Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Motor Cortex and Its Role in Phantom Limb Phenomena

Limb amputation results in plasticity of connections between the brain and muscles; the cortical motor representation of the missing limb seemingly disappears. The disappearance of the hand's motor representation is, however, difficult to reconcile with evidence that a perceptual representation of the missing limb persists in the form of a phantom limb endowed with sensory and motor qualities. Here, we argue that despite considerable reorganization within the motor cortex of upper-limb amputees, the representation of the amputated hand does not disappear. We hypothesize that two levels of hand-movement representation coexist within the primary motor cortex; at one level, limb movements are specified in terms of arm and hand motor commands, and at another level, limb movements are specified as muscles synergies. We propose that primary motor cortex reorganization after amputation concerns primarily the upper limb's muscular map but not its motor command map and that the integrity of the motor command map underlies the existence of the phantom limb. NEUROSCIEN-TIST 14(2):195—202, 2008. DOI: 10.1177/1073858407309466
The core faecal bacterial microbiome of Irish Thoroughbred racehorses

In this study, we characterized the gut microbiota in six healthy Irish thoroughbred racehorses and showed it to be dominated by the phyla Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria, Verrucomicrobia, Actinobacteria, Euryarchaeota, Fibrobacteres and Spirochaetes. Moreover, all the horses harboured Clostridium, Fibrobacter, Faecalibacterium, Ruminococcus, Eubacterium, Oscillospira, Blautia Anaerotruncus, Coprococcus, Treponema and Lactobacillus spp. Notwithstanding the sample size, it was noteworthy that the core microbiota species assignments identified Fibrobacter succinogenes, Eubacterium coprostanoligenes, Eubacterium hallii, Eubacterium ruminantium, Oscillospira guillermondii, Sporobacter termiditis, Lactobacillus equicursoris, Treponema parvum and Treponema porcinum in all the horses. This is the first study of the faecal microbiota in the Irish thoroughbred racehorse, a significant competitor in the global bloodstock industry. The information gathered in this pilot study provides a foundation for veterinarians and other equine health‐associated professionals to begin to analyse the microbiome of performance of racehorses. This study and subsequent work may lead to alternate dietary approaches aimed at minimizing the risk of microbiota‐related dysbiosis in these performance animals.
Infrequent CDKN2 mutation in human differentiated thyroid cancers

We examined the frequency of cyclin‐dependent kinase (CDK) N2 alterations in differentiated and anaplastic thyroid cancers to assess the involvement of CDKN2 in the development of these cancers. The CDKN2 gene, which encodes the cell‐cycle regulator p16, was recently shown to be mutated or deleted in many tumor cell lines. Its role in the genesis of primary tumors is uncertain, however. Tumor and corresponding normal DNAs were prepared by microdissection of paraffin‐embedded tissue blocks or from frozen surgical specimens of 15 papillary, 15 follicular, and five anaplastic thyroid carcinomas. The entire CDKN2 coding region was screened by single‐strand conformational variant analysis and direct sequencing of variants. The presence of homozygous deletions was evaluated by multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis. Loss of heterozygosity (LOH) in the CDKN2 region was assessed by using flanking polymorphic markers. Two somatic missense mutations were found among the 35 thyroid cancers, one in a follicular tumor and one in an anaplastic tumor. Multiplex PCR suggested the presence of homozygous deletion in one anaplastic tumor and hemizygous deletions in four tumors. LOH studies revealed loss of 9p sequences in four follicular (27%) and two anaplastic (50%) cancers. Our data suggest that alterations in CDKN2 played a role in a minority of thyroid cancers (three of 35). LOH in the region of CDKN2 is seen in a significant proportion of follicular and anaplastic but not papillary cancers. Loss of 9p sequences suggests a role for a tumor suppressor gene in the development of follicular and anaplastic thyroid cancers. © 1996 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Yellow nail syndrome: not a genetic disorder? Eleven new cases and a review of the literature

Background Yellow nail syndrome (YNS) is characterized by the triad of characteristic nail changes, chronic respiratory disorders and primary lymphoedema. Over 100 cases have been published, most of which have been sporadic. Despite this, YNS is classified as a dominantly inherited lymphoedema with variable expression. There have been only a few published reports where a positive family history (FH) has been documented in cases of YNS.
Placebo effects of caffeine on short-term resistance exercise to failure.

PURPOSE This study examined the placebo effect of caffeine on number of repetitions (reps), rating of perceived exertion (RPE), blood pressure (BP), and peak heart rate (PHR) during resistance-training exercise with repetitions (reps) performed to volitional failure. METHODS Following determination of 1-rep maximum in single-leg leg extension, 15 males performed reps to failure at 60% 1-RM in 3 conditions: control, perceived caffeine condition, and perceived placebo condition presented in a randomized order. Participants were informed they would ingest 250 mL of solution that contained either 3 mg.kg(-1) caffeine or 3 mg.kg(-1) placebo 1 h before each exercise trial. A deceptive protocol was employed and subjects consumed a placebo solution in both conditions. During each condition, total reps, RPE for the active muscle and overall body, and PHR were recorded. RESULTS Subjects completed 2 more reps when they perceived they had ingested caffeine. RPE was significantly (P=.04) lower in the perceived caffeine and control conditions and RPE for the active muscle was significantly higher across all conditions compared with RPE for the overall body. No substantial differences were evident in PHR across conditions. CONCLUSIONS Results of this study are similar to studies of actual caffeine ingestion. However, the perception of consuming a substance that purportedly enhances performance is sufficient enough to enable individuals to complete a greater number of reps to failure during short-term resistance exercise.
"It's horrendous--but really, what can you do?" Preliminary findings on financial impact of relocation for specialist treatment.

There has been little analysis of the process of relocation for specialist treatment for patients with haematological malignancies. Existing work does not cover the financial impact on families of such an experience. This paper describes seminal work in this area by presenting findings from research based on interviews with patients and families affected by relocation. The two-fold intent informing this discussion is to provide data to initiate research in the area, whilst fostering a consideration of epistemological issues at the interface of qualitative and quantitative research. The results show that there are very significant financial problems. In planning psychosocial support for such families, serious consideration must be given to both their short and long-term economic plight.
Ēthrane (Compound 347) Anesthesia: A Clinical and Laboratory Review of 700 Cases

ORE THAN 20 years ago, Robbins1 studM ied the anesthetic effect of fluorinated hydrocarbons and found that those with a low boiling point produced convulsive movements. The anesthetic potency and recovery time from anesthesia could be increased by fluorinated compounds with a higher boiling point. The addition of bromine appeared to increase the safety margin of such an anesthetic compound and also increased the potency. The inclusion of several halogen atoms into a compound substantially reduced the flammability range. The use of fluorine for halogenation did not decrease the volatility of an agent, but at least one hydrogen atom appeared to be required to ensure anesthetic potency.
Signal detection by square law receivers using the experimental system PALES

To check the capabilities of a dasiashared aperturepsila, at FGAN the PALES experimental system is built up. Especially array signal processing with a multibeam system is investigated. In this paper the basics of signal detection by square law detectors are discussed. The proposed signal detection method is based on a time frequency representation. Besides signal detection also the PRF of the received signals is estimated. Experimental results validate the theoretical investigations.
Conservation of the Extended Substrate Specificity Profiles Among Homologous Granzymes Across Species*

Granzymes are structurally related serine proteases involved in cell death and immunity. To date four out of five human granzymes have assigned orthologs in mice; however for granzyme H, no murine ortholog has been suggested and its role in cytotoxicity remains controversial. Here, we demonstrate that, as is the case for granzyme C, human granzyme H is an inefficient cytotoxin that together with their similar pattern of GrB divergence and functional similarity strongly hint to their orthologous relationship. Besides analyzing the substrate specificity profile of granzyme H by substrate phage display, substrate cleavage susceptibility of human granzyme H and mouse granzyme C was assessed on a proteome-wide level. The extended specificity profiles of granzymes C and H (i.e. beyond cleavage positions P4-P4′) match those previously observed for granzyme B. We demonstrate conservation of these extended specificity profiles among various granzymes as granzyme B cleavage susceptibility of an otherwise granzyme H/C specific cleavage site can simply be conferred by altering the P1-residue to aspartate, the preferred P1-residue of granzyme B. Our results thus indicate a conserved, but hitherto underappreciated specificity-determining role of extended protease-substrate contacts in steering cleavage susceptibility.
An improved maximum correntropy criterion algorithm with flexible zero attractor for sparse channel estimation in mixed Gaussian noise environment

A maximum correntropy criterion (MCC) algorithm with a flexible zero attractor is proposed, whose estimation performance is investigated for estimating a multi-path channel in mixed Gaussian environment. The proposed algorithm is denoted as flexible zero attraction MCC (FZA-MCC), in which the flexible zero attractor (FZA) is implemented by an approximation parameter adjustment function. The estimation behavior of the proposed FZA-MCC algorithm is carried out to evaluate a wide bandwidth multi-path channel in mixture Gaussian environment. The obtained results demonstrated that the FZA-MCC algorithm converges faster and achieves lower estimation error than the MCC and its related sparse algorithms.
Self-determined motivation predicts independent, home-based exercise following cardiac rehabilitation.

OBJECTIVE To investigate self-determined motivation as a predictor of exercise behavior 3 and 6 weeks following completion of cardiac rehabilitation (CR) as well as the relationship between psychological need satisfaction and self-determined motivation to exercise. PARTICIPANTS AND DESIGN CR outpatients (n = 68; M(age) = 64.90 +/- 8.86 years). The design was correlational (cross-sectional and prospective), with psychological need satisfaction predicting self-determined motivation at the completion of CR and self-determined motivation predicting exercise behavior at 3- and 6-week follow-ups. RESULTS Psychological need satisfaction for competence predicted self-determined motivation to exercise (beta = .32, p < .05, pr(2) = . 08). Self-determined motivation at the end of CR was correlated with exercise behavior at 3-week follow-up (r(68) = . 22, p < . 05) and predicted exercise at 6 weeks (R(2) (adjusted) = . 11; beta = . 35, p < . 01). CONCLUSION CR participants who report higher levels of psychological need satisfaction regarding exercise report greater self-determined motivation. Greater self-determined motivation to exercise, in turn, relates to higher levels of subsequent independent exercise behavior. Nurturing psychological needs and self-determined motivation during CR may assist participants in maintaining exercise following CR.
Differential impact of continuous theta‐burst stimulation over left and right DLPFC on planning

Most neuroimaging studies on planning report bilateral activations of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC). Recently, these concurrent activations of left and right dlPFC have been shown to double dissociate with different cognitive demands imposed by the planning task: Higher demands on the extraction of task‐relevant information led to stronger activation in left dlPFC, whereas higher demands on the integration of interdependent information into a coherent action sequence entailed stronger activation of right dlPFC. Here, we used continuous theta‐burst stimulation (cTBS) to investigate the supposed causal structure‐function mapping underlying this double dissociation. Two groups of healthy subjects (left‐lateralized stimulation, n = 26; right‐lateralized stimulation, n = 26) were tested within‐subject on a variant of the Tower of London task following either real cTBS over dlPFC or sham stimulation over posterior parietal cortex. Results revealed that, irrespective of specific task demands, cTBS over left and right dlPFC was associated with a global decrease and increase, respectively, in initial planning times compared to sham stimulation. Moreover, no interaction between task demands and stimulation type (real vs. sham) and/or stimulation side (left vs. right hemisphere) were found. Together, against expectations from previous neuroimaging data, lateralized cTBS did not lead to planning‐parameter specific changes in performance, but instead revealed a global asymmetric pattern of faster versus slower task processing after left versus right cTBS. This global asymmetry in the absence of any task‐parameter specific impact of cTBS suggests that different levels of information processing may span colocalized, but independent axes of functional lateralization in the dlPFC. Hum Brain Mapp, 2013. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Concept of Personal Initiative: An Overview of Validity Studies

Construct validity of an interview measure of personal initiative (PI) is examined in two parts. The first part assembles the results from 11 samples, showing that PI is meaningfully related to a nomological network of variables, based on environmental supports; knowledge, skills, and cognitive abilities; personality variables and orientations; and behavior and performance, confirming our hypotheses. In the second part, the article presents a new analysis that looks at the influence of motivational parameters (control aspiration, self-efficacy, and change orientation) and cognitive ability on PI within a longitudinal study in East Germany.
MTHFD 1958G>A and MTR 2756A>G polymorphisms are associated with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia

Background The etiology of bipolar disorder (BD) and schizophrenia is very complex. Polymorphic variants of genes encoding enzymes of the monoaminergic may be involved in development of BD and schizophrenia. Therefore, we examined the prevalence of 1958G>A polymorphism of MTHFD1 gene, encoding trifunctional folate enzyme 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase, 5,10-methenyltetrahydrofolate cyclohydrolase and 10-formyltetrahydrofolate synthetase (MTHFD1), and 2756A>G variant of methionine synthase (MTR) gene in patients with BD (n=200), schizophrenia (n=200) and in controls (n=300). Objective We investigated the genotypic and allelic frequencies of MTHFD1 1958G>A (R653Q) and MTR 2756A>G (D919G) gene polymorphisms in a group of bipolar (n=200) and schizophrenic patients (n=200), as well as in controls (n=300). Methods The distributon of genotypes in all groups was tested for deviation from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE). The Pearson's chi-square (χ2) test and Fisher's exact test were applied to assess differences in the genotypic and allelic (respectively) distribution between groups of patients and controls. Main results We found that MTHFD1 1958AA or 1958AG genotypes constitute risk factors for development of bipolar disorder type I (BDI) or schizophrenia with odds ratios (OR)=1.743 (95% CI=1.211–2.508; P=0.0027; P (corr)=0.0054) and 2.667 (95% CI=1.845–3.854; P=0.0001; P (corr)=0.0002), respectively. In the same groups, the MTR 2756GG or 2756AG genotypes also constitute significant risk factors in occurrence of BDI and schizophrenia with OR=1.621 (95% CI=1.130–2.326; P=0.0086; P (corr)=0.0172) and 1.556 (95% CI=1.085–2.232; P=0.0160; P (corr)=0.032), respectively. Gender classification of patients indicated significant association only of MTHFD1 1958A allele with BDI and schizophrenia in the male patients OR=1.838 (95% CI=1.114–3.031; P=0.0166; P (corr)=0.0332) and OR=3.964 (95% CI=2.358–6.663; P=0.0001 P (corr)=0.0002), respectively. Conclusion Since MTHFD and MTR genes are located in 14q24 and 1q43 loci, our findings support the significance of chromosomes 14q and 1q in etiopathogenesis of bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.
Association of increased monetary cost of dietary intake, diet quality and weight management in Spanish adults

Abstract Higher monetary diet cost is associated with healthier food choices and better weight management. How changes in diet cost affect changes in diet quality and weight remains unknown. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of changes in individual monetary diet cost on changes in diet quality, measured by the modified Mediterranean diet score recommendations (MDS-rec) and by energy density (ED), as well as changes in weight and BMI. We conducted a prospective, population-based study of 2181 male and female Spaniards aged between 25 and 74 years, who were followed up to the 2009–2010 academic year. We measured weight and height and recorded dietary data using a validated FFQ. Average food cost was calculated from official Spanish government data. We fitted multivariate linear and logistic regression models. The average daily diet cost increased from 3·68(SD0.0·89)€/8·36 MJ to 4·97(SD1·16)€/8·36 MJ during the study period. This increase was significantly associated with improvement in diet quality (Δ ED and Δ MDS-rec; P<0·0001). Each 1€ increase in monetary diet cost per 8·36 MJ was associated with a decrease of 0·3 kg in body weight (P=0·02) and 0·1 kg/m2 in BMI (P=0·04). These associations were attenuated after adjusting for changes in diet quality indicators. An improvement in diet quality and better weight management were both associated with an increase in diet cost; this could be considered in food policy decisions.
Creating a Supportive Environment to Enhance Computer Based Learning for Underrepresented Minorities in College Algebra Classrooms

Significant research in K-12 education has shown that computer based learning in mathematics positively impacts students' attitudes toward mathematics and greatly increases academic performance. Little research has shown, however, how this success can be replicated in a postsecondary classroom for minority students. This paper is a case study that examines the development and implementation of a complementary learning environment for a computer based College Algebra class. Preliminary results show a 15% increase in student success (earning grade C or higher) compared to national gains of 10% for computer based mathematics classrooms. Furthermore, an evaluation of student performance showed a better understanding of fundamental mathematics concepts and continued success in subsequent mathematics courses, demonstrating the need for further research in the enrichment of computer based learning environments for underrepresented minority students.
Beyond CD34+ cell dose: impact of method of peripheral blood hematopoietic stem cell mobilization (granulocyte–colony‐stimulating factor [G‐CSF], G‐CSF plus plerixafor, or cyclophosphamide G‐CSF/granulocyte‐macrophage [GM]‐CSF) on number of colony‐forming unit–GM, engraftment, and Day +100 hematopoi

BACKGROUND: The dose of CD34+ cells/kg in the mobilized peripheral blood product is the main determinant of neutrophil and platelet (PLT) engraftment after autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT). Whether the method of mobilization, namely, granulocyte–colony‐stimulating factor (G‐CSF) alone (G), G‐CSF plus plerixafor (G+P), or cyclophosphamide + G/granulocyte‐macrophage (GM)‐CSF (Cy+G/GM), independently affects number of colony‐forming unit (CFU)‐GM, engraftment, and hematopoietic graft function is unknown.
Factors associated with condom use: economic security and positive prevention among people living with HIV/AIDS in the Caribbean

Abstract In the Caribbean region, an estimated 1.1% of the population aged 15–49 is living with HIV. We aimed to measure factors associated with condom use, the primary form of positive prevention in the Caribbean, among people living with HIV (PLHIV) in its major agency advocating on behalf of PLHIV (the Caribbean Regional Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS, or CRN + ). Condom use at last sex was selected for analysis from a broad-ranging cross-sectional survey (n=394) among PLHIV who were members of or received services from CRN+ in Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, Trinidad and Tobago. PLHIV from CRN+ traced potential participants, administered informed consent procedures and carried out structured interviews. Fifty-four percent of respondents reported using a condom the last time they had sex. Condom use was positively associated with partner being HIV negative, disclosure of HIV status, alcohol use, economic security, education level and being employed. Multivariate logistic regression found independent associations between condom use and economic security (p=0.031; odds ratio (OR) for “enough” income 5.06; 95% CI 1.47–17.39), partner being HIV negative (p=0.036; OR 2.85; 95% CI 1.28–6.33) and being married (p=0.043; OR 2.86; 95% CI 1.03–7.91). Seventy-three percent of respondents reported inadequate family income, 26% reported an HIV-negative partner and 9% were married. Condom use appears to be motivated by protection of HIV-negative partners and spouses. Low socioeconomic status is associated with the overall percentage using condoms. Restriction to members of CRN+ limits generalisability of the findings. Nevertheless, the findings support the view that programmes for the socioeconomic empowerment of PLHIV are needed to slow the Caribbean HIV epidemic. Expectations for protection of different types of partners should be further explored in order to develop culturally appropriate interventions with couples.