Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Cerebellum: A Neuronal Learning Machine?

Comparison of two seemingly quite different behaviors yields a surprisingly consistent picture of the role of the cerebellum in motor learning. Behavioral and physiological data about classical conditioning of the eyelid response and motor learning in the vestibulo-ocular reflex suggest that (i) plasticity is distributed between the cerebellar cortex and the deep cerebellar nuclei; (ii) the cerebellar cortex plays a special role in learning the timing of movement; and (iii) the cerebellar cortex guides learning in the deep nuclei, which may allow learning to be transferred from the cortex to the deep nuclei. Because many of the similarities in the data from the two systems typify general features of cerebellar organization, the cerebellar mechanisms of learning in these two systems may represent principles that apply to many motor systems.
Transformation : a FM is transformed into one or more RSL schemes Rule 2 : Mapping Feature Diagram Description

Model transformation is widely recognized as a key issue in model engineering approaches. In previous work, we have developed an ATL transformation that implements a strategy to obtain a set of Raise Specification Language (RSL) modules from Feature Models (FM). In this paper, we present an improvement to this strategy by defining another complementary and independent model, allowing the incorporation of traceability information to the original transformation. The proposed mechanism allows capturing and representing the relationships created by the application of the transformation rules.
MiR-221: A critical player in apoptosis as a target of Caspase-3

Caspases are a family of proteases that function as the primary mediators of apoptosis. miR-221 is an oncogenic miRNA that may have both anti-angiogenic and angiogenic effect. The aim of this work was to compare the expression levels of miR-221 and its target caspase-3 in different cancer cell lines and to find out a relationship between these two. We also analyzed binding efficiency of miR-221 to 3’UTR region of CASP3 gene computationally. Our results indicate that expression of caspase-3 is quite lower as compared to miR-221 expression in all of the selected cancer cell lines. Also, our computational results showed that miR-221-3p, of which binding site has two SNPs (rs369703524, C/T; rs189187745, T/A) on CASP3 3’UTR region. As a result, we conclude that miR-221 may have a crucial role in repressing the expression of caspase-3 which may contribute to a lower apoptotic rate, thus supporting the selection of more aggressive cancer cells.
Is north Indian population changing it craniofacial form? A study of secular trends in craniometric indices and its relation to sex and ancestry estimation

Objectives: Ancestry and sex estimation using craniometric indices is an important aspect of skeletal identification process, as it limits the number of antemortem records used to compare with a postmortem profile and establish a positive identification. These indices are also affected by secular or temporal changes. So the aim of the study to explore the usefulness of indices for sex and ancestry estimation in North Indian population and effect of secular changes on these indices. Materials and methods: In present study two temporally different skull samples of the North Indian population have been taken and eighteen craniometric indices were calculated on the basis of 17 craniofacial measurements for both sexes to examine the temporal changes and their use in ancestry and sexual differenciation. Contemporary sample comprised of 158 skulls (110 male; 48 females) and subrecent 325 skulls (206 males and 119 females) with an age range of 20-68 years. Results: Craniofacial measurements showed significantly higher values in contemporary males and females. In males highly significant secular/temporal changes were observed in orbital index and transverse frontal index and to a lesser extent in foraman magnum and gnathic index. In females, highly significant differences were observed in cranial, vertical, auriculo vertical and longitudinal craniofacial index. Discussion: There is a lot of variability in Indian and non Indian populations so these indices can be used for ancestry estimation but not for sex discrimination due to poor classification rate. Moreover, the causes of these temporal variations with other issues have also been discussed. Correspondence to: Vineeta Saini, Saini Sadan, Sector 12 A, Gurgaon, Haryana 122001, India, 221005, E-mail: vineetasaini2012@gmail.com
Chronic neural recordings using silicon microelectrode arrays electrochemically deposited with a poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) film

Conductive polymer coatings can be used to modify traditional electrode recording sites with the intent of improving the long-term performance of cortical microelectrodes. Conductive polymers can drastically decrease recording site impedance, which in turn is hypothesized to reduce thermal noise and signal loss through shunt pathways. Moreover, conductive polymers can be seeded with agents aimed at promoting neural growth toward the recording sites or minimizing the inherent immune response. The end goal of these efforts is to generate an ideal long-term interface between the recording electrode and surrounding tissue. The goal of this study was to refine a method to electrochemically deposit surfactant-templated ordered poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) films on the recording sites of standard ‘Michigan’ probes and to evaluate the efficacy of these modified sites in recording chronic neural activity. PEDOT-coated site performance was compared to control sites over a six-week evaluation period in terms of impedance spectroscopy, signal-to-noise ratio, number of viable unit potentials recorded and local field potential recordings. PEDOT sites were found to outperform control sites with respect to signal-to-noise ratio and number of viable unit potentials. The benefit of reduced initial impedance, however, was mitigated by the impedance contribution of typical silicon electrode encapsulation. Coating sites with PEDOT also reduced the amount of low-frequency drift evident in local field potential recordings. These findings indicate that electrode sites electrochemically deposited with PEDOT films are suitable for recording neural activity in vivo for extended periods. This study also provided a unique opportunity to monitor how neural recording characteristics develop over the six weeks following implantation.
Inhibition of neovascularization and expression shift of pro-/anti-angiogenic vascular endothelial growth factor isoforms after intravitreal bevacizumab injection in oxygen-induced-retinopathy mouse model.

BACKGROUND Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) has become one of the leading causes of visual loss in children. Vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) is the principal stimulator of angiogenesis. VEGF was differentially spliced from exon 8 to exons 8a and 8b to form two families: the pro-angiogenic VEGFxxx family and the anti-angiogenic VEGFxxxb family. Previous research has shown variable effeteness of bevacizumab in inhibiting retinal neovascularization in ROP. This study aimed to investigate whether the effectiveness of this inhibition depends on the relative ratio of the two VEGF isoforms. METHODS Intravitreal bevacizumab injection (IVB) was performed in the oxygen-induced-retinopathy (OIR) mice on postnatal day 12 (P12) (intravitreal phosphate buffered saline (PBS) injection as control). The Evans blue perfused retina were used to test the retinal neovascularization-leakage (NVL) area and non-perfusion (NP) area. RESULTS The retinal NVL and NP area in the IVB group were significantly smaller than the intravitreal PBS injection group (IVP group). On P17, the protein level of total VEGF isoforms was significantly inhibited compared to IVP group (P < 0.05) while VEGF(165)b isoform was slight reduced (P > 0.05). The switch from pro-angiogenic isoforms to anti-angiogenic isoforms after IVB could be found. The relative protein expression of VEGF(165)b isoform was significantly higher in IVB group than in IVP group (P < 0.05) on P17 which was correlated with the reduced ischemia-induced angiogenesis in OIR mice after IVB. CONCLUSIONS The anti-angiogenic effectiveness might depend on the relative high expression of VEGF(165)b after intravitreal bevacizumab injection. Anti-angiogenic therapy is a more effective therapy for ROP.
Results of an interim analysis of a multinational randomized, double-blind, phase III study in patients (pts) with previously treated metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) receiving FOLFOX4 and PTK787/ZK 222584 (PTK/ZK) or placebo (CONFIRM 2).

3508 Background: PTK/ZK is a novel, oral, small molecule, antiangiogenic compound that inhibits tyrosine kinase signaling of all known vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptors. METHODS 855 pts were randomized to FOLFOX4 plus PTK/ZK (1250 mg, qd), or placebo. Eligibility included histologically or cytologically documented mCRC, pretreatment for metastatic disease with irinotecan/fluoropyrimidine-based chemotherapy, measurable disease by RECIST, PS of 0-2 and adequate organ and bone marrow function. The primary endpoint is overall survival (OS). Secondary endpoints included OS and PFS in high LDH pts (stratifiedbybaseline serum LDH levels > 1.5 × ULN). RESULTS OS was 12.1 mo in the PTK/ZK arm and 11.8 mo in the placebo arm (HR: 0.94; p=0.511). A pre-planned triangular test suggested a low probability of demonstrating an improvement in OS at the final analysis (4Q 2006). The response rates (CR+PR) were 18.5% in the PTK/ZK arm, 17.5% in the placebo arm. PFS was significantly longer in the PTK/ZK arm (5.5 mo vs. 4.1 mo; HR: 0.83; p=0.026). LDH, usually a poor prognostic factor in mCRC, is predictive of the outcome in the PTK/ZK arm. Pts with high LDH showed a strong improvement in PFS when treated with PTK/ZK (5.6 mo vs. 3.8 mo; HR: 0.63; p<0.001) and an improved OS (9.6 mo vs. 7.5 mo; HR: 0.78; p=0.10). Adverse events (AE) were similar to that of the CONFIRM 1 trial (ASCO 2005). Most frequent grade 3/4 AE associated with PTK/ZK were hypertension (PTK/ZK: 21%; placebo: 5%), diarrhea (16%; 8%), fatigue (14.5%; 6.9%), nausea (11%; 5%), vomiting (9%; 5%), dizziness (9%; 1%). AEs were generally reversible. Thrombotic and embolic events of all grades occurred in 6% (PTK/ZK) vs. 1% (placebo) and 4% vs. 1%, respectively. There was no increase in bowel perforations, hematological toxicities or peripheral neuropathy in the PTK/ZK arm. CONCLUSIONS While the primary endpoint for OS was not met, PTK/ZK improves PFS significantly in the overall population, and shows strong activity in patients with high baseline serum LDH. [Table: see text].
IDO inhibits T-cell function through suppressing Vav1 expression and activation

Purpose: Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), a tryptophan catabolic enzyme, plays an important role in immune escape through suppressing T-cell function. Since Vav1 signaling pathway regulates T cell homeostasis, this study was designed to test the hypothesis that IDO induces T-cell immunosuppression through inhibiting Vav1 signaling. Results: We found that IDO produced by IDO stably expressing CHO cells significantly inhibited interleukin (IL)-2 expression and proliferative response in T cells and increased apoptosis of T cells. IDO suppressed Vav1 mRNA and protein production in T cells. Furthermore, IDO inhibited TCR activation-induced Vav1 phosphorylation, which represents Vav1’s activation state in T cells. These effects on T-cells induced by co-culture of CHO/IDO with T cells were attenuated by 1-MT. Materials and methods: Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells were stably transfected with human IDO (CHO/IDO). CD3+ T cells were isolated from human peripheral blood monouclear cells. After co-culture of CHO/IDO cells with T cells in the presence or absence of an anti-CD3 antibody to activate T cell receptor (TCR) and/or 1-methyl-L-tryptophan (1-MT) to inhibit IDO activity, T cell proliferation and apoptosis were determined. T cell total RNA and cellular protein samples were isolated for detecting Vav1 gene and protein expression and activation state. Conclusions: The inhibitory effects of IDO on T cell immune responses may be through downregulation of Vav1 protein expression and activation. These studies provide insight into understanding the mechanisms of immune escape induced by IDO and therapeutic application of IDO inhibitors for cancer treatment.
Antidepressant drugs potentiate the alpha 1-adrenoceptor effect in hippocampal slices.

The effect of prolonged treatment with antidepressant drugs on the phenylephrine- and norepinephrine (NE)-evoked reaction in hippocampal slices was examined by extracellular recording of the spontaneous activity of CA1 layer neurons. The alpha 1-adrenoceptor agonists, phenylephrine and methoxamine, depressed the neuronal discharges of most of the units tested, while NE evoked both excitatory and inhibitory effects which were blocked by propranolol and phentolamine or prazosin, respectively. Imipramine, mianserin, (+)- and (-)-oxaprotiline administered subchronically (10 mg/kg p.o., twice daily for 14 days, withdrawal 48 h), potentiated the inhibitory reaction to phenylephrine. Mianserin was the only drug tested in the acute dose to effectively augment the reaction to alpha 1-adrenoceptor stimulation. Prolonged administration of mianserin and imipramine attenuated the excitatory effect to NE, which probably reflects beta-receptor down-regulation; however, only mianserin, but not imipramine, enhanced the NE-induced inhibition. The observed potentiation of the alpha 1-adrenoceptor-related inhibitory reaction to phenylephrine produced by antidepressant drugs may reflect the development of the alpha 1-adrenergic system supersensitivity in the hippocampus.
The effects of infant mortality on fertility revisited: new evidence from latin america

In this paper, we examine empirical evidence for a relation between infant and child mortality and fertility in Latin American countries from 1920 to 1990. We investigate the relation at several levels of aggregation and evaluate the extent to which evidence at one level is consistent with evidence at other levels. Wefirst examine aggregate cross-country information over several decades, a type of data typically used in past research on the topic. We also examine yearly series of births, deaths, infant deaths, and socioeconomic indicators for selected countries to track the association between short-term fluctuations in fertility and infant mortality. Finally, we use micro-level data from the Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) to assess the relation between fertility and child mortality from individual reproductive histories. The evidence we assemble from these different data sets is remarkably consistent and suggests small positive effects of infant mortality onfertility. These effects, however, may be too small to support the hypothesis that changes in child mortality are of more than modest importance in the process offertility decline in Latin America in the late twentieth century.
Intra- and Interlaboratory Study of a Method for Testing the Antifungal Susceptibilities of Dermatophytes

ABSTRACT The National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards (NCCLS) M38-A standard for the susceptibility testing of conidium-forming filamentous fungi does not explicitly address the testing of dermatophytes. This multicenter study, involving six laboratories, investigated the MIC reproducibility of seven antifungal agents tested against 25 dermatophyte isolates (5 blinded pairs of five dermatophyte species per site for a total of 300 tests), using the method of dermatophyte testing developed at the Center for Medical Mycology, Cleveland, Ohio. The dermatophytes tested included Trichophyton rubrum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Trichophyton tonsurans, Epidermophyton floccosum, and Microsporum canis. Seven antifungals with activity against dermatophytes were tested, including ciclopirox, fluconazole, griseofulvin, itraconazole, posaconazole, terbinafine, and voriconazole. Interlaboratory MICs for all isolates were in 92 to 100% agreement at a visual endpoint reading of 50% inhibition as compared to the growth control and 88 to 99% agreement at a visual endpoint reading of 80% inhibition as compared to the growth control. Intralaboratory MICs between blinded pairs were in 97% agreement at a visual endpoint reading of 50% inhibition as compared to the growth control and 96% agreement at a visual endpoint reading of 80% inhibition as compared to the growth control. Data from this study support consideration of this method as an amendment to the NCCLS M38-A standard for the testing of dermatophytes.
Depletion of CCR5-Expressing Cells with Bispecific Antibodies and Chemokine Toxins: A New Strategy in the Treatment of Chronic Inflammatory Diseases and HIV

The chemokine receptor CCR5 is expressed on the majority of T cells and monocytes in the inflammatory infiltrate of diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, renal diseases, and multiple sclerosis. In contrast, little expression of CCR5 is found on peripheral blood leukocytes. A specific depletion of CCR5+ cells could therefore be a useful strategy to reduce the cellular infiltrate in chronic inflammations. Moreover, CCR5 is the major coreceptor for M-tropic HIV-1 strains. Depletion of CCR5+ leukocytes may help to eliminate cells latently infected with HIV-1. We designed two constructs that specifically destroy chemokine receptor-positive cells. The first construct, a bispecific Ab, binds simultaneously to CCR5 and CD3. Thereby it redirects CD3+ T cells against CCR5+ target cells. The Ab specifically depletes CCR5+ T cells and monocytes, but is inactive against cells that do not express CCR5. Furthermore, ex vivo the bispecific Ab eliminated >95% of CCR5+ monocytes and T cells from the synovial fluid of patients with arthritis. Also, we designed a fusion protein of the chemokine RANTES and a truncated version of Pseudomonas exotoxin A. The fusion protein binds to CCR5 and down-modulates the receptor from the cell surface. The chemokine toxin completely destroyed CCR5+ Chinese hamster ovary cells at a concentration of 10 nM, whereas no cytotoxic effect was detectable against CCR5− Chinese hamster ovary cells. Both constructs efficiently deplete CCR5-positive cells, appear as useful agents in the treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases, and may help to eradicate HIV-1 by increasing the turnover of latently infected cells.
EFFECT OF DIFFERENT EXTENDERS ON RAM SPERM TRAITS DURING STORAGE

HEGEDŰSOVA, Z. , STOLC, L. , LOUDA, F. , CUNAT, L. , VEJNAR, J.: Eff ect of diff erent extenders on ram sperm traits during storage. Acta univ. agric. et silvic. Mendel. Brun. , 2012, LX, No. 6, pp. 111-116 The aim of the study was to test commercial extenders used for short-term and long-term sperm preservation. Semen was collected in the reproduction season, i.e. from June to December. The ejaculates were obtained from single services and the routine analysis of the semen was performed immediately aer the collection. The examination included semen volume, colour and texture, sperm concentration and motility, ejaculate turbulence and percentage of sperm with abnormal morphology. The semen was diluted with an extender in the ratio of 1:4. The processed semen was transported in an insulated container at 16-18 °C to the laboratory and stored in a stationary thermostat under the same temperature. Sperm motility tests were performed 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours aer the placement in to thermostat. Ejaculates diluted with Ovipro, Optidyl, Triladyl and Andromed CSS gave very good results of viability (81.23 %-83.41 %) aer 24 hours of storage. Aer 48 hours, Ovipro, Andromed, Optidyl and Triladyl gave values above 75 %. The Triladyl extender proved to be a good stabilizing agent, showing consistent results during a long-term storage. It was chosen as a control one for overall assessment. Other preservation media did not show any improving or worsening eff ects. The extender Ovipro showed a high motility eff ect in the fi rst 48 hours only, and hence it appears to be the best solution for the short-term preservation. ram, sperm activity, extender
Contributions to Medical Image Registration

Registration is the process of computing the corresponding points in two images, and constitutes a fundamental step for further processing in many medical applications. Due to the challenges posed by the associated optimization problem arising in medical settings, registration presents an active field of research. In this work, we present several contributions to the field of registration of medical images: 1) A general preconditioning scheme, which leads to efficient optimization for arbitrary difference measures. 2) A method for single-view 2D-3D deformable registration of vascular structures, with applications in angiographic settings. 3) We propose the use of MRF modeling and discrete optimization for linear registration. 4) For generation of statistical deformation models, we propose the use of minimal deformations, from which the linear transformation components are removed.
Framework for ITS Deployments to Enhance Highway Safety

The operational efficiency of a transportation system is greatly limited by incidents which result in great economic losses. In this research a framework for deployment of ITS applications is developed that will ensure effective management of incidents. The study focuses on improving safety of the access controlled highways using such deployments. A decision making methodology called ELECTRE I is used for selecting the best deployment strategy. The different alternative strategies are evaluated using new software tools such as ITS Deployment Analysis System (IDAS) in conjunction with spatial analysis and Highway Capacity Manual procedures to develop an overall benefits evaluation strategy that synthesizes both operational and economic benefits of different incident management strategies.
Bereavement Rituals in the Muscogee Creek Tribe

A qualitative, collective case study explores bereavement rituals in the Muscogee Creek tribe. Data from interviews with 27 participants, all adult members of the tribe, revealed consensus on participation in certain bereavement rituals. Common rituals included (a) conducting a wake service the night before burial; (b) never leaving the body alone before burial; (c) enclosing personal items and food in the casket; (d) digging graves by hand; (e) each individual throwing a handful of dirt into the grave before covering, called giving a “farewell handshake”; (f) covering the grave completely by hand; (g) building a house over the grave; (h) waiting 4 days before burial; (i) using medicine/purification; and (j) adhering to socialized mourning period. Cultural values of family, community, religion, importance of the number 4, Indian medicine, and the meaning of death contributed to the development of these rituals.
Noise analysis and external parameters calibration for binocular fisheye cameras

Since fisheye lens has a large field of view, it can be applied in principle to positioning in a wide range and a large space. Based on fisheye camera's internal parameters known a prior, the principle of calibrating the fisheye camera's external parameters is proposed first. Then the noise distribution of the fish-eye camera image points coordinates in the unit sphere corresponding to the image point coordinates and the impact on essential matrix solution are analysed. Furthermore, it is pointed out that these points with a relatively small incidence angle result in more high-precision external parameters. The simulation results indicate that the analysis on the noise transmission and the impact on the essential matrix solution are reasonable and effective.