Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
New oligodendrocytes are generated after neonatal hypoxic‐ischemic brain injury in rodents

Neonatal hypoxic‐ischemic (HI) white matter injury is a major contributor to chronic neurological dysfunction. Immature oligodendrocytes (OLGs) are highly vulnerable to HI injury. As little is known about in vivo OLG repair mechanisms in neonates, we studied whether new OLGs are generated after HI injury in P7 rats. Rats received daily BrdU injections at P12–14 or P21–22 and sacrificed at P14 to study the level of cell proliferation or at P35 to permit dividing OLG precursors to differentiate. In P14 HI‐injured animals, the number of BrdU+ cells in the injured hemisphere is consistently greater than controls. At P35, sections were double‐labeled for BrdU and markers for OLGs, astrocytes, and microglia. Double‐labeled BrdU+/myelin basic protein+ and BrdU+/carbonic anhydrase+ OLGs are abundant in the injured striatum, corpus callosum, and the infarct core. Quantitative studies show four times as many OLGs are generated from P21–35 in HI corpora callosa than controls. Surprisingly, the infarct core contains many newly generated OLGs in addition to hypertrophied astrocytes and activated microglia. These glia and non‐CNS cells may stimulate OLG progenitor proliferation or induce their migration. At P35, astrogliosis and microgliosis are dramatic ipsilaterally but only a few microglia and some astrocytes are BrdU+. This finding indicates microglial and astrocytic hyperplasia occurs shortly after HI but before the P21 BrdU injections. Although the neonatal brain undergoes massive cell death and atrophy the first week after injury, it retains the potential to generate new OLGs up to 4 weeks after injury within and surrounding the infarct. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
GMO - BLESSING OR CURSE?

Genetic engineering is a rapidly emerging issue all over the world. Regulation systems are totally different, the product-based one focuses on the product (substantial equivalence), while the processbased main characteristic is precautionary. There are still some countries where there is no GMO law or regulation. The topic itself is controversial. The USA is the leading producer of genetically modified products, however, developing countries have higher (and continuously growing) share in production since 2011. GMO provides an answer to important questions like food security (malnutrition and hunger) or industrial production (e.g. biofuels) but raises many others such as food safety (health risks) or different side effects. This article focuses on the economic aspects of the topic.
Tumor Cytotoxicity In Vivo and Radical Formation In Vitro Depend on the Shock Wave-Induced Cavitation Dose

Abstract Huber, P. E. and Debus, J. Tumor Cytotoxicity In Vivo and Radical Formation In Vitro Depend on the Shock Wave-Induced Cavitation Dose. Radiat. Res. 156, 301–309 (2001). Local tumor therapy using focused ultrasonic waves may become an important treatment option. This technique exploits the ability of mechanical waves to induce thermal and nonthermal effects noninvasively. The cytotoxicity to cultured cells and biological tissues in vivo that results from exposure to ultrasonic shock waves is considered to be a nonthermal effect that is partly a consequence of ultrasound-induced cavitation. Cavitation is defined as the formation of bubbles during the negative wave cycle; their subsequent oscillation and/or violent implosion can affect surrounding structures. To investigate cavitational effects in cells and tissues, defined cavitation doses must be applied while ideally holding all other potential ultrasound parameters constant. The application of independent cavitation doses has been difficult and has yielded little knowledge about quantitative cavitation–tissue interactions. By using a special shock-wave pulse regimen and laser optical calibration in this study, we were able to control the cavitation dose independently of other physical parameters such as the pressure amplitudes, and averaged acoustic intensity. We treated Dunning prostate tumors (subline R3327-AT1) transplanted into Copenhagen rats with shock waves at three cavitation dose levels and then determined the tumor growth delay and the histopathological changes. All of the treated animals exhibited a significant tumor growth delay compared to the controls. Higher cavitation doses were associated with a greater delay in the growth of the tumor and more severe effects on tumor histopathology, such as hemorrhaging, tissue disruption, and necrosis. In vitro, the cavitation dose level correlated with the amount of radical formation. We concluded that the process of acoustic cavitation was responsible; higher cavitation doses caused greater effects in tumors both in vivo and in vitro. These findings may prove important in local tumor therapy and other applications of ultrasound such as ultrasound-mediated drug delivery.
A Current-Feedback Instrumentation Amplifier With a Gain Error Reduction Loop and 0.06% Untrimmed Gain Error

This paper presents a power-efficient current-feedback instrumentation amplifier (CFIA) with high gain accuracy. It is intended for interfacing precision bridge transducers and thermocouples that output mV-level signals. The gain accuracy of the CFIA is mainly limited by the mismatch of two transconductors. Applying dynamic element matching (DEM) to them ensures good gain accuracy, gain drift, and linearity. As a result, these transconductors can be implemented as simple differential pairs, resulting in significantly improved power efficiency when compared with the use of resistor-degenerated stages. To suppress the output ripple caused by DEM, an automatic gain error reduction loop dynamically nulls the Gm mismatch of the input and feedback transconductors, thus eliminating the need for trimming. The prototype chip was realized in a 0.7-μm CMOS process. Measurement results show a maximum 0.06% untrimmed gain error and a 5-ppm INL at a gain of 100. This work also achieves an NEF of 11.2, a maximum input-referred offset of 3 μV, and a CMRR of 127 dB while consuming only 290 μA at a 5-V supply.
Nitric oxide inhibits bafilomycin-sensitive H(+)-ATPase activity in rat cortical collecting duct.

Nitric oxide (NO) is a messenger molecule that is produced from L-arginine by NO synthase (NOS). Some NOS isoforms are present in cells constitutively, whereas others can be induced by cytokines. Recent evidence suggests that NO inhibits intracellular pH regulation by the vacuolar H(+)-adenosinetriphosphatase (ATPase) in macrophages, which contain an inducible form of NOS. The vacuolar H(+)-ATPase is involved in proton secretion in intercalated cells in the collecting duct. We have therefore examined the effect of NO on bafilomycin-sensitive H(+)-ATPase activity in individual cortical collecting ducts (CCD) microdissected from collagenase-treated kidneys of normal rats using a fluorometric microassay. Incubation of CCD with the NO donors, sodium nitroprusside (0.1 and 1 mM) or 3-morpholino-sydnonimine hydrochloride (SIN-1, 30 microM), caused a dose-dependent decrease in H(+)-ATPase activity. Incubation of CCD with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and interferon-gamma, which induces NOS in macrophages, decreased H(+)-ATPase activity by 85%. This effect was prevented by simultaneous incubation with N omega-nitro-L-arginine, a competitive inhibitor of NOS, indicating that the decrease in H(+)-ATPase activity was caused by NO production. Incubation with 8-bromo-guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cGMP) also inhibited H(+)-ATPase activity, suggesting that NO may exert its effect in the CCD via activation of guanylyl cyclase and production of cGMP. Immunohistochemistry using antibodies to the macrophage-type NOS revealed strong labeling of intercalated cells in the CCD, confirming the presence of NOS in these cells. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Effects of Multiplicative Power Law Neural Noise in Visual Information Processing

The human visual system is intrinsically noisy. The benefits of internal noise as part of visual code are controversial. Here the information-theoretic properties of multiplicative (i.e. signal-dependent) neural noise are investigated. A quasi-linear communication channel model is presented. The model shows that multiplicative power law neural noise promotes the minimum information transfer after efficient coding. It is demonstrated that Weber's law and the human contrast sensitivity function arise on the basis of minimum transfer of information and power law neural noise. The implications of minimum information transfer in self-organized neural networks and weakly coupled neurons are discussed.
Noise and Spurious Tones Management Techniques for Multi-GHz RF-CMOS Frequency Synthesizers Operating in Large Mixed Analog-Digital SOCs

This paper presents circuit techniques and power supply partitioning, filtering, and regulation methods aimed at reducing the phase noise and spurious tones in frequency synthesizers operating in large mixed analog-digital system-on-chip (SOC). The different noise and spur coupling mechanisms are presented together with solutions to minimize their impact on the overall PLL phase noise performance. Challenges specific to deep-submicron CMOS integration of multi-GHz PLLs are revealed, while new architectures that address these issues are presented. Layout techniques that help reducing the parasitic noise and spur coupling between digital and analog blocks are described. Combining system-level and circuit-level low noise design methods, low phase noise frequency synthesizers were achieved which are compatible with the demanding nowadays wireless communication standards.
‘Rigid demand’: Economic imagination and practice in China’s urban housing market

China’s socialist market economy is predominated by strong state-owned sectors. In the real estate market, the government further controls land and regulates social services based on property ownership. But how do ordinary market actors perceive this configuration and strategise their economic practice accordingly? Based on 20 months of ethnographic fieldwork, this article explores buyers’ and estate agents’ imagination of and practice in the housing market with a focus on the folk concept of rigid demand. Rigid demand (gangxu) refers to the belief that people have to buy a home regardless of price. Presenting how people invoke a range of referents and contexts when talking about rigid demand, I show that common Chinese market actors understand and approach the housing market not as an end in itself but as a mechanism devised and maneuvered by big market players such as the government and developers. Furthermore, actors believe that the market has a social purpose and is susceptible to agentive interventions. Ultimately, I argue that the social representation of the socialist housing market constructs and contests the legitimacy of certain economic practices and influences market performance accordingly.
Increasing Growth Opportunities for Non-heavy and Heavy Users – A Case Study of Yogurt Cups in Thailand

Abstract What distinguishes heavy and non-heavy users, and which sub-segment of non-heavy users exhibits a stronger potential to become heavy-users? The study selected yogurt cups as an example of a Fast Moving Consumer Good (FMCG) for examination. Attitude towards the product is the most dominant factor in distinguishing heavy from non-heavy yogurt cups users. The congruence of product benefits with general healthy behavior and belief was the second runner-up. In addition, growth opportunities could be found in the sub-segment of heavy users, too. The sub-segmentation approach, therefore, could provide guidance for sizable growth for marketers. It could also help them to better allocate resources. Marketers could apply this concept to identify business opportunities from current customers as it may be easier or more economical to convince current customers to consume more than to acquire new customers.
Primary user activity prediction using the hidden Markov model in cognitive radio networks

Cognitive radio (CR) is a system for sense and access of spectrum opportunistically. It is designed on spectrum holes in primary users (PU) over licensed frequency bands. Determining access time for the secondary user (SU) is one of the most important issues in cognitive radio systems. This spectrum availability can be optimized by applying learning methods. In this paper, the hidden Markov model (HMM) is applied to determine and predict channel activity patterns. Specifically, a sensing frame structure is proposed to learn the channel activity pattern and apply the patterns as training vectors; afterward, the HMM model is modified for predicting the channel usage activity by PU. Three traffic patterns are considered as Heavy Traffic, Balanced Traffic and Slow Traffic. The results indicate 72% validity in Balanced Traffic while unbalanced traffic decreases prediction validity to 56%.
A CMOS-28nm 880-MHz 4th-order low-pass active-RC filter for 60 GHz transceivers

In this paper a 4th order low-pass continuous time analog filter in CMOS 28nm technology is presented. The filter complies with the specifications of the 60GHz next-generation transceivers. A novel circuital topology is presented suitable to perform the low-pass filtering of the in-band signal, while the in-band thermal noise is high-pass filtered, improving Signal-To-Noise-Ratio. 880MHz -3dB bandwidth is obtained by a prototype of the filter simulated in 28nm CMOS technology. The overall power consumption is 4.8mW from a single 1 V supply voltage. 51dB@THD>40dBc is the SNR at 0dB gain.
Multiple Window Correlation Analysis of HRV Power and Respiratory Frequency

In this paper, we evaluate the correlation estimate, based on multiple window spectrum analysis, between the respiratory center frequency and the high-frequency band of the heart- rate variability (HRV) power. One aim is to examine whether a more restricted frequency range would better capture respiratory related HR variation, especially when the HR variation is changing rapidly. The respiratory peak is detected and a narrow-banded measure of the high-frequency (HF) band of the HRV is defined as the respiratory frequency plusmn0.05 Hz. We compare the mean square error of the correlation estimate between the frequency of the respiratory peak and the power of the HRV with the power in the usual 0.12-0.4 Hz frequency band. Different multiple window spectrum techniques are used for the estimation of the respiratory frequency as well as for the power of the HRV. We compare the peak-matched multiple windows with the Welch method while evaluating the two different HF-power estimates mentioned above. The results show that using a more narrow band for the power estimation gives stronger correlation which indicates that the estimate of the power is more robust.
All-optical photoacoustic imaging and detection of early-stage dental caries

This paper describes a non-contact optical technique for imaging and detection of early-stage dental caries. Tooth decay, at its earliest stages, manifests itself as small, white, subsurface lesions in the enamel. Current detection methods including visual and tactile investigations and bite-wing X-ray radiographs suffer from poor sensitivity and specificity at the earliest (and reversible) stages of the disease due to the small size (<;100 microns) of the lesion. We have developed a fine-resolution (500-nm) ultra-broadband (GHz) all-optical photoacoustic imaging (AOPAI) system to image the early stages of tooth decay. Photoacoustic (PA) signals are generated using a Nd:YAG (Neodymium-doped Yttrium Aluminum Garnet) laser operating at 532 nm with a 5-ns pulse duration. The light-induced broadband ultra-sound wave is detected at the surface of the tooth with a path-stabilized Michelson interferometer. 2D images are generated from PA signals using k-wave reconstruction methods. Ex-vivo tooth samples exhibiting white-spot lesions were scanned and were found to generate a larger PA signal in the lesion regions compared to healthy enamel. This high contrast potentially allows lesions to be imaged and measured at a much earlier stage compared to current clinical techniques. PA images were cross referenced with histological and micro-CT images to validate our experimental results. Our AOPAI system provides a non-contact method for early detection of white-spot lesions with a high detection bandwidth that offers advantages over previously demonstrated ultrasound methods. The technique provides the ample sensing depth afforded by an ultrasound system combined with the fine spatial resolution of an optical system.
Fine specificities of anti‐nuclear antibodies in murine models of graft‐versus‐host disease

Two models of murine graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD) were studied with respect to autoantibody production and development of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) like disease. One model was induced by injection of (B10.A(4R) × B10.A(2R))F1 mice with parental (B10.A(4R)) spleen and lymph node cells (groups I GVHD), the other by injection of (DBA/2 × C57/B16)F1 mice with DBA/2 cells (group II GVHD). Group I GVHD mice remained in a seemingly healthy condition and did not show any proteinuria, in spite of high titres of anti‐nuclear antibodies including antibodies to dsDNA, anti‐Sm and anti‐ribosomal P protein antibodies. Measured levels of these autoantibodies as well as their isotypes were comparable with those found in MRL/lpr and NZB/W mice. Group II GVHD mice developed SLE‐like disease signs, including severe proteinuria. At 4 months after induction of the GVHD, almost 50% of these mice had died. At the time nephritis was present, group II mice also produced anti‐dsDNA and anti‐nuclear antibodies of other (unknown) specificities, but no anti‐Sm or anti‐P. Furthermore, the incidence of these antibodies was lower than observed in group I GVHD, MRL/lpr or NZB/W mice. It is concluded that (high avidity) anti‐dsDNA as well as anti‐Sm and anti‐P may be present in the circulation without giving rise to the development of nephritis.
Kalman filtering for multi-path network synchronization

The accuracy of time distribution over packet networks relies on propagation delay stability and two-way symmetry in the path between the master clock and a slave clock. Multipath time synchronization provides a possibility to safeguard accuracy by exploiting path diversity, while improving security and fault-tolerance through inherent redundancy. In this paper we focus on the problem of combining time information received through multiple paths, for which we propose a Kalman filter-based algorithm. We show that the algorithm allows adaptive combination of time information, based on the associated measurement uncertainty and prove that the protocol and algorithm costs of redundancy can be repaid in terms of increased synchronization robustness.
Lipopolysaccharide-tumor necrosis factor-glucocorticoid interactions during cecal ligation and puncture-induced sepsis in mature versus senescent mice

Previous work in our laboratory demonstrated increased sensitivity of senescent (24-month-old) mice to cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) sepsis compared with that of mature (12-month-old) mice. In this study the median lethal dose of the strain of Escherichia coli most frequently isolated during CLP sepsis was determined. No significant age-associated difference in the mean lethal dose or the mean survival time was noted; however, sham surgery before injection of E. coli decreased the mean lethal dose by at least 100-fold. With surgical manipulation, the average time to death after bacterial injection simulated more closely that observed after CLP surgery. Host responses to CLP sepsis were investigated by measuring the levels of corticosterone, glucose, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) in the sera of mature and senescent mice at 2-h intervals after surgery. Corticosterone levels increased gradually during the course of sepsis in mature mice; however, senescent mice demonstrated a pronounced elevation in hormone levels at 2 and 4 h after surgery. At subsequent sampling intervals the corticosterone levels remained elevated, although they were similar for both ages. At all sampling intervals, the glucose levels in serum were lower in senescent mice than in mature mice. Pronounced hypoglycemia (less than 80 mg/dl) was observed in senescent mice at 8 h postsurgery. TNF was detected in serum within a narrow time frame in both age groups at 6, 8, and 10 h postsurgery. Although elevated TNF levels in serum were not seen in every mouse in each group (approximately 50%), the data hinted that senescent animals produced larger quantities of TNF during CLP sepsis than did mature animals. E. coli lipopolysaccharide (1 mg/kg) was injected intraperitoneally, and the TNF levels in serum and peritoneal lavage fluid were measured at 30, 60, and 90 min. Senescent mice demonstrated a level of TNF in serum at 90 min after lipopolysaccharide treatment that was 20-fold higher than that of mature mice (299,877 pg/ml versus 15,594 pg/ml). The amount of TNF produced locally in the peritoneum was also substantially higher in senescent mice than in mature animals (1,716 pg/ml versus 776 pg/ml). The increased production of TNF in senescent animals, despite elevated circulating corticosterone levels, suggested an age-related defect in glucocorticoid-directed downregulation of TNF production. This was confirmed in lipopolysaccharide-treated animals given exogenous dexamethasone. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
The Linkage Between Tourism Development and Economic Growth in Malaysia: A Nonlinear Approach

ABSTRACT In this study, we examine the nonlinear relationship between international tourism arrival and economic growth of Malaysia by using asymmetric models over the periods 2000:1–2015:4. The results show that the tourism arrival is positively related to Malaysia’s economic growth in the long run, but there is no short-run relationship and other traditional growth factors such as trade, exchange rate and Consumer Price Index are important for economic growth in the case of Malaysia. This implies that tourism can be one of the important factors for Malaysia’s economic growth in the long run and development and can be used to stimulate the overall economic growth and hence, policy-makers should pay greater attention towards promoting inbound tourism.
In vitro Paracoccidioides brasiliensis biofilm and gene expression of adhesins and hydrolytic enzymes

Paracoccidioides species are dimorphic fungi that initially infect the lungs but can also spread throughout the body. The spreading infection is most likely due to the formation of a biofilm that makes it difficult for the host to eliminate the infection. Biofilm formation is crucial for the development of infections and confines the pathogen to an extracellular matrix. Its presence is associated with antimicrobial resistance and avoidance of host defenses. This current study provides the first description of biofilm formation by Paracoccidioides brasiliensis (Pb18) and an analysis of gene expression, using real-time PCR, associated with 3 adhesins and 2 hydrolytic enzymes that could be associated with the virulence profile. Biofilm formation was analyzed using fluorescence microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). Metabolic activity was determined using the XTT reduction assay. P. brasiliensis was able to form mature biofilm in 144 h with a thickness of 100 μm. The presence of a biofilm was found to be associated with an increase in the expression of adhesins and enzymes. GP43, enolase, GAPDH and aspartyl proteinase genes were over-expressed, whereas phospholipase was down-regulated in biofilm. The characterization of biofilm formed by P. brasiliensis may contribute to a better understanding of the pathogenesis of paracoccidioidomycosis as well as the search for new therapeutic alternatives; while improving the effectiveness of treatment.