Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Identified postnatal mesolimbic dopamine neurons in culture: morphology and electrophysiology

To examine the intrinsic properties of postnatal mesolimbic dopamine (DA) neurons, we dissociated the ventral tegmental area (VTA) from postnatal rats, enriched for DA neurons by microdissection or gradient purification, and grew the cells in culture. In these cultures, up to 50% of neurons were dopaminergic. DA neurons resembled their in vivo counterparts in soma shapes, and in showing two levels of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) expression, axodendritic differentiation, two sizes of synaptic vesicles, nest-like synaptic arrangements with non-DA cells, and synaptic specializations. Electrophysiologically, however, they could not be distinguished from non-DA cells, which could be consistent with heterogeneity in cell properties. To examine a functional subset of VTA DA neurons, we retrogradely labeled VTA neurons projecting to the nucleus accumbens. These mesoaccumbens neurons were 86% TH positive, 56% cholecystokinin positive, and 0% neurotensin positive; they also displayed the soma shapes characteristic of DA neurons more generally and two levels of TH expression. Like their in vivo counterparts, mesoaccumbens cells generally fired single broad spikes that were triggered by slow depolarizations and had robust spike afterhyperpolarizations, low- and high-threshold Ca2+ spikes, rapid accommodation of firing, time-dependent anomalous rectification, and hyperpolarizing autoreceptor responses. Strikingly, the expression of these active properties did not change with time in culture. Mesoaccumbens DA cells could be identified by a distinctive subset of properties that made up an electrophysiological signature; however, unlike their in vivo counterparts, they were less often spontaneously active and never fired in bursts. These results suggest that most DA cell properties are intrinsic to the cells, including a significant heterogeneity that is maintained in postnatal culture; their level and mode of activity, however, appear to require afferent input. Culturing identified postnatal VTA DA neurons now makes possible examination of the impact of their individual properties on synaptic function.
Increasing the evidence base for selection for undergraduate medicine: four case studies investigating process and interim outcomes

Introduction Prior to 1997, the University of Adelaide, Australia selected medical students according to matriculation marks alone. After extensive consultation with relevant stakeholders and examination of empirical evidence, the selection process is now based on a national written examination of reasoning and interaction skills, a structured oral assessment and a threshold matriculation score. This paper presents a series of 4 case studies examining the process related to the procedure and early interim outcomes, with the aim of adding to the evidence base for methods of medical student selection.
Current approaches to model extracellular electrical neural microstimulation

Nowadays, high-density microelectrode arrays provide unprecedented possibilities to precisely activate spatially well-controlled central nervous system (CNS) areas. However, this requires optimizing stimulating devices, which in turn requires a good understanding of the effects of microstimulation on cells and tissues. In this context, modeling approaches provide flexible ways to predict the outcome of electrical stimulation in terms of CNS activation. In this paper, we present state-of-the-art modeling methods with sufficient details to allow the reader to rapidly build numerical models of neuronal extracellular microstimulation. These include (1) the computation of the electrical potential field created by the stimulation in the tissue, and (2) the response of a target neuron to this field. Two main approaches are described: First we describe the classical hybrid approach that combines the finite element modeling of the potential field with the calculation of the neuron's response in a cable equation framework (compartmentalized neuron models). Then, we present a “whole finite element” approach allowing the simultaneous calculation of the extracellular and intracellular potentials, by representing the neuronal membrane with a thin-film approximation. This approach was previously introduced in the frame of neural recording, but has never been implemented to determine the effect of extracellular stimulation on the neural response at a sub-compartment level. Here, we show on an example that the latter modeling scheme can reveal important sub-compartment behavior of the neural membrane that cannot be resolved using the hybrid approach. The goal of this paper is also to describe in detail the practical implementation of these methods to allow the reader to easily build new models using standard software packages. These modeling paradigms, depending on the situation, should help build more efficient high-density neural prostheses for CNS rehabilitation.
Learning Activity-Based Ground Models from a Moving Helicopter Platform

We present a method for learning activity-based ground models based on a multiple particle filter approach to motion tracking in video acquired from a moving aerial platform. Such models offer a number of potential benefits. In this paper we demonstrate the ability of activity-based models to improve the performance of an object motion tracker as well as their applicability to global registration of video sequences.
Hidden Markov Models as a Process Monitor in Robotic Assembly

A process monitor for robotic assembly based on hidden Markov models (HMMs) is presented. The HMM process monitor is based on the dynamic force/torque signals arising from interaction be tween the workpiece and the environment. The HMMs represent a stochastic, knowledge-based system in which the models are trained off-line with the Baum-Welch reestimation algorithm. The assem bly task is modeled as a discrete event dynamic system in which a discrete event is defined as a change in contact state between the workpiece and the environment. Our method (1) allows for dynamic motions of the workpiece, (2) accounts for sensor noise andfriction, and (3) exploits the fact that the amount of force information is large when there is a sudden change of discrete state in robotic assembly. After the HMMs have been trained, the authors use them on-line in a 2D experimental setup to recognize discrete events as they occur. Successful event recognition with an accuracy as high as 97% was achieved in 0.5-0.6 s with a training set size of only 20 examples for each discrete event.
The New Visibility of Slaughter in Popular Gastronomy

Animal slaughter has recently become highly visible in popular food media. This thesis interrogates the myths, assumptions and ideologies underlying this so-called New Carnivore movement, through critical analysis of a range of popular gastronomic texts. Socially-constructed ideas about ‘reality’, ‘sentimentality’, ‘sacrifice’, and ‘redemption’ are intimately implicated in the process of animal slaughter, as are the notions of ‘good taste’ and social distinction. The domination of animals, demonstrated through the slaughter, butchery, and consumption of nonhuman bodies, is held to be an integral component in the performance of gender, as well as a means of reconnecting, via a kind of secular epiphany, with ‘Nature’ at its most authentic. As a hostile backlash against the social progress made by the animal advocacy and vegetarian movements, New Carnivorism denigrates vegetarianism and veganism as outdated, unfashionable, unnatural, puritanical and rude. Although these texts’ potential to inspire farmed animal welfare reform should not be ignored, New Carnivorism ultimately serves to naturalize, justify and promote the continued consumption of meat, and the continued exploitation of nonhuman animals, in Western societies. The New Visibility of Slaughter in Popular Gastronomy 4
Identification of Gene-Specific Polymorphisms and Association with Capsaicin Pathway Metabolites in Capsicum annuum L. Collections

Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) is an economically important crop with added nutritional value. Production of capsaicin is an important quantitative trait with high environmental variance, so the development of markers regulating capsaicinoid accumulation is important for pepper breeding programs. In this study, we performed association mapping at the gene level to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with capsaicin pathway metabolites in a diverse Capsicum annuum collection during two seasons. The genes Pun1, CCR, KAS and HCT were sequenced and matched with the whole-genome sequence draft of pepper to identify SNP locations and for further characterization. The identified SNPs for each gene underwent candidate gene association mapping. Association mapping results revealed Pun1 as a key regulator of major metabolites in the capsaicin pathway mainly affecting capsaicinoids and precursors for acyl moieties of capsaicinoids. Six different SNPs in the promoter sequence of Pun1 were found associated with capsaicin in plants from both seasons. Our results support that CCR is an important control point for the flux of p-coumaric acid to specific biosynthesis pathways. KAS was found to regulate the major precursors for acyl moieties of capsaicinoids and may play a key role in capsaicinoid production. Candidate gene association mapping of Pun1 suggested that the accumulation of capsaicinoids depends on the expression of Pun1, as revealed by the most important associated SNPs found in the promoter region of Pun1.
Face recognition using Support Vector Machine and multiscale directional image representation methods: A comparative study

In recent years, human identification based on face recognition has attracted the attention of the scientific community and the general public due to its wide range of applications. A face recognition system involves three important phases: face detection, feature extraction and classification (identification and/or verification). The robustness of face recognition could be improved by treating the variations in these stages. One of the main issues in design of face recognition system is how to extract discriminative facial features. A precise extraction of a representative feature set will improve the performance of a face recognition system. Various techniques have been used to represent images efficiently, of which the most well-known and widely applied are Wavelet, Contourlet, Shearlet and Curvelet Transform. Their ability to capture localized time-frequency information of image motivates their use for feature extraction. In this paper, we conduct a systematic empirical study on these transforms as feature extractors from face images. To further reduce the feature dimensionality, we adopt Principal Component Analysis and Linear Discriminant Analysis to select the most discriminative feature sets. The performance levels delivered by each transform are contrasted in terms of the accuracy measure computed over the outputs generated by the Support Vector Machine classifier (SVM). Experimental results conducted on a publicly available database are reported whereby we observe that the Curvelet Transform followed by the Wavelet Transform significantly outperform the others according to accuracy measure calculated over the SVM classifier.
Pulse Field Emission Characteristics of Vertical Few-Layer Graphene Cold Cathode

Vertical few-layer graphene (FLG) is an excellent field emission material, with an atomically thin edge and a 2-D heat dissipation area. A pulse voltage driving operation was used to achieve a high field emission current. The pulsewidth and duty ratio affected the field emission characteristics of the FLG due to the current heating effect. The optimal pulse parameters were obtained. A maximum current of 32 mA in 3-μs pulsing operation was achieved from a 5-mm diameter FLG film, which was 10 times greater than the maximum current achieved in continuous current operation. The current fluctuation was 4.1%. A method for further increasing the emission current is proposed.
Isolation of Chandipura virus (Vesiculovirus: Rhabdoviridae) from Sergentomyia species of sandflies from Nagpur, Maharashtra, India

Background & objectives: An outbreak of acute encephalitis syndrome was reported from Vidarbha region of Maharashtra State, India, during July 2012. Anti-IgM antibodies against Chandipura virus (CHPV) were detected in clinical samples. Sandfly collections were done to determine their role in CHPV transmission. Methods: Twenty nine pools of Sergentomyia spp. comprising 625 specimens were processed for virus isolation in Vero E6 cell line. Diagnostic RT-PCR targeting N-gene was carried out with the sample that showed cytopathic effects (CPE). The PCR product was sequenced, analysed and the sequences were deposited in Genbank database. Results: CPE in Vero E6 cell line infected with three pools was detected at 48 h post infection. However, virus could be isolated only from one pool. RT-PCR studies demonstrated 527 nucleotide product that confirmed the agent as CHPV. Sequence analysis of the new isolate showed difference in 10-12 nucleotides in comparison to earlier isolates. Interpretation & conclusions: This is perhaps the first isolation of CHPV from Sergentomyia spp. in India and virus isolation during transmission season suggests their probable role in CHPV transmission. Further studies need to be done to confirm the precise role of Sargentomyia spp. in CHPV transmission.
Collagen Type I Conduits for the Regeneration of Nerve Defects

To date, reliable data to support the general use of biodegradable materials for bridging nerve defects are still scarce. We present the outcome of nerve regeneration following type I collagen conduit nerve repair in patients with large-diameter nerve gaps. Ten patients underwent nerve repair using a type I collagen nerve conduit. Patients were re-examined at a minimal follow-up of 14.0 months and a mean follow-up of 19.9 months. Regeneration of nerve tissue within the conduits was assessed by nerve conduction velocity (NCV), a static two-point discrimination (S2PD) test, and as disability of arm shoulder and hand (DASH) outcome measure scoring. Quality of life measures including patients’ perceived satisfaction and residual pain were evaluated using a visual analog scale (VAS). No implant-related complications were observed. Seven out of 10 patients reported being free of pain, and the mean VAS was 1.1. The mean DASH score was 17.0. The S2PD was below 6 mm in 40%, between 6 and 10 mm in another 40% and above 10 mm in 20% of the patients. Eight out of 10 patients were satisfied with the procedure and would undergo surgery again. Early treatment correlated with lower DASH score levels. The use of type I collagen in large-diameter gaps in young patients and early treatment presented superior functional outcomes.
Simple and efficient threshold cryptosystem from the Gap Diffie-Hellman group

In this paper, we construct a new threshold cryptosystem from the Gap Diffie-Hellman (GDH) group. The proposed scheme enjoys all the most important properties that a robust and practical threshold cryptosystem should possess, that is, it is noninteractive, computationally efficient and provably secure against adaptive chosen ciphertext attacks. In addition, thanks to the elegant structure of the GDH group, the proposed threshold cryptosystem has shorter decryption shares as well as ciphertexts when compared with other schemes proposed in the literature.
Chemoattractant-mediated increases in cGMP induce changes in Dictyostelium myosin II heavy chain-specific protein kinase C activities

Myosin II heavy chain (MHC)-specific protein kinase C (MHC-PKC) isolated from the ameba, Dictyostelium discoideum, regulates myosin II assembly and localization in response to the chemoattractant cAMP (Abu- Elneel et al. 1996. J. Biol. Chem. 271:977- 984). Recent studies have indicated that cAMP-induced cGMP accumulation plays a role in the regulation of myosin II phosphorylation and localization (Liu, G., and P. Newell. 1991. J. Cell. Sci. 98: 483-490). This report describes the roles of cAMP and cGMP in the regulation of MHC-PKC membrane association, phosphorylation, and activity (hereafter termed MHC-PKC activities). cAMP stimulation of Dictyostelium cells resulted in translocation of MHC-PKC from the cytosol to the membrane fraction, as well as increasing in MHC-PKC phosphorylation and in its kinase activity. We present evidence that MHC is phosphorylated by MHC-PKC in the cell cortex which leads to myosin II dissociation from the cytoskeleton. Use of Dictyostelium mutants that exhibit aberrant cAMP- induced increases in cGMP accumulation revealed that MHC-PKC activities are regulated by cGMP. Dictyostelium streamer F mutant (stmF), which produces a prolonged peak of cGMP accumulation upon cAMP stimulation, exhibits prolonged increases in MHC-PKC activities. In contrast, Dictyostelium KI-10 mutant that lacks the normal cAMP-induced cGMP response, or KI-4 mutant that shows nearly normal cAMP-induced cGMP response but has aberrant cGMP binding activity, show no changes in MHC- PKC activities. We provide evidence that cGMP may affect MHC-PKC activities via the activation of cGMP-dependent protein kinase which, in turn, phosphorylates MHC-PKC. The results presented here indicate that cAMP-induced cGMP accumulation regulates myosin II phosphorylation and localization via the regulation of MHC-PKC.
Polygonization of multi-component non-manifold implicit surfaces through a symbolic-numerical continuation algorithm

In computer graphics, most algorithms for sampling implicit surfaces use a 2-points numerical method. If the surface-describing function evaluates positive at the first point and negative at the second one, we can say that the surface is located somewhere between them. Surfaces detected this way are called sign-variant implicit surfaces. However, 2-points numerical methods may fail to detect and sample the surface because the functions of many implicit surfaces evaluate either positive or negative everywhere around them. These surfaces are here called sign-invariant implicit surfaces. In this paper, instead of using a 2-points numerical method, we use a 1-point numerical method to guarantee that our algorithm detects and samples both sign-variant and sign-invariant surface components or branches correctly. This algorithm follows a continuation approach to tessellate implicit surfaces, so that it applies symbolic factorization to decompose the function expression into symbolic components, sampling then each symbolic function component separately. This ensures that our algorithm detects, samples, and triangulates most components of implicit surfaces.
One-Year-Old Infants Appreciate the Referential Nature of Deictic Gestures and Words

One-year-old infants have a small receptive vocabulary and follow deictic gestures, but it is still debated whether they appreciate the referential nature of these signals. Demonstrating understanding of the complementary roles of symbolic (word) and indexical (pointing) reference provides evidence of referential interpretation of communicative signals. We presented 13-month-old infants with video sequences of an actress indicating the position of a hidden object while naming it. The infants looked longer when the named object was revealed not at the location indicated by the actress's gestures, but on the opposite side of the display. This finding suggests that infants expect that concurrently occurring communicative signals co-refer to the same object. Another group of infants, who were shown video sequences in which the naming and the deictic cues were provided concurrently but by two different people, displayed no evidence of expectation of co-reference. These findings suggest that a single communicative source, and not simply co-occurrence, is required for mapping the two signals onto each other. By 13 months of age, infants appreciate the referential nature of words and deictic gestures alike.
(–)–Epicatechin combined with 8 weeks of treadmill exercise is associated with increased angiogenic and mitochondrial signaling in mice

The purpose of this study was to conduct an 8 week endurance training program with and without (–)–epicatechin treatment and to determine whether there is a possible cumulative effect on protein markers of angiogenesis and mitochondrial biogenesis. Thirty-four 14-month old male mice (C57BL/6N) were randomized into four groups: control (C); (–)–epicatechin only ((–)–Epi); control with endurance training (CE); and (–)–epicatechin with endurance training ((–)–Epi-Ex). Mice in the training groups performed treadmill exercise for 8 weeks (5 × /week for 60 min/session), whereas mice in the (–)–epicatechin group received 1.0 mg/kg of body mass twice daily during the training period. At 8 weeks, distance ran on the treadmill increased by 46, 69, and 84% in the (–)–Epi, CE, and (–)–Epi-Ex groups, respectively compared to the control group (p < 0.001 for all comparisons). Furthermore, the (–)–Epi-Ex group had significantly higher exercise capacity than the (–)–Epi and CE group. For angiogenic regulators, the (–)–Epi-Ex group had significantly higher VEGF-R2 protein expression with a concomitant reduction in TSP-1 protein expression than the exercise group. Interestingly, FoxO1 protein expression was significantly reduced for all three experimental groups compared to the control group. Protein markers such as PGC-1β and TFAM were significantly higher in the (–)–Epi-Ex group compared to the three other groups. These findings suggest that (–)–epicatechin treatment combined with 8 weeks of endurance training provide a cumulative effect on a number of angiogenic and mitochondrial signaling which functionally translates to enhanced exercise tolerance.