Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Neural Correlates of Hemispatial Neglect: A Voxel-Based SPECT Study

Background: Despite many studies that investigated the neural correlates of hemispatial neglect (HN) with structural imaging, studies using voxel-wise analyses of functional imaging are not available. Furthermore, previous studies neither considered the neglect severity nor investigated whether there are differences in these neural correlates according to each neglect subtest. This study aimed to investigate the neural correlates of HN by correlating the total and the individual neglect score with hypoperfusion value on single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) using voxel-wise analyses. Methods: Forty-two patients with acute right hemisphere strokes underwent a neglect test battery consisting of 3 bisection tasks, 2 cancellation tasks and 2 copying tasks. The SPECT images were acquired in these patients and 10 age- and education-matched normal controls. Results: Patients with HN, compared to those without HN, had hypoperfusion in the right middle temporal-occipital junction, inferior frontal gyrus and retrosplenial area. The total neglect score correlated with the hypoperfusion in the right middle temporal-occipital junction, fusiform gyrus, parahippocampal gyrus, inferior temporal gyrus, anterior part of the superior and middle temporal gyri, cuneus, lingual gyrus, angular gyrus, and the cerebellum. Across the neglect subtests similar correlation patterns were observed with minor variations. Conclusions: Unlike the results of previous studies showing that the critical neural correlates for HN are inferior parietal lobule or superior temporal gyrus, our study showed that the lesions that critically contribute to the neglect severity were located in the posterior parts of the middle temporal gyrus (temporal-occipital junction).
RAD51 and BRCA2 Enhance Oncolytic Adenovirus Type 5 Activity in Ovarian Cancer

Homologous recombination (HR) function is critically important in high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC). HGSOC with intact HR has a worse prognosis and is less likely to respond to platinum chemotherapy and PARP inhibitors. Oncolytic adenovirus, a novel therapy for human malignancies, stimulates a potent DNA damage response that influences overall antitumor activity. Here, the importance of HR was investigated by determining the efficacy of adenovirus type 5 (Ad5) vectors in ovarian cancer. Using matched BRCA2-mutant and wild-type HGSOC cells, it was demonstrated that intact HR function promotes viral DNA replication and augments overall efficacy, without influencing viral DNA processing. These data were confirmed in a wider panel of HR competent and defective ovarian cancer lines. Mechanistically, both BRCA2 and RAD51 localize to viral replication centers within the infected cell nucleus and that RAD51 localization occurs independently of BRCA2. In addition, a direct interaction was identified between RAD51 and adenovirus E2 DNA binding protein. Finally, using functional assays of HR competence, despite inducing degradation of MRE11, Ad5 infection does not alter cellular ability to repair DNA double-strand break damage via HR. These data reveal that Ad5 redistributes critical HR components to viral replication centers and enhances cytotoxicity. Implications: Oncolytic adenoviral therapy may be most clinically relevant in tumors with intact HR function. Mol Cancer Res; 14(1); 44–55. ©2015 AACR.
A molecular MRI probe to detect treatment of cardiac apoptosis in vivo

Cell death by apoptosis is critical in myocardial diseases, and noninvasive detection of early, reversible apoptosis might be useful clinically. Exogenous Annexin‐V (ANX) protein binds membrane phosphatidylserine, which is externalized in early apoptosis. A molecular MRI probe was constructed with superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) conjugated to recombinant human ANX (ANX‐SPIO). Apoptosis was induced with doxorubicin, a cardiotoxic cancer drug, in culture in neonatal rat ventricular myocytes, cardiac fibroblasts, and mesenchymal stem cells, and in vivo in the mouse heart. ANX‐SPIO was validated using T2*‐weighted 3T MRI. ANX‐SPIO produced T2* signal loss, reflecting iron content, that correlated highly with independent apoptosis markers; bound with high affinity to apoptotic myocytes by competition assay (Ki 69 nM); detected apoptosis in culture much earlier than did TUNEL stain; and revealed fibroblast resistance to apoptosis. With apoptosis in vivo, ANX‐SPIO produced diffuse myocardial T2* signal loss that correlated with increased iron stain and caspase activity. Treatment with an alpha‐1‐adrenergic agonist in vivo reversed apoptosis and eliminated the ANX‐SPIO MRI signal. It is concluded that cardiac MRI of ANX‐SPIO detects early, nonischemic cardiac apoptosis in culture and in vivo, and can identify reversibly injured cardiac cells in diseased hearts, when treatment is still possible. Magn Reson Med, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Does CEO Resilience matter ? An upper echelons perspective.

Focusing on CEO resilience, this dissertation contributes to the upper echelons or strategic leadership research tradition and highlights a capacity, which is crucial in times of uncertainty, rapid change and pressure. Adopting a three essay format (two empirical and one theoretical pieces), it questions the influence of CEO resilience. The first chapter contextualises my work by reviewing previous "upper echelons" contributions pertaining to CEO characteristics and resilience literature. The first essay then investigates the impact of CEO resilience on firm performance and demonstrates the existence of a bell shape curvilinear relationship, relationship moderated by financial slack and industry complexity. The second essay confirms the existence of a U shape curvilinear relationship between CEO resilience and strategic dynamism and establishes the mediating role of strategic dynamism in the CEO resilience-company performance sequence. The third essay, which is conceptual, provides a model for internal and external diffusion of CEO resilience in times of crisis. Finally the concluding chapter of my thesis stresses some limitations, proposes future research avenues, and put forward some managerial implications.
Practices to optimise gastrointestinal nematode control on sheep, goat and cattle farms in Europe using targeted (selective) treatments

Due to the development of anthelmintic resistance, there have been calls for more sustainable nematode control practices. Two important concepts were introduced to study and promote the sustainable use of anthelmintics: targeted treatments (TT), where the whole flock/herd is treated based on knowledge of the risk, or parameters that quantify the severity of infection; and targeted selective treatments (TST), where only individual animals within the grazing group are treated. The aim of the TT and TST approaches is to effectively control nematode-induced production impacts while preserving anthelmintic efficacy by maintaining a pool of untreated parasites in refugia. Here, we provide an overview of recent studies that assess the use of TT/TST against gastrointestinal nematodes in ruminants and investigate the economic consequences, feasibility and knowledge gaps associated with TST. We conclude that TT/TST approaches are ready to be used and provide practical benefits today. However, a major shift in mentality will be required to make these approaches common practice in parasite control.
Anti‐tumour response despite loss of donor chimaerism in patients treated with non‐myeloablative conditioning and allogeneic stem cell transplantation

Based on a murine model, we conducted a series of trials of m‐myeloablative human leucocyte antigen (HLA)‐matched or mismatched related donor stem cell transplantation (SCT) with the intention of inducing mixed chimaerism (MC), then administering prophylactic donor lymphocyte infusions (DLIs), for the treatment of advanced haematologic malignancies. Preparative therapy consisted of cyclophosphamide, equine anti‐thymocyte globulin (ATG) or MEDI‐507 (an anti‐CD2 monoclonal antibody) for in‐vivo T‐cell depletion, thymic irradiation on day −1 and cyclosporine alone for graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis. DLIs were given as early as 5 weeks post‐SCT in patients with MC without evidence of GVHD. Twenty‐two patients ultimately lost their graft (<1% donor cells) that could no be rescued by DLIs. Nine of 22 (41%) patients who lost donor chimaerism achieved an objective response, including three patients who showed evidence of disease regression following DLI, despite continued absence of macrochimaerism. Six patients were alive at 2·5–5·5 years following SCT, including four in continuous complete remission. In summary, it is possible to achieve sustained remission in patients with chemorefractory malignancies following non‐myeloablative allogeneic SCT, even in the absence of sustained donor macrochimaerism; DLI may contribute to an ongoing anti‐tumour effect in these patients. Immunological mechanisms that correlated with rejection of the graft may have a role in anti‐tumour responses via a cell or cytokine‐mediated pathway.
RZ-DPSK transmission using a 42.7-Gb/s integrated balanced optical front end with record sensitivity

We have demonstrated a record sensitivity of -37.0 dBm (38 photons/bit) for a BER of 10/sup -9/ at 42.7-Gb/s using an integrated balanced optical front end. Results were obtained using optical preamplification of RZ-DPSK modulation and an external delay-interferometer. The OSNR requirement was measured to be 16.9 dB in a 0.1-nm bandwidth. The impact of polarization-mode dispersion (PMD) and chromatic dispersion on the optical front end performance has been measured. Performance for enhanced forward error correction has been projected based on 10/sup -3/ BER performance.
A Study To Evaluate The Shape And Size of Sella Turcica And Its Correlation with The Type of Malocclusion on Lateral Cephalometric Radiographs

Introduction: Lateral cephalograms display numerous cranial, facial and oral anatomic structures along with sella turcica which is considered vital for many radiographic analyses. It is demarcated by dense thin white line and is used to measure the position of maxilla & mandible in relation to the cranial base and to themselves. Various studies have found an association between morphological variations of sella to malocclusion and also gender differences have been noted. This retrospective study was carried out to evaluate these morphological variations of sella turcica and its relation to type of malocclusion. Aim: To determine dimensions and morphological variations of sella turcica in different age groups & correlation between sella and type of malocclusion. Materials And Methods: 200 lateral cephalometric images of the patients more than age group of 8 years and less than 25 years were selected. The morphological variations, linear measurements of sella turcica and the skeletal type classification, based on ANB angle was determined. Length, depth, antero-posterior diameter (linear dimentions) were measured and correlated with the type of malocclusion. Results: Out of the total sample studied, it was found that, when linear measurements were assessed, there was statistically significant difference found between the length and antero-posterior diameter of sella turcica. When skeletal type malocclusion was assessed, there was no significant correlation found between sella morphology, linear dimensions and the different types of malocclusion. Conclusion: The study showed significant correlation between the length and the anteroposterior diameter with the advancing age which signifies that growth of the individual can be assessed based on the size of sella turcica at different age periods.
The influence of insulin and amino acid supply on amino acid uptake by the lactating bovine mammary gland.

Four lactating dairy cows received arterial infusions of insulin (1.41 U/h), an AA mixture (threonine, methionine, leucine, phenylalanine, and lysine at 5.87, 1.90, 3.55, 2.17, and 4.21 mmol/h, respectively), and a combination of the two in a 4 x 4 Latin square. The infusions were performed over a 3-d period directly into the extra pudic artery on both sides of the mammary gland, and samples were taken simultaneously of the downstream extra pudic arterial blood and also of subcutaneous abdominal venous blood. Blood flow was measured by dye dilution using p-amino-hippuric acid and was increased by 37% by infusion of insulin plus AA (P less than .05). Infusions of AA tended to increase the arteriovenous difference and uptake of the infused AA (P less than .05 for phenylalanine) and had varying effects on the uninfused AA. Inclusion of insulin in the AA infusion tended to increase uptake of infused AA, whereas infusions of insulin alone tended to decrease uptake. There were no significant effects of infusion on milk yield or composition.
Can specific biological signals be digitized?

At the request of the United States Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, we attempted to replicate the data of Professor Jacques Benveniste that digital signals recorded on a computer disc produce specific biological effects. The hypothesis was that a digitized thrombin inhibitor signal would inhibit the fibrinogen‐thrombin coagulation pathway. Because of the controversies associated with previous research of Prof. Benveniste, we developed a system for the management of social controversy in science that incorporated an expert in social communication and conflict management. The social management approach was an adaptation of interactional communication theory, for management of areas that interfere with the conduct of good science. This process allowed us to successfully complete a coordinated effort by a multidisciplinary team, including Prof. Benveniste, a hematologist, engineer, skeptic, statistician, neuroscientist and conflict management expert. Our team found no replicable effects from digital signals. — Jonas, W. B. , Ives, J. A. , Rollwagen, F. , Denman, D. W. , Hintz K. , Hammer, M. , Crawford, C. , Henry, K. Can specific biological signals be digitized? FASEB J. 20, 23–28 (2006)
Modelling the impact of earthquake activity on real estate values: a multi-level approach

Purpose This paper aims to explore the impact of a recent earthquake activity on house prices and their spatial distribution in the Istanbul housing market. Design/methodology/approach The paper uses a multi-level approach within an event study framework to model changes in the pattern of house prices in Istanbul. The model allows the isolation of the effects of earthquake risk and explores the differential impact in different submarkets in two study periods – one before (2007) and one after (2012) recent earthquake activity in the Van region, which although in Eastern Turkey served to alter the perceptions of risk through the wider geographic region. Findings The analysis shows that there are variations in the size of price discounts in submarkets resulting from the differential influence of a recent earthquake activity on perceived risk of damage. The model results show that the spatial impacts of these changes are not transmitted evenly across the study area. Rather it is clear that submarkets at the cheaper end of the market have proportionately larger negative impacts on real estate values. Research limitations/implications The robustness of the models would be enhanced by the addition of further spatial levels and larger data sets. Practical implications The methods introduced in this study can be used by real estate agents, valuers and insurance companies to help them more accurately assess the likely impacts of changes in the perceived risk of earthquake activity (or other environmental events such as flooding) on the formation of house prices in different market segments. Social implications The application of these methods is intended to inform a fairer approach to setting insurance premiums and a better basis for determining policy interventions and public investment designed to mitigate potential earthquake risk. Originality/value The paper represents an attempt to develop a novel extension of the standard use of hedonic models in event studies to investigate the impact of natural disasters on real estate values. The value of the approach is that it is able to better capture the granularity of the spatial effects of environmental events than the standard approach.
Nimesulide, a Cyclooxygenase-2 Preferential Inhibitor, Impairs Renal Function in the Newborn Rabbit

Tocolysis with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) has been widely accepted for several years. Recently, the use of the cyclooxygenase-2 (COX2) preferential NSAID nimesulide has been proposed. However, data reporting neonatal acute renal failure or irreversible end-stage renal failure after maternal ingestion of nimesulide question the safety of this drug for the fetus and the neonate. Therefore, this study was designed to define the renal effects of nimesulide in newborn rabbits. Experiments were performed in 28 newborn rabbits. Renal function and hemodynamic parameters were measured using inulin and para-aminohippuric acid clearances as markers of GFR and renal blood flow, respectively. After a control period, nimesulide 2, 20, or 200 μg/kg was given as an i.v. bolus, followed by a 0.05, 0.5, or 5 μg · kg−1 · min−1 infusion. Nimesulide administration induced a significant dose-dependent increase in renal vascular resistance (29, 37, and 92%, respectively), with a concomitant decrease in diuresis (−5, −23, and −44%), GFR (−12, −23, and −47%), and renal blood flow (−23, −23, and −48%). These results are in contrast with recent reports claiming that selective COX2 inhibition could be safer for the kidney than nonselective NSAIDs. These experiments confirm that prostaglandins, by maintaining renal vasodilation, play a key role in the delicate balance regulating neonatal GFR. We conclude that COX2-selective/preferential inhibitors thus should be prescribed with the same caution as nonselective NSAIDs during pregnancy and in the neonatal period.
Purchasing Power Parity under a Taylor Rule Type Monetary Policy

Based on univariate estimation methods, the current Purchasing Power Parity (PPP, henceforth) literature suggests that PPP deviations tend to die out at a very slow rate of about 15% per year. Applying a system method based on a structural error correction model for the real exchange rate, Kim, Ogaki, and Yang (2003) find much shorter half-lives of the real exchange rates. This paper modifies their model by introducing a Taylor rule type monetary policy. Our model shows that the dynamics of the infl ation and the real exchange rate can be quite different depending on the central bank’s systematic response to the inflation rate. We also find shorter half-lives of real exchange rates than the current consensus of 3 to 5 years.
Working with patients’ strengths: A microprocess approach

Abstract Previous research has supported the immediate activation of patients’ strengths (resource activation) as an important change mechanism in psychotherapy. Two different studies of integrative cognitive–behavioral therapy (CBT) treatments demonstrated that fostered strengths-oriented CBT treatments were more effective than the control conditions. Within these two studies, the authors tested the effect of specific resource-activating strategies at the beginning of therapy (Sessions 2, 5, and 8) using a pairwise matched control group design. The in-session processes were measured by video observer ratings (N=96 sessions). Results indicate that in the strengths-fostering treatments therapists and patients focus more strongly on patient competencies and personal goals in comparison to the control groups. These in-session processes have a direct impact on session outcome (particularly self-esteem, mastery, and clarification experiences). Results are discussed in regard to actively implementing resource-activating behavior as superordinate principles of change and their relevance for therapy outcome.
Succinic Semialdehyde Promotes Prosurvival Capability of Agrobacterium tumefaciens

ABSTRACT Succinic semialdehyde (SSA), an important metabolite of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), is a ligand of the repressor AttJ regulating the expression of the attJ-attKLM gene cluster in the plant pathogen Agrobacterium tumefaciens. While the response of A. tumefaciens to GABA and the function of attKLM have been extensively studied, genetic and physiological responses of A. tumefaciens to SSA remain unknown. In combination with microarray and genetic approaches, this study sets out to explore new roles of the SSA-AttJKLM regulatory mechanism during bacterial infection. The results showed that SSA plays a key role in regulation of several bacterial activities, including C4-dicarboxylate utilization, nitrate assimilation, and resistance to oxidative stress. Interestingly, while the SSA relies heavily on the functional AttKLM in mediating nitrate assimilation and oxidative stress resistance, the compound could regulate utilization of C4-dicarboxylates independent of AttJKLM. We further provide evidence that SSA controls C4-dicarboxylate utilization through induction of an SSA importer and that disruption of attKLM attenuates the tumorigenicity of A. tumefaciens. Taken together, these findings indicate that SSA could be a potent plant signal which, together with AttKLM, plays a vital role in promoting the bacterial prosurvival abilities during infection. IMPORTANCE Agrobacterium tumefaciens is a plant pathogen causing crown gall diseases and has been well known as a powerful tool for plant genetic engineering. During the long history of microbe-host interaction, A. tumefaciens has evolved the capabilities of recognition and response to plant-derived chemical metabolites. Succinic semialdehyde (SSA) is one such metabolite. Previous results have demonstrated that SSA functions to activate a quorum-quenching mechanism and thus to decrease the level of quorum-sensing signals, thereby avoiding the elicitation of a plant defense. Here, we studied the effect of SSA on gene expression at a genome-wide level and reported that SSA also promotes bacterial survival during infection. These findings provide a new insight on the biological significance of chemical signaling between agrobacteria and plant hosts.
An evaluation of the accuracy of ageing horses by their dentition: changes of dental morphology with age

Dental features are commonly expected to provide an accurate estimate of a horse's age. In this study the dentition of 434 thoroughbreds was photographed and the individual dental features documented, the true age of all the horses was known. For each dental feature the correlation with true age was determined. The eruption of the incisor teeth was the most consistent feature but it was not totally reliable. The presence of a hook on the upper corner incisor and Galvayne's groove proved to be of no value when estimating age and, of the attritional features studied, the dental star showed the highest correlation with age. The results show that specific ages cannot be assigned to these dental criteria owing to the wide variation between horses, and that as a result the estimation of age from dentition can never be precise.