Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Characterization of primary human fetal dissociated central nervous system cultures with an emphasis on microglia.

BACKGROUND We undertook a systematic examination of human fetal central nervous system dissociated cell cultures, particularly with respect to microglia and their dynamic interactions with other central nervous system cell components. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN The growth and differentiation of astrocytes, microglia, and small immature neuronal cells in mixed and single cell type-enriched cultures were followed by phase contrast microscopy, immunocytochemistry, flow cytometry, electron microscopy and immunoelectron microscopy, in regard to their phenotype change, proliferation and class II major histocompatibility complex antigen expression. RESULTS Both astrocytes and microglia expressed marked phenotype heterogeneity, but they were consistently positive for glial fibrillary acidic protein and CD68, respectively. Highly enriched astrocyte and microglial cultures suitable for biochemical or molecular biologic studies were obtained. Using double immunocytochemical labeling techniques with the proliferating cell nuclear antigen and cell-type specific markers, astrocytes grown in serum-containing media showed a high labeling index, whereas microglia seldom exhibited a similar degree of proliferative activity. Microglia, however, proliferated in response to certain growth factors, such as granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor. Both microglia and astrocytes expressed high basal levels of class II MHC antigens, which further increased with addition of interferon-gamma. The microglia in dissociated cultures existed in two forms, ameboid and ramified. Microglial ramification was induced when ameboid microglia were co-cultured with a monolayer of astrocytes, suggesting a role for astrocytes in microglial differentiation. In addition, lipopolysaccharide in nanogram amounts consistently enhanced microglial survival and morphologic differentiation. The small bipolar cells, the most frequent cell type in mixed culture, were glial fibrillary acidic protein (-) and CD68 (-), and their size and shape remained unchanged under our culture conditions. A subpopulation of small bipolar cells was stained positive with an antibody to surface ganglioside, A2B5. Electron microscopic examination showed that their processes contained parallel microtubules bearing side arms consistent with immature neurons. CONCLUSIONS Highly purified astrocyte and microglial cultures are obtained using the currently described technique. The current culture system is a valuable tool in studying human central nervous system biology and disease.
When Caches Aren't Enough: Data Prefetching Techniques

With data prefetching, memory systems call data into the cache before the processor needs it, thereby reducing memory-access latency. Using the most suitable techniques is critical to maximizing data prefetching's effectiveness. The authors review three popular prefetching techniques: software-initiated prefetching, sequential hardware-initiated prefetching, and prefetching via reference prediction tables.
Visual Servoing in an Optimization Framework for the Whole-Body Control of Humanoid Robots

In this paper, we show that visual servoing can be formulated as an acceleration-resolved, quadratic optimization problem. This allows us to handle visual constraints, such as field of view and occlusion avoidance, as inequalities. Furthermore, it allows us to easily integrate visual servoing tasks into existing whole-body control frameworks for humanoid robots, which simplifies prioritization and requires only a posture task as a regularization term. Finally, we show this method working on simulations with HRP-4 and real tests on Romeo.
Web vs Phone based Service Experiences: Effects of Emotions on Customer Satisfaction Across Sectors

Empirical studies show that emotions mediate the impact of perceived service quality on customer satisfaction. In this paper, we explore how the mediating effect of emotions differs between web and telephone encounters. In addition, we explore if this mediating effect differs across three service industries that rely heavily on telephone and web customer care: telecommunications, energy and banking. We use SEM to analyze a large-scale consumer survey (N = 2872) in telecommunication, energy and banking sectors. Emotions partially mediate the effect on customer satisfaction, both for telephone-based (25% mediation) and web-based service encounters (21%). When distinguishing positive and negative emotions, the mediating effect of negative emotions is much stronger. While mediation takes place in all three sectors, negative emotions in phone-based service encounters are more important in telecommunications, while negative emotions in web-based encounters are more important in banking industry. We advise firms to use explicit emotion evoking strategies for positive service experiences and emotion reducing strategies for negative ones.
Direct Construction of Lightweight Rotational-XOR MDS Diffusion Layers

As a core component of Substitution-Permutation Networks, diﬀusion layer is mainly introduced by matrices from maximum distance separable (MDS) codes. Surprisingly, up to now, most constructions of MDS matrices require to perform an equivalent or even exhaustive search. Especially, not many MDS proposals are known that obtain an excellent hardware eﬃciency and simultaneously guarantee a remarkable software implementation. In this paper, we study the cyclic structure of rotational-XOR diﬀusion layer, one of the commonly used linear layers over ( F b 2 ) n , which consists of only rotation and XOR operations. First, we provide novel properties on this class of matrices, and prove the a lower bound on the number of rotations for n (cid:21) 4 and show the tightness of the bound for n = 4. Next, by precisely characterizing the relation among sub-matrices for each possible form, we can eliminate all the other non-optimal cases. Finally, we present a direct construction of such MDS matrices, which allows to generate 4 (cid:2) 4 perfect instances for arbitrary b (cid:21) 4. Every example contains the fewest possible rotations, so under this construction strategy, our proposal costs the minimum gate equivalents (resp. cyclic shift instructions) in the hardware (resp. software) implementation. To the best of our knowledge, it is the ﬁrst time that rotational-XOR MDS diﬀusion layers have been constructed without any auxiliary search.
Inflatable graph properties and naturalization of property tests through strong canonicality

We consider natural graph property tests, which act entirely independently of the size of the graph being tested (not just having a number of queries independent of the size). We introduce the notion of graph properties being inflatable — closed under taking (balanced) blowups — and show that the query complexity of natural tests for a property are related to the degree to which it is approximately hereditary and approximately inflatable. Specifically, we show that for properties which are almost hereditary and almost inflatable, any test can be made natural, with a polynomial increase in the number of queries. The naturalization is carried out as a sort of extension of the canonicalization due to Goldreich and Trevisan in [15], so that natural canonical tests can be described as strongly canonical. In the reverse direction, we show that properties admitting natural tests are approximately inflatable and approximately hereditary, with these parameters depending on the test’s number of queries. Using the technique for naturalization, we restore in part the claim in [15] (which was qualified in the errata [16]) regarding testing hereditary properties by ensuring that a small random subgraph itself satisfies the tested property. This restoration allows us to generalize the result of Alon and Shapira in [5], regarding the lower bound on triangle-freeness testing: Any lower bound, not only the currently established quasi-polynomial one, on one-sided testing for triangle freeness holds essentially for two-sided testing as well. We also explore the relations of the notion of inflatability and other already-studied features of properties and property tests in the dense graph model such as one-sidedness, heredity, and proximityoblivion. To Do (not necessarily before finishing my Ph.D. or resubmitting if we don’t get accepted to RANDOM): • Try to salvage the lemma saying that s′ < s natural test for a hereditary-downto-s property implies a one-sided s-test. • Try to construct a hereditary property, which is not 1/10 approximately-inflatable, even with a threshold / on the average. • Try to characterize the properties which are both proximity-oblivious-testable and hereditary (but not necessarily inflatable). • Can we say something interesting about estimation / tolerant testing? ∗Department of Computer Science, Technion, Haifa, Israel. Email: {eldar|eyalroz}@cs.technion. ac.il
The Limits of Hospitality in Gish Jen’s The Love Wife

Gish Jen’s 2004 novel The Love Wife highlights the foreign presence within American national boundaries but plays with the reader’s expectations of a novel of immigration to deconstruct the categories of citizen and immigrant, foreigner and native, protagonist and antagonist, host and guest. This blurring between antagonist and protagonist in the novel captures the dynamics of hospitality: through a delicate series of adjustments, concessions, and compromise, guest and host can exchange places with one another. Tapping into fears particularly emergent in the post-9/11 era of immigrants as poised to infiltrate America, Jen’s novel engages with the anxiety evoked by the foreigner’s presence but complicates this notion through her careful examination of the ethnic- and gender-inflected dimensions of that response, as well as through the resolution of the plot. Considering the trope of hospitality within contemporary Asian American works also helps illuminate fiction’s role in evolving definitions of “Asian American” and “America” in the “post-national” era.
Evaluating Educative Temporary Systems

The framework of temporary systems theory presented by Miles was used as a basis for formulating theoretical units and propositions pertaining to the outcomes of intensive adult educa tion programs. Empirical indicators and research hypotheses were then developed and applied in the 1972 residential program of the Labour College of Canada. Forty-six participants completed three research instruments administered upon entry, at exit, and six months following termination of the program. The criterion vari able of change in the amount of participation in selected activities showed a mixed pattern of relationships with nine predictor vari ables when correlation coefficients were computed. Multiple re gression analysis indicated that 49 percent of the variation on the criterion variable was accounted for by six of the predictor vari ables. Thus, the Labour College of Canada appeared to be a complex educative temporary system whose outcomes could not be predicted using simple hypotheses. More complex models appear necessary in order to explain and evaluate the outcomes of educa tive temporary systems in adult education.
Perfusion of the human placenta with red blood cells and xanthine oxidase mimics preeclampsia in-vitro.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Preeclampsia is a major obstetric problem of unknown etiology. The fact that removal of the placenta is the only cure for preeclampsia, has led to the well-established hypothesis, that the placenta is central in the etiology. Gene profiling and proteomics studies have suggested oxidative stress caused by reperfusion and free oxygen radicals as a potential pathophysiological mechanism in preeclampsia. In this study, the dual placental perfusion model was used in order to evaluate the damaging effects of oxidative stress induced by xanthine/xanthine oxides and free hemoglobin. MATERIAL AND METHODS The dual placenta perfusion model is a well-established in vitro model for functional placental studies. Placentas were perfused with medium containing either xanthine/xanthine oxidase or erythrocytes as a source of free hemoglobin. Concentration of free hemoglobin in the medium was measured by means of ELISA. Whole genome microarray technique and bioinformatics were used to evaluate the gene expression profile in the two groups. RESULTS Substantial levels of free adult hemoglobin were detected in the perfusions. A total of 58 genes showed altered gene expression, the most altered were hemoglobin alpha, beta and gamma, tissue factor pathway inhibitor 2 and superoxide dismutase 2. Bioinformatics revealed that biological processes related to oxidative stress, anti-apoptosis and iron ion binding were significantly altered. CONCLUSIONS The results suggest that perfusion with xanthine/xanthine oxidase and free hemoglobin induce changes in gene expression similar to what has been described for the preeclamptic placenta.
RECONSTRUCTION OF THE MAJOR FACTORS IN THE EVOLUTION OF HUMAN BEHAVIOR

We attempt to review the most significant stages of human behavioral evolution from the time our line of ancestors have separated from the chimpanzees to the last few thousands of years. The emergence of human behavior is not traced back to the effect of one single intrinsic or extrinsic factor, rather to a number of speciesspecific traits, which, in interaction with one another, form a complex of human behavior. Part of these traits is in connection with group structure, synchronization of behavioral patterns, and the constructional ability of humans. We believe that the evolution of human culture can only be assessed through a systemic approach, the outline of which we have described below.
Emotionally intelligent nurse leadership: a literature review study.

AIM To establish a synthesis of the literature on the theoretical and empirical basis of emotional intelligence and it's linkage to nurse leadership, focusing on subjective well-being and professional development. BACKGROUND Emotional intelligence has been acknowledged in the literature as supporting nurse leadership that fosters a healthy work environment, creating inspiring relationships based on mutual trust. Nurse leaders who exhibit characteristics of emotional intelligence enhance organizational, staff and patient outcomes. METHOD A literature search was undertaken using international data bases covering the period January 1997 to December 2007. Eighteen articles were included in this integrative review and were thoroughly reviewed by both authors. RESULTS Emotional intelligence was associated with positive empowerment processes as well as positive organizational outcomes. CONCLUSION Emotionally intelligent nurse leadership characterized by self-awareness and supervisory skills highlights positive empowerment processes, creating a favourable work climate characterized by resilience, innovation and change. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT Emotional intelligence cannot be considered a general panacea, but it may offer new ways of thinking and being for nurse leaders, as it takes the intelligence of feelings more seriously by continually reflecting, evaluating and improving leadership and supervisory skills.
Renal Perfusion Index Reflects Cardiac Systolic Function in Chronic Cardio-Renal Syndrome

Background Cardiac dysfunction can modify renal perfusion, which is crucial to maintain sufficient kidney tissue oxygenation. Renal cortex perfusion assessed by dynamic ultrasound method is related both to renal function and cardiac hemodynamics. The aim of the study was to test the hypothesis that Renal Perfusion Index (RPI) can more closely reflect cardiac hemodynamics and differentiate etiology of chronic cardio-renal syndrome. Material/Methods Twenty-four patients with hypertension and chronic kidney disease (CKD) at 2–4 stage (12 with hypertensive nephropathy and 12 with CKD prior to hypertension) were enrolled in the study. Blood tests, 24-h ABPM, echocardiography, and ultrasonography with estimation of Total renal Cortical Perfusion intensity and Renal Perfusion Index (RPI) were performed. Results In the group of all patients, RPI correlated with left ventricular stoke volume (LVSV), and cardiac index, but not with markers of renal function. In multiple stepwise regression analysis CKD-EPI(Cys-Cr) (b=−0.360), LVSV (b=0.924) and MAP (b=0.376) together independently influenced RPI (R2=0.74; p<0.0001). RPI<0.567 allowed for the identification of patients with chronic cardio-renal syndrome with sensitivity of 41.7% and specificity of 83.3%. Conclusions Renal perfusion index relates more strongly to cardiac output than to renal function, and could be helpful in recognizing chronic cardio-renal syndrome. Applicability of RPI in diagnosing early abnormalities in the cardio-renal axis requires further investigation.
Teachers' Conceptions of Student Engagement in Learning: The Case of Three Urban Schools.

Although student engagement plays a central role in the education process, defining it is challenging. This study examines teachers’ conceptions of the social and cultural dimensions of student engagement in learning at three low-achieving schools located in a low socioeconomic status (SES) urban area. Sixteen teachers and administrators from the three schools participated in two focus group discussions about their definitions of student engagement, indicators of and factors affecting student engagement, and how to facilitate it. The findings indicate that teachers’ conceptions of student engagement have profound ramifications for the ways that they approach their work. Additionally, the teachers recognize that student engagement is a symptom displayed by individuals, but the roots of engagement lay elsewhere. The teachers also described a wide range of strategies to enhance their students' engagement that focused primarily on the student, the teacher and the classroom through improving student-teacher relationships, incorporating out-of-school issues in the curriculum and the classroom, and having teachers show engagement with educational material. We conclude by outlining several implications for practice and policy and by calling for more research on the origins, development and consequences of teachers’ conceptions of student engagement. Alors que l’engagement des eleves joue un role central dans le processus educatif, en definir le sens represente un defi. Cette etude porte sur les conceptions qu’ont les enseignants des dimensions sociales et culturelles de l’engagement des eleves dans trois ecoles peu performantes situees dans des regions urbaines a faible statut socioeconomique. Seize enseignants et administrateurs de trois ecoles ont participe a des discussions thematiques de groupe pour partager ce qu’ils entendaient par « engagement des eleves », les indicateurs de celui-ci, les facteurs qui l’influencaient et les moyens de le faciliter. Les resultats indiquent que les conceptions qu’ont les enseignants de l’engagement des eleves ont des repercussions profondes sur leur facon d’aborder leur travail. De plus, les enseignants reconnaissent que l’engagement des eleves est un symptome que manifeste une personne, mais que les racines en sont ailleurs. Les enseignants ont decrit une vaste gamme de strategies qui visent l’augmentation de l’engagement des eleves, qui sont axees surtout sur l’eleve, l’enseignant et la salle de classe, et qui reposent sur l’amelioration du rapport enseignant-eleve, l’integration d’enjeux externes dans le programme d’etudes et une manifestation d’engagement de la part des enseignants avec la matiere a l’etude. Nous concluons en presentant les grandes lignes des incidences de cette etude sur la pratique et la politique, et en reclamant davantage de recherche sur les origines, le developpement et les consequences des conceptions qu’ont les enseignants de l’engagement des eleves.
Rapid Detection and Identification of Yersinia pestis from Food Using Immunomagnetic Separation and Pyrosequencing

Interest has recently been renewed in the possible use of Y. pestis, the causative agent of plague, as a biological weapon by terrorists. The vulnerability of food to intentional contamination coupled with reports of humans having acquired plague through eating infected animals that were not adequately cooked or handling of meat from infected animals makes the possible use of Y. pestis in a foodborne bioterrorism attack a reality. Rapid, efficient food sample preparation and detection systems that will help overcome the problem associated with the complexity of the different matrices and also remove any ambiguity in results will enable rapid informed decisions to be made regarding contamination of food with biothreat agents. We have developed a rapid detection assay that combines the use of immunomagnetic separation and pyrosequencing in generating results for the unambiguous identification of Y. pestis from milk (0.9 CFU/mL), bagged salad (1.6 CFU/g), and processed meat (10 CFU/g). The low detection limits demonstrated in this assay provide a novel tool for the rapid detection and confirmation of Y. pestis in food without the need for enrichment. The combined use of the iCropTheBug system and pyrosequencing for efficient capture and detection of Y. pestis is novel and has potential applications in food biodefence.
Near-infrared–driven decomposition of metal precursors yields amorphous electrocatalytic films

A method for creating electrocatalyst films extends the scope of usable substrates to non-conducting and three-dimensional electrodes. Amorphous metal-based films lacking long-range atomic order have found utility in applications ranging from electronics applications to heterogeneous catalysis. Notwithstanding, there is a limited set of fabrication methods available for making amorphous films, particularly in the absence of a conducting substrate. We introduce herein a scalable preparative method for accessing oxidized and reduced phases of amorphous films that involves the efficient decomposition of molecular precursors, including simple metal salts, by exposure to near-infrared (NIR) radiation. The NIR-driven decomposition process provides sufficient localized heating to trigger the liberation of the ligand from solution-deposited precursors on substrates, but insufficient thermal energy to form crystalline phases. This method provides access to state-of-the-art electrocatalyst films, as demonstrated herein for the electrolysis of water, and extends the scope of usable substrates to include nonconducting and temperature-sensitive platforms.