Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Application of viral vectors to the study of neural connectivities and neural circuits in the marmoset brain

It is important to study the neural connectivities and functions in primates. For this purpose, it is critical to be able to transfer genes to certain neurons in the primate brain so that we can image the neuronal signals and analyze the function of the transferred gene. Toward this end, our team has been developing gene transfer systems using viral vectors. In this review, we summarize our current achievements as follows. 1) We compared the features of gene transfer using five different AAV serotypes in combination with three different promoters, namely, CMV, mouse CaMKII (CaMKII), and human synapsin 1 (hSyn1), in the marmoset cortex with those in the mouse and macaque cortices. 2) We used target‐specific double‐infection techniques in combination with TET‐ON and TET‐OFF using lentiviral retrograde vectors for enhanced visualization of neural connections. 3) We used an AAV‐mediated gene transfer method to study the transcriptional control for amplifying fluorescent signals using the TET/TRE system in the primate neocortex. We also established systems for shRNA mediated gene targeting in a neocortical region where a gene is significantly expressed and for expressing the gene using the CMV promoter for an unexpressed neocortical area in the primate cortex using AAV vectors to understand the regulation of downstream genes. Our findings have demonstrated the feasibility of using viral vector mediated gene transfer systems for the study of primate cortical circuits using the marmoset as an animal model. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 77: 354–372, 2017
Abrupt Tropical Vegetation Response to Rapid Climate Changes

Identifying leads and lags between high- and low-latitude abrupt climate shifts is needed to understand where and how such events were triggered. Vascular plant biomarkers preserved in Cariaco basin sediments reveal rapid vegetation changes in northern South America during the last deglaciation, 15,000 to 10,000 years ago. Comparing the biomarker records to climate proxies from the same sediment core provides a precise measure of the relative timing of changes in different regions. Abrupt deglacial climate shifts in tropical and high-latitude North Atlantic regions were synchronous, whereas changes in tropical vegetation consistently lagged climate shifts by several decades.
Testing for Unit Roots in the Presence of a Possible Break in Trend and Non-Stationary Volatility

In this paper we analyse the impact of non-stationary volatility on the recently developed unit root tests which allow for a possible break in trend occurring at an unknown point in the sample, considered in Harris, Harvey, Leybourne and Taylor (2008) [HHLT]. HHLT's analysis hinges on a new break fraction estimator which, when a break in trend occurs, is consistent for the true break fraction at rate Op(T? 1). Unlike other available estimators, however, when there is no trend break HHLT's estimator converges to zero at rate Op(T1=2). In their analysis HHLT assume the shocks to follow a linear process driven by IID innovations. Our first contribution is to show that HHLT's break fraction estimator retains the same consistency properties as demonstrated by HHLT for the IID case when the innovations display non-stationary behaviour of a quite general form, including, for example, the case of a single break in the volatility of the innovations which may or may not occur at the same time as a break in trend. However, as we subsequently demonstrate, the limiting null distribution of unit root statistics based around this estimator are not pivotal in the presence of non-stationary volatility. Associated Monte Carlo evidence is presented to quantify the impact of various models of non-stationary volatility on both the asymptotic and finite sample behaviour of such tests. A solution to the identified inference problem is then provided by considering wild bootstrap-based implementations of the HHLT tests, using the trend break estimator from the original sample data. The proposed bootstrap method does not require the practitioner to specify a parametric model for volatility, and is shown to perform very well in practice across a range of models.
A critical analysis of media discourse on information technology: preliminary results of a proposed method for critical discourse analysis

Since the 1980s, there has been a growing body of critical theory in information systems research. A central theoretical foundation of this research is Habermas’ theory of communicative action, which focuses on implications of speech and proposes general normative standards for communication. Habermas also places particular emphasis on the importance of the public sphere in a democratic society, critiquing the role of the media and other actors in shaping public discourse. While there has been growing emphasis on critical discourse analysis (CDA), there has been limited effort to systematically apply Habermas’ validity claims to empirical research. Moreover, while critical research in information systems has examined communication within the organizational context, public discourse on information technology has received little attention. The paper makes three primary contributions: (1) it responds to Habermas’ call for empirical research to ground and extend his theory of communication in every day critical practice; (2) it proposes an approach to applying Habermas’ theory of communication to CDA; and (3) it extends the reach of critical research in information systems beyond micro‐level organizational concerns and opens up to critical reflection and debate on the impact of systematically distorted communication about technology in the public sphere.
Two-stage revision of infected total knee arthroplasty using an antibiotic-impregnated static cement-spacer.

BACKGROUND Static antibiotic-impregnated cement spacers have been used widely to treat chronically infected total knee arthroplasties with a high success result. However, difficulty in surgical exposure during revision has been encountered. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical results of two-stage reimplantation of an infected total knee arthroplasty using a static antibiotic-impregnated cement spacer. METHODS Thirty-one patients (32 knees) with infected total knee arthroplasty had a two-stage reimplantation using a static antibiotic-impregnated cement spacer. Twelve (37.5%) of 32 knees required a V-Y quadricepsplasty and five (15.6%) required a quadriceps snip for surgical exposure at revision. One patient was lost to follow-up and three patients died of unrelated causes. The remaining 27 patients (28 knees) returned at a mean of 68.3 months (8-197 months) for clinical evaluation. RESULTS Four knees (14%) had recurrent infection. The mean Knee Society score improved from 40 points preoperatively to 82 points postoperatively. The mean functional score improved from 10 points preoperatively to 60 points postoperatively. The mean range of knee motion improved from 57 degrees preoperatively to 88 degrees at the latest follow-up. Three knees with V-Y quadricepsplasty developed an extension lag from 20 degrees to 45 degrees and three knees had a patella baja postoperatively. CONCLUSION Two-stage reimplantation of an infected total knee arthroplasty using a static antibiotic-cement spacer achieved an infection control rate of 86% and improvement in the clinical results. However, weakness of the extensor mechanism of the knee associated with a V-Y quadricepsplasty, which was required in a high percentage of patients during revision surgery in our
The spiritual well-being of African-Americans: A preliminary analysis.

SUMMARY This multi-method study explored the relationship between gender, spirituality, spiritual well-being, and several indices of religiosity including religious participation and religious motivation. Different patterns of relationships among these indices emerged for men and women. For men Spiritual Wcll-Being was related to the presence and influence of church-oriented socializing agents as well as to the belief in God's power to influence the course of events. Mean scores on measures of the importance of religion, current religious participation, religious motivation, as well as spiritual well-being were not significantly different for men and women.
DASSO: connections between the Dantzig selector and lasso

Summary. We propose a new algorithm, DASSO, for fitting the entire coefficient path of the Dantzig selector with a similar computational cost to the least angle regression algorithm that is used to compute the lasso. DASSO efficiently constructs a piecewise linear path through a sequential simplex‐like algorithm, which is remarkably similar to the least angle regression algorithm. Comparison of the two algorithms sheds new light on the question of how the lasso and Dantzig selector are related. In addition, we provide theoretical conditions on the design matrix X under which the lasso and Dantzig selector coefficient estimates will be identical for certain tuning parameters. As a consequence, in many instances, we can extend the powerful non‐asymptotic bounds that have been developed for the Dantzig selector to the lasso. Finally, through empirical studies of simulated and real world data sets we show that in practice, when the bounds hold for the Dantzig selector, they almost always also hold for the lasso.
A first stage genome‐wide screen for regions shared identical‐by‐descent in hutterite families with multiple sclerosis

The complexity of multiple sclerosis (MS) genetics has made the search for novel genes using traditional sharing methods problematic. In order to minimize the genetic heterogeneity present in the MS population we have screened the Canadian MS population for individuals belonging to the Hutterite Brethren. Seven Hutterites with clinically definite MS were ascertained and are related to a common founder by eight generations. Six of the 7 affected individuals and 21 of their unaffected family members (total = 27) were genotyped for 807 markers. Haplotypes were then inspected for sharing among the six MS patients. There were three haplotypes shared among all six MS patients. The haplotypes were located at 2q34‐35, 4q31‐32, and 17p13. An additional 15 haplotypes were shared among five of the six Hutterites MS patients. The HLA Class II region was one of the highlighted regions; however, the shared MHC haplotype bore the DRB1*04 allele and not the MS‐associated DRB1*15 allele providing further evidence of the complexity of the MHC. Additional genotyping to refine the haplotypes followed by screening for potential variants may lead to the identification of a novel MS susceptibility gene(s) in this unique population. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Vasoactive substances induce cytoskeletal changes in cultured rat glomerular epithelial cells.

Angiotensin II (ANG II), atrial natriuretic peptide III (ANP), and sodium nitroprusside (SNP) alter capillary hydraulic conductivity in isolated glomeruli. These agents also affect cyclic nucleotide levels of glomerular epithelial cells (GEC). ANG II increases cAMP, whereas ANP and SNP increase cGMP. The effects of these vasoactive substances on GEC cytoskeleton were tested by incubating cells from primary cultures or an established cell line with each agent. Changes in the cytoskeleton were assessed by staining for F-actin with Bodipy phallacidin and for tubulin with NBD-colcemid. Control cells exhibited short bundles of F-actin or stress fibers near the base of the cells. These were frequently arranged in parallel and occasionally appeared to radiate from the center of the cell. Microtubules were arranged in a fine network throughout the cell with increased density adjacent to the nucleus and within the nucleolus. Incubation of GEC with 10(-7) M ANG II, cholera toxin, or 8Br-cAMP for 2 at 37 degrees C resulted in rearrangement of F-actin into distinct stellate patterns with a decrease in the relative intensity of the peripheral staining, all concurrent with a fivefold increase in intracellular cAMP. The incubation of GEC with 10(-6) M ANP or 10(-7) M SNP for 2 h at 37 degrees C resulted in apparent disassembly of stress fibers, sparse and more diffuse fluorescence, and some increase of fluorescence at the periphery of the cells, all concurrent with a 10-fold increase in intracellular cGMP. Cytochalasin D incubation led to complete disassembly of actin filaments. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
A curriculum tailored for workers? Knowledge organization and possible transitions in Swedish VET

Abstract A key feature of the Swedish upper secondary school reform of 2011 (GY11) is the new direction it sets out for the organization of vocational education (VET) and the role it plays in youths’ transitions from school to work. This study analyses the GY11 reform in terms of its impact on the organization of knowledge in VET and its implications for students’ prospects of transitioning from VET to work or higher education, and for their roles as citizens. To understand its likely consequences, GY11 is analysed in the context of practices in a school class for the Vehicle programme steered by the curriculum prior to GY11. The theoretical concepts used are drawn from Basil Bernstein and his distinctions between knowledge organized into horizontal and vertical discourses. The findings of the study suggest that GY11 reinforces an already strong emphasis on horizontally organized knowledge in VET by placing great importance on strongly context-bound, skill-oriented knowledge. This implies a stronger exclusion of VET students, primarily with working-class backgrounds, from vertical discourses and limits the possible transitions of youths taking the VET-route by reducing their access to higher education and their capacity to function as both workers and citizens.
Prevalence of hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus in patients with colorectal cancer and their median survival time: A cohort study

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) and hypertension are worldwide epidemic. Association between DM and colon cancer was obtained in previous studies. Prevalence of DM and hypertension in the patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) has not been reported in Iran. The present study was aimed to investigate the prevalence of hypertension and type 2 DM and their effect on median survival time in patients with CRC. Materials and Methods: Overall, 2570 individual-year follow-ups were conducted for 1127 patients with CRC. For the diagnosis of type 2 DM, fasting blood sugar test and glycosylated hemoglobin test were used and for hypertension, blood pressure was measured in two turns. The descriptive indices were calculated, and the mean and median survival from CRC diagnosis time was calculated using survival analysis and a comparison among survival times was done through log-rank test. Stata software 12 (Stata Corp. 2011. Stata Statistical Software: Release 12. College Station, TX: Stata Corp LP) was used for data analysis. Results: The prevalence of hypertension and type 2 DM in the patients with CRC was respectively 13.38% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 11.1-15.8) and 8.69% (95% CI: 7-10.7). Median survival time in patients with hypertension and DM were 8.52 and 4.9 years. According to log-rank test, no significant difference was observed between the survival time of CRC patients suffering from hypertension and diabetes type 2. Conclusion: The obtained findings in this study indicate that survival time in patients with type 2 DM less than hypertension but two metabolic diseases have the same effect on survival rate of the patients with CRC. Understanding the risk factors for CRC may guide the development of strategies targeted toward its prevention.
Copy-paste of journalistieke verdieping? Een onderzoek naar de manier waarop nieuwsfactoren in universitaire persberichten nieuwsselectie en redactionele bewerkingsprocessen beïnvloeden

In deze studie wordt onderzocht op welke manier de aanwezigheid van nieuwsfactoren in universitaire persberichten nieuwsselectie en de journalistieke bewerking van deze persberichten beinvloedt. De resultaten laten zien dat de mate van nieuwsfactorenintensiteit in persberichten de kans op selectie verhoogt. Maar de kans dat nieuwsmedia het persbericht niet alleen overnemen, maar ook bewerken tot een eigen nieuwsproductie, verlaagt juist.
Influence of age on cyclosporin A‐induced alterations in bone mineral metabolism in the rat in vivo

Cyclosporin A (CsA) administered to actively growing young rats produces a high‐turnover osteopenia. We investigated and compared the effect of CsA on the bone mineral metabolism in young rats with that of older rats, which have a lower rate of bone turnover. A group of 24 young (9 weeks) and 24 older (9 months) male Sprague‐Dawley rats were orally administered 15 mg/kg of CsA or placebo daily for 24 days. Rats were weighed and serum assayed serially for bone gla protein (BGP), parathyroid hormone, ionized calcium, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, and 1,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D [1,25‐(OH)2D]. After sacrifice, histomorphometric analysis was performed on undecalcified proximal tibial metaphysis with double‐fluorescent labeling. Serum BGP levels were significantly elevated in both young and older rats administered CsA, and 1,25‐(OH)2D levels were significantly elevated in CsA‐treated young rats more than in older rats. Body weight was significantly reduced in CsA‐treated older rats. There were mild but significant alterations in renal function in both groups receiving CsA. In the most comprehensive examination to date of the effects of CsA on bone histomorphometry, both young (‐44%) and older rats (‐20%) lost significant amounts of trabecular bone compared to their respective controls. Bone loss in young rats was mainly due to a reduced number of trabeculae; older rats lost mainly trabecular thickness. Microanatomic nodal studies were consistent with these results. These data demonstrate that although cancellous bone loss induced by CsA is more marked in young rats, older rats with slower bone turnover are also at risk.
Substitution, Risk Aversion, and the Temporal Behavior of Consumption and Asset Returns: An Empirical Analysis

This paper investigates the testable restrictions on the time-series behavior of consumption and asset returns implied by a representative agent model in which intertemporal preferences are represented by utility functions that generalize conventional, time-additive, expected utility. The model based on these preferences allows a clearer separation of observable behavior attributable to risk aversion and to intertemporal substitution. Further, it nests the predictions of both the consumption CAPM and the static CAPM, and it allows direct tests of the expected utility hypothesis. We find that the performance of the non-expected utility model and tests of the expected utility hypothesis are sensitive to the choice of both consumption measure and instrumental variables.
Characterization of melatonin high‐affinity binding sites in purified cell nuclei of the hamster (Mesocricetus auratus) harderian gland

Abstract: In the present paper, binding of melatonin to purified cell nuclei from harderian glands of male and female hamsters was assessed. Binding of 125I‐melatonin to cell nuclei fulfills the criteria for binding to a receptor site. Binding kinetics exhibit properties such as dependence on time and temperature as well as reversibility, saturability, high affinity and specificity. The dissociation constants (KD) and the number of binding sites (Bmax) for the binding of 125I‐melatonin to harderian gland nuclei were 260 ± 56 pm and 12.2 ± 0.8 fmol/mg protein in male glands, and 280 ± 43 pm and 9.8 ± 0.6 fmol/mg protein in female glands, respectively. Competition experiments showed IC50 values for melatonin of 250 ± 45 pm and 290 ± 68 pm in male and female glands, respectively. Other indoleamines such as N‐acetylserotonine and 5‐metoxytryptamine showed IC50 values in the micromolar range, suggesting that the binding sites are specific for melatonin. Hill analyses of the data show nH values of 0.96–0.98, suggesting the existence of a single class of binding sites. These data indicate that specific 125I‐melatonin binding sites exist in the cell nuclei of Harderian glands in male as well as in female hamsters, without significant differences between them. The KD and Bmax values obtained from the binding in both sexes correlates well with the concentration of melatonin described in these respective Harderian glands. It is hypothesized that the nuclear binding sites of melatonin here described could be a physiological melatonin receptor, which may be involved in the genomic‐dependent antioxidant effects of melatonin on hamster Harderian glands elsewhere reported.
On occupation times of the first and third quadrants for planar Brownian motion

An open problem of interest, first infused into the applied probability community in the work of Bingham and Doney in 1988, (see \cite{Bingham}) is stated as follows: find the distribution of the quadrant occupation time of planar Brownian motion. In this short communication, we study an alternate formulation of this longstanding open problem: let $X(t), Y(t), t \geq 0$ be standard Brownian motions starting at $x,y$ respectively. Find the distribution of the total time $T=Leb\{t \in [0,1]: X(t) \times Y(t) >0\}$, when $x=y=0$, i.e., the occupation time of the union of the first and third quadrants. If two adjacent quadrants are used, the problem becomes much easier and the distribution of $T$ follows the arcsine law.
Preclinical efficacy of maternal embryonic leucine-zipper kinase (MELK) inhibition in acute myeloid leukemia

Maternal embryonic leucine-zipper kinase (MELK), which was reported to be frequently up-regulated in various types of solid cancer, plays critical roles in formation and maintenance of cancer stem cells. However, little is known about the relevance of this kinase in hematologic malignancies. Here we report characterization of possible roles of MELK in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). MELK is expressed in AML cell lines and AML blasts with higher levels in less differentiated cells. MELK is frequently upregulated in AML with complex karyotypes and is associated with worse clinical outcome. MELK knockdown resulted in growth inhibition and apoptosis of leukemic cells. Hence, we investigated the potent anti-leukemia activity of OTS167, a small molecule MELK kinase inhibitor, in AML, and found that the compound induced cell differentiation and apoptosis as well as decreased migration of AML cells. MELK expression was positively correlated with the expression of FOXM1 as well as its downstream target genes. Furthermore, MELK inhibition resulted in downregulation of FOXM1 activity and the expression of its downstream targets. Taken together, and given that OTS167 is undergoing a phase I clinical trial in solid cancer, our study warrants clinical evaluation of this compound as a novel targeted therapy for AML patients.