Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A novel dopamine transporter transgenic mouse line for identification and purification of midbrain dopaminergic neurons reveals midbrain heterogeneity

Midbrain dopaminergic (DAergic) neurons are a heterogeneous cell group, composed of functionally distinct cell populations projecting to the basal ganglia, prefrontal cortex and limbic system. Despite their functional significance, the midbrain population of DAergic neurons is sparse, constituting only 20 000–30 000 neurons in mice, and development of novel tools to identify these cells is warranted. Here, a bacterial artificial chromosome mouse line [Dat1‐enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP)] from the Gene Expression Nervous System Atlas (GENSAT) that expresses eGFP under control of the dopamine transporter (DAT) promoter was characterized. Confocal microscopy analysis of brain sections showed strong eGFP signal reporter in midbrain regions and striatal terminals that co‐localized with the DAergic markers DAT and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH). Thorough quantification of co‐localization of the eGFP reporter signal with DAT and TH in the ventral midbrain showed that a vast majority of eGFP‐expressing neurons are DAergic. Importantly, expression profiles also revealed DAergic heterogeneity when comparing substantia nigra and ventral tegmental area. Dat1‐eGFP mice showed neither change in synaptosomal DA uptake nor altered levels of DAT and TH in both striatum and midbrain. No behavioural difference between Dat1‐eGFP and wild‐type was found, suggesting that the strain is not aberrant. Finally, cell populations highly enriched in DAergic neurons can be obtained from postnatal mice by fluorescence‐activated cell sorting and the sorted neurons can be cultured in vitro. The current investigation demonstrates that eGFP expression in this mouse line is selective for DAergic neurons, suggesting that the Dat1‐eGFP mouse strain constitutes a promising tool for delineating new aspects of DA biology.
Possibilistic Similarity based Image Classification

In this study, an approach for image classification based on possibilistic similarity is proposed. This approach, due to the use of possibilistic concepts, enables an important flexibility to integrate both contextual information and a priori knowledge. Possibility distributions are, first, obtained using a priori knowledge given in the form of learning areas delimitated by an expert. These areas serve for the estimation of the probability density functions of different thematic classes. The resulting probability density functions are then transformed into possibility distributions using Dubois-Prade's probability-possibility transformation. Several measures of similarity between classes were tested in order to improve the discrimination between classes. The classification is then performed based on the principle of possibilistic similarity. Synthetic and real images are used in order to evaluate the performances of the proposed model.
On convergence rate of a continuous-time distributed self-appraisal model with time-varying relative interaction matrices

This paper studies a recently proposed continuous-time distributed self-appraisal model with time-varying interactions among a network of n individuals which are characterized by a sequence of time-varying relative interaction matrices. The model describes the evolution of the social-confidence levels of the individuals via a reflected appraisal mechanism in real time. We show that when the relative interaction matrices are doubly stochastic, the n individuals' self-confidence levels will all converge to 1/n, which indicates a democratic state, exponentially fast under appropriate assumptions, and provide an explicit expression for the convergence rate. Numerical examples are provided to verify the theoretical results and to show that when the relative interaction matrices are stochastic (not doubly stochastic), the social-confidence levels of the individuals may not converge to a steady state.
A miniaturized evanescent mode HMSIW humidity sensor

A passive evanescent mode half-mode substrate integrated waveguide (HMSIW) resonator loaded with a complementary split ring resonator (CSRR) is designed and fabricated for humidity sensing applications. The use of the CSRR which is etched on the top plane of the HMSIW can significantly reduce the size of the device. Without any sensing material, the sensor which has a compact size of 5.8 mm×5.8 mm can provide high humidity sensitivity up to 5.82 MHz/%RH at high relative humidity (RH) region (>84.3%). The results indicate that the proposed structure is a promising candidate for radio and microwave humidity sensing applications.
Noninvasive indicators of atherosclerosis in subclinical hypothyroidism

Introduction: Cardiovascular system is rich in thyroid hormone receptors and is one of the major sites of action for thyroid hormones. However, the effect of subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) on atherosclerosis has not been cleared yet. Materials and Methods: SCH is defined as high thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels in the presence of normal serum T4 and T3 levels. A total of 32 patients with SCH and 29 controls were included in the study. Carotid intima-media thickness, flow-mediated dilatation, and aortic distensibility were compared between the groups. Results: FMD was lower in patients with SCH than in controls. GTN-induced vasodilatation was similar in the patients with SCH and controls. There was no statistically significant difference between the patients with SCH and controls with respect to CIMT and aortic distensibility. Conclusion: SCH is associated with endothelial dysfunction as established by FMD. Inconsistent results of CIMT and aortic stiffness can be explained by these parameters being measures of structural changes whereas FMD is a dynamic measure that reflects the impact of both acute and chronic influences on endothelial function.
Qualitative and quantitative feedback following workshop training in evidence-based practices: A dissemination study.

To date more than a thousand clinical trials of addiction treatments have been published. As a result of the progress in the development and validation of treatments for addiction, we have more science based answers than ever to the question of “what works” for those struggling with an addiction. However, there is no single best treatment for substance use disorders; instead, there is a range of treatments that have evidence of efficacy. Behavioral therapies including contingency management (Petry, Martin et al., 2000), behavioral marital counseling (Powers, Vedel et al. 2008), motivational interviewing and modifications of motivational interviewing, (Hettema, Steele, & Miller, 2005) cognitive behavioral therapy (Carroll, Galanter et al. 2008) and the community reinforcement approach (Miller, Meyers et al., 1999) are among these evidence-based practices (EBP) that have demonstrated efficacy across diverse populations and substances.
Ciprofloxacin HCl-loaded calcium carbonate nanoparticles: preparation, solid state characterization, and evaluation of antimicrobial effect against Staphylococcus aureus

Abstract Ciprofloxacin HCl-loaded calcium carbonate (CaCO3) nanoparticles were prepared via a w/o microemulsion method and characterized by dynamic light scattering, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) analysis, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The in vitro drug release profiles as well as antimicrobial effect against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) were also evaluated. The antibacterial effect was studied using serial dilution technique to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the nanoparticles and was confirmed by streak cultures. The mean particle size, drug loading and entrapment efficiency were calculated to be 116.09 nm, 20.49% and 44.05%, respectively. PXRD and FTIR studies confirmed that both vaterite and calcite polymorphs of CaCO3 were formed during the preparation process. In vitro release profiles of the nanoparticles showed slow release pattern for 12 h. The drug-loaded nanoparticles showed similar MICs against S. aureus compared to untreated drug. However, a preserved antimicrobial effect was observed for drug-loaded nanoparticles compared to untreated drug after 2 days of incubation.
Cooperation and information replication in wireless networks

A significant portion of today's network traffic is due to recurring downloads of a few popular contents. It has been observed that replicating the latter in caches installed at network edges—close to users—can drastically reduce network bandwidth usage and improve content access delay. Such caching architectures are gaining increasing interest in recent years as a way of dealing with the explosive traffic growth, fuelled further by the downward slope in storage space price. In this work, we provide an overview of caching with a particular emphasis on emerging network architectures that enable caching at the radio access network. In this context, novel challenges arise due to the broadcast nature of the wireless medium, which allows simultaneously serving multiple users tuned into a multicast stream, and the mobility of the users who may be frequently handed off from one cell tower to another. Existing results indicate that caching at the wireless edge has a great potential in removing bottlenecks on the wired backbone networks. Taking into consideration the schedule of multicast service and mobility profiles is crucial to extract maximum benefit in network performance.
Properties of deterministic top down grammars

The class of context free grammars that can be deterministically parsed in a top down manner with a fixed amount of look-ahead is investigated. These grammars, called LL(k) grammars where k is the amount of look-ahead are first defined and a procedure is given for determining if a context free grammar is LL(k) for a given value of k. It is shown that &egr;-rules can be eliminated from an LL(k) grammar, at the cost of increasing the value of k by one, and a description is given of a canonical pushdown machine for recognizing LL(k) languages. It is shown that for each value of k there are LL(k+l) languages that are not LL(k) languages. It is shown that the equivalence problem is decidable for LL(k) grammars. Additional properties are also given.
To the Point: A Shortcut to Essential Learning

The volume of information on the Web is constantly growing. Consequently, finding specific pieces of information becomes a harder task. Wikipedia, the largest online reference Website is beginning to witness this phenomenon. Learners often turn to Wikipedia in order to learn facts regarding different subjects. However, as time passes, Wikipedia articles get larger and specific information gets more difficult to be located. In this work, we propose an automatic annotation method that is able to precisely assign categories to any textual resource. Our approach relies on semantic enhanced annotations and Wikipedia's categorization schema. The results of a user study shows that our proposed method provides solid results for classifying text and provides a useful support for locating information. As implication, our research will help future learners to easily identify desired learning topics of interest in large textual resources.
Chronic Myelomonocytic Leukaemia

Summary. The natural history and haematological features of 18 patients with a chronic form of myelomonocytic leukaemia are described. The majority were elderly and, in this series, females predominated. Haematological prodomata, such as unexplained monocytosis, leucopenia, or thrombocytopenia were common, and the clinical onset was insidious. Splenomegaly was variable but tended to increase as the disease progressed.
No sex difference in body fat in response to supervised and measured exercise.

UNLABELLED It is often reported that females lose less body weight than males do in response to exercise. These differences are suggested to be a result of females exhibiting a stronger defense of body fat and a greater compensatory appetite response to exercise than males do. PURPOSE This study aimed to compare the effect of a 12-wk supervised exercise program on body weight, body composition, appetite, and energy intake in males and females. METHODS A total of 107 overweight and obese adults (males = 35, premenopausal females = 72, BMI = 31.4 ± 4.2 kg·m(-2), age = 40.9 ± 9.2 yr) completed a supervised 12-wk exercise program expending approximately 10.5 MJ·wk(-1) at 70% HRmax. Body composition, energy intake, appetite ratings, RMR, and cardiovascular fitness were measured at weeks 0 and 12. RESULTS The 12-wk exercise program led to significant reductions in body mass (males [M] = -3.03 ± 3.4 kg and females [F] = -2.28 ± 3.1 kg), fat mass (M = -3.14 ± 3.7 kg and F = -3.01 ± 3.0 kg), and percent body fat (M = -2.45% ± 3.3% and F = -2.45% ± 2.2%; all P < 0.0001), but there were no sex-based differences (P > 0.05). There were no significant changes in daily energy intake in males or females after the exercise intervention compared with baseline (M = 199.2 ± 2418.1 kJ and F = -131.6 ± 1912.0 kJ, P > 0.05). Fasting hunger levels significantly increased after the intervention compared with baseline values (M = 11.0 ± 21.1 min and F = 14.0 ± 22.9 mm, P < 0.0001), but there were no differences between males and females (P > 0.05). The exercise also improved satiety responses to an individualized fixed-energy breakfast (P < 0.0001). This was comparable in males and females. CONCLUSIONS Males and premenopausal females did not differ in their response to a 12-wk exercise intervention and achieved similar reductions in body fat. When exercise interventions are supervised and energy expenditure is controlled, there are no sex-based differences in the measured compensatory response to exercise.
Technical note: a pressure-sensitive sensor for measuring the characteristics of standing mounts of cattle.

A pressure-sensitive sensor that reacts to pressure by changing its electrical resistance was used to measure the characteristics of standing mounts of estrous cattle. While an estrous heifer fitted with a sensor on the rump was standing when mounted by a bull (i.e., during a standing mount), the sensor reacted to the addition and removal of pressure against it by the bull. The times of electric contact signals produced by these pressure changes were recorded to pinpoint the time of the mounted response and the duration of the mount. To detect the characteristics of standing mounts accurately, three types of sensors with different sensitivities and various positions on the rump of heifers were examined. When 13.5-cm sensors that operated with a pressure of 1,000 g/cm2 were fitted on the line combining the highest points of the left and right hip bones toward the tail, or 6.5 cm behind this position, on the rump of heifers (200 to 225 kg), mounts by vasectomized bulls (278 to 556 kg) were accurately recorded with the sensors more than 85% of the time. However, the correlation between the observed and automatically recorded lengths of mounting varied with combinations of the mounted and mounting animals or with locations of the sensor (r = .19 to .86). The pressure-sensitive sensor proved to be a promising device for continuously measuring the characteristics of standing mounts, especially the exact time at which a mount occurs.
Appropriation of Mobile Cultural Resources for Learning

This article proposes appropriation as the key for the recognition of mobile devices-as well as the artefacts accessed through, and produced with them-as cultural resources across different cultural practices of use, in everyday life and formal education. The article analyses the interrelationship of users of mobile devices with the structures, agency and practices of, and in relation to what the authors call the "mobile complex". Two examples are presented and some curricular options for the assimilation of mobile devices into settings of formal learning are discussed. Also, a typology of appropriation is presented that serves as an explanatory, analytical frame and starting point for a discussion about attendant issues.
Biodistribution of PLGA and PLGA/chitosan nanoparticles after repeat-dose oral delivery in F344 rats for 7 days.

AIM To quantify in vivo the biodistribution of poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA) and PLGA/chitosan nanoparticles (PLGA/Chi NPs) and assess if the positive charge of chitosan significantly enhances nanoparticle absorption in the GI tract. MATERIAL & METHODS PLGA and PLGA/Chi NPs covalently linked to tetramethylrhodamine-5-isothiocyanate (TRITC) were orally administered to F344 rats for 7 days, and the biodistribution of fluorescent NPs was analyzed in different organs. RESULTS The highest amount of particles (% total dose/g) was detected for both treatments in the spleen, followed by intestine and kidney, and then by liver, lung, heart and brain, with no significant difference between PLGA and PLGA/Chi NPs. CONCLUSION Only a small percentage of orally delivered NPs was detected in the analyzed organs. The positive charge conferred by chitosan was not sufficient to improve the absorption of the PLGA/Chi NPs over that of PLGA NPs.
The Arabidopsis CPSF30-L gene plays an essential role in nitrate signaling and regulates the nitrate transceptor gene NRT1.1.

Plants have evolved sophisticated mechanisms to adapt to fluctuating environmental nitrogen availability. However, more underlying genes regulating the response to nitrate have yet to be characterized. We report here the identification of a nitrate regulatory mutant whose mutation mapped to the Cleavage and Polyadenylation Specificity Factor 30 gene (CPSF30-L). In the mutant, induction of nitrate-responsive genes was inhibited independent of the ammonium conditions and was restored by expression of the wild-type 65 kDa encoded by CPSF30-L. Molecular and genetic evidence suggests that CPSF30-L works upstream of NRT1.1 and independently of NLP7 in response to nitrate. Analysis of the 3'-UTR of NRT1.1 showed that the pattern of polyadenylation sites was altered in the cpsf30 mutant. Transcriptome analysis revealed that four nitrogen-related clusters were enriched in the differentially expressed genes of the cpsf30 mutant. Nitrate uptake was decreased in the mutant along with reduced expression of the nitrate transporter/sensor gene NRT1.1, while nitrate reduction and amino acid content were enhanced in roots along with increased expression of several nitrate assimilatory genes. These findings indicate that the 65 kDa protein encoded by CPSF30-L mediates nitrate signaling in part by regulating NRT1.1 expression, thus adding an important component to the nitrate signaling network.
VAD or VMBCP in multiple myeloma refractory to or relapsing after cyclophosphamide–prednisone therapy (protocol MY 85)

263 patients (median age 65±10 years) with multiple myeloma were treated with cyclophosphamide– prednisone. Out of this cohort, 103 patients had progressive disease and were randomly assigned to either VAD (vincristine, doxorubicin, dexamethasone; 50 cases) or VMBCP (vincristine, BCNU, cyclophosphamide, melphalan and prednisone; 53 cases). There were no statistical differences between the two groups with the respect to clinical, biological and radiological parameters.
Ras signaling modulates activity of the ecdysone receptor EcR during cell migration in the drosophila ovary

Ecdysone Receptor (EcR) mediates effects of the hormone ecdysone during larval molts, pupal metamorphosis, and adult female oogenesis. In the ovary, egg chamber formation requires interactions between the somatic follicle cell (FC) epithelium and the germ line nurse cell/oocyte cyst. Previous work has shown EcR is required in the germ line for egg chamber maturation, and here we examine EcR requirements in the FC at late stages of oogenesis. EcR protein is ubiquitous in the FC but its activity is restricted, visualized by activity of the “ligand sensor” hs‐GAL4‐EcR ligand binding domain fusion and EcRE‐lacZ reporter gene expression. GAL4‐EcR is activated in the FC by an ecdysone agonist and repressed by tissue‐specific Ras GTPase signals. To determine the significance of restricted sites of EcR activity in the FC, we used targeted misexpression of the dominant negative EcR (EcR‐DN) molecules EcRF645A and EcRW650A. EcR‐DN expression at stage 10 reduced EcRE‐lacZ expression in the nurse cell FC and resulted in abnormal FC migrations, including aberrant centripetal migration and dorsal appendage tube formation, leading to the formation of cup‐shaped eggs with shortened, branched dorsal appendages at stage 14. Clones of FC expressing EcR‐DN displayed cell‐autonomous increases in DE‐cadherin expression and abnormal epithelial junction formation. EcR‐DN expression caused thin eggshell phenotypes that correlated with both reduced levels of chorion gene expression and reduction in chorion gene amplification. Our results indicate that tissue‐specific modulation of EcR activity by the Ras signaling pathway refines temporal ecdysone signals that regulate FC differentiation and cadherin‐mediated epithelial cell shape changes. Developmental Dynamics 236:1213–1226, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The microbiome and regulation of mucosal immunity

The gastrointestinal tract is a mucosal surface constantly exposed to foreign antigens and microbes, and is protected by a vast array of immunologically active structures and cells. Epithelial cells directly participate in immunological surveillance and direction of host responses in the gut and can express numerous pattern recognition receptors, including Toll‐like receptor 5 (TLR5), TLR1, TLR2, TLR3, TLR9, and nucleotide oligomerization domain 2, as well as produce chemotactic factors for both myeloid and lymphoid cells following inflammatory stimulation. Within the epithelium and in the underlying lamina propria resides a population of innate lymphoid cells that, following stimulation, can become activated and produce effector cytokines and exert both protective and pathogenic roles during inflammation. Lamina propria dendritic cells play a large role in determining whether the response to a particular antigen will be inflammatory or anti‐inflammatory. It is becoming clear that the composition and metabolic activity of the intestinal microbiome, as a whole community, exerts a profound influence on mucosal immune regulation. The microbiome produces short‐chain fatty acids, polysaccharide A, α‐galactosylceramide and tryptophan metabolites, which can induce interleukin‐22, Reg3γ, IgA and interleukin‐17 responses. However, much of what is known about microbiome–host immune interactions has come from the study of single bacterial members of the gastrointestinal microbiome and their impact on intestinal mucosal immunity. Additionally, evidence continues to accumulate that alterations of the intestinal microbiome can impact not only gastrointestinal immunity but also immune regulation at distal mucosal sites.