Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Long-range signaling in growing neurons after local elevation of cyclic AMP-dependent activity

Cyclic AMP-dependent activity at the growth cone or the soma of cultured Xenopus spinal neurons was elevated by local extracellular perfusion of the neuron with culture medium containing 8-bromoadenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (8-br-cAMP) or forskolin. During local perfusion of one of the growth cones of multipolar neurons with these drugs, the perfused growth cone showed further extension, while the distant, unperfused growth cones were inhibited in their growth. Local perfusion of the growth cone with culture medium or local perfusion with 8-br-cAMP at a cell-free region 100 microns away from the growth cone did not produce any effect on the extension of the growth cone. Reduced extension of all growth cones was observed when the perfusion with 8-br-cAMP was restricted to the soma. The distant inhibitory effect does not depend on the growth of the perfused growth cone since local coperfusion of the growth cone with 8-br-cAMP and colchicine inhibited growth on both perfused and unperfused growth cones, while local perfusion with colchicine alone inhibited only the perfused growth cone. The distant inhibitory effect was abolished when the perfusion of 8-br-cAMP was carried out together with kinase inhibitor H- 8, suggesting the involvement of cAMP-dependent protein kinase and/or its downstream factors in the long-range inhibitory signaling. Uniform exposure of the entire neuron to bath-applied 8-br-cAMP, however, led to enhanced growth activity at all growth cones. Thus, local elevation of cAMP-dependent activity produces long-range and opposite effects on distant parts of the neuron, and a cytosolic gradient of second messengers may produce effects distinctly different from those following uniform global elevation of the messenger, leading to differential growth regulation at different regions of the same neuron.
Linear GPR inversion for lossy soil and a planar air-soil interface

A three-dimensional inversion scheme for fixed-offset ground penetrating radar (GPR) is derived that takes into account the loss in the soil and the planar air-soil interface. The forward model of this inversion scheme is based upon the first Born approximation and the dyadic Green function for a two-layer medium. The forward model is inverted using the Tikhonov-regularized pseudo-inverse operator. This involves two steps: filtering and backpropagation. The filtering is carried out by numerically solving Fredholm integral equations of the first kind and the backpropagation is performed using fast Fourier transforms. Numerical results are provided to illustrate the performance of the inversion scheme.
Self-Calibrated Two-Point Delta–Sigma Modulation Technique for RF Transmitters

A self-calibrated two-point delta-sigma modulation technique for CMOS RF transmitter is proposed. This calibration technique employs voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) and delta-sigma modulator input ports in a frequency synthesizer. By monitoring the control voltage of a loop filter, the gain mismatch between two paths can be detected and completely calibrated by modifying the gain of the VCO path. The acceptable timing mismatch between the two paths is also investigated so that the timing can be controlled to ensure stable output performance. As a result, the phase modulation guarantees a robust performance against PVT variations without using any predistortion techniques. This technique is applied to a quad-band (850/900/1800/1900) GSM/EDGE transmitter for verification. For the amplitude modulation of the EDGE mode, a dc calibration is adopted to suppress unwanted carrier leakage tones. The measurement results show satisfactory GSM/EDGE spectrums and error vector magnitude performance at both low- and high-frequency bands.
Describing the Nonstationarity Level of Neurological Signals Based on Quantifications of Time–Frequency Representation

Most neurological signals including electroencephalogram (EEG), evoked potential (EP) and local field potential (LFP) have been known to be time varying and nonstationary, especially in some pathological conditions. Currently, the most widely used quantitative tool for such nonstationary signals is time-frequency representation (TFR) which demonstrates the temporal evolution of different frequency components. However, TFR does not directly provide a quantitative measure of nonstationarity level, e.g., how far the process deviates from stationarity. In this study, we introduced three different quantifications of TFR (qTFR) to characterize the nonstationarity level of the involving signals: 1) degree of stationarity (DS); 2) Shannon entropy (SE) of the marginal spectrum; and 3) Kullback-Leibler distance (KLD) between a TFR and a uniform distribution. These descriptors provide quantitative analysis of stationarity of a signal such that the stationarity of different signals could be compared. In this study, we obtained the TFRs of the EEG signals before and after the hypoxic-ischemic (HI) brain injury and examined the stationarity of the EEG. DS, SE, and KLD can indicate the nonstationarity change of EEG at each frequency following the HI injury, especially in the upperdelta-and lower thetas-band (e.g., [2 Hz, 8 Hzi) as well as in the beta2 band (e.g., [22 Hz-26 Hzi). Moreover, it is shown that the stationarity of the EEG changes differently in different frequencies following the HI injury.
The Generation of Cellular Diversity in the Cerebral Cortex

We have studied cell lineage in the rat cerebral cortex using retroviral vectors. With this technique, the virus is used to introduce a marker gene into dividing precursor cells such that their fate can be followed. We have studied cell lineage by using this method in the following ways. First, we have labelled germinal cells of the cerebral cortex in vivo during the period of neurogenesis. Second, we have grown cortical precursor cells in dissociated cell culture, and used the viral labelling technique to follow their development in vitro. Both types of study have shown that by the time neurogenesis is under way, the majority of precursor cells are restricted to the production of a single cell type: neurones, astrocytes, or oligodendrocytes. The only exception is a cell we call the N‐O cell because it has the ability to generate both neurones and oligodendrocytes. These data suggest that the ventricular zone, the germinal layer of the embryonic cortex, is a mosaic of different precursor cells each with a different restricted potential. However, this restriction of potential of cortical precursor cells does not extend to their ability to contribute to more than one cortical lamina or cytoarchitectonic area. The precursors of both neurones and grey matter astrocytes contribute cells to multiple layers of the cortex. Moreover, in the hippocampal formation, neuronal precursors can contribute cells to more than one hippocampal field.
The Impact of Out-of-Home Childcare Centers on Early Childhood Development

This paper presents a comprehensive empirical analysis of the impact of attending a child day care center on early childhood development (ECD) in Chile, examining child development from a multi-dimensional perspective. The potential endogeneity associated with the parental decision of sending children to day care centers (or preschools) is addressed. Additionally, unobserved heterogeneity is interpreted as (latent) abilities. This approach provides a unifying framework combining parental decisions, children¿s endowments, and child care characteristics. The results of the study suggest that: (i) cognitive and socioemotional test scores from children younger than two are too noisy to be analyzed; (ii) analysis of enrollment in child care centers for children older than two reveals significant effects of family background, unobserved abilities, the local availability of centers, and local capacity; and (iii) enrollment in child care centers seems to boost cognitive development among children older than two.
Integrated Guidance and Control of AUVs Using Shrinking Horizon Model Predictive Control

There are problems controlling autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) because they are nonlinear and coupled and have external environmental disturbances acting on the vehicle. More difficulties arise when the vehicle tasks require precise positioning and control as in military missions. This paper presents an integrated guidance and control method for an AUV. The algorithm is based on an optimal control method called shrinking horizon model predictive control (SHMPC). Scenarios for reconnaissance and reacquisition in mine countermeasures missions are explored applying SHMPC. In addition, there are scenarios with obstacle avoidance. Simulations of this method show the control method is able to systematically handle disturbances and constraints to successfully maneuver through volatile areas
Characterizing E-business Workloads Using Fractal Methods

Understanding the workload of Web and e-business sites is a fundamental step in sizing the IT infrastucture that supports these sites and in planning for their evolution so that Quality of Service (QoS) golas are met within cost constraints. This paper presents two approaches for characterzing e-business sessions: distace-based and fractal (session similarity). We apply both approaches to an actual e-business workload to understand what customers do, what navigational patterns they follow, and to identify groups of users that have similar behaviour. We also present the benefits and drawbacks of both approaches. The main contribution of this work is presentation of techniques that improve the process of workload characterization.
Cyclic Nucleotide-Mediated Regulation of Hippocampal Mossy Fiber Development: A Target-Specific Guidance

The mossy fibers (MFs) arising from dentate granule cells project primarily onto a narrow segment of the proximal dendrites of hippocampal CA3 pyramidal cells. The mechanisms underlying this specific MF target selection are not fully understood. To investigate the cellular basis for development of the stereotyped MF trajectories, we have arranged the fascia dentata and hippocampal Ammon's horn tissues in diverse topographical patterns in organotypic explant coculture systems. Here we show that cyclic nucleotide signaling pathways regulate the MF pathfinding. When the dentate gyrus explants were ectopically placed facing the CA3 stratum oriens of hippocampal slices, MFs crossed the border between cocultures and reached their appropriate target area in the Ammon's horn, as assessed by membrane tracer labeling, Timm staining, electrophysiological recording of synaptic responses, and optical analyses using a voltage-sensitive dye. This lamina-specific MF innervation was disrupted by pharmacological blockade of cGMP pathway. Similar apposition of the dentate grafts near the CA1 region of host slices rarely resulted in MF ingrowth into the Ammon's horn. Under blockade of cAMP pathway, however, the MFs were capable of making allopatric synapses with CA1 neurons. These data were further supported by the pharmacological data obtained from granule cells dispersed over hippocampal slice cultures. Thus, our findings suggest that the stereotyped MF extension is mediated by at least two distinct factors, i.e., an attractant derived from the CA3 region and a repellent from the CA1 region. These factors may be regulated differently by cAMP and cGMP signaling pathways.
Stochastic Optimization and Machine Learning : Cross-Validation for Cross-Entropy Method

We explore using machine learning techniques to adaptively learn the optimal hyperparameters of a stochastic optimizer as it runs. Specifically, we investigate using multiple importance sampling to weight previously gathered samples of an objective function and combining with cross-validation to update the exploration / exploitation hyperparameter. We employ this on the Cross-Entropy method as it is finding the optimum of a function. Computer experiments show that this improves performance of the Cross-Entropy method beyond using any fixed value for that hyperparameter. The techniques outlined in this work are applicable to any optimization algorithms which operate on probability distributions.
Total Integrative Evolutionary Communication: Towards a Cybersemiotic Discourse Pragmatics

In this paper we outline a cybersemiotic foundation for the trend of pragmatics-based functional linguistics, Functional Discourse Grammar. Cybersemiotics is a substantial inter- and transdisciplinary semiotic theory which integrates, on the one hand, second-order cybernetics and autopoiesis theory and, on the other, Peircean biosemiotics. According to Cybersemiotics, language is primarily a creative process of total integrative evolutionary communication. It comprises three evolutionary stages: (1) biological reflexive languaging (the reflexive foundation of social coordination), (2) instinctual-motivational-emotional sign plays (a level which is shared with other animals and is the domain of ethology), and (3) premeditated, intentional symbol-based language games (specifically human unitary thinking-speaking-gesturing, the domain of pragmatics-based functional linguistics). In this inclusive hierarchy language games subsume the other stages, and thus human evolutionary communication is primarily a symbolic-conventional practice. It is intertwined with the practice of living, that is, with different life forms, including other forms of semiotic behavior. Together they form a coherent biological and socio-cultural practice. The basic “molecule” of the cybersemiotic model of human communication is a dyad between two linguistic cyborgs, alias natural language users. Single human communicators are thus “atoms”. They are hybrids between nature and nurture, manipulating all sorts of artificiality (e.g. pen and ink writing, digital-electronic texting, mobile telephonic amplification). A conventional practice, language occurs in three phases: as discourse process, product, and pattern. As discourse pattern it is deontological-directive (rather than epistemic-declarative) and functions as a finalistic guideline for the communicative processes of single individuals. Thus, rather than being the speech community’s invariant langue, a discourse pattern is a single individual’s communicative competence. Accordingly, shared communicational norms and conventions of the speech community are emergent and not determinant.
Large‐Area Low‐Cost Plasmonic Nanostructures in the NIR for Fano Resonant Sensing

J. Zhao, Prof. H. Giessen 4. Physics Institute and Research Center SCoPE University of Stuttgart Pfaffenwaldring 57, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany E-mail: giessen@physik.uni-stuttgart.de C. Zhang, P. V. Braun Department of Materials Science and Engineering University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, Urbana Illinois 61801, USA
Comparative Physical Properties of Hyaluronic Acid Dermal Fillers

BACKGROUND Hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers are becoming the material of choice for use in cosmetic soft tissue and dermal correction. HA fillers appear to be similar, but their physical characteristics can be quite different. These differences have the potential to affect the ability of the physician to provide the patient with a natural and enduring result. OBJECTIVE The objective of this article is to discuss the key physical properties and methods used in characterizing dermal fillers. These methods were then used to analyze several well‐known commercially available fillers. METHODS AND MATERIALS Analytical methods were employed to generate data on the properties of various fillers. The measured physical properties were concentration, gel‐to‐fluid ratio, HA gel concentration, degree of HA modification, percentage of cross‐linking, swelling, modulus, and particle size. RESULTS The results demonstrated that commercial fillers exhibit a wide variety of properties. CONCLUSION Combining the objective factors that influence filler performance with clinical experience will provide the patient with the optimal product for achieving the best cosmetic result. A careful review of these gel characteristics is essential in determining filler selection, performance, and patient expectations. Jeffrey Kablik, LiPing Yu, Grace Chang, and Julia Gershkovich are employees of Genzyme Corporation. The materials used in this study were provided by Genzyme.
Synaptic noise and other sources of randomness in motoneuron interspike intervals.

IT IS GENERALLY AGREED that most long-distance information transmission in the nervous system is accomplished by the propagation of all-or-none spikes along axons, and further that this information is carried in a single axon by the timing of spikes. When a neuron is discharging with a constant mean frequency, information is probably contained in the length of interspike intervals which, however, are notoriously variable. Much recent attention has been focused on the statistics of this variability. In part, this interest has reflected a concern for the accuracy of nervous system function (interval variability, from this point of view, represents noise in the signal being transmitted (8)), but perhaps a larger body of the literature (19) has been concerned with using the theory of stochastic processes to gain insight into the processes generating the spike trains. To work backward from the statistics of interspike-interval variability to the mechanisms generating spike trains, however, involves making inferences about two separate mechanisms. Properties must be proposed for 7) the synaptic input of the neuron, and 2) the mechanism which converts synaptic input into spike trains. Variability in the interspike interval thus could be due to fluctuations in 7) the synaptic input, and 2) the mechanism converting synaptic currents into spike trains. Although Junge and Moore (15) were able to establish that intracellularly observed fluctuations were consistent with the observed interval variability, they were forced to pool data from many A&vsia neurons whose firing frequencies were drifting. Thus none of the models in the literature has utilized the measured properties of either the steady-state synaptic input or of the spike-generating mechanism of the very neuron whose interval variability they wished to predict.
Prevention: Making a shadow component a real goal in social work

Although need, opportunity, and funding for prevention programs are currently increasing, social workers do not appear to be leaders in this area of practice. Their lack of initiative in prevention will not likely change until social work education incorporates concepts from prevention science into the curriculum. This article: identifies and explains major prevention concepts and principles; discusses their congruence with social work's historical roots and current curriculum policy; and offers thoughts on integrating prevention values and content into both generalist and advanced courses. An appendix of resources is included to encourage faculties to consider how prevention could fit in the overall design of their programs.
Psoriatic arthritis: epidemiology, clinical features, course, and outcome

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) has been defined as a unique inflammatory arthritis associated with psoriasis. Its exact prevalence is unknown, but estimates vary from 0.3% to 1% of the population. The clinical features described initially are recognised by most experienced clinicians, although they are most distinct in early disease. Initially, PsA typically presents as an oligoarticular and mild disease. However, with time PsA becomes polyarticular, and it is a severe disease in at least 20% of patients. Patients with PsA who present with polyarticular disease are at risk for disease progression. In addition to progression of clinical and radiological damage, health related quality of life is reduced among patients with PsA. It important to note that patients included in recent drug trials resemble patients followed prospectively in a clinic.
Aging Related White Matter Tracts Detection Based on 42 Clinically Healthy Subjects

Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) offers an efficient evaluation over microstructure of white matter integrity. In this study, we aim to study the white matter tracts, which are associated with normal ageing. 42 healthy subjects were included, which is composed of two groups. One is young subjects (age = 22.29±1.35), and the other is elder (age = 63.71±2.00). Statistical analysis over FA was carried out by TBSS. We observed FA decreases significantly in several white matter tracts, including anterior thalamic radiation (ATR), cingulum (cingulate gyrus), corticospinal tract (CST), forceps minor, forceps major, inferior longitudinal fasciculus (ILF), superior longitudinal fasciculus (SLF). Most found all tracts were reported in past literatures. Nevertheless, we are the first to find the relationship between forceps major and ageing.
Contention-based limited deflection routing protocol in optical burst-switched networks

Optical burst switching (OBS) is a very promising switching technology for realization of an economical optical Internet. In OBS networks, when contention occurs at an intermediate switch, two or more bursts that are in contention can be lost because a forwarding path reservation is not made for a burst until a control message for the burst arrives. That is the reason why one of the critical design issues in OBS is finding ways to minimize burst dropping resulting from resource contention. In this paper, we propose and analyze a novel deflection routing protocol, which mitigates and resolves contention with significantly better performance as compared with techniques currently known in the literature. While several variants of the basic deflection routing scheme have been proposed before, they all lacked the ability to determine the alternate route based on clear performance objectives. In this paper, we present an on-demand deflection routing scheme, which sequentially performs the following: 1) based on certain performance criteria, dynamically determines if the burst should be deflection routed or retransmitted from source and 2) if the decision is to deflection route, then the same is done using a path that is based on minimization of a performance measure that combines distance and blocking due to contention. The proposed contention-based limited deflection routing scheme prevents injudicious deflection routing. Our simulation results show that the scheme proposed here has much superior performance both in terms of burst loss probability and increased network throughput. Through analytical and simulation modeling, a number of useful insights into the OBS network protocols and performance are provided.
Long-term patterns of an estuarine pathogen along a salinity gradient

Parasitic, disease-causing pathogens can exert strong control over marine populations yet few long-term studies exist that describe these relationships. Understanding the connections to longterm large-scale processes relative to local short-term processes should facilitate better planning for disease impacts in the management of marine resources. We describe a 21-yr dataset of dermo disease (Perkinsus marinus) in eastern oysters (Crassostrea virginica) in Delaware Bay, USA. Analyses indicated (1) a strong positive association between disease and mortality that was non-linear and defined by thresholds, (2) a clear spatial gradient of increasing disease and mortality with increasing salinity, (3) an apparent 7-year cycle in which peaks were associated with strong positive anomalies of the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO), (4) an inverse relationship with freshwater inflow, and (5) no obvious response to natural selection from persistent disease pressure. These data quantify the impact of environmental variables on the disease in a wild population and provide new insight into how disease interacts with host populations by linking disease patterns with larger climate controlling processes. Understanding these connections will facilitate prediction of and response to disease outbreaks.