Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Islet‐1 expression in the developing chicken inner ear

The cell types of the inner ear originate from the otic placode, a thickened layer of ectoderm adjacent to the developing hindbrain. The placode invaginates and forms the otic pit, which pinches off as a small vesicle called the otocyst. Presumptive cochleovestibular neurons delaminate from the anterior ventral part of the otocyst and form the cochleovestibular ganglion of the inner ear. Here we show that the LIM/homeodomain protein islet‐1 is expressed in cells of the ventral part of the otic placode and that this ventral expression is maintained at the otic pit and the otocyst stages. Auditory and vestibular neurons originate from this islet‐1‐positive zone of the otocyst, and these neurons maintain islet‐1 expression until adulthood. We also demonstrate that islet‐1 becomes up‐regulated in the presumptive sensory epithelia of the inner ear in regions that are defined by the expression domains of BMP4. The up‐regulation of islet‐1 in developing inner ear hair and supporting cells is accompanied by down‐regulation of Pax‐2 in these cell types. Islet‐1 expression in hair and supporting cells persists until early postnatal stages, when the transcriptional regulator is down‐regulated in hair cells. Our data is consistent with a role for islet‐1 in differentiating inner ear neurons and sensory epithelia cells, perhaps in the specification of cellular subtypes in conjunction with other LIM/homeodomain proteins. J. Comp. Neurol. 477:1–10, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Analyzing the reasoning mechanisms in fuzzy rule based classification systems.

Fuzzy Rule-Based Systems have been succesfully applied to pattern classification problems. In this type of classification systems, the classical Fuzzy Reasoning Method classifies a new example with the consequent of the rule with the greatest degree of association. By using this reasoning method, we do not consider the information provided by the other rules that are also compatible (have also been fired) with this example. In this paper we analyze this problem and propose to use FRMs that combine the different rules that have been fired by a pattern. We describe the behaviour of a general reasoning method and analyze two kinds of models, the first one using all the fired rules and the second one using partial information due to the fact that the rules with a lower association degree are not considered.
Ultra-Wideband Single and Dual Baluns Based on Substrate Integrated Coaxial Line Technology

In this paper, ultra-wideband (UWB) Marchand baluns using substrate integrated coaxial line (SICL) technology are first proposed. SICL is a shielded planar coaxial line, which is very suitable for wideband and high-speed applications due to its broad unimodal operation band, low insertion loss, very small dispersion, and easy integration with other planar circuits. In order to achieve wider bandwidth and better VSWR performance of the SICL balun, a pair of quarter-wave impedance transformers are inserted into the balanced line. The impedance characteristics of the proposed SICL baluns are analyzed, and the parameters that determine the balun bandwidth are discussed. Then, curves of the balun resistance, reactance, and the SICL characteristic impedance are presented. According to these curves, the design parameters of the proposed SICL baluns can easily be determined. To verify these ideas, an UWB SICL single balun and an UWB SICL dual balun are designed, fabricated, and measured. Both full-wave simulated and measured results are presented, and good agreement between them is observed. The proposed SICL baluns have a simple structure and good performance, which are suitable for applications in UWB communication systems.
The effect of scalp ischaemia on measurement of cerebral blood volume by near-infrared spectroscopy

Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is a noninvasive method of quantifying changes in cerebral haemodynamics from changes in the absorption of near-infrared light by oxyhaemoglobin and deoxyhaemoglobin. Measurement of neonatal cerebral blood volume (CBV) by NIRS was described in 1990 but it has been suggested that, in adults, scalp and skull blood content contribute a significant amount to the cerebral haemodynamic variables quantifiable by NIRS. To investigate this, CBV was measured in nine adult subjects, in the frontal region of the head, before and after inflating a pneumatic tourniquet proximal to the measurement site. Because a change in scalp blood content could potentially alter the pathlength of light passing through the head and hence affect the measured CBV, the optical pathlength factor was therefore also measured before and after tourniquet inflation. Blood flow occlusion was confirmed by laser Doppler velocimetry. The results showed that tourniquet inflation had no effect on the estimated value of CBV or the differential pathlength factor. We conclude that, provided the distance between light entry and exit on the surface of the scalp is sufficiently large, changes in scalp blood flow have no effect on NIRS measurement of cerebral haemodynamics. Keywords: cerebral blood volume, near-infrared spectroscopy
Desire for control: Its effect on needs satisfaction and autonomous motivation

Cette presente etude se propose d’examiner dans quelle mesure le Desir de Controle (DC) est un antecedent de la motivation autodeterminee. Au debut de leur premiere annee a l’Universite, 196 etudiants ont renseigne un questionnaire mesurant le DC et la satisfaction des besoins fondamentaux d’autonomie, de competence et d’affiliation. Un mois et demi plus tard, la motivation autodeterminee dans les etudes a ete mesuree. Une analyse de mediation multiple revele que la satisfaction du besoin de competence mediatise le lien entre le DC et la motivation autodeterminee. Les implications theoriques de ces resultats sont discutees et des perspectives de recherche sont proposees.
Plasmodium falciparum sporozoite invasion is inhibited by naturally acquired or experimentally induced polyclonal antibodies to the STARP antigen

Antibody(Ab)‐mediated inhibition of sporozoite invasion of hepatocytes is a mechanism that has been clearly demonstrated to act upon Plasmodium falciparum pre‐erythrocytic stages in humans. Consequently we have analyzed the Ab response to a recently identified P. falciparum sporozoite surface protein, STARP, in malaria‐exposed individuals and tested the inhibitory effect of these Ab upon hepatocyte invasion in vitro. STARP‐specific IgG were detected in 90 and 61 % of sera from regions where individuals were exposed to 100 and 1–5 infectious bites per year, respectively. These IgG were predominantly of the cytophilic IgG1 or IgG3 type. STARP and the major sporozoite surface protein, CS, elicited equivalent IgG levels in adults. When affinity purified from either African immune sera or the serum of an individual experimentally protected by irradiated sporozoite immunization, STARP‐specific Ab prevented up to 90% of sporozoites from invading human hepatocytes. The dose‐dependent and reproducible inhibition was more pronounced than that observed with human CS‐specific Ab affinity purified under identical conditions. Substantial reduction of sporozoite invasion was also observed with Ab induced by artificial immunization with recombinant STARP protein and reactive with the native protein. Taken together with recent findings of human cytotoxic T lymphocytes specific for this antigen, these results promote the interest of studying the efficacy of STARP as a target for immune effector mechanisms operating upon preerythrocytic stages.
Evidence for a requirement for both phospholipid and phosphotyrosine binding via the Shc phosphotyrosine-binding domain in vivo

The adapter protein Shc is a critical component of mitogenic signaling pathways initiated by a number of receptors. Shc can directly bind to several tyrosine-phosphorylated receptors through its phosphotyrosine-binding (PTB) domain, and a role for the PTB domain in phosphotyrosine-mediated signaling has been well documented. The structure of the Shc PTB domain demonstrated a striking homology to the structures of pleckstrin homology domains, which suggested acidic phospholipids as a second ligand for the Shc PTB domain. Here we demonstrate that Shc binding via its PTB domain to acidic phospholipids is as critical as binding to phosphotyrosine for leading to Shc phosphorylation. Through structure-based, targeted mutagenesis of the Shc PTB domain, we first identified the residues within the PTB domain critical for phospholipid binding in vitro. In vivo, the PTB domain was essential for localization of Shc to the membrane, as mutant Shc proteins that failed to interact with phospholipids in vitro also failed to localize to the membrane. We also observed that PTB domain-dependent targeting to the membrane preceded the PTB domain's interaction with the tyrosine-phosphorylated receptor and that both events were essential for tyrosine phosphorylation of Shc following receptor activation. Thus, Shc, through its interaction with two different ligands, is able to accomplish both membrane localization and binding to the activated receptor via a single PTB domain.
Aerosol Character Comparison of CALIPSO and Sunphotometer in Hubei Province, China

The stable aerosol retrieval algorithm needs a prior assumption of lidar ratio (the extinction-to-backscatter ratio), and the known aerosol type that is the prerequisite of this assumption, so how to identify the clouds and aerosol from lidar profile is fundamental to acquire atmospheric optical parameter. In this paper, we first employ the CloudSat to validate the CALISPO's classificatory results, which is released in different versions, after choosing more accurate classification, then start retrieving. Second, sun-photometer is used for verifying the CALIPSO's calibration coefficient and supplies the day time records which are relatively more accurate. Finally, aerosol characteristic in Hubei province is analyzed. All the data will supply more available information for further climate change research.
Wireless network based identification and control with variable time delay

This paper describes a wireless networked system with variable time delay in both of input/output transmission path. Especially, this paper focuses on a packet based network in which subsequent packets catch up the preceding packet. The paper reveals that individual delay values are needed for system identification and control, otherwise only the round trip time can be known the identification and delay compensation control leads unexpected results. To measure time delay, time synchronization of local and remote system is required and this paper proposes to use a synchronization function of IEEE 802.11 based wireless network Simulation studies on identification and delay compensation and the results verified that the proposed method works effectively.
A Biologically Inspired Controller for Hexapod Walking: Simple Solutions by Exploiting Physical Properties

The locomotor system of slowly walking insects is well suited for coping with highly irregular terrain and therefore might represent a paragon for an artificial six-legged walking machine. Our investigations of the stick insect Carausius morosus indicate that these animals gain their adaptivity and flexibility mainly from the extremely decentralized organization of the control system that generates the leg movements. Neither the movement of a single leg nor the coordination of all six legs (i.e., the gait) appears to be centrally pre-programmed. Thus, instead of using a single, central controller with global knowledge, each leg appears to possess its own controller with only procedural knowledge for the generation of the leg’s movement. This is possible because exploiting the physical properties avoids the need for complete information on the geometry of the system that would be a prerequisite for explicitly solving the problems. Hence, production of the gait is an emergent property of the whole system, in which each of the six single-leg controllers obeys a few simple and local rules in processing state-dependent information about its neighbors.
LSI aging estimation using ring oscillators

Transistor aging occurs in nanoscale technologies and is one of the factors that degrade the performance of LSIs. This paper presents a method for estimating the amount of increment in the delay time of an LSI and a method for estimating the amount of increment in the threshold voltage per transistor from the changes in the period of two ring oscillators by aging.
DNA fusion vaccine designs to induce tumor‐lytic CD8+ T‐cell attack via the immunodominant cysteine‐containing epitope of NY‐ESO 1

The cancer/testis antigen NY‐ESO‐1 contains an immunodominant HLA‐A2‐binding peptide (SLLMWITQC), designated S9C, an attractive target for vaccination against several human cancers. As cysteine contains a reactive SH, the oxidation status of exogenous synthetic peptide is uncertain. We have designed tolerance‐breaking DNA fusion vaccines incorporating a domain of tetanus toxin fused to tumor‐derived peptide sequences (p.DOM‐peptide), placed at the C‐terminus for optimal immunogenicity. In a “humanized” HLA‐A2 preclinical model, p.DOM‐S9C primed S9C‐specific CD8+ T cells more effectively than adjuvanted synthetic peptide. A DNA vaccine encoding the full NY‐ESO‐1 sequence alone induced only weak S9C‐specific responses, amplified by addition of DOM sequence. The analog peptide (SLLMWITQL) also primed peptide‐specific CD8+ T cells, again increased by DNA delivery. Importantly, T cells induced by S9C‐encoding DNA vaccines killed tumor cells expressing endogenous NY‐ESO‐1. Only a fraction of T cells induced by the S9L‐encoding DNA vaccines was able to recognize S9C and kill tumor cells. These data indicate that DNA vaccines mimic posttranslational modifications of SH‐containing peptides expressed by tumor cells. Instability of synthetic peptides and the potential dangers of analog peptides contrast with the ability of DNA vaccines to induce high levels of tumor‐lytic peptide‐specific CD8+ T cells. These findings encourage clinical exploration of this vaccine strategy to target NY‐ESO‐1.
NARROWING THE SCOPE OF EATING DISORDER RISK FACTORS: SOCIOCULTURAL, FAMILIAL AND INDIVIDUAL DOMAINS

NARROWING THE SCOPE OF EATING DISORDER RISK FACTORS: SOCIOCULTURAL, FAMILIAL AND INDIVIDUAL DOMAINS by Denni Alyse Rollins Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy California State University, Chico Summer 2012 The most widely accepted approach in trying to understand the etiology eating disorders is the biopsychosocial model which incorporates a wide range of risk factors. The present study attempts to narrow the scope of risk factors by incorporating three risk domains – sociocultural, familial, and individual. Three hypotheses are proposed comparing an eating disordered group to a comparison group across the specified domains, then focusing more specifically on anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. Participants completed measures of sociocultural, familial and individual risk factors. A series of t-tests were conducted and found significant differences in perceived maternal and paternal bonding and ineffectiveness between the ED group and comparison group. One significant difference was found between AN and BN: AN scored higher on perceived pressure. Limitations and suggestions for future research are discussed.
Perceived Constraints to Leisure-Time Activity among the Elderly

The elderly are in an important period in their lives as substantial changes occur with regard to leisure and family roles. Changes may be complicated by a variety of factors such as being empty nested, economic adjustments, being responsible for a single-parent household, the changing socio-demographic composition, the lack of an elderly-friendly environment and physical infrastructure necessary for an ageing population. Hence, the purpose of the study was to establish the factors that constrain the elderly from participating in desired leisure activities. A structured questionnaire relating to leisure constraints were administered to 75 respondents within the age category of 60-69 years. An 11-item scale was developed using exploratory factor analysis along three dimensions, namely, time and security, economic and structural, and personal constraints. Time, the ageing process and poor health conditions seem to strongly prohibit the elderly in leisure activity participation. The elderly also vary in their perceptions of constraints in terms of population groups, education levels and gender. Decision-makers in leisure and recreation need to endorse and acknowledge these constraints in order to facilitate effective implementation of policies and strategies in order to mitigate the impact of these constraints.
Answering questions of Information Access Dialogue (IAD) task using ellipsis handling of follow-up questions

In this paper, we propose ellipsis handling method for follow-up questions in Information Access Dialogue (IAD) task of NTCIR QAC3. In this method, our system classifies ellipsis patterns of question sentences into three types and recognizes elliptical elements using ellipsis handling algorithm for each type. In the evaluation using Formal Run and Reference Run data, there were several cases which our algorithm could not handle ellipsis correctly. According to the analysis of evaluation results, the main reason of low performance was lack of word information for recognition of referential elements. If our system can recognize word meanings correctly, some errors will not occur and ellipsis handling works well.
A model of the cortico-basal ganglia network and local field potential during deep brain stimulation

Oscillatory neural activity in the beta frequency band (12-30 Hz) is elevated in Parkinson's disease and is correlated with the associated motor symptoms. These oscillations, which can be monitored through the local field potential (LFP) recorded by a deep brain stimulation (DBS) electrode, can give insight into the mechanisms of action, as well as treatment efficacy, of DBS. A detailed physiological model of the cortico-basal ganglia network during DBS of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) is presented. The model incorporates extracellular stimulation of STN afferent fibers, with both orthodromic and antidromic activation, and the LFP detected at the electrode. Pathological beta-band oscillations within the cortico-basal ganglia network were simulated and found to be attenuated following the application of DBS. The effects of varying DBS parameters, including pulse amplitude, duration and frequency, on the LFP at the DBS electrode were then assessed. The model presented here can be further used to understand the interaction of DBS with the complex dynamics of the cortico-basal ganglia network and subsequent changes observed in the LFP.
Making a Difference: Organization as Design

Mainstream organizational research is based on science and the humanities. Science helps us to understand organized systems, from an outsider position, as empirical objects. The humanities contribute to understanding, and critically reflecting on, the human experience of actors inside organized practices. This paper argues that, in view of the persistent relevance gap between theory and practice, organization studies should be broadened to include design as one of its primary modes of engaging in research. Design is characterized by its emphasis on solution finding, guided by broader purposes and ideal target systems. Moreover, design develops, and draws on, design propositions that are tested in pragmatic experiments and grounded in organization science. This study first explores the main differences and synergies between science and design, and explores how and why the design discipline has largely moved away from academia to other sites in the economy. The argument then turns to the genealogy of design methodologies in organization and management studies. Subsequently, this paper explores the circular design methodology that serves to illustrate the nature of design research, that is, the pragmatic focus on actionable knowledge as well as the key role of ideal target systems in design processes. Finally, the author proposes a framework for communication and collaboration between the science and design modes, and argues that scholars in organization studies can guide human beings in the process of designing and developing their organizations toward more humane, participative, and productive futures. In this respect, the organization disciplinecan make a difference.
DOUBLE BOOTSTRAPPING A TOLERANCE LIMIT

ABSTRACT We consider the problem of constructing tolerance limits in the context of a one-way random effects model. The usual parametric method for calculating tolerance intervals is based on the normality assumption. However, in practice, we frequently observe nonnormally distributed data. We propose the use of the double bootstrap (or nested bootstrap) method to estimate tolerance limits, which allows us to relax the normality assumption.
Efficacy of Two Peroxygen-Based Disinfectants for Inactivation of Cryptosporidium parvum Oocysts

ABSTRACT Two commercial peroxygen-based disinfectants containing hydrogen peroxide plus either peracetic acid (Ox-Virin) or silver nitrate (Ox-Agua) were tested for their ability to inactivate Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts. Oocysts were obtained from naturally infected goat kids and exposed to concentrations of 2, 5, and 10% Ox-Virin or 1, 3, and 5% Ox-Agua for 30, 60, and 120 min. In vitro excystation, vital dyes (4′,6′-diamidino-2-phenylindole and propidium iodide), and infectivity in neonatal BALB/c mice were used to assess the viability and infectivity of control and disinfectant-treated oocysts. Both disinfectants had a deleterious effect on the survival of C. parvum oocysts, since disinfection significantly reduced and in some cases eliminated their viability and infectivity. When in vitro assays were compared with an infectivity assay as indicators of oocyst inactivation, the excystation assay showed 98.6% inactivation after treatment with 10% Ox-Virin for 60 min, while the vital-dye assay showed 95.2% inactivation and the infectivity assay revealed 100% inactivation. Treatment with 3% Ox-Agua for 30 min completely eliminated oocyst infectivity for mice, although we were able to observe only 74.7% inactivation as measured by excystation assays and 24.3% with vital dyes (which proved to be the least reliable method for predicting C. parvum oocyst viability). These findings indicate the potential efficacy of both disinfectants for C. parvum oocysts in agricultural settings where soil, housing, or tools might be contaminated and support the argument that in comparison to the animal infectivity assay, vital-dye and excystation methods overestimate the viability of oocysts following chemical disinfection.
Strategic help seeking : implications for learning and teaching

Contents: Preface. S.A. Karabenick, Help Seeking as a Strategic Resource. R.S. Newman, Adaptive Help Seeking: A Role of Social Interaction in Self-Regulated Learning. S. Nelson-Le Gall, L. Resnick, Help Seeking, Achievement Motivation, and the Social Practice of Intelligence in School. A. Nadler, Relationships, Esteem, and Achievement Perspectives on Autonomous and Dependent Help Seeking. A. Arbreton, Student Goal Orientation and Help-Seeking Strategy Use. A.M. Ryan, P.R. Pintrich, Achievement and Social Motivational Influences on Help Seeking in the Classroom. D.W. Shwalb, S. Sukemune, Help Seeking in the Japanese College Classroom: Cultural, Developmental, and Social-Psychological Influences. J.T. Dillon, Theory and Practice of Student Questioning. H. van der Meij, The Great Divide Between Teacher and Student Questioning. S.A. Karabenick, J. Keefer, Help Seeking in the Information Age.