Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Development of geniculocortical projections to visual cortex in rat: evidence early ingrowth and synaptogenesis.

Anterograde movement of DiI and transneuronal transport of wheat germ agglutinin-horseradish peroxidase (WGA-HRP) were used to study the temporal and laminar patterns of ingrowth of the geniculocortical projection to visual cortex in fetal and postnatal rats. The development of this projection was compared to patterns of migration and settling of [3H]-thymidine-labeled neurons destined for cortical layer IV, and to geniculocortical synapse formation. DiI-labeled geniculocortical axons were found in the intermediate zone beneath the lateral cerebral mantle at embryonic day (E)17 and in the subplate layer underlying visual cortex by E18. On E19 they appeared to accumulate and grow radially into an expanding subplate layer and into the deep part of developing cortical layer VI. By postnatal day (P)0, DiI or WGA-HRP-labeled geniculocortical axons were found in developing cortical layers VI and V. By P1, they invaded the deep portion of the cell-dense cortical plate, where they were in position to make initial contact with neurons that would later form layer IV. A few axons traversed the cortical plate to reach the marginal zone. Layer IV became an identifiable layer on P2, and a clear projection to layer IV was evident by P3. These results suggest that geniculocortical afferents grow continuously from the intermediate zone, initially into an expanding subplate layer and then sequentially into each of the developing cortical layers without evidence of "waiting. " Electron microscopic data suggest that geniculocortical axons begin to form immature synapses with dendrites and neuronal perikarya as they first encounter cortical neurons, first in the subplate layer and then in developing layers VI, V and marginal zone, in addition to the primary target layer IV. The precise targeting and overall temporal and laminar patterns of ingrowth and synaptogenesis suggest that geniculocortical axons are directed to the visual cortex by guidance cues within the internal capsule and subplate. Further, they reach the occipital pole early enough to influence the specification and histogenesis of cortical area 17, perhaps by exerting an influence on the deep-to-superficial "wave" of neuronal differentiation in sequentially developing subplate and cortical layers VI, V and IV.
Commande robuste des systèmes à paramètres variables

Les travaux de cette these portent sur l'analyse de stabilite et la synthese de commandes robustes pour les systemes non lineaires. La conception des controleurs/observateurs necessite souvent la connaissance totale ou partielle du modele du procede a controler. Neanmoins, l'obtention d'un modele a la fois exploitable et suffisamment fidele est difficile et chronophage, ce qui provoque l'augmentation du cout total de developpement d'un systeme d'asservissement. Afin de reduire la quantite ainsi que la qualite des informations necessaires sur le systeme, de nouvelles methodes de synthese d'observateurs et de controleurs ont ete developpees dans cette these. En effet, si le modele est connu, une loi de commande par retour de sortie a base d'observateur de type Luenberger a ete proposee. Pour cette loi de commande, le systeme boucle est vu comme l’interconnexion de deux sous systemes : la boucle fermee ideale et l'erreur d'observation. Dans le cas ou peu d'informations sont disponibles, une loi de commande a modele restreint (''sans modele'') a ete developpee. Afin d’estimer l’etat du systeme, des derivateurs/estimateurs non-asymptotiques tel que les derivateurs numeriques bases sur l’algebre differentielle ou encore les derivateurs asymptotiques tels que les observateurs et les filtres ont ete consideres. Les deux lois de commande proposees ont permis de conserver l'aspect non lineaire du systeme ainsi que d'obtenir des resultats les plus generaux que possible en reformulant les problemes sous la forme de systemes polytopiques convexes. Les travaux de cette these font appel principalement a la methode directe de Lyapunov avec fonction quadratique.
Impact of advanced age on survival in patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillators.

AIMS Given the selectivity of clinical trial patients and meager representation of elderly in the major implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) randomized trials (<25%), whether such data apply to elderly patients overall is unclear. The purpose of our study is to understand the influence of age on mortality after ICD implantation. METHODS AND RESULTS We performed a retrospective cohort study of 502 consecutive patients receiving ICDs from 1993 to 2003 at a single university hospital. The primary predictor was patient age, categorized as <65, 65-75, and >75 years at ICD implantation. The primary outcome was time to death. Mean follow-up was 4 years. Median survival after ICD implantation was 5.3 years among subjects >75 years, less than half that of the youngest group. After adjusting for potential confounders, compared with subjects <65 years of age, patients >75 years [hazard ratio (HR), 4.7; 95% confidence interval (CI), 2.8-7.9; P < 0.001] and those 65-75 years (HR, 2.8; 95% CI, 1.7-4.8; P < 0.001) were at greater risk of death. Increased age was associated with higher total, cardiac, and non-cardiac mortality (all P <or= 0.001). CONCLUSION Age at ICD implantation is strongly and independently associated with mortality. Age should be considered among potential co-morbidities in anticipating survival of the elderly patient prior to ICD implantation.
The start of a new school year: individual differences in salivary cortisol response in relation to child temperament.

Noon and evening salivary cortisol levels were examined in 70 elementary school children during the 1st week of a new school year. Samples were obtained on the 1st and 5th days of school and on weekend days. Delta cortisol scores were created to measure the change in children's levels on initial school days relative to weekend days. Temperament was assessed using Rothbart's Child Behavior Questionnaire, a parent report instrument. The three dimensions of surgency or extroversion, negative affectivity, and effortful control were examined. Positive correlations were obtained with Day 1 delta cortisol for negative affectivity and Day 5 delta cortisol for surgency. Contrary to the expectation that internalizing aspects of temperament (shyness, fearfulness) would be associated with larger increases in cortisol to the novelty and challenge of a new school year, these data indicate that larger increases in cortisol were observed in more extroverted children.
SUPPLEMENT A NOVEL ROLE FOR AN ENDOTHELIAL ADRENERGIC RECEPTOR SYSTEM IN MEDIATING CATECHOLESTRADIOL-INDUCED PROLIFERATION OF UTERINE ARTERY ENDOTHELIAL CELLS

Sequential conversion of estradiol-17 to its biologically active catecholestradiols, 2-hydroxyestradiol (OHE2) and 4-OHE2, contributes importantly to its angiogenic effects on uterine artery endothelial cells (UAECs) derived from pregnant, but not nonpregnant ewes via an estrogen receptor-independent mechanism. Because catecholestradiols and catecholamines exhibit structural similarities and have high affinity for and -adrenergic receptors (ARs), we investigated whether the endothelial or -ARs mediate catecholestradiol-induced proliferation of P-UAECs and whether catecholamines alter these responses. Western analyses revealed expression of specific AR subtypes in nonpregnant UAECs and P-UAECs, including 2-, 2-, and 3-ARs but not 1and 1-ARs. Levels of 2-ARs and 3-ARs were unaltered by pregnancy, whereas 2-ARs were decreased. Norepinephrine and epinephrine increased P-UAEC, but not nonpregnant UAEC proliferation, and these effects were suppressed by propranolol ( -AR blocker) but not phentolamine ( -AR blocker). Catecholamines combinations with 2-OHE2 or 4-OHE2 enhanced P-UAEC mitogenesis. Catecholestradiol-induced P-UAEC proliferation was also inhibited by propranolol but not phentolamine. 2-AR and 3-AR antagonists (ICI 118 551and SR 59230A, respectively) abrogated the mitogenic effects of both 2-OHE2 and 4-OHE2. Stimulation of 2-ARs and 3-ARs using formoterol and BRL 37344 dose-dependently stimulated P-UAEC proliferation, which was abrogated by ICI 118 551 and SR 59230A, respectively. Proliferation effects of both catecholamines and catecholestradiols were only observed in P-UAECs (not nonpregnant UAECs) and were mediated via 2-ARs and 3-ARs. We demonstrate for the first time convergence of the endothelial AR and estrogenic systems in regulating endothelial proliferation, thus providing a distinct evolutionary advantage for modulating uterine perfusion during stressful pregnancies. (Hypertension. 2011;58:874-881.) ● Online Data Supplement
A Korean Family with an Early-Onset Autosomal Dominant Macular Dystrophy Resembling North Carolina Macular Dystrophy

Purpose To characterize and report the phenotype of a Korean family with an early-onset autosomal dominant macular dystrophy resembling North Carolina macular dystrophy (NCMD). Methods Five members of a Korean family were examined clinically and underwent fundus photography, fluorescein angiography, indocyanine green angiography, optical coherence tomography, full field electroretinogram (ERG), multifocal ERG, electro-oculography (EOG), a color vision test, and a visual field test. Results Visual acuity ranged from 20/200 to 20/20. Fundus findings demonstrated varying degrees of involvement ranging from drusen only to chorioretinal involvement. Central scotoma corresponded to retinal lesions in two patients. Full field ERG was normal but multifocal ERG showed decreased amplitude and delayed implicit time in the macular area. EOG was normal except in one patient. Color vision tests were also normal. Conclusions The phenotype of this Korean family is consistent with NCMD. Linkage analysis is required to confirm the diagnosis.
Daily Walking Combined With Diet Therapy Is a Useful Means for Obese NIDDM Patients Not Only to Reduce Body Weight But Also to Improve Insulin Sensitivity

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effects of walking combined with diet therapy (1,000–1,600 kcal/day) on insulin sensitivity in obese non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) patients. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Subjects were divided into two groups: 10 patients were managed by diet alone (group D), and 14 patients were placed in the diet and exercise group (group DE). Group DE was instructed to walk at least 10,000 steps/day on a flat field as monitored by pedometer (19,200 ± 2,100 steps/day), and group D was told to maintain a normal daily routine (4,500 ± 290 steps/day). A glucose clamp procedure at an insulin infusion rate of 40 mU · m−2 · min−1 was performed before and after the 6-; to 8-week training program. Mean serum insulin concentrations ranged from 720 to 790 pmol/l. RESULTS While body weight (BW) in groups D and DE decreased significantly (P < 0.01) during the study, the amount of BW reduction in group DE was > that in group D (7.8 ± 0.8 vs. 4.2 ± 0.5 kg, P < 0.01). After training, glucose infusion rate (GIR) and metabolic clearance rate (MCR) in group D did not significantly increase; however, GIR and MCR increased significantly in group DE, from 17.21 ± 1.11 to 26.09 ± 1.11 μmol·kg−1 · min−1 (P < 0.001) and from 3.0 ± 0.3 to 5.3 ± 0.4 ml·kg−1 · min−1 (P < 0.001), respectively. The analysis of variance showed significant effects of exercise (time × exercise, P = 0.0005) for the improvement of MCR. Significant correlations were also observed between Δ MCR and average steps per day (r = 0.7257, P < 0.005) in group DE. CONCLUSIONS Walking, which can be safely performed and easily incorporated into daily life, can be recommended as an adjunct therapy to diet treatment in obese NIDDM patients, not only for BW reduction, but also for improvement of insulin sensitivity.
Rôle du récepteur nucléaire FXR dans la régulation de la production de GLP-1 : nouvelle cible thérapeutique dans le traitement du diabète de type 2 ?

L’homeostasie energetique ou ‘balance energetique’ est l’equilibre qui s’etablit chez l’Homme et l’animal adulte entre la prise quotidienne de nutriments sous la forme de glucides, de lipides ou de proteines et leur oxydation pour ne produire que la quantite energetique strictement necessaire. Pour maintenir cette balance l’organisme doit recueillir en permanence des signaux nerveux, metaboliques ou hormonaux de la part de cellules specifiques. Ces senseurs des besoins energetiques transmettent alors a des centres regulateurs leurs informations qui en retour, par voie hormonale ou nerveuse, informent les organes effecteurs des mesures a prendre pour stocker, produire ou consommer l’energie. Les trois principaux centres de cette balance sont 1/ le cerveau, centre integrateur de l’information ; 2/ un groupe d’organes effecteurs parmi lesquels le foie, le tissu adipeux, les muscles squelettiques, le pancreas et 3/ un centre senseur de la qualite et de la quantite des aliments, le tractus gastrointestinal (Migrenne 2006). En plus d’etre la source d’energie necessaire a la vie des cellules, les nutriments tels que les acides gras, le cholesterol ou encore le glucose sont aussi des molecules de signalisation cellulaire a la fois par leur fixation a des recepteurs membranaires mais aussi via des recepteurs nucleaires. Un desequilibre dans l’homeostasie energetique du a une alimentation desequilibree, a un manque d’exercice physique ou a des facteurs genetiques est une caracteristique de l’obesite et de complications telles que le diabete de type 2 et les maladies cardiovasculaires (Hill, 2006). Au cours de ma these je me suis interesse a l’intestin pour son role de regulateur de l’homeostasie energetique dans un contexte physiologique ou physiopathologique d’obesite via sa capacite a secreter l’incretine Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) en reponse au glucose et aux acides biliaires. J’ai etudie plus particulierement le role du recepteur nucleaire en tant que senseurs moleculaires des acides biliaires FXR dans les cellules secretrices de cette incretine car a l’heure actuelle rien n’etait connu quant a son role ni meme quant a son expression dans la cellule L. Pour cela, j’ai utilise des lignees cellulaires murines et humaines ou j’ai mis au point les conditions experimentales pour repondre aux questions posees. Grâce a des ARN d’intestins issus de differents modeles de souris la relevance chez le rongeur a ete testee. La relevance de ces resultats sur des biopsies intestinales humaine a egalement ete testee. Grâce a ces outils, j'ai pu montre que FXR dans les cellules L etait fonctionnel et que son activation interferait avec la voie de la glycolyse entrainant moins de synthese et de secretion de GLP-1. Cela nous a permis de proposer un nouveau mecanisme moleculaire par lequel les sequestrants des acides biliaires exercent leur effets benefiques chez des patients atteints de diabete de type 2.
REFLEXIONES EN TORNO DE UN CURSO DE ESTADÍSTICA EN ENSEÑANZA SUPERIOR: UN EJEMPLO CON ESTUDIANTES DE PSICOLOGÍA

En la actualidad encontramos herramientas didacticas en Internet, pero su utilidad depende del conocimiento que proporcionan y su uso por parte del profesor. En este trabajo, se describe un curso desarrollado para la ensenanza de las tablas de contingencia, experimentado en una asignatura del primer ano de la licenciatura de Psicologia de Espana. Nuestros objetivos son la elaboracion de materiales didacticos, y evaluar las dificultades mediante un cuestionario. En este trabajo se utilizan nociones teoricas del Enfoque Ontosemiotico desarrollado por Godino y colaboradores, como son los analisis de las condiciones de idoneidad didactica. En este trabajo se presentan los resultados del cuestionario, encontrandose dificultades en ciertos puntos importantes. Estos resultados nos llevan a reflexionar sobre la ensenanza de este tema.
Review of Web Mapping: Eras, Trends and Directions

Web mapping and the use of geospatial information online have evolved rapidly over the past few decades. Almost everyone in the world uses mapping information, whether or not one realizes it. Almost every mobile phone now has location services and every event and object on the earth has a location. The use of this geospatial location data has expanded rapidly, thanks to the development of the Internet. Huge volumes of geospatial data are available and daily being captured online, and are used in web applications and maps for viewing, analysis, modeling and simulation. This paper reviews the developments of web mapping from the first static online map images to the current highly interactive, multi-sourced web mapping services that have been increasingly moved to cloud computing platforms. The whole environment of web mapping captures the integration and interaction between three components found online, namely, geospatial information, people and functionality. In this paper, the trends and interactions among these components are identified and reviewed in relation to the technology developments. The review then concludes by exploring some of the opportunities and directions. Keywords: web mapping; Web GIS; Internet; online; web services; digital earth; GeoWeb; semantic web; collaborative; development era
Embedded Public-key Cryptosystems Via Enhanced Montgomery Multiplication

The Montgomery multiplication algorithm is one of the most efficient techniques used to speed up the modular multiplications required during exponentiation processes in public-key cryptography. In view of the expanding demand of embedded security services, this paper tackles the problem of efficiently supporting Montgomery's method on inexpensive digital circuitry and focuses on the finely integrated product scanning (FIPS) variant of Montgomery's multiplication. The proposed approach improves on the basic FIPS formulation by removing sources of inefficiencies, and boosts the exploitation of the computing resources in digital hardware. Experimental tests on different, commercial DSP devices demonstrate the benefits of the enhanced algorithm implementation and confirm both the method effectiveness in increasing efficiency and its general validity.
Nonlinear Modeling and Verification of a Heaving Point Absorber for Wave Energy Conversion

Although the heaving point absorber (PA) concept is well known in wave energy conversion research, few studies focus on appropriate modeling of nonlinear fluid viscous and mechanical friction dynamics. Even though these concepts are known to have nonlinear effects on the hydrodynamic system, most research studies consider linearity as a starting point and in doing so have a weak approach toward modeling the true dynamic behavior, particularly close to resonance. The sole use of linear modeling leads to limited ability to develop control strategies capable of true power capture optimization and suitable device operation. Based on a 1/50 scale cylindrical heaving PA, this research focuses on a strategy for hydrodynamic model development and experimental verification. In this study, nonlinear dynamics are considered, including the lumped effect of the fluid viscous and mechanical friction forces. The excellent correspondence between the derived nonlinear model and wave tank tested PA behaviors provides a strong background for wave energy tuning and control system design.
Le virtuel psychique, une anticipation en tension vers l'actualisation

Le virtuel psychique est une disponibilite de l’appareil psychique qui ajoute a nos operations d’appropriation symbolique du monde la composante de l’anticipation. L’anticipation s’apparente a une forme de prise de decision sur des actions en attente d’actualisations. Autrement dit, le virtuel psychique est une anticipation en tension vers l’actualisation. L’auteur distingue trois formes de l’anticipation. La premiere est l’anticipation fondamentale, une simulation interne de l’action permise par les systemes perceptivo-moteurs, qui preparent l’organisme a sa preservation biopsychique. Elle gouverne une logique adaptative. La seconde forme, l’anticipation cognitive, est une permanence virtuelle pratique liee a l’action, dans une logique de progression. Enfin, la troisieme forme est l’anticipation fantasmatique. Elle intervient dans le fantasme comme une representation ou le sujet anticipe ses propres actions et/ou ses propres processus subjectifs, dans une scene imaginee en tension vers des actualisations potentiellement non actualisables. Elle se situe dans une logique subjective. Pour chaque dimension, il est possible de convoquer une donnee d’observation issue du virtuel numerique. En effet, ce dernier apparait comme un espace privilegie pour faire advenir au domaine des virtualites actualisables, ce qui provient d’autres registres du fonctionnement psychique, notamment imaginaire.
Buckman Laboratories Learning Center

At any given time 86 per cent of Buckman Laboratories’ 1,300 employees are out of the office working with customers located in 102 countries. This diverse and dispersed workforce presents special problems for the creation and management of the company’s intellectual capital. Faced with these challenges and the need to bring new knowledge and skills to its employees in a cost effective manner, Buckman Laboratories has created an online, multi‐lingual learning centre.
Dynamique granulaire à l'approche de l'état critique

La dynamique granulaire amenant a l'etat critique presente un interet dans la comprehension de la destabilisation menant a l'avalanche. Son etude permet d'avoir des pistes de comprehension sur des mecanismes plus complexes telles les catastrophes geophysiques (seismes, glissements de terrain, eboulements). Ainsi, lorsqu'un milieu granulaire tridimensionnel sous gravite est quasi-statiquement incline, des precurseurs sont observes a partir d'une dizaine de degres avant l'avalanche. Ces precurseurs correspondent a des rearrangements collectifs de grains observes a la surface qui apparaissent pseudo-periodiquement avec l'angle d'inclinaison. Cette these fournit une caracterisation experimentale des precurseurs detectes a la surface par methode optique et dans le volume par methodes acoustiques (lineaire et non lineaire). Tout d'abord, de bonnes correlations sont trouvees entre les rearrangements a la surface et dans le volume. Dans un second temps, l'etude est poursuivie avec une liste non exhaustive de parametres influant sur les proprietes des precurseurs. L'etat de surface des grains est crucial pour la dynamique des precurseurs. Puis, une tentative de description de la destabilisation est realisee avec notamment la mesure de la variation des parametres elastiques. Les precurseurs d'avalanches correspondent a des pertes successives de rigidite du systeme, suivies du renforcement de ce dernier.