Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A major inducer of anticarcinogenic protective enzymes from broccoli: isolation and elucidation of structure.

Consumption of vegetables, especially crucifers, reduces the risk of developing cancer. Although the mechanisms of this protection are unclear, feeding of vegetables induces enzymes of xenobiotic metabolism and thereby accelerates the metabolic disposal of xenobiotics. Induction of phase II detoxication enzymes, such as quinone reductase [NAD(P)H:(quinone-acceptor) oxidoreductase, EC 1.6. 99.2] and glutathione S-transferases (EC 2.5.1.18) in rodent tissues affords protection against carcinogens and other toxic electrophiles. To determine whether enzyme induction is responsible for the protective properties of vegetables in humans requires isolation of enzyme inducers from these sources. By monitoring quinone reductase induction in cultured murine hepatoma cells as the biological assay, we have isolated and identified (-)-1-isothiocyanato-(4R)-(methylsulfinyl)butane [CH3-SO-(CH2)4-NCS, sulforaphane] as a major and very potent phase II enzyme inducer in SAGA broccoli (Brassica oleracea italica). Sulforaphane is a monofunctional inducer, like other anticarcinogenic isothiocyanates, and induces phase II enzymes selectively without the induction of aryl hydrocarbon receptor-dependent cytochromes P-450 (phase I enzymes). To elucidate the structural features responsible for the high inducer potency of sulforaphane, we synthesized racemic sulforaphane and analogues differing in the oxidation state of sulfur and the number of methylene groups: CH3-SOm-(CH2)n-NCS, where m = 0, 1, or 2 and n = 3, 4, or 5, and measured their inducer potencies in murine hepatoma cells. Sulforaphane is the most potent inducer, and the presence of oxygen on sulfur enhances potency. Sulforaphane and its sulfide and sulfone analogues induced both quinone reductase and glutathione transferase activities in several mouse tissues. The induction of detoxication enzymes by sulforaphane may be a significant component of the anticarcinogenic action of broccoli.
Quantitation of cells secreting rheumatoid factor of IgG, IgA, and IgM class after elution from rheumatoid synovial tissue.

In an indirect hemolytic plaque assay that used sheep erythrocytes coated with normal rabbit IgG or reduced/alkylated IgG anti–sheep erythrocytes, mononuclear cells eluted from rheumatoid synovial tissue of 7 of 11 patients with seropositive rheumatoid arthritis contained cells that secreted rheumatoid factor of IgG, IgA, and IgM classes. The number of rheumatoid factor–secreting cells varied from <1% to 53% of the total number of eluted immunoglobulin-secreting cells. In contrast, immunoglobulin-secreting cells and rheumatoid factor–secreting cells were scanty in blood compared with synovial tissue mononuclear cells.
Worldwide Dissemination of the NDM-Type Carbapenemases in Gram-Negative Bacteria

The emergence of one of the most recently described carbapenemases, namely, the New Delhi metallo-lactamase (NDM-1), constitutes a critical and growingly important medical issue. This resistance trait compromises the efficacy of almost all lactams (except aztreonam), including the last resort carbapenems. Therapeutical options may remain limited mostly to colistin, tigecycline, and fosfomycin. The main known reservoir of NDM producers is the Indian subcontinent whereas a secondary reservoir seems to have established the Balkans regions and the Middle East. Although the spread of bla NDM-like genes (several variants) is derived mostly by conjugative plasmids in Enterobacteriaceae, this carbapenemase has also been identified in P. aeruginosa and Acinetobacter spp. Acinetobacter sp. may play a pivotal role for spreading bla NDM genes for its natural reservoir to Enterobacteriaceae. Rapid diagnostic techniques (Carba NP test) and screening of carriers are the cornerstone to try to contain this outbreak which threatens the efficacy of the modern medicine.
Controlling Industrial Pollution: A New Paradigm

The authors call for a revised model for the regulation of industrial pollution. They think the traditional emphasis on appropriate instruments, while ultimately correct, is premature, because agencies in most developing countries have insufficient information and burdensome transaction costs to implement any instruments comprehensively. Once regulators have better information, more integrated information systems, more capacity for setting priorities, and a stronger public mandate, it will not be difficult for them to manage pollution more cost-effectively. Overhasty production of market-based instruments will not work and will probably discredit those regulatory tools. Rather, the new model of regulation should relegate regulators to their proper place in the scheme of things. The state should play a role in regulating pollution externalities, but should also recognize the role of the community and the market. In the authors' view, appropriate regulation in developing countries should incorporate five key features, namely, it should foster a climate of information intensity, encourage community environmental education, allow variations in regulations in different communities, initiate pilot projects and build larger programs later, and fashion adaptive regulatory instruments that both counter environmental degradation and minimize disruption for investors.
The Split and Merge Unscented Gaussian Mixture Filter

In this work we present a novel approach to nonlinear, non-Gaussian tracking problems based on splitting and merging Gaussian filters in order to increase the level of detail of the filtering density in likely regions of the state space and reduce it in unlikely ones. As this is only effective in the presence of nonlinearities, we describe a split control technique that prevents filters from being split if they operate in linear regions of state space. In simulations with polar measurements, the new algorithm reduced the mean square error by nearly 50% compared to the unscented Kalman filter.
Functional significance of complex fluctuations in brain activity: from resting state to cognitive neuroscience

Behavioral studies have shown that human cognition is characterized by properties such as temporal scale invariance, heavy-tailed non-Gaussian distributions, and long-range correlations at long time scales, suggesting models of how (non observable) components of cognition interact. On the other hand, results from functional neuroimaging studies show that complex scaling and intermittency may be generic spatio-temporal properties of the brain at rest. Somehow surprisingly, though, hardly ever have the neural correlates of cognition been studied at time scales comparable to those at which cognition shows scaling properties. Here, we analyze the meanings of scaling properties and the significance of their task-related modulations for cognitive neuroscience. It is proposed that cognitive processes can be framed in terms of complex generic properties of brain activity at rest and, ultimately, of functional equations, limiting distributions, symmetries, and possibly universality classes characterizing them.
The discharge behaviour of single vasoconstrictor motoneurones in human muscle nerves.

1. The discharge behaviour of fourteen single sympathetic vasoconstrictor efferents was studied using a tungsten microelectrode inserted percutaneously into a motor fascicle of the radial or peroneal nerve in eight awake supine subjects. Units were classified as vasoconstrictor because their firing properties correlated appropriately to changes in cardiac interval and arterial pressure. 2. On average, individual vasoconstrictor units discharged in only 21% of heart beats, with an overall mean frequency of 0.47 Hz. Usually only one spike was generated per cardiac cycle. Calculated from cardiac cycles in which a unit fired from two to seven spikes, the mean within‐burst firing rate was 18.8 +/‐ 2.5 Hz (mean +/‐ S.E.M.); but instantaneous frequencies above 50 Hz were occasionally observed. 3. Measured from a defined R‐wave of the ECG, the spike onset latency varied over 358 +/‐ 33 ms, suggesting considerable variation of synaptic delays in the baroreflex arc. This latency had a relatively uniform temporal relationship with the burst onset or peak latency, compatible with a fixed recruitment order of individual sympathetic neurones. 4. In view of the low average firing rate of individual units we suggest that the variable instantaneous firing rates may optimize the contractile responses of vascular smooth muscle.
Explorations into sex, gender and leadership in the UK Civil Service Part 1. Introduction, background and theoretical considerations

Purpose – This is the first of a three-part paper exploring the intersection between sex, gender and leadership in the UK Civil Service. The purpose of this paper is to introduce research by the authors into differences in the behaviour of men and women managers in the UK Civil Service, differences in 360 degree assessments of these behaviours and variations in the behaviours and assessments in different organisational contexts. This part of the paper sets the scene, and provides a literature review and a series of conjectures, derived from this review. Design/methodology/approach – This part of the paper outlines the training and development activities carried out by the authors and explains the target populations, the context in which managers operated and the part played by psychometric assessments in such activities. It then provides a literature review on the intersection of sex, gender and leadership. This looks at: the glass ceiling; leader preferences; gender stereotypes; gender stereotypes and le.
Best practices for digitally constructing endocranial casts: examples from birds and their dinosaurian relatives

The rapidly expanding interest in, and availability of, digital tomography data to visualize casts of the vertebrate endocranial cavity housing the brain (endocasts) presents new opportunities and challenges to the field of comparative neuroanatomy. The opportunities are many, ranging from the relatively rapid acquisition of data to the unprecedented ability to integrate critically important fossil taxa. The challenges consist of navigating the logistical barriers that often separate a researcher from high‐quality data and minimizing the amount of non‐biological variation expressed in endocasts – variation that may confound meaningful and synthetic results. Our purpose here is to outline preferred approaches for acquiring digital tomographic data, converting those data to an endocast, and making those endocasts as meaningful as possible when considered in a comparative context. This review is intended to benefit those just getting started in the field but also serves to initiate further discussion between active endocast researchers regarding the best practices for advancing the discipline. Congruent with the theme of this volume, we draw our examples from birds and the highly encephalized non‐avian dinosaurs that comprise closely related outgroups along their phylogenetic stem lineage.
Toxicity Testing of Pristine and Aged Silver Nanoparticles in Real Wastewaters Using Bioluminescent Pseudomonas putida

Impact of aging on nanoparticle toxicity in real matrices is scarcely investigated due to a lack of suitable methodologies. Herein, the toxicity of pristine and aged silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) to a bioluminescent Pseudomonas putida bioreporter was measured in spiked crude and final wastewater samples (CWs and FWs, respectively) collected from four wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). Results showed lower toxicity of pristine Ag NPs in CWs than in FWs. The effect of the matrix on the eventual Ag NP toxicity was related to multiple physico-chemical parameters (biological oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), total suspended solids (TSS) pH, ammonia, sulfide and chloride) based on a multivariate analysis. However, no collection site effect was concluded. Aged Ag NPs (up to eight weeks) were found less toxic than pristine Ag NPs in CWs; evident increased aggregation and decreased dissolution were associated with aging. However, Ag NPs exhibited consistent toxicity in FWs despite aging; comparable results were obtained in artificial wastewater (AW) simulating effluent. The study demonstrates the potency of performing nanoparticle acute toxicity testing in real and complex matrices such as wastewaters using relevant bacterial bioreporters.
Principles of animal behavior

The third edition of Principles of Animal Behavior aims to show why—by building on the work in the frst two editions of this book and adding the latest, best, cuttingedge research being done in animal behavior. Much has happened in the feld of animal behavior since the last edition of this book was published in 2009. Recent research fndings have given me ample opportunity not only to update and expand on the studies presented in the book but also to reinforce the previous editions’ focus on ultimate and proximate causation, as well as the book’s unique emphasis on natural selection, learning, and cultural transmission. But there is more to this new edition of Principles of Animal Behavior than that
Low-Cost Platform-Independent FPGA Based Real-Time Systems Tester

The solution that this paper presents is a low-cost and platform independent system for testing real-time systems. The testing system is designed to perform several kinds of tests with focus on thread and interrupt testing. The tester targets a generic System Under Test that operates using a real-time operating system or a bare-metal environment. The tester's high cusomizability and ease-of-use, in addition to being very affordable compared to other solution, makes it especially suitable to be used in education environments and labs.
Geometry of synthesis: a structured approach to VLSI design

We propose a new technique for hardware synthesis from higher-order functional languages with imperative features based on Reynolds's Syntactic Control of Interference. The restriction on contraction in the type system is useful for managing the thorny issue of sharing of physical circuits. We use a semantic model inspired by game semantics and the geometry of interaction, and express it directly as a certain class of digital circuits that form a cartesian, monoidal-closed category. A soundness result is given, which is also a correctness result for the compilation technique.
Two divergent signaling pathways for TGF-beta separated by a mutation of its type II receptor gene.

Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) can inhibit epithelial cell growth and induce extracellular matrix formation through signal transduction via its two receptors and its downstream intracellular Smad proteins. We recently reported a germline mutation, i.e., substitution of methionine for threonine at codon 315 in the kinase subdomain IV, of the TGF-beta type II receptor gene in a kindred of hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer without microsatellite instability and found that the mutant receptor abolished the signal transduction for growth inhibition by TGF-beta. In this study, we performed further functional analysis of this mutant receptor. The results showed that, in contrast to its failure to mediate growth inhibition by TGF-beta, the mutant receptor still retained the ability to induce one of the extracellular matrix proteins, plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1, upon TGF-beta treatment. However, coincident with its failure to mediate growth inhibition by TGF-beta, the mutant receptor failed to transcriptionally upregulate one of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors, p15(INK4B), in response to TGF-beta. These data suggest that threonine 315 of the TGF-beta type II receptor is dispensable for extracellular matrix protein production, but is essential for the growth inhibition by TGF-beta, and that the lack of growth inhibition due to the mutant receptor is possibly mediated through its failure to upregulate p15(INK4B).
Tracking Groups of People

A computer vision system for tracking multiple people in relatively unconstrained environments is described. Tracking is performed at three levels of abstraction: regions, people, and groups. A novel, adaptive background subtraction method that combines color and gradient information is used to cope with shadows and unreliable color cues. People are tracked through mutual occlusions as they form groups and separate from one another. Strong use is made of color information to disambiguate occlusion and to provide qualitative estimates of depth ordering and position during occlusion. Simple interactions with objects can also be detected. The system is tested using both indoor and outdoor sequences. It is robust and should provide a useful mechanism for bootstrapping and reinitialization of tracking using more specific but less robust human models.
Prognosis for rubeosis iridis following central retinal vein occlusion.

SUMMARY The records of 57 patients with recent central retinal vein occlusion were reviewed in order to predict the development of rubeosis iridis (RI) and neovascular glaucoma (NVG) from the initial clinical examination, colour fundus photographs, and fluorescein angiograms. Twelve patients (21 %) developed both RI and NVG, and this complication appeared to be correlated most significantly with clinical and fluoroangiographic evidence of severe retinal ischaemia. The correlation between RI and other findings was as follows: widespread capillary occlusion (86 % developed RI); absent perifoveal network (80 %); 10 or more cotton-wool spots (75 %); A-V transit time of greater than 20 seconds (75 %); severe large vessel leakage (31 %); and severe retinal oedema (60 %). Less significant correlation of RI was obtained with poor visual acuity and with associated systemic diseases. Factors of no statistical prognostic value included the patient's age, history, or evidence of pre-existing open-angle glaucoma, degree of fundus haemorrhage, capillary dilatation, disc oedema, disc capillary dilatation and leakage, leakage of small vessels in the posterior pole, and development of disc collateral vessels. Multivariate linear discriminant analysis of the data supported the above factors as being the variables that best predicted the development of RI, and a derived linear equation predicted 91 % of all patients studied who had central retinal vein occlusion and who developed rubeosis iridis.
Regulation of survival and synaptic connectivity in the adult brain by cell-intrinsic excitability

Although the lifelong addition of new neurons to the olfactory bulb and dentate gyms of mammalian brains is by now an accepted fact, the function of adult-generated neurons still largely remains a mystery. The ability of new neurons to form synapses with preexisting neurons without disrupting circuit function is central to the hypothesized role of adult neurogenesis as a substrate for learning and memory. In this doctoral thesis, I present work done in collaboration with other scientists that advance knowledge in our understanding of how the cell-intrinsic excitability of new neurons governs their incorporation into mature circuits in the adult brain. Contrary to the notion that adult neurogenesis represents continual addition of the same type of neurons that are incorporated during brain development, we have obtained data that suggests adult-born neurons have distinct characteristics and may perform a distinct function. Results we have obtained in the olfactory bulb show that an increase in cell-intrinsic activity increases survival of adult-born olfactory granule neurons and that precise spiking of these neurons is not critical for integration. Our observations in the dentate gyrus demonstrate that an increase in cell-intrinsic activity is sufficient to effect alterations in synaptic connectivity with the surrounding circuit and that input connectivity is regulated in an activity-dependent manner by Npas4 signaling. Progress in the field of adult neurogenesis is beginning to shed light on the flexibility that adult-born neurons offer to mature circuits and their potential contribution toward circuit refinement and adaptation to changing environmental demands. I am pleased to present this work as a small step towards reaching the ultimate goal of understanding the biology of lifelong learning and memory. Thesis Supervisor: Carlos Lois Title: Professor of Neurobiology
A Novel Transductive SVM for Semisupervised Classification of Remote-Sensing Images

This paper introduces a semisupervised classification method that exploits both labeled and unlabeled samples for addressing ill-posed problems with support vector machines (SVMs). The method is based on recent developments in statistical learning theory concerning transductive inference and in particular transductive SVMs (TSVMs). TSVMs exploit specific iterative algorithms which gradually search a reliable separating hyperplane (in the kernel space) with a transductive process that incorporates both labeled and unlabeled samples in the training phase. Based on an analysis of the properties of the TSVMs presented in the literature, a novel modified TSVM classifier designed for addressing ill-posed remote-sensing problems is proposed. In particular, the proposed technique: 1) is based on a novel transductive procedure that exploits a weighting strategy for unlabeled patterns, based on a time-dependent criterion; 2) is able to mitigate the effects of suboptimal model selection (which is unavoidable in the presence of small-size training sets); and 3) can address multiclass cases. Experimental results confirm the effectiveness of the proposed method on a set of ill-posed remote-sensing classification problems representing different operative conditions
On the generation of specializers

Abstract Self-applicable specializers have been used successfully to automate the generation of compilers. Specializers are often rather sophisticated, for which reason one would like to adapt and transform them with the aid of the computer. But how to automate this process? The answer to this question is given by three specializer projections. While the Futamura projections define the generation of compilers from interpreters, the specializer projections define the generation of specializers from interpreters. We discuss the potential applications of the specializer projections, and argue that their realization is a real touchstone for the effectiveness of the specialization principle. In particular, we discuss generic specializers, bootstrapping of subject languages and the generation of optimizing specializers from interpretive specifications. The Futamura projections are regarded as a special case of the specializer projections. Recent results confirm that the specializer projections can be performed in practice using partial evaluators.
Polycyanoacrylate nanocapsules as potential lysosomotropic carriers: preparation, morphological and sorptive properties

p. COUVREUR*§, B. KANTE*, M. ROLAND', P. C h O T I ' , P. BAUDUIN'f, P. SPEISER~, Laboratoire de Pharmacie Galinique, Universite' Catholique de Louvain, B-1200 Bruxelles Belgium. t Laboratoire de Chimie Physiologique, UniversitP Catholique de Louvain and International Institute of Cellular and Molecular Pathology, B-1200 Bruxelles, Belgium. '$ Phartnareutische Institut, Eidgenossische Technische Hochschule, CH-Zurich, Switzerland.