Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The impact of prenatal alcohol exposure on hippocampal-dependent outcome measures is influenced by prenatal and early-life rearing conditions.

BACKGROUND The clinical course of individuals exposed to alcohol in utero is influenced by multiple factors, including the social environments of the gravid female and offspring. In the present studies we focused on the effects of prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) and the prenatal and early-life social environments on the hippocampal formation, as impaired development and functioning of this brain region have been implicated in several of the adverse cognitive outcomes associated with PAE. METHODS We combined our PAE mouse model with 2 conditions of housing pregnant dams and their preweanling offspring: the standard nest (SN), in which a dam is individually housed prior to parturition and then remains isolated with her offspring, and the communal nest (CN), in which multiple dams are housed together prior to parturition and then following delivery the moms and their litters share a nest. Mouse dams consumed either 10% (w/v) ethanol in 0.066% (w/v) saccharin (SAC) or 0.066% (w/v) SAC alone using a limited (4-hour) access, drinking-in-the-dark paradigm. Immunoblotting techniques were used to measure levels of the glucocorticoid receptor (GR), 11-β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1, the FK506-binding proteins 51 and 52, and corticotropin-releasing hormone receptor type 1 in the hippocampal formation isolated from male adolescent offspring. We also determined the effect of PAE and rearing conditions on context discrimination, a hippocampal-dependent learning/memory task. RESULTS SN PAE offspring displayed impaired context discrimination and neurochemical changes in the hippocampal formation consistent with increased GR nuclear localization. These effects of PAE were, in general, ameliorated in mice reared in a CN. The CN also altered neurochemical measures and improved learning/memory in SAC control animals. CONCLUSIONS These studies demonstrate a complex interplay between the effects of PAE and social environments. The findings have important translational implications, as well as highlight the importance of considering rearing conditions in the interpretation of research findings on PAE.
Epidemiology of Overuse Injuries in Youth Team Sports: A 3-year Prospective Study

Abstract Prospective studies on overuse injuries and their impact on athletic training among youth team sports are scarce. The purpose of this study was to investigate the incidence, severity and player related risk factors of overuse injuries among young (12–20 years) basketball and floorball players. A total of 387 players participated in a 3-year prospective study. Each player completed a baseline questionnaire regarding their background information. Overuse injuries that prevented players to fully or partly participate in their regular training were collected. In all, 204 overuse injuries were registered (injury incidence 1.51 injuries/1 000 h of exposure; 95% CI 1.35–1.78). Most of the injuries involved the knee (35%) and lower back (21%), and were classified as severe (44%). Injury incidence was 1.51 (95% CI 1.2–1.82) and 1.61 (95% CI 1.32–1.91) in basketball and floorball, respectively. Incidence was significantly higher among female compared with male players (incidence rate ratio 1.58; 95% CI 1.20–2.09). Previous injury and playing at adult level were the strongest factors associated with occurrence of an overuse injury. In conclusion, overuse injuries of the knee and low back are relatively common in youth basketball and floorball. Effective prevention strategies as well as training load monitoring is needed in youth team sports.
Spectral unmixing through part-based non-negative constraint denoising autoencoder

Spectral unmixing is to decompose the hyperspectral data into endmembers and abundances. It has been known to be a challenging and ill-posed task due to the corruption of noise as well as complex environmental conditions. In this paper, we propose a part-based denoising autoencoder with unique structure that solves the unmixing challenges. The effective l21 norm and denoising constraints are applied on the network to better handle noise, while at the same time reducing the reconstruction error and redundant endmembers simultaneously. A back propagation optimization method powered with the Armijo rule is proposed to project the weights to the non-negativity space that guarantees the sum-to-one constraint. The experimental results demonstrate the proposed approach is able to outperform several state-of-the-art methods for highly noisy data.
Acupuncture inhibition of methamphetamine‐induced behaviors, dopamine release and hyperthermia in the nucleus accumbens: mediation of group II mGluR

Methamphetamine (METH) increases metabolic neuronal activity in the mesolimbic dopamine (DA) system and mediates the reinforcing effect. To explore the underlying mechanism of acupuncture intervention in reducing METH‐induced behaviors, we investigated the effect of acupuncture on locomotor activity, ultrasonic vocalizations, extracellular DA release in the nucleus accumbens (NAcs) using fast‐scan cyclic voltammetry and alterations of brain temperature (an indicator of local brain metabolic activity) produced by METH administration. When acupuncture was applied to HT7, but not TE4, both locomotor activity and 50‐kHz ultrasonic vocalizations were suppressed in METH‐treated rats. Acupuncture at HT7 attenuated the enhancement of electrically stimulated DA release in the NAc of METH‐treated rats. Systemic injection of METH produced a sustained increase in NAc temperature, which was reversed by the DA D1 receptor antagonist SCH 23390 or acupuncture at HT7. Acupuncture inhibition of METH‐induced NAc temperature was prevented by pre‐treatment with a group II metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluR2/3) antagonist EGLU into the NAc or mimicked by injection of an mGluR2/3 agonist DCG‐IV into the NAc. These results suggest that acupuncture reduces extracellular DA release and metabolic neuronal activity in the NAc through activation of mGluR2/3 and suppresses METH‐induced affective states and locomotor behavior.
The Relationship Between Teachers’ Beliefs and Observed Practices: The Voices of Two Head Start Teachers

This study examined Head Start teachers’ interactions with children in relation to teachers’ beliefs about decision making and roles in various classroom activities. The purposes of this study were to (a) document preschool teachers’ verbal interactions with children and (b) explore the relationship between teachers’ beliefs and their classroom practices. Participants were from two Head Start classrooms in East Tennessee, which included two teachers and 40 children ranging in age from 3-5 years. Approximately two hours of focal child observations were completed for each child over the course of 7 months. Observations captured teachers’ interactions with focal children. Two semistructured interviews with teachers were completed to gain insight into their beliefs and perceptions about their decision making and classroom roles. The qualitative findings indicate that both teachers’ held similar child-centered beliefs. The quantitative findings revealed specific observed practices that illuminated their reported personal beliefs. Implications for future research and practice include (a) the value of a focal-child and interview methodology for investigating the relationship of teachers’ beliefs and practice; and (b) the value of examining teachers’ personal-practical knowledge for understanding the linkages between teachers’ pedagogical and relational knowledge.
A note on functional equivalence between intertemporal and multisectoral investment adjustment costs

Kim (2003, JEDC 27, pp. 533-549) shows functional equivalence between intertemporal and multisectoral investment adjustments costs in a log-linearized RBC model. We provide two strategies to solve this equivalence. First, the equivalence does not hold when intertemporal adjustment costs are specified in growth rates rather than in levels. Second, the level specification can be identified with a second-order approximation of the model solution. We estimate the quadratic approximation using two extended Kalman filters within a Bayesian framework. Our estimation results confirm that both parameters are estimable in finite samples. Moreover, we provide further evidence on the stabilizing effect of pruning on the estimation algorithm.
Release from Quiescence of Primitive Human Hematopoietic Stem/Progenitor Cells by Blocking Their Cell‐Surface TGF‐β Type II Receptor in a Short‐Term In Vitro Assay

Genetic alterations of the signaling cascade of transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) are often associated with neoplastic transformation of primitive cells. This demonstrates the key role for this pleiotropic factor in the control of quiescence and cell proliferation in vivo. In the high proliferative potential‐quiescent cell (HPP‐Q) in vitro assay, the use of TGF‐β1 blocking antibodies (anti‐TGF‐β1) allows the detection within two to three weeks of primitive hematopoietic cells called HPP‐Q, which otherwise would not grow. However, the possibility of triggering cell proliferation by blocking the cell‐surface TGF‐β receptors has not been investigated until now. We have tested here the efficiency of a blocking antibody against TGF‐βRII (anti‐TGF‐βRII) on CD34+CD38− hematopoietic cells, a subpopulation enriched in primitive stem/progenitor cells, and compared its effect with that of anti‐TGF‐β1. About twice as many HPP colony‐forming cells were detected in the presence of anti‐TGF‐β1 or anti‐TGF‐βRII, compared to the control (p < 0.02). Moreover, anti‐TGF‐βRII was as efficient as anti‐TGF‐β1 for activating multipotent HPP‐granulocyte erythroid macrophage megakaryocyte and HPP‐Mix, bipotent HPP‐granulocyte‐macrophage (GM) and unipotent HPP‐G, HPP‐M and HPP‐BFU‐E. We therefore propose the use of anti‐TGF‐βRII to release primitive cells from quiescence in the HPP‐Q assay. This strategy could be extended to nonhematopoietic tissues, as TGF‐β1 may be a pleiotropic regulator of somatic stem cell quiescence.
Self-quenching, Forward-bias-reset for Single Photon Avalanche Detectors in 1.8V, 0.18µm process

We present a fully integrated, Single Photon Avalanche Detector (SPAD) using only standard low-voltage (1.8V) CMOS devices in a 0. 18µm process. The system requires one high-voltage AC signal which alternately reverse biases the SPADs into avalanche breakdown and then resets with a forward bias. The proposed self-quenching circuit intrinsically suppresses after-pulse effects, improving signal to noise ratio while still permitting fine time resolution. The required high-voltage AC signal can be generated by resonant structures and can be shared across arrays of SPADs.
PV module integrated LLC resonant converter with an extended input voltage range

This paper explores the integration of two control methods, variable frequency control and fixed frequency phase shifting control for the effective operation of LLC resonant converter over an extended voltage range that can exceed 2:1. The variable frequency method is used to regulate the output voltage while the input voltage is low to use the higher gain curve whereas the phase shifting method is used when the input voltage is higher. This dual mode control is designed in such a way that the primary switches will achieve zero voltage switching (ZVS) and secondary rectifiers will achieve zero current switching (ZCS) over the entire voltage range. Moreover, the conversion efficiency is also increased at light load condition with this proposed control. A soft transition has been achieved at transition point from one control method to other control method. To confirm the validity of this paper, an experimental prototype of 300W has been built and 98.1% peak efficiency has been achieved at nominal voltage at 50% load.
The effect of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus and porcine epidemic diarrhea virus challenge on growing pigs I: Growth performance and digestibility1

Abstract Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) and porcine epidemic diarrhea (PED) are two diseases costly to the U.S. swine industry. The objective of this study was to determine the impact of PRRS virus and PED virus, alone or in combination, on growth performance, feed efficiency, and digestibility in grower pigs. Forty-two gilts (16 ± 0.98 kg BW) naïve for PRRS and PED were selected and allocated to 1 of 4 treatments. Treatments included 1) a control, 2) PRRS virus infected, 3) PED virus infected, and 4) PRRS+PED coinfection (PRP). Pigs in treatments 2 and 4 were inoculated with a live field strain of PRRS virus via intramuscular and intranasal routes at 0 d after inoculation (dpi). Treatments 3 and 4 were orally inoculated with a cloned PED virus at 15 dpi. Infection with PRRS virus was confirmed by quantitative PCR and seroconversion. Infection with PED virus was confirmed with PCR. Control pigs remained PRRS and PED virus negative throughout the study. All pigs were offered, ad libitum, a standard diet with free access to water. During the test period, PRRS reduced ADG and ADFI by 30 and 26%, respectively (P < 0.05), compared with control pigs, whereas PRP decreased ADG, ADFI, and G:F by 45, 30, and 23%, respectively (P < 0.05). Additional reductions in ADG and G:F were detected in PRP pigs compared with singular PED or PRRS treatments (33 and 16%, respectively). The impact of PED, alone or in combination, on performance (15–21 dpi) reduced ADG (0.66 vs. 0.35 vs. 0.20 kg/d; P < 0.01), ADFI (1.22 vs. 0.88 vs. 0.67 kg/d; P = 0.003), and G:F (0.54 vs. 0.39 vs. 0.31; P = 0.001) compared with control pigs. Compared with control pigs, PRRS infection did not reduce apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of nutrients and energy. However, PED infection, alone or in combination, decreased ATTD of DM and energy by 8 and 12%, respectively (P < 0.05). Compared with control pigs, PRP reduced N and OM ATTD by 13 and 3%, respectively (P < 0.05). No significant differences in apparent ileal digestibility (AID) were detected between virus challenges. However, Lys AID tended to be reduced in both PED treatments compared with the control (10 and 12%; P = 0.095). Altogether, PRRS reduced growth but did not alter digestibility. Pigs challenged with PED and, to a greater extent, the coinfection of PED and PRRS viruses had reduced ADG, ADFI, G:F, and ATTD of nutrients and energy.
The effects of opportunity costs, supply chain logistics and carbon balances on advanced biofuel production

Changes in crop prices have encouraged farmers to consider alternatives, such as potential advanced bioenergy feedstocks, including energy beets. This paper employs an integrated biophysical, economic and GIS-based transportation model to examine the supply of beet-bioethanol from five sites in North Daktoa. The study finds that beet bioethanol could provide net benefits to farmers and ethanol producers in the state, under current market conditions, but only if the bioethanol plant site is carefully selected. More specifically, a 20,000,000 gallon ethanol plant in Valley City could have net returns of $436,049. This plant would acquire 760,000 tons of beets from around the plant site and further east toward the Red River Valley from 22,682 acres of cropland an average distance of 15.7 miles away. The average yield of the selected cropland is 33.5 tons/ac with average net farm returns of $26.09/acre above opportunity costs. Opportunity and transportation costs can substantially change the attractiveness of croplands for beet production. The current market opportunity presented by beet bioethanol at $1.50/gal ethanol is not particularly attractive, but as ethanol prices increase, this opportunity could become attractive at a number of sites throughout the state.
Exploring the intention of customers to use innovative digital content information technology

Differing from previous works, this study explores the critical factors affecting the intention of a customer while using innovative digital content information technology in a retail store. Based on the literature of Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), this study proposes to construct a test model and adopts structural equation modeling (SEM) to test the model. All data collected from 101 customers were used to evaluate the proposed model. Based on our test results, we found that all path relationships are significant in the hypothesized model. Thus, the results of this study strongly support feedback and operations interface simplification as factors that can affect intention to use innovative digital content information technology.
Specific requirements of sonic hedgehog signaling during oligodendrocyte development

Oligodendrocyte precursors (OLPs) in the developing spinal cord are generated from the same part of the ventral neuroepithelium as motor neurons, by inductive processes that include a temporal switch from neuronal to glial cell fate. Recent studies have implicated Shh as a key signal in the generation of both OLPs and ventral neurons. In this study, we used Shh−/−, Gli3−/−, and Shh−/−;Gli3−/− mutants to address the role of Shh signaling during oligodendrocyte development. We find that, in the absence of Gli3, Shh signaling is dispensable for the generation and maintenance of OLPs. However, Shh is required for OLPs to emerge at the appropriate developmental stages and for subsequent differentiation of OLPs into mature oligodendrocytes. The initial delay and reduction in OLP generation in Shh−/−;Gli3−/− mutants are accompanied by extended neurogenesis and persistent expression of Neurogenin 2 in the Olig2 progenitor domain, suggesting that Shh signaling influences the timing of neuron–glia fate switching. Thus, our studies suggest that Shh signaling plays multiple roles during development of oligodendrocytes. Developmental Dynamics 234:489–496, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
SURVEY THE EFFECTS OF INTELLECTUAL CAPITAL AND ABSORPTIVE CAPACITY ON INNOVATION CAPABILITY (CASE STUDY OF SAIPA COMPANY IN TEHRAN)

The purpose of this research is to describe the effects of intellectual capital (IC) and Absorptive Capacity (ACAP) on Innovation capability (INC). Through a comprehensive literature review constructs were developed. Structural equation modelling (SEM) used to test research hypotheses based on a sample of 160 top and middle managers of SAIPA Company in Tehran. The data collection instrument of this research was standard questionnaire. The reliability of this questionnaire was proved by Cronbach’s α. The results showed that IC have a significant effect on ACAP and innovation capability. Path coefficients of human capital (HC) and potential ACAP (0.40) showed that HC have a biggest impact on potential ACAP than organisational capital (OC) and social capital. Also path coefficients of OC and actualised ACAP (0.30) showed that OC have a biggest impact on actualised ACAP than HC and social capital. Finally, loading of product innovation (PR INV) was 0.50 and it showed that PR INV is the best variable and measurement for describing INC in SAIPA Company.
Ontogenetic changes in photoreceptor opsin gene expression in coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch, Walbaum)

SUMMARY Pacific salmonids start life in fresh water then migrate to the sea, after a metamorphic event called smoltification, later returning to their natal freshwater streams to spawn and die. To accommodate changes in visual environments throughout life history, salmon may adjust their spectral sensitivity. We investigated this possibility by examining ontogenetic and thyroid hormone (TH)-induced changes in visual pigments in coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch, Walbaum). Using microspectrophotometry, we measured the spectral absorbance (quantified by λmax) of rods, and middle and long wavelength-sensitive (MWS and LWS) cones in three age classes of coho, representing both freshwater and marine phases. Theλ max of MWS and LWS cones differed among freshwater (alevin and parr) and ocean (smolt) phases. The λmax of rods, on the other hand, did not vary, which is evidence that vitamin A1/A2 visual pigment chromophore ratios were similar among freshwater and ocean phases when sampled at the same time of year. Exogenous TH treatment long wavelength shifted the λmax of rods, consistent with an increase in A2. However, shifts in cones were greater than predicted for a change in chromophore ratio. Real-time quantitative RT-PCR demonstrated that at least two RH2 opsin subtypes were expressed in MWS cones, and these were differentially expressed among alevin, parr and TH-treated alevin groups. Combined with changes in A1/A2 ratio, differential expression of opsin subtypes allows coho to alter the spectral absorbance of their MWS and LWS cones by as much as 60 and 90 nm, respectively. To our knowledge, this is the largest spectral shift reported in a vertebrate photoreceptor.
Community structure of fishes inhabiting aquatic refuges in a threatened Karst wetland and its implications for ecosystem management

We illustrate the importance of subsurface refuges for conservation of aquatic fauna with our studies of karstic wetlands in Everglades National Park, Florida, USA. Managers have proposed that water levels there should not fall more than 46 cm below ground level for more than 90 days annually. In four areas, 84% of solution holes were less than 46 cm deep and holes deeper than 1m were rare (<3 km ). Null-model analysis indicated no ‘‘structure’’ in the solution-hole fish communities early in the dry season, but that structure emerged as drying progressed. Native cyprinodontiforms were abundant in shallow solution holes that dry annually under current management, while predatory species (often non-native) tended to dominate deeper holes. Water quality was correlated with hole volume and with composition of late dry-season fish communities. Tremendous losses of fish biomass occurred when water levels fell below 46 cm from ground surface. Most native taxa were unlikely to survive in the deep refuges that held predatory non-native taxa. # 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
New Molecular Approaches to Tissue Analysis

The completion of the Human Genome Project will produce new opportunities for analysis of genes and their products in human tissue. The emergence of new technologies will enable investigators to directly examine human tissues for gene deletion, transposition, and amplification. In addition, we will be able to assess the complete gene expression of a tissue by examining the mRNA species using microarray chips. The emerging technologies of laser capture microdissection and RNA amplification enables these procedures to be carried out on groups of a few hundred cells, which will facilitate the examination of heterogeneous lesions. Finally, the application of tissue arrays and the capability of obtaining protein sequences in samples of only a few femtomoles of protein using desorption mass spectroscopy will revolutionize the analysis of protein expression. (J Histochem Cytochem 49:1063–1064, 2001)