Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Nucleokinesis in Tangentially Migrating Neurons Comprises Two Alternating Phases: Forward Migration of the Golgi/Centrosome Associated with Centrosome Splitting and Myosin Contraction at the Rear

During rodent cortex development, cells born in the medial ganglionic eminence (MGE) of the basal telencephalon reach the embryonic cortex by tangential migration and differentiate as interneurons. Migrating MGE cells exhibit a saltatory progression of the nucleus and continuously extend and retract branches in their neuritic arbor. We have analyzed the migration cycle of these neurons using in vitro models. We show that the nucleokinesis in MGE cells comprises two phases. First, cytoplasmic organelles migrate forward, and second, the nucleus translocates toward these organelles. During the first phase, a large swelling that contains the centrosome and the Golgi apparatus separates from the perinuclear compartment and moves rostrally into the leading neurite, up to 30 μm from the waiting nucleus. This long-distance migration is associated with a splitting of the centrioles that line up along a linear Golgi apparatus. It is followed by the second, dynamic phase of nuclear translocation toward the displaced centrosome and Golgi apparatus. The forward movement of the nucleus is blocked by blebbistatin, a specific inhibitor of nonmuscle myosin II. Because myosin II accumulates at the rear of migrating MGE cells, actomyosin contraction likely plays a prominent role to drive forward translocations of the nucleus toward the centrosome. During this phase of nuclear translocation, the leading growth cone either stops migrating or divides, showing a tight correlation between leading edge movements and nuclear movements.
Rapid Modulation of μ-Opioid Receptor Signaling in Primary Sensory Neurons

Management of pain by opioid analgesics is confounded by central adverse effects that limit clinical dosages. Consequently, there is considerable interest to understand peripheral analgesic effects of opioids. The actions of opioids on peripheral sensory neurons have been difficult to study because of a general lack of effect of opioid agonists on nociceptor function in culture despite documented presence of opioid receptors. In this study, the μ-opioid receptor agonist, [d-Ala2,N-MePhe4,Gly-ol5]-enkephalin (DAMGO), did not alter guanosine 5′-O-(3-[35S]thio)-triphosphate (GTPγ[35S]) binding, adenylyl cyclase activity, or neuropeptide release in primary cultures of rat trigeminal ganglion (TG). However, after brief exposure to bradykinin (BK), DAMGO stimulated GTPγ[35S] binding and inhibited both prostaglandin E2 (PGE2)-stimulated adenylyl cyclase activity and BK/PGE2-stimulated neuropeptide release. The effect of BK was blocked by the B2 antagonist HOE 140 [d-Arg[Hyp3,Thi5,d-Tic7,Oic8]-bradykinin], but not by the B1 antagonist, Lys-[Leu8]des-Arg9-BK, and was mimicked by the protease-activated receptor-2 agonist, Ser-Leu-Ile-Gly-Arg-Leu-NH2, and by activation of protein kinase C (PKC) or by administration of arachidonic acid (AA). The enhanced responsiveness of μ-opioid receptor signaling by BK priming was blocked by both cyclooxygenase and PKC inhibitors; however, the effect of AA was blocked only by a cyclooxygenase inhibitor. The results indicate that μ-opioid receptor signaling in primary sensory TG neurons is enhanced by activation of phospholipase C-coupled receptors via a cyclooxygenase-dependent AA metabolite that is downstream of PKC.
Cytosolic, nuclear and nucleolar localization signals determine subcellular distribution and activity of the NF-κB inducing kinase NIK

It has been shown previously that the transcription factor NF-κB and its inhibitor IκBα shuttle constitutively between cytosol and nucleus. Moreover, we have recently demonstrated nucleocytoplasmic shuttling of the NF-κB-inducing kinase NIK, a component of the NF-κB pathway, which is essential for lymph node development and B-cell function. Here we show that nuclear NIK also occurs in nucleoli and that this localization is mediated by a stretch of basic amino acids in the N-terminal part of the protein (R143-K-K-R-K-K-K149). This motif is necessary and sufficient for nucleolar localization of NIK, as judged by nuclear localization of mutant versions of the full-length protein and the fact that coupling of these seven amino acids to GFP also leads to accumulation in nucleoli. Using fluorescence loss in photobleaching (FLIP) and fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) approaches, we demonstrate a dynamic distribution between nucleoli and nucleoplasm and a high mobility of NIK in both compartments. Together with the nuclear export signal in the C-terminal portion of NIK that we have also characterized in detail, the nuclear/nucleolar targeting signals of NIK mediate dynamic circulation of the protein between the cytoplasmic, nucleoplasmic and nucleolar compartments. We demonstrate that nuclear NIK is capable of activating NF-κB and that this effect is diminished by nucleolar localization. Thus, subcellular distribution of NIK to different compartments might be a means of regulating the function of this kinase.
Distribution and Quantile Structural Functions in Treatment Effect Models: Application to Smoking Effects on Wages

This paper examines the distribution structural functions (DSFs) and quantile structural functions (QSFs) in a semiparametric treatment effect model. The DSF and QSF are defined as the distribution function and quantile function of the counterfactural outcome when covariates are exogenously switched to a fixed value, while the unobserved heterogeneity of the whole population remains unchanged. We show that the DSFs and QSFs are identified under the unconfoundedness assumption, and then propose inverse probability weighted estimators which are n^{-1/2}-consistent and converge weakly to mean zero Gaussian processes. A simulation approach is also proposed to approximate the limiting processes. Finally, we apply the results to construct uniform confidence bands for the structural quantile treatment effect of smoking on wage, and find that smoking does not impose any wage penalty on male workers with low unobserved heterogeneity. JEL Classification: C14, C31, I19
Climatic Ice Core Records from the Tropical Quelccaya Ice Cap

The Quelccaya Ice Cap in the easternmost glaciated mountain chain of the Peruvian Andes has been studied in four recentfield seasons. Ice cores to a depth of 15 meters have been retrieved at the summit dome (elevation, 5650 meters) and two other locations and used for microparticle, isotope, and beta radioactivity measurements. A concurrent study of the present climate and the heat and mass budgets is being made to permit a paleoclimatic interpretation of deep core records. The results indicate the need for a revision of the isotope "thermometry" for application in the tropics. However, the seasonality of the beta radioactivity, microparticle content, and isotope ratios offers the prospect of a mass balance chronology. This is important in that precipitation is believed to be a more indicative paleoclimatic parameter than temperature in the tropics.
Implementation of practically realizable micro-Doppler experiment and real-time micro-Doppler feature extraction algorithm

A practically-realizable micro-Doppler experiment is designed, conducted, and demonstrated. The cost-effective experimental setup is composed of common signal generator, spectrum analyzer, transmitting and receiving antennas, and a metallic rod rotated via a driving stepper motor to induce micro-Doppler effect. For providing different micro- Doppler features, different revolution per minute (RPM) of the rod can be chosen and adjusted. The operating frequency is chosen in S band for long-range radar applications. To consider the demand of real-time computation for national defense purpose, two fast computed algorithms to correctly extract the micro-Doppler feature of a scattered target are proposed and illustrated by clear physical insight. The micro-Doppler effect of cross-polarized scattered signal is also investigated and the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed algorithms are further verified. The experimental result shows that the deviation between theory and measurement is not more than 1 %.
Aberrant levels of SUV39H1 and SUV39H2 methyltransferase are associated with genomic instability in chronic lymphocytic leukemia

Chromosomal alterations are commonly detected in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and impact disease pathogenesis, prognosis, and progression. Telomerase expression (hTERT), its activity and the telomere length are other important predictors of survival and multiple outcomes in CLL. SUV39H and SUV420H enzymes are histone methyltransferases (HMTases) involved in several cellular processes, including regulation of telomere length, heterochromatin organization, and genome stability. Here, we investigated whether SUV39H1, SUV39H2, SUV420H1, SUV420H2, and hTERT are associated with genomic instability of CLL. SUV39H (1/2), SUV420H (1/2), and hTERT expression was determined in 59 CLL samples by real time PCR. In addition, ZAP‐70 protein expression was evaluated by Flow Cytometry and patients’ karyotype was defined by Cytogenetic Analysis. Low expression of SUV39H1 was associated with the acquisition of altered and complex karyotypes. Conversely, high expression of SUV39H2 correlated with cytogenetic abnormalities in CLL patients. The pattern of karyotypic alterations differed in samples with detectable or undetectable hTERT expression. Furthermore, hTERT expression in CLL showed a correlation with transcript levels of SUV39H2, which, in part, can explain the association between SUV39H2 expression and cytogenetic abnormalities. Moreover, SUV39H1 correlated with SUV420H1 expression while SUV420H2 was associated with all other investigated HMTases. Our data show that the differential expression of SUV39H1 and SUV39H2 is associated with genomic instability and that the modulation of these HMTases can be an attractive approach to prevent CLL evolution. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 58:654–661, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Ultrasonographic findings of shoulder disorders in patients with Parkinson's disease

The prevalence of a history of shoulder complaints is higher in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) than in healthy individuals. The aims of this study were to evaluate shoulder disease in PD patients with ultrasonography (US) and to identify the relationship between the US findings of shoulder disease and the motor signs in patients with PD. Thirty‐three PD patients completed a shoulder disability questionnaire, a musculoskeletal examination, and US of the shoulder. Twenty‐two patients had abnormal US findings. Tendon tearing was the most common abnormal US finding (22/22), and the supraspinatus tendon was the most common site involved (15/22). Patients with tendon tearing had a significantly longer duration of disease than patients without tendon tearing (P = 0.027). Patients with adhesive capsulitis had a significantly higher rigidity score than patients without adhesive capsulitis (P = 0.035). Disease duration and rigidity were the contributing factors for the development of tendon tearing and adhesive capsulitis, respectively. © 2008 Movement Disorder Society
Zinc in drug-naïve patients with short-illness-duration first episode major depressive disorder: impact on psychopathological features.

OBJECTIVE In major depressive disorder (MDD) hypozincaemia associated with symptoms severity, melancholia, anxiety and treatment-resistance is reported. Data linking zinc with specific psychopathological dimensions is limited. METHODS Plasma zinc was analyzed in this cross-sectional case-control study on 20 non-late-life adult, treatment-naïve MDD patients with short-illness-duration first affective episode and 20 matched healthy controls together with psychometric evaluations including Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAMD-17) and Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). RESULTS No significant difference in zinc levels was found between MDD subjects and controls. No significant correlations were observed between zinc concentration and the total HAMD-17 score as well as with the specific core depression, insomnia, anxiety and somatic psychopathological dimensions or STAIX-1 and STAIX-2 scores. CONCLUSION The study provides evidence for unchanged plasma zinc concentration at early stage of MDD and failed to demonstrate any correlation between plasma zinc and psychopathological features including severity of symptoms and specific psychopathological dimensions in MDD.
Social Policy and the Eurocrisis: Quo Vadis Social Europe

Whatever happened to Social Europe? The promise of Jacques Delors seems to have spawned a flurry of European Union directives, yet has since fizzled out. This edited volume, bringing together a team of international interdisciplinary experts from across Europe, systematically explores the EU's social policy activities, both before and after the Eurocrisis. The contributors examine how and why the great expectations remained unfulfilled, but also move the scholarly debate beyond the emphasis on courts and markets. European Commission policy entrepreneurship, eastern enlargement, the shifting ideological contours of European Social Democracy, and the spirit of the Lisbon Agenda have all led to market creation taking strong precedence over market correcting policies. This insightful and comprehensive volume will be of great interest to European Union scholars and practitioners alike.
Visual task performance in the blind with the BrainPort V100 Vision Aid

ABSTRACT Introduction: The BrainPort® V100 Vision Aid is a non-invasive assistive device for the blind based on sensory substitution. The device translates camera images into electrotactile stimuli delivered to the tongue. The BrainPort has recently received the CE mark and FDA approval and it is currently marketed to augment, rather than replace, the traditional assistive technologies such as the white cane or guide dog. Areas covered: In this work, we will review the functional studies performed to date with the BrainPort and we will highlight the critical factors that determine device performance, including the technology behind the BrainPort, the impediments to assessing device performance, and the impact of device training and rehabilitation. Expert commentary: The BrainPort enables blind people to perceive light, identify simple objects, recognize short words, localize simple objects, and detect motion and orientation of objects. To achieve this, proper rehabilitation and training regimes are crucial.
Real‐Time Oil Painting on Mobile Hardware

This paper presents a realistic digital oil painting system, specifically targeted at the real‐time performance on highly resource‐constrained portable hardware such as tablets and iPads. To effectively use the limited computing power, we develop an efficient adaptation of the shallow water equations that models all the characteristic properties of oil paint. The pigments are stored in a multi‐layered structure to model the peculiar nature of pigment mixing in oil paint. The user experience ranges from thick shape‐retaining strokes to runny diluted paint that reacts naturally to the gravity set by tablet orientation. Finally, the paint is rendered in real time using a combination of carefully chosen efficient rendering techniques. The virtual lighting adapts to the tablet orientation, or alternatively, the front‐facing camera captures the lighting environment, which leads to a truly immersive user experience. Our proposed features are evaluated via a user study. In our experience, our system enables artists to quickly try out ideas and compositions anywhere when inspiration strikes, in a truly ubiquitous way. They do not need to carry expensive and messy oil paint supplies.
Managing International Financial Instability

Recurrent instability has characterized the global financial system since the 1980s, eventually leading to the current global financial crisis. This instability and the resultant disruptions – sovereign debt defaults, exchange rate misalignments, financial market illiquidity and asset price bubbles – are linked, in this book, to the shortcomings of the global financial system which tends to generate cycles of boom and bust in credit flows. These cycles are set in motion by the monetary impulses of major industrial countries and are amplified and propagated through the operation of global financial markets. Fabrizio Saccomanni argues that to counter such systemic instability requires that national authorities give adequate weight to financial stability objectives when formulating their monetary and regulatory policies. He maintains that appropriate multilateral strategies to deal with unsustainable trends in credit aggregates and asset prices should be devised in the International Monetary Fund in the context of a strengthened framework to deal with global payments imbalances and exchange rate misalignments.
Erythropoietin measurements in severely traumatized patients

Background: Despite numerous studies in critically ill patients, physiological adaptation to acute anaemia and the pattern of erythropoietin (EPO) secretion has not been well described in severely injured patients. The aim of this study was to describe EPO secretion and its relationship with haemoglobin (Hb) levels in severely injured patients.
Reduced-dose CT: effect on reader evaluation in detection of pulmonary embolism.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of reduction in radiation dose on CT detection of pulmonary embolism. SUBJECTS AND METHODS Emergency department patients were evaluated for pulmonary embolism with standard and simulated reduced-dose CT angiography. Simulated lower-dose CT angiograms obtained at 90, 45, 22, and 10 mAs(eff) were reconstructed by mathematical addition of noise to the standard dose (180 mAs(eff)) data from the images of 18 patients with and 20 patients without pulmonary embolism. Four radiologists blinded to the study parameters separately interpreted each CT angiogram. Dose trends for subjective measures (diagnostic certainty, image quality, and perceived technical limitations) were evaluated, test characteristics for the detection of pulmonary embolism were computed, and clot burden was measured. RESULTS Readers indicated significant reductions in diagnostic certainty (p < 0.02) and image quality (p < 0.02) and an increase in perceived technical limitations (p < 0.01) as the simulated radiation dose was decreased. These subjective measures also showed significant adverse dose trends when the mAs(eff) was reduced (p < 0.001). At reduced radiation doses, the sensitivity and positive predictive value for detection of pulmonary embolism diminished significantly. The sensitivity was 0.94 (lower bound of 0.95 CI, 0.92); specificity, 0.99 (lower bound of 0.95 CI, 0.98); positive predictive value, 0.95 (lower bound of 0.95 CI, 0.92); and negative predictive value, 0.99 (lower bound of 0.95 CI, 0.97). All patients had a low to moderate clot burden. CONCLUSION Reduction in dose for CT angiography in the detection of pulmonary embolism has a significant adverse effect on readers' subjective assessment of diagnostic confidence and image quality. Detection of pulmonary embolism also decreases as the tube current dose is reduced.
Assessing the Impact of Mobile Technology on Exhibition Attendees’ Unplanned Booth Visit Behaviour

This study examines the effect of the booth Recommender system (BRS) embedded in a mobile device on the goals of exhibition attendees, based on two main theories that are unplanned behaviour and goal frame theories. Previous studies have overlooked the importance of the unplanned behavioural effectiveness of IT devices for understanding motivation and delivering unexpected outcomes at exhibitions. The BRS offers customized, personalized, and advanced information to attendees; experiences with the BRS lead to unplanned behaviour. In this paper, we distinguish several goal frames, including hedonic, gain, and normative goals, which contribute to the relationship between continued BRS use and unplanned booth visits. Continued BRS use directly influences revisit intentions to an exhibition and contributes to unplanned booth visits. We analysed data from 508 attendees at a franchise exhibition using structural equation modelling (SEM) method. Our research empirically determined that goal framing theory and unplanned behaviour via continued BRS use embedded in a mobile device are connected. Continued BRS use in an exhibition can contribute to attendees’ impulsive behaviour and can induce them to return to an exhibition. The results and implications are discussed.
Hotel Branding Strategy: Its Relationship to Guest Satisfaction and Room Revenue

U.S. hotel brands and international hotel brands headquartered in the United States have increasingly evolved away from being hotel operating companies to being brand management and franchise administration organizations. This trend has allowed for the accelerated growth and development of many major hotel brands and the increasing growth of franchised hotels. There are numerous strategic implications related to this trend. This study seeks to analyze some of these strategic implications by evaluating longitudinal data regarding the performance of major hotel brands in the marketplace, both in terms of guest satisfaction and revenue indicators. Specifically, the authors test whether guest satisfaction at variousU.S. and international brands influences both brand occupancy percentage and average daily room rate 3 years later. In addition, the authors investigate whether the percentage of franchised hotel properties influences both guest satisfaction and occupancy 3 years later. Also, they test whether overall brand size has a positive or detrimental effect on future hotel occupancy. Finally, whether the change in guest satisfaction for hotel brands effects the change in average daily rate during the same 3-year period is tested.
Quantum channels and their entropic characteristics

One of the major achievements of the recently emerged quantum information theory is the introduction and thorough investigation of the notion of a quantum channel which is a basic building block of any data-transmitting or data-processing system. This development resulted in an elaborated structural theory and was accompanied by the discovery of a whole spectrum of entropic quantities, notably the channel capacities, characterizing information-processing performance of the channels. This paper gives a survey of the main properties of quantum channels and of their entropic characterization, with a variety of examples for finite-dimensional quantum systems. We also touch upon the ‘continuous-variables’ case, which provides an arena for quantum Gaussian systems. Most of the practical realizations of quantum information processing were implemented in such systems, in particular based on principles of quantum optics. Several important entropic quantities are introduced and used to describe the basic channel capacity formulae. The remarkable role of specific quantum correlations—entanglement—as a novel communication resource is stressed.
North American face flies Old World origins: mitochondrial evidence

Abstract. Analysis of a 513 base sequence of mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I gene in Musca autumnalis De Geer (Diptera: Muscidae) from the U.S.A. , England, Russia and Kazakhstan confirms that North American flies originated in Western Europe. Flies from the U.S.A. , England and southern Russia shared most of their mitochondrial diversities, but face flies from Kazakhstan were substantially dissimilar, suggesting highly restricted gene flow and a species complex within the Palearctic.