Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Sex Differences in the Cholinergic Basal Forebrain in the Ts65Dn Mouse Model of Down Syndrome and Alzheimer's Disease

In the Down syndrome (DS) population, there is an early incidence of dementia and neuropathology similar to that seen in sporadic Alzheimer's disease (AD), including dysfunction of the basal forebrain cholinergic neuron (BFCN) system. Using Ts65Dn mice, a model of DS and AD, we examined differences in the BFCN system between male and female segmentally trisomic (Ts65Dn) and disomic (2N) mice at ages 5–8 months. Quantitative stereology was applied to BFCN subfields immunolabeled for choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) within the medial septum/vertical limb of the diagonal band (MS/VDB), horizontal limb of the diagonal band (HDB) and nucleus basalis of Meynert/substantia innominata (NBM/SI). We found no sex differences in neuron number or subregion area measurement in the MS/VDB or HDB. However, 2N and Ts65Dn females showed an average 34% decrease in BFCN number and an average 20% smaller NBM/SI region area compared with genotype‐matched males. Further, relative to genotype‐matched males, female mice had smaller BFCNs in all subregions. These findings demonstrate that differences between the sexes in BFCNs of young adult Ts65Dn and 2N mice are region and genotype specific. In addition, changes in post‐processing tissue thickness suggest altered parenchymal characteristics between male and female Ts65Dn mice.
The returns to literacy skills in Australia

The financial return to training and how it varies with qualification level has been the focus of much research. This study goes a step further and investigates the relationship between literacy skills and the incomes of workers in the Australian labour market and whether this varies with level of education. The findings show that both educational qualifications and literacy skills are positively associated with income. Additionally, within broad education levels (university-level qualifications, vocational education and training qualifications and no post-school qualifications), income also increases with skill level.
Synthesis of oligomeric mannosides and their structure-binding relationship with concanavalin A.

Small glycodendrimers with α-mannosyl ligands were synthesized by using copper-catalyzed azide-alkyne coupling chemistry and some of these molecules were used as multivalent ligands to study the induction of concanavalin A (Con A) precipitation. The results showed that the monovalent mannose ligand could induce the precipitation of Con A. This unexpected finding initiated a series of studies to characterize the molecular basis of the ligand-lectin interaction. The atypical precipitation is found to be specific to the mannose, fluorescein moiety (FITC), and Con A. Apparently the mannose ligand binds to Con A through hydrogen-bonding interactions, whereas the binding of FITC is mediated by hydrophobic forces.
Is intrauterine growth retardation with normal umbilical artery blood flow a benign condition?

OBJECTIVE--To determine whether intrauterine growth retardation associated with normal umbilical artery blood flow is a benign condition. DESIGN--A prospective comparative study of growth retarded fetuses with normal and abnormal umbilical artery blood flow. SETTING--The fetal assessment clinic of a large maternity hospital in Ireland. PATIENTS--179 Women with singleton pregnancies in which the fetal abdominal circumference, measured by ultrasonography, was below the fifth centile for gestation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES--Perinatal deaths, fetal distress requiring caesarean section, preterm delivery, cerebral irritation. RESULTS--Of 124 fetuses with normal flow, all physically normal fetuses survived but one baby had cerebral irritation; there were six preterm deliveries and four caesarean sections for fetal distress. Among 55 women with abnormal flow there were two midtrimester abortions, three perinatal deaths, and one case of cerebral irritation in physically normal fetuses. CONCLUSIONS--Intrauterine growth retardation associated with normal umbilical blood flow is a different entity from that associated with abnormal flow, normal flow being largely benign and abnormal flow carrying a serious risk of adverse outcome.
A New Method for the Creation of MOOC-ready Database of Test Questions

Recently, there has been a wide interest in the massive open online courses (MOOCs) that are freely available to the students from all over the world. Due to the large scale of MOOCs, the instructors (even with their teams of graders) cannot assess all the examinations and quizzes themselves. Peer grading eases the assessment burden but has its shortcomings. Ideally, the assessments should be fully automated and should also allow partial grading. Additionally, a sizeable database of questions is needed so that an individual student or a group of students are not able to see all the questions by repeatedly attempting the quizzes. In this paper, we present a Matlab-based method for automatically generating a large number of questions and their (intermediate and final) answers for a MOOC or a traditional classroom-based course on digital circuit design. The method that enables formative assessment is also applicable to other courses in engineering and sciences.
Multiplex PCR-Based Reverse Line Blot Hybridization Assay To Identify 23 Streptococcus pneumoniae Polysaccharide Vaccine Serotypes

ABSTRACT We developed a multiplex PCR-based reverse line blot assay to identify 23 pneumococcal serotypes represented in the polysaccharide vaccine, using 334 well-characterized isolates, representing all 90 serotypes, and 268 “unknowns. ” The assay identified all target serotypes, but 11, which cross-react with 1 to 4 nonvaccine serotypes, could be distinguished using serotype-specific antisera.
Pedestrian Recognition Based on 3D Image Data

This paper presents a pedestrian classification system using 3D imaging information. The system consists of a photonic mixer device sensor (PMD), infrared lightsources and image processing algorithms. We present an example of an active safety system to protect pedestrians, describe a pedestrian classification using 3D image image processing, and give suggestions for further optimization of the software. The focus of this work is the description of main features which are required in order to accomplish a reliable classification. The task of the classification algorithms is to classify sensor objects either into the category pedestrians or the category non-pedestrians. After taking a closer look at image processing and measurement results we draw the conclusion that a multisensor approach is an inevitable requirement in order to fulfil the strict requirements of an exemplary active safety system given in this paper. Finally, the paper explains improvements of the classification on the basis of feature level fusion using 2D and 3D sensor systems.
Effects of human placental extract on chemical and thermal nociception in mice

Several reports indicate that pregnancy and parturition are associated with elevated maternal pain thresholds to noxious stimuli. The objective of this study was to examine whether the human placental extract, a clinically used preparation, can inhibit experimental nociception. Nociception was assessed in mice using acetic acid‐induced writhing and hot‐plate tests. The human placental extract (200 and 400 mg/kg, i.p.) elicited dose‐related antinociception in the acetic acid‐induced writhing test. Furthermore, it (200 mg/kg, i.p.) potentiated the morphine‐induced antinociception (1.25 mg/kg, s.c.). In the hot‐plate test, the human placental extract (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg, i.p.) per se, displayed no significant antinociception but potentiated the duration of morphine (10 mg/kg, s.c.) analgesia. The potentiation by the extract of the morphine‐induced antinociception in both acetic acid and hot‐plate tests was, however, found to be naloxone sensitive. Mice treated with the extract (400 mg/kg, i.p.) neither manifested any overt behavioural change in the open‐field test nor demonstrated significant influence on pentobarbital sleeping time, suggesting that it has no central depressant or sedative activity. The data provide evidence to show that the human placental extract has a peripheral analgesic property possibly mediated by an opioid mechanism.
Effect of ketamine hydrochloride on the analgesic effects of tramadol hydrochloride in horses with signs of chronic laminitis-associated pain.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of ketamine hydrochloride on the analgesic effects of tramadol hydrochloride in horses with signs of pain associated with naturally occurring chronic laminitis. ANIMALS 15 client-owned adult horses with chronic laminitis. PROCEDURES Each horse received tramadol alone or tramadol and ketamine in a randomized, crossover study (≥ 2 months between treatments). Tramadol (5 mg/kg) was administered orally every 12 hours for 1 week. When appropriate, ketamine (0.6 mg/kg/h) was administered IV for 6 hours on each of the first 3 days of tramadol administration. Noninvasive systemic blood pressure values, heart and respiratory rates, intestinal sounds, forelimb load and off-loading frequency (determined via force plate system), and plasma tumor necrosis factor-α and thromboxane B(2) concentrations were assessed before (baseline) during (7 days) and after (3 days) each treatment. RESULTS Compared with baseline data, arterial blood pressure decreased significantly both during and after tramadol-ketamine treatment but not with tramadol alone. Forelimb off-loading frequency significantly decreased during the first 3 days of treatment with tramadol only, returning to baseline frequency thereafter. The addition of ketamine to tramadol treatment reduced off-loading frequency both during and after treatment. Forelimb load did not change with tramadol alone but increased with tramadol-ketamine treatment. Plasma concentrations of tumor necrosis factor-α and thromboxane B(2) were significantly reduced with tramadol-ketamine treatment but not with tramadol alone. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE In horses with chronic laminitis, tramadol administration induced limited analgesia, but this effect was significantly enhanced by administration of subanesthetic doses of ketamine.
Graph cut based co-segmentation of lung tumor in PET-CT images

Accurate segmentation of pulmonary tumor is important for clinicians to make appropriate diagnosis and treatment. Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and Computed Tomography (CT) are two commonly used imaging technologies for image-guided radiation therapy. In this study, we present a graph-based method to integrate the two modalities to segment the tumor simultaneously on PET and CT images. The co-segmentation problem is formulated as an energy minimization problem. Two weighted sub-graphs are constructed for PET and CT. The characteristic information of the two modalities is encoded on the edges of the graph. A context cost is enforced by adding context arcs to achieve consistent results between the two modalities. An optimal solution can be achieved by solving a maximum flow problem. The proposed segmentation method was validated on 18 sets of PET-CT images from different patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The quantitative results show significant improvement of our method with a mean DSC value 0.82.
Decreased Facilitation by Angiotensin II of Noradrenergic Neurotransmission in Isolated Mesenteric Artery of Rabbits with Chronic Heart Failure

Both in human and in experimental heart failure (HF), the renin-angiotensin system and the sympathetic nervous system are activated. In a previous study a facilitatory action of angiotensin II (Ang II) was shown in the rabbit mesenteric artery, which was mediated via prejunctionally located Ang II type 1 (AT1) receptors. Very little is known about the effects of Ang II on sympathetic neurotransmission at the peripheral level in congestive heart failure (CFH). Accordingly, in the isolated mesenteric arteries obtained from rabbits with experimentally induced CHF, as well as in age-matched control rabbits, the effect of Ang II on contractions provoked by electrical field stimulation was investigated in the presence and absence of the AT1 receptor antagonist eprosartan. Additionally, to investigate a possible postjunctional facilitation, the effects of Ang II on &agr;-adrenoceptor-mediated responses were studied using noradrenaline (NA). Lastly, the vasoconstrictor effects of Ang II were compared between HF rabbits and controls, by constructing concentration-response curves to Ang II. In control rabbits, Ang II 0.5 n M caused an enhancement of stimulation-induced responses by a factor 3.2 ± 0.5, 2.4 ± 0.3, and 1.5 ± 0.08, at 1, 2, and 4 Hz, respectively (P < 0.05 at all frequencies compared with vehicle). In rabbits with HF, the enhancement by Ang II (0.5 n M) amounted to a factor 2.1 ± 0.2, 1.7 ± 0.1, and 1.2 ± 0.04, at 1, 2, and 4 Hz, respectively (P < 0.05 compared with vehicle at all frequencies). Accordingly, the enhancing effect of Ang II was more pronounced in the control group compared with rabbits with HF (P < 0.05 at each frequency). Eprosartan (1 n M–0.1 &mgr;M) could inhibit the facilitatory effects of Ang II in arteries from HF as well as from control rabbits. Contractile responses to exogenous NA (3 n M–0.1 m M) were the same in HF rabbits and controls, and they were unaltered in the presence of Ang II 0.5 n M. Ang II (0.1 n M–1 &mgr;M) caused a concentration-dependent increase in contractile force, which was the same in HF rabbits and controls. From these findings it can be concluded that in rabbits with CHF as well as in control animals, Ang II facilitates the stimulation-induced vasoconstrictor responses via prejunctionally located AT1 receptors. The facilitating effect was decreased in vessels obtained from rabbits with CHF, whereas responses to exogenous Ang II were unchanged. These findings may be explained by downregulation or uncoupling of the prejunctional AT1 receptor.
Analytical approach to consider Gaussian junction profiles in compact models of tunnel-FETs

The impact of Gaussian-shaped doping-profiles on the potential and the current transfer characteristics of an Double-Gate (DG) Tunnel-FET (TFET) is investigated in this paper. Based on results of the analysis, a simple model by solving Poisson's equation is developed. The model is able to calculate the potential difference in the channel region caused by the applied doping gradient. Considering the modifications in the two-dimensional (2D) potential profile the band-to-band (B2B) and trap-assisted-tunneling (TAT) current are calculated with help of Wentzel-Kramers-Brillouin (WKB) approximation and Landauer transmission theory. The results are validated by comparison with TCAD simulation data.
CONSTRAINING THE EVOLUTIONARY FATE OF CENTRAL COMPACT OBJECTS: “OLD” RADIO PULSARS IN SUPERNOVA REMNANTS

Central compact objects (CCOs) constitute a population of radio-quiet, slowly spinning (⩾100 ms) young neutron stars with anomalously high thermal X-ray luminosities. Their spin-down properties imply weak dipole magnetic fields (∼1010–11 G) and characteristic ages much greater than the ages of their host supernova remnants (SNRs). However, CCOs may posses strong “hidden” internal magnetic fields that may re-emerge on timescales of ≳10 kyr, with the neutron star possibly activating as a radio pulsar in the process. This suggests that the immediate descendants of CCOs may be masquerading as slowly spinning “old” radio pulsars. We present an X-ray survey of all ordinary radio pulsars within 6 kpc that are positionally coincident with Galactic SNRs in order to test the possible connection between the supposedly old but possibly very young pulsars and the SNRs. None of the targets exhibit anomalously high thermal X-ray luminosities, suggesting that they are genuine old ordinary pulsars unrelated to the superposed SNRs. This implies that CCOs are either latent radio pulsars that activate long after their SNRs dissipate or they remain permanently radio-quiet. The true descendants of CCOs remain at large.
Comparing Bacterial DNA Microarray Fingerprints

Epidemiologic and forensic investigations often require assays to detect subtle genetic differences between closely related microorganisms. Typically, gel electrophoresis is used to compare randomly amplified DNA fragments between microbial samples, where the patterns of DNA fragment sizes are viewed as genotype fingerprints. The limited genomic sample captured on a gel, however, is not always sufficient to discriminate closely related strains. This paper examines the application of microarray technology to DNA fingerprinting as a high-resolution alternative to gel-based methods. The so-called universal microarray, which uses short oligonucleotide probes that do not target specific genes or species, is intended to be applicable to all microorganisms because it does not require prior knowledge of genomic sequence. In principle, closely related strains can be distinguished if enough independent oligonucleotide probes are used on the microarray, i.e., if the genome is sufficiently sampled. In practice, we confront noisy data, imperfectly matched hybridizations, and a high-dimensional inference problem. We describe the statistical problems of microarray fingerprinting, outline similarities with and differences from more conventional microarray applications, and illustrate a statistical measurement error model to fingerprint 10 closely related strains from three Bacillus species, and 3 strains from non-Bacillus species.
Memory effect and fast spinodal decomposition

We consider the modification of the Cahn-Hilliard equation when a time delay process through a memory function is taken into account. We then study the process of spinodal decomposition in fast phase transitions associated with a conserved order parameter. The introduced memory effect plays an important role to obtain a finite group velocity. Then, we discuss the constraint for the parameters to satisfy causality. The memory effect is seen to affect the dynamics of phase transition at short times and have the effect of delaying, in a significant way, the process of rapid growth of the order parameter that follows a quench into the spinodal region.
Diagnostic value of estimated volumetric bone mineral density of the lumbar spine in osteoporosis

Bone mineral density (BMD) measurements by dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) are planar measurements. By measuring planar BMD in anteroposterior (AP) and lateral projections, it is possible to estimate the volumetric BMD by assuming that the vertebral body is an ellipsoid cylinder. Correction for the third dimension could improve the diagnostic accuracy of spinal BMD measurement in osteoporosis. The aims of this study were (1) to determine the effect of aging on volumetric BMD compared to planar measurements; and (2) to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of volumetric BMD in comparison to planar measurements. We studied 26 postmenopausal women with osteoporotic vertebral fractures and 114 age‐ and sex‐matched controls without vertebral fractures from a population‐based group. AP and lateral decubitus BMD of the lumbar spine were measured by DXA using a Lunar DPX (precision error for AP measurement, 0.8%; for lateral measurement of vertebra L3, 6.4%). Between the ages of 51 and 85 years the decreases in volumetric BMD of L3 (vol L3), lateral BMD of L3 (lat L3), AP BMD of L3 (AP L3), and AP BMD of L2–4 (AP L2–4) were 31, 28, 17, and 17%, respectively. The decrease in BMD compared to controls in the osteoporotics for vol L3, lat L3, AP L3, and AP L2–4 were 31, 34, 23, and 23%; expressed as Z scores, the decreases were −1.36, −1.33, −1.46, and −1.47 standard deviation units. The areas under ROC analysis curves for vol L3, lat L3, AP L3, and AP L2–4 were 85, 86, 87, and 87%, respectively. We conclude that there is a greater decrease in volumetric and lateral BMD of vertebra L3 than the AP measurements, both with age and in postmenopausal osteoporosis compared to age‐matched controls. However, the diagnostic accuracy was not improved by correcting BMC for vertebral volume. The greater decreases observed with aging may result from the high proportion of cancellous bone in the vertebral body. The lack of improvement in diagnostic accuracy may be because of the large precision error in lateral decubitus (and hence volumetric) BMD measurements. It is possible that the diagnostic accuracy of estimated volumetric BMD may improve with the use of lateral supine DXA, a measurement with lower precision error.
Lack of evidence-based research for idiopathic low back pain: the importance of a specific diagnosis.

T HE TERMS idiopathic low back pain and nonspecific low back pain (hereinafter idiopathic LBP and nonspecific LBP), which achieved prominence at least 20 years ago, are commonly used to describe the condition of up to 85% of patients for whom a specific diagnosis is said to be impossible. These concepts, the basis of the current national consensus on the diagnosis and treatment of LBP, have been accepted as
Attentional bias to respiratory- and anxiety-related threat in children with asthma

This study investigated attentional biases in children with asthma. The study aimed at testing whether children with asthma are vigilant to asthma and/or anxiety cues. Thirty-six children (18 with asthma and 18 healthy controls) aged 9–12 completed a computerised dot probe task designed to measure attentional bias to three different categories of words: asthma, anxiety symptom and general negative emotion. Main caregiver anxiety was also assessed, as was frequency of inhaler use for those with asthma. Children with asthma showed an attentional bias towards asthma words but not anxiety or general negative emotion words. Children without asthma showed no significant attentional biases to any word categories. Caregiver anxiety was correlated with asthma word attentional bias in the asthma group. The findings indicate that attentional bias is present in children with asthma. Further research is required to ascertain if this exacerbates or maintains health-related problems.
Immunohistochemical analysis of S-phase cells in normal human and rat liver by PC10 monoclonal antibody.

The expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) was examined in normal human and rat liver fixed in either formaldehyde or methanol, and was compared with the incorporation of bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) in S-phase cells. Codistribution of PCNA and BrdU was assessed in rat liver by double immunohistochemical staining using PC10 and anti-BrdU monoclonal antibodies to identify labelled nuclei of parenchymal and sinusoidal cells. In formaldehyde-fixed human biopsies (n = 13) PCNA-labelling index (PCNA LI) was 0.43 +/- 0.24% (mean +/- SEM) for hepatocytes and 0.09 +/- 0.03% for sinusoidal cells. A great interspecimen variability was observed and a preferential lobular distribution was not evident. In methanol-fixed human liver (n = 8) the immunostaining was strong. PCNA LI was 0.05 +/- 0.01% for hepatocytes and 0.14 +/- 0.01% for sinusoidal cells. 75% of labelled hepatocytes and 60% of labelled sinusoidal cells were found in acinar zone 1. In formaldehyde-fixed rat liver (n = 10) a weak nuclear staining and a great interspecimen variability were evident. LI was 0.13 +/- 0.07% for hepatocytes and 0.40 +/- 0.21% for sinusoidal cells without preferential acinar distribution. In methanol-fixed rat liver (n = 10), PCNA LI was 0.14 +/- 0.02% for hepatocytes and 0.40 +/- 0.04% for sinusoidal cells. 64% of labelled hepatocytes and 50% of labelled sinusoidal cells were found in zone 1. Only on methanol-fixed material did double immunohistochemistry show an almost complete overlap of BrdU and PCNA labelling. The PCNA LIs and the zonal distribution of labelled nuclei as obtained in methanol-fixed material are in keeping with previous reports using 3H-thymidine (3H-Thy) incorporation, suggesting that PCNA immunostaining represents a valid alternative to 3H-Thy. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)