Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Deviations from Critical Dynamics in Interictal Epileptiform Activity

The framework of criticality provides a unifying perspective on neuronal dynamics from in vitro cortical cultures to functioning human brains. Recent findings suggest that a healthy cortex displays critical dynamics, giving rise to scale-free spatiotemporal cascades of activity, termed neuronal avalanches. Pharmacological manipulations of the excitation-inhibition balance (EIB) in cortical cultures were previously shown to result in deviations from criticality and from the power law scaling of avalanche size distribution. To examine the sensitivity of neuronal avalanche metrics to altered EIB in humans, we focused on epilepsy, a neurological disorder characterized by hyperexcitable networks. Using magnetoencephalography, we quantitatively assessed deviations from criticality in the brain dynamics of patients with epilepsy during interictal (between-seizures) activity. Compared with healthy control subjects, epilepsy patients tended to exhibit a higher neural gain and larger avalanches, particularly during interictal epileptiform activity. Moreover, deviations from scale-free behavior were exclusively connected to brief intervals at epileptiform discharges, strengthening the association between deviations from criticality and the instantaneous changes in EIB. The avalanches collected during interictal epileptiform activity had not only a stereotypical size range but also involved particular spatial patterns of activations, as expected for periods of epileptic network dominance. Overall, the neuronal avalanche metrics provide a quantitative novel description of interictal brain activity of patients with epilepsy. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Healthy brain dynamics requires a delicate balance between excitatory and inhibitory processes. Several brain disorders, such as epilepsy, are associated with altered excitation-inhibition balance, but assessing this balance using noninvasive tools is still challenging. In this study, we apply the framework of critical brain dynamics to data from epilepsy patients, which were recorded between seizures. We show that metrics of criticality provide a sensitive tool for noninvasive assessment of changes in the balance. Specifically, brain activity of epilepsy patients deviates from healthy critical brain dynamics, particularly during abnormal epileptiform activity. The study offers a novel quantitative perspective on epilepsy and its relation to healthy brain dynamics.
Charge Trapping in High-$k$Gate Stacks Due to the Bilayer Structure Itself

Charge trapping at the interface between the two dielectric layers of a high-k gate stack is shown to be caused by Maxwell-Wagner instability, which is the following. The fact that the high-k and interfacial layers have different compositions means that they will also have different conductivities. Then, a gate bias will produce a discontinuity in current at their interface, causing charge to accumulate there until, in steady state, the same current flows through both layers. Maxwell-Wagner instability is shown to be coupled to a second instability, dielectric relaxation of the high-k layer; continuity of current in steady state requires that the electric fields in the two dielectric layers remain fixed, so the change in polarization of the high-k layer due to dielectric relaxation must be compensated for by the conduction of additional charge to the interface. Evidence for this behavior in high-k gate stacks is found in the thickness dependence of their dielectric relaxation current, with the correct dependence being obtained only from a model in which the two instabilities act simultaneously. Uniform dielectrics do not exhibit Maxwell-Wagner instability, and perfect crystals do not exhibit dielectric relaxation, making the ideal high-k gate dielectric a uniform single-layer perfect crystal bonded epitaxially to the Si substrate
Selective Restriction of Nef-Defective Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 by a Proteasome-Dependent Mechanism

ABSTRACT The Nef protein enhances human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infectivity by facilitating an early postentry step in the virus life cycle. We report here that the addition of MG132 or lactacystin, each a specific inhibitor of cellular proteasome activity, preferentially enhances cellular permissiveness to infection by Nef-defective versus wild-type HIV-1. Pseudotyping by the glycoprotein of vesicular stomatitis virus rendered Nef-defective HIV-1 particles minimally responsive to the enhancing effects of proteasome inhibitors. These results suggest that Nef enhances the infectivity of HIV-1 particles by reducing their susceptibility to proteasomal degradation in target cells.
Genome Editing Fidelity in the Context of DNA Sequence and Chromatin Structure

Genome editing by Clustered Regularly Inter Spaced Palindromic Repeat (CRISPR) associated (Cas) systems has revolutionized medical research and holds enormous promise for correcting genetic diseases. Understanding how these Cas nucleases work and induce mutations, as well as identifying factors that affect their efficiency and fidelity is key to developing this technology for therapeutic uses. Here, we discuss recent studies that reveal how DNA sequence and chromatin structure influences the different steps of genome editing. These studies also demonstrate that a deep understanding of the balance between error prone and error free DNA repair pathways is crucial for making genome editing a safe clinical tool, which does not induce further mutations to the genome.
Impact of Nevirapine (NVP) Plasma Concentration on Selection of Resistant Virus in Mothers Who Received Single-Dose NVP To Prevent Perinatal Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Transmission and Persistence of Resistant Virus in Their Infected Children

ABSTRACT Nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor resistance following the use of single-dose nevirapine (sdNVP) for the prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) remains a concern. In the ANRS-1201/1202 Ditrame study, conducted in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, a short-course regimen of zidovudine was associated with sdNVP for PMTCT. In this study, we estimate the frequency of NVP resistance and its relationship with NVP concentration in mothers. Genotypic resistance analysis was performed on mothers' plasma samples at week 4 postpartum (PP) and on human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) DNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) when an NVP resistance mutation was detected. The same tests were performed for the infected children at week 4, month 3, and month 12. Mothers' NVP plasma concentrations were measured at 48 h PP. Twenty-one (33%) of the 63 women selected had NVP-resistant (NVP-R) virus at week 4 PP. The median plasma NVP concentration was 598 ng/ml for the mothers without NVP-R virus compared to 851 ng/ml for the mothers harboring NVP-R virus (P = 0.014). NVP-R mutations were detected in the HIV DNA of 15/20 women. Plasma NVP-R mutations were detectable in 6 of 26 infected children at week 4. All 6 children had detectable NVP-R mutations in HIV DNA of PBMC. Blood samples taken at month 3 (1 child) and month 12 (1 child) revealed the persistence of NVP-R mutations in plasma and cells. Emergence of NVP-R virus in mothers is strongly correlated with a high level of plasma NVP concentration, owing to a prolonged postpartum period of viral replication under NVP selective pressure. The follow-up of the cohort demonstrates the prolonged archive of resistant virus.
Overlap of Proteome Changes in Medicago truncatula in Response to Auxin and Sinorhizobium meliloti1[W][OA]

We used proteome analysis to identify proteins induced during nodule initiation and in response to auxin in Medicago truncatula. From previous experiments, which found a positive correlation between auxin levels and nodule numbers in the M. truncatula supernodulation mutant sunn (supernumerary nodules), we hypothesized (1) that auxin mediates protein changes during nodulation and (2) that auxin responses might differ between the wild type and the supernodulating sunn mutant during nodule initiation. Increased expression of the auxin response gene GH3:β-glucuronidase was found during nodule initiation in M. truncatula, similar to treatment of roots with auxin. We then used difference gel electrophoresis and tandem mass spectrometry to compare proteomes of wild-type and sunn mutant roots after 24 h of treatment with Sinorhizobium meliloti, auxin, or a control. We identified 131 of 270 proteins responding to treatment with S. meliloti and/or auxin, and 39 of 89 proteins differentially displayed between the wild type and sunn. The majority of proteins changed similarly in response to auxin and S. meliloti after 24 h in both genotypes, supporting hypothesis 1. Proteins differentially accumulated between untreated wild-type and sunn roots also showed changes in auxin response, consistent with altered auxin levels in sunn. However, differences between the genotypes after S. meliloti inoculation were largely not due to differential auxin responses. The role of the identified candidate proteins in nodule initiation and the requirement for their induction by auxin could be tested in future functional studies.
[Effect of a muscle stretching program using the Global Postural Reeducation method on respiratory muscle strength and thoracoabdominal mobility of sedentary young males].

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effect that respiratory muscle stretching using the global postural reeducation (GPR) method has on respiratory muscle strength, thoracic expansion and abdominal mobility in sedentary young males. METHODS This was a randomized study involving 20 sedentary volunteers, aged 22.7 +/- 2.5 years, divided into two groups of 10: a control group, composed of subjects not performing any exercises, and a group of subjects submitted to the GPR method. The protocol consisted of a program to stretch the respiratory muscles with participants in the 'open-arm, open hip joint angle' position, which was regularly performed twice a week for 8 weeks, totaling 16 sessions. The two groups were submitted to measurements of maximal inspiratory pressure, maximal expiratory pressure, thoracic expansion and abdominal mobility, prior to and after the intervention period. RESULTS The initial and final values for maximal respiratory pressures, thoracic expansion and abdominal mobility for the control group showed no significant differences (p > 0.05). However, for the GPR group, all values increased after the intervention (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Respiratory muscle stretching using the GPR method was efficient in promoting an increase in maximal respiratory pressures, thoracic expansion and abdominal mobility, suggesting that it could be used as a physiotherapy resource to develop respiratory muscle strength, thoracic expansion and abdominal mobility.
Effects of nicotine on an in vitro reconstituted model oral mucosa in terms of cytokine production.

BACKGROUND The extensive use of tobacco and its associated problematic health issues have been a concern to mankind. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that approximately one-third of the global population aged 15 years or older are smokers and each smoker consumes an average of 15 cigarettes daily. The objective of this study was to establish the effect of nicotine on an in vitro reconstituted oral mucosa model, the effect of treatment with this compound was measured in terms of cytokine production. METHOD Observational laboratory based study design was used to carry out the experiment. The reconstituted human epithelium model used in the study was prepared and supplied by Skin Ethic Laboratories, Nice, France. The effect of nicotine on epithelial cytokine production was assessed using commercially available assay kits (R&D systems). This was done using the enzyme linked immuno-sorbent assay. RESULT In this study there was evidence that after 5 minutes treatment on un-inflamed mucosa with nicotine at 10 mm concentration GM-CSF release decreased, and also after 24 hours treatment with nicotine at 10mM concentration GM-CSF release increased. TNF-alpha increased release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, IL-6, IL-8, and also GM-CSF from the model mucosa after 24 hours, but had no effect on the release of IL-1alpha, IL-6, IL-8, and GM-CSF after 5 minutes and 24 hours respectively. CONCLUSION In conclusion at all the concentrations used in this experiment, nicotine had no effect on the TNF-alpha stimulated tissue and un-inflamed mucosa and had no significant effect on cytokine release including IL-1alpha, IL-6, IL-8, and GM-CSF after 5 minutes and 24 hours respectively.
Effect of Body Position on Cerebral Oxygenation and Physiologic Parameters in Patients With Acute Neurological Conditions

How body position influences brain tissue oxygen (PbtO2) and intracranial pressure (ICP) in critically ill neurosurgical patients remains poorly defined. In a prospective observational repeated measures study, we examined the effects of 12 different body positions on neurodynamic and hemodynamic outcomes. Thirty-three consecutive patients (mean ± SD, age = 48.3 ± 16.6 years; 22 men), admitted after traumatic brain injury, subarachnoid hemorrhage, or craniotomy for tumor, were evaluated in a neurocritical care unit at a level 1 academic trauma center. Patients were eligible if the admission score in the Glasgow Coma Scale was ≤8 and they had a Licox CMP Monitoring System (Integra Neurosciences, Plainsboro, NJ). Patients were exposed to all 12 positions in random order. Changes from baseline to the 15-minute postposition assessment mean change scores showed a downward trend for PbtO2 for all positions with statistically significant decreases observed for supine head of bed (HOB) elevated 30° and 45° (p < .01) and right and left lateral positioning HOB 30° (p < .05). ICP decreased with supine HOB 45° (p < .01) and knee elevation, HOB 30o and 45° (p < .05), and increased (p < .05) with right and left lateral HOB 15o. Hemodynamic parameters were similar in the various positions. Positioning practices can positively or negatively affect PbtO2 and ICP and fluctuate with considerable variability among patients. Nurses must consider potential effects of turning, evaluate changes with positioning on the basis of monitoring feedback from multimodality devices, and make independent clinical judgments about optimal positions to maintain or improve cerebral oxygenation.
Enhancing the Nutritional Profile of Noodles With Bambara Groundnut (Vigna subterranea) and Moringa (Moringa oleifera): A Food System Approach

Bambara groundnut (BG, Vigna subterranea) and moringa (Moringa oleifera) are underutilized crops that improve nutritional quality of diets locally. The objectives of this study were to measure the performance of both crops on a marginal soil, analyze the harvested plant parts and noodles produced from them, and to undertake taste testing and survey consumer reactions. The noodles contained either 100% wheat flour or wheat with either BG flour (20%) or moringa powder (6%). BG yielded 0.70 t ha−1 of dry nuts and moringa 1.54 t ha−1 of dry leaflets. Both plant products were high in nutrients (especially K, and Ca in moringa) and some amino acids. Inclusion in noodles significantly enhanced their nutritional composition particularly energy content, crude fat, crude fiber and carbohydrate. Significant increases (p < 0.05) of Mg, Mn, P, K, and Zn occurred. Total essential amino acid concentration increased from 34.1% in the pure wheat noodles to 38.2% in BG and 34.8% in moringa noodles. Sensory analysis showed acceptability of all three noodle types was above the “Neither like nor dislike” category leaning toward the liking end for almost all the attributes tested. A consumer reaction survey showed there were internal and external factors motivating respondents to choose both products. Weak correlations were found between some of these factors and respondents' willingness to pay more for the BG and moringa noodles. We conclude that adopting a comprehensive research approach from plant to plate can assist transfer of underutilized crops from field studies to acceptable consumer products with enhanced nutritional profiles.
Affective Outcomes of Membership in a Sport Fan Community

In this mini-review, we shed light on the important, yet under researched topic area in sport management – understanding the role that emotion plays for members of sport fan communities. Much research has been done on the relationship between sport organization and fan; yet, far more needs to be discussed on how the sense of community fans feel lead to affective outcomes and consumption behaviors. With an understanding of the affective outcomes resulting from a connection between fans, sport organizations can use the knowledge to develop promotional procedures and nurture their fan community in an effort to grow their fan base and elevate consumption behavior. The aim of this mini-review is to (a) draw attention to the value of sport fan communities and (b) highlight areas in which sport organizations can build marketing strategies. As it is necessary for sport organizations to better understand the role emotion plays in the consumer behavior of their fans, more attention needs to be paid in understanding the affective benefits of membership in a sport fan community.
Splenomegaly – Diagnostic validity, work-up, and underlying causes

Purpose Our aim was to assess the validity of the ICD-10 code for splenomegaly in the Danish National Registry of Patients (DNRP), as well as to investigate which underlying diseases explained the observed splenomegaly. Background Splenomegaly is a common finding in patients referred to an internal medical department and can be caused by a large spectrum of diseases, including haematological diseases and liver cirrhosis. However, some patients remain without a causal diagnosis, despite extensive medical work-up. Patients and methods We identified 129 patients through the DNRP, that had been given the ICD-10 splenomegaly diagnosis code in 1994–2013 at Odense University Hospital, Denmark, excluding patients with prior splenomegaly, malignant haematological neoplasia or liver cirrhosis. Medical records were reviewed for validity of the splenomegaly diagnosis, diagnostic work-up, and the underlying disease was determined. The positive predictive value (PPV) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated for the splenomegaly diagnosis code. Patients with idiopathic splenomegaly in on-going follow-up were also invited to be investigated for Gaucher disease. Results The overall PPV was 92% (95% CI: 85, 96). Haematological diseases were the underlying causal diagnosis in 39%; hepatic diseases in 18%, infectious disease in 10% and other diseases in 8%. 25% of patients with splenomegaly remained without a causal diagnosis. Lymphoma was the most common haematological causal diagnosis and liver cirrhosis the most common hepatic causal diagnosis. None of the investigated patients with idiopathic splenomegaly had Gaucher disease. Conclusion Our findings show that the splenomegaly diagnosis in the DNRP is valid and can be used in registry-based studies. However, because of suspected significant under-coding, it should be considered if supplementary data sources should be used in addition, in order to attain a more representative population. Haematological diseases were the most common cause, however in a large fraction of patients no causal diagnosis was found.
Acute vibration reduces Aβ nerve fiber sensitivity and alters gene expression in the ventral tail nerves of rats

Long‐term occupational exposure to hand–arm vibration can result in a permanent reduction in tactile sensitivity in exposed fingers and hands. Little is known about how vibration causes this reduction in sensitivity, and currently no testing procedures have been developed to monitor changes in sensory perception during ongoing exposures. We used a rat‐tail model of hand–arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) to determine whether changes in sensory nerve function could be detected after acute exposure to vibration. Nerve function was assessed using the current perception threshold (CPT) method. We also determined whether changes in nerve function were associated with changes in gene transcription. Our results demonstrate that the CPT method can be used to assess sensory nerve function repeatedly in rats and can detect transient decreases in the sensitivity of Aβ nerve fibers caused by acute exposure to vibration. This decrease in Aβ fiber sensitivity was associated with a reduction in expression of nitric oxide synthase‐1, and a modest increase in calcitonin gene–related peptide transcript levels in tail nerves 24 h after vibration exposure. These transient changes in sensory perception and transcript levels induced by acute vibration exposure may be indicators of more prolonged changes in peripheral nerve physiology. Muscle Nerve, 2007
Education and fiscal decentralization. The case of municipal education in Chile

Chile implemented a radical reform in favor of decentralization at the beginning of the 1980s, with municipalities taking over the administration of public school education. The government that came to power in 2014 is committed to revert this reform, removing public schools from municipal control. Using panel data gathered between 2005 and 2013, this study shows that municipalities with greater autonomy performed better when administrating schools. Two major conclusions may be drawn. First, selective decentralization in favor of more autonomous municipalities is a better public policy approach relative to an all across the board solution. Second, since this autonomy is very unevenly distributed across municipal governments, a renewed and more effective fiscal equalization system should be established in Chile.
Waterpipe Tobacco Smoking in Three Israeli Adult Populations.

BACKGROUND Waterpipe tobacco smoking (WTS) is common in some populations and may add increased risk for tobacco-related diseases. OBJECTIVES To assess the rates of WTS and risk practices associated with WTS in three distinct populations in Israel: long-term Jewish residents (LTJR), immigrants from the former Soviet Union (fSU), and Arabs. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional survey of 899 randomly selected participants, age 30-65 years, using face-to-face interviews with subjects from the three population groups in Israel. Respondents reported WTS, cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption, and socioeconomic characteristics. RESULTS Among men, WTS at least once a week was reported by 4.8% of LTJR, 3.2% of fSU immigrants and 20.3% of Arabs. Lower rates were reported among women of all groups. The younger, less educated men and the younger unmarried women had higher odds of WTS. LTJR who smoked cigarettes and drank alcohol had higher odds of WTS [odds ratio (OR) 32.6, confidence interval (CI) 9.36-113.6; OR = 3.57, CI = 1.48-8.63, respectively], compared to non-smokers and non-drinkers. fSU immigrants who smoked cigarettes had higher odds of WTS (OR = 3.40, CI = 0.99-11.7) compared to non-smokers. Among Arabs, cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption were not associated with WTS. CONCLUSIONS Arabs are more likely than other Israeli populations to engage in WTS. This behavior may add to increased inequalities in rates of tobacco-induced diseases between Arabs and Jews in Israel. Including WTS in the policies for smoke-free public places is called for.