Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The histone deacetylase inhibitor butyrate improves metabolism and reduces muscle atrophy during aging

Sarcopenia, the loss of skeletal muscle mass and function during aging, is a major contributor to disability and frailty in the elderly. Previous studies found a protective effect of reduced histone deacetylase activity in models of neurogenic muscle atrophy. Because loss of muscle mass during aging is associated with loss of motor neuron innervation, we investigated the potential for the histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor butyrate to modulate age‐related muscle loss. Consistent with previous studies, we found significant loss of hindlimb muscle mass in 26‐month‐old C57Bl/6 female mice fed a control diet. Butyrate treatment starting at 16 months of age wholly or partially protected against muscle atrophy in hindlimb muscles. Butyrate increased muscle fiber cross‐sectional area and prevented intramuscular fat accumulation in the old mice. In addition to the protective effect on muscle mass, butyrate reduced fat mass and improved glucose metabolism in 26‐month‐old mice as determined by a glucose tolerance test. Furthermore, butyrate increased markers of mitochondrial biogenesis in skeletal muscle and whole‐body oxygen consumption without affecting activity. The increase in mass in butyrate‐treated mice was not due to reduced ubiquitin‐mediated proteasomal degradation. However, butyrate reduced markers of oxidative stress and apoptosis and altered antioxidant enzyme activity. Our data is the first to show a beneficial effect of butyrate on muscle mass during aging and suggests HDACs contribute to age‐related muscle atrophy and may be effective targets for intervention in sarcopenia and age‐related metabolic disease.
Noise-Blind Image Deblurring

We present a novel approach to noise-blind deblurring, the problem of deblurring an image with known blur, but unknown noise level. We introduce an efficient and robust solution based on a Bayesian framework using a smooth generalization of the 0-1 loss. A novel bound allows the calculation of very high-dimensional integrals in closed form. It avoids the degeneracy of Maximum a-Posteriori (MAP) estimates and leads to an effective noise-adaptive scheme. Moreover, we drastically accelerate our algorithm by using Majorization Minimization (MM) without introducing any approximation or boundary artifacts. We further speed up convergence by turning our algorithm into a neural network termed GradNet, which is highly parallelizable and can be efficiently trained. We demonstrate that our noise-blind formulation can be integrated with different priors and significantly improves existing deblurring algorithms in the noise-blind and in the known-noise case. Furthermore, GradNet leads to state-of-the-art performance across different noise levels, while retaining high computational efficiency.
Expanding Dialogue: The Internet, the Public Sphere and Prospects for Transnational Democracy

New technologies are often greeted with political optimism. The Internet was thought to herald new possibilities for political participation, if not direct democracy, even in large and complex societies, as ‘electronic democracy’ might replace the mass media democracy of sound-bite television. The high hopes for electronic democracy seem to have faded, however, as critics such as Sunstein (2001) and Shapiro (1999) have come to argue that central features of the Internet and computer-mediated communication generally undermine the sort of public sphere and political interaction that is required for genuine democratic deliberation. Whatever the empirical merits of such criticisms, they do point to an, as yet, unclarified problem in discussions of ‘electronic democracy’: we still lack a clear understanding of how the Internet and other forms of electronic communication might contribute to a new kind of public sphere and thus to a new form of democracy. Certainly, globalization and other features of contemporary societies make it at least possible to consider whether democracy is undergoing another great transformation, of the order of the invention of representative democracy and its institutions of voting and parliamentary assemblies in early modern European cities. Both the optimistic and pessimistic positions in the debate suffer from clear conceptual problems. Optimists take for granted that the mode of communication or technological mediation itself is constitutive of new possibilities. As examples such as the Chinese discovery of gunpowder show, however, technology is embedded in social contexts that may make its various potentials unrealizable. Pessimists make the opposite error of holding institutions fixed, here the institutions of the sovereign nation state. If we ask the question of whether or not electronic communication contributes to deliberation in representative institutions and to national public spheres, the answer is that more than likely it contributes little or even undermines them. Indeed, there has been much discussion concerning whether or not the Internet undermines sovereignty, much in the way that states previously considered the telegraph’s capacity to cross borders as a direct threat to its sovereignty (see Held, 1995; Poster, 2001 and Indiana Journal of
What Has Replication Ever Done for Us? Insights from Neuroimaging of Speech Perception

Replication of a previous scientific finding is necessary to verify its truth. Despite the importance of replication, incentive systems in science favor novel findings over reliable ones. Consequently, little effort is devoted to reproducing previous results compared to finding new discoveries. This is particularly true of brain imaging, in which the complexity of study design and analysis, and high costs and time intensive data collection, act as additional disincentives. Unfortunately, functional imaging studies often have small sample sizes (e.g., n < 20) resulting in low statistical power and inflated effect sizes, making them less likely to be successfully reproduced, has led to a crisis of confidence in neuroscientific findings. Recent work has begun to address issues around the reproducibility of brain imaging (see Barch and Yarkoni (2013) for an introduction to a special issue). Indeed, there have been some notable successes, for example, in identifying features of study design and analysis that influence reproducibility (Bennett and Miller, 2013; Turner and Miller, 2013), as well as in the development of tools to facilitate data sharing (Poldrack et al., 2013; Gorgolewski et al., 2016b), to evaluate data reliability (Shou et al., 2013) and to aid the reporting and reliability of data processing and analysis (Poldrack et al. However, despite these advances, relatively few functional imaging replication studies have been conducted to date. Recently in the speech perception domain, there have been some notable replication attempts, here I discuss what has been learnt from them about speech perception and the replication endeavor more generally. Defining replication is difficult as replications can take different forms. A broad distinction exists between direct replication, in which an identical procedure is repeated with the aim to recreate the previous experiment in its entirety, and conceptual replication, in which a previous result or hypothesis is tested with different methods (Schmidt, 2009). There have been a number of recent conceptual replication attempts in the field of speech perception research. As might be expected, the outcome of these studies has been mixed. For example, Arsenault and Buchsbaum (2016) failed to replicate evidence for somatotopic mapping of place of articulation distinctions in response to hearing spoken syllables, a finding originally demonstrated by Pulvermüller et al. (2006). This finding was controversial, with the original authors suggesting that differences in methodology explained the failure to replicate (Schomers and Pulvermüller, 2016). Whilst failures to replicate have become newsworthy, successful replications are sometimes perceived as …
Temporal Characteristics of High-Frequency Lower-Limb Oscillation during Freezing of Gait in Parkinson's Disease

A cardinal feature of freezing of gait (FOG) is high frequency (3–8 Hz) oscillation of the legs, and this study aimed to quantify the temporal pattern of lower-body motion prior to and during FOG. Acceleration data was obtained from sensors attached to the back, thighs, shanks, and feet in 14 Parkinson's disease patients performing timed-up-and-go tasks, and clinical assessment of FOG was performed by two experienced raters from video. A total of 23 isolated FOG events, defined as occurring at least 5 s after gait initiation and with no preceding FOG, were identified from the clinical ratings. The corresponding accelerometer records were analyzed within a 4 s window centered at the clinical onset of freezing. FOG-related high-frequency oscillation (an increase in power in the 3–8 Hz band >3 SD from baseline) followed a distal to proximal onset pattern, appearing at the feet, shanks, thighs, and then back over a period of 250 ms. Peak power tended to decrease as the focus of oscillation moved from feet to back. There was a consistent delay (mean 872 ms) between the onset of high frequency oscillation at the feet and clinical onset of FOG. We infer that FOG is characterized by high frequency oscillation at the feet, which progresses proximally and is mechanically damped at the torso.
Differentiation-responsive elements in the 5' region of the mouse tissue plasminogen activator gene confer two-stage regulation by retinoic acid and cyclic AMP in teratocarcinoma cells

F9 cells induced to differentiate with retinoic acid (RA) increase transcription of the tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) gene. Further treatment of these cells with cyclic AMP (cAMP) results in an additional stimulation of t-PA gene transcription. To investigate the mechanism of this two-stage regulation, 4 kilobase pairs (kbp) of 5'-flanking sequence from the murine t-PA gene was isolated. Two major start sites for transcription were found, neither of which depended on a classical TATA motif for correct initiation. By using transient transfection assays, it was determined that 4-kbp of flanking sequence could confer on reporter genes the same two-stage differentiation-specific expression as was observed for the endogenous t-PA gene. Deletion analyses of this 4-kbp fragment showed that 190 bp of flanking sequence was sufficient to bestow the same degree of two-stage regulation on reporter gene constructs. Within this region of DNA, sequence analysis revealed a possible cAMP regulatory element, a CTF/NF-1 recognition sequence, two potential Sp1 sites, and five potential binding sites for transcription factor AP-2. The deletion experiments, coupled with the positions of these potential cis-acting elements, suggest that multiple transcription factors, including those that bind to cAMP regulatory element, CTF/NF-1, Sp1, and AP-2 sites, may be involved in regulation of the t-PA gene during F9 cell differentiation.
Social groups in action and interaction

Defining the Social Group. Studying Groups Scientifically. Groups and Their Functions. Social Influence. Social Categorization. Group Development and Structure. Power and Leadership. Group Decision Making. Group Performance and Productivity. Effective Working Groups. Cultures, Social Change, and Crowds. Cooperation and Conflict within Groups. Cooperation and Conflict between Groups. References.
Comparison of diagnostic and prognostic performance of two assays measuring thymidine kinase 1 activity in serum of breast cancer patients

Abstract Background: We compared two recently developed immunoassays for serum thymidine kinase 1 (TK1) activity: one manual assay (DiviTum, Biovica®) and one fully automated assay (Liaison, Diasorin®). Methods: The study included 368 women: 149 healthy blood donors (control), 59 patients with benign breast disease (BBD) and 160 patients with primary breast cancer (BC). Results: A regression analysis of the Liaison (y) and DiviTum (x) assays for all three groups yielded the equation y=3.93+0.03x (r=0.85, n=368). The r-value in BC was higher than in control and BBD (0.90 vs. 0.81 and 0.64). The correlation between the two assays for TK1 values above the cut-off was higher compared to that below (0.88 and 0.59). Breakdown of the BBD group into subgroups with proliferative and non-proliferative lesions was effective only with the measurement of TK1 with DiviTum assay (p=0.03). The TK1 activity determined preoperatively in BC patients with DiviTum and Liaison assays was significantly associated with T-stage (for both p=0.01), presence of vascular invasion (p=0.002 and p=0.02), lack of estrogen receptor (ER) (p=0.001 and p=0.01) and progesterone receptor (PR) (p=0.01 and p=0.03) expression. Only TK1 analyzed with the DiviTum assay was associated with tumor grade and molecular subtype of BC (p=0.02 and p=0.003). Multivariate Cox proportional hazards analyses demonstrated that T-stage, PR status and TK1 activity measured by both methods (DiviTum, RR=3.0, p=0.02 and Liaison, RR=3.1, p=0.01) were independent predictors of disease recurrence. Conclusions: In spite of differences observed between TK1 activity measured by the DiviTum and Liaison assays, both of them may be used for recurrence prediction in preoperative evaluation of BC patients.
Evaluation of endocrine testing of Leydig cell function using extractive and recombinant human chorionic gonadotropin and different doses of recombinant human LH in normal men.

BACKGROUND The functional testing of endocrine testis uses extractive human chorionic gonadotropin (ehCG). Recombinant human hCG (rhCG), avoiding any contamination, should replace ehCG. Moreover, a functional evaluation with recombinant human LH (rhLH) would be closer to physiology than a pharmacological testing with hCG. METHODS The study was conducted in normal men. We first evaluated the dose-effect of ehCG on plasma testosterone and estradiol levels, before and after injection of either hCG or vehicle. Secondly, the responses to the optimal dose of ehCG were compared with those of rhCG. Thirdly, we investigated the dose-effect of rhLH, on steroid hormone secretion. LH, testosterone, and estradiol plasma levels were measured after the injection of either rhLH or placebo. RESULTS ehCG induced dose-dependent increases in plasma estradiol and testosterone levels. They respectively peaked at 24 and 72 h after the injection. The most potent dose of ehCG (5000 IU) induced results similar to those observed with 250 microg (6500 IU) rhCG. By comparison with placebo, rhLH induced a significant and dose-dependent increase in plasma testosterone levels 4 h after the injection. Peak response of testosterone to rhLH and rhCG was significantly correlated. rhLH did not induce significant change in plasma estradiol level. CONCLUSIONS In normal men, a single i.v. injection of 150 IU rhLH induces a 25% rise in plasma testosterone levels by comparison with placebo. At the moment, the dynamic evaluation using hCG remains the gold standard test to explore the Leydig cell function. The use of 250 microg rhCG avoiding any contamination should be recommended.
Disrupted amygdalar subregion functional connectivity and evidence for a compensatory network in generalized anxiety disorder

CONTEXT Little is known about the neural abnormalities underlying generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Studies in other anxiety disorders have implicated the amygdala, but work in GAD has yielded conflicting results. The amygdala is composed of distinct subregions that interact with dissociable brain networks, which have been studied only in experimental animals. A functional connectivity approach at the subregional level may therefore yield novel insights into GAD. OBJECTIVES To determine whether distinct connectivity patterns can be reliably identified for the basolateral (BLA) and centromedial (CMA) subregions of the human amygdala, and to examine subregional connectivity patterns and potential compensatory amygdalar connectivity in GAD. DESIGN Cross-sectional study. SETTING Academic medical center. PARTICIPANTS Two cohorts of healthy control subjects (consisting of 17 and 31 subjects) and 16 patients with GAD. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Functional connectivity with cytoarchitectonically determined BLA and CMA regions of interest, measured during functional magnetic resonance imaging performed while subjects were resting quietly in the scanner. Amygdalar gray matter volume was also investigated with voxel-based morphometry. RESULTS Reproducible subregional differences in large-scale connectivity were identified in both cohorts of healthy controls. The BLA was differentially connected with primary and higher-order sensory and medial prefrontal cortices. The CMA was connected with the midbrain, thalamus, and cerebellum. In GAD patients, BLA and CMA connectivity patterns were significantly less distinct, and increased gray matter volume was noted primarily in the CMA. Across the subregions, GAD patients had increased connectivity with a previously characterized frontoparietal executive control network and decreased connectivity with an insula- and cingulate-based salience network. CONCLUSIONS Our findings provide new insights into the functional neuroanatomy of the human amygdala and converge with connectivity studies in experimental animals. In GAD, we find evidence of an intra-amygdalar abnormality and engagement of a compensatory frontoparietal executive control network, consistent with cognitive theories of GAD.
Exposure of Saccharomyces cerevisiae to Acetaldehyde Induces Sulfur Amino Acid Metabolism and Polyamine Transporter Genes, Which Depend on Met4p and Haa1p Transcription Factors, Respectively

ABSTRACT Acetaldehyde is a toxic compound produced by Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells under several growth conditions. The adverse effects of this molecule are important, as significant amounts accumulate inside the cells. By means of global gene expression analyses, we have detected the effects of acetaldehyde addition in the expression of about 400 genes. Repressed genes include many genes involved in cell cycle control, cell polarity, and the mitochondrial protein biosynthesis machinery. Increased expression is displayed in many stress response genes, as well as other families of genes, such as those encoding vitamin B1 biosynthesis machinery and proteins for aryl alcohol metabolism. The induction of genes involved in sulfur metabolism is dependent on Met4p and other well-known factors involved in the transcription of MET genes under nonrepressing conditions of sulfur metabolism. Moreover, the deletion of MET4 leads to increased acetaldehyde sensitivity. TPO genes encoding polyamine transporters are also induced by acetaldehyde; in this case, the regulation is dependent on the Haa1p transcription factor. In this paper, we discuss the connections between acetaldehyde and the processes affected by this compound in yeast cells with reference to the microarray data.
Alfabetización digital de los docentes de las escuelas de hotelería y turismo cubanas. Experiencias en su implementación

El tema de la alfabetizacion digital de los docentes ha sido estudiado extensamente en los ultimos anos. En estudios realizados acerca del tema se pueden encontrar diferentes modelos y marcos de competencias TIC dirigidas a los docentes. El proposito de este trabajo es elaborar un marco de competencias TIC dirigido a los docentes de las escuelas de hoteleria y turismo cubanas que permita, por un lado, tener un referente de criterios para poder evaluar el estado actual de la preparacion con respecto a las TIC, y por otro, orientar la formacion en TIC de los docentes. El metodo de investigacion fundamental fue el analisis de documentos. El modelo propuesto expresa que la formacion en TIC de los docentes tiene que ser permanente. La incorporacion de nuevas herramientas a su entorno de actuacion, de manera critica, tiene que ser un elemento presente en cualquier modelo de formacion de los docentes del siglo xxi. Ademas, se muestran ejemplos de cursos y entrenamientos, mas destacados, que forman parte del proyecto de investigacion Formacion de los docentes en TIC. Se puede concluir que fue posible elaborar un marco de competencias TIC contextualizado dirigido a los docentes de las escuelas de hoteleria y turismo cubanas.
The influence of the probability of survival on patients' preferences regarding cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

BACKGROUND Studies suggest that a majority of elderly patients would want to undergo cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if they had a cardiac arrest. Yet few studies have examined their preferences after clinicians have informed them about the outcomes of CPR. METHODS To study older patients' preferences regarding CPR, we interviewed as many ambulatory patients as possible in one geriatrics practice in Denver from August 1, 1991, through July 31, 1992. RESULTS A total of 371 patients at least 60 years of age were eligible; 287 completed the interview (mean age, 77 years; range, 60 to 99). When asked about their wishes if they had cardiac arrest during an acute illness, 41 percent opted for CPR before learning the probability of survival to discharge. After learning the probability of survival (10 to 17 percent), 22 percent opted for CPR. Only 6 percent of patients 86 years of age or older opted for CPR under these conditions. When asked about a chronic illness in which the life expectancy was less than one year, 11 percent of the 287 patients opted for CPR before learning the probability of survival to discharge. After learning the probability of survival (0 to 5 percent), 5 percent said they would want CPR. CONCLUSIONS Older patients readily understand prognostic information, which influences their preferences with respect to CPR. Most do not want to undergo CPR once a clinician explains the probability of survival after the procedure.
Condición socioeconómica de la familia y rendimientos escolares de los hijos al termino de la E.G.B

El presente trabajo tiene como objetivo estudiar la influencia de la condición socioeconómica de la familia sobre el rendimiento escolar de los hijos al término de la EGB. A tal fin se analizan las Calificaciones Escolares en Lengua y Matemáticas así como las puntuaciones en cinco pruebas psicopedagógicas obtenidas por una muestra nacional de 5.380 alumnos de 8. ° de EGB, clasificados según la Clase Social de sus familias y el Nivel de Estudios de sus padres. Mediante procedimientos estadísticos multivariantes se obtienen resultados que apoyan las hipótesis planteadas de acuerdo con la literatura revisada. Se llega a la conclusión de que el nexo entre condición socioeconómica de la familia y rendimientos escolares de los hijos es un hecho empíricamente bien establecido, en el sentido de que cuanto más elevados sean la Clase Social o el Nivel de Estudios de los padres, mejores serán los redimientos de sus hijos en todas las áreas evaluadas No obstante, el valor predictivo de tales variables sobre el rendimiento es poco relevante, ya que apenas sí explican, como mucho, un 12 por 100 de la varianza de las variables criterio. Este porcentaje se reduce sensiblemente cuando se toma en consideración la acción de otros factores (aptitudes, sexo y número de hermanos del alumno). Por último, se apuntan algunas implicaciones educativas de interés.