Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Separation increases passive stress-coping behaviors during forced swim and alters hippocampal dendritic morphology in California mice

Individuals within monogamous species form bonds that may buffer against the negative effects of stress on physiology and behavior. In some species, involuntary termination of the mother-offspring bond results in increased symptoms of negative affect in the mother, suggesting that the parent-offspring bond may be equally as important as the pair bond. To our knowledge, the extent to which affect in paternal rodents is altered by involuntary termination of the father-offspring bond is currently unknown. Here, we investigated to what extent separation and paternal experience alters passive stress-coping behaviors and dendritic morphology in hippocampal subfields of California mice (Peromyscus californicus). Irrespective of paternal experience, separated mice displayed shorter latencies to the first bout of immobility, longer durations of immobility, and more bouts of immobility than control (non-separated) mice. This effect of separation was exacerbated by paternal experience in some measures of behavioral despair—separation from offspring further decreased the latency to immobility and increased bouts of immobility. In the dentate gyrus, separation reduced dendritic spine density regardless of paternal experience. Increased spine density was observed on CA1 basal, but not apical, dendrites following paternal experience. Regardless of offspring presence, fatherhood was associated with reduced apical dendritic spine density in area CA3 of the hippocampus. Separation enhanced complexity of both basal and apical dendrites in CA1, while fatherhood reduced dendritic complexity in this region. Our data suggest that forced dissolution of the pair bond induces passive stress-coping behaviors and contributes to region-specific alterations in hippocampal structure in California mouse males.
Analýza a charakteristika polymorfních cross-species mikrosatelitů u plameňáka růžového (Phoenicopterus roseus).

Tato diplomova prace se zaměřuje na analýzu a charakteristiku polymorfnich mikrosatelitů u plameňaka růžoveho. Teoreticka cast prace se věnuje popisu plameňaka růžoveho (Phoenicopterus roseus) a jeho zařazeni do systemu, dale se zabýva obecnou charakteristikou mikrosatelitů, jejich vlastnostmi, strukturou, mutacemi a využitim. Na zavěr teoreticke casti jsou popsany polymorfni mikrosatelity dosud nalezene u plameňaka růžoveho a take nově nalezene mikrosatelity vhodne k otestovani u tohoto druhu. V prakticke casti byla provedena PCR amplifikace vybraných mikrosatelitových lokusů s využitim primerů izolovaných jednak přimo od plameňaka růžoveho a jednak od přibuzných druhů z řadů brodivi (Ciconiiformes) a veslonozi (Pelecaniformes). PCR produkty byly podrobeny elektroforeticke separaci v 6% polyakrylamidovem gelu a vzniklý elektroforetogram vyhodnocen. Zjistěne výsledky byly statisticky zpracovany pomoci programů Cervus 3.0. 3 a Genepop 4.2. Celkem bylo charakterizovano 47 mikrosatelitů s pocty alel pohybujicimi se od 2 do 24. Průměrný pocet alel na lokus byl 5,9. Ctyři z těchto mikrosatelitů vykazovaly vazbu na pohlavi.
The Effects of Search Strategy , Task Complexity and Pacing on Visual Inspection Performance

Visual inspection plays a very important role ensuring quality in manufacturing and service industries. Visual search and decision-making are two determinants of inspection performance. Any improvement in any one of the components will have an impact on system performance. Job-aids, accompanying with training, have been proven to be effective in enhancing accuracy and reducing search time in visual inspection systems. One of the important issues is to help inspectors adopt the appropriate search strategy. This research aims to investigate effects of search strategy along with task complexity and pacing on inspection performance using a job-aiding tool. Results from this study will help to design a better inspection system.
Dynamique des activités évoquées corticales de la phase décisionnelle de la discrimination temporelle : approche comportementale et électrophysiologique

La particularite du temps est de n’etre l’objet d’aucun systeme sensoriel, contrairement aux stimulations lumineuses ou sonores. Quelles sont les operations cognitives, en dehors de l’horloge interne, qui sont impliquees dans le fait que nous soyons capables de dire qu’une duree est plus courte qu’une autre ? Quelle est la dynamique de ces processus ? Pour le determiner, nous nous sommes bases sur l’etude du comportement et des potentiels evoques dans des tâches de discrimination temporelle. Plusieurs objectifs ont ete poursuivis. Premierement, il s’agissait de determiner les processus, ainsi que leur dynamique, pouvant etre mis en evidence dans la manipulation de l’information temporelle. Un deuxieme objectif consistait a preciser l’impact du contexte sur le recrutement et la dynamique de ces processus. Un dernier objectif etait d’explorer l’effet de la duree presentee et celui de la consigne sur les processus impliques dans le traitement temporel et sur leur dynamique. Les resultats principaux sont les suivants. Premierement, des composantes evoquees frontoparietales indexaient la comparaison, la prise de decision, l’attention et la memoire de travail. Deuxiemement, ces activites etaient modulees par la saillance perceptive. En outre, une duree particulierement saillante permet de terminer la comparaison avant la fin du stimulus. Troisiemement, le contexte de presentation modulait les activites evoquees associees au moment ou la decision est prise. En conclusion, cette these met en evidence que les processus a l’œuvre dans la perception temporelle ne sont pas specifiques au traitement des durees, comme l’attention et la memoire de travail.
Frontal and parietal cortical ensembles predict single‐trial muscle activity during reaching movements in primates

Previously we have shown that the kinematic parameters of reaching movements can be extracted from the activity of cortical ensembles. Here we used cortical ensemble activity to predict electromyographic (EMG) signals of four arm muscles in New World monkeys. The overall shape of the EMG envelope was predicted, as well as trial‐to‐trial variations in the amplitude and timing of bursts of muscle activity. Predictions of EMG patterns exhibited during reaching movements could be obtained not only from primary motor cortex, but also from dorsal premotor, primary somatosensory and posterior parietal cortices. These results suggest that these areas represent signals correlated to EMGs of arm muscles in a distributed manner, and that the larger the population sampled, the more reliable the predictions. We propose that, in the future, recordings from multiple cortical areas and the extraction of muscle patterns from these recordings will help to restore limb mobility in paralysed patients.
A Comparison of 3 Tumor Markers (MIA, TA90IC, S100B) in Stage III Melanoma Patients

Purpose: There is no consensus regarding the optimal tumor markers for melanoma. We compared 3 tumor markers, TA90-immune complex (TA90IC), melanoma-inhibiting activity (MIA) protein, and S100B protein in Stage III melanoma patients undergoing adjuvant vaccine immunotherapy. Experimental design: The serum of 75 patients representing 3 prognostic cohorts was assayed for the tumor markers prior to initiating immunotherapy and at 6 follow-up time points. Upper limits of normal for TA90IC, MIA and S100B were set at OD 0.41, 8.5 ng/ml, and 2.5 μ g/l, respectively. Results: At least 1 marker became elevated prior to 41 (80 percent) of 51 recurrences. TA90IC was the earliest elevated marker in 29 (57 percent), MIA in 11 (22 percent), and S100B in 4 (8 percent). Multivariate regression analysis revealed that TA90IC was an independent predictor of survival when elevation occurred between 2 weeks and 3 months, whereas MIA was an independent predictor at 4–6 months. In the poor prognostic cohort, mean values for MIA and S100B increased progressively, whereas TA90IC exhibited a parabolic curve. Conclusion: In this patient population, TA90IC and MIA were complementary; elevation of the immune complex preceded elevation of the tumor antigen in patients who developed recurrence. Additional studies in populations not receiving vaccine will further clarify the clinical utility of these assays.
Parasitic capacitance modeling for multilevel interconnects

The problem of calculating parasitic capacitance between interconnects is investigated with the main theme focused on deriving approximate expressions for calculating parasitic capacitance between two crossing interconnects. The interconnects are divided into a few basic coupling regions, in such a way that the capacitance in a region can be represented by a simple expression adjusted to the results computed by an electromagnetic field solver based on a two-dimensional capacitance model. An approximate expression of the total capacitance between two crossing interconnects is obtained by summing the capacitances in all regions. In order to evaluate the accuracy of this approximation, the capacitance calculated by the attained expression is compared with the one obtained by a three-dimensional field solver, and it turns out that the error is less than 5%.
The peptidyl-prolyl isomerase Pin1 interacts with hSpt5 phosphorylated by Cdk9.

We identify and characterize several phosphorylated forms of the hSpt5 subunit of the DRB sensitivity-inducing factor (DSIF). A 175-kDa phosphorylated form of hSpt5 is bound to nuclei of interphase HeLa cells. This form is rapidly dephosphorylated when cultured cells are exposed to various drugs belonging to distinct chemical families. All these compounds are known to inhibit the protein kinase Cdk9, which phosphorylates in vitro hSpt5 and Rpb1, the largest subunit of RNA polymerase II. The efficiency to promote the dephosphorylation of both proteins matches their capacity to inhibit purified Cdk9 kinase, suggesting that Cdk9 is the major kinase phosphorylating hSpt5 and Rpb1 in vivo. We show that Cdk9 phosphorylates both the CTR1 and the CTR2 domains of recombinant hSpt5. These domains contain numerous serine-proline and threonine-proline residues similar to those found in the carboxyl-terminal domain (CTD) of Rpb1. The structural homology between hSpt5 CTRs and the Rpb1 CTD is further highlighted by the presence on both proteins of a phosphoepitope recognized by the monoclonal antibody CC-3. Of particular interest, the peptidyl-prolyl isomerase Pin1 interacts with Cdk9-phosphorylated hSpt5. Cdk9 dependent phosphorylation of Rpb1 and hSpt5 followed by Pin1 interaction might thus contribute to the regulation of transcription, pre-mRNA maturation, and the dynamics of these proteins in interphase and mitosis.
A Low Complexity UWB Localization Algorithm Using Finite-Resolution Quantization

Impulse radio ultra wideband (IR-UWB) technique has attracted interest in indoor localization thanks to its sub-nanosecond (ns) narrow pulse feature offering high timing resolution. However, measuring these short pulses demands high performance analog-to-digital converter (ADC), i.e. 4 giga Hz 8-bit ADC, which is hard to implement in real systems. In this paper, a finite-resolution (FR) quantization based localization method is proposed, revealing that high performance ADCs can be replaced with high speed comparators since a 2-bit quantization is good enough. At first we approximate the post-quantization signal as Gaussian distributed using Bussgang theorem, facilitating the following derivation. Then, practical TOA estimation and iterative Taylor-series (TS) localization algorithm are derived. Subsequently the analytical expressions of Cramer-Rao lower bound (CRLB) of proposed scheme is obtained, theoretically quantifying the performance loss caused by FR quantization. Finally, compared with the full-resolution and signal-strength (SS) approaches via simulation, we prove that our finite-resolution algorithm achieves almost the same performance as traditional full-resolution scheme while dramatically decreasing the complexity.
Service User Involvement in UK Social Service Agencies and Social Work Education

ABSTRACT Forming partnerships with service users became a requirement for social work education programs in the United Kingdom as of 2003, leading to the development of innovative approaches to social work education that involve service users as experts who are helping to teach the future generation of social workers. This article examines the perceptions of service user involvement and how it is implemented in the United Kingdom in the social service sector and the university setting, and concludes with implications for the United States.
Identification and fracture outcomes of undiagnosed low bone mineral density in postmenopausal women: results from the National Osteoporosis Risk Assessment.

CONTEXT Large segments of the population at risk for osteoporosis and fracture have not been evaluated, and the usefulness of peripheral measurements for short-term prediction of fracture risk is uncertain. OBJECTIVES To describe the occurrence of low bone mineral density (BMD) in postmenopausal women, its risk factors, and fracture incidence during short-term follow-up. DESIGN The National Osteoporosis Risk Assessment, a longitudinal observational study initiated September 1997 to March 1999, with approximately 12 months of subsequent follow-up. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS A total of 200 160 ambulatory postmenopausal women aged 50 years or older with no previous osteoporosis diagnosis, derived from 4236 primary care practices in 34 states. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Baseline BMD T scores, obtained from peripheral bone densitometry performed at the heel, finger, or forearm; risk factors for low BMD, derived from questionnaire responses; and clinical fracture rates at 12-month follow-up. RESULTS Using World Health Organization criteria, 39.6% had osteopenia (T score of -1 to -2.49) and 7.2% had osteoporosis (T score </=-2.5). Age, personal or family history of fracture, Asian or Hispanic heritage, smoking, and cortisone use were associated with significantly increased likelihood of osteoporosis; higher body mass index, African American heritage, estrogen or diuretic use, exercise, and alcohol consumption significantly decreased the likelihood. Among the 163 979 participants with follow-up information, osteoporosis was associated with a fracture rate approximately 4 times that of normal BMD (rate ratio, 4.03; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.59-4.53) and osteopenia was associated with a 1.8-fold higher rate (95% CI, 1.49-2.18). CONCLUSIONS Almost half of this population had previously undetected low BMD, including 7% with osteoporosis. Peripheral BMD results were highly predictive of fracture risk. Given the economic and social costs of osteoporotic fractures, strategies to identify and manage osteoporosis in the primary care setting need to be established and implemented.
Depression in Late Life

The depressed elderly have the highest suicide risk of any group in our society. Thus, depression in late life is a serious mental health problem. The essential goal of the diagnostic work-up is to distinguish a major depressive episode from less severe dysphoric symptoms. The major treatment modalities are properly selected pharmacologic agents, electroconvulsive therapy, psychotherapy and counseling, increased physical and social activity, and attention to underlying medical problems.
Cytokines in pulmonary emphysema: can results in mice be translated to humans?

1. Goodman P, Agnew M, McCaffrey M, Paul G, Clancy L. Effects of the Irish smoking ban on respiratory health of bar workers and air quality in Dublin pubs. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2007;175:840–845. 2. Travers MJ, Cummings KM, Hyland A, Repace JL, Pechacek TF, Caraballo R. Indoor air quality in hospitality venues before and after the implementation of a clean indoor air law–western New York, 2003. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2004;53:1038–1041. 3. Repace JL, Hyde JN, Brugge D. Air pollution in Boston bars before and after a smoking ban. BMC Public Health 2006;6:266. 4. Edwards R, Hasselholdt CP, Hargreaves K, Probert C, Holford R, Hart J, van Tongeren M, Watson AF. Levels of second hand smoke in pubs and bars by deprivation and food-serving status: a cross-sectional study from North West England. BMC Public Health 2006;6:42.
Factors influencing the formation of immunofluorescent antigen in a Burkitt lymphoma cell line.

In a previous paper [4] it was shown that cells of the P3HR-1 line, derived from Pulvertaft's P3 (Jijoye) Burkitt lymphorma cell line [2], were stainable with selected human sera using immunofluorescent technique. These observations indicated the identity of the antigen detectable by immunofluorescence with the antigen found in other Burkitt cell lines by Henle and Henle [1]. Data accumulated [4, 6] strongly suggest that the antigen is attributable to herpes-type virus particles in the cells examined by electron microscopy [5]. To increase the number of immunofluorescent positive cells which possibly represent increased virus production in the cells, various cultural conditions were examined. A preliminary report of our results has been published [4]. In the present communication we have extended and confirmed our observations. Further, using electron microscope techniques we examined the correlation between the number of virus particles produced from the
Anti-Cancer Therapy: Chlorogenic Acid, Gallic Acid and Ellagic Acid in Synergism

Phytochemicals have been used as effective agents for treating illnesses. Its use has been widely increased in the present scenario where commercial drugs are carrying a huge burden of side effects. Many phytochemicals have potent anticancer properties. The present study was undertaken to study the synergistic effect of anticancer phytochemicals Chlorogenic acid, Gallic acid and Ellagic acid on MDA MB 231 Breast cancer cells. The study was evaluated using cytotoxic assay such as MTT assay and migration assay via scratch well assay. The results demonstrate that the selected phytochemicals are highly cytotoxic to the cells and thus, synergistic studies were performed and the most cytotoxic combinations were proceeded with further assay which reveals that there is no migration observed in the presence of selected phytochemical combinations, thus revealing that treatment must be anti-metastatic.
Monocyte Migration Through the Alveolar Epithelial Barrier: Adhesion Molecule Mechanisms and Impact of Chemokines1

Alveolar monocyte influx requires adherence and transmigration through the vascular endothelium, extracellular matrix, and alveolar epithelium. For investigating the monocyte migratory process across the epithelial barrier, we employed both the A549 cell line and isolated human alveolar epithelial cells. Under baseline conditions, spontaneous bidirectional transepithelial monocyte migration was noted, which was dose-dependently increased in the presence of the monocyte chemoattractant protein-1. TNF-α stimulation of the alveolar epithelium provoked the polarized apical secretion of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 and RANTES and up-regulation of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 expression, accompanied by markedly enhanced transepithelial monocyte traffic in the basal-to-apical direction. Multiple adhesive interactions were noted to contribute to the enhanced monocyte traffic across the TNF-α-stimulated alveolar epithelium: these included the β2 integrins CD11a, CD11b, CD11c/CD18, the β1 integrins very late Ag (VLA)-4, -5, and -6, and the integrin-associated protein CD47 on monocytes, as well as ICAM-1, VCAM-1, CD47, and matrix components on the epithelial side. In contrast, spontaneous monocyte migration through unstimulated epithelium depended predominantly on CD11b/CD18 and CD47, with some additional contribution of VLA-4, -5, and -6. In summary, unlike transendothelial monocyte traffic, for which β1 and β2 integrins are alternative mechanisms, monocyte migration across the alveolar epithelium largely depends on CD11b/CD18 and CD47 but required the additional engagement of the β1 integrins for optimal migration. In response to inflammatory challenge, the alveolar epithelium orchestrates enhanced monocyte traffic to the apical side by polarized chemokine secretion and up-regulation of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1.
Indoor localisation for wheeled platforms based on IMU and artificially generated magnetic field

In recent years the research on positioning and navigation systems for indoor environments has progressed rapidly. For this purpose many technologies based on e.g. UWB, WLAN, ultrasonic or infrared were utilized. However, these systems are restricted on line-of-sight (LOS) conditions due to disturbances, fading and multipath inside of buildings. Because magnetic fields are able to penetrate walls, building materials or other objects, a DC Magnetic signal based Indoor Local Positioning System (MILPS) was developed, which provides localisation in harsh indoor environments. Multiple electrical coils - representing reference stations - and tri-axial magnetometers as mobile stations are utilized. Capturing the magnetic field intensities of at least three different coils leads to the specific slope distances and finally to the observer's position. Because the current positioning algorithm is designed for stop-and-go applications originally, this contribution focuses on the sensor fusion of MILPS and an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) to face kinematic applications for wheeled platforms. The short time stable IMU-integrated data, which is influenced by sensor drifts and integration errors, is then supported by MILPS, which delivers positions in a low frequent update interval. To estimate a position in two dimensional environments - in the first step - an Iterative Kaiman Filter (IKF) is applied to eliminate linearization errors caused by inaccurate predictions. Therefore the dead reckoning trajectory is updated by using MILPS' distance observations. In this context first promising experiments with combinations of IMU and MILPS have been performed proving the capability of sensor integration. While acceleration and angular rate measurements lead to a state prediction (consisting of current position and velocity) external MILPS-observations are used for IMU-data support. The IKF estimates a current state in respect to both measurement systems' statistical information.