Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Vitreal dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) as an index of retinal dopamine release

Dopamine is generally accepted as a major neurotransmitter associated with light‐adaptive processes in the retina. However, little is known about its precise release pattern in vivo, largely due to the lack of an unambiguous method for the determination of dopamine release. We have found that vitreal levels of dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) reflect the rate of dopamine release in chickens. Blocking re‐uptake with nomifensine significantly lowered vitreal DOPAC and retinal dopamine, confirming the retinal origin and reliance of vitreal DOPAC on intact re‐uptake mechanisms. Further, inhibition of monoamine oxidase with pargyline reduced vitreal as well as retinal DOPAC levels, confirming that the DOPAC detected is generated by monoamine oxidase. Finally, we found that DOPAC diffused freely into and out of isolated vitreous bodies and we found the vitreous to be metabolically inert with respect to DOPAC, supporting the idea that vitreal levels of DOPAC are consequential to the retinal metabolism of dopamine. Exposure to light, which is known to increase retinal dopamine release, readily increased vitreal DOPAC levels. The accumulation of DOPAC in the vitreous over 6 h light fitted a mathematical model of DOPAC accumulation based on zero‐order influx (proportional to dopamine release rates) and diffusion driven, first‐order efflux.
Association study of dysbindin gene with clinical and outcome measures in a representative cohort of Italian schizophrenic patients

There is evidence suggesting that Dysbindin (DTNBP1) is a susceptibility gene for schizophrenia in Caucasian, Chinese, and Japanese populations. We sought to determine if dysbindin was associated with schizophrenia and its symptoms in a representative group of schizophrenic patients from a Community‐Based Mental Health Service (CMHS) in Verona, Italy. A prevalence cohort of schizophrenic patients (n = 141) was assessed at baseline and then 3 and 6 years later. Eighty patients and 106 healthy controls were genotyped for polymorphisms in dysbindin. We tested if diagnosis, clinical symptoms as measured by the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS), and functioning as measured by the Global Assessment of Functioning Scale (GAF), were associated with the presence of certain dysbindin polymorphisms. Finally, using the longitudinal clinical data, we tested if patients carrying dysbindin high‐risk haplotypes had a more unfavorable longitudinal clinical outcome. A trend towards statistical association (P = 0.058) between schizophrenia and rs2619538 was found. Using GENECOUNTING software, we found that rs2619538‐P1583 (P = 0.048), P1320‐P1757 (P = 0.034), and rs2619538‐P1583‐P1578 (P = 0.040) haplotypes occurred more often in cases compared to controls before correction for multiple testing. The rs2619538‐P1583 haplotype was more likely to be transmitted to subjects with more severe and persistent psychopathology. These preliminary results are compatible with the view that DTNBP1 is a susceptibility factor for schizophrenia, and is associated with worse psychopathology. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Hematopoietic prostaglandin D2 synthase controls the onset and resolution of acute inflammation through PGD2 and 15-deoxyΔ12–14 PGJ2

Hematopoietic prostaglandin D2 synthase (hPGD2S) metabolizes cyclooxygenase (COX)-derived PGH2 to PGD2 and 15-deoxyΔ12–14 PGJ2 (15d-PGJ2). Unlike COX, the role of hPGD2S in host defense is ambiguous. PGD2 can be either pro- or antiinflammatory depending on disease etiology, whereas the existence of 15d-PGJ2 and its relevance to pathophysiology remain controversial. Herein, studies on hPGD2S KO mice reveal that 15d-PGJ2 is synthesized in a self-resolving peritonitis, detected by using liquid chromatography–tandem MS. Together with PGD2 working on its DP1 receptor, 15d-PGJ2 controls the balance of pro- vs. antiinflammatory cytokines that regulate leukocyte influx and monocyte-derived macrophage efflux from the inflamed peritoneal cavity to draining lymph nodes leading to resolution. Specifically, inflammation in hPGD2S KOs is more severe during the onset phase arising from a substantial cytokine imbalance resulting in enhanced polymorphonuclear leukocyte and monocyte trafficking. Moreover, resolution is impaired, characterized by macrophage and surprisingly lymphocyte accumulation. Data from this work place hPGD2S at the center of controlling the onset and the resolution of acute inflammation where it acts as a crucial checkpoint controller of cytokine/chemokine synthesis as well as leukocyte influx and efflux. Here, we provide definitive proof that 15d-PGJ2 is synthesized during mammalian inflammatory responses, and we highlight DP1 receptor activation as a potential antiinflammatory strategy.
Familienbiographische Verläufe im Kohortenvergleich

In Deutschland werden die Geburtskohorten der 1956 bis 1965 Geborenen als Babyboomer bezeichnet. Diese Gruppe kennzeichnet sich nicht nur durch eine uberdurchschnittliche Kohortenstarke aus, sondern diese waren Profiteure des Ausbaus des Wohlfahrtsstaates und deren Kindheit und Jugend: waren durch einen Zeitraum wirtschaftlicher Prosperitat und politischer Stabilitat als auch durch eine historische Phase des Wandels gesellschaftlicher Werte mit einem sozialen und kulturellen Paradigmenwechsel gekennzeichnet. Ziel dieser Arbeit ist die Destandardisierung und zunehmende Individualisierung der familienbiographischen Lebenslaufe von Babyboomern mit Hilfe eines Kohortenvergleichs zu beschreiben. Auf Basis der SOEP-Daten zeigt sich im Vergleich zu fruheren Geburtskohorten dass bestimmte Statusphasen, Ereignisse und Lebenslaufsequenzen nicht langer typisch fur die Mehrheit der Bevolkerung (Familie mit Kindern vs. Kinderlosigkeit) sind, als auch eine Variation der zeitlichen Abfolge und des Timings von Lebenslaufsequenzen, die mit einem Anstieg des mittleren Heiratsalters und der Aufschub der Elternschaft verbunden sind. Daruber hinaus nimmt die Zahl der Status uber das Alter zu und neue Status entwickeln sich. Des Weiteren werden Unterschiede in den Familienbiographien zwischen Ost- und Westdeutschen beobachtet.
Austronesian sailing to the northern Marianas, a comment on Hung et al. (2011)

As advocates of the out-of-Taiwan hypothesis of Remote Oceanic colonisation, Hung et al. (2011) want to claim the Marianas as the first beachhead of an early Austronesian dispersal from the northern Philippines (Figure 1). We argue that the proposition is neither supported by linguistic subgrouping or ceramic technology, nor by consideration of sailing conditions or historical voyages. These data together indicate that the origin of the Chamorro people of the Marianas was elsewhere in Island Southeast Asia (ISEA), and south of Luzon.
De novo FTL mutation: A clinical, neuroimaging, and molecular study

Neuroferritinopathy is a progressive movement disorder associated with autosomal dominant mutations in the ferritin light chain gene (FTL) and is characterized by the presence of focal spherical inclusions in the brain and other organs, including the liver and muscle, that stain positive for iron, ferritin, and ubiquitin. Although the onset of the clinical symptoms usually occurs in adulthood, distinctive neuroimaging features indicating iron deposition are thought to appear decades before symptomatic presentation. We studied a 42-year-old Italian man who first sought neurological advice at age 32 because of hand tremor, even
Challenging the standard of care in advanced melanoma: focus on pembrolizumab

The last several years have seen a dramatic rise in the number of effective therapies that have been shown to improve survival outcomes for patients with advanced melanoma. Among these treatments are the immune checkpoint inhibitors, a new class of immunotherapy, that have demonstrated the ability to improve both response rates and survival outcomes. Pembrolizumab, an immune checkpoint inhibitor that blocks the negative regulatory PD-1 receptor on T-cell lymphocytes, has shown improved efficacy compared to standard therapies with an acceptable tolerability profile. Additionally, this agent is being evaluated in adjuvant and combination trial strategies that have great potential to further advance outcomes. This review focuses on the advances that pembrolizumab has made in melanoma and what studies are upcoming that could change the future of melanoma treatment yet again.
Programmatic assessment: From assessment of learning to assessment for learning

In assessment a considerable shift in thinking has occurred from assessment of learning to assessment for learning. This has important implications for the conceptual framework from which to approach the issue of assessment, but also with respect to the research agenda. The main conceptual changes pertain to programmes of assessment. This has led to a broadened perspective on the types of construct assessment tries to capture, the way information from various sources is collected and collated, the role of human judgement and the variety of psychometric methods to determine the quality of the assessment. Research into the quality of assessment programmes, how assessment influences learning and teaching, new psychometric models and the role of human judgement is much needed.
Mood symptoms and personality dimensions as determinants of health-related quality of life in patients with coronary artery disease

This study examined the effects of personality dimensions in relation to the symptoms of depression and anxiety on health-related quality of life in coronary artery disease patients (N = 514). A linear regression analysis showed that symptoms of depression and anxiety as well as personality trait of emotional stability have independent significant effect on the health-related quality of life in patients with coronary artery disease. Psychological interventions in coronary artery disease patients should not only be limited to the treatment of symptoms of depression and anxiety but should also be extended to the management of personality traits.
CEP Biomarkers as Potential Tools for Monitoring Therapeutics

Background Carboxyethylpyrrole (CEP) adducts are oxidative modifications derived from docosahexaenoate-containing lipids that are elevated in ocular tissues and plasma in age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and in rodents exposed to intense light. The goal of this study was to determine whether light-induced CEP adducts and autoantibodies are modulated by pretreatment with AL-8309A under conditions that prevent photo-oxidative damage of rat retina. AL-8309A is a serotonin 5-HT1A receptor agonist. Methods Albino rats were dark adapted prior to blue light exposure. Control rats were maintained in normal cyclic light. Rats were injected subcutaneously 3x with 10 mg/kg AL-8309A (2 days, 1 day and 0 hours) before light exposure for 6 h (3.1 mW/cm2, λ=450 nm). Animals were sacrificed immediately following light exposure and eyes, retinas and plasma were collected. CEP adducts and autoantibodies were quantified by Western analysis or ELISA. Results ANOVA supported significant differences in mean amounts of CEP adducts and autoantibodies among the light + vehicle, light + drug and dark control groups from both retina and plasma. Light-induced CEP adducts in retina were reduced ~20% following pretreatment with AL-8309A (n = 62 rats, p = 0.006) and retinal CEP immunoreactivity was less intense by immunohistochemistry. Plasma levels of light-induced CEP adducts were reduced at least 30% (n = 15 rats, p = 0.004) by drug pretreatment. Following drug treatment, average CEP autoantibody titer in light exposed rats (n = 22) was unchanged from dark control levels, and ~20% (p = 0.046) lower than in vehicle-treated rats. Conclusions Light-induced CEP adducts in rat retina and plasma were significantly decreased by pretreatment with AL-8309A. These results are consistent with and extend previous studies showing AL-8309A reduces light-induced retinal lesions in rats and support CEP biomarkers as possible tools for monitoring the efficacy of select therapeutics.
Brassica juncea plant cadmium resistance 1 protein (BjPCR1) facilitates the radial transport of calcium in the root

Calcium (Ca) is an important structural component of plant cell walls and an intracellular messenger in plants and animals. Therefore, plants tightly control the balance of Ca by regulating Ca uptake and its transfer from cell to cell and organ to organ. Here, we propose that Brassica juncea PCR1 (PCR1), a member of the plant cadmium resistance (PCR) protein family in Indian mustard, is a Ca2+ efflux transporter that is required for the efficient radial transfer of Ca2+ in the root and is implicated in the translocation of Ca to the shoot. Knock-down lines of BjPCR1 were greatly stunted and translocated less Ca to the shoot than did the corresponding WT. The localization of BjPCR1 to the plasma membrane and the preferential expression of BjPCR1 in the root epidermal cells of WT plants suggest that BjPCR1 antisense plants could not efficiently transfer Ca2+ from the root epidermis to the cells located inside the root. Protoplasts isolated from BjPCR1 antisense lines had lower Ca2+ efflux activity than did those of the WT, and membrane vesicles isolated from BjPCR1-expressing yeast exhibited increased Ca2+ transport activity. Inhibitor studies, together with theoretical considerations, indicate that BjPCR1 exports one Ca2+ in exchange for three protons. Root hair-specific expression of BjPCR1 in Arabidopsis results in plants that exhibit increased Ca2+ resistance and translocation. In conclusion, our data support the hypothesis that BjPCR1 is an exporter required for the translocation of Ca2+ from the root epidermis to the inner cells, and ultimately to the shoot.
Disease Steps in multiple sclerosis

Article abstract—Current clinical scales in multiple sclerosis (MS) are often complicated to administer, suffer from interrater variability and lack of uniform representation across grades, and are insensitive to progression at certain stages. Furthermore, they are not easily applied by neurologists and do not clearly differentiate among functional stages of MS. For these reasons, we developed Disease Steps to assess disability in MS. A total of 1, 323 patients were classified using both Disease Steps and the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) for a total of 2,755 assessments. The Disease Steps scale consists of 0 = Normal; 1 = Mild disability, mild symptoms or signs; 2 = Moderate disability, visible abnormality of gait; 3 = Early cane, intermittent use of cane; 4 = Late cane, cane-dependent; 5 = Bilateral support; 6 = Confined to wheelchair; and U = Unclassifiable. Results demonstrate that raters could simply and quickly categorize patients using Disease Steps. Patients were uniformly distributed with Disease Steps, whereas a bimodal distribution occurred with the EDSS. On the EDSS, 40.3% of patients scored between 1.0 and 3.5 and 36.0% scored from 6.0 to 6.5, with only 6.9% of patients scoring between 4.0 and 5.5. For 60 patients seen by two neurologists, concordance between raters was excellent for Disease Steps (kappa = 0.8) but only moderate for the EDSS (kappa = 0.54). As a simple and reproducible measure of different functional steps of MS, Disease Steps can be used as a guide in therapeutic decision-making, following response to therapy, and in assessing disease progression.
Vestibular sensitivity in vestibular migraine: VEMPs and motion sickness susceptibility

Background: Vestibular migraine (VM) has gained recognition as a distinct clinical entity in recent years. The pathophysiology is unclear. Vestibular evoked myogenic potential (VEMP) is a validated method to test the vestibulocollic reflex and peripheral vestibular hypersensitivity to noise. The aim of our study was to evaluate the vestibular function and sensitivity in a series of VM patients in comparison to ordinary migraine (M) patient and healthy controls. Methods: Thirty-seven patients diagnosed with VM according to the Neuhauser criteria, 32 migraineurs, and 30 healthy persons underwent VEMP testing (response and sound intensity threshold) and a motion sickness susceptibility questionnaire. Results: We found absence of unilateral or bilateral VEMP response at 90 dB normal hearing level (nHL) in 44% of the VM patients, in 25% of the migraineurs, as compared to in 3% of the healthy controls (p = 0.001). The sound intensity threshold and latencies were similar in all the groups. Migraineurs (VM > M) reported more motion sickness than healthy controls (p = 0.006). Conclusion: The results indicate more pathology in the VEMP circuitry in migraineurs than in healthy controls. We did not find support for peripheral vestibular hypersensitivity in terms of lower VEMP threshold among VM patients, but they are more sensitive for motion triggers than other migraineurs.
Measuring flow reattachment lengths downstream of a stenosis using MRI

Flow reattachment lengths (lr) are measured downstream of an abrupt axisymmetric 75% stenosis, located inside a cylindrical channel, for steady flow using ultra‐fast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The MRI results are compared with those from other similar (non‐MRI) studies. The MRI data confirm the existence of three flow reattachment regimes (laminar, fully turbulent, and transition) related to the flow Reynolds number (Re) measured inside the stenosis. Based on the MRI experiments, the laminar regime occurs at a stenotic Reynolds number below 250 with a slope (lr/Re) of 0.086. The fully developed turbulence occurs at a stenotic Reynolds number above 3600 with a minimum observed reattachment length of 5 step heights. The transition regime (occurring between the laminar and fully turbulent regimes) is characterized by a reattachment length plateau and then a drop with Re−1.1. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2000;12:939–948. © 2000 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Outbreaks of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia in colonies of immunodeficient mice

Outbreaks of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia occurred in colonies of nu/nu and scid/scid mice at four different institutions. The disease, which was characterized by chronic wasting and respiratory insufficiency, was more severe in older mice and in animals housed in cages with special protective tops. Histopathologic features included alveolar filling with the typical foamy honeycomb material and a mild, nonspecific host inflammatory response. Immunofluorescence and immunoblotting studies suggested the P. carinii isolate was of mouse rather than of rat or human origin, and the outbreaks could be related to each other by common vendor or source of breeding animals. Once P. carinii became established in a mouse colony, the organism tended to persist for long periods of time. The principal control measure was depopulation of the colony, although limited experience with the administration of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole was encouraging. Thus, outbreaks of pneumocystosis are a serious problem among colonies of immunodeficient mice, with important implications for the use of these animals in biomedical research. Data obtained by studying these outbreaks should enhance understanding of the pathogenesis of P. carinii pneumonia and be helpful in formulating improved methods of detection and control.
Transistor array with an organotypic brain slice: field potential records and synaptic currents

Linear transistor arrays on a silicon chip were used to map evoked extracellular field potentials in organotypic brain slices of rat hippocampus. The shape and amplitude of the transients were similar to those from records with micropipette electrodes. The spatial resolution was 21 and 4.6 µm. The sampled profile of the field potential showed a wide and shallow trough of transients in the stratum radiatum and a narrow but higher ridge in the stratum pyramidale. Due to the high resolution, the profile could be interpreted quantitatively in terms of synaptic currents. Transistor chips may become a novel tool for neurophysiological and pharmacological studies in brain slices.
Objective image quality assessment: a survey

Image quality assessment (IQA) is critically important for the image-processing field. IQA aims to build a computational model to predict human perceived image quality, accurately and automatically. Until now, great efforts have been employed to design IQA metrics. In this paper, we systematically and comprehensively review the fundamental, brief history, and state-of-the-art developments of IQA, with emphasis on natural image quality assessment (NIQA). First, the definition of image quality is discussed, which contains three aspects and lead to different philosophies of designing IQA metrics. Afterwards, classic NIQA metrics are presented with some further discussions. Widely used databases and the performances of classic NIQA metrics on them are also listed. We highlight the most significant works and some open issues about the developments of IQA, and provide the benchmarks for the researchers and scholars who work on IQA.
Capillary density and retinal diameter measurements and their impact on altered retinal circulation in glaucoma: a digital fluorescein angiographic study

Aim: Normal pressure glaucoma (NPG) patients exhibit prolonged retinal arteriovenous passage times in fluorescein angiography and colour Doppler imaging suggests increased resistance downstream from the central retinal and posterior ciliary arteries. The aim of the study was to elucidate the morphological source of decreased perfusion and increased resistance of the ocular circulation in NPG. Methods: Retinal arteriovenous passage time (AVP) and peripapillary arterial and venous diameters were measured in digital scanning laser fluorescein angiograms. For estimation of retinal capillary density the area of the foveal avascular zone (FAZ) and the perifoveal intercapillary area (PIA) was quantified. 36 patients with NPG (mean age 57 (SD 13) years) and 21 healthy subjects (mean age 51 (13) years) were enrolled in the comparative study. Results: In NPG patients the AVP (2.55 (1.1) seconds) was significantly prolonged (p<0.001) when compared with healthy subject data (AVP: 1.70 (0.39) seconds). No differences for arterial or venous diameter, FAZ, and PIA were observed in NPG patients compared with healthy subjects. FAZ, PIA, arterial and venous diameter were not correlated with visual field indices (except venous diameter with PSD, r=0.35 (p<0.05)) or cup to disc ratios. AVP was significantly correlated (p<0.05) with the size of the optic nerve head (r=−0.28), visual field indices (MD: r=−0.3; PSD: r=0.3; CPSD: r=0.3), and contrast sensitivity (r=−0.34}. Conclusion: AVP times are significantly prolonged in NPG. The slowing of the retinal transit does not result from capillary dropout, or changes of peripapillary arterial or venous diameters with increased vascular resistance.
Instrumentation for safe vehicular flow in intelligent traffic control systems using wireless networks

This paper describes a ZigBee based wireless system to assists traffic flow on arterial urban roads. Real-time simulation in laboratory environment is conducted to determine the traffic throughput to avoid possible congestions or ease existing congestions. Random numbers are generated to mimic approaching traffic, and this information is shared by a ZigBeebased real-time wirelessly network. Wireless nodes are connected to different PLCs representing different traffic lights in a cluster. Once the information is shared the timing and sequencing decisions are taken collectively in a synchronized manner. In this paper, the information is displayed on SCADA connected to each PLC for viewing the characteristics of continuous vehicular flow. It is found that the topology of the network can play an important role in the throughput of data, which may be critical in safety critical operations such as the control of traffic lights. This paper aims to highlight some of the possible effects of dataflow flow and time-delays faced by modern intelligent control of traffic lights.