Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Changes in dialysate concentrations of glutamate and GABA in the brain: an index of volume transmission mediated actions?

Brain microdialysis has become a frequently used method to study the extracellular concentrations of neurotransmitters in specific areas of the brain. For years, and this is still the case today, dialysate concentrations and hence extracellular concentrations of neurotransmitters have been interpreted as a direct index of the neuronal release of these specific neurotransmitter systems. Although this seems to be the case for neurotransmitters such as dopamine, serotonin and acetylcholine, the extracellular concentrations of glutamate and GABA do not provide a reliable index of their synaptic exocytotic release. However, many microdialysis studies show changes in extracellular concentrations of glutamate and GABA under specific pharmacological and behavioural stimuli that could be interpreted as a consequence of the activation of specific neurochemical circuits. Despite this, we still do not know the origin and physiological significance of these changes of glutamate and GABA in the extracellular space. Here we propose that the changes in dialysate concentrations of these two neurotransmitters found under specific treatments could be an expression of the activity of the neurone–astrocyte unit in specific circuits of the brain. It is further proposed that dialysate changes of glutamate and GABA could be used as an index of volume transmission mediated actions of these two neurotransmitters in the brain. This hypothesis is based firstly on the assumption that the activity of neurones is functionally linked to the activity of astrocytes, which can release glutamate and GABA to the extracellular space; secondly, on the existence of extrasynaptic glutamate and GABA receptors with functional properties different from those of GABA receptors located at the synapse; and thirdly, on the experimental evidence reporting specific electrophysiological and neurochemical effects of glutamate and GABA when their levels are increased in the extracellular space. According to this concept, glutamate and GABA, once released into the extracellular compartment, could diffuse and have long‐lasting effects modulating glutamatergic and/or GABAergic neurone‐astrocytic networks and their interactions with other neurotransmitter neurone networks in the same areas of the brain.
The Effects of Program/Erase Cycles on the ONO Stack Layer in SONOS Flash Memory Cell Investigated by a Variable-Amplitude Low-Frequency Charge-Pumping Technique

In this paper, influences of program/erase (P/E) cycles on the defect generation in a SONOS flash memory cell are studied by using a variable-amplitude low-frequency charge-pumping technique. We observe that P/E cycles would generate new oxide and nitride traps, and degraded cell retention is observed. Besides, the increase of oxide- and nitride-trap densities follows a power-law behavior as a function of P/E cycles. We also observe that these stress-created oxide and nitride traps are unstable and will be eliminated rapidly during high-temperature storage.
Cancer Cell Dependence on Unsaturated Fatty Acids Implicates Stearoyl-CoA Desaturase as a Target for Cancer Therapy

Emerging literature suggests that metabolic pathways play an important role in the maintenance and progression of human cancers. In particular, recent studies have implicated lipid biosynthesis and desaturation as a requirement for tumor cell survival. In the studies reported here, we aimed to understand whether tumor cells require the activity of either human isoform of stearoyl-CoA-desaturase (SCD1 or SCD5) for survival. Inhibition of SCD1 by siRNA or a small molecule antagonist results in strong induction of apoptosis and growth inhibition, when tumor cells are cultured in reduced (2%) serum conditions, but has little impact on cells cultured in 10% serum. Depletion of SCD5 had minimal effects on cell growth or apoptosis. Consistent with the observed dependence on SCD1, but not SCD5, levels of SCD1 protein increased in response to decreasing serum levels. Both induction of SCD1 protein and sensitivity to growth inhibition by SCD1 inhibition could be reversed by supplementing growth media with unsaturated fatty acids, the product of the enzymatic reaction catalyzed by SCD1. Transcription profiling of cells treated with an SCD inhibitor revealed strong induction of markers of endoplasmic reticulum stress. Underscoring its importance in cancer, SCD1 protein was found to be highly expressed in a large percentage of human cancer specimens. SCD inhibition resulted in tumor growth delay in a human gastric cancer xenograft model. Altogether, these results suggest that desaturated fatty acids are required for tumor cell survival and that SCD may represent a viable target for the development of novel agents for cancer therapy. Mol Cancer Res; 9(11); 1551–61. ©2011 AACR.
Are face-responsive regions selective only for faces?

To examine the specificity of face-responsive regions for face processing, we used fMRI to measure the response of the fusiform gyrus and the superior temporal sulcus (STS) to pictures of human faces, animals, faceless animals, and houses. Results indicate that faces, animals, and faceless animals all elicited greater activity than houses, and had identical peaks of activation in the lateral fusiform gyrus, bilaterally, and in the right posterior STS. Moreover, within the lateral fusiform gyrus the responses to faces, animals and faceless animals were all greater than the responses to these stimuli in the medial aspect of the fusiform gyrus, a region that responds more strongly to other objects (e.g. houses). These findings suggest that the neural representation of animals in the fusiform gyrus and the posterior STS relies strongly on the same neural substrates that represent faces.
Resonating valence bond ground state in oxygen-functionalized phenalenyl-based neutral radical molecular conductors.

We report the preparation, crystallization, and solid-state characterization of the first two members of a new family of spiro-bis(1,9-disubstituted phenalenyl)boron neutral radicals based solely on oxygen functionalization, and we show that this strategy significantly lowers the electrochemical disproportionation potentials (DeltaE), in comparison with other spiro-bis(1,9-disubstituted phenalenyl)boron salts. In the solid state, these radicals pack in a continuous array of pi-pi-stacked phenalenyl units with very short intermolecular carbon.carbon contacts. These two radicals are among the most highly conducting neutral organic solids, with room temperature conductivities reaching 0.3 S/cm. Magnetic susceptibility measurements show that the radicals do not exist as isolated free radicals, and there is significant spin-spin interaction between the molecules in the solid state as expected from the crystal structures and the calculated band structures; the solid-state properties are best rationalized in terms of the resonating valence bond model.
In the Absence of Achievement: The Formation of New Team Identification

Abstract Motives to attend sport and form identification with sporting teams attract considerable attention in the literature. Previous research has determined that vicarious achievement is a key construct leading to attendance and identification. Conceptual and theoretical development has focused on established sport teams, and has not been inclusive of the formation of identification in a new team context. New sport teams do not have a history of achievement or well established traditions through which to attract fans, thus the constructs that influence the formation of identification with new sport teams may be conceivably different. In this study a mixed-method approach was used to explore key themes leading to the formation of new team identification with a new football team in Australia. Findings illustrated that vicarious achievement is less relevant in a new team, new league context. New team identification was characterized by a strong desire to support the sport of football in an Australian league. The home city of members and the match day occasion were also important themes in the formation of new team identification.
Stochastic Effects on the Dynamics of the Resonant Structure of a Lorentz Force MEMS Magnetometer

Resonance features of slender mechanical parts of Lorentz force MEMS magnetometers are affected by the (weakly) coupled thermo-electro-magneto-mechanical multi-physics governing their dynamics. We recently showed that reduced-order models for such parts can be written in the form of the Duffing equation, whose nonlinear term stems from the mechanical constraint on the vibrations and is affected by the driving voltage. As some device performance indices vary proportionally to the amplitude of oscillations at resonance, an optimization of the operational conditions may lead to extremely slender, imperfection-sensitive movable structures. In this work, we investigate the effects of imperfections on the mechanical response of a single-axis magnetometer. At the microscopic length-scale, imperfections are given in terms of uncertainties in the values of the over-etch depth and of the Young’s modulus of the vibrating polycrystalline silicon film. Their effects on the nonlinear structural dynamics are investigated through a Monte Carlo analysis, to show how the output of real devices can be scattered around the reference response trend.
Correction for Lai et al., Sequence, structure, and cooperativity in folding of elementary protein structural motifs

BIOPHYSICS AND COMPUTATIONAL BIOLOGY, CHEMISTRY Correction for “Sequence, structure, and cooperativity in folding of elementary protein structural motifs,” by Jason K. Lai, Ginka S. Kubelka, and Jan Kubelka, which appeared in issue 32, August 11, 2015, of Proc Natl Acad Sci USA (112:9890–9895; first published July 27, 2015; 10.1073/ pnas.1506309112). The authors note that Fig. 5 appeared incorrectly. The corrected figure and its legend appear below.
The value of convexity: a theoretical and empirical investigation

Abstract We explore from a theoretical and an empirical perspective the value of convexity in the US Treasury market. We present a quasi-model-agnostic approach that is rooted in the existence of some affine model capable of recovering with good accuracy the market yield curve and covariance matrix. As we show, at least one such model exists, and this is all we require for our results to hold. We show that, as a consequence, the theoretical ‘value of convexity’ purely depends on observable features of the yield curve, and on statistically determinable yield volatilities. We then address the question of whether the theoretical convexity is indeed correctly reflected in the shape of the yield curve. We present empirical results about the predictive power of a strategy based on the discrepancies between the theoretical and the predicted value of convexity. By looking at 30 years of data, we find that neither the strategy of being systematically long or short convexity (and immunized against ‘level’ and ‘slope’ risk) would have been profitable. However, a conditional strategy that looks at the difference between the ‘implied’ and the statistically estimated value of convexity would have identified extended periods during which the proposed approach would have delivered attractive Sharpe Ratios.
Scavenger receptor class B type I is a key host factor for hepatitis C virus infection required for an entry step closely linked to CD81

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major cause of chronic hepatitis worldwide. Scavenger receptor class B type I (SR‐BI) has been shown to bind HCV envelope glycoprotein E2, participate in entry of HCV pseudotype particles, and modulate HCV infection. However, the functional role of SR‐BI for productive HCV infection remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the role of SR‐BI as an entry factor for infection of human hepatoma cells using cell culture–derived HCV (HCVcc). Anti–SR‐BI antibodies directed against epitopes of the human SR‐BI extracellular loop specifically inhibited HCVcc infection in a dose‐dependent manner. Down‐regulation of SR‐BI expression by SR‐BI–specific short interfering RNAs (siRNAs) markedly reduced the susceptibility of human hepatoma cells to HCVcc infection. Kinetic studies demonstrated that SR‐BI acts predominately after binding of HCV at an entry step occurring at a similar time point as CD81–HCV interaction. Although the addition of high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) enhanced the efficiency of HCVcc infection, anti–SR‐BI antibodies and SR‐BI–specific siRNA efficiently inhibited HCV infection independent of lipoprotein. Conclusion: Our data suggest that SR‐BI (i) represents a key host factor for HCV entry, (ii) is implicated in the same HCV entry pathway as CD81, and (iii) targets an entry step closely linked to HCV–CD81 interaction. (HEPATOLOGY 2007.)
Effects of task complexity on reaction time and movement kinematics in elderly people.

OBJECTIVE In clinical practice, occupational therapists identify characteristics or demands of a task and, to improve coordination or problem solving ability, grade it along the complexity dimension. Effects of increased complexity of functional tasks have not been studied to date. The purpose of this study was to continue to examine the characteristics of occupation by testing the effect of task complexity on motor performance in elderly people. METHOD A counterbalanced repeated-measures design was used. Twenty-eight elderly people without motor problems (9 men, 19 women) performed checker game moves ranging from one to four steps. Only the first segment of movement from start position to the first designated place was kinematically analyzed and compared among the four conditions because it has been shown in earlier studies that differences in strategy are apparent from the first segment. RESULTS Generally, the more complex moves elicited higher peak velocity (indicating greater force employed, F[3,72] = 3.45, p = .0210) and more movement units (indicating a less smooth and less efficient movement, F[3,72] = 4.71, p = .0047) than a simple move. CONCLUSION The results indicate that in this study, task complexity affects forcefulness and smoothness of motor performance, supporting the practice of activity analysis and gradation along the complexity dimension in occupational therapy. When treating elderly people in clinics, therapists may increase the number of steps within a task to facilitate the force embedded in movement, or decrease the number of steps to facilitate smooth and economical movement.
The Effects of Real Exchange Rate Fluctuations on the Gender Wage Gap and Domestic Violence in Uruguay

In this paper, we bring to light the experiences resulting from the significant depreciation of the Uruguayan real exchange rate between 2002 and 2003, followed by an equally considerable appreciation between 2004 and 2010. We explore the link between these fluctuations and the incidence of domestic violence taking place in Uruguay. The real exchange rate is a measure of the relative price between tradable and nontradable goods. While men are traditionally employed in tradable industries, such as manufacturing, women are more likely to work in nontradable industries, such as the service sector. A change in the real exchange rate, therefore, can affect the potential wages of men differently from those of women. In line with the models that represent household bargaining, an increase in the real exchange rate can generate an increase in the bargaining power of men relative to that of women within the household. We present evidence that it raises the frequency of domestic violence. This holds true in rich and poor areas of the city.
Comparative effectiveness of antiviral treatment for hepatitis B: a systematic review and Bayesian network meta-analysis

Objective A wide variety of competing drugs are available to patients for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B. We update a recent meta-analysis to include additional trial evidence with the aim of determining which treatment is the most effective. Methods Twelve monotherapy or combination therapy were evaluated in treatment-naive individuals with hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) positive or negative patients. Databases were searched for randomized controlled trials in the first year of therapy. Bayesian random effects network meta-analysis was used to calculate the pairwise odds ratios, 95% credible intervals and ranking of six surrogate outcomes. Results In total, 22 studies were identified (7508 patients): 12 studies analysed HBeAg-positive patients, six analysed HBeAg-negative patients, and four evaluated both. Tenofovir was most effective at increasing efficacy in HBeAg-positive patients, ranking first for three outcomes and increased odds of undetectable levels of hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA compared with seven other therapies (such as lamivudine: odds ratio 33.0; 95% credible interval 7.0–292.7). For HBeAg-negative patients, the large network (seven therapies) ranked entecavir alone or in combination with tenofovir highly for reduction in HBV DNA and histologic improvement. In the smaller network (three therapies), tenofovir ranked first for undetectable HBV DNA and histologic improvement. No data existed to directly or indirectly compare these treatments. Conclusion For HBeAg-positive patients tenofovir is the most effective at increasing efficacy, whereas for HBeAg-negative patients, either tenofovir or entecavir is most effective. Further research should focus on strengthening the network connections, in particular comparing tenofovir and entecavir in HBeAg-negative patients.
Contract Duration under Incomplete Land Ownership Rights: Empirical Evidence from Rural Ethiopia

Using the land tenure system in Ethiopia, where all land is state-owned and only farm households have usufruct rights, as a case study, we assessed the links between land owners’ tenure insecurity, associated behavioral factors, and contract length. In this paper, we analyze these links with survey data of rural households in the Amhara National Regional State of Ethiopia. The empirical strategy follows a hazard function model employed in duration data analyses and investigates the fitness of the data to the alternative exponential and Weibull functional forms. The results show that landlords’ risk aversion increases the duration of contracts, which is in line with the reverse tenancy argument that landlords’ risk preferences affect land-contract decisions. The findings of the study also indicate that tenure insecurity is a critical factor in the nature and length of contracts; hence, policies should aim to reduce landlords’ frustrations regarding future land redistribution by the state. An important implication of the results is that secure tenure systems can reduce the disincentives from tenure insecurity due to uncertainty about contract duration and thereby enhance tenants’ welfare. Longer-term and stable contracts can improve the land rental market. In addition, the impact of risk preferences points toward the importance of poverty in the functioning of the land rental market.
Implementing Monetary Policy

During the past three years, central banks have faced challenges that few foresaw during the period known as the Great Moderation. During the crisis, central banks have responded with traditional interest rate tools, been forced to deal with the zero lower bound on nominal interest rates, and expanded the scope of their lender of last resort function. In addition, quantitative easing and credit easing policies have entered the toolkit of central banks. After briefly discussing the instruments of monetary policy and reviewing the performance of inflation targeting, I consider three suggested modifications to this policy framework. These are raising the average target for inflation, incorporating additional objectives, and switching to price level targeting.
Protein flexibility prediction by an all‐atom mean‐field statistical theory

We extended a mean‐field model to proteins with all atomic detail. The all‐atom mean‐field model was used to calculate the dynamic and thermodynamic properties of a three‐helix bundle fragment of Staphylococcal protein A (Protein Data Bank [PDB] ID 1BDD) and α‐spectrin SH3 domain protein (PDB ID 1SHG). We show that a model with all‐atomic detail provides a significantly more accurate prediction of flexibility of residues in proteins than does a coarse‐grained residue‐level model. The accuracy of flexibility prediction is further confirmed by application of the method to 18 additional proteins with the largest size of 224 residues.
Exchange Rate Uncertainty and Firm Investment Plans - Evidence from Swiss Survey Data

A sudden change in monetary policy happened in Switzerland on January 15th, 2015. The Swiss National Bank removed a lower exchange rate bound vis-a-vis the Euro. This unexpected change of regime induced a temporary uncertainty about future prices in foreign markets. We believe that this hampers firm investment in the short term. Using this change in monetary policy as a natural experiment and exploiting the continuous nature of a micro-level business tendency survey, we identify the source of uncertainty and disentangle first and second moment effects. We find that price uncertainty affects investment in equipment and machinery through real option effects and believe that growth option effects positively influences expenditures in research and development. We show that focusing on aggregate gross fixed capital formation masks important insights and suggest the use of disaggregated investment data to deepen our knowledge on the relationship between uncertainty and investment.
Return to work following road accidents: factors associated with late work resumption.

OBJECTIVE To analyse factors associated with late return to work in road accident victims. MATERIALS AND METHODS The ESPARR cohort comprises road accident victims monitored over time from initiation of hospital care. A total of 608 ESPARR cohort subjects were working at the time of their accident and answered questionnaires at 6 months and/or 1 year. For each level of overall severity of injury (Maximum - Abbreviated Injury Scale (M-AIS) 1, 2, 3 and 4-5), a time-off-work threshold was defined, beyond which the subject was deemed to be a late returner; 179 subjects were considered to be late in returning to work, while 402 showed a normal pattern of return. Logistic regression identified factors associated with late return. RESULTS Type of journey, overall injury severity and intention to press charges emerged as factors predictive of late return to work on the basis of the data collected at inclusion alone. After adjustment, pain (odds ratio (OR): 2.6; 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.0-6.7) and physical sequelae (OR: 3.8; 95% CI 1.7-8.3) at 6 months and the fact of pressing charges (OR: 2.6; 95% CI 1.2-5.5) remained significantly linked with late return to work. CONCLUSION Impaired health status at 6 months after the initial accident (in the form of persistent pain and physical sequelae) is a determining factor delaying return to work following a road traffic accident.