Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Properties of sprouted rat motor units: Effects of period of enlargement and activity level

The effects of short and prolonged partial denervation of lateral gastrocnemius muscles in sedentary and active rats (running) were examined. In PD muscles of sedentary animals, the mean motor unit (MU) tetanic force after 30 days was not different than that measured after 90 days. Increased locomotor activity over the same period (voluntary running, ≅ 6 km/day) resulted in an increase in mean MU tetanic force of enlarged MUs (28%). The absence of a significant increase in mean muscle fiber area suggested an activity‐related enhancement of motoneuron sprouting. However, the small magnitude of this increase, relative to the potential for further sprouting, indicates the activity effect is not strong and may be partly due to fiber area changes not evident with whole muscle analysis. Nonetheless, these data demonstrate that daily locomotor activity can enhance the tension‐generating capacity of chronically enlarged MUs. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Serum lipid levels associated with increased risk for cardiovascular disease is associated with highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in HIV-1 infection

The long-term effects of fat metabolism, storage and utilization in HIV-1 infected patients on highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) including a protease inhibitor are profound and cause increasing concern. The main importance of these lipid/metabolic disorders lies in their assumed contribution to an increased risk of coronary heart disease (CHD). In the general population increased levels of lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] constitute an independent risk factor for CHD by itself as well as in combination with increased levels of cholesterol and low density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol, respectively. Two hundred and fifty-six patients with 27 ± 7 months HAART and 84 treatment-naive HIV-1 positive patients were screened for cardiovascular risk factors. The subjective perception of fat wasting and/or accumulation in different sites of the body, which was possible to evaluate in 235 patients on HAART and 73 treatment-naive patients, the levels of plasma triglycerides (TG), cholesterol, LDL and high-density lipoproteins (HDL)-cholesterol, LDL/HDL ratio and Lp(a) were measured. Of the patients on HAART, 42% (98/235) reported abnormal fat distribution as compared with 4% (3/73) of the treatment-naive patients (P < 0.0001). The levels of TG, cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol, but not HDL-cholesterol or Lp(a) were higher (P < 0.0001) in the HAART group as compared with the naive group. Very high Lp(a) levels (>700 mg/l) were more common among HAART patients as compared with naive, 14% (36/256) vs 2% (2/83); P = 0.0022. The Lp(a) levels correlated to the levels of LDL-cholesterol, but not to total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol or TG, and did not differ between patients with and without subjective perception of abnormal fat distribution. A significant number of the HAART patients had very high levels of Lp(a) and various combinations of increased lipid values associated with considerably increased risk for CHD. The elevation of Lp(a) did not relate to any other clinical or laboratory parameter than to LDL-cholesterol.
Ataxia with oculomotor apraxia type 2

Background: Ataxia with oculomotor apraxia type 2 (AOA2) is characterized by onset between age 10 and 22 years, cerebellar atrophy, peripheral neuropathy, oculomotor apraxia (OMA), and elevated serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels. Recessive mutations in SETX have been described in AOA2 patients. Objective: To describe the clinical features of AOA2 and to identify the SETX mutations in 10 patients from four Italian families. Methods: The patients underwent clinical examination, routine laboratory tests, nerve conduction studies, sural nerve biopsy, and brain MRI. All were screened for SETX mutations. Results: All the patients had cerebellar features, including limb and truncal ataxia, and slurred speech. OMA was observed in two patients, extrapyramidal symptoms in two, and mental impairment in three. High serum AFP levels, motor and sensory axonal neuropathy, and marked cerebellar atrophy on MRI were detected in all the patients who underwent these examinations. Sural nerve biopsy revealed a severe depletion of large myelinated fibers in one patient, and both large and small myelinated fibers in another. Postmortem findings are also reported in one of the patients. Four different homozygous SETX mutations were found (a large-scale deletion, a missense change, a single-base deletion, and a splice-site mutation). Conclusions: The clinical phenotype of oculomotor apraxia type 2 is fairly homogeneous, showing only subtle intrafamilial variability. OMA is an inconstant finding. The identification of new mutations expands the array of SETX variants, and the finding of a missense change outside the helicase domain suggests the existence of at least one more functional region in the N-terminus of senataxin.
Worldwide phylogeography of the blacktip shark (Carcharhinus limbatus) inferred from mitochondrial DNA reveals isolation of western Atlantic populations coupled with recent Pacific dispersal

Although many coastal shark species have widespread distributions, the genetic relatedness of worldwide populations has been examined for few species. The blacktip shark, (Carcharhinus limbatus), inhabits tropical and subtropical coastal waters throughout the world. In this study, we examined the genetic relationships of blacktip shark populations (n = 364 sharks) throughout the majority of the species’ range using the entire mitochondrial control region (1067–1070 nucleotides). Two geographically distinct maternal lineages (western Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean Sea clades, and eastern Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Ocean clades) were identified and shallow population structure was detected throughout their geographic ranges. These findings indicate that a major population subdivision exists across the Atlantic Ocean, but not the Pacific Ocean. The historical dispersal of this widespread, coastal species may have been interrupted by the rise of the Isthmus of Panama. This scenario implies historical dispersal across the Pacific Ocean (supported by the recovery of the same common haplotype from the Philippines, Hawaii, and the Gulf of California reflecting recent/contemporary dispersal abilities) and an oceanic barrier to recent migration across the Atlantic. Genetic structure within the eastern Atlantic/Indo‐Pacific (ΦST = 0.612, P < 0.001) supports maternal philopatry throughout this area, expanding previous western Atlantic findings. Eastern Atlantic/Indo‐Pacific C. limbatus control region haplotypes were paraphyletic to Carcharhinus tilstoni haplotypes in our maximum‐parsimony analysis. The greater divergence of western Atlantic C. limbatus than C. tilstoni from eastern Atlantic/Indo‐Pacific C. limbatus reflects the taxonomic uncertainty of western Atlantic C. limbatus.
Renewable energy, trade, and economic growth in the Asia-Pacific region

ABSTRACT This paper employs panel multivariate technology to probe the impact of renewable energy and trade (imports and exports) on the output and to study the Granger causality between the mentioned variables with a sample of 15 Asia-Pacific countries for the period of 1994–2014. Short-run causality tests show bidirectional causal relationship between the output and exports and no Granger causal relationship from imports to renewable energy or the output. Moreover, long-run causality tests show bidirectional causality between the output and renewable energy, and unidirectional causality from international trade (imports and exports) to the output and renewable energy. The long-run elasticities indicate that the renewable energy consumption and trade play positive roles in economic growth. This study’s energy policy recommendation is that policy authorities should encourage the development of trade (imports and exports), which not only drives economic growth and prosperity but also accelerates the pace of renewable energy consumption.
Imperfect collusion in an asymmetric duopoly

Using the coefficient of cooperation, we analyse the effect of cost asymmetries on collusive agreements when firms are able to coordinate on distinct output levels than the unrestricted joint profit maximization outcome. In this context, we first investigate the extent to which collusive agreements are feasible. Secondly, we focus on collusion sustainability in an infinitely repeated game. We show that, regardless of the degree of cost asymmetry, at least some collusion is always sustainable. Finally, the degree of collusion is also endogeneised to show that cooperation has an upper bound determined by the most inefficient firm.
Effects of pentoxifylline on coagulation profile and disseminated intravascular coagulation incidence in Egyptian septic neonates

Background and objectives: Neonatal sepsis is frequently associated with pathological activation of the coagulation system, leading to microcirculatory derangement and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS). The key role in the pathogenesis of sepsis has been attributed to proinflammatory cytokines. These trigger the development of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) via the tissue factor‐dependent pathway of coagulation. Pentoxifylline (PTX), a methylxanthine derivative that is used in peripheral vascular disease, has the potential to modify inflammatory response. The current work was designed to evaluate the potential protective effects of PTX against sepsis‐induced microcirculatory derangement in Egyptian neonates.
Genetic association studies of methamphetamine use disorders: A systematic review and synthesis

Efforts to understand the biological processes that increase susceptibility to methamphetamine (METH) use disorders (i.e., abuse, dependence, and psychosis) have uncovered several putative genotypic variants. However, to date a synthesis of this information has not been conducted. Thus, systematic searches of the current literature were undertaken for genetic‐association studies of METH use disorders. Each gene's chromosomal location, function, and examined polymorphic markers were extracted. Frequencies, odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals for risk alleles, as well as sample size and power, were calculated. We uncovered 38 studies examining 39 genes, of which 18 were found to have a significant genotypic, allelic, and/or haplotypic association with METH use disorders. Three genes (COMT, DRD4, and GABRA1) were associated with METH abuse, nine (ARRB2, BDNF, CYP2D6, GLYT1, GSTM1, GSTP1, PDYN, PICK1, and SLC22A3) with METH dependence, two (AKT1 and GABRG2) with METH abuse/dependence, and four (DTNBP1, OPRM1, SNCA, and SOD2) with METH psychosis. Limitations related to phenotypic classification, statistical power, and potential publication bias in the current literature were noted. Similar to other behavioral, psychiatric, and substance use disorders, the genetic epidemiology of METH use disorders is complex and likely polygenic. National and international collaborative efforts are needed to increase the availability of large population‐based samples and improve upon the power to detect genetic associations of small magnitude. Further, replication of the findings reviewed here along with further development of more rigorous methodologies and reporting protocols will aid in delineating the complex genetic epidemiology of METH use disorders. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Computer-based magnetic resonance imaging as a tool in clinical diagnosis in neurodegenerative diseases

ABSTRACT Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is one of the core elements within the differential diagnostic work-up of patients with neurodegenerative diseases such as dementia syndromes, Parkinsonian syndromes, and motor neuron diseases. Currently, computerized MRI analyses are not routinely used for individual diagnosis; however, they have improved the anatomical understanding of pathomorphological alterations in various neurodegenerative diseases by quantitative comparisons between patients and controls at the group level. For multiparametric MRI protocols, including T1-weighted MRI, diffusion-weighted imaging, and intrinsic functional connectivity MRI, the potential as a surrogate marker is a subject of investigation. The additional value of MRI with respect to diagnosis at the individual level and for future disease-modifying multicentre trials remains to be defined. Here, we give an overview of recent applications of multiparametric MRI to patients with various neurodegenerative diseases. Starting from applications at the group level, continuous progress of a transfer to individual diagnostic classification is ongoing.
Calcium‐induced contraction of sarcomeres changes the regulation of mitochondrial respiration in permeabilized cardiac cells

The relationships between cardiac cell structure and the regulation of mitochondrial respiration were studied by applying fluorescent confocal microscopy and analysing the kinetics of mitochondrial ADP‐stimulated respiration, during calcium‐induced contraction in permeabilized cardiomyocytes and myocardial fibers, and in their ‘ghost’ preparations (after selective myosin extraction). Up to 3 µm free calcium, in the presence of ATP, induced strong contraction of permeabilized cardiomyocytes with intact sarcomeres, accompanied by alterations in mitochondrial arrangement and a significant decrease in the apparent Km for exogenous ADP and ATP in the kinetics of mitochondrial respiration. The Vmax of respiration showed a moderate (50%) increase, with an optimum at 0.4 µm free calcium and a decrease at higher calcium concentrations. At high free‐calcium concentrations, the direct flux of ADP from ATPases to mitochondria was diminished compared to that at low calcium levels. All of these effects were unrelated either to mitochondrial calcium overload or to mitochondrial permeability transition and were not observed in ‘ghost’ preparations after the selective extraction of myosin. Our results suggest that the structural changes transmitted from contractile apparatus to mitochondria modify localized restrictions of the diffusion of adenine nucleotides and thus may actively participate in the regulation of mitochondrial function, in addition to the metabolic signalling via the creatine kinase system.
Employee turnover likelihood and earnings management: evidence from the inevitable disclosure doctrine

We present evidence that managers consider employee turnover likelihood in their accounting choices. Our tests exploit U.S. state courts’ staggered recognition of the inevitable disclosure doctrine (IDD), which reduces employees’ ability to switch employers. We find a significant decrease in upward earnings management for firms headquartered in states that recognize the IDD, relative to firms headquartered elsewhere. The effect of the IDD is stronger for firms relying more on human capital and for firms whose employees have higher ex-ante turnover likelihood, confirming the employee retention channel. Overall, our results support the view that retaining employees is an important motive for corporate earnings management.
Effects on wrist and digit muscle activity from microstimuli applied at the sites of rubromotoneuronal cells in primates.

1. The purpose of this study was to use the techniques of spike- and stimulus-triggered averaging (SpTA and StTA, respectively) to examine the output organization of individual rubromotoneuronal (RM) cells in relation to clusters of neighboring cells. SpTA of electromyographic (EMG) activity in awake monkeys reveals the target muscles of an individual recorded neuron, whereas StTA reveals the target muscles of the neuronal aggregate activated by the stimulus. 2. Three questions were of particular interest. First, does the pattern of poststimulus facilitation (PStF) across forearm muscles match the pattern of postspike facilitation (PSpF)? Second, does the output of RM cell aggregates tested with StTA favor forearm extensor muscles, as reported for individual RM cells in the companion paper? Third, how do RM poststimulus effects compare with corticomotoneuronal (CM) poststimulus effects? 3. Microstimuli were applied at the sites of 37 RM cells, identified by SpTA of EMG activity in awake monkeys performing an alternating wrist movement task. 4. The magnitudes of PStF at 5, 10, and 20 microA were, respectively, 4.3, 10.1, and 13.7 times greater than PSpF of the same muscles, reflecting activation, by the stimulus, of multiple RM cells. RM cell PStF was weaker than CM PStF. 5. The onset latency of poststimulus suppression (PStS) exceeded that of PStF. For example, at 20 microA the difference was 2.6 ms, comparable with the difference between PSpF and postspike suppression (PSpS). 6. The patterns of poststimulus effects on forearm flexor and extensor muscles were categorized in the same manner as postspike effects. Three major patterns were observed: 1) pure facilitation, 2) reciprocal suppression, and 3) cofacilitation of extensors and flexors. 7. The profile of PStF across synergist muscles was broadly similar to that of PSpF. At 83% of sites, the muscle with the greatest PSpF was also the muscle with the greatest PStF. At 30% of sites (11 of 37), the set of muscles with PStF (muscle field) exactly matched the set with PSpF. Overall, the level of discrepancies in SpTAs versus StTAs computed at the same RM cell sites was 27%. Most of these discrepancies could be attributed to muscles with the weakest effects. 8. The fact that the poststimulus muscle fields at many RM cell sites matched the postspike fields at the same sites, even though the poststimulus effects were greater in magnitude and were mediated by more cells, suggests clustering of RM cells with similar target motoneuron pools. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Visible light communications with hybrid OFDM-PTM

In visible light communications (VLC) system, the linearity of the light emitting diode is an issue when being intensity modulated with an analogue signal. In optical orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (O-OFDM) based VLC systems, the source nonlinearity imposes a tight restriction on the achievable peak-to-average-power-ratio. To address this issue, we propose a hybrid OFDM-PTM (pulse time modulation) scheme, where a bipolar O-OFDM signal is converted into digital PTM formats for switching ‘on’ and ‘off’ the light source. The simulation results demonstrate that the proposed scheme offers an improved bit error rate performance compared to the traditional asymmetrically clipped O-OFDM (ACO-OFDM).
Substrate recognition by the Yersinia type III protein secretion machinery

Type III secretion is the designation given to those protein secretion pathways, primarily in pathogenic Gram‐negative bacteria, whose secretion machinery components share an amino acid sequence homology to components of the flagellar basal body. In Yersinia spp. , these secretion machineries inject virulence proteins called Yops into the cytosol of target macrophages in an effort to evade phagocytic killing. To date, a clear mechanism by which Yops are recognized by the type III secretion machinery has not been elucidated. Unlike most, if not all, previously characterized protein sorting pathways, the information that identifies Yops as substrates for secretion seems not to be wholly encoded within the Yop peptide sequence. In fact, it appears that at least some of this information is contained within yop mRNAs. This review summarizes recent observations that have been made in this unusual field and proposes models by which proteins may be initiated into this pathway.
Pathological Gambling: A General Overview

Abstract Throughout the course of history, gambling has been a popular activity across most cultures. In the United States, gambling has transitioned from early acceptance to prohibition to widespread proliferation. For most, gambling is a relaxing and recreational activity; however, for some individuals gambling becomes more than harmless fun. The most severe form of gambling, pathological gambling, is recognized as a mental health disorder. Pathological gambling is currently classified as an impulse control disorder in the DSM-IV-TR, but it shares many important features with substance use disorders, especially in terms of diagnostic criteria, clinical course, and treatment. Consequently, the DSM-V Task Force has suggested that pathological gambling be reclassified and included in a new category entitled “Addiction and Related Disorders. ” The category would include both substance-related and non-substance/behavioral addictions. This article provides a general overview of some of the available literature regarding pathological gambling and includes the presentation of a number of relevant topics including etiology, risk factors, comorbidity, prevention, and treatment. However, as with most complex, multifaceted, and multidimensional phenomena, more research is needed in order to improve both prevention and treatment efforts for pathological gambling.
The Desirability of Being Open About Health Care Rationing Decisions: Findings from a Qualitative Study of Patients and Clinical Professionals

Objective To understand the views of patients and professionals about how feasible and appropriate it is to make health care rationing decisions openly at the consultation level. Methods Thirty-one patients and 21 health care professionals were asked about their experiences of implicit and explicit rationing during in-depth interviews structured around two clinical case studies (morbid obesity and breast cancer). Sampling was undertaken theoretically and data analysis was carried out using constant comparison. Results Patients had a broad awareness of health care rationing and nearly all said they wanted to know how financial factors affected the provision of their health care. However, the experience of explicit rationing could be distressing and one patient regretted having been told. Despite a firm commitment to the ideal of being open with patients about rationing, in practice, clinical professionals encountered a number of ethical and practical barriers to making such decisions explicitly, meaning that implicit methods were frequently adopted. Conclusions The results suggest that moves in the UK and elsewhere to undertake rationing more explicitly are in line with the preferences of the majority of patients and professionals. However, the potential for distress caused through rationing openly means that further research is needed to understand whether explicitness is always the best approach at the consultation level, and professionals need further training and support to deal with the stressful nature of making rationing decisions openly.