Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Estrogen deficiency is associated with hippocampal morphological remodeling of early postmenopausal mice

Estrogen (E2) deficiency is reported to involve in the impairment of cognition in postmenopausal women. However, the morphological basis is still unclear. In the present study, using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), we observed the ultrastructure of hippocampus in female C57BL/6 mice at the age of 18 months (18 M) which is considered as the early stage of postmenopause (n = 8). Compared with control mice aged 6 M (n = 8), we identified that the morphological changes in the hippocampus of these menopausal mice were mitochondrial damage, lipofuscin deposition and microtubule degradation. Notably, after E2 was subcutaneously injected into mice aged 16 M with a dosage of 3.5 μg/kg every three days for two months in the 18 M + E2 group (n = 8), mitochondrial damage and lipofuscin deposition in the DG region of hippocampus were prevented, but the degraded microtubules in the hippocampus of postmenopausal mice were failed to restore. These data suggest that hippocampal ultrastructure remodeling in mice can be initiated at the early stage of postmenopause, E2 supplementation could only have an effect on mitochondrial damage and lipofuscin increase.
In renal transplantation blood cyclosporine levels soon after surgery act as a major determinant of rejection: insights from the MY.S.S. trial.

BACKGROUND Target organs express antigens recognized directly by antigen-specific T cells, and their recognition is crucial to precipitate rejection. Then, the earliest T-cell activation is inhibited by cyclosporine A (CsA), the lowest would be the risk of rejection. Here, we aimed to assess this possibility in a large cohort of de novo kidney transplant recipients participating in an ongoing clinical trial, the Mycophenolate Steroid-Sparing (MY.S.S.) Trial. METHODS Three-hundred-thirty-four patients entered the prospective, multicenter MY.S. S. trial. The main aim of the study was to assess the predictive value of serial evaluation of blood CsA trough concentration (C0) and 2-hour postdose drug (C2) levels alone or in combination, and to identify which is the critical posttransplant measurement to target CsA therapy in order to minimize the risk of acute rejection. A very large number of CsA trough (N= 2236) and C2 (N= 2128) measurements during the first 6 months postsurgery were available for analysis. Patients with delayed graft function were excluded. RESULTS CsA trough levels measured at day 2 posttransplant were the strongest predictor of acute graft rejection over 6-month follow-up. Levels within 300 to 440 ng/mL were associated with the lowest risk of rejection, while for levels lower than 300 ng/mL, the risk of acute rejection was more than doubled. Higher levels failed to provide any further protection from graft rejection. CsA trough values predicted allograft rejection with an accuracy of 74%, while C2 levels considered alone had no predictive values at all. CONCLUSION Findings that among serial daily measurements posttransplant those taken as early as at day 2 have by far the highest capacity to predict rejection episodes, underline the need of targeting CsA therapy very early posttransplant with the goal to modulate early enough T-cell activation at the interface between the recipient's blood and the graft where alloimmune response actually initiates.
Early experience is associated with the development of categorical representations for facial expressions of emotion

A fundamental issue in human development concerns how the young infant's ability to recognize emotional signals is acquired through both biological programming and learning factors. This issue is extremely difficult to investigate because of the variety of sensory experiences to which humans are exposed immediately after birth. We examined the effects of emotional experience on emotion recognition by studying abused children, whose experiences violated cultural standards of care. We found that the aberrant social experience of abuse was associated with a change in children's perceptual preferences and also altered the discriminative abilities that influence how children categorize angry facial expressions. This study suggests that affective experiences can influence perceptual representations of basic emotions.
Coupling Genetic and Chemical Microbiome Profiling Reveals Heterogeneity of Archaeome and Bacteriome in Subsurface Biofilms That Are Dominated by the Same Archaeal Species

Earth harbors an enormous portion of subsurface microbial life, whose microbiome flux across geographical locations remains mainly unexplored due to difficult access to samples. Here, we investigated the microbiome relatedness of subsurface biofilms of two sulfidic springs in southeast Germany that have similar physical and chemical parameters and are fed by one deep groundwater current. Due to their unique hydrogeological setting these springs provide accessible windows to subsurface biofilms dominated by the same uncultivated archaeal species, called SM1 Euryarchaeon. Comparative analysis of infrared imaging spectra demonstrated great variations in archaeal membrane composition between biofilms of the two springs, suggesting different SM1 euryarchaeal strains of the same species at both aquifer outlets. This strain variation was supported by ultrastructural and metagenomic analyses of the archaeal biofilms, which included intergenic spacer region sequencing of the rRNA gene operon. At 16S rRNA gene level, PhyloChip G3 DNA microarray detected similar biofilm communities for archaea, but site-specific communities for bacteria. Both biofilms showed an enrichment of different deltaproteobacterial operational taxonomic units, whose families were, however, congruent as were their lipid spectra. Consequently, the function of the major proportion of the bacteriome appeared to be conserved across the geographic locations studied, which was confirmed by dsrB-directed quantitative PCR. Consequently, microbiome differences of these subsurface biofilms exist at subtle nuances for archaea (strain level variation) and at higher taxonomic levels for predominant bacteria without a substantial perturbation in bacteriome function. The results of this communication provide deep insight into the dynamics of subsurface microbial life and warrant its future investigation with regard to metabolic and genomic analyses.
Psychometric Validation of Internet Addiction Test With Indian Adolescents

The past few years have witnessed great developments in Internet infrastructure, which have led to increased Internet usage among people of various age groups. However, at the same time, there have been some negative implications associated with increased Internet usage for some individuals. “Internet addiction” (IA) is one such negative consequence of excessive Internet use among users. The present study investigates the psychometric properties of the Internet addiction test (IAT) with a total of 1,914 junior and senior high school students from India. The collected data were subjected to exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, in addition to various other statistical tests. The study results show that a one-factor model for IAT demonstrates good psychometric properties and fits extremely well with our data. The present study provides empirical evidence that the IAT is a valid and reliable instrument for measuring IA. The study concludes with several theoretical and practical implications for IA research.
The effects of Eucheuma cottonii on alveolar macrophages and malondialdehyde levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in chronically particulate matter 10 coal dust-exposed rats

Objective(s): To investigate the effect of Eucheuma cottonii on alveolar macrophages (AM) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluids (BALF) in particulate matter 10 (PM10) coal dust-exposed rats. Materials and Methods: Ten groups, including a non exposed group and groups exposed to coal dust at doses of 6.25 (CD6.25), 12.5 (CD12.5), or 25 mg/m3 (CD25) an hour daily for 6 months with or without supplementation of ethanolic extract of E. cottonii at doses of 150 (EC150) or 300 mg/kg BW (EC300). The number of macrophages was determined using a light microscope. MDA levels were measured by TBARS assay. Results: EC150 insignificantly (P > 0.05) reduces the AM in CD groups compared to non treatment groups. EC150 and EC300 significantly (P < 0.05) decreased MDA levels in CD12.5 and CD25 groups relative to non treatment groups. Conclusion: E. cottonii attenuated oxidative stress in chronic exposure of PM10 coal dust.
Homofermentative Lactobacilli of ciders including Lactobacillus mali nov. spec.

Summary. This paper describes some homofermentative lactobacilli, found in freshly pressed apple juice, which can be divided into two groups. One of these consists of strains identified as Lactobacillus plantarum, of which nearly all can metabolize quinic acid. The other group, which consists mainly of catalase positive bacteria, is composed of strains alike enough to be grouped together but sufficiently different from other lactobacilli to be proposed as Lactobacillus mali nov. spec.
Use of proline mutants to help solve the NMR solution structure of type III antifreeze protein

To help understand the structure/function relationships in antifreeze proteins (AFP), and to define the motifs required for ice binding, a Type III AFP suitable for two‐dimensional (2D) NMR studies was produced in Escherichia coli. A synthetic gene for one of the Type III AFP isoforms was assembled in a T7 polymerase‐directed expression vector. The 67‐amino acid‐long gene product differed from the natural AFP by inclusion of an N‐terminal methionine but was indistinguishable in activity. The NMR spectra of this AFP were complicated by cis‐trans proline isomerization from the C‐terminal sequence YPPA. Substitution of this sequence by YAA eliminated isomer signals without altering the activity or structure of the mutant AFP. This variant (rQAE m1.1) was selected for sequential assignment and the secondary structure determination using 2D 1H NMR spectroscopy. Nine β‐strands are paired to form two triple‐stranded antiparallel sheets and one double‐stranded antiparallel sheet. Two further proline replacements, P29A and P33A, were made to delineate the role of conserved prolines in Type III AFP. These mutants were valuable in clarifying ambiguous NMR spectral assignments amongst the remaining six prolines of rQAE m1.1. In contrast to the replacement of the C‐terminal prolyl residues, the exchange of P29 and P33 caused some structural changes and significantly decreased protein solubility and antifreeze activity.
Streaming Maximum-Minimum Filter Using No More than Three Comparisons per Element

The running maximum-minimum (MAX-MIN) filter computes the maxima and minima over running windows of size w. This filter has numerous applications in signal processing and time series analysis. We present an easy-to-implement online algorithm requiring no more than 3 comparisons per element, in the worst case. Comparatively, no algorithm is known to compute the running maximum (or minimum) filter in 1.5 comparisons per element, in the worst case. Our algorithm has reduced latency and memory usage.
Constructive Solving of Raven's IQ Tests with Analogical Proportions

The paper shows that a Boolean logic modeling of analogical proportions can serve as a basis for solving quizzes as well as a common and popular type of IQ tests, namely Raven's progressive matrices. They are nonverbal tests supposedly measuring general intelligence. A 3 × 3 Raven matrix exhibits eight geometric pictures displayed as its eight first cells: the remaining ninth cell is empty. In these tests, a set of candidate pictures is also given among which the subject is asked to identify the solution. In this paper, we investigate a general approach allowing to automatically solve Raven's progressive matrices tests. The approach is based on a logical view of analogical proportions, i.e., statements of the form “A is to B as C is to D. ” We assume that analogical proportions hold between the rows and between the columns of the Raven's matrix. This view can be applied to a feature‐based description of the pictures but also, in a number of cases, to a very low level representation, i.e., the pixel level. It appears that the analogical proportion reading just amounts here to a recopy of patterns of feature values that already appear in the data, after checking that there is no conflicting patterns. Implementing this principle, our algorithm builds up the ninth picture, without the help of any set of candidate solutions, and only on the basis of the eight known cells of the Raven matrices. A comparison with other approaches is provided. The ability to construct the missing picture without relying on candidate solutions is a distinctive feature of our work. Moreover, we emphasize the general principle underlying the approach that offers a simple and uniform mechanism applicable to the tests. At this step, the paper makes no claim about the cognitive validity of the approach with respect to the way humans solve such tests.
Correction for Galvan et al., Reversal of Alzheimer's-like pathology and behavior in human APP transgenic mice by mutation of Asp664

The deficits characteristic of Alzheimer's disease (AD) are believed to result, at least in part, from the neurotoxic effects of beta-amyloid peptides, a set of 39-43 amino acid fragments derived proteolytically from beta-amyloid precursor protein (APP). APP also is cleaved intracytoplasmically at Asp-664 to generate a second cytotoxic peptide, APP-C31, but whether this C-terminal processing of APP plays a role in the pathogenesis of AD is unknown. Therefore, we compared elements of the Alzheimer's phenotype in transgenic mice modeling AD with vs. without a functional Asp-664 caspase cleavage site. Surprisingly, whereas beta-amyloid production and plaque formation were unaltered, synaptic loss, astrogliosis, dentate gyral atrophy, increased neuronal precursor proliferation, and behavioral abnormalities were completely prevented by a mutation at Asp-664. These results suggest that Asp-664 plays a critical role in the generation of Alzheimer-related pathophysiological and behavioral changes in human APP transgenic mice, possibly as a cleavage site or via protein-protein interactions.
A TUTORIAL ON RELEVANCE VECTOR MACHINES FOR REGRESSION AND CLASSIFICATION WITH APPLICATIONS

Relevance vector machines (RVM) have recently attracted much interest in the research community because they provide a number of advantages. They are based on a Bayesian formulation of a linear model with an appropriate prior that results in a sparse representation. As a consequence, they can generalize well and provide inferences at low computational cost. In this tutorial we first present the basic theory of RVM for regression and classification, followed by two examples illustrating the application of RVM for object detection and classification. The first example is target detection in images and RVM is used in a regression context. The second example is detection and classification of microcalcifications from mammograms and RVM is used in a classification framework. Both examples illustrate the application of the RVM methodology and demonstrate its advantages.
Examining the Role of Emotional and Functional Values in Festival Evaluation

This study aimed to identify the antecedents of emotional and functional values of festival participation. At the same time, it investigated the relative contribution of emotional and functional values to satisfaction levels and behavioral intentions. Structural equation modeling suggested that festival programs and convenient facilities positively influenced both functional and emotional values, whereas a natural environment positively affected only emotional value. The festival program contributed more to emotional value than to functional value, whereas a convenient facility was more associated with functional value. Emotional value contributed more strongly to both festival satisfaction and behavioral intentions. The findings are expected to aid in our understanding of visitors’ perceptions of festivals, so that they can be better managed and designed in the future.
Dietary patterns of reservation and non-reservation Native American youths.

OBJECTIVE A leading cause of morbidity and mortality among Native Americans, cancer is largely preventable through lifestyle habits. Ranked high among those habits is a diet low in fat and high in fiber, fruits, and vegetables. Because Native Americans are not included in national nutritional monitoring systems, limited data exist on the cancer-related dietary habits of this population. To bridge this gap, this study measured the eating patterns of Native American youths in the northeastern United States. DESIGN Cross-sectional. SETTING Urban Indian centers and tribal and reservation settings located in New York, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Vermont, and Maine. PARTICIPANTS 191 self-identified Native American parents of children between 8 and 14 years of age. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Frequency of intake of foods recommended for inclusion in or omission from a diet to reduce cancer risk. RESULTS Dietary patterns among Native American youths differed from a national US sample and varied between youths in reservation and non-reservation settings. CONCLUSIONS A need exists for nutrition education and behavior change programs that reflect the culturally specific eating habits of the indigenous peoples of the Northeast. Ideally, developing nutrition curricula for specific communities will be done in cooperation with these communities and acknowledge barriers that may limit Native Americans' access to healthful foods.
Spectrum-efficient topology management of asymmetric interference alignment networks

Interference alignment (IA) is a promising technique in wireless networks. However, existing works are mostly based on symmetric IA networks. To meet the requirements of practical applications, we consider asymmetric IA networks based on the various pathloss. In this paper, a spectrum-efficient topology management scheme is proposed for the asymmetric IA networks. In the scheme, for the user far away from others, solely adopting spatial multiplexing (SM) as a point-to-point subnetwork is more spectrum-efficient. On the other hand, for the others aggregating together, jointly comprising an IA subnetwork may be a better choice. We first present the criterion to decide which is more spectrum-efficient for the topology management scheme, i.e., IA or SM. Then, the topology management scheme is elaborated with the graph theory. In addition, the designs of the precoding and decoding matrices are presented in the IA and SM schemes, respectively. Simulation results show that the proposed topology management scheme is much more spectrum-efficient than the conventional IA scheme in the asymmetric multiuser network.
In the name of meritocracy: managers' perceptions of policies and practices for training older workers

ABSTRACT Workplaces, managers and employers who are seeking to maintain the standing, capacities and productivity of their workplaces are now facing two crucial facts: (a) an ageing workforce and (b) all workers, regardless of age, need to adapt to the changing requirements for workplace performance. These facts mean that managers and supervisors need to confront issues found in the changing demographics of their own workforce. That is, as the portion of workforces aged over 45 years (i.e. older workers) increases, it is these workers who are available to be employed, and supported in sustaining their ongoing employability. To address these issues requires understanding of particular workers' capacities and aspirations and then acting to develop further their capacities based on new understanding, and rebutting social sentiments about these workers that are often value-laden, contradictory and biased. The case here is made through drawing on literature and analyses of interview data of Australian managers of older workers, that the current logic of management relies upon deeply held and widely shared beliefs of age-blind meritocracy and equal opportunity rather than informed views.
Disproportionate Reduction of Serotonin Transporter May Predict the Response and Adherence to Antidepressants in Patients with Major Depressive Disorder: A Positron Emission Tomography Study with 4-[18F]-ADAM

Background: Many lines of evidence suggest the role of serotonin transporter (SERT)-mediated reuptake of serotonin in the pathophysiology and treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD). This study aimed to examine whether the pretreatment of SERT binding potential or SERT binding ratio between terminal projection regions relative to the midbrain raphe nuclei was associated with treatment outcomes to SERT-targeted antidepressants. Methods: We recruited 39 antidepressant-naïve patients with MDD and 39 heathy controls. Positron emission tomography with N,N-dimethyl-2-(2-amino-4-[18F]fluorophenylthio)benzylamine (4-[18F]-ADAM) was used to measure in vivo SERT availability prior to antidepressant treatment. The 21-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) was use to assess the severity of depression from baseline to week 6. All the patients with MDD had HDRS scores of 18 or more. Results: Pretreatment SERT binding in the thalamus and striatum positively correlated with an early reduction in HDRS scores at week 3. Nonresponders and dropout patients showed a proportionate reduction in SERT binding in the terminal projection regions and midbrain compared to healthy controls. In contrast, a disproportionate reduction in SERT binding in the terminal projection regions relative to midbrain was observed in responders. Conclusions: The results of this study suggested that a disproportionate reduction in SERT binding between terminal projection regions and midbrain may predict better treatment outcomes in patients with MDD.
Differential uplift on the boundary between the Eastern and the Southern European Alps: Thermochronologic constraints from the Brenner Base Tunnel

The Brenner Base Tunnel will connect Innsbruck (Austria) and Franzensfeste (Italy) by piercing two of the most important fault structures of the Alps: the Periadriatic fault system (PFS) and the Southern limit of Alpine metamorphism (SAM). (U‐Th)/He dating (apatite) and fission‐track analysis (apatite and zircon) on samples taken during excavation reveal a complex pattern of exhumation through time. The results yield temporal constraints for relative vertical block movement and fault activity. Furthermore, they indicate differential uplift of the northern block along the ~E–W striking PFS and allow locating the position of the SAM in the overtilted nappe stack south of the Tauern Window. Our data strongly support, for the first time, an ongoing north‐side‐up movement along this section of the PFS until at least the end of Miocene.