Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Compliance of hippocampal neurons to patterned substrate networks

Neuronal growth can be controlled in vitro by plating cells at low density and by differential adhesion between the cell and substrate. Primary cultures of rat hippocampal neurons were grown in serum‐free culture on polylysine‐coated glass coverslips patterned by selective laser ablation so as to leave grids of polylysine with varying linewidths (3, 5, and 10 μM), intersection distance (80, 120, and 160 μM), and nodal (intersection) diameter (5, 10, and 20 μM). Not only did somae strongly prefer the unablated polylysine areas, but they also migrated to foci where the local area of unablated polylysine was higher. These loci were the nodes, as opposed to the narrow connecting paths, and larger nodes, as compared with smaller nodes. Maximum migration to nodes of 88% occurred for a combination of 5‐μM pathwidth, 20‐μm node diameter, and 80‐μM pathlength. Daily observations indicated active migration to larger adhesive areas, which explains the differential compliance.
Intertemporal Consumption and Savings Behavior: Neoclassical, Behavioral, and Neuroeconomic Approaches

This paper summarizes neoclassical, behavioral, and neuroeconomic models of intertemporal consumption and savings behavior. I summarize the construction and implications of Modigliani & Brumberg’s Life-Cycle Hypothesis [4] and Laibson’s quasi-hyperbolic consumption function [8] as background and motivation for Bisin & Benhabib’s neuroeconomic model of dynamic consumption behavior [3]. In particular, I focus on the mathematical construction of each model, their dierent behavioral assumptions of agent rationality, and the resulting implications for economic theory.
Recommended Competencies Needed for Teaching in International Extesion Settings

Agricultural extension plays a significant role in the global production and supply of food. A problem with extension services in developing countries is the lack of an adequate balance between the technical and professional competencies of personnel. The purpose of this study was to explore the professional competencies needed by U.S. extension agents to teach adults in international settings. The conceptual framework for this study was constructed on the knowledge domains that doctoral students should acquire before teaching internationally. Twelve internationally experienced U.S. extension agents were purposively selected to participate in the study based on their regional supervisor’s recommendation of program excellence. Change strategies, program evaluation methods, learning principles, and organizational development were identified by the agents as professional competencies needed before teaching internationally. Extension administrators and professional development specialists should ensure mechanisms are in place for current and future agricultural extension agents to acquire these competencies. U.S. agricultural extension agents could be mentored by agents proficient in the identified professional competencies before teaching globally. Enrolling in a doctoral program is an avenue for extension agents to acquire the professional competencies associated with teaching adults in international settings. Preparing current and future U.S. extension agents in the identified professional competencies could enhance global agricultural extension programs.
Increases in soluble VCAM‐1 correlate with a decrease in MRI lesions in multiple sclerosis treated with interferon β‐1b

Interferon β‐1b reduces clinical exacerbations and disease activity in multiple sclerosis as shown by magnetic resonance imaging, but the mechanism of action is unknown. We investigated the correlation between the levels of soluble adhesion molecules and a reduction in contrast‐enhancing lesions on gadopentetate dimeglumine magnetic resonance images after treatment with interferon β‐1b. We determined levels of soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule‐1, intercellular adhesion molecule‐1, E‐selectin, L‐selectin, and tumor necrosis factor receptor (60 kd) in monthly serum samples from patients with definite multiple sclerosis before and during treatment with interferon β‐1b. The level of soluble adhesion molecules was correlated with the number of newly enhancing lesions on monthly contrast‐enhanced images. Levels of soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule during treatment were significantly increased compared to control or pretreatment values. The median levels (ng/ml) of this adhesion molecule were 580.3 (range; 373.0–640.7) for the healthy subjects, and 551.4 (489.7–875.5) for patients prior to treatment and 847.9 (591.5–1,232.9) during treatment. Levels of the other soluble adhesion molecules and soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor were not significantly changed during treatment. The increase in soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule correlated with a decrease in the number of contrast‐enhancing lesions on magnetic resonance images. These data suggest a novel mechanism of action for interferon β‐1b by direct interference with the adhesion cascade, which may prevent activated T cells from trafficking into the central nervous system.
Investing in the Beta Space

The beta space is a powerful way to map the investment strategies of semidiversified investors. Three metrics define the beta space: regular or exogenous betas (x-ßs), linked to macroeconomic cycles; endogenous betas (n-ßs), related to innovation hazards; and a combination of the two—the total betas (t-ßs). The beta space is the first to endow unsystematic risk with measurable entity. It debunks the myth that innovation entails high exogenous betas, and it suggests a simpler definition of style investing: Growth investors tend to favor industries with large t-ßs, whereas value investors do the opposite.
Characterization and autoradiographic distribution of hemicholinium‐3 high‐affinity choline uptake sites in mammalian brain

[3H]hemicholinium‐3 (HC‐3) binding characteristics have been investigated using membrane binding assays and in vitro receptor autoradiography. In rat brain membrane preparations, [3H]HC‐3 binds with high affinity to an apparent single class of sites. [3H]HC‐3 selectivity labels the high affinity choline uptake (HACU) in brain membranes (HC‐3 > choline > carbamylcholine > acetylcholine). This hypothesis is also supported by quantitative autoradiographic data which demonstrate that the discrete distribution of [3H]HC‐3 binding sites correlates very well with the known distribution of other cholinergic markers such as choline acetyltransferase (ChAT), acetylcholinesterase (AChE), HACU, and [3H]AH‐5183 (blocker of the vesicular transport of acetylcholine). For example, high densities of labelling are observed for these different markers in the interpeduncular nucleus, anteroventral nucleus of the thalamus, striatum, basolateral nucleus of the amygdala, and an exquisite laminar distribution in the hippocampus. Similar autoradiographic distributions of [3H]HC‐3 binding sites are observed in other mammalian species such as guinea pig and monkey. Finally, 7‐day unilateral kainic acid lesions of the nucleus basalis magnocellularis (nbm) decrease cortical [3H]HC‐3 binding and ChAT activity, although not to a similar extent. In summary, these results demonstrate that [3H]HC‐3 is a selective ligand of the HACU in mammalian brain. Thus, it is now possible to characterize precisely various structural components of the cholinergic synapses using markers such as [3H]HC‐3, ChAT, HACU, [3H]AH‐5183, and selective muscarinic and nicotinic receptor radioligands.
Touchable holography

Mid-air displays which project floating images in free space have been seen in SF movies for several decades [Rakkolainen 2007]. Recently, they are attracting a lot of attention as promising technologies in the field of digital signage and home TV, and many types of holographic displays are proposed and developed. You can see a virtual object as if it is really hovering in front of you. But that amazing experience is broken down the moment you reach for it, because you feel no sensation on your hand.
Meiotic Studies in Some Members of Caryophyllaceae Juss. From the Western Himalayas

The paper reports meiotic studies on 50 populations comprising 12 species belonging to 5 genera of Caryophyllaceae from the Western Himalayas. The chromosome numbers in Arenaria kashmirica (n=20), Silene conoidea (n=20), S. edgeworthii (n=12 and n=24), S. moorcroftiana (n=24), S. nepalensis (n=12), Stellaria media (n=13), S. monosperma (n=13) and S. semivestita (n=13) are reported for the first time. The chromosome numbers in Lychnis coronaria (n=12) and Silene vulgaris (n=24) are given for the first time from India, along with Gypsophilla ceratioides (n=15) from the Western Himalayas. The course of meiosis varies from normal to abnormal in different populations of Silene conoidea, S. edgeworthii, S. vulgaris, Stellaria media, S. monosperma and S. semivestita. The course of meiosis was abnormal in all studied populations of Lychnis coronaria. Abnormal microsporogenesis (cytomixis, chromosomal stickiness, unoriented bivalents, formation of laggards and bridges) led to reduced pollen fertility and differences in pollen grain size.
CpG oligodeoxynucleotide and double-stranded RNA synergize to enhance nitric oxide production and mRNA expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase, pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines in chicken monocytes

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) recognize microbial components and initiate the innate immune responses that control microbial infections. The interaction between ligands of TLR3 and TLR9, poly I:C (an analog of viral double-stranded RNA) and CpG-ODN (a CpG-motif containing oligodeoxydinucleotide) on the inflammatory immune responses, including the production of nitric oxide (NO) and the expression of inducible NO synthase (iNOS), pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6, and chemokines IL-8 and macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-1β, were investigated in chicken monocytes. The NO production was significantly higher when stimulated with a combination of CpG-ODN and poly I:C than with either CpG-ODN or poly I:C alone. Similarly, a significant synergistic effect by CpG-ODN and poly I:C was observed in the up-regulation of iNOS and IL-8 mRNA after 2 h and persisted up to 24 h. Although the combinatory treatment of CpG-ODN and poly I:C enhanced the expression of IL-1β, IL-6, and MIP-1β(3 after 2 h stimulation, the synergism in the up-regulation of IL-1β and IL-6 mRNA was observed after 8-h and 24-h stimulation, respectively, whereas there was no synergistic effect on MIP-1β. Our results demonstrate that CpG-ODN synergizes with poly I:C to induce pro-inflammatory immune response in chicken monocytes.
Evaluation of extracranial-intracranial arterial bypass function by using near-infrared spectroscopy.

OBJECT It has been reported that extracranial-intracranial (EC-IC) arterial bypass surgery can be useful in preventing stroke in patients with hemodynamic compromise. Little is yet known, however, regarding the extent to which the bypass contributes to maintaining adequate cerebral blood oxygenation (CBO) and its temporal changes following surgery. The authors evaluated bypass function repeatedly by using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) after surgery. METHODS The authors investigated 30 patients who had undergone EC-IC bypass surgery. Single-photon emission computerized tomography revealed a decrease in regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) and a lowered rCBF response to acetazolamide. Changes in CBO were evaluated in the sensorimotor cortex during compression of the anastomosed superficial temporal artery (STA). When decreases in oxyhemoglobin (HbO2) and total hemoglobin (Hb) concentrations were observed, the bypass was considered to have maintained CBO in the sensorimotor cortex given that decreases in HbO2 and total Hb indicate cerebral ischemic changes. The bypass maintained CBO immediately after surgery in 36.7% of patients (Group I, 11 patients) and at some time after surgery, mostly within 1 year, in 43.3% of patients (Group II, 13 patients); however, it did not maintain it throughout the follow-up period in 20% of patients (Group III, six patients). Note that the preoperative rCBF in patients in Groups I and II was lower than that in patients in Group III (p < 0.004). In fact, the preoperative rCBF predicted whether a bypass would maintain CBO at a cutoff value of 24.5 to 25 ml/100 g/min. Among Groups I and II, 18 patients demonstrated an increase in deoxyhemoglobin during STA compression. The preoperative rCBF in these cases was lower than that in the six remaining patients (p < 0.006). Note that the preoperative rCBF predicted the postoperative deoxyhemoglobin response at a cutoff value of 22.2 to 24 ml/100 g/min. CONCLUSIONS The EC-IC bypass surgery can maintain CBO immediately after surgery or gradually within 1 year when the preoperative rCBF is below 24.5 to 25 ml/100 g/min. Furthermore, bypass flow plays a critical role in maintaining an adequate CBO when preoperative rCBF is below 22.2 to 24 ml/100 g/min.
Toxicity of six pesticides to common frog (Rana temporaria) tadpoles

Amphibian species inhabiting agricultural areas may be exposed to pesticides during their aquatic larval phase. We tested the toxicity of six commonly used pesticides on Rana temporaria spawn and tadpoles. In acute tests, tadpoles were exposed to relatively high concentrations of azoxystrobin, cyanazine, esfenvalerate, MCPA ([4‐chloro‐2‐methylphenoxy] acetic acid), permethrin, and pirimicarb for 72 h. Chronic exposure tests were performed from fertilization to metamorphosis with azoxystrobin, cyanazine, and permethrin at concentrations similar to those found in surface waters in agricultural areas in Sweden. The most lethal pesticides in the acute exposure were azoxystrobin, permethrin, and pirimicarb. Also, negative effects on the growth of the tadpoles were observed with azoxystrobin, cyanazine, and permethrin. The chronic exposure at lower pesticide concentrations did not result in increased mortality or impaired growth. However, we found a positive effect of permethrin on growth and size at metamorphosis. The results suggest that the examined pesticides can inflict strong negative effects at high concentrations but have no or relatively weak effects on R. temporaria spawn or tadpoles at concentrations found in Swedish surface waters.
Extraction de Liens Fréquents dans les Réseaux Sociaux

Cet article presente FLMin, une nouvelle methode d'extraction de motifs frequents dans les reseaux sociaux. Contrairement aux methodes traditionnelles qui s'interessent uniquement aux regularites structurelles, l'originalite de notre approche reside dans sa capacite a exploiter la structure et les attributs des noeuds pour extraire des regularites, que nous appelons "liens frequents", dans les liens entre des noeuds partageant des caracteristiques communes.
Causalities Between Financial Aggregates and Economic Activities in Nigeria: The Results From Granger's Test

The paper examines the existence of causality between each of narrow money, M1, wider money, M2, and total credit on the one hand and the GDP, the price level, in dustrial activities, and imports on the other over the 50-quarterly period from 1970 (I) to 1983 (II). Utilizing the Granger's causality test model, the following causations were detected: a reverse causation between GDP & M2; causation from GDP to total credit; from price level to Mp reverse causation between M2 and the price level; reverse causation bet ween total credit and the price level; causation from each of M1 and M2 to industrial production; and a reverse causation between import levels and each of M1f M2 and total credit. Our findings, we believe, have important implications for model building as well as con duct of monetary and credit policies.
Impact of the synbiotic combination of Lactobacillus casei shirota and oligofructose-enriched inulin on the fecal volatile metabolite profile in healthy subjects.

SCOPE Hypothesis-driven approaches have mainly focused on the quantification of SCFAs as mediators of beneficial effects of synbiotics. However, the emergence of metabolite profiling strategies allows to evaluate the colonic metabolism from a top-down approach. In the present study, we evaluated the impact of a synbiotic combination on fecal metabolite profiles. METHODS AND RESULTS A synbiotic combination (Lactobacillus casei Shirota cells+oligofructose-enriched inulin) was evaluated in nine healthy volunteers. Before the start, during and after 4-wk treatment, fecal samples were obtained. GC-MS technology was applied to analyze the volatile metabolites. Application of a Type III test revealed that the metabolite profiles from the three conditions were significantly different. We identified three volatile organic compounds, acetate, dimethyl trisulfide and ethyl benzene, which were significantly affected. The acetate levels increased, whereas the dimethyl trisulfide levels decreased during and after the intervention. For ethyl benzene only an effect during the synbiotic intervention period was observed. CONCLUSION We report a detailed analysis of the influence of L. casei Shirota combined with oligofructose-enriched inulin on fermentation metabolites. Our results indicated a stimulation of saccharolytic fermentation and, importantly, a reduction of potentially toxic protein fermentation metabolites dimethyl trisulfide and ethyl benzene attended these effects.
Collapse of grafted polyelectrolyte layer

HAL is a multi-disciplinary open access archive for the deposit and dissemination of scientific research documents, whether they are published or not. The documents may come from teaching and research institutions in France or abroad, or from public or private research centers. L’archive ouverte pluridisciplinaire HAL, est destinée au dépôt et à la diffusion de documents scientifiques de niveau recherche, publiés ou non, émanant des établissements d’enseignement et de recherche français ou étrangers, des laboratoires publics ou privés. Collapse of grafted polyelectrolyte layer O. Borisov, T. Birshtein, E. Zhulina
An outbreak of erythema infectiosum associated with human parvovirus infection

SUMMARY Erythema infectiosum (EI) or fifth disease is a mild, acute exanthematous disease, occurring mainly among children, for which a causative virus has long been sought. In May 1983 an outbreak of exanthematous illness was reported in a primary school in North London. Children attending the school were investigated by questionnaire and 162 (43·9%) reported an illness with the features of EI. In each of 36 cases investigated virologically the illness was associated with parvovirus infection. Moreoever, pre-existing antibody to parvovirus was correlated with protection from EI in 16 of 17 close family contacts of cases. We propose therefore that EI is the common manifestation of infection with the human parvovirus.
Efficient static D-latch standard cell characterization using a novel setup time model

In this paper we propose a simple setup time model for a transmission gate based static latch, which we later use to simplify standard cell library characterization methodology. We propose a simple model for the setup time which relates it linearly with input transition time (TR) and load capacitance (CL). We also derive the region of validity of our model in the TR, CL space. We derive the relationship of the model coefficients and the model's region of validity with the size of CMOS latch standard cell. We then derive simple expressions relating our model coefficients with the supply voltage, threshold voltage, and temperature variations. We use these relationships to simplify latch setup time characterization methodology, eliminating the necessity of about 67% HSPICE simulations. We show that our model and method of improving the characterization process are valid with the technology scaling and realistic input signals. We observe that the value of setup time obtained using our model based approach for latch characterization differ from their corresponding HSPICE based method by a maximum (average) of 3.2% (1.5%).
Fear, Knowledge, and Efficacy Beliefs Differentially Predict the Frequency of Digital Rectal Examination Versus Prostate Specific Antigen Screening in Ethnically Diverse Samples of Older Men

Emotional and cognitive characteristics have been studied in the context of women’s cancer screening but have received scant attention in the study of men’s screening behavior. Researchers know little about how such factors interact to predict screening or whether digital rectal examination (DRE) and prostate specific antigen (PSA) screens are predicted by the same characteristics. This study examines the relevance of emotional and cognitive characteristics to DRE and PSA screening among 180 U.S.-born African American, U.S.- born European American, and immigrant Jamaican men. The study identifies the expected effects in which fear is negatively related and efficacy beliefs positively related to DRE and PSA screening. Greater efficacy and (marginally) knowledge appear to “offset” the negative impact of fear on screening, and fear appears particularly relevant to DRE frequency. Results are discussed in terms of their implications for the development of health belief and self-regulatory models in the context of prostate cancer screening among minority men.
Neuronal Activation of the Hypothalamic Magnocellular System in Response to Oropharyngeal Stimuli in the Rat

The present study was designed to delineate the neuronal site, the nature, and the gastrointestinal origin of the stimulation of the hypothalamic magnocellular system induced by the ingestion of sweetened condensed milk. Concomitant localization of the c‐fos protein (Fos) with either arginine‐vasopressin (AVP) mRNA or oxytocin (OT) mRNA in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVH) and the supraoptic nucleus (SON) revealed that the hypothalamic neurons containing AVP and OT were activated following ingestion of sweetened condensed milk. Expression of c‐fos mRNA was also determined in rats implanted with a gastric cannula that allowed for real, sham, and gastric feeding of sweetened condensed milk. The results provide evidence that the stimulation of the PVH and SON induced by sweetened condensed milk originate from oropharyngeal stimuli. Indeed, in real‐and sham‐fed rats, the postprandial levels of c‐fos mRNA in the PVH and SON were significantly higher than the preprandial values, whereas there was no early postprandial rise in c‐fos mRNA levels within the magnocellular division of the PVH and SON after gastric feeding. The results of this study also suggested that the stimulation of the PVH and SON induced by sweetened condensed milk was related to the hypertonicity of the milk. Indeed, ingestion of an hypertonic solution of sucrose with a carbohydrate content close to that of sweetened condensed milk led to a stimulation of the PVH and SON that was comparable to that induced by the milk, whereas ingestion of an isotonic solution of sucrose did not trigger any significant activation of the PVH and SON. Taken together, the present results indicate that magnocellular neurosecretory neurons are sensitive to oropharyngeal stimuli and further support the view of the existence of oropharyngeal osmoreceptors.