Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Memory Effects and Relaxation Dynamics of ${\rm MnCo}_{2}{\rm O}_{4}$  Nanocrystallites

We present a detailed analysis of the time decay of magnetization (<i>M</i>) and ac-magnetic susceptibility (χ<sub>ac</sub>)of hexagonal-shaped MnCo<sub>2</sub>O<sub>4</sub> nanocrystals of average size 28 nm. The temperature (<i>T</i>) and magnetic field (<i>H</i>) dependence of the magnetization measurements reveal that even in the ferromagnetic state these nanocrystals do not exhibit conventional long-range ordering. The Curie temperature <i>TC</i>=176.4 K and the Hopkinson peak <i>TH</i>=146 K are found to be lower than those of the bulk values 184 and 175 K, respectively. Such a major decrease in <i>TC</i> and <i>TH</i> accounted for by the effect of finite-size scaling that has been thought to change the critical ordering temperatures. The dynamical properties studied by χ<sub>ac</sub> (<i>T</i> ) measurements suggest the existence of a spin-glass phase for <i>T</i> ≤ <i>TF</i>(=165 K) associated with the magnetic frustration of spins in the nanocrystals. The presence of glassy magnetic state is supported by the frequency (<i>f</i>) dependent studies of χ<sub>ac</sub>(<i>T</i>) and <i>H</i><sup>2/3</sup> dependence of <i>TF</i> in the intermediate-field region (50 Oe ≤ <i>H</i> ≤ 1000 Oe). Various measurement protocols including temperature quenching, step-field and wait-time dependence have been used to investigate the relaxation dynamics both in <i>MZFC</i> and in <i>M</i><sub>FC</sub> for <i>T</i> ≤ <i>TF</i>, which show prominent memory and aging effects and supports the spin-glass state that established below <i>TF</i>. The magnetic viscosity (<i>S</i>) and microscopic spin-flip time (τ) were deduced from the time (<i>t</i>) dependence of <i>M</i><sub>ZFC</sub> using the expression <i>M</i>(<i>t</i>,<i>T</i>)=<i>M</i>(0,<i>T</i>)+<i>S ln</i>(1+<i>t</i>/<i>t</i><sub>0</sub>) in which the magnitude of <i>M</i>(<i>t</i>) strongly depends on the wait-time spend at temperatures below <i>TF</i>.
Semantic Representations in Monolingual and Bilingual Connectionist Networks

A neural network model is presented which investigates the suggestion that being multilingual contributes to an individual’s level of cognitive reserve. Two versions of this model were produced, one which learnt the names of input representations in a single language and another model which learnt input representations in two languages. The languages in both models were split further into two semantic categories. The relationship between the representations of both semantic categories in the first language of each of the two versions was investigated. Further manipulations came in the form of changing the sensitivity of the artificial neurons in the network and varying the hidden layer size with respect to variable levels of brain reserve. Findings were not immediately interpretable in terms of age-related decline in the absence of a behavioral measure. However, the variance in trajectories of category separation provide a cautionary tale against the interpretation of any measures gained at discreet intervals.
Family of G protein alpha chains: amphipathic analysis and predicted structure of functional domains.

The G proteins transduce hormonal and other signals into regulation of enzymes such as adenylyl cyclase and retinal cGMP phosphodiesterase. Each G protein contains an alpha subunit that binds and hydrolyzes guanine nucleotides and interacts with beta gamma subunits and specific receptor and effector proteins. Amphipathic and secondary structure analysis of the primary sequences of five different alpha chains (bovine alpha s, alpha t1 and alpha t2, mouse alpha i, and rat alpha o) predicted the secondary structure of a composite alpha chain (alpha avg). The alpha chains contain four short regions of sequence homologous to regions in the GDP binding domain of bacterial elongation factor Tu (EF-Tu). Similarities between the predicted secondary structures of these regions in alpha avg and the known secondary structure of EF-Tu allowed us to construct a three-dimensional model of the GDP binding domain of alpha avg. Identification of the GDP binding domain of alpha avg defined three additional domains in the composite polypeptide. The first includes the amino terminal 41 residues of alpha avg, with a predicted amphipathic alpha helical structure; this domain may control binding of the alpha chains to the beta gamma complex. The second domain, containing predicted beta strands and alpha helices, several of which are strongly amphipathic, probably contains sequences responsible for interaction of alpha chains with effector enzymes. The predicted structure of the third domain, containing the carboxy terminal 100 amino acids, is predominantly beta sheet with an amphipathic alpha helix at the carboxy terminus. We propose that this domain is responsible for receptor binding. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Influence of cigarette smoking on blood and salivary super oxide dismutase levels among smokers and non-smokers.

AIM To determine the influence of smoking on the blood and salivary superoxide dismutase levels among smokers, and to demonstrate the significance in alterations in the levels of superoxide dismutase in association with patient age, periodontal disease status, and duration and smoking frequency. METHODS Sixty healthy male patients (aged 20-60 years) constituted the target population. Blood and saliva samples were collected, and the periodontal index was measured using a Community Periodontal Index probe. Blood and salivary superoxide dismutase levels were calculated with the reagents prepared, and values were measured in a UV spectrophotometer. RESULTS There was a significant decrease in mean superoxide dismutase levels with an increase in age and smoking duration and frequency (0.23-0.05 U/mL). There was a range of 0.31-0.06 U/mL variation in the mean superoxide dismutase levels as the periodontal disease condition deteriorated. CONCLUSIONS There was a significant reduction in the superoxide dismutase levels in the blood and saliva of smokers with increased duration and frequency of smoking, and as the periodontal disease condition worsened. Thus, this study emphasizes the importance of saliva as an easy, non-invasive procedure in the diagnosis of patients who are more prone to precancerous lesions and conditions, and its importance in patient education and motivation programs for smoking cessation.
Plasticity in adult cat visual cortex (area 17) following circumscribed monocular lesions of all retinal layers

1 In eight adult cats intense, sharply circumscribed, monocular laser lesions were used to remove all cellular layers of the retina. The extents of the retinal lesions were subsequently confirmed with counts of α‐ganglion cells in retinal whole mounts; in some cases these revealed radial segmental degeneration of ganglion cells distal to the lesion. 2 Two to 24 weeks later, area 17 (striate cortex; V1) was studied electrophysiologically in a standard anaesthetized, paralysed (artificially respired) preparation. Recording single‐ or multineurone activity revealed extensive topographical reorganization within the lesion projection zone (LPZ). 3 Thus, with stimulation of the lesioned eye, about 75 % of single neurones in the LPZ had ‘ectopic’ visual discharge fields which were displaced to normal retina in the immediate vicinity of the lesion. 4 The sizes of the ectopic discharge fields were not significantly different from the sizes of the normal discharge fields. Furthermore, binocular cells recorded from the LPZ, when stimulated via their ectopic receptive fields, exhibited orientation tuning and preferred stimulus velocities which were indistinguishable from those found when the cells were stimulated via the normal eye. 5 However, the responses to stimuli presented via ectopic discharge fields were generally weaker (lower peak discharge rates) than those to presentations via normal discharge fields, and were characterized by a lower‐than‐normal upper velocity limit. 6 Overall, the properties of the ectopic receptive fields indicate that cortical mechanisms rather than a retinal ‘periphery’ effect underlie the topographic reorganization of area 17 following monocular retinal lesions.
Human leptin deficiency caused by a missense mutation: multiple endocrine defects, decreased sympathetic tone, and immune system dysfunction indicate new targets for leptin action, greater central than peripheral resistance to the effects of leptin, and spontaneous correction of leptin-mediated defe

We have previously demonstrated that genetically based leptin deficiency due to a missense leptin gene mutation in a highly consanguineous extended Turkish pedigree is associated with morbid obesity and hypogonadism. We have now performed detailed assessments of endocrine, sympathetic, and immune function. We have also identified a new adult female homozygous patient in this extended family who is severely obese and amenorrheic. In this family all wild-type and heterozgous individuals have normal body weight. Seven obese members of this family, whom we presume to have been leptin deficient, died during childhood. There are several findings that indicate potentially novel targets for leptin action in humans. Four homozygous patients (1 adult male, 2 adult females, and 1 child) have sympathetic system dysfunction, whereas all heterozygous subjects have normal sympathetic system function. Despite sympathetic system dysfunction and postural hypotension, 1 of 3 homozygous adult patients has impaired renin-aldosterone function. The patients also exhibit alterations in GH and PTH-calcium function, and 1 of them has decreased bone mineral density. Despite their obesity, these patients do not have risk factors for cardiovascular disease, such as hypertension, impairments in lipid metabolism, or hyperleptinemia [corrected]. These data support the hypothesis that the obese may have central, but not peripheral, resistance to the effects of leptin and that hyperleptinemia [corrected] may mediate the cardiovascular morbidity of the obese who are not leptin deficient. Furthermore, these data indicate that there may be several new targets for leptin action in human physiology. Such new targets may lead to novel pharmacological strategies for the use of leptin agonists and antagonists in the treatment of human disease. All 19 normal weight individuals in this family are alive, whereas 7 of 11 obese individuals died in childhood after infections. The odds ratio for mortality in the context of this obesity phenotype is 25.4, indicating that this mutation severely impairs key biological functions during childhood, negatively impacting on survival. We found that only the obese child in this family had thyroid function abnormalities. The oldest homozygous female patient started to menstruate, albeit with a luteal phase defect, 7 months ago, after a delay of over 20 yr, whereas the younger adult subjects are still hypogonadic. Thus, we conclude that due to their long life span, humans who survive the negative effects of leptin deficiency during childhood can, in contrast to ob/ob mice, over decades compensate some of the effects of leptin deficiency on immunity and endocrine function through mechanisms that remain to be elucidated.
Adherence to home physiotherapy treatment in children and young people with joint hypermobility: a qualitative report of family perspectives on acceptability and efficacy.

OBJECTIVE Joint hypermobility can lead to pain and motor developmental problems in children and young people (CYP). Exercise programmes may help CYP with joint hypermobility strengthen core muscle groups. Non- adherence to home physiotherapy is common. The present study aimed to understand how families experienced an intensive multidisciplinary intervention. METHOD This was a qualitative study nested within a randomized controlled trial of a multidisciplinary treatment intervention, including physiotherapy, for children aged five to 17 years. Twenty-eight families were recruited following the intervention. Semi-structured interviews were used to examine the views and expectations of parents and CYP, and examine adherence to the exercise programme. Thematic analysis of data was used to develop findings. RESULTS Parents and CYP reported that exercise reduced the symptoms of hypermobility. Parental motivation, adapting family routines, making exercise a family activity and seeing benefit increased adherence to exercise. Non-adherence to exercise was linked to lower levels of parental supervision, not understanding the treatment, not seeing benefit and not having specific time to dedicate to doing the exercises. CONCLUSION Even when exercise is seen to benefit a child's well-being, families experience challenges in adhering to a physiotherapy programme for hypermobility. Therapists can utilize findings on what enhances adherence to help CYP effectively exercise in the home setting.
Unstable IIR-Like Filter Blocks for Generating Linear-Phase FIR Filters: A Noise Analysis

The authors have recently proposed two alternative techniques for generating narrow transition band linear-phase FIR filters. The implementation of both designs requires a set of demultiplexers and IIR filters, which accounts for the efficiency of the designs. On the other hand, since the demultiplexers and the IIR filters go through an activation-deactivation cycle at different time slots, the noise analysis for the structure becomes extremely complex. This study aims to derive closed form formulae for the roundoff noise generated in the proposed structures.
[The involvement of the renin-angiotensin system gene polymorphisms in coronary heart disease].

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES Previous studies angiotensin-converting enzyme gene insertion/deletion polymorphism ACE (I/D), angiotensinogen gene polymorphism, and angiotensin II AT1 receptor polymorphism in relation to coronary heart disease controversial results. This study was designed to analyze the association between these gene polymorphisms and the first coronary event in individuals residing on Grand Canary Island, Spain. PATIENTS AND METHOD Case-control study. Case subjects (n = 304) were recruited at the first coronary event; age-matched controls (n = 315) were randomly selected from the Grand Canary population. Participants were examined for the usual risk factors. Blood samples were obtained for biochemical analyses and DNA extraction. Genotyping was performed by PCR and restriction analysis. RESULTS Neither ACE (I/D) nor AT1 receptor polymorphism was associated with coronary heart disease, whereas the frequency distribution of AGT M235T genotypes among patients and control subjects (TT: 29% and 19%; MT: 48% and 50%; MM: 22% and 31%, respectively) was statistically different (p = 0.003). Multiple logistic regression analysis identified the TT genotype of the angiotensinogen gene (OR = 1.9; 95% CI 1.1-3.4), diabetes (OR = 4.4; 95% CI 2.0-9.4) and hypertension (OR = 2.1; 95% CI 1.3-3.3) as risk factors predicting the coronary event. CONCLUSIONS Our results provide no evidence of an association between ACE (I/D) or AT1 receptor polymorphism and coronary heart disease. However, homozygosity for the T allele of the angiotensinogen gene, diabetes and hypertension independently place individuals at higher risk of experiencing a coronary event on Grand Canary Island.
ADAMTS Revenge on Eve?

Despite major progress in diagnosis and treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), this systemic autoimmune disorder is still a challenge for predicting the course of disease, therapeutic response, and outcome on the individual level. This is no surprise: the pathogenesis of RA is extremely complex, involving genetic predisposition, gender bias, dys-regulation of immunologic tolerance, and environmental factors, to name a few factors. Finally, an infiltrating army of various immune-competent cells induces production and release of proinflammatory cytokines as well as proteinases, inevitably causing destruction of cartilage and bone. On the other hand, our skills and opportunities to stop this process have significantly improved through introduction of biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs. However, it again became evident that RA is not uniform, and new efforts have been made to identify markers for stratification of disease, also allowing prediction of response. As an example, encouraging data have come from clinical trials using rituximab, where seropositive patients (positive for rheumatoid factor and/or antibodies against citrullinated antigens) were characterized as the subgroup responding better to therapy1,2,3. Recently, a stronger reduction in disease activity under tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blockers was observed in seronegative patients with RA in a multicenter study in the UK4, and this unexpected finding was also confirmed in Italian and German cohorts. Since biomarkers to predict response are available not only from the autoantibody profile (as part of the immunome), but may also be encoded in the genes (the genome) or provided by the composition of mRNA expression (the transcriptome), proteins, and metabolites (proteome and metabolome), the field for future research … Address correspondence to Dr. Burmester. E-mail: gerd.burmester{at}charite.de
Compensatory Mutations of Rifampin Resistance Are Associated with Transmission of Multidrug-Resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis Beijing Genotype Strains in China

ABSTRACT Mycobacterium tuberculosis can acquire resistance to rifampin (RIF) through mutations in the rpoB gene. This is usually accompanied by a fitness cost, which, however, can be mitigated by secondary mutations in the rpoA or rpoC gene. This study aimed to identify rpoA and rpoC mutations in clinical M. tuberculosis isolates in northern China in order to clarify their role in the transmission of drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB). The study collection included 332 RIF-resistant and 178 RIF-susceptible isolates. The majority of isolates belonged to the Beijing genotype (95.3%, 486/510 isolates), and no mutation was found in rpoA or rpoC of the non-Beijing genotype strains. Among the Beijing genotype strains, 27.8% (89/320) of RIF-resistant isolates harbored nonsynonymous mutations in the rpoA (n = 6) or rpoC (n = 83) gene. The proportion of rpoC mutations was significantly higher in new cases (P = 0.023) and in strains with the rpoB S531L mutation (P < 0.001). In addition, multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains with rpoC mutations were significantly associated with 24-locus mycobacterial interspersed repetitive-unit–variable-number tandem-repeat clustering (P = 0.016). In summary, we believe that these findings indirectly suggest an epistatic interaction of particular mutations related to RIF resistance and strain fitness and, consequently, the role of such mutations in the spread of MDR M. tuberculosis strains.
Kaposi's Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus ori-Lyt-Dependent DNA Replication: DualRole of Replication and Transcription Activator

ABSTRACT Lytic replication of Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) is essential for viral propagation and pathogenicity. In Kaposi's sarcoma lesions, constant lytic replication plays a role in sustaining the population of latently infected cells that otherwise are quickly lost by segregation of latent viral episomes as spindle cells divide. Lytic DNA replication initiates from an origin (ori-Lyt) and requires trans-acting elements. Two functional ori-Lyts have been identified in the KSHV genome. Some cis-acting and trans-acting elements for ori-Lyt-dependent DNA replication have been found. Among these, K8 binding sites, a cluster of C/EBP binding motifs, and a replication and transcription activator (RTA) responsive element (RRE) are crucial cis-acting elements. Binding of K8 and RTA proteins to these motifs in ori-Lyt DNA was demonstrated to be absolutely essential for DNA replication. In the present study, functional roles of RTA in ori-Lyt-dependent DNA replication have been investigated. Two distinct functions of RTA were revealed. First, RTA activates an ori-Lyt promoter and initiates transcription across GC-rich tandem repeats. This RTA-mediated transcription is indispensable for DNA replication. Second, RTA is a component of the replication compartment, where RTA interacts with prereplication complexes composed of at least six core machinery proteins and K8. The prereplication complexes are recruited to ori-Lyt DNA through RTA, which interacts with the RRE, as well as K8, which binds to a cluster of C/EBP binding motifs with the aid of C/EBP α. The revelation of these two functions of RTA, together with its role in initiation of a transcriptional cascade that leads to transcription of all viral lytic genes, shows that RTA is a critical initiator and regulator of KSHV lytic DNA replication and viral propagation.
Relationship of Self-Concept, Depression, Academic Estimation, and Online Social Networking in Adolescents

The present study investigated the relationship between academic self-concept, academic outcome confidence, and academic estimation in depressed and non-depressed adolescents, with a focus on gender differences. The study also included exploratory questions on online social networking (OSN) usage. Participants (N = 66) were 9 th and 10 th grade students from one high school, with 40 females and 26 males. Academic self-confidence and outcome confidence were measured with the Student Self-Concept Scale (SSCS) and depressive symptoms were measured with the Center for Epidemiological Studies’ Depression Scale for Children (CES-DC). Standardized test scores and grade point average (GPA) for each student were collected directly from school records. A researcher-created survey contained questions on diagnosis and treatment of depression and OSN usage. Results from regression analyses indicated that there were significant negative relationships between depressive symptoms and academic selfconfidence and academic estimation in female students. Academic outcome confidence had no significant relationship with depression. Approximately 30 percent of the sample had scores on the CES-DC above the cutoff for significant depressive symptoms, 35% of females and 23% of males, and in the sample 7.5% of female students and 11.5% of male students reported receiving treatment for depression. Eighty-five percent (85%) of students identified as depressed by the CES-DC were not receiving any treatment. The exploratory data analysis for online social networking found a significant positive relationship between weekly time using OSN and depressive symptoms, irrespective of gender. There was also a significant negative correlation between weekly time using OSN and reading standardized test scores.