Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Twitter structure as a composition of two distinct networks

In this paper, we study the structure and formation of TWitter and attempt to answer the role of TWitter - as news media or social network. Our analysis indicates that the Twitter network can be formally modeled as a composition of two main networks that have distinct roles in information propagation. Following this we also propose a concise configurable two-step model that generates a Twitter-like network to facilitate the development of a simulation platform for future research. We verify the validity of the proposed model by empirically analyzing two large datasets containing the topological information of Twitter and study its properties by means of mathematical analysis and simulation.
Enhanced jejunal production of antibodies to Klebsiella and other Enterobacteria in patients with ankylosing spondylitis and rheumatoid arthritis

OBJECTIVE To measure gut immunity directly in jejunal fluid in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS Antibodies against three different Enterobacterias were measured in jejunal perfusion fluids (collected by a double balloon perfusion device) of 19 patients with AS, 14 patients with RA, and 22 healthy controls using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS The AS patients had significantly increased jejunal fluid concentrations of IgM, IgG, and IgA class antibodies against Klebsiella pneumoniae, and IgM and IgA class antibodies against Escherichia coli and Proteus mirabilis compared with healthy controls. When compared with the patients with RA, the AS patients had higher concentrations of IgA and IgG class antibodies only against K pneumoniae. The RA patients had higher IgM class antibody concentrations against all three studied Enterobacterias, when compared with the healthy controls, suggesting an enhanced mucosal immune response in these patients. A three month treatment with sulphasalazine did not decrease enterobacterial antibody concentrations in the 10 patients with AS. CONCLUSION There is strong direct evidence for an abnormal mucosal humoral immune response particularly to K pneumoniae in patients with AS.
The Agr communication system provides a benefit to the populations of Listeria monocytogenes in soil

In this study, we investigated whether the Agr communication system of the pathogenic bacterium Listeria monocytogenes was involved in adaptation and competitiveness in soil. Alteration of the ability to communicate, either by deletion of the gene coding the response regulator AgrA (response-negative mutant) or the signal pro-peptide AgrD (signal-negative mutant), did not affect population dynamics in soil that had been sterilized but survival was altered in biotic soil suggesting that the Agr system of L. monocytogenes was involved to face the complex soil biotic environment. This was confirmed by a set of co-incubation experiments. The fitness of the response-negative mutant was lower either in the presence or absence of the parental strain but the fitness of the signal-negative mutant depended on the strain with which it was co-incubated. The survival of the signal-negative mutant was higher when co-cultured with the parental strain than when co-cultured with the response-negative mutant. These results showed that the ability to respond to Agr communication provided a benefit to listerial cells to compete. These results might also indicate that in soil, the Agr system controls private goods rather than public goods.
Auditory-visual speech perception in an adult with aphasia

The evaluation of auditory-visual speech perception is not typically undertaken in the assessment of aphasia; however, treatment approaches utilise bimodal presentations. Research demonstrates that auditory and visual information are integrated for speech perception. The strongest evidence of this cross-modal integration is the McGurk effect. This indirect measure of integration shows that presentation of conflicting tokens may change perception (e.g. auditory /bi/ + visual /gi/ = /di/). The purpose of this study was to investigate the ability of a person with mild aphasia to identify tokens presented in auditory-only, visual-only and auditory-visual conditions. It was hypothesized that performance would be best in the bimodal condition and that presence of the McGurk effect would demonstrate integration of speech information. Findings did not support the hypotheses. It is suspected that successful integration of AV speech information was limited by a perseverative response pattern. This case study suggests the use of bisensory speech information may be impaired in adults with aphasia.
Improved Image Reconstruction Algorithms for Aperture Synthesis Radiometers

The European Space Agency's Soil Moisture and Ocean Salinity (SMOS) mission aims at producing global and frequent maps of SMOS and will be launched in 2008. SMOS' single payload is a new type of radiometer called Microwave Imaging Radiometer by Aperture Synthesis (MIRAS) operating at L-band in which brightness temperature images are formed by a Fourier synthesis technique. However, in the alias-free field of view where the brightness temperature images are reconstructed, a bias is present which has been found to be higher for high-contrast brightness temperature scenes (coastlines) and lower for homogeneous scenes (all oceans or lands). This scene-dependent bias will ultimately limit the achievable accuracy of the retrieved geophysical parameters, and it is particularly critical for the retrieval of sea surface salinity. This paper presents a general analysis of the origin of this bias, which is found to be actually due to the different measurement errors in the instrument observables (visibility samples). An improvement of the image reconstruction algorithm is then presented to mitigate it. As compared with the previous algorithm versions, the proposed improved reconstruction algorithm further decomposes the visibility samples into some new terms: ocean and land/iced sea, instead of just the Earth's disk over the sky background. This decomposition aims at further reducing the contrast (high-frequency components) in the differential image and, therefore, minimizes the impact of multiplicative errors, improving the radiometric accuracy. In addition, this approach proves to perform the image reconstruction in part of the alias regions and improves the quality of the reconstruction close to the coastlines.
IT, Corporate Payouts, and the Growing Inequality in Managerial Compensation

Three of the most fundamental changes in US corporations since the early 1970s have been (1) the increase in the importance of organizational capital in production, (2) the increase in managerial income inequality, and (3) the increase in payouts to the owners. There is a unified explanation for these changes: The arrival and gradual adoption of information technology since the 1970s has stimulated the accumulation of organizational capital in existing firms. Since owners are better diversified than managers, the optimal division of rents from this organizational capital has the owners bear most of the cash-flow risk. In our model, the IT revolution benefits the owners and the managers in large successful firms, but not the managers in small firms. The resulting increase in managerial compensation inequality and the increase in payouts to owner's compare favorably to those we establish in the data.
Molecular Cloning, Characterization, and Expression Analysis of an Ecdysone Receptor Homolog in Teleogryllus emma (Orthoptera: Gryllidae)

ABSTRACT. Ecdysteroids are steroid hormones that play important roles in the regulation of Arthropoda animal growth development, larvae ecdysis, and reproduction. The effect of ecdysteroids is mediated by ecdysteroid receptor (EcR). The ecdysone receptor (EcR) belongs to the superfamily of nuclear receptors (NRs) that are ligand-dependent transcription factors. Ecdysone receptor is present only in invertebrates and plays a critical role in regulating the expression of a series of genes during development and reproduction. Here, we isolated and characterized cDNA of the cricket Teleopgryllus emma (Ohmachi & Matsuura) (Orthoptera: Gryllidae) and studied mRNA expression pattern using real time-polymerase chain reaction. The full-length cDNA of T. emma EcR, termed TeEcR, is 2,558 bp and contains a 5′-untranslated region of 555 bp and a 3′-untranslated region of 407 bp. The open reading frame of TeEcR encodes deduced 531-amino acid peptides with a predicted molecular mass of 60.7 kDa. The amino acid sequence of T. emma EcR was similar to that of known EcR especially in the ligand-binding domain of insect EcR. Real-time quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction was performed to compare TeEcR mRNA expression level at the whole body and gonad during T. emma development. The data revealed that TeEcR mRNA is differentially expressed during T. emma development, with the highest expression level in late-instar larvae of the body and lowest in third instar. The levels of TeEcR transcripts also vary among gonads development, and levels in ovaries were higher than in testes at every developmental stage. These results suggest that TeEcR may have potential significance to regulate the morphological structure and gonad development of T. emma, due to its expression in different developmental periods.
Distinct subsets of Eve pericardial cells stabilise cardiac outflow and contribute to Hox-triggered heart morphogenesis in Drosophila

The Drosophila heart, composed of discrete subsets of cardioblasts and pericardial cells, undergoes Hox-triggered anterior-posterior morphogenesis, leading to a functional subdivision into heart proper and aorta, with its most anterior part forming a funnel-shaped cardiac outflow. Cardioblasts differentiate into Tin-positive ‘working myocytes’ and Svpexpressing ostial cells. However, developmental fates and functions of heart-associated pericardial cells remain elusive. Here we show that the pericardial cells that express transcription factor Even Skipped adopt distinct fates along the anterior-posterior axis. Among them, the most anterior Antp-Ubx-AbdA-negative cells form a novel cardiac outflow component we call the Outflow Hanging Structure, whereas the Antp-expressing cells differentiate into Wing Heart precursors. Interestingly, Hox gene expression in the Even Skipped cells not only underlies their antero-posterior diversification, but also influences heart morphogenesis in a non-cell autonomous way. In brief, we identify a new cardiac outflow component derived from a subset of Even Skipped-expressing cells that stabilises the anterior heart tip, and demonstrate non-cell autonomous effects of Hox expression in the Even Skipped cells on heart morphogenesis. D ev el o pm en t • A cc ep te d m an us cr ip t
Dispersion-curve imaging nonuniqueness studies from multi-channel analysis of surface waves (MASW) using synthetic seismic data

Summary We use the multi-channel analysis of surface waves (MASW) method to analyze synthetic seismic data calculated from models that produce very similar high-velocity dispersion curve gradients at low frequencies. The MASW dispersioncurve images of the Rayleigh wave were obtained from data calculated using simple layered models with high (2-layer) and gradual (10-layer) shear-wave velocity (Vs) vertical gradients. The tests demonstrated that, for most of the frequency range, the corresponding dispersion-curve images are near identical with a high-velocity-gradient along low frequencies (HVGLF). The HVGLF trend obtained from the 2-layer model is a result of fundamental-mode Rayleigh-wave transitioning into the first higher mode, a ‘mode kissing. ’ The HVGLF trend obtained from the 10-layer model is a result of only the fundamental-mode Rayleigh wave. It was observed that such nonuniqueness can lead to erroneous interpretation of dispersion events and consequent Vs inversion results. Further analysis showed that dispersion curve image patterns differ at relatively very low and very high frequency ranges. As a result, it was concluded that it might be possible to obtain evidence of how to interpret HVGLF dispersion curve images by observing specific patterns that fall outside the main HVGLF dispersion-curve feature at lower and higher frequencies.
The Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Contributes to the Proliferation of Human Medulloblastoma Cells

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), a ligand-activated member of the basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH)/PER-ARNT-SIM (PAS) transcription superfamily, is known to regulate the toxicity of polyaromatic halogenated hydrocarbon environmental chemicals, most notably dioxin. However, the AhR has also been implicated in multiple stages of tumorigenesis. Medulloblastoma (MB), a primary cerebellar brain tumor arising in infants and children, is thought to originate from abnormally proliferating cerebellar granule neuron precursors (GNPs). GNPs express high levels of the AhR in the external germinal layer of the developing cerebellum. Moreover, our laboratory has previously reported that either abnormal activation or deletion of the AhR leads to dysregulation of GNP cell cycle activity and maturation. These observations led to the hypothesis that the AhR promotes the growth of MB. Therefore, this study evaluated whether the AhR serves a pro-proliferative role in an immortalized MB tumor cell line (DAOY). We produced a stable AhR knockdown DAOY cell line [AhR short hairpin RNA (shRNA)], which exhibited a 70% reduction in AhR protein levels. Compared with wild-type DAOY cells, AhR shRNA DAOY cells displayed an impaired G1-to-S cell cycle transition, decreased DNA synthesis, and reduced proliferation. Furthermore, these cell cycle perturbations were correlated with decreased levels of the pro-proliferative gene Hes1 and increased levels of the cell cycle inhibitor p27kip1. Supplementation experiments with human AhR restored the proliferative activity in AhR shRNA DAOY cells. Taken together, our data show that the AhR promotes proliferation of MB cells, suggesting that this pathway should be considered as a potential therapeutic target for MB treatment.
Decreasing Striatopallidal Pathway Function Enhances Motivation by Energizing the Initiation of Goal-Directed Action

Altered dopamine D2 receptor (D2R) binding in the striatum has been associated with abnormal motivation in neuropsychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia. Here, we tested whether motivational deficits observed in mice with upregulated D2Rs (D2R-OEdev mice) are reversed by decreasing function of the striatopallidal “no-go” pathway. To this end, we expressed the Gαi-coupled designer receptor hM4D in adult striatopallidal neurons and activated the receptor with clozapine-N-oxide (CNO). Using a head-mounted miniature microscope we confirmed with calcium imaging in awake mice that hM4D activation by CNO inhibits striatopallidal function measured as disinhibited downstream activity in the globus pallidus. Mice were then tested in three operant tasks that address motivated behavior, the progressive ratio task, the progressive hold-down task, and outcome devaluation. Decreasing striatopallidal function in the dorsomedial striatum or nucleus accumbens core enhanced motivation in D2R-OEdev mice and control littermates. This effect was due to increased response initiation but came at the cost of goal-directed efficiency. Moreover, response vigor and the sensitivity to changes in reward value were not altered. Chronic activation of hM4D by administering CNO for 2 weeks in drinking water did not affect motivation due to a tolerance effect. However, the acute effect of CNO on motivation was reinstated after discontinuing chronic treatment for 48 h. Used as a therapeutic approach, striatopallidal inhibition should consider the risk of impairing goal-directed efficiency and behavioral desensitization. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Motivation involves a directional component that allows subjects to efficiently select the behavior that will lead to an optimal outcome and an activational component that initiates and maintains the vigor and persistence of actions. Striatal output pathways modulate motivated behavior, but it remains unknown how these pathways regulate specific components of motivation. Here, we found that the indirect pathway controls response initiation without affecting response vigor or the sensitivity to changes in the reward outcome. A specific enhancement in the activational component of motivation, however, can come at the cost of goal-directed efficiency when a sustained response is required to obtain the goal. These data should inform treatment strategies for brain disorders with impaired motivation such as schizophrenia and Parkinson's disease.
Norwegian work‐sharing couples project 30 years later

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to outline the background as well as methodological and epistemological aspects to, and the effects of, a follow‐up study 30 years later of the work‐sharing couples project, which is a Norwegian, experimental research project in the early 1970s. The aim of the project is to promote gender equality and a better work/life balance in families. In this paper the variation in work‐sharing and post work‐sharing trajectories over the life‐course is explored, mainly focusing on the impact of the work‐sharing arrangement on the couples' relations, their work/life balance and the well‐being of participants, the core objectives of the original project.Design/methodology/approach – The original project has a small scale, interventionist design based on couples working part‐time and sharing childcare and housework; effects on family life and gender equality are documented by questionnaires and time diaries. In the follow‐up study, retrospective life‐course couple interviews with .
An Inhibitor of the F1 Subunit of ATP Synthase (IF1) Modulates the Activity of Angiostatin on the Endothelial Cell Surface*

Angiostatin binds to endothelial cell (EC) surface F1-F0 ATP synthase, leading to inhibition of EC migration and proliferation during tumor angiogenesis. This has led to a search for angiostatin mimetics specific for this enzyme. A naturally occurring protein that binds to the F1 subunit of ATP synthase and blocks ATP hydrolysis in mitochondria is inhibitor of F1 (IF1). The present study explores the effect of IF1 on cell surface ATP synthase. IF1 protein bound to purified F1 ATP synthase and inhibited F1-dependent ATP hydrolysis consistent with its reported activity in studies of mitochondria. Although exogenous IF1 did not inhibit ATP production on the surface of EC, it did conserve ATP on the cell surface, particularly at low extracellular pH. IF1 inhibited ATP hydrolysis but not ATP synthesis, in contrast to angiostatin, which inhibited both. In cell-based assays used to model angiogenesis in vitro, IF1 did not inhibit EC differentiation to form tubes and only slightly inhibited cell proliferation compared with angiostatin. From these data, we conclude that inhibition of ATP synthesis is necessary for an anti-angiogenic outcome in cell-based assays. We propose that IF1 is not an angiostatin mimetic, but it can serve a protective role for EC in the tumor microenvironment. This protection may be overridden in a concentration-dependent manner by angiostatin. In support of this hypothesis, we demonstrate that angiostatin blocks IF1 binding to ATP synthase and abolishes its ability to conserve ATP. These data suggest that there is a relationship between the binding sites of IF1 and angiostatin on ATP synthase and that IF1 could be employed to modulate angiogenesis.
Angiogenic effect of intramuscular administration of basic fibroblast growth factor in atrophied muscles: an experimental study in the rat

Background: Although angiogenic therapy using recombinant growth factors holds much hope for the treatment of ischaemic diseases, there are still many unanswered questions, including its effectiveness on atrophic muscles. Objective: To evaluate the angiogenic effects of intramuscularly administered basic fibroblast growth factor (b-FGF) on normal gastrocnemius muscles of rats and atrophic gastrocnemius muscles after tenotomy. Methods: Forty rats were divided into groups as follows: group A, controls; group B, injected with 1 μg b-FGF; group C, tenotomy performed on the right gastrocnemius muscle; group D, tenotomy and 1 μg b-FGF. Mouse anti-rat CD31 antibody was used to evaluate the number of blood vessels present in histological preparations. Results: There was a significant (p<0.01) decrease in the number of blood vessels compared with the controls in the atrophic muscles of group C. This was similar to the decrease in muscle weight in this group. However, there was a significant (p<0.01) increase in the number of blood vessels compared with the controls in groups B and D. Similarly, there was a significant (p<0.01) increase in the number of blood vessels in group D compared with the atrophic muscles in group C. Conclusion: Intramuscular administration of b-FGF increases angiogenesis in both normal and atrophic rat gastrocnemius muscles at the injection area.
A fadD mutant of Sinorhizobium meliloti shows multicellular swarming migration and is impaired in nodulation efficiency on alfalfa roots

Swarming is a form of bacterial translocation that involves cell differentiation and is characterized by a rapid and co‐ordinated population migration across solid surfaces. We have isolated a Tn5 mutant of Sinorhizobium meliloti GR4 showing conditional swarming. Swarm cells from the mutant strain QS77 induced on semi‐solid minimal medium in response to different signals are hyperflagellated and about twice as long as wild‐type cells. Genetic and physiological characterization of the mutant strain indicates that QS77 is altered in a gene encoding a homologue of the FadD protein (long‐chain fatty acyl‐CoA ligase) of several microorganisms. Interestingly and similar to a less virulent Xanthomonas campestris fadD(rpfB) mutant, QS77 is impaired in establishing an association with its host plant. In trans expression of multicopy fadD restored growth on oleate, control of motility and the symbiotic phenotype of QS77, as well as acyl‐CoA synthetase activity of an Escherichia coli fadD mutant. The S. meliloti QS77 strain shows a reduction in nod gene expression as well as a differential regulation of motility genes in response to environmental conditions. These data suggest that, in S. meliloti, fatty acid derivatives may act as intracellular signals controlling motility and symbiotic performance through gene expression.