Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Number of oligodendrocyte progenitors recruited to the lesioned spinal cord is modulated by the levels of the cell cycle regulatory protein p27Kip‐1

Remyelination is a critical step for recovery of function after demyelination and defines the ability to generate new myelin. This repair process is dependent on the presence of resident oligodendrocyte progenitors (OLPs) that have been shown to remyelinate axons after demyelination. We have previously shown that the levels of the cell cycle inhibitor p27Kip‐1 modulate the number of neonatal cortical OLPs. We now asked whether this cell cycle molecule plays also a role in regulating the number of adult OLP in the spinal cord after demyelination induced by lysolecithin injection. The proliferative response of OLP in the spinal cord of injected wild‐type (wt) and p27Kip‐1 null mice was evaluated 3 days after lesion. In vivo labeling with bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) was used to identify cells in S phase. Double immunofluorescence for the OLP marker NG2, and for BrdU was used to count the number of proliferating progenitors. Consistent with a role of p27Kip‐1 in regulating the number of adult OLP in the injured spinal cord, a larger number of proliferating OLPs was observed in p27Kip‐1null mice compared with wild‐type controls. These cells were able to differentiate as assessed by the presence of MBP+ cells in the spinal cord 14 days after injury. We conclude that the cellular levels of the cell cycle inhibitor p27Kip‐1 modulate the repair response of OLPs to injury in the adult spinal cord. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Advances in remote sensing technology and implications for measuring and monitoring forest carbon stocks and change

Forest monitoring using satellite imagery has advanced tremendously over the past few decades, to the point that these datasets now inform international policy agreements, notably those associated with emissions of CO2 into the atmosphere from deforestation and other types of land-use change. However, satellite technological advances require time to move towards a state of operational readiness for monitoring and reporting; for example, in the case of forest cover and associated carbon stock (biomass) and their changes through time. In this article, we provide an overview of the current status of forest monitoring using satellites and we explore new technologies that are already revolutionizing the way that forest carbon is measured. In particular, we focus on the capabilities of light detection and ranging (LiDAR), noting the opportunities and also the challenges that arise in moving technologies from those flown on aircraft to earth orbiting satellites. We discuss these capabilities in the context of next-generation earth observation missions and international reporting requirements for reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.
Metastable States for an Aggregation Model with Noise

We study the long-time effect of noise on pattern formation for the aggregation model. We consider aggregation kernels that generate patterns consisting of two delta-concentrations. Without noise, there is a one-parameter family of admissible equilibria that consist of two concentrations whose mass is not necessary equal. We show that when a small amount of noise is added, the heavier concentration "leaks" its mass towards the lighter concentration over a very long time scale, eventually resulting in the equilibration of the two masses. We use exponentially small asymptotics to derive the long-time ODE's that quantify this mass exchange. Our theory is validated using full numerical simulations of the original model -- both of the original stochastic particle system and its PDE limit. Our formal computations show that adding noise destroys the degeneracy in the equilibrium solution and leads to a unique symmetric steady state.
Frequency-specific objective audiometry: Tone-evoked brainstem responses and steady-state responses to 40 Hz and 90 Hz amplitude modulated stimuli

Tone-evoked Auditory Brainstem Responses (tone-burst ABRs) and Auditory Steady-State Responses (ASSRs) with 40 or 90 Hz amplitude modulation (AM) were compared, using the same equipment and recording parameters, to determine which of these three methods most accurately approached the behavioural hearing thresholds in response to 500 Hz and 2000 Hz stimuli in eleven awake adults with normal hearing. Estimates of the thresholds obtained with the three methods were 10, 18, and 26 dB SL at 500 Hz; and 10, 12, and 22 dB SL at 2000 Hz; using 40 Hz ASSR, 90 Hz ASSR, and tone-burst ABR, respectively. ASSRs with 40 Hz AM stimuli produced significantly better results (lowest thresholds with SD = 0), whereas the wave-V analysis on the tone-burst ABR produced the poorest results. In the averaged ABRs, a robust steady-state potential was also visible. Analysis of those steady-state responses showed estimated thresholds of 13 and 14 dB SL (at 500 and 2000 Hz, respectively), thus considerably better than the estimated thresholds from the wave-V analysis. It is concluded that the 40 Hz ASSR showed superior results, especially at 500 Hz. Sumario Utilizando el mismo equipo y los mismos parámetros de prueba, se compararon las respuestas auditivas de tallo cerebral evocadas por tonos ABR de burst tonales y las respuestas auditivas de estado estable (ASSR) con 40 o 90 Hz de modulación de amplitud (AM), para determinar cual de estos tres métodos se aproximaba con mayor exactitud a los umbrales auditivos comportamentales en 500 y 2000 Hz, en 11 adultos normoyentes despiertos. La estimación de los umbrales obtenidos con los tres métodos fueron 10, 18 y 26 dBSL a 500 Hz y 10, 12 y 22 dBSL a 2000 Hz con 40 Hz ASSR, 90 Hz ASSR y ABR de pips tonales, respectivamente. Las ASSR con estímulo de 40 Hz AM produjeron resultados significativamente mejores (umbral menor con SD = 0), mientras que el análisis de la onda V en los ABR con burst tonales generó los resultados más pobres. En los ABR promediados, se pudo observar un potencial de estado estable robusto. El análisis de las respuestas de estado estable mostró umbrales estimados de 13 y 14 dBSL (500 y 2000 Hz, respectivamente), que son considerablemente mejores que los umbrales del análisis de la onda V. Se concluye que las ASSR de 40 Hz muestran resultados superiores, especialmente a 500 Hz.
Hexavalent Chromium Compounds in the Workplace: Assessing the Extent and Magnitude of Occupational Exposure in Italy

Hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) compounds have been classified as carcinogenic to humans. This study evaluates the extent and magnitude of occupational exposures to Cr(VI) in Italy. Data were collected from exposure registries of companies compulsorily notified by the National Workers’ Compensation Authority. Each measurement was characterized by economic activity sector, work force size, worker personal data, job description, year of measurement, and level of exposure. Descriptive statistical analysis was carried out on the retrieved information. The number of workers potentially exposed was estimated for some industrial sectors. A mixed-effects model was adopted to evaluate the association between exposure variables and exposure concentrations. Over 8400 measurements of Cr(VI) exposures were selected from the database of registries for 1996–2009. Most exposures occurred in the manufacture of fabricated metal products (>50%), and the occupational group most frequently measured was metal finishing-, plating- and coating-machine operators (>52%). Measurements were associated with various Cr(VI) compounds, including chromium trioxide, potassium dichromate, sodium dichromate, strontium chromate, and zinc chromate. Cr(VI) exposure has decreased in more recent years, and the fixed-effects (Cr(VI) compound, activity sector, size and location of the facility, job category, and year of measurement of the final statistical model explained more than 70% of the variance in the observed exposure data. This study summarized data recorded in the Italian occupational exposure database and identified specific exposure patterns to Cr(VI). The mean level of exposure to Cr(VI) was 30.41 μg/m3, and 50,118 workers were estimated at exposure risk in the selected industrial sectors. Systematic recording of occupational exposures is a source of data that allows recognition of high risk situations and improvements in exposure assessment for epidemiologic studies.
Satisfaction among Museum Visitors: The Holistic Approach Confirmed Empirical Evidence from the Anne Frank House Visitors

Abstract This paper examines whether a holistic element affected the valuations of visitors to the Anne Frank House, an en-site historical museum. The holistic approach views a museum as a whole entity and not as the sum of individual items. For the purposes of our research, we developed a new set of instruments, based on a literature survey and practical experience. We collected our data by interviewing over 2,000 visitors to the world-renowned Anne Frank House during 1998 and 1999. Our findings show that visitors clearly view this museum from a holistic perspective: overall satisfaction was greater than satisfaction regarding any individual items. In this respect, the holistic approach appeals especially to younger people, Europeans and people of higher educational backgrounds. While the conclusions of this research project apply exclusively to the Anne Frank House, the innovative approach used to measure visitor satisfaction can be applied to any en-site historica! museum or similar tourist attraction.
Autophagy and RNA virus interactomes reveal IRGM as a common target

Several intracellular pathogens have the ability to avoid or exploit the otherwise destructive process of autophagy. RNA viruses are constantly confronted with cellular autophagy, and several of them hijack autophagy during the infectious cycle to improve their own replication. Nevertheless, our knowledge of viral molecular strategies used to manipulate autophagy remains limited. Our study allowed the identification of molecular interactions between 44 autophagy-associated proteins and 83 viral proteins belonging to five different RNA virus families. This interactome revealed that the autophagy network machinery is highly targeted by RNA viruses. Interestingly, whereas some autophagy-associated proteins are targeted by only one RNA virus family, others are recurrent targets of several families. Among them, we found IRGM as the most targeted autophagy-associated protein. Downregulation of IRGM expression prevents autophagy induction by measles virus, HCV and HIV-1, and compromises viral replication. Our work combined interactomic and analytical approaches to identify potential pathogen virulence factors targeting autophagy.
Influence of inert ingredients in pesticide formulations on dermal absorption of carbaryl.

OBJECTIVES To assess the influence of solvent plus various mixtures on percutaneous absorption and disposition of the carbamate insecticide, carbaryl (CA). ANIMALS Skin was obtained from the dorsum of 14 female weanling specific-pathogen-free Yorkshire pigs. PROCEDURE In this 8-hour in vitro flow-through diffusion study, porcine skin sections were dosed with 40 micrograms of CA/cm2 of surface area, different amounts of solvents (40 or 80% acetone or dimethyl sulfoxide [DMSO]), different amounts of a surfactant (0, 1, or 5% sodium lauryl sulfate [SLS]), an insect repellent (0 or 15% diethyl-m-toluamide [DEET]), an insecticide synergist (0 or 2% piperonyl butoxide [PB]), and a CA metabolite (40 micrograms/cm2 1-naphthol [1-NA]). RESULTS In general, CA absorption was greater from acetone than from DMSO mixtures, and CA penetration into skin and stratum corneum was greater from DMSO at 8 hours. This is consistent with the flux-time profiles, which depicted initial peak flux within 2 to 3 hours for most acetone mixtures, but a slow increase in flux for DMSO mixtures. Irrespective of the solvent, increasing water content in pesticide dosing mixtures significantly increased CA absorption from SLS mixtures only. The SLS also enhanced CA absorption, especially at low solvent concentrations. The DEET significantly reduced CA absorption from acetone, but not from DMSO mixtures, and 1-NA enhanced CA absorption from acetone, but not from DMSO mixtures. Piperonyl butoxide significantly enhanced CA absorption from acetone and DMSO mixtures. However, addition of PB or PB plus SLS did not significantly increase CA flux above that observed from solvent plus surfactant mixtures. CONCLUSIONS Inert ingredients can modulate percutaneous absorption of toxicologically important pesticides and their effect or activity on CA disposition is dependent on solvent specificity and solvent concentration. Whereas SLS, PB, and 1-NA can enhance pesticide absorption, DEET can reduce absorption.
Plasticity of the Axonal Trigger Zone

The axon initial segment (AIS) is a specialized axonal compartment that is involved in conversion of synaptic potentials into action potentials. Recent studies revealed that structural properties of the AIS, such as length and position relative to the soma, are differentiated in a cell-specific manner and shape signal processing of individual neurons. Moreover, these structural properties are not fixed but vary in response to prolonged changes of neuronal activity, which readjusts action potential threshold and compensates for the changes of activity, indicating that this structural plasticity of the AIS works as a homeostatic mechanism and contributes to maintain neuronal activity. Neuronal activity plays a crucial role in formation, maintenance, and refinement of neural circuits as well as in pathogenesis and/or pathophysiology of diseases. Thus, this plasticity should be a key to understand physiology and pathology of the brain.
Differences in Middle Ear Ventilation Disorders Between Pars Flaccida and Pars Tensa Cholesteatoma in Sonotubometry and Patterns of Tympanic and Mastoid Pneumatization

Objective To investigate differences in middle ear ventilation mechanisms between pars flaccida and pars tensa cholesteatoma. Study Design Retrospective case review. Setting A referral hospital otolaryngology department. Patients Sixty-six ears with pars flaccida cholesteatoma (mean age, 45.7 yr) and 19 ears with pars tensa cholesteatoma (mean age, 58.8 yr) were included. Patients with totally adhesive tympanic membranes or mixed-type cholesteatoma were excluded. Interventions Patients underwent canal wall down tympanoplasty with canal reconstruction. The canal wall was reconstructed with tragal or conchal cartilage and cortical bone grafts. Main Outcome Measures Habitual sniffing, preoperative sonotubometry results, mastoid pneumatization (maturation), and postoperative aeration around the stapes were investigated. Preoperative mastoid pneumatization and postoperative aeration around the stapes were measured on computed tomography scans. Results Ten (15.4%) of 65 patients with pars flaccida cholesteatoma and 3 (15.7%) of 19 patients with pars tensa cholesteatoma were habitual sniffers (p = 0.5). Preoperative sonotubometry indicated that a patulous pattern was more common in ears with pars flaccida than pars tensa cholesteatoma (42.8% versus 7.1%, p < 0.05), and a stenotic pattern was more common in ears with pars tensa than pars flaccida cholesteatoma (85.8% versus 42.8%, p < 0.01). Preoperative mastoid pneumatization and postoperative aeration around the stapes were significantly better in ears with pars flaccida than pars tensa cholesteatoma (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05, respectively). Conclusion Significantly different tubal function and mastoid pneumatization patterns suggest differences in ventilation disorders and cause between ears with pars flaccida and pars tensa cholesteatoma.
Overexpression of the ASN1 Gene Enhances Nitrogen Status in Seeds of Arabidopsis1

In wild-type Arabidopsis, levels of ASN1 mRNA and asparagine (Asn) are tightly regulated by environmental factors and metabolites. Because Asn serves as an important nitrogen storage and transport compound used to allocate nitrogen resources between source and sink organs, we tested whether overexpression of the major expressed gene for Asn synthetase, ASN1, would lead to changes in nitrogen status in the ultimate storage organ for metabolites—seeds. Transgenic Arabidopsis constitutively overexpressing ASN1 under the cauliflower mosaic virus 35S promoter were constructed (35S-ASN1). In seeds of the 35S-ASN1 lines, three observations support the notion that the nitrogen status was enhanced: (a) elevations of soluble seed protein contents, (b) elevations of total protein contents from acid-hydrolyzed seeds, and (c) higher tolerance of young seedlings when grown on nitrogen-limiting media. Besides quantitative differences, changes in the relative composition of the seed amino acid were also observed. The change in seed nitrogen status was accompanied by an increase of total free amino acids (mainly Asn) allocated to flowers and developing siliques. In 35S-ASN1 lines, sink tissues such as flowers and developing siliques exhibit a higher level of free Asn than source tissues such as leaves and stems, despite significantly higher levels of ASN1 mRNA observed in the source tissues. This was at least partially due to an enhanced transport of Asn from source to sink via the phloem, as demonstrated by the increased levels of Asn in phloem exudates of the 35S-ASN1 plants.
Design, analysis and implementation of a four-tier centralized control architecture for intelligent operation of grid-connected microgrids

Intelligent Microgrids (MG) hold the key for optimal load and generation management. The proliferation of distributed energy resources (DERs) can provide a sustainable solution for future energy demand. Seamless integration of multiple MGs with the utility grid, would be highly impossible without higher level control and coordination. This paper presents a four-tier centralized control architecture for intelligent operation of grid-connected MG systems. The proposed MG Central Controller (MGCC) is built upon four layers which are classified as component, region, grid and system levels respectively. It generates set points for optimal power sharing based on load demand, renewable energy harvested, availability and capacity of each grid. MGCC aims at optimized power distribution, integrated control of grid-tied/islanded modular MGs, active synchronization, and improving power quality. A laboratory-scale 16kW hybrid MG testbed is developed for experimental validation. Results are presented to show the performance of MGCC under different conditions.
Who trades around the ex-dividend day? Evidence from NYSE audit file data

We analyze trading volume around ex-dividend days. We use NYSE audit file data to decompose total trading volume by trader type. These data permit us to directly test detailed hypotheses regarding the identity of traders around the ex-dividend day. We are able to distinguish between dividend-capture trading by taxable corporations and short-term trading by securities dealers. We find evidence of significant abnormal volume by securities dealers that is positively related to dividend yield and negatively related to transaction costs. We also document some abnormal trading volume consistent with corporate dividend-capture trading, but little evidence of tax-clientele trading.
Molecular control of cell fate in the neural crest: the sympathoadrenal lineage.

Over the past five years, new insights have been gained into the biology of the SA lineage. These advances have been powered by the development of immunologic methods to isolate embryonic SA progenitors from fetal adrenal glands and sympathetic ganglia. Analysis of these embryonic progenitors has confirmed many of the ideas derived from earlier studies of postnatal cells, but has necessitated several revisions in our thinking, as well. First, embryonic SA progenitors appear to be distinct from mature SIF cells, a cell type initially postulated to be the central intermediate in the SA lineage. Second, FGF, not NGF, appears to be an important early influence on neuronal fate; NGF responsiveness appears relatively late in differentiation. Third, the development of both sympathetic neurons and adrenal chromaffin cells is not a one-step process, but rather involves a series of events, in which the cells change their responsiveness to growth factors and glucocorticoids. Fourth, emerging circumstantial evidence suggests that SA progenitors may have additional developmental potentials. Finally, new insights have been gained into the molecular mechanisms that underlie both the differentiation of SA progenitors and their determination from earlier multipotent neural crest cells. These advances have made the SA progenitor a well-defined system for studying the molecular control of cell fate in a vertebrate neurogenic precursor cell. The analysis of the SA lineage at the cell biological level has raised several interesting molecular questions for future investigation. In the neuronal branch of the SA lineage, how is the acquisition of NGF-responsiveness and NGF-dependence controlled, and what is the relationship of these events to the expression of p140trk and p75? In the chromaffin branch of the pathway, which molecules control the timing of PNMT expression? In the uncommitted SA progenitor, what is the molecular basis of the antagonism between the competing neuronal and chromaffin pathways of differentiation, and how does commitment to neuronal differentiation occur? Can SA progenitors differentiate to enteric neurons in vitro, and which differentiation and survival factors control this phenotype, as well as the other classical neurotransmitter and neuropeptide phenotypes expressed by SA derivatives? What are the roles of MASH1 and other regulatory genes in controlling early stages in neural crest cell determination, and how is the expression of these molecules in turn controlled? How much of the genetic regulatory network controlling neuronal differentiation in Drosophila has been conserved in vertebrates? (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Modeling High-Temperature Superconducting Tapes by Means of Edge Finite Elements

In this paper we present a new 2D numerical model for AC loss computation in high-temperature superconductors, based on the use of edge finite elements. These elements are curl conforming by construction and involve the continuity of the tangential component of the magnetic field between adjacent elements. In this way they do not require the imposition of the zero divergence of the magnetic field at each time step, which, with standard nodal elements, increases the null space of the matrix and the risks of divergence of the algorithm. The model, implemented in the software package COMSOL, uses the two magnetic field components as state variables. It has been tested for computing the losses of YBCO coated conductor tapes in two cases of practical interest, which cannot be investigated by analytical models.
Pitfalls in Retirement

The market turmoil of recent years has left many who are in or near retirement uncertain about how best to protect their nest eggs. This article offers insights into the key financial pitfalls to which retirees are prone. Investors can achieve their retirement goals by spending sustainably, maintaining equity exposure, addressing longevity and inflation risks, and devising a sound plan with which they feel comfortable.
Computer support of groups: theory-based models for GDSS research

Empirical research in the area of computer support of groups is characterized by inconsistent results across studies. This paper attempts to reconcile the inconsistencies by linking the ad hoc reasoning in the studies to existing theories of communication, minority influence and human information processing. Contingency models are then presented based on the theories discussed. The paper concludes by discussing the linkages between the current work and other recently published integrations of empirical GDSS research and theories of GDSS.