Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Role of the Axon Initial Segment in the Control of Spontaneous Frequency of Nigral Dopaminergic Neurons In Vivo

The spontaneous tonic discharge activity of nigral dopamine neurons plays a fundamental role in dopaminergic signaling. To investigate the role of neuronal morphology and architecture with respect to spontaneous activity in this population, we visualized the 3D structure of the axon initial segment (AIS) along with the entire somatodendritic domain of adult male mouse dopaminergic neurons, previously recorded in vivo. We observed a positive correlation of the firing rate with both proximity and size of the AIS. Computational modeling showed that the size of the AIS, but not its position within the somatodendritic domain, is the major causal determinant of the tonic firing rate in the intact model, by virtue of the higher intrinsic frequency of the isolated AIS. Further mechanistic analysis of the relationship between neuronal morphology and firing rate showed that dopaminergic neurons function as a coupled oscillator whose frequency of discharge results from a compromise between AIS and somatodendritic oscillators. Thus, morphology plays a critical role in setting the basal tonic firing rate, which in turn could control striatal dopaminergic signaling that mediates motivation and movement. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT The frequency at which nigral dopamine neurons discharge action potentials sets baseline dopamine levels in the brain, which enables activity in motor, cognitive, and motivational systems. Here, we demonstrate that the size of the axon initial segment, a subcellular compartment responsible for initiating action potentials, is a key determinant of the firing rate in these neurons. The axon initial segment and all the molecular components that underlie its critical function may provide a novel target for the regulation of dopamine levels in the brain.
Rice—A Step Toward Use of Allelopathy

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) allelopathy has been on the research agenda for a decade. Now it is important to step back and look at its progress to enable priority setting for future research. This paper aims to do so primarily using the following five-step protocol for allelopathy research: (i) carrying out laboratory, greenhouse, and field studies to illustrate the effect of released allelochemicals; (ii) isolating, identifying, and characterizing allelochemicals; (iii) establishing a correlation between growth inhibition and allelochemicals; (iv) performing genetic mapping of quantitative trait loci (QTLs) correlated with allelopathy; and (v) breeding for allelopathic cultivars tested for competitive ability in greenhouse and field experiments. Recent research on rice allelopathy has resulted in the following research milestones: ○ There is large variation in allelopathy among rice cultivars. ○ Allelopathy plays a role under field conditions. ○ Allelopathic rice can suppress both mono- and dicot weed species. ○ Progress has been made in identifying rice allelochemicals. ○ Quantitative trait loci correlated with allelopathy have been identified. This paper discusses the progress made in recent years and suggests some direction for future research.
Performance of CHMA System Using Orthogonal Complementary Codesunder Diversity Incorporated Fading Channels

Code-Hopping Multiple Access (CHMA) has been an emerging Multiple Access (MA) technology which offers excellent performance in multipath fading channels with Orthogonal Complementary Codes (OCC). Orthogonality among users is not preserved in multipath channel conditions using the existing orthogonal and semi-orthogonal codes. Further, Multiple Access Interference (MAI) and Multipath Interference (MPI) destroy orthogonality of the code set which in turn increases the error rate during the detection process. An OCC set possesses both ideal auto-correlation and ideal cross-correlation properties for any two codes in the same set. Here, we employ OCC for spreading and prove that the performance of OCC is superior to those of Gold codes in multipath channels where orthogonality does not hold. The error probability expressions for Rayleigh and Nakagami-m fading channels using Maximal Ratio Combining (MRC) are derived for CHMA system using OCCs. We then evaluate the system performance using the proposed technique and show that the new scheme is much better compared to traditional CHMA schemes.
Physical linkage of a GABAA receptor subunit gene to the DXS374 locus in human Xq28.

We report the physical linkage of the gene encoding one of the subunits of the GABAA receptor (GABRA3) to the polymorphic locus DXS374 on the human X chromosome at Xq28. X-linked manic depression and other psychiatric disorders have been mapped to this region, and thus GABRA3 is a potential candidate gene for these disorders. DXS374--and therefore GABRA3--lies distal to the fragile X locus at a recombination fraction of approximately . 15.
Genetic learning in strategic form games

We analyze the learning behavior of a Simple Genetic Algorithm in symmetric 3 × 3 Strategic-Form-Games. In cases of contests within one population and also between two populations the behavior of the SGA is compared with the behavior of the replicator dynamics and is analyzed with respect to equilibrium concepts in evolutionary game theory. Furthermore conservative non-adaptive strings are added to the population which lead to convergence to an equilibrium even in “GA-deceptive” games where the equilibrium can not be reached by GAs using only selection and crossover.
Perceptions of Power Mobility Use and Safety within Residential Facilities

Background. Power wheelchairs enhance quality of life by enabling occupation, improving self-esteem and facilitating social interaction. Despite these benefits, the risks associated with power mobility use raise serious concerns in residential facilities. Purpose. As there is no gold standard to assess when a client is unsafe, a two-phase study was conducted to develop client-centred guidelines for power mobility use. Method. In the first phase of the study, presented here, 18 in-depth, qualitative interviews were conducted with a variety of stakeholders, including power mobility users, other residents, staff and family members. Results. A thematic analysis of the interviews revealed four main themes: 1) the meaning of power mobility, 2) learning the rules of the road, 3) red flags: concerns about safety, and 4) solutions. Practice Implications. Given the importance of power mobility, safety measures need to address issues of mobility and safety for power mobility drivers and those around them.
Comparative Analysis of Two Approaches for Multipath Ghost Suppression in Radar Imaging

Radar imaging is typically based on linear models of the electromagnetic scattering phenomenon. These models are robust and computationally efficient, but do not account for mutual interactions among targets in the scene and between the targets and the surrounding environment. As a result, the radar images are characterized by spurious targets, i.e., multipath ghosts, which appear at positions where no physical targets exist. In this letter, we compare two key approaches for clutter suppression. The first approach applies multiplicative fusion of the images corresponding to subapertures of the deployed array, whereas the second approach is based on coherence factor filtering, which enhances the image quality by suppressing low-coherence features. We assess the performance of these two methods in terms of imaging and detection capabilities. Numerical results based on synthetic data are reported to support the comparative analysis.
Cost-Effectiveness Evaluation of a Novel Integrated Bite Case Management Program for the Control of Human Rabies, Haiti 2014–2015

Haiti has the highest burden of rabies in the Western hemisphere, with 130 estimated annual deaths. We present the cost-effectiveness evaluation of an integrated bite case management program combining community bite investigations and passive animal rabies surveillance, using a governmental perspective. The Haiti Animal Rabies Surveillance Program (HARSP) was first implemented in three communes of the West Department, Haiti. Our evaluation encompassed all individuals exposed to rabies in the study area (N = 2,289) in 2014–2015. Costs (2014 U.S. dollars) included diagnostic laboratory development, training of surveillance officers, operational costs, and postexposure prophylaxis (PEP). We used estimated deaths averted and years of life gained (YLG) from prevented rabies as health outcomes. HARSP had higher overall costs (range: $39,568–$80,290) than the no-bite-case-management (NBCM) scenario ($15,988–$26,976), partly from an increased number of bite victims receiving PEP. But HARSP had better health outcomes than NBCM, with estimated 11 additional annual averted deaths in 2014 and nine in 2015, and 654 additional YLG in 2014 and 535 in 2015. Overall, HARSP was more cost-effective (US$ per death averted) than NBCM (2014, HARSP: $2,891–$4,735, NBCM: $5,980–$8,453; 2015, HARSP: $3,534–$7,171, NBCM: $7,298–$12,284). HARSP offers an effective human rabies prevention solution for countries transitioning from reactive to preventive strategies, such as comprehensive dog vaccination.
Molecular organization, biochemical function, cellular role and evolution of NfuA, an atypical Fe‐S carrier

Biosynthesis of iron–sulphur (Fe‐S) proteins is catalysed by multi‐protein systems, ISC and SUF. However, ‘non‐ISC, non‐SUF’ Fe‐S biosynthesis factors have been described, both in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Here we report in vitro and in vivo investigations of such a ‘non‐ISC, non SUF’ component, the Nfu proteins. Phylogenomic analysis allowed us to define four subfamilies. Escherichia coli NfuA is within subfamily II. Most members of this subfamily have a Nfu domain fused to a ‘degenerate’ A‐type carrier domain (ATC*) lacking Fe‐S cluster co‐ordinating Cys ligands. The Nfu domain binds a [4Fe‐4S] cluster while the ATC* domain interacts with NuoG (a complex I subunit) and aconitase B (AcnB). In vitro, holo‐NfuA promotes maturation of AcnB. In vivo, NfuA is necessary for full activity of complex I under aerobic growth conditions, and of AcnB in the presence of superoxide. NfuA receives Fe‐S clusters from IscU/HscBA and SufBCD scaffolds and eventually transfers them to the ATCs IscA and SufA. This study provides significant information on one of the Fe‐S biogenesis factors that has been often used as a building block by ISC and/or SUF synthesizing organisms, including bacteria, plants and animals.
Prospective Assessment of Bone Turnover and Clinical Bone Diseases After Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem-Cell Transplantation

Background. Bone complications after hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (HSCT) are relatively frequent. Evaluation of biomarkers of bone turnover and dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) are not known in this context. Methods. We prospectively evaluated bone mineral density, biomarkers of bone turnover, and the cumulative incidence of bone complications after allogeneic HSCT. One hundred forty-six patients were included. Bone mineral density was measured by DEXA 2-month and 1-year post-HSCT. The markers of bone turnover were serum C-telopeptide (C-TP), 5 tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (bone resorption), and osteocalcin (bone formation) determined pre-HSCT and 2 months and 1 year thereafter. Potential association between osteoporosis at 2 months, osteoporotic fracture or avascular necrosis and, individual patient's characteristics and biologic markers were tested. Results. C-TP was high before and 2 months after transplant. At 2 months, DEXA detected osteoporosis in more than half the patients tested. Male sex, median age less than or equal to 15 years, and abnormal C-TP before HSCT were risk factors significantly associated with osteoporosis. Three-year cumulative incidences of fractures and avascular necrosis were 8% and 11%, respectively. Children were at higher risk of fracture, whereas corticosteroid treatment duration was a significant risk factor for developing a clinical bone complication post-HSCT. Bone complications and osteoporosis are frequent after HSCT. Bone biologic markers and DEXA showed that subclinical bone abnormalities appeared early post-HSCT. Conclusion. The risk factors, age, gender, and C-TP easily available at the time of transplantation were identified. Biphosphonates should probably be given to patients with those risk factors.
Murine pluripotent stem cells that escape differentiation inside teratomas maintain pluripotency

Background Pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) offer immense potential as a source for regenerative therapies. The teratoma assay is widely used in the field of stem cells and regenerative medicine, but the cell composition of teratoma is still elusive. Methods We utilized PSCs expressing enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) under the control of the Pou5f1 promoter to study the persistence of potential pluripotent cells during teratoma formation in vivo. OCT4-MES (mouse embryonic stem cells) were isolated from the blastocysts of 3.5-day OCT4-EGFP mice (transgenic mice express EGFP cDNA under the control of the Pou5f1 promoter) embryos, and TG iPS 1-7 (induced pluripotent stem cells) were generated from mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) from 13.5-day OCT4-EGFP mice embryos by infecting them with a virus carrying OCT4, SOX2, KLF4 and c-MYC. These pluripotent cells were characterized according to their morphology and expression of pluripotency markers. Their differentiation ability was studied with in vivo teratoma formation assays. Further differences between pluripotent cells were examined by real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR). Results The results showed that several OCT4-expressing PSCs escaped differentiation inside of teratomas, and these escaped cells (MES-FT, GFP-positive cells separated from OCT4-MES-derived teratomas; and iPS-FT, GFP-positive cells obtained from teratomas formed by TG iPS 1-7) retained their pluripotency. Interestingly, a small number of GFP-positive cells in teratomas formed by MES-FT and iPS-FT (MES-ST, GFP-positive cells isolated from MES-FT-derived teratomas; iPS-ST, GFP-positive cells obtained from teratomas formed by iPS-FT) were still pluripotent, as shown by alkaline phosphatase (AP) staining, immunofluorescent staining and PCR. MES-FT, iPS-FT, MES-ST and iPS-ST cells also expressed several markers associated with germ cell formation, such as Dazl, Stella and Stra8. Conclusions In summary, a small number of PSCs escaped differentiation inside of teratomas, and these cells maintained pluripotency and partially developed towards germ cells. Both escaped PSCs and germ cells present a risk of tumor formation. Therefore, medical workers must be careful in preventing tumor formation when stem cells are used to treat specific diseases.
Inhibition of Head and Neck Tumor Cell Growth With Arachidonic Acid Metabolism Inhibition

Head and neck tumors are known to synthesize arachidonic acid metabolites. The authors have postulated that these substances may confer growth advantage to cancer cells, and by interfering with arachidonic acid metabolism squamous cancer growth may be altered. The tongue derived squamous carcinoma cell line, SCC‐25, was treated with three leukotriene synthesis inhibitors and indomethacin. A dose‐dependent decrease in DNA synthesis occurred with leukotriene inhibition, but not prostaglandin inhibition. All leukotriene synthesis inhibitors produced a dramatic and immediate effect (>70% inhibition by 4 hours) without cytotoxicity (>90% trypan blue exclusion). Cell populations at 96 hours were decreased when compared to control populations. In conclusion, leukotrienes or other lipoxygenase products may play a role as growth factors for squamous cell carcinoma, and arachidonic acid inhibition may be a novel target for chemotherapeutic intervention.
A multiple classifier selection method with self-adaptive preferences

Clustering and Selection (CS) is a common method of multiple classifier selection. But the method judging an input sample belong to a certain area just by the shortest distance has some unilateralism. Therefore, a dual selection method based on clustering is proposed. In the method, multiple clusters are selected for a test sample and the classifier with the best weighted average performance is chosen. The chosen classifier is compared with the best classifier in the nearest cluster and the better one are used to classify the test sample. The main parameter in the method is self-adaptively selected according to the prior information of the training samples. Experiments were done on the datasets of KDD'99 and UCI to compare the proposed method with the CS method, and the experimental results show the presented method has a better classification performance.
BVP Feature Signal Analysis for Intelligent User Interface

The Blood Volume Pulse (BVP) sensor has been becoming increasingly common in devices such as smart phones and smart watches. These devices often use BVP to monitor the heart rate of an individual. There has been a large amount of research linking the mental and emotional changes with the physiological changes. The BVP sensor measures one of these physiological changes known as Heart Rate Variability (HRV). HRV is known to be closely related to Respiratory Sinus Arrhythmia (RSA) which can be used as a measurement to quantify the activity of the parasympathetic activity. However, the BVP sensor is highly susceptible to noise and therefore BVP signals often contain a large number of artefacts which make it difficult to extract meaningful features from the BVP signals. This paper proposes a new algorithm to filter artefacts from BVP signals. The algorithm is comprised of two stages. The first stage is to detect the corrupt signal using a Short Term Fourier Transform (STFT). The second stage uses Lomb-Scargle Periodogram (LSP) to approximate the Power Spectral Density (PSD) of the BVP signal. The algorithm has shown to be effective in removing artefacts which disrupt the signal for a short period of time. This algorithm provides the capability for BVP signals to be analysed for frequency based features in HRV which traditionally could be done from the cleaner signals from electrocardiogram (ECG) in medical applications.
Influence and modelling of mutual coupling in MIMO and diversity systems

MIMO (multiple input multiple output) and diversity systems can increase distinctly the system performance of future wireless communication systems. The correlation of signals, depending on the power azimuth spectrum, between single transmit and receive antennas is a criterion to asses smart antenna systems. The assumption of independent antennas often made is not vindicated any more for small antenna spacing, since mutual coupling between single antenna elements occurs. This paper discusses the influence of mutual coupling on the correlation and shows the consequences for MIMO systems.
Measurement of doses in interventional procedures at Hospital São Paulo

The high occupational exposures in interventional r adiology arise the preoccupation with workers in interventional rooms. Any type of procedure, as cor ona y angioplasty, provides high levels of radiatio n doses for the physicians, mainly when there are no protection to ls in the equipment. In this work, the levels o f radiation doses of the first and second operator physicians i n interventional procedures at Hospital São Paulo w ere investigated. Thermoluminescence dosimeters were us ed at different positions of the operators. The abs orbed dose in each position and per procedure were evalua ted; factors as fluoroscopy time, number of images acquired and the lack of protection tools help to provide hi gh occupational doses.
Lefty Inhibits Receptor-regulated Smad Phosphorylation Induced by the Activated Transforming Growth Factor-β Receptor*

Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) is a pleiotropic cytokine that regulates growth and differentiation of diverse types of cells. TGF-β actions are directed by ligand-induced activation of TGF-β receptors with intrinsic serine/threonine kinase activity that trigger phosphorylation of receptor-regulated Smad (R-Smad) protein. Phosphorylated R-Smad proteins bind to Smad4, and the complexes formed move into the nucleus, where they act as components of a transcriptional complex. Here, we show that TGF-β signaling is inhibited by lefty, a novel member of the TGF-β superfamily. Lefty perturbed TGF-β signaling by inhibiting the phosphorylation of Smad2 following activation of the TGF-β receptor. Moreover, lefty inhibited the events that lie downstream from R-Smad phosphorylation, including heterodimerization of R-Smad proteins with Smad4 and nuclear translocation of the R-Smad·Smad4 complex. Lefty repressed TGF-β-induced expression of reporter genes for the p21,cdc25, and connective tissue growth factor promoters and of a reporter gene driven by the Smad-binding element. Similarly, lefty inhibited both BMP-mediated Smad5 phosphorylation and gene transcription. The action of lefty does not appear to depend on protein synthesis, including synthesis of inhibitory Smad proteins. Thus, lefty provides a repressed state of TGF-β- or BMP-responsive genes and participates in negative modulation of TGF-β and BMP signaling by inhibition of phosphorylation of R-Smad proteins.
A Five to Fifteen Year Follow-up Study of Infantile Psychosis

The psychoses of infancy have long been a matter for controversy. The nature of the disorders, their aetiology, relationship to adult forms of psychosis, long-term outcome and response to treatment are still areas of disagreement among clinicians. Follow-up studies should provide information relevant to some of these problems. Unfortunately, the findings of published investigations have been contradictory. To a large extent contradictions appear to be related to differences in diagnostic criteria, but the failure of many writers to describe their cases adequately has made it difficult to assess the significance of possible differences.
Comparison of sirolimus and colchicine treatment on the development of peritoneal fibrozis in rats having peritoneal dialysis.

BACKGROUND Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis is a successful treatment modality for patients with end-stage renal disease. Peritoneal fibrosis (PF) is the most critical complication of long-term peritoneal dialysis (PD). AIMS In our study, we aimed to compare the effects of colchicine and sirolimus on PF induced by hypertonic peritoneal dialysis solutions in rats. STUDY DESIGN Animal experiment. METHODS Twenty-four rats were randomly divided into three groups. The control group received an intraperitoneal injection (ip) of saline. The sirolimus group received the PD solution, plus 1.0 mg/kg/day Rapamune®. The colchicine group received the PD solution ip plus 1.0 mg/kg/day of colchicine. Blood samples were taken to measure the serum levels of VEGF, TGF-β, and TNF-α. Peritoneal tissue samples were taken for histopathological evaluation. RESULTS TGF-β and TNF-α values in the sirolimus group were found to be statistically significantly lower than in the control and colchicine groups, but the differences between the control and colchicine groups were not statistically significant. No statistically significant differences were found between the groups regarding the VEGF values. Vascular neogenesis and peritoneal thickness were compared; the values in the sirolimus group were statistically reduced compared to the values in the control group. Mild fibrosis developed in 75% of all animals in the sirolimus group; there was no moderate or severe fibrosis observed. Fibrosis developed to varying degrees in 100% of the animals in the control and colchicine groups. CONCLUSION The present study demonstrates that sirolimus might be beneficial for preventing or delaying the progression of PF and neoangiogenesis. These alterations in the peritoneal membrane may be connected with reduced TNF-α and TGF-β levels.