Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Policy Advice Derived from Simulation Models

When advising policy we face the fundamental problem that economic processes are connected with uncertainty and thus policy can err. In this paper we show how the use of simulation models can reduce policy errors. We suggest that policy is best based on socalled abductive simulation models, which help to better understand how policy measures can influence economic processes. We show that abductive simulation models use a combination of theoretical and empirical analysis based on different data sets. This helps inferring empirically reliable and meaningful statements about how policy measures influence economic processes. By way of example we show how research subsidies by the government influence the likelihood that a regional cluster emerges.
Promoter Hypermethylation of the EMP3 Gene in a Series of 229 Human Gliomas

The epithelial membrane protein 3 (EMP3) is a candidate tumor suppressor gene in the critical region 19q13.3 for several solid tumors, including tumors of the nervous systems. The aim of this study was to investigate the EMP3 promoter hypermethylation status in a series of 229 astrocytic and oligodendroglial tumors and in 16 GBM cell lines. The analysis was performed by methylation-specific PCR and capillary electrophoresis. Furthermore, the EMP3 expression at protein level was evaluated by immunohistochemistry and Western blotting analysis. Associations of EMP3 hypermethylation with total 1p/19q codeletion, MGMT promoter hypermethylation, IDH1/IDH2 and TP53 mutations, and EGFR amplification were studied, as well as its prognostic significance. The EMP3 promoter hypermethylation has been found in 39.5% of gliomas. It prevailed in low-grade tumors, especially in gliomas with an oligodendroglial component, and in sGBMs upon pGBMs. In oligodendroglial tumors, it was strongly associated with both IDH1/IDH2 mutations and total 1p/19q codeletion and inversely with EGFR gene amplification. No association was found with MGMT hypermethylation and TP53 mutations. In the whole series, the EMP3 hypermethylation status correlated with 19q13.3 loss and lack of EMP3 expression at protein level. A favorable prognostic significance on overall survival of the EMP3 promoter hypermethylation was found in patients with oligodendroglial tumors.
Dendritic cells respond to influenza virus through TLR7‐ and PKR‐independent pathways

Natural interferon‐producing cells (IPC) secrete type I IFN (IFN‐α and ‐β) in response to influenza virus. This process is independent of viral replication and is mediated by Toll‐like receptor 7 (TLR7), which recognizes single‐stranded RNA (ssRNA). DC also express TLR7 but its function in DC response to influenza virus is unknown. To address this, we compared the DC and IPC responses to influenza virus and ssRNA oligoribonucleotides (ORN) that activate TLR7. When stimulated by ORN in vitro and in vivo, DC matured and produced inflammatory cytokines but not IFN‐α. DC did secrete IFN‐α in response to influenza virus. However, this response was independent of TLR7 signaling and required viral replication but not dsRNA‐activated protein kinase (PKR). We conclude that DC and IPC are hard‐wired to secrete IFN‐α via different pathways, reflecting their complementary but distinct roles in anti‐viral immunity.
Eurographics/ieee-vgtc Symposium on Visualization 2010 Evaluation of Cluster Identification Performance for Different Pcp Variants

Parallel coordinate plots (PCPs) are a well-known visualization technique for viewing multivariate data. In the past, various visual modifications to PCPs have been proposed to facilitate tasks such as correlation and cluster identification, to reduce visual clutter, and to increase their information throughput. Most modifications pertain to the use of color and opacity, smooth curves, or the use of animation. Although many of these seem valid improvements, only few user studies have been performed to investigate this, especially with respect to cluster identification. We performed a user study to evaluate cluster identification performance – with respect to response time and correctness – of nine PCP variations, including standard PCPs. To generate the variations, we focused on covering existing techniques as well as possible while keeping testing feasible. This was done by adapting and merging techniques, which led to the following novel variations. The first is an effective way of embedding scatter plots into PCPs. The second is a technique for highlighting fuzzy clusters based on neighborhood density. The third is a spline-based drawing technique to reduce ambiguity. The last is a pair of animation schemes for PCP rotation. We present an overview of the tested PCP variations and the results of our study. The most important result is that a fair number of the seemingly valid improvements, with the exception of scatter plots embedded into PCPs, do not result in significant performance gains.
Simultaneous, Bilateral, and Three-Dimensional Gait Analysis of Elderly People Without Impairments

Sadeghi H, Prince F, Zabjek KF, Labelle H: Simultaneous, bilateral, and three-dimensional gait analysis of elderly people without impairments. Am J Phys Med Rehabil 2004;83:112-123. ObjectiveThe main objectives of this study were to determine if the right and left lower limbs in the gait of elderly people developed similar muscle moment and power patterns and to determine whether their associated mechanical energies were different during two consecutive gait cycles. DesignA total of 18 able-bodied male subjects aged 71 ± 6.8 yrs participated in this study. Data were collected using three Optotrak position sensors and two AMTI force platforms. ResultsThe peak muscle powers were very similar in the sagittal plane and reflected gait symmetry, except for greater and significant differences produced by the hip extensors. Differences in the frontal and transverse planes were mainly attributed to the actions taken by the muscles, leading the lower limbs to compensate and to dynamically balance and propel the body forward during two consecutive gait cycles. In terms of mechanical energy, 13% greater positive work was done in the left limb and was associated with asymmetrical behavior of the lower limbs to propel the body forward. The total negative work was similar for both limbs, and substantial work was done in the frontal plane by the hip, indicating the role of muscle activity in this plane to control the pelvis and trunk against gravitational forces. ConclusionsIn addition to the importance of a balance-control function in the gait of healthy, elderly subjects, muscle activity made an important contribution to propelling the body forward. Gait asymmetry in elderly subjects seems to be related to different degrees of energy generated by the lower limbs for the propulsion function, whereas both limbs contribute similarly to the balance-control function.
A Ceramide-binding C1 Domain Mediates Kinase Suppressor of Ras Membrane Translocation

Genetic and biochemical data support Kinase Suppressor of Ras 1 (KSR1) as a positive regulator of the Ras-Raf-MAPK pathway, functioning as a kinase and/or scaffold to regulate c-Raf-1 activation. Membrane translocation mediated by the KSR1 CA3 domain, which is homologous to the atypical PKC C1 lipid-binding domain, is a critical step of KSR1-mediated c-Raf-1 activation. In this study, we used an ELISA to characterize the KSR1 CA3 domain as a lipid-binding moiety. Purified GST-KSR1-CA3 protein effectively binds ceramide but not other lipids including 1,2-diacylglyceol, dihydroceramide, ganglioside GM1, sphingomyelin and phosphatidylcholine. Upon epidermal growth factor stimulation of COS-7 cells, KSR1 translocates into and is activated within glycosphingolipid-enriched plasma membrane platforms. Pharmacologic inhibition of ceramide generation attenuates KSR1 translocation and KSR1 kinase activation in COS-7 cells. Disruption of two cysteines, which are indispensable for maintaining ternary structure of all C1 domains and their lipid binding capability, mitigates ceramide-binding capacity of purified GST-KSR1-CA3 protein, and inhibits full length KSR1 membrane translocation and kinase activation. These studies provide evidence for a mechanism by which the second messenger ceramide can target proteins to subcellular compartments in the process of transmembrane signal transduction.
Feature extraction and scene interpretation for map-based navigation and map building

A scheme for extracting environment features from 1D range data and their interpretation is presented. Segmentation is done by deciding on a measure of model fidelity which is applied to adjacent groups of measurements. The extraction process is considered to include a subsequent matching step where segments which belong to the same landmark ar to be merged while keeping track of those which originate from distinct features. This is done by an agglomerative hierarchical clustering algorithm with a Mahalanobis distance matrix. The method is discussed with straight line segments which are found in a generalized least squares sense using polar coordinates including their first-order covariance estimates. As a consequence, extraction is no longer a real time problem on the level of single range readings, but must be treated on the level of whole scans. Experimental results with three commercially available laser scanners are presented. The implementation on a mobile robot which performs a map-based localization demonstrate the accuracy and applicability of the method under real time conditions. The collection of line segments and associated covariance matrices obtained from the extraction process contains more information about the scene than is required for map-based localization. In a subsequent reasoning step this information is made explicit. By successive abstraction and consequent propagation of uncertainties, a compact scene model is finally obtained in the form of a weighted symbolic description preserving topology information and reflecting the main characteristics of a local observation.
Molecular Epidemiological Characterization and Health Burden of Thalassemia in Jiangxi Province, P. R. China

Background Thalassemia is the most common inherited disease in southern China. However, this disorder is usually ignored by Jiangxi provincial health system and government due to lack of epidemiological data. Materials and Methods A total of 9489 samples from Hakka Han and Gan-speaking Han in three geographical areas of Jiangxi Province were analyzed for both complete blood cell (CBC) count and reverse dot blot (RDB) gene chip for thalassemia. Results 1182 cases of suspected thalassemia carriers with microcytosis (MCV<82 fL) were found by CBC count, and were tested by RDB gene chip to reveal a total of 594 mutant chromosomes, including 433 α-thalassemia mutant chromosomes and 172 β-thalassemia mutant chromosomes. Our results indicated a higher prevalence of thalassemia with the heterozygote frequency of 9.49% in southern Jiangxi province, whereas the low frequency was found in middle (3.90%) and northern Jiangxi (2.63%). Conclusions Based on the epidemiological data, the estimated numbers of pregnancies in Jiangxi province in which the fetus is at risk for β-thalassemia major or intermedia, Bart's hydrops fetalis and Hb H disease are 34 (95% CI, 16 to 58), 79 (95% CI, 50 to 114) and 39 (95% CI, 27 to 58) per year, respectively. We suggested that prevention network of thalassemia should be established, especially in high prevalent southern Jiangxi (Hakka Han), including establishment of thalassemia database collection, hematological analysis laboratories, genetic counselling clinics, prenatal diagnosis centers and neonatal screening centers.
A Mycobacterial Cyclic AMP Phosphodiesterase That Moonlights as a Modifier of Cell Wall Permeability*

Mycobacterium tuberculosis utilizes many mechanisms to establish itself within the macrophage, and bacterially derived cAMP is important in modulating the host cellular response. Although the genome of M. tuberculosis is endowed with a number of mammalian-like adenylyl cyclases, only a single cAMP phosphodiesterase has been identified that can decrease levels of cAMP produced by the bacterium. We present the crystal structure of the full-length and sole cAMP phosphodiesterase, Rv0805, found in M. tuberculosis, whose orthologs are present only in the genomes of slow growing and pathogenic mycobacteria. The dimeric core catalytic domain of Rv0805 adopts a metallophosphoesterase-fold, and the C-terminal region builds the active site and contributes to multiple substrate utilization. Localization of Rv0805 to the cell wall is dependent on its C terminus, and expression of either wild type or mutationally inactivated Rv0805 in M. smegmatis alters cell permeability to hydrophobic cytotoxic compounds. Rv0805 may therefore play a key role in the pathogenicity of mycobacteria, not only by hydrolyzing bacterial cAMP, but also by moonlighting as a protein that can alter cell wall functioning.
Sustained Firing of Cartwheel Cells in the Dorsal Cochlear Nucleus Evokes Endocannabinoid Release and Retrograde Suppression of Parallel Fiber Synapses

Neurons in many brain regions release endocannabinoids from their dendrites that act as retrograde signals to transiently suppress neurotransmitter release from presynaptic terminals. Little is known, however, about the physiological mechanisms of short-term endocannabinoid-mediated plasticity under physiological conditions. Here we investigate calcium-dependent endocannabinoid release from cartwheel cells (CWCs) of the mouse dorsal cochlear nucleus (DCN) in the auditory brainstem that provide feedforward inhibition onto DCN principal neurons. We report that sustained action potential firing by CWCs evokes endocannabinoid release in response to submicromolar elevation of dendritic calcium that transiently suppresses their parallel fiber (PF) inputs by >70%. Basal spontaneous CWC firing rates are insufficient to evoke tonic suppression of PF synapses. However, elevating CWC firing rates by stimulating PFs triggers the release of endocannabinoids and heterosynaptic suppression of PF inputs. Spike-evoked suppression by endocannabinoids selectively suppresses excitatory synapses, but glycinergic/GABAergic inputs onto CWCs are not affected. Our findings demonstrate a mechanism of transient plasticity mediated by endocannabinoids that heterosynaptically suppresses subsets of excitatory presynaptic inputs to CWCs that regulates feedforward inhibition of DCN principal neurons and may influence the output of the DCN.
Drivers of discretionary firm donations in Brazil

Discretionary firm donation is usually related to the stakeholder theory and corporate social performance. Although theoretical explanations for this social behavior are pervasive in related literature, empirical modeling remains underdeveloped. We developed an explanatory structural model of discretionary firm donation using firm and industry level indicators. Unlike previous research, we estimated the explanatory power of the construct we called stakeholder orientation. Our tentative model was tested on a Brazilian sample of 101 publicly traded donor firms, using data on firm donations to social projects and to political candidates in electoral campaigns. The main results suggest that discretionary donation seems to be a strategy for managing conflicting claims in highly stakeholder oriented firms; the characteristics of the firm are more important than industry effects in explaining firm donations; and large firms, showing slack resources, and with a less concentrated ownership structure tend to engage in discretionary donation more intensively.
Listening to Music Enhances Spatial-Temporal Reasoning: Evidence for the "Mozart Effect.".

Does listening to music for brief periods temporarily enhance performance on spatial tasks? This question was made famous by the 1993 report in Nature by Frances Rauscher, Gordon Shaw, and Katherine Ky that college students' scores on spatial subtests of the Stanford-Binet IQ battery increased an equivalent of 8-9 IQ points for 10 to 15 minutes after listening to about ten minutes of the first movement (Allegro con spirito) of Mozart's Piano Sonata for Two Pianos in D major, K. 448.1 In contrast, performance on spatial tasks did not improve following ten minutes of sitting in silence or listening to a tape of relaxation instructions designed to lower blood pressure. The experiment was motivated by the "trion" model of the cortex, and the authors explained their result by that model: columns of neurons in the cortex involved in musical processing-with three levels of activation, hence the term "trion"--"primed" neurons used for spatial tasks.2 Dubbed the "Mozart Effect," this finding led to a frenzy of commercial and media attention.3 The logic leaped from a laboratory result showing a transient boost in spatial scores after listening to Mozart to the conclusion that listening to Mozart could raise children's IQ.4 Music CD's for infants were marketed, and well-meaning politicians touted the benefits of classical music as an educational silver bullet-including then governor of Georgia, Zell Miller, who distributed CDs of classical music to all infants born in the state.5
Effect of valproic acid on serotonin‐2A receptor signaling in C6 glioma cells

Valproic acid (VPA), which has demonstrated efficacy in the treatment of bipolar disorder, has been shown to alter components of the phosphoinositide (PI) signaling cascade and to increase gene expression mediated by the transcription factor activator protein 1 (AP‐1). Central serotonin‐2A (5‐HT2A) receptors, which have been implicated in the pathophysiology of manic‐depressive illness, are coupled to PI hydrolysis. The promoter region of the 5‐HT2A receptor gene contains AP‐1 binding sites. We examined in C6 glioma cells the effect of VPA on 5‐HT2A receptor signaling. Treatment of cells with VPA (100 µg/mL) for 20 h, but not 1.5 h, resulted in an enhancement of 5‐HT2A receptor‐stimulated PI hydrolysis. This effect of 20‐h VPA exposure appeared not to be at the level of G protein or effector (i.e. phospholipase C: PLC) as inositol phosphate accumulation stimulated by aluminum fluoride or the PLC activator 2,4,6‐trimethyl‐N‐(m‐3‐trifluromethylphenyl) benzenesulfonamide was not increased. The number of 5‐HT2A receptors, as determined in saturation binding experiments using [3H]ketanserin, was increased by 20‐h VPA treatment, with no change in affinity (KD). Taken together, our data suggest that the increase in 5‐HT2A receptor‐mediated PI hydrolysis following 20‐h VPA exposure is not due to a general effect of VPA on this signaling cascade, but due to the up‐regulation of 5‐HT2A receptor number.
Sequence variation of cytotoxic T cell epitopes in different isolates of Epstein‐Barr virus

Previous results have identified two distinct cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) epitopes encoded by Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV), TETA (ORF BLRF3/BERF1 residues 329‐353) and EENL (ORF BERF3/BERF4 residues 290‐309). Measurement of the specificities of CTL clones (TETA‐specific clone 13 and EENL‐specific clone 7) directed against these epitopes indicated that the EENL epitope is conserved in all strains of EBV tested while the TETA epitope varied between individual virus strains. Sequencing of the DNA regions encoding these two CTL epitopes in different EBV isolates confirmed these interpretations and demonstrated that different TETA epitope sequences were encoded by B‐type EBV strains and by the B95‐8 isolate of EBV compared to the other A‐type EBV strains. Titration of synthetic variants of the TETA epitope revealed that the epitope encoded by B95‐8 was 15‐fold less efficient as a T cell epitope than the sequence encoded by other A‐type viral strains while the TETA variant encoded by the B‐type strains displayed essentially no activity as a T cell epitope.
The Bases of Bonding: The Psychological Functions of Place Attachment in Comparison to Interpersonal Attachment

This dissertation identified key parallels between the theories of place attachment and interpersonal attachment, a comparison that then informed three objectives of the research program: (1) to explore the functions of place attachment and describe which are shared with interpersonal attachment; (2) to examine how these functions differ according to stable individual differences in place and person attachment; and (3) to assess whether these functions differ according to the geographical scale at which the attachment rests. An additional methodological goal was to bring a new approach to the study of place attachment, drawing on experimental paradigms used in interpersonal attachment research. Research objectives were achieved through the completion of three separate studies. Study 1 began the inquiry into the functions of place attachment with a content analysis of community members’ open-ended descriptions about places to which they consider themselves attached. Thirteen categories of benefits were revealed: memories, belonging, relaxation, positive emotions, activity support, comfort--security, self-growth, freedom--control, entertainment, connection to nature, practical benefits, privacy, and aesthetics. These functions
The electrocardiogram in acute myocardial infarction.

to the editor: The review article by Zimetbaum and Josephson (March 6 issue) 1 on the usefulness of the electrocardiogram in the diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction is essential reading for anyone who cares for patients with a suspected acute myocardial infarction. Some qualifications regarding the diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction in patients with left bundle-branch block are in order. Although proposed criteria 2 facilitate the diagnosis, an occasional problem arises when reliance on the criterion of an ST-segment elevation of more than 5.0 mm in leads with primarily negative QRS complexes leads to a false positive diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction. This criterion is nonspecific for acute myocardial infarction, and some patients who have left bundle-branch block without an acute myocardial infarction, but with left ventricular hypertrophy or dilatation, have electrocardiograms with ST-segment elevations that are much larger than 5.0 mm. 3,4 An association between large ST-segment elevations and large QRS complexes has been reported. 3 Repeating electrocardiography may also be of value, since a change in the amplitude of the ST-segment elevation suggests an acute myocardial infarction. 5 Finally, since measurements of ST-segment elevations are being used for the diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction in patients with left bundle-branch block, it is prudent to mark the thorax in order to ensure reproducible serial electrocardiograms. 5
“The Ages of Me”: Toward Personal and Interpersonal Definitions of Functional Aging

Personal age (how old a person seems to himself) is proposed (a) as a potential component of total functional age and (b) as a basis of classification in attempts to create and modify “old behavior. ” Companion constructs are those of interpersonal age (how old a person seems to others) and consensual age (degree of agreement between personal and interpersonal ages). Illustrative data are reported from a sample of 75 adults (38 women, 37 men) who range in age from 20 to 69; 43 are enrolled in advanced gerontology training programs. The results suggest that personal age is comprised of at least two fairly distinct components: how old S looks and how old he feels. There is a strong bias toward reporting personal age as more youthful than chronological age—a bias that becomes more pronounced with advancing chronological age level. All of the age constructs are related to chronological age, although not always in a linear or simple manner. At this point in the research program, gerontology specialists do not appear conspicuously different from nongerontologists in their response to personal age and other related questions.