS The AVP and OXT neurons were activated in the PVN in patients with major depression or bipolar disorder. This activation may be associated with activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis in these patients, since both AVP and OXT are known to potentiate the effects of corticotropin-releasing hormone. Because of their central effects, activation of AVP and OXT neurons may also be related to symptoms of major depression or bipolar disorder.
A Hybrid Multi-Path CMOS Magnetic Sensor With 76 ppm/°C Sensitivity Drift and Discrete-Time Ripple Reduction Loops

This paper presents a temperature-insensitive magnetic sensor system for contactless current measurements. To simultaneously achieve wide bandwidth and low noise, the proposed system employs a multi-path structure with a set of spinning current Hall sensors in its low-frequency path and a set of pick-up coils in its high-frequency path. The Hall sensors and pick-up coils are used in a differential sensing arrangement that naturally rejects common-mode magnetic field interference, e.g., due to the earth’s magnetic field. A common-mode ac reference field can then be used to continuously stabilize the sensitivity of the Hall sensors, which, unlike that of the pick-up coils, is quite temperature dependent. In this design, the ripple reduction loops in the Hall sensor readout are implemented in a discrete-time manner, and so occupy 20% less area than a previous continuous-time implementation. Over a −45 °C to 105 °C temperature range, the proposed system reduces the Hall sensor drift from 22% to 1%, which corresponds to a temperature coefficient of 76 ppm/°C.
Spreading the Joy? Why the Machinery of Consciousness is (Probably) Still in the Head

Is consciousness all in the head, or might the minimal physical substrate for some forms of conscious experience include the goings on in the (rest of the) body and the world? Such a view might be dubbed (by analogy with Clark and Chalmers’s (1998) claims concerning ‘the extended mind’) ‘the extended conscious mind’. In this article, I review a variety of arguments for the extended conscious mind, and find them flawed. Arguments for extended cognition, I conclude, do not generalize to arguments for an extended conscious mind.
Effects of Culture and Age on the Perceived Exchange of Social Support Resources

This research explores the perceived exchange of social support resources of young, midlife, and older adults in the United States and Japan, and how perceptions of exchange may moderate attributions of control, difficulty, and success in attaining important life-goals. A survey was administered to participants in the United States and Japan who ranged in age from 17 to 70 years. Results suggested culture and age to influence the designation of important life-goals, and to interactively moderate the perceived exchange of social support resources in the interpersonal contexts of family and business associates and co-workers. Furthermore, relationships between the perceived exchange of social support and perceptions of control and success in achieving life-goals indicated different intracultural effects. Overall, these findings suggest nuances in the perceived exchange of social support and social cognitions that reflect the cultural orientations of young, midlife and older adults in the United States and Japan. A culturally grounded model of social support is proposed and discussed.
Étude d'implantation de détecteurs multi-utilisateurs CDMA : application à l'UMTS

Des etudes recentes ont mis en evidence l’avantage de la detection multi-utilisateurs qui prend en compte l’observation de tous les utilisateurs lors de la detection. A l’origine et pour des raisons de complexite, les recepteurs operent la detection et le decodage de maniere disjointe. Cependant les detecteurs optimaux sont tres complexes. Il devenait interessant de considerer des techniques de detection et decodage conjoints qui peuvent presenter performances et complexite avantageuses en vue d’implantation circuit. En se basant sur des etudes prealables, nous avons retenu une configuration de detection a suppression d’interference successive (SIC) suivi du decodage et une configuration de detection et decodage conjoints integrant un turbo decodeur a l’interieur des unites de suppression d’interference du detecteur SIC. Nous avons commence par estimer l’effet de la quantification des donnees en comparaison avec les resultats theoriques des etudes prealables, ce qui nous a permis de choisir le nombre de bits de quantification adequat et en application a l’UMTS. Dans une deuxieme partie, nous avons modelise en VHDL les elements de base du detecteur SIC. A partir de ces modelisations, des analyses temporelles et des bilans de complexite surface, nous avons choisi les architectures adequates pour chacune des configurations a implanter compte-tenu des contraintes du systeme UMTS dans sa liaison montante. Cette etude nous a permis de donner l’avantage a l’implantation de la detection et du decodage conjoints qui est la plus adaptee au systeme d’application sur le plan des performances, de la surface, du temps de traitement et de la flexibilite de fonctionnement.
Serum matrix metalloproteinase‐3 concentration is influenced by MMP‐3 −1612 5A/6A promoter genotype and associated with myocardial infarction

Objectives. Matrix metalloproteinase‐3 (MMP‐3) is implicated in the formation of atherosclerotic plaques, and the MMP‐3 −1612 5A/6A polymorphism is associated with myocardial infarction (MI) and stable coronary artery disease (CAD). The present study examined whether the −1612 5A/6A polymorphism in the promoter region of the MMP‐3 gene influences serum concentrations of MMP‐3 and whether serum concentrations of MMP‐3 are related to extent of coronary atherosclerosis and risk of MI.
A self‐limiting regulation of vasoconstrictor‐activated TRPC3/C6/C7 channels coupled to PI(4,5)P2‐diacylglycerol signalling

• From brain to digestive tract, electro‐chemical signals are broadly utilized to control the activity of the organs; however, the formation of such signals is very varied in each cell and still unknown in many cells. • In this study, we found a novel mechanism for forming an electrical signal, produced by channels of the transient receptor potential canonical (TRPC) family of channels, which allow the permeation of ions such as sodium and calcium and are opened by the actions of hormones such as adrenaline and noradrenaline. • Such hormones can activate an enzyme (phospholipase C) by which PI(4,5)P2, a member of the membrane lipid ‘phosphoinositide’, is degraded: the degradation of PI(4,5)P2 to produce an agonist (diacylglycerol) involved in the opening of TRPC channels, while the degradation itself is surprisingly critical to the closing of these channels. • As a result of such a self‐limiting effect via membrane lipid degradation, TRPC channels can produce a unique electro‐chemical signal which is tightly bound to the arrangement of membrane lipid and hormones. • Differential sensitivity for PIP2 of TRPC
Partial characterization and plasmid linkage of a non‐proteinaceous antimicrobial compound in a Lactobacillus casei strain of vegetable origin

Lactobacillus casei IMPC LC34 of vegetable origin produces a non‐proteinaceous inhibitory compound with a broad spectrum of activity towards Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria, including pathogens. The active substance, mainly produced in the stationary phase of growth, is insensitive to proteolytic enzymes, lipase and catalase, and is stable at 121 °C for 30 min. The inhibitory activity was detected either at 8 °C or at 37 °C. The active compound does not contain glucidic groups, is inactivated by Na‐metaperiodate, and its molecular mass is between 2000 and 5000 Da. Plasmid curing experiments showed that both antimicrobial compound immunity and production determinants were encoded by an 8·8 kbp plasmid. The effectiveness of the active agent was verified on ready‐to‐use vegetables, using either the Lact. casei strain or its culture supernatant fluid as inoculant, compared with cured clone. The application potential of the Lact. casei strain or its culture supernatant fluid for assuring the microbiological safety of ready‐to‐use vegetables is discussed.
DEPENDENCE OF FAST AXOPLASMIC TRANSPORT IN NERVE ON OXIDATIVE METABOLISM

—A crest of labelled activity moving down the sciatic nerve at 401 ± 35 mm/day after injection of the L7 dorsal root ganglion of the cat with L‐[3H]leucine characterizes fast axoplasmic transport of materials and has been studied with regard to its dependence on oxidative metabolism. Transport of labelled materials in vitro occurred if the nerve was supplied with O2 or 95 % O2+ 5 % CO2. Transport was not dependent upon continuity of the fibres with the ganglionic soma. Asphyxiation (N2) rapidly blocked fast transport in vitro. Likewise NaCN or dinitrophenol in an O2 atmosphere both effectively block fast transport within 15 min. Tetrodotoxin and procaine, agents which block excitation of the membrane, had no effect on fast transport. The inference is that oxidative metabolism supplies the energy required by the molecular mechanism underlying fast axoplasmic transport.
The role of the one‐carbon cycle in the developmental origins of Type 2 diabetes and obesity

Vitamin B12 deficiency is common in certain populations, such as in India, where there is also a rising prevalence of Type 2 diabetes, obesity and their complications. Human cohorts and animal models provide compelling data suggesting the role of the one‐carbon cycle in modulating the risk of diabetes and adiposity via developmental programming. Early mechanistic studies in animals suggest that alterations to the cellular provision of methyl groups (via the one‐carbon cycle) in early developmental life may disrupt DNA methylation and induce future adverse phenotypic changes. Furthermore, replacement of micronutrient deficits at suitable developmental stages may modulate this risk. Current human studies are limited by a range of factors, including the accuracy and availability of methods to measure nutritional components in the one‐carbon cycle, and whether its disruptions exert tissue‐specific effects. A greater understanding of the causal and mechanistic role of the one‐carbon cycle is hoped to generate substantial insights into its role in the developmental origins of complex metabolic diseases and the potential of targeted and population‐wide prevention strategies.
Role of the cytoskeleton in cell-to-cell transmission of human immunodeficiency virus

We previously observed that when human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected T lymphocytes are added to epithelial cells, they adhere, polarize, and secrete virions unidirectionally onto the epithelium. Epithelial cells subsequently take up virus and become productively infected. We report here that colchicine treatment of T-lymphocyte suspensions induced lymphocyte polarization, redistribution of F-actin into a pseudopod, and secretion of HIV from the pseudopod. Immobilization of T lymphocytes on negatively charged plastic also caused redistribution of F-actin and unidirectional secretion of HIV onto the plastic. As neither colchicine nor adhesion caused an increase in HIV secretion, they apparently act by focusing secretion to the tip of the pseudopod. We speculate that adhesion-induced polar secretion of HIV, from activated mononuclear cells onto epithelia, is a cytoskeleton-mediated process which may be involved in HIV transmission in vivo.
FAST AXONAL TRANSPORT IN VITRO IN THE SCIATIC SYSTEM OF THE FROG

Abstract— An in vitro system from the frog has been used to study fast axonal protein transport. The preparation, which was incubated in a specially made chamber, consisted of the gastrocnemius muscle, the sciatic nerve, the dorsal ganglia and part of the spinal cord. The parts were separated from each other by silicone grease barriers, which made it possible to follow the migration of labelled proteins from the spinal cord and ganglia, along the sciatic nerve, towards the muscle. About 80 per cent of transported proteins in the sciatic nerve originated from the dorsal spinal ganglia and moved antidromically at a rate of 60–90 mm per day at 18°C. The rapidly transported proteins were 90 per cent particulate and mainly associated with structures sedimenting in the microsomal fraction.