Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Mast cells affect brain physiology and behavior

Mast cells affect brain physiology and behavior. Katherine M. Nautiyal Mast cells are immune cells that are found in the brain. Behavioral and endocrine states increase the number and activation of brain mast cells, independent of the animal’s immune status. Activation causes the release of many neuro-active mediators into the brain parenchyma. However, the function or impact of mast cells in the brain has not been studied. The recruitment of mast cells to the brain, and their subsequent activation following a stressor suggests that they may have a role in regulating the stress response through interactions with neural systems. The goal of this thesis is to examine the functional role of brain mast cells using a mouse model. Mast cells are present in the mouse brain parenchyma, meninges and choroid plexus from birth throughout adulthood. A mast cell deficient (Kit ) mouse is a strong model to study the effects of mast cells on brain physiology and behavior. The homozygote mutant lacks all brain mast cells resulting in reductions of mast cell-derived mediators. Interestingly, mast cell deficient mice have increased levels of anxiety-like behavior and stress-induced defecation compared to heterozygote (mast cell competent) littermate controls. Since mast cells are activated by stressors via corticotrophin releasing factor, it is surprising that no differences in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis reactivity are seen between mast cell deficient mice and littermate controls. Instead, the effects of mast cells on anxiety behavior and physiology may be mediated through mast cell contribution of serotonin to the hippocampus, a brain region where many mast cells reside. In vitro, application of a mast cell activator to hippocampal slices causes a rise in serotonin levels in the hippocampus of control, but not mast cell deficient mice. Given the known effects of hippocampal serotonin as a trophic factor and transmitter, hippocampal function is likely affected by the absence of mast cells. There are deficits in hippocampal neurogenesis, but not subventricular zone neurogenesis (a brain region with no mast cells), in mast cell deficient mice. This deficit can be reversed by increasing serotonin signaling with SSRI treatment or by enriched housing conditions. Mast cell deficient mice also have deficits in hippocampal dependent spatial learning and memory which can be reversed by enriched housing. Overall these results show that mast cells affect neural systems and behavior in the absence of an immune stimulus. These studies link an immune cell to the brain and behavior, and suggest a beneficial role for the recruitment of mast cells and subsequent neuroimmune interactions.
Population Structure of Atlantic Mackerel (Scomber scombrus)

Atlantic mackerel (Scomber scombrus) occurs on both sides of the north Atlantic and has traditionally been grouped into 5 spawning components, some of which were thought to be isolated natal homing stocks. Previous studies have provided no evidence for cross Atlantic migration and no or weak support for isolated spawning components within either side of the North Atlantic. We question the de-facto accepted hypothesis of isolation between spawning components on the basis of spawning and age distribution data. The spawning intensities, proxied by larval abundances, are negatively correlated between the North Sea and Celtic Sea, which indicates that the two spawning components may be connected by straying individuals. This finding is based on unique larvae samples collected before the collapse of North Sea component, thus showing that the exchange is not a recent phenomenon due to the collapse. The analyses of old as well as more recent age distributions show that strong year classes spread into other areas where they spawn as adults (“twinning”). Our findings are in accordance with the lack of solid evidence for stock separation from previous analyses of tagging data, genetics, ectoparasite infections, otolith shapes, and blood phenotypes. Because no method has been able to identify the origin of spawning mackerel unequivocally from any of the traditional spawning components, and in the light of our results, we conclude that straying outweighs spatial segregation. We propose a new model where the population structure of mackerel is described as a dynamic cline, rather than as connected contingents. Temporal changes in hydrography and mackerel behavior may affect the steepness of the cline at various locations. The new interpretation of the population structure of Atlantic mackerel has important implications for research, assessment and management.
On the informational usefulness of R & D capitalization and amortization

Under U.S. GAAP, reported balance sheet and income statements are based on immediate expensing of R&D expenditures. We capitalize those expenditures and derive adjusted equity book values and earnings using simple amortization techniques (straight-line over assumed industry-specific useful lives). After confirming that such adjustments increase the association of book values/earnings with contemporaneous stock prices (and future earnings), we examine the relation between those adjustments and future returns. Despite the approximate nature of our adjustments, they predict stock price movements over the next 20 months. Apparently, capitalization and amortization of R&D provides information not fully reflected in stock prices. (98 words). JEL Classification: M41, Accounting.
Exceptional Children: An Introduction to Special Education

Prologue: A Personal View of Special Education Part I: Foundations for Understanding Special Education Chapter 1: The Purpose and Promise of Special Education Chapter 2: Planning and Providing Special Education Services Chapter 3: Collaborating with Parents and Families in a Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Society Part II: Educational Needs of Exceptional Students Chapter 4: Mental Retardation Chapter 5: Learning Disabilities Chapter 6: Emotional and Behavioral Disorders Chapter 7: Autism Spectrum Disorders Chapter 8: Communication Disorders Chapter 9: Deafness and Hearing Loss Chapter 10: Blindness and Low Vision Chapter 11: Physical Disabilities, Health Impairments, and ADHD Chapter 12: Low Incidence Disabilities: Multiple/Severe Disabilities, Deaf-Blindness, and Traumatic Brain Injury Chapter 13: Giftedness and Talent (Piirto and Heward) Part III: Special Education Across the Lifespan Chapter 14: Early Childhood Special Education Chapter 15: Transitioning to Adulthood Postscript: Developing Your Own Personal View of Special Education Appendix: Coverage of Content Areas for PRAXIS II Test Glossary. References. Name Index. Subject Index. Photo Credits.
PBF-2 Is a Novel Single-Stranded DNA Binding Factor Implicated in PR-10a Gene Activation in Potato

Elicitor-induced activation of the potato pathogenesis-related gene PR-10a requires a 30-bp promoter sequence termed the ERE (elicitor response element) that is bound by the nuclear factor PBF-2 (PR-10a binding factor 2). In this study, PBF-2 has been purified to near homogeneity from elicited tubers through a combination of anion-exchange and DNA affinity chromatography. Evidence demonstrates that inactive PBF-2 is stored in the nuclei of fresh tubers and becomes available for binding to the ERE upon elicitation. A protein with an apparent molecular mass of 24 kD (p24) is a DNA binding component of PBF-2. A cDNA encoding p24 has been cloned and encodes a novel protein with a potential transcriptional activation domain that could also act as a single-stranded DNA binding domain. Both PBF-2 and the cDNA-encoded protein bind with high affinity to the single-stranded form of the ERE in a sequence-specific manner. The inverted repeat sequence of the ERE, TGACAnnnnTGTCA, is critical for binding of this factor in vitro and for PR-10a expression in vivo, supporting the role of PBF-2 as a transcriptional regulator.
Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Receptor Gene Transcription in Mammalian Pituitary Gonadotrophs

The hypothalamic decapeptide gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), acting via its receptors (GnRHRs) expressed in pituitary gonadotrophs, represents a critical molecule in control of reproductive functions in all vertebrate species. GnRH-activated receptors regulate synthesis of gonadotropins in a frequency-dependent manner. The number of GnRHRs on the plasma membrane determines the responsiveness of gonadotrophs to GnRH and varies in relation to age, sex, and physiological status. This is achieved by a complex control that operates at transcriptional, translational, and posttranslational levels. This review aims to overview the mechanisms of GnRHR gene (Gnrhr) transcription in mammalian gonadotrophs. In general, Gnrhr exhibits basal and regulated transcription activities. Basal Gnrhr transcription appears to be an intrinsic property of native and immortalized gonadotrophs that secures the presence of a sufficient number GnRHRs to preserve their functionality independently of the status of regulated transcription. On the other hand, regulated transcription modulates GnRHR expression during development, reproductive cycle, and aging. GnRH is crucial for regulated Gnrhr transcription in native gonadotrophs but is ineffective in immortalized gonadotrophs. In rat and mouse, both basal and GnRH-induced Gnrhr transcription rely primarily on the protein kinase C signaling pathway, with subsequent activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases. Continuous GnRH application, after a transient stimulation, shuts off regulated but not basal transcription, suggesting that different branches of this signaling pathway control transcription. Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide, but not activins, contributes to the regulated transcription utilizing the protein kinase A signaling pathway, whereas a mechanisms by which steroid hormones modulate Gnrhr transcription has not been well characterized.
Association chain graphs: modelling etiological pathways

Multiple time‐dynamic and interrelated risk factors are usually involved in the complex etiology of disorders. This paper presents a strategy to explore and display visually the relative importance of different association pathways for the onset of disorder over time. The approach is based on graphical chain models, a tool that is powerful but still under‐utilized in most fields. Usually, the results of these models are displayed using directed acyclic graphs (DAGs). These draw an edge between a pair of variables whenever the assumption of conditional independence given variables on an earlier or equal temporal footing is violated to a statistically significant extent. In the present paper, the graphs are modified in that confidence intervals for the strengths of associations (statistical main effects) are visualized. These new graphs are called association chain graphs (ACGs). Statistical interactions cause ‘edges’ between the respective variables within the DAG framework (because the assumption of conditional independence is violated). In contrast they are represented as separate graphs within the subsample where the different association chains may work within the ACG framework. With this new type of graph, more specific information can be displayed whenever the data are essentially described only with statistical main‐ and two‐way interaction effects. Copyright © 2003 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Comprehensive Unified Control Strategy for Underactuated Two-Link Manipulators

This paper presents a unified treatment of the motion control of underactuated two-link manipulators, including acrobots and pendubots. The motion space is divided into two areas: swing-up and attractive; and control laws are designed for each. First, a control law based on a weak-control Lyapunov function (WCLF) is employed to increase the energy of and control the posture of the actuated link in the swing-up area. Next, one parameter of the WCLF is chosen to be a nonlinear function of the state to avoid singularities. Then, another parameter of the control law is adjusted based on the state to improve the control performance. Finally, an optimal control law is designed for the attractive area. Stability is guaranteed in the swing-up area by the use of a WCLF based on LaSalle's invariance principle. Moreover, the global stability of the control system is guaranteed by integrating the WCLF and a nonsmooth Lyapunov function.
The Inhibitory Effect of a Novel Polypeptide Fraction from Arca subcrenata on Cancer-Related Inflammation in Human Cervical Cancer HeLa Cells

Inflammation is known to be closely associated with the development of cancer. The study was launched in human cervical cancer HeLa cells to investigate the antitumor and anti-inflammatory effects of P2, a marine polypeptide fraction from an important fishery resource Arca subcrenata. The basic research showed that P2 could suppress the production of nitric oxide in LPS-induced RAW264.7 macrophage cells as well as the secretion of inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-α in human cervical cancer HeLa cells. For the molecular mechanisms, P2 was shown to downregulate the gene expression of proinflammatory cytokines IL-6 and IL-8 and to inhibit the COX-2 and iNOS-related pathways in HeLa cells. In consequence, P2 might inhibit tumor development by blocking the interaction between tumor microenvironment and proinflammatory mediators. All findings indicate that P2 possesses the potential to be developed as a novel agent for cancer therapy.
Blind deconvolution using compressed sensing in time dispersive MIMO OFDM systems

In this paper, we propose a blind algorithm for channel identification and signal separation in MIMO OFDM systems with Nyquist sampling at the baseband. To estimate in time the channel and the input signals using compressed sensing, we exploit the sparsity structure of the matrix type channel impulse responses and the Gaussian characteristics of the transmitted OFDM signals. The matching pursuit sparse algorithm is applied in the channel recovery. First, we develop the method for blind deconvolution in SISO systems where after estimating the channel, a zero-forcing (Z-F) equalizer in the frequency domain recovers the transmitted QAM symbols. Then, we apply the method in the MIMO setting. This is accomplished by decomposing the matrix type convolution representing the mixing process in the MIMO time dispersive channel into systems of equations similar to the SISO case. Specifically, in the MIMO system, the SISO type sparse channel estimation is performed independently and in parallel for every receive antenna. The QAM symbol recovery on spatial streams is performed at every subcarrier using a matrix equivalent to the Z-F equalizer. The good estimation convergence of the method and its resilience in different SNR scenarios is verified through extensive simulations.
Space robotics — Present and past challenges

Space Robotics is a relatively new field of science and engineering that was developed as an answer to growing needs created by space exploration and space missions. New technologies had to be invented and designed in order to meet demands in extremely hostile environments. Those technologies have to work in a gravityless environment, rarefied atmosphere and often in high temperature. This paper recalls some of the major robotics missions in space and explains technologies related to them. Space robotic manipulators, especially flexible link and flexible joint robots are discussed. Autonomous robots for unmanned, long duration mission are presented.
Hybrid RF/IR transcutaneous telemetry for power and high-bandwidth data

As neuroprosthetic control systems continue to advance and increase in channel density, there will be a constant need to deliver data at higher bandwidths in and out of the body. Currently, RF telemetry and inductive coupling are the most commonly used methods for transmitting power and electronic data between implants and external systems, and state of the art systems can deliver data rates up to hundreds of kilobits per second. However, it is difficult to operate implanted medical RF links at higher data rates due to electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) constraints. In this study, we investigate the potential for hybrid telemetry systems that use constant-frequency RF inductive links for power and transcutaneous infrared (IR) signals for data. We show that with commercially available infrared communication components, data rates of up to 40 Mbits per second can be transmitted out across 5 mm of skin with an internal device power dissipation under 100 mW.
Contextual Alignment of Cognitive and Neural Dynamics

Effective real-world communication requires the alignment of multiple individuals to a common perspective or mental framework. To study how this alignment occurs at the level of the brain, we measured BOLD response during fMRI while participants (n = 24) listened to a series of vignettes either in the presence or absence of a valid contextual cue. The valid contextual cue was necessary to understand the information in each vignette. We then examined where and to what extent the shared valid context led to greater intersubject similarity of neural processing. Regions of the default mode network including posterior cingulate cortex and medial pFC became more aligned when participants shared a valid contextual framework, whereas other regions, including primary sensory cortices, responded to the stimuli reliably regardless of contextual factors. Taken in conjunction with previous research, the present results suggest that default mode regions help the brain to organize incoming verbal information in the context of previous knowledge.
Chemical Affinity as Material Agency for Naturalizing Contextual Meaning

Chemical affinity involves the integration of two different types of interaction. One is the interaction operating between a pair of reactants while forming a chemical bond, and the other is the prior interaction between those reactants when they identify a reaction partner. The context of the environments under which chemical reactions proceed is identified by the interaction of the participating chemical reactants themselves unless the material process of internal measurement is substituted by theoretical artifacts in the form of imposed boundary conditions, as in the case, for example, of thermal equilibrium. The identification-interaction specific to each local participant serves as a preparation for the making of chemical bonds. The identification-interaction is intrinsically selective in precipitating those chemical bonds that are synthesized most rapidly among possible reactions. Once meta-stable products appear that mediate chemical syntheses and their partial decompositions without totally decomposing, those products would become selective because of their ongoing participation in the identification-interaction. One important natural example must have been the origin and evolution of life on Earth.
Severe neurotoxicity associated with exposure to the solvent 1-bromopropane (n-propyl bromide)

Background. 1-Bromopropane was recently substituted for traditional ozone-depleting solvents in the industrial setting. Case series. We report a cohort of six cases of 1-bromopropane neurotoxicity occurring in foam cushion gluers exposed to 1-bromopropane vapors from spray adhesives. Patients 1–5 were exposed 30–40 hours per week over three years; patient 6 had been employed for the previous three months. Exposure had peaked over the previous month when ventilatory fans were turned off. All patients complained of subacute onset of lower extremity pain or paresthesias. Five of six complained of difficulty walking and on examination had spastic paraparesis, distal sensory loss, and hyperreflexia. Three patients initially had nausea and headache. Serum bromide concentrations ranged from 44 to 170 mg/dL (reference 0–40 mg/dL). Apparent hyperchloremia was present with serum chloride concentrations of 105 to 139 mmol/L (reference 98–107 mmol/L). Air samples taken at the workplace during gluing operations revealed the mean air concentration of 1-bromopropane to be 130 ppm (range 91–176 ppm) with a seven hour time-weighted average of 108 ppm (range 92–127 ppm), well above the EPA-proposed limit of 25 ppm. Two years after exposure, the two most severely affected patients had minimal improvement of function and they, with a third patient, continued to experience chronic neuropathic pain. Conclusion. This report supports the growing recognition of 1‐bromopropane neurotoxicity in humans consisting most commonly of headache, nausea, and subacute spastic paraparesis with distal sensory loss. The pathogenesis of 1-BP neurotoxicity in humans has yet to be fully elucidated but may reflect a central distal axonopathy syndrome.
Approximability of unsplittable shortest path routing problems

In this article, we discuss the relation of unsplittable shortest path routing (USPR) to other routing schemes and study the approximability of three USPR network planning problems. Given a digraph D = (V,A) and a set K of directed commodities, an USPR is a set of flow paths P *(s,t) , (s,t) ∈ K, such that there exists a metric λ = (λa) ∈ Z +A with respect to which each P *(s,t) is the unique shortest (s,t)‐path. In the Min‐Con‐USPR problem, we seek an USPR that minimizes the maximum congestion over all arcs. We show that this problem is NP‐hard to approximate within a factor of O(|V|1−ϵ), but polynomially approximable within min(|A|,|K|) in general and within O(1) if the underlying graph is an undirected cycle or a bidirected ring. We also construct examples where the minimum congestion that can be obtained by USPR is a factor of Ω(|V|2) larger than that achievable by unsplittable flow routing or by shortest multipath routing, and a factor of Ω(|V|) larger than that achievable by unsplittable source‐invariant routing. In the CAP‐USPR problem, we seek a minimum cost installation of integer arc capacities that admit an USPR of the given commodities. We prove that this problem is NP‐hard to approximate within 2 − ϵ even in the undirected case, and we devise approximation algorithms for various special cases. The fixed charge network design problem FC‐USPR, where the task is to find a minimum cost subgraph of D whose fixed arc capacities admit an USPR of the commodities, is shown to be NPO‐complete. All three problems are of great practical interest in the planning of telecommunication networks that are based on shortest path routing protocols. Our results indicate that they are harder than the corresponding unsplittable flow or shortest multi‐path routing problems. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. NETWORKS, 2009
Uncovering information needs for independent spatial learning for users who are visually impaired

Sighted individuals often develop significant knowledge about their environment through what they can visually observe. In contrast, individuals who are visually impaired mostly acquire such knowledge about their environment through information that is explicitly related to them. This paper examines the practices that visually impaired individuals use to learn about their environments and the associated challenges. In the first of our two studies, we uncover four types of information needed to master and navigate the environment. We detail how individuals' context impacts their ability to learn this information, and outline requirements for independent spatial learning. In a second study, we explore how individuals learn about places and activities in their environment. Our findings show that users not only learn information to satisfy their immediate needs, but also to enable future opportunities -- something existing technologies do not fully support. From these findings, we discuss future research and design opportunities to assist the visually impaired in independent spatial learning.