Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Somatic cell-germ cell relationships in mammalian testes during development and spermatogenesis.

In the mammalian testis, somatic cells under hormonal regulation greatly influence the different stages of spermatogenesis, both in intermittent breeders and in animals which produce sperm continuously. In turn, specific populations of germinal cells modulate the function of Sertoli cells, the chief somatic cells within mammalian seminiferous tubules. Tubule formation can take place in the absence of germinal cells. Unlike homologous granulosa cells in the ovary, Sertoli cells retain many of their usual functions in germ cell-free animals. Some of the properties of Sertoli cells and their responses to stimulation by androgens or follicle-stimulating hormone are dependent upon information transmitted from neighbouring germinal cells at specific stages of the cycle of the seminiferous epithelium. We review the roles of some of the growth factors and paracrine agents synthesized and secreted by different classes of testicular cells. The potential roles of some of the known factors secreted by Sertoli cells (e.g. activin, inhibin, anti-Müllerian hormones, TGF-beta and somatomedin C) are considered in relation to the control of tubule formation, spermatogonial proliferation and cytodifferentiation, meiosis and the subsequent stages of spermatogenesis. We stress the importance of the unique tubule cytoarchitecture within which cell interactions take place and the changing nature of this cytoarchitecture at different stages of gonadal maturation.
Joint attention and social-emotional approach behavior in children with autism

Abstract Autism is a development disorder that is characterized by a significant disturbance of social development. Research strongly suggests that this disorder results from neurological anomalies or deficits. However, both the specific neural systems involved in autism, and the most pertinent behavioral functions of those systems remains unclear. One current topic of debate concerns the degree to which the social disturbance of autism may result from developmental anomalies in neurological systems that subserve cognitive, or affective processes. In this paper a model of the neurological, cognitive, and affective processes involved in the pathogenesis of autism will be described in the context of an attempt to understand dissociations in the early social-skill development of these children. Young children with autism are better able to use social-communication gestures to request objects or events than they are able to use similar gesture simply to initiate joint or socially shared attention relative to an object or event. An integration of recent research suggests that joint attention skill development differs from requesting skill development with regard to affective and cognitive processes that may be associated with frontal and midbrain neurological systems. In particular, this integration of the literature suggests the following: (a) there is a specific neurological subsystem that regulates and promotes what are called social-emotional approach behaviors; (b) the tendency to initiate joint attention bids is prototypical of a social-emotional approach behavior; and (c) attenuation of social-approach behaviors in children with autism leads to a specific impoverishment of social information processing opportunities. This impoverishment has a lifelong negative effect on the social cognitive development of these children.
Nitrite Reductase Function of Deoxymyoglobin: Oxygen Sensor and Regulator of Cardiac Energetics and Function

Although the primary function of myoglobin (Mb) has been considered to be cellular oxygen storage and supply, recent studies have suggested to classify Mb as a multifunctional allosteric enzyme. In the heart, Mb acts as a potent scavenger of nitric oxide (NO) and contributes to the attenuation of oxidative damage. Here we report that a dynamic cycle exists in which a decrease in tissue oxygen tension drives the conversion of Mb from being an NO scavenger in normoxia to an NO producer in hypoxia. The NO generated by reaction of deoxygenated Mb with nitrite is functionally relevant and leads to a downregulation of cardiac energy status, which was not observed in mice lacking Mb. As a consequence, myocardial oxygen consumption is reduced and cardiac contractility is dampened in wild-type mice. We propose that this pathway represents a novel homeostatic mechanism by which a mismatch between oxygen supply and demand in muscle is translated into the fractional increase of deoxygenated Mb exhibiting enhanced nitrite reductase activity. Thus, Mb may act as an oxygen sensor which through NO can adjust muscle energetics to limited oxygen supply.
Detection of c-erbB-2 mRNAs Using Dig-Labelled Oligonucleotide Probe with in situ Hybridisation in Human Breast Carcinoma: Comparison with Immunohistochemical Results

Amplification and overexpression of the c-erbB-2 oncogene are of prognostic significance in human breast cancer. Overexpression of c-erbB-2 is the result of gene amplification. However, increased transcript levels of c-erbB-2 are also detected in the absence of gene amplification. In this study for the detection of the overexpression mRNA in situ hybridisation (ISH) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) were used. Our aim was to develop the suitable mRNA ISH protocol for formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded material and to compare the localisation of transcripts and protein products in 20 primary breast carcinomas. Sections were immunostained with monoclonal c-erbB-2 antibody. In ISH method digoxigenin-labelled oligoprobe was used for the detection of c-erbB-2 mRNAs. We determined optimal condition for the ISH procedure (e.g., probe concentration, digestion, post washing). c-erbB-2 protein overproduction was detected in 11/20 cases with IHC. The mRNA signals were observed in malignant cell cytoplasm in 6/20 cases by ISH. ISH positive signals were found in only one case without detected overexpression of the protein. There were cell to cell variations in the hybridisation signals even within individual tumours. The ISH and IHC positive signals for c-erbB-2 was observed mostly in infiltrating ductal carcinomas that belong to aggressive lesions.
Localization from semantic observations via the matrix permanent

Most approaches to robot localization rely on low-level geometric features such as points, lines, and planes. In this paper, we use object recognition to obtain semantic information from the robot’s sensors and consider the task of localizing the robot within a prior map of landmarks, which are annotated with semantic labels. As object recognition algorithms miss detections and produce false alarms, correct data association between the detections and the landmarks on the map is central to the semantic localization problem. Instead of the traditional vector-based representation, we propose a sensor model, which encodes the semantic observations via random finite sets and enables a unified treatment of missed detections, false alarms, and data association. Our second contribution is to reduce the problem of computing the likelihood of a set-valued observation to the problem of computing a matrix permanent. It is this crucial transformation that allows us to solve the semantic localization problem with a polynomial-time approximation to the set-based Bayes filter. Finally, we address the active semantic localization problem, in which the observer’s trajectory is planned in order to improve the accuracy and efficiency of the localization process. The performance of our approach is demonstrated in simulation and in real environments using deformable-part-model-based object detectors. Robust global localization from semantic observations is demonstrated for a mobile robot, for the Project Tango phone, and on the KITTI visual odometry dataset. Comparisons are made with the traditional lidar-based geometric Monte Carlo localization.
Anti‐interleukin‐6 monoclonal antibody inhibits autoimmune responses in a murine model of systemic lupus erythematosus

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease resulting from dysregulation of the immune system. Interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) is a multifunctional cytokine produced by macrophages, monocytes and T and B cells. It stimulates B‐cell differentiation/maturation, immunoglobulin secretion, and T‐cell functions. Elevated levels of IL‐6 in serum, urine and renal glomeruli were detected in patients with active SLE and in murine models of SLE. Our study investigated the role of IL‐6 in an SLE‐like disease in New Zealand Black/White (NZB/W) F1 mice by administration of an anti‐murine IL‐6 monoclonal antibody (mAb). Intraperitoneal administration of the anti‐IL‐6 mAb suppressed the production of anti‐dsDNA autoantibody. B‐cell proliferation induced by anti‐IgM and anti‐CD40 was lower in the anti‐IL‐6 mAb‐treated mice, ex vivo studies demonstrated that anti‐IL‐6 mAb treatment inhibited anti‐dsDNA production. Anti‐CD3‐induced T‐cell proliferation and mixed lymphocyte reactions were inhibited by anti‐IL‐6 mAb treatment, indicating a partial down‐regulation of T cells. Histological analysis showed that treatment with anti‐IL‐6 mAb prevented the development of severe kidney disease. These results suggest that treatment with anti‐IL‐6 mAb has a beneficial effect on autoimmunity in murine SLE and that autoreactive B cells may be the primary target for anti‐IL‐6 mAb treatment; its effect on autoreactive T cells is also indicated.
Induced Prion Protein Controls Immune-Activated Retroviruses in the Mouse Spleen

The prion protein (PrP) is crucially involved in transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSE), but neither its exact role in disease nor its physiological function are known. Here we show for mice, using histological, immunochemical and PCR-based methods, that stimulation of innate resistance was followed by appearance of numerous endogenous retroviruses and ensuing PrP up-regulation in germinal centers of the spleen. Subsequently, the activated retroviruses disappeared in a PrP-dependent manner. Our results reveal the regular involvement of endogenous retroviruses in murine immune responses and provide evidence for an essential function of PrP in the control of the retroviral activity. The interaction between PrP and ubiquitous endogenous retroviruses may allow new interpretations of TSE pathophysiology and explain the evolutionary conservation of PrP.
Visualization of localized store‐operated calcium entry in mouse astrocytes. Close proximity to the endoplasmic reticulum

Unloading of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) Ca2+ stores activates influx of extracellular Ca2+ through ‘store‐operated’ Ca2+ channels (SOCs) in the plasma membrane (PM) of most cells, including astrocytes. A key unresolved issue concerning SOC function is their spatial relationship to ER Ca2+ stores. Here, using high resolution imaging with the membrane‐associated Ca2+ indicator, FFP‐18, it is shown that store‐operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) in primary cultured mouse cortical astrocytes occurs at plasma membrane–ER junctions. In the absence of extracellular Ca2+, depletion of ER Ca2+ stores using cyclopiazonic acid, an ER Ca2+‐ATPase inhibitor, and caffeine transiently increases the sub‐plasma‐membrane Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]SPM) within a restricted space between the plasma membrane and adjacent ER. Restoration of extracellular Ca2+ causes localized Ca2+ influx that first increases [Ca2+]SPM in the same restricted regions and then, with a delay, in ER‐free regions. Antisense knockdown of the TRPC1 gene, proposed to encode endogenous SOCs, markedly reduces SOCE measured with Fura‐2. High resolution immunocytochemistry with anti‐TRPC1 antibody reveals that these TRPC‐encoded SOCs are confined to the PM microdomains adjacent to the underlying ‘junctional’ ER. Thus, Ca2+ entry through TRPC‐encoded SOCs is closely linked, not only functionally, but also structurally, to the ER Ca2+ stores.
The acquisition of #sC clusters in Norwegian

This study investigates the acquisition of two-element word-initial consonant clusters in 27 Norwegian children aged 21–36 months. We have focussed on clusters starting with a sibilant (S-clusters), comparing them with clusters without a sibilant (non-S-clusters). Overall, non-S-clusters were mastered more successfully than S-clusters – mainly related to the fact that the younger children (>30 months) performed much better on the non-S-clusters than on the S-clusters – this difference had disappeared in the older age group. Concerning S-clusters, sonority does not seem to play an important role for acquisition neither in terms of the sonority sequencing principle nor sonority distance. Homorganicity may be a factor for a subset of the S-clusters: /sn/ clusters are mastered clearly better than /sm/ clusters. However, frequency may also play a role here. Finally, deletion patterns differ between S-clusters and non-S-clusters: in S-clusters, deletion of the sibilant (C1) is the predominant pattern, while in non-S-clusters, C2 is the one deleted.
Conhecimento e intervenção do cuidador na doença de Alzheimer: uma revisão da literatura

Objective: To analyze systematically the knowledge of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and the strategies used by the caregiver to act on the symptoms presented by the elderly with AD. Methods: Search of articles at PubMed, MedLine, Lilacs and SciELO, using the following keywords and free terms to search strategy, according to their definitions in DeCS and MeSH: “cuidadores” or “educacao em saude” or “treinamento” or “cuidadores de idosos” and “doenca de Alzheimer”; “elderly caregiving” or “training” or “health education” or “caregivers” and “Alzheimer disease”; “cuidadores de personas mayores” or “formacion” or “educacion en salud” or “cuidadores” and “enfermedad de Alzheimer”. Results: We found 12 articles to analyze and reading in full. The articles were classified into three categories: 1) Knowledge about the cognitive and functional decline of Alzheimer’s disease; 2) Knowledge about the behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD); 3) Knowledge about language impairment. In most studies, it was found that the orientation about the disease and its evolution can interfere with how the caregiver plans and executes the actions of care. Conclusion: It is extremely necessary to create opportunities for family caregivers and professionals know the disease to understand the patient and the possibilities for action (safe and effective) with him. It is possible through implementing psychoeducational programs that provide information and practical guidance to improve the care provided by caregivers of patients with AD.
Social Work Scholarship: Authorship Over Time

This article examines whether authorship credits on publications in 8 peer-reviewed social work journals changed significantly from 2001 to 2011 by analyzing the mean number of authors. Results indicate statistically significant increases in 5 of the 8 journals and in the mean number of authors across the 8 journals when combined. Although sole authorship was the norm in 2001, by 2011 the majority of articles were co-authored. Possible explanations for the observed changes in the rates of collaboration and some consequences for social work scholarship are reviewed. Implications for social work education and scholarship are discussed.
Avoiding procrastination through time management: an experimental intervention study

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a short-term time management intervention on procrastination. Procrastination is a serious issue for many students and associated with different negative consequences, such as anxiety or low grades. As procrastination is described as a self-regulatory failure, a training programme focussing on self-regulatory skills might be helpful. We randomly assigned 96 students to a treatment (n = 47) and a control group (n = 49). As hypothesised, participants of the control group showed procrastination: they spent more time on a self-selected, important academic task right before the deadline was reached compared to the weeks before. The participants of the treatment group, instead, allocated their work time more equally and did not show procrastination. Therefore, the explored time management intervention prevents from a serious time management problem.
Does the perception that stress affects health matter? The association with health and mortality.

OBJECTIVE This study sought to examine the relationship among the amount of stress, the perception that stress affects health, and health and mortality outcomes in a nationally representative sample of U.S. adults. METHODS Data from the 1998 National Health Interview Survey were linked to prospective National Death Index mortality data through 2006. Separate logistic regression models were used to examine the factors associated with current health status and psychological distress. Cox proportional hazard models were used to determine the impact of perceiving that stress affects health on all-cause mortality. Each model specifically examined the interaction between the amount of stress and the perception that stress affects health, controlling for sociodemographic, health behavior, and access to health care factors. RESULTS 33.7% of nearly 186 million (unweighted n = 28,753) U.S. adults perceived that stress affected their health a lot or to some extent. Both higher levels of reported stress and the perception that stress affects health were independently associated with an increased likelihood of worse health and mental health outcomes. The amount of stress and the perception that stress affects health interacted such that those who reported a lot of stress and that stress impacted their health a lot had a 43% increased risk of premature death (HR = 1.43, 95% CI [1.2, 1.7]). CONCLUSIONS High amounts of stress and the perception that stress impacts health are each associated with poor health and mental health. Individuals who perceived that stress affects their health and reported a large amount of stress had an increased risk of premature death.
Macro vs. Micro Methods in Non-Life Claims Reserving (an Econometric Perspective)

Traditionally, actuaries have used run-off triangles to estimate reserve ("macro" models, on agregated data). But it is possible to model payments related to individual claims. If those models provide similar estimations, we investigate uncertainty related to reserves, with "macro" and "micro" models. We study theoretical properties of econometric models (Gaussian, Poisson and quasi-Poisson) on individual data, and clustered data. Finally, application on claims reserving are considered.
The Potential of COSMO-SkyMed SAR Images in Monitoring Snow Cover Characteristics

Monitoring of snow cover is crucial to the study of global climate changes for water resource management, as well as for flood and avalanche risk prevention. The sensitivity to snow characteristics of X-band backscattering of COSMO-SkyMed mission has been analyzed in the framework of experimental and model activities. X-band data have been found to contribute to the retrieval of the snow water equivalent (SWE), provided that the snow cover is characterized by a snow depth (SD) of roughly 60-70 cm (SWE >; 100-150 mm) and with relatively large crystal dimensions. Subsequently, an algorithm for retrieving SD or SWE has been developed and tested with experimental data collected on several ground stations.
Education For Democracy by Young People in Community-Based Organizations

At a time when many young Americans have reduced their civic engagement, and public schools have de-emphasized their civic mission, some youth are taking initiative at the community level, and some community-based organizations are establishing educational programs to promote their participation. These programs originate in economically disinvested and racially segregated areas whose young people require and receive “education for democracy” appropriate for their situation. This article provides perspectives on these programs, including their social purpose, curricular content, pedagogical methods, and implications for a new civics that contrasts with traditionalapproaches. It draws on analysis of educational efforts by organizations affiliated with a national project designed to increase youth participation in the South Bronx, Mississippi Delta, Albuquerque, East Oakland, and other areas.
Cross-point phase change memory with 4F2 cell size driven by low-contact-resistivity poly-Si diode

We have fabricated the cross-point phase change memory with a selection diode made of poly-Si. The selection diode was fabricated using a low-thermal-budget process that achieved low contact resistivity, high on-current density of 8 MA/cm2 and low off-current density of 100 A/cm2. The improvement in the properties of poly-Si diode makes the set/reset operation of the cross-point 4F2 cell possible, leading to the size reduction of phase change memory chip.
Wake up and smell the coffee: evaluation methodology for the 21st century

Evaluation methodology underpins all innovation in experimental computer science. It requires relevant workloads, appropriate experimental design, and rigorous analysis. Unfortunately, methodology is not keeping pace with the changes in our field. The rise of managed languages such as Java, C#, and Ruby in the past decade and the imminent rise of commodity multicore architectures for the next decade pose new methodological challenges that are not yet widely understood. This paper explores the consequences of our collective inattention to methodology on innovation, makes recommendations for addressing this problem in one domain, and provides guidelines for other domains. We describe benchmark suite design, experimental design, and analysis for evaluating Java applications. For example, we introduce new criteria for measuring and selecting diverse applications for a benchmark suite. We show that the complexity and nondeterminism of the Java runtime system make experimental design a first-order consideration, and we recommend mechanisms for addressing complexity and nondeterminism. Drawing on these results, we suggest how to adapt methodology more broadly. To continue to deliver innovations, our field needs to significantly increase participation in and funding for developing sound methodological foundations.
Personality Correlates of Allocentric Tendencies in Individualist and Collectivist Cultures

The present study examines personality correlates of personal collectivism (allocentrism) both in an individualist culture (the United States) and in collectivist cultures (Korea and Japan). It was expected those with higher allocentric tendencies would be more concerned with rewards and punishments from in-group members and thus have a lower need for being unique as compared to those with lower allocentric tendencies. Undergraduates in the three countries were administered a Collectivism Scale, the Affiliative Tendency and Sensitivity to Rejection Scale, and the Need for Uniqueness Scale. The results confirmed that allocentric tendencies are associated with higher affiliative tendency, higher sensitivity to rejection, and lower need for uniqueness in all of the three countries. These results support the concurrent validity of the Collectivism Scale across cultures.