Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cell Development Deficiency and Gene Expression Dysregulation of Trisomy 21 Retina Revealed by Single-Nucleus RNA Sequencing

Retina is a crucial tissue for capturing and processing light stimulus. It is critical to describe the characteristics of retina at the single-cell level for understanding its biological functions. A variety of abnormalities in terms of morphology and function are present in the trisomy 21 (T21) retina. To evaluate the consequences of chromosome aneuploidy on retina development, we identified the single-cell transcriptional profiles of a T21 fetus and performed comprehensive bioinformatic analyses. Our data revealed the diversity and heterogeneity of cellular compositions in T21 retina, as well as the abnormal constitution of T21 retina compared to disomic retina. In total, we identified seven major cell types and several subtypes within each cell type, followed by the detection of corresponding molecular markers, including previously reported ones and a series of novel markers. Through the analysis of the retinal differentiation process, subtypes of retinal progenitor cells (RPCs) exhibiting the potential of different retinal cell-type commitments and certain Müller glial cells (MGs) with differentiating potency were identified. Moreover, the extensive communication networks between cellular types were confirmed, among which a few ligand–receptor interactions were related to the formation and function of retina and immunoregulatory interactions. Taken together, our data provides the first ever single-cell transcriptome profiles for human T21 retina, which facilitates the understanding on the dosage effects of chromosome 21 on the development of retina.
Prognostic value of cognitive functioning for global functional recovery in first-episode schizophrenia

Background It has become widely accepted that cognitive deficits in schizophrenia are related to functional outcome. However, it remains to be seen whether these associations are relevant for predicting which cases will have a global functional recovery. In this study, we attempt to determine whether global functional recovery (integrating social and occupational outcomes) after first-episode schizophrenia (FES) can be predicted by cognitive variables. Method A total of 131 FES patients with functional deficits (n=97) and functional recovery (n=34) as determined at 1-year follow-up were examined. Neuropsychological, sociodemographic, pre-morbid and clinical data at baseline were analysed using independent groups comparisons and a logistic regression method. Results Sustained attention and negative symptoms emerged as significant predictors of good global functional outcome. Although the model revealed a high accuracy (91%) in the classification of patients with functional deficits, it was unacceptably low (26%) in the classification of patients with global functional recovery. Conclusions The limitations found in the prediction of a favourable global functional outcome may well be an indication for a need to address the role of other factors not commonly included in longitudinal studies of long-term outcomes in schizophrenia.
Modified Phase-Shifted PWM Control for Flying Capacitor Multilevel Converters

The issue of voltage imbalance remains a challenge for the flying capacitor multilevel converter. The phase-shifted pulsewidth modulation (PS-PWM) method has a certain degree of self-balancing properties. However, the method alone is not sufficient to maintain balanced capacitor voltages in practical applications. The paper proposes a closed-loop modified PS-PWM control method by incorporating a novel balancing algorithm. The algorithm takes advantage of switching redundancies to adjust the switching times of selected switching states and thus maintaining the capacitor voltages balanced without adversely affecting the system's performance. Key techniques of the proposed control method, including selection of switching states, calculation of adjusting times for the selected states, and determination of new switching instants of the modified PS-PWM are described and analyzed. Simulation and experimental results are presented to confirm the feasibility of the proposed method
Differential roles of corticotropin‐releasing factor receptor subtypes 1 and 2 in opiate withdrawal and in relapse to opiate dependence

The possible effects on the morphine withdrawal signs of the nonspecific corticotropin‐releasing factor (CRF) receptor antagonist α‐helical CRF, the selective CRF receptor subtype 1 antagonist CP‐154,526 and the selective CRF receptor subtype 2 antagonist antisauvagine‐30 (AS‐30) were investigated in rats. The most withdrawal signs, including jumping, teeth chatter, writhing, shakes, lacrimation, piloerection, irritability and diarrhoea, were attenuated by pretreatment with α‐helical CRF (10 µg i.c.v.) and CP‐154,526 (30 mg/kg i.p.). However, no morphine withdrawal signs except for diarrhea were significantly affected by pretreatment with AS‐30 (10 µg, i.c.v.). To investigate the possible role of different CRFR antagonists (α‐helical CRF, CP‐154,526 and AS‐30) in relapse to opiate dependence, the 28‐day extinction of morphine‐conditioned place preference (CPP) was used. The morphine‐CPP disappeared following a 28‐day extinction and then was reactivated by a single injection of 10 mg/kg morphine. Pretreatment with α‐helical CRF (10 µg, i.c.v.) and CP‐154,526 (30 mg/kg, i.p.) could significantly block this reactivation of morphine‐CPP. In contrast, pretreatment with AS‐30 (1 or 10 µg i.c.v.) did not affect this reactivation of morphine‐CPP. The present study demonstrated that activation of the CRF receptor is involved in morphine withdrawal signs and relapse to morphine dependence, and that the role of CRF receptor subtypes 1 and 2 in withdrawal and reactivation of morphine dependence is not identical. CRF receptor subtype 1, but not subtype 2, is largely responsible for the action of the CRF system on opiate dependence. These results suggest that the CRF receptor antagonists, particularly the CRF receptor subtype 1 antagonist, might be of some value in the treatment and prevention of drug dependence.
An Old Problem Not Yet Resolved: The Association of Several Neurodegenerative Disorders

ings of ET cerebellar neuronal degeneration [11] with aggregates of proteins in ‘torpedo’ neurons and its high prevalence [12] encourage this inclusion. Two characteristics of the NDD require comment: its clear association with human aging and the relationship among several NDD. Population aging (that facilitates the NDD increase) is a characteristic of human beings, and it is rare in nonhuman primates and other animals [13] . Cellular protein homeostasis is a time-dependent mechanism that is related both to aging and to neurodegenerative processes [14] . The degeneration hypothesis included the relationship of several degenerations. Although history completely changed its former significance, it is a fact that NDD are related. AD and PD are clearly associated [14, 15] as well as other NDD [1, 15, 16] . Why? We are in the field of proven facts without clear explanations. In this complex scenario, the aforementioned review analyses the epidemiological evidence of co-occurrence of ET, PD and AD [1] . The relationship between ET and PD is a subject with a long history [8] . In this review, a clear and consistent relationship in case-control and population-based surveys measured by scientific tools (significant odds and relative risks) was demonstrated [1] . Perhaps there are not enough studies to completely end the discussion, but the consistency of the results and the biological plausibility of the association are very strong. ET and PD had a clear co-occurrence (in the same family, in the same brain) [17] . With fewer neuroepidemiological studies available, the association of ET and AD [1] is presented. This relationship is really a story of the last decade. Only two population-based surveys have investigated this subject [1] . At the moment, it is clear that ET is associated with several mild cognitive dysfunctions (mainly executive dysfunction), mild cognitive impairment, and with an increased risk of dementia (AD type) [18] . Does ET really predispose to suffering cognitive impairment and AD? This fascinating subject, in some way analogous to the association of cerebrovascular lesions and sporadic AD [19] , needs more data. Future cohort studies with clinical, genetic and pathological examinations will probably verify these preliminary findings. The long-distance race of research into the ET-AD connection has begun.
Systematic Status of Nine Mullet Species (Mugilidae) in the Mediterranean Sea

Systematic relationships among four genera and nine species (Mugil cephalus Linnaeus, 1758, Mugil soiuy Basilewsky, 1855, Liza ramada (Risso, 1827), Liza aurata (Risso, 1810), Liza abu (Heckel, 1843), Liza saliens (Risso, 1810), Liza carinata (Valenciennes, 1836), Chelon labrosus (Risso, 1827), Oedalechilus labeo (Cuvier, 1829)) of the Mugilidae family living in the Mediterranean Sea were investigated using morphological characters. Moreover the systematic relationship of M. soiuy and L. abu among other mullet species was investigated in the present study for the first time. Hierarchical cluster analyses of morphometric data were not concordant with the meristic data. Meristic characters in the present study were more discriminative than morphometric characters in terms of taxonomic classification of the mullets. According to meristic data in UPGMA tree, all nine species were grouped in two main branching. In the first branch, C. labrosus and O. labeo were clustered as closest taxa, and being the sister group to the L. aurata. The other four Liza species produced two sub-branching in this group; L. carinata was branched with L. saliens, which is neighbour to L. ramada. In the second branch two species, M. soiuy and L. abu were clustered together and highly isolated from others. M cephalus was clustered as a most differentiated species from all other Mugil species.
Association between N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide and quality of life in adult patients with congenital heart disease

Abstract Aims: Advances in medical treatment have resulted in increased life expectancy in congenital heart disease. Consequently, the focus of management has shifted from reducing mortality to reducing long-term morbidity with the goal of improving quality of life. A predictor of quality of life might be N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide, a well-established marker for heart failure. We aimed to determine the association between N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide and quality of life in patients with congenital heart disease. Methods: We collected blood samples from consecutive patients who were initially operated between 1968 and 1980 (47.8% women; mean age 40.2±5.4 years). The 36-item Short-Form Health Survey was completed to assess subjective health status as a measure of quality of life. Analysis was performed for the entire group and for subgroups defined as simple versus complex congenital heart diseases. Median N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide level was 15.2 pmol/L (overall range 1.3–299.3 pmol/L). N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide levels were associated with the subdomain physical functioning (β=−0.074, p=0.031). This association remained significant after adjustment for age and sex (β=−0.071, p=0.038) and after adjustment for age, sex, body mass index, left ventricular function, and renal function (β=−0.069, p=0.048). In complex congenital heart disease, the association between N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide and physical functioning remained significant in multivariable analysis (β=−0.076, p=0.046). No associations were found in the simple congenital heart disease group or on the other health status subdomains. Conclusion: In adults operated for congenital heart disease, N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide is associated with the subdomain physical, primarily in the complex subgroup.
Effects of 810-nanometer diode laser as an adjunct to mechanical periodontal treatment on clinical periodontal parameters and gingival crevicular fluid volume of residual periodontal pockets

Background: Aim of this randomized controlled parallel-designed study was to evaluate the effects of diode laser as an adjunct to mechanical periodontal treatment on clinical parameters and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) volume of the residual pockets diagnosed following initial periodontal treatment in chronic periodontitis (CP) patients. Materials and Methods: A total of 84 residual pockets on single-rooted teeth in 11 CP patients were included and randomly assigned into three groups. Residual pockets were treated either only by mechanical treatment (Group M) (n = 28) or only by diode laser disinfection (Group L) (n = 28) or by a combination of these techniques (Group M + L) (n = 28). Plaque index, gingival index (GI), bleeding on probing (BoP), probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level and gingival recession were assessed at baseline and 8 weeks after treatment of residual pockets. GCF samples were collected at baseline, 1 and 8 weeks after treatment. Results: All treatment modalities resulted in significant reductions in PD and attachment gain. GI and BoP showed a greater reduction in both Group M and Group M + L than Group L (P < 0.001), but there was no difference between the Groups M and M + L (P > 0.05). No difference was also found among groups for other clinical parameters. GCF volume decreased significantly in the Groups M and M + L (P < 0.05) but there was no difference among the groups (P > 0.05). Conclusion: Results demonstrated clinical improvements on residual pockets in CP patients treated with all three modalities. Moreover, our findings suggest that application of diode laser as an adjunct to mechanical periodontal treatment doesn't demonstrate any additional clinical effect on the residual pockets.
Differential ontogeny of GABABreceptor‐mediated pre‐ and postsynaptic modulation of GABA and glycine transmission in respiratory rhythm‐generating network in mouse

Rhythm generation in mature respiratory networks is influenced strongly by synaptic inhibition. In early neonates, GABAA‐receptor‐ and glycine‐receptor‐mediated inhibition is not present, thus the question arises as to whether GABAB‐receptor‐mediated inhibition plays an important role. Using brainstem slices of neonatal mice (postnatal day, P0‐P15), we analysed the role of GABAB‐mediated modulation of GABA and glycine synaptic transmission in the respiratory network. Blockade of GABA uptake by nipecotic acid (0.25–2 mm) reduced the respiratory frequency. This reduction was prevented by the selective GABAB receptor antagonist CGP55845A (CGP) alone at P0‐P3, but by bicuculline as well as CGP at P7‐P15. Blockade of GABAB receptors by CGP increased the respiratory frequency at P0‐P3, whereas it caused a reduction of frequency in older animals. The effect of CGP on respiratory frequency was diminished in the presence of bicuculline and strychnine in older but not in younger animals. The relative contribution of GABAB‐receptor‐mediated pre‐ and postsynaptic modulation was examined by analysing the effect of GABAB receptors on spontaneous and miniature IPSCs. In younger animals (P0‐P3), the GABAB receptor agonist baclofen had no detectable effect on IPSC frequency, but caused a significant decrease in the amplitude. In older animals (P7‐P15), baclofen decreased both the frequency and amplitude of spontaneous and miniature IPSCs. These results demonstrate that GABAB‐receptor‐mediated postsynaptic modulation plays an important role in the respiratory network from P0 on. GABAB‐receptor‐mediated presynaptic modulation develops with a longer postnatal latency, and becomes predominant within the first postnatal week.
Sense of Virtual Community and Knowledge Contribution in a P3 Virtual Community: Motivation and Experience

Purpose – The aim of this paper is to employ the perspectives of uses and gratification theory and experiential marketing to investigate the antecedents of virtual community (VC) members’ attitude formation and knowledge‐contribution intention through the sense of virtual community (SOVC) and the interaction between their motivations and experiences in a peer‐to‐peer problem solving (P3) VC.Design/methodology/approach – This study chose a well‐known professional IT VC in Taiwan, the ITHelp community, as the target for data collection. An online survey linked from the homepage of this community was used through the cooperation of the vendor of this community. This study employs the partial least squares (PLS) method to examine the research model.Findings – The results show that members’ attitudes toward their VCs are determined by the interaction between their motivations for and experiences with P3 VC usages. Moreover, SOVC plays full mediating roles in the relationship between attitude toward P3 VC and k.
Muscle-Preserving Interlaminar Decompression for the Lumbar Spine: A Minimally Invasive New Procedure for Lumbar Spinal Canal Stenosis

Study Design. Outcomes of muscle-preserving interlaminar decompression (MILD) for the lumbar spine are reported. Objective. To verify the clinical findings of lumbar MILD. Summary of Background Data. A preliminary short-term follow-up study of lumbar MILD demonstrated satisfactory neural recovery and reduced invasiveness. Methods. The initial 105 consecutive patients with lumbar spinal canal stenosis were included in this study. A total of 210 intervertebral levels were decompressed. There were 48 women and 57 men, and the mean patient age was 68.8 years. The postoperative follow-up period ranged from 8 to 44 months (mean 21.3months). Eighty-one patients showed cauda equina claudication, and 75 patients complained of radicular pain. Preoperative imaging studies demonstrated that all patients had moderate-to-severe spinal canal stenosis, 75 patients had degenerative spinal canal stenosis, and the remaining 30 had degenerative spondylolisthesis. Pre- and postoperative Japanese Orthopedic Association scores, intraoperative blood loss, surgical complications, and postoperative ambulation were recorded. Results. One hundred five patients underwent lumbar MILD procedure for 210 interspinous levels, 42 patients for 2 levels, 37 patients for 1 level, 17 for 3 levels, 7 for 4 levels, and 2 for 5 levels. Cerebrospinal fluid leakage due to dural tear occurred in 2 patients. Expansion of the operative field was not necessary to repair the dura mater. The mean operation time was 104.9 minutes per level, and mean intraoperative blood loss was 29.4 g per level. Neurologic improvement was demonstrated in all patients. The mean recovery rate calculated with pre- and postoperative Japanese Orthopedic Association scores was 64.9%. Patients started to stand or walk an average of 2.5 days after surgery. None of the patients presented with wound infection. There was no neurologic complication in this series. Conclusion. In MILD for the lumbar spine, damage to the posterior stabilizing structures such as the intervertebral facet joints, paravertebral muscles, thoracolumbar fascia, supra- and interspinous ligaments, can be minimized, while preserving the function of the spinous processes as lever arms for lumbar extension.
An Efficient Intrusion Alerts Miner for Forensics Readiness in High Speed Networks

Intrusion Detection System is considered as a core tool in the collection of forensically relevant evidentiary data in real or near real time from the network. The emergence of High Speed Network (HSN) and Service oriented architecture/Web Services (SOA/WS) putted the IDS in face of a typical big data management problem. The log files that IDS generates are very enormous making very fastidious and both compute and memory intensive the forensics readiness process. Furthermore the high level rate of wrong alerts complicates the forensics expert alert analysis and it disproves its performance, efficiency and ability to select the best relevant evidences to attribute attacks to criminals. In this context, we propose Alert Miner (AM), an intrusion alert classifier, which classifies efficiently in near real-time the intrusion alerts in HSN for Web services. AM uses an outlier detection technique based on an adaptive deduced association rules set to classify the alerts automatically and without human assistance. AM reduces false positive alerts without losing high sensitivity (up to 95%) and accuracy up to (97%). Therefore AM facilitates the alert analysis process and allows the investigators to focus their analysis on the most critical alerts on near real-time scale and to postpone less critical alerts for an off-line log analysis.
Survivability Schemes in Optical Cross Add and Drop Multiplexer

Optical cross add drop multiplexer (OXADM) is a newly invented device in optical networks. It is designed with a combined concept of optical cross connect (OXC) and optical add drop multiplexer (OADM) which is potentially used to increase efficiency and flexibility of optical network particularly in metropolitan ring and mesh configuration. The OXADM node focuses on providing functionalities of transport, multiplexing, routing, supervision, termination and survivability in the optical layer for both ring and mesh topologies. The main function of OXADM is to reconfigure the optical channel path while implementing add and drop function simultaneously. The designed 4-channel OXADM device is expected to have maximum operational loss of 6 dB for each channel. OXADM also provide survivability through restoration against failures by means of linear, multiplex and ring protection to both configurations. Hybrid restoration technique with OXADM enables the linear, ring and multiplex protection mechanism to be integrated in single optical network, and it will be activated according to the degree and types of failure. Degradation is expected at about 2 dB in output power with respect to normal condition in ring protection activation. The test was carried out at 2.5 Gbps with BER 1times10-10 for linear protection while BER 1times10-19 (to west) and 1times10-13 (to east) were used for ring protection. The paper also calculates the OSNR according to the percentage of network failures and span variation. The method of this study involves the building and characterizing of two OXADMs, simulating by using Optisystem and modeling them analytical. Loss characterization and measured OSNR are compared with the analytical values. The result of prototype characterization was shown in our previous work.
Vacuole Acidification Is Not Required for Survival ofSalmonella enterica Serovar Typhimurium within Cultured Macrophages and Epithelial Cells

ABSTRACT Phagosome acidification is an important component of the microbicidal response by infected eukaryotic cells. Thus, intracellular pathogens that reside within phagosomes must either block phagosome acidification or be able to survive at low pH. In this work, we studied the effect of phagosomal acidification on the survival of intracellular Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium in different cell types. Bafilomycin A1, a specific inhibitor of the vacuolar proton-ATPases, was used to block acidification of salmonella-containing vacuoles. We found that in several epithelial cell lines, treatment with bafilomycin A1 had no effect on intracellular survival or replication. Furthermore, although acidification was essential for Salmonella intracellular survival in J774 cultured macrophages, as reported previously (13), it is not essential in other macrophage cell lines. These data suggest that vacuolar acidification may play a role in intracellular survival of salmonellae only under certain conditions and in specific cell types.